Blog Bulletin

This will be the last blog bulletin for a while. Thank you, as always, to all of the contributors and of course, you the readers.

And to serenade you through the bulletin, with British summers being what they are, I've gone with Chris Rea's 'Looking For The Summer.' 

Born to an Irish mother and an Italian father in Middlesborough, the Rea family name was well known in his home town, as his father ran an ice cream factory and a chain of cafes.

To enjoy Chris' husky, yet strangely smooth voice, you can listen here.

On Friday 7th July 2017, Tommy took part in the Mille Pennines 1,004km Audax from Bispham, near Blackpool. This extremely challenging ride has 11,750 metres of climbing. Entrants have 75 hours in which to finish. Remember, this was only 5 days after Tommy had ridden his first 400km event in Essex.

Beaten by sleep deprivation, whilst his legs still had plenty to give, Tommy was forced to retire, but he can be hugely proud of the hilly 400 miles he did manage.

If you want to get a better feel for the enormity of the task here's a link to a very entertaining video of last year's Mille Pennines. Watch as riders tackle a 30% gradient.

Take a very well deserved bow Tommy.

Audax Club Bristol members issuing the Brevet cards

(Photographs reproduced with permission from Paul Rainbow)

The following week, on Saturday 15th July 2017, Mike G completed the Trains, Planes and No More Automobiles 200km Audax from Warmley. Naturally, Mike rode to the start and home again afterwards, which brought his overall mileage up to a very impressive 340km.

Mike has very kindly shared his thoughts on the day with us below:

3.30am. Ah, that blessed alarm, up and at um, as they say.

4.40am. Blimey, where has that hour gone? Quietly out of the door. Don’t wake the neighbours!

And so hit the road Jack!

Through Malmesbury and on to Bristol, or at least the Bristol & Bath Railway Path to the start at Warmley. 

Time for the second breakfast of the day with my Brevet card collected.

Riders ready to leave

7.00am and off we go, retracing my tracks almost back to Malmesbury. Now should I wake the Sporting Group, as they will still be in bed? No, discretion wins, and so onwards to Blunsdon Station and another bacon sarnie and coffee, this time unfortunately it's of the instant variety - yuk!

Now warmed up or something approaching it, the aim is for Avebury, the route for which, just happens to go via that haven of delight, Honeystreet. Sanity restored with a good coffee, and legs sort of loose, it's a case of Avebury here we come and the first standing stones of the day. Stonehenge is next, and of course comes with lots of tourists.

Boyton and food follow. What, no food! They've been eaten out of house and larder by my fellow Brevet card carrying riders. Still, the coffee and cake were good.

So to Radstock for hills and more hills. Not a problem if I didn’t already have 150 plus km in my legs and wasn’t 69 years old in a couple of days. Cake and well wishes both gratefully accepted. But for now, 'oh bother' or similar expletives.

Are we there yet is a recurring thought, and then the final sanctuary, the ARRIVEE. Walk in (just able), smile sweetly at the organiser and my Brevet card is stamped. 

Another day done. Oh, wait a minute, I've got to ride home now! The journey was shall I say interesting, but home I arrived. More fun and frollicks spent 'on tha cog' (fixed wheel translation).

Would I do it again? 'NO' my body wails! My mind peruses whether the day was acceptable. I run through a quick check-list. Hand okay? Legs? Rear end? With all of the boxes ticked, my mind quickly turns to the next Audax.

The Sporting Group at Lacock

Peter C informs me that Saturday's Sporting Group outing to the National Trust Tearoom, Lacock was a lovely ride. It was mainly dry with a short shower riding up to Sandy Lane. The lanes were very wet returning to SN16.

The coffee and cake were good, but the service was slow.

A nice blast was enjoyed by everyone along the Fosse Way.

Riders: Andy Poolman, Jonathan, Lyndon, Pete B, Peter C, Phil and Steve Clark.

