Bow Wow Wow, still going strong
Of course the blog wouldn't be the blog without some of the usual features, and so to get the wheels rolling, let me introduce the selected piece of popular music. It's 'Go Wild in the Country' by Bow Wow Wow.
Bow Wow Lane, South Cerney
You can listen to the UK top 10 hit performed by the band created by Malcolm McLaren here.
The festive curtain raiser, the Malmesbury Clarion Cycling Club Christmas Curry Convention or MCCCCCC for short, took place at the Spice Merchant on Wednesday 13th December 2017. (MCCCCCC joke borrowed from Tim H. First cracked circa 2014).
Arranged over two tables, more than twenty members enjoyed the succulent South Indian dishes and amiable chatter of folk whose friendship extends well beyond a shared interest in cycling.
Diners were pleased to be joined by James H and Karine, whom we don't get to see as often, as we once did.
Peter C is to be congratulated for organising such a successful evening out.
In keeping with the Christmas theme, the Knight Riders visited Chippenham on Wednesday 20th December 2017. With the temperature almost reaching double figures and barely a breeze to bother us, it really was a perfect evening for cycling.
A tour of Chippenham's High Street allowed us to take in the sights and lights, but for my money, the most impressive decorations were the ones photographed above, seen in the front garden of a house at Kington St Michael.
If you've yet to experience the thrill of riding in the dark during the evening, then why not give it a go. Rides leave every Wednesday from the Cross Hayes at 6.30pm. Please sign-up on Strava or email Peter C to let him know you're coming.
Reserved @11:00 Cyclists
There isn't much I can tell you about Wickwar that I haven't mentioned before. I could inform you that the width of the High Street varies considerably. At its widest point in the centre, it measures 10 yards and at the northern end, just 4 yards. Even by my standards, some might think this nugget is incredibly dull.
Instead, I thought I'd say a few words about the Somerset Monument or to be more precise, the Lord Edward Somerset Monument. Erected in 1846, it commemorates the 3rd son of the 5th Duke of Beaufort, who fought with distinction at Waterloo. During the first charge, Lord Edward lost his hat. Improperly dressed, he went to find it. Whilst searching, a cannonball ripped off the collar of his coat and killed his horse. After his military career was over, Lord Edward later became the MP for Cirencester.
Back to the cycling. The Sporting Group arrived at the café to find their reserved table waiting for them. We all took the savoury route. The bacon baguettes won universal approval. Just as most of us were savouring the last mouthfuls, the Social Group made their entrance. Having exchanged warm greetings, the Sporting Group vacated their table and headed for home.
In no particular order, Sporting Group riders complete the climb up to the Somerset Monument. I would have needed a 5 minute head start to get to the top before Mark, which is why he isn't pictured.
Social Group: Bryan, Chris, Steve M and Tim H.
Sporting Group: James M, Mark, Pete B, Peter C, Phil, Steve Clark and me, Tim W.
Also out riding a shorter course were Caroline and Howard.
Members mustering at the start
If the curry night is the curtain raiser, then what has become the annual Christmas Eve ride to Steve M's, must be the absolute showstopper.
So many riders assembled in the Cross Hayes made for an impressive spectacle, and must have caused onlookers to wonder what was going on.
Once the flock was safely gathered together, there was just time for a photograph before we set off.
We threaded our way out of the town. Two groups soon took shape. Although the weather was a little colder than of late, the conversation flowed freely and the miles passed easily.
Members arriving at Steve M's
In anticipation of another fabulous spread, I'd limited myself to a single Weetabix for breakfast. Helen had obviously been very busy in the kitchen.This was clearly the result of her own endeavours and not the work of Mr Kipling.
I resisted the temptation to sample everything on offer and restricted myself to three items. Her cheese scones were a triumph. Lightly baked with just the right amount of firmness, I returned to the plate more times than I care to remember. As for the miniature mince pies, they were like tiny bombs that exploded in your mouth with fruity sweetness. My third selection was a slice of what I initially thought was a mascarpone iced red velvet sponge cake, but my first bite soon told me how wrong I was. The raspberries in the mixture made for a lovely moist cake, which proved to be the perfect accompaniment to my mulled wine.
