Blog Bulletin

The impressive water pumping station on the Tickenham Road

This week's musical accompaniment is provided by Tanita Tikaram. 'Twist In My Sobriety' was released as a single in 1988 and came from her debut album. Unusually, the record features the oboe, an instrument rarely used in pop music. It's inclusion provides a very distinct sound.

The tenuous-tune-link comes from Saturday's Sporting Group ride. Tanita's song came into my head, as we were riding through Tickenham, just outside of Clevedon.

You can twist in your sobriety (unless you've been drinking) here.

Clevedon's promenade 

With the sun shining brightly, 10 members rolled out of the Cross Hayes at 8.00am on Saturday for the Sporting Group's visit to Clevedon and Portishead.

After Pucklechurch we joined the Bristol and Bath Railway Path, which safely delivered us to the very heart of Bristol's city centre. A string of so many riders can make it difficult for vehicles to overtake. Peter C hatched a cunning plan whereby we would split into 2 packs and reconvene at the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Castle Bridge, Bristol

Those of us in the second group waited in Castle Park while the others pushed on. This view from the park across the river features Castle Bridge on the left.

Mark and Paul Hudson climbing Park Street

We unexpectedly found our progress up Park Street thwarted by barriers placed out in preparation for the Bristol Grand Prix cycle racing taking place later.

Whilst our advance party made alternative arrangements, the rearguard took advantage of a gap in the barriers and ploughed on up Park Street. 

Peter C crosses the Grade 1 listed bridge

This resulted in some minor confusion with the advance party waiting, as arranged, at the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the rearguard continuing to the coffee stop believing they were ahead of them.

Paul Hudson and Peter C waving to the camera

Refreshments were taken at the Ashton Court Golf Cafe. Whilst it might sound like a 19th hole setup, it actually gets its name because it overlooks a golf course. The connection with the game of golf begins and ends there.

 The advance party finally arrive

The cafe was an instant hit. Most of us took advantage of the egg or bacon bap with a tea or coffee offer, for the bargain price of just £3.50. The baps came with either 2 eggs or 2 rashers of bacon.

Roles swapped, this time the rearguard set off first and promised to wait near the pier. True to our word, we arrived at Clevedon's seafront and spent some time admiring the views across the estuary.

Reunited, members mingle on the promenade

Before taking the coast road up to Portishead, there was time for a group photograph. 

Lunch was enjoyed at the Portishead Marina. The construction of Hall and Woodhouse incorporates no less that 27 shipping containers. These doors are at the bottom of the stairs up to the toilets.

My fish finger cob was accompanied by a generous portion of French fries and was an absolute triumph. Steve Clark gave his the thumbs up too.

Pete B, Peter C and Steve Clark watch the water filling the Marina's lock

Mark and Matt do likewise

Our route home took us back over the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Steve Clark dwarfed by one of the bridge's mighty towers

Our final group photograph of the day taken by the bridge

Members marvel at the amazing feat of engineering

With the cycle racing now in full swing, Matt put his knowledge of Bristol to good use and piloted us back to the Bristol and Bath Railway Path.

For some of us, an extremely enjoyable outing was rounded off with a relaxing cup of tea and a slice of cake at The Angel, Sherston.

Our thanks go to Peter C for planning and leading the trip. His preparations involved a test-ride of the complete course with Mike G earlier in the week.

Riders: James M, Mark, Matt, Mike G, Paul Hudson, Pete B, Peter C, Phil, Steve Clark and me, Tim W.

Clarions at Clevedon Sunday 3rd August 2014

There's a second opportunity to visit Clevedon and Portishead with the club, on 17th September, as part of the 2017 Sunday Series being run by Tim H. It's over a different course, so whilst the destination might be the same, it'll definitely have a different feel.

I'm very grateful to Sian for the photograph above and the following report:

The variously named, but frequently referred to, as the Leisure Group, rode a lovely route, which was just over 23 miles. We stopped at Lyndsey's in Tetbury. This was a first for many of us. 

We pushed the bikes through the shop to sit outside. 

Suitably refreshed, and just as we were ready to depart, Caroline arrived. After a quick hello, we cycled back to Malmesbury.

There were 6 riders: Howard, Steve M, Clive, Paul Hadley, Katie and me (Sian).

Editor: For those who don't know, Katie is Howard's daughter and one of our latest members. We're delighted to have her join us. 

I've also received this photograph from Howard, sent via Sian, of latecomer Caroline, whom I'm told promptly fell asleep.

Monday 28th August 2017, sees the annual running of the Malmesbury Carnival cycle ride. Organised and led by our very own Ken MacLennan, the event starts at 10.00am from outside of The Old Bell. Entry is £5.00. Just turn up and pay on the day. The cost includes tea, coffee and biscuits served on the 20 mile course at Badminton. This is a family-friendly excursion ridden at a relaxed pace.

It's the turn of Estate Agents Henry George to step into the spotlight, as the latest in our occasional series of 'Surly It Can't Be Coincidence Alone That So Many Businesses In Malmesbury Are Decorated In MCCC Colours.'

In addition to their Malmesbury office, they also have branches at Swindon, Marlborough and Cirencester.