Next up in the occasional series with the snappy title of 'Surely It Can't Be Coincidence Alone That So Many Businesses in Malmesbury Are Decorated in Clarion Colours' the featured establishment is The Whole Hog. Not only does it qualify by virtue of the dark green background, the pink pig also ties in nicely with the natty cycling socks that some of us are now sporting, which come with a pink blush.

They're made of bamboo

Speaking of which, I have more orders and will be collecting further stock soon. I've previously covered the socks on the blog. If you missed them, you can follow the link here. Please let me know if you'd like a pair. They're just £5.

The following has been received from Des Doody who is undertaking a charity cycle ride:

On the 30th July, celebrating the legacy for cycling created by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 starts at 06:00 in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, then follows a 100-mile route on closed roads through the capital and into Surrey’s stunning countryside. With leg-testing climbs and a route made famous by the world’s best cyclists at the London 2012 Olympics, it's a truly spectacular event for all involved. The Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 finishes on The Mall in central London, shortly before 150 professional cyclists race in the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey Classic on a similar route. 

I along with 25 of my work colleague’s will be riding on behalf of Aspire and hope to raise £20,000 pounds in aid of a worth while charity. 

Aspire is a national charity that provides practical help to people who have been paralysed by Spinal Cord Injury; it can happen to anyone at any time and no one is prepared for how it will change their life. Aspire exists because there is currently no cure. 

The individual affected will lose muscle and sensory control and the vast majority become full time wheelchair users for the rest of their lives. Historically, the majority of spinal cord injuries have been sustained by those aged 21 to 30, with nearly three quarters of newly injured people being male, although increasingly it is affecting older people too. 

Through its projects and programmes, Aspire offers practical support to the 40,000 people living with a spinal cord injury in the UK so that they can lead fulfilled and independent lives in their homes, with their families, in work places and in leisure time. 

PLEASE DONATE any amount no matter how small at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/SophosInterceptors

Blog Bulletin

Dr Feelgood

Sometimes picking a record can be a bit of a minefield. Riding through Essex recently, Tommy and me came up with a number of candidates for the musical slot. I know they're not Cockneys in Essex, but the Essex accent isn't a million miles apart, particularly when you're from the West Country. 

'Johnny Reggae' by The Piglets was one shout, but some subsequent research revealed that it was conceived, created, produced and directed by the disgraced Jonathan King. 

What about Ian Dury? An Essex lad through and through surely, but no, apparently not. Although he pretended that he was born in Upminster, Essex, he actually entered the world in Middlesex. No matter, especially with such gems as 'Billericay Dickie', and 'Clever Trevor.' Unfortunately, when I reminded myself of the lyrics, I recalled that both are a little on the fruity side, to say the least.

I've therefore decided to play it safe by featuring Canvey Island's very own Dr Feelgood and their single 'Back in the Night.' Released in 1975, it failed to chart, but don't let that put you off.

You can listen to Lee Brilleaux, Wilko Johnson and the rest of the boys here.

Andy Poolman, Peter C and Simon Akers

(Photograph courtesy of Andy Poolman)

This week's blog bulletin includes some great photographs from the club rides
on Saturday to Jolly Nice Cafe at Frampton Mansell. I'm very grateful to those members who have sent in their pictures, as well as to Peter C for his reports.

Peter C's communique:

The Sporting Group started life with 3 members - myself, Andy Poolman and Simon Akers.

I think Andy had purchased a new set of legs with the pace set by him on the delightful run to Cirencester.

We headed off to Daglingworth and then towards Birdlip, admiring the lovely countryside and wildlife, as we went. 

I managed to put the brakes on Andy's legs when we crossed a lovely valley with a 12% climb on the other side! 

A JNC sausage roll and a coffee

Afterwards, we struck out to The Daneway, and then turned back to the Jolly Nice Cafe where we were suitable refreshed.

On our return, we bumped into John Shepard, who after a late start watching the rugby, decided to join us. A short while later, we bumped into the Leisure Group being led by Howard.

We returned to Malmesbury at 12.15pm.