Our very grateful thanks go to Helen and Steve M for being the perfect hosts.
The 21 attendees were: Alice, Alyson, Bryan, Caroline, Clive, Dave, Gary, John, Howard, James M, Lyndon, Malc, Mark, Peter C, Phil, Sian, Steve Cox, Steve M, Sue, Tim H and me, Tim W.
Mark, Pete B, Phil and me, Peter C, made it out for the annual Knight Riders' by day Christmas trip to Chepstow.
After some pre-ride surveillance, myself and Phil were happy with the riding conditions and so we met at 9.00am for the big off. Phil got his excuses in at the start, as he did not feel 100%, so no change there then!
As we passed Sherston, we noticed that the snow coverage had increased. Crossing Badminton Park, the pace became slower. We finally came to a halt at Hawkesbury Upton where the snow was several inches deep and the village appeared to be grid locked with vehicles. A decision was made to do a U turn and move away from the deep snow.
We agreed that a good breakfast would cheer us all up, so we headed to Folly Row, which was closed, then to Allington, which was closed, then to the Pizza shop at Corsham, which was also closed! Finally, we found the Grounded Church Café open. It was busy, but they served 4 wonderful breakfasts and coffee.
After our defrosting session, we decided to do the reverse loop to Lacock, which included an ascent of Bowden Hill.
With full bellies we all flew up Bowden Hill and made our way back to Malmesbury after dropping off Phil, Pete B and Mark en route.
So what started as a disappointing journey, proved to be a challenging, but enjoyable adventure.
Just a post note we did ride up to the cafe at Cherhill on the A4, which too was closed, but I understand that it has now moved to Calne, with no suitable bike parking.
Peter C
Editor: Our New Year's Day ride to the Divine Café at Cherhill in 2015, which you can read about here, was a rather unfortunate affair. Hopefully some new owners can be found.
Warm and cosy in the yurt
(Photograph courtesy of Sian)
And so we come to not only the final ride of 2017, but also our last as a Clarion section.
The combined Sporting and Social Group ride with a 9.30am start, was a first, and resulted in 10 riders making the full trip. They were joined at the Jolly Nice Cafe by Alyson, Chris P, John and me, Tim W, who variously made our own way there.
The eagle-eyed will have just noticed that Chris P is now identified by the first letter of his surname. The reason for this, is that also on the trip was another Chris, who was on his third outing with us. We look forward to sharing many more miles with Chris G.
(Photograph courtesy of Sian)
And so we come to not only the final ride of 2017, but also our last as a Clarion section.
The combined Sporting and Social Group ride with a 9.30am start, was a first, and resulted in 10 riders making the full trip. They were joined at the Jolly Nice Cafe by Alyson, Chris P, John and me, Tim W, who variously made our own way there.
The eagle-eyed will have just noticed that Chris P is now identified by the first letter of his surname. The reason for this, is that also on the trip was another Chris, who was on his third outing with us. We look forward to sharing many more miles with Chris G.
Next stop Malmesbury!
Riders: Andy Poolman, Bryan, Chris G, James, Pete B, Peter C, Phil, Sian, Steve M, and Tim H.
Amanda's, Oxford Street
Mostly because I don't think it has the legs to run for much longer, this will be the concluding instalment in the occasional series of 'Surly It Can't Be Coincidence Alone That So Many Businesses In Malmesbury Are Decorated In Clarion Colours.'
Having previously featured Fielder & Jones, Henry George and The Whole Hog, we end with Amanda's. This was never a competition, but had it been, then Amanda's would have won by a country mile. Its use of green paint is unsurpassed by any other commercial property in the town.
The proprietor of Amanda's is a former licensee of the Peterborough Arms at Dauntsey. The public house has since been purchased by the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust, and is currently being renovated. It's one of only two remaining inns on the entire waterway, but I digress.
To wrap up the series, here's the rest:
Wheeler's Retreat
Malmesbury Tandoori
Lloyds Pharmacy
Lloyds Bank
Even the letting agents CBRE are
helping to paint the town green
Maybe Art Studio
The Co-operative Supermarket
Symonds Budgens