Peter C

Clive, Dave, Howard, Karine, Katie Sprange, Paul, Simon (Sue Akers' son), Steve Cox, Sue Akers, Sue Alexander and Tim H

(Photograph courtesy of Simon S)

Who will win the best hat competition?
(Photographs courtesy of Karine)

A little further afield on Saturday, as a treat for my birthday, Alison rode her first Audax with me. The 108km event from Tewkesbury called at the Forest of Dean Heritage Centre for brunch.

And then in the afternoon, stopped at Westons Cider Mill in Much Marcle, Herefordshire. A shared bottle of Henry Westons Vintage Cider, which weighed in at a hefty 8.2%, was used to toast my 58th year, and left me with a smile on my face.

If you're Audaxing, riding a Sportive for charity or pleasure, holidaying or just out on your bike having fun, and you'd like to share your experiences, the blog is always at your disposal.

Crowns Cafe, Lyneham

Peter C has also filed the following report:

After Saturday's ride, I called into the new cafe at Lyneham called Crowns Cafe, which is situated to the left hand side of the MOD Lyneham entrance, next to the REME museum. 

There is plenty of space both inside and out, and also lots of safe bike parking which is inside the outer fence!

The cafe serves a range of good coffees, cakes and hot snacks, which are all reasonably priced.  If you arrive there before 10.30am, a large drink and cake is just £3.50.

I will be arranging for us to visit on Saturday 5th August, so that we can all sample their delights

Peter C

Blog Bulletin

Wednesday evening's Knight Rider session saw a very welcome cameo appearance by James Horler, who is now spending some of his time working in Bristol. This was the first occasion that James H and James M have ridden together. Rather cleverly, Andy Poolman came up with the suggestion of something by Jimmy James & The Vagabonds for this week's musical diversion. In which case, this must mean that the four vagabonds were Andy Poolman, Peter C, Phil and me, Tim W.

Released in 1976 by Pye 'I'll Go Where Your Music Takes Me' reached number 23 in the UK Singles Chart.

If you're thinking, I've never heard of them, then listen here and I'm sure you'll instantly recognise the song.

Clarions at the Smoking Dog on Friday with apologies to Peter C who was missed off by our mystery photographer

With Karine moving to Bristol, I thought it would be fitting to say a few words about her time with the club and also her as a person.

Ride number 1 for Karine

Karine's first outing with the Malmesbury Clarions on Saturday 10th January 2015, nearly didn't happen. With extremely strong winds, and Chippenham Wheelers having already cancelled their rides, we almost followed suit. However, with members eager to make the best of the situation, we set off for The Canteen at Nailsworth. 

Ride number 2

Karine's introduction to riding with the club must have been something of a baptism by fire, because the following week, on Saturday 17th January 2015, we found ourselves riding through snow and ice to Jack's Cafe at Cirencester. 

Undeterred by the British weather, Karine became a member. 

Karine smiling at Bibury on Sunday 12th April 2015

Blessed with the rare gift of being able to light up any situation with her wonderful smile, Karine has often kept up our spirits when they might otherwise have flagged.

We've all enjoyed the opportunity to try out our limited grasp of the French language at the start of the rides, only to be left floundering once the opening lines have been exhausted.

We'll also miss Karine's party-piece of always being able to commandeer an unsuspecting bystander and press-gang them into taking a group photograph of us on our travels.

Although we now say au revoir, plans are already being made for us to meet up with Karine on a club ride at some time in the future. It would be fantastic if she could join us along the way for Tim H's annual visit to the seaside.

Reserved for MCCC

(Photographs courtesy of Peter C)

Peter C has submitted the following report covering Saturday's Sporting Group ride to Wickwar Coffee Shop:

We started with 6 riders - Ian, Malc, Phil, Steve Clark and me, plus a new face; Matt who is a fireman from Bristol. 

Ian peeled off early as he had other commitments and is possibly moving closer to his work at Bristol, so this may have been his final ride.

Matt kept us on our heels and we arrived to a reserved table for a round of bacon sandwiches and coffee.

The final leg of the trip was just a short ride from Wickwar to the Somerset Monument, which didn't seem to cause any problems.  

Hopefully the Social Group found the window table waiting for them and enjoyed the same ride.

Tommy and me at the start outside of St Mary's Church Hall, Dunmow, Essex

Meanwhile, probably not much longer after the Sporting Group had left the Wickwar Coffee Shop, Tommy and me steadied ourselves for the beginning of the Kingdom of the East Saxons 404km Audax event. 

Audaxers listening to the pre-ride briefing

We both confessed to feeling nervous about riding this distance for the first time, and so were keen to get going.

The course, which is a sort of tour of Essex, also dips in and out of Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Suffolk at its northern edge. It runs out to Harwich and then comes down the coast to Clacton-on-Sea, before turning inland and returning to Dunmow via Colchester and Braintree. This completes the first loop of 268km and should you wish, you can sleep on the floor of the church hall.

The telephone number for the ferry at Burnham was an 

information control question

The second, shorter loop of 136km forms a triangle passing through Billericay to the west and Burnham on Crouch to the east, before delivering you back.

The pier (jetty) at Burnham taken at about 8.00am having 

ridden through the night

As to the actual ride, the opening 170 miles were fantastic. We rode in a fast group to the first control, more or less bounced it, and then got into a nice lively tempo with just the two of us. Over the last 30 miles we were joined by an experienced Audaxer who really whipped up the pace. 

Everything was going well until we got back at about 11.40pm. The hall was in darkness with some of the fast boys already tucked up in their sleeping bags. My stomach was feeling a bit unsettled. Tommy was keen to get going again, which was the original plan, but I felt like I needed a bit of time out. Tommy (encouraged by me) pushed on and I endured something of a mental battle with my brain really not wanting to ride off into the night for another 85 miles. With the help of a couple of Rennies my stomach returned to normal. I kicked myself up the backside and left the control at about 2.30am. 

30 miles later though, I was almost knocked off of my bike by a wave of unbelievable tiredness. I parked up at a bus-stop, stretched out on the seat and promptly fell asleep. 

A sausage roll and a fruit juice at a garage in Billericay set me up for the final 55 miles, a lot of which was undulating and into a strong headwind. Thanks to a stronger first-half performance, I was still able to finish with a couple of hours to spare. I found Tommy snoozing in his van looking very peaceful and resisted the temptation to take a photograph of him.

Green with white trim and black lettering

I know I've got far too much thinking time on my hands. I must, to have come up with this new feature. It's Malmesbury businesses whose frontages are in Malmesbury Clarion CC colours. Bonkers, I know, but can it be coincidence alone that so many are decorated in varying shades of green. 

First up is Fielder & Jones in Oxford Street. Trading as Chartered Surveyors, Auctioneers, Valuers and Estate Agents, there can't be too many other companies in Malmesbury that began life in 1795.

I was going to give you some stuffy facts, but instead thought it might be more interesting if I told you something of my experiences of Fielder & Jones.

For many years Fielder & Jones held a monthly Antique and General Sale auction at the Hook Village Hall, just outside of Royal Wootton Bassett. Whilst the higher value antiques and better quality items were sold indoors, the real treasure for many, were the rows of cardboard boxes outside laden with pots and pans, enamel jugs and bread bins, bits of crockery, and then the larger items such as brass beds, staddle stones, pine cupboards and old lawnmowers. Many of the lots were from rural house clearances or just farmers making some room in their yards by selling unwanted clutter.

The Auctioneer who normally dealt with the outside stock, would violently strike the item with his stick for maximum effect and in a deep, booming voice, call out 'He'll bear inspection.' 

The auctions had a good following with some colourful characters. There was a wily old chap by the name of Joe, who would always cheekily bid 50 pence for a lot which failed to attract any bids. Not wishing to get stuck with unsold lots being offered without a reserve, they would be knocked-down to him.

Unlike many of their competitors, there was no VAT or buyer's premium, which meant that you only had to pay the hammer price.

It was a sad day when the auctions finally ended.