Blog Bulletin

This is the last blog bulletin for 2016. I've therefore previewed the next four club rides on 17th, 24th, 28th and 31st December. (Not forgetting the Knight Riders on 14th and 21st). Please support the rides when you can. Your participation is very much appreciated.

The ride on Saturday 17th December 2016, is to the Folly Row Cafe at Kington St Michael. 

You can view and download the Social Group's 35.2 mile course here. It has 1,275 feet of elevation.

Similarly, you can find the Sporting Group's 40.6 mile course here. It has 1,448 feet of elevation.

Given that the cafe is likely to be busy, I'm going to ask if they can reserve us some seats. I'd like to be able to give them some idea how many of us there will be. Please could you email me by Wednesday if you plan to ride. You can of course still cycle with us, regardless of whether or not you've said that you're going to.

Please take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the course you intend to ride and if you have a Garmin or a similar device, please download it. Both will be of great help to your ride leader to assist with the navigation.

Clarions returning from Cirencester on 24th January 2015

The following week, on Saturday 24th December 2016, we have something rather special for you. Steve Mayhew is going to throw open the doors to his house at Great Somerford, where mulled wine and mince pies will be served. This is an incredibly generous offer on Steve's part, and hopefully one which, lots of you will take up.

Departure from outside of the Town Hall will be at the slightly earlier time of 9.30am. Only one course will be used. We'll ride together as a club, at a leisurely pace, with the aim of arriving at Steve's en masse, at about 10.45am. The ride will officially end at his house meaning that riders can leave when they're ready to go or Steve decides to throw you out.

You can view and download the 16.3 mile course, not including the distance back to Malmesbury, here.

There's also the option of cycling straight to Steve's house and of course, driving there too. 

To assist Steve with the catering arrangements, it would be helpful if you could let him know that you'll be attending.

For those that might be riding independently or driving to Steve's house, but don't know where he lives, please email him for directions. You'll find his email address included in the global circulation list.

Let's spread the word and all make this a big success.

Clarions outside Pye Corner on 28th August 2015

On Wednesday 28th December 2016, the Knight Riders are cycling to Pye Corner in Chepstow, leaving at 9.30am. You can view and download the 66 mile course here. It has 3,740 feet of elevation.

Whilst we've been to Pye Corner a number of times in the past, this will be our first ever Christmas expedition there. The outing promises to be a great ride and offers a perfect opportunity to burn off those excess calories.

On Saturday 31st December 2016, departing at the usual time of 10.00am, the club ride will be stopping at Cafe 53, Long Street, Tetbury.

There are two courses to choose from. Both are a little under-distance, but this is to allow for the fact that cafes tend to close a lot earlier than normal on New Years Eve.

You can view and download the Social Group's 33.7 mile course here. It has 1,132 feet of elevation. 

Similarly, you can find the Sporting Group's 37.8 mile course here. It has 1,189 feet of elevation.

Peter C's bike with additional lighting!

Wow! Wednesday evening really was a cracker! With the weather a staggering 15 degrees warmer than the previous week and barely a flutter of wind, it really was a perfect evening for cycling.

The McDonald's 2016 range of festive hot drinks

Our Clarion Christmas contingent was boosted by Graham and Mark from the Sherston Velos. An enthusiastic charge out to Cirencester via some familiar lanes, safely delivered us to the Market Square. After a circuit of the town centre, and having gazed in amazement at the spectacular lights, hot drinks were enjoyed inside the recently refurbished McDonald's.

Suitably refreshed and in good spirits, we headed for home riding in much the same vein, as before.

Having returned to Malmesbury, we bade farewell to the Velos and watched as they disappeared into the night, the common consensus being that the ride should become a fixture on the Knight Riders' calendar. 

Riders: Graham, James H, Mark, Peter C, Phil and me, Tim W.

Inside the AV8 Cafe, Cotswold Airport

Considering the early light rain Saturday morning and the predicted heavy rain later, 11 riders turning up for the trip to the AV8 Cafe at the Cotswold Airport, was a magnificent effort.

Sian became our latest new member and Andrew returned for his second trip with us. 

Peter Snow's legendary swingometer, made famous during all of those election night specials, would have gone into meltdown, as for the first time in some weeks, numbers wise, the pendulum swung erratically in favour of the Sporting Group.

Both packs arrived at the cafe within a couple of minutes of each other, and then amazingly managed to repeat the feat on our return to Malmesbury. 

As forecast, the heavy rain made an appearance on our way home and well and truly tested the waterproofing qualities of our cycling kit. The chink in our armor was our gloves. Most needed a thorough wringing out by the time we'd reached the town hall.

Social Group: Sian, Steve C and me, Tim W.

Sporting Group: Andrew, Brian, Ian, James M, Mike G, Phil, Peter C and Stuart.

Blog Bulletin

Are friends electric?

As Gary Numan said in the opening line of Tubeway Army's 1979 hit single 'Are Friends Electric?' It's cold outside. And it certainly is. If you fancy some mean and moody music with Minimoog and Polymoog synthesizers played at their very best, you can listen in here. The full version lasts 5 minutes and 22 seconds, which should easily cover the time needed to read the bulletin.

 Cirencester's big switch-on

As you know, I don't normally preview the next Knight Riders session, and for good reason, as Peter C already makes an excellent job of keeping you all informed.

I thought I'd make an exception, as this Wednesday's ride promises to be even more fun than usual. It's a flat course of just over 30 miles, which includes the spectacular Christmas lights in Cirencester and a hot drink. 

There's been some strong interest already. Make sure you don't miss out. Departure is at 6.30pm from outside of Jackdaws Cafe.

The Cotswold Airport

Saturday we're off to the AV8 Cafe at the Cotswold Airport, Kemble. On our last visit there on 17th September 2016, we were treated to a guided tour by Steve M's son around the helicopters he flies. It was still warm enough for shorts then. How quickly the weather changes.

It goes without saying that there's two courses to choose from.

You can view and download the Social Group's 33.3 mile course here. It has 1,395 feet of elevation.

Similarly, you can find the Sporting Group's 39.1 mile course here. It has 1,577 feet of elevation.

As always, please take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the course you intend to ride and if you have a Garmin or a similar device, download it. Both will be helpful to your ride leader.

You get more rock salt at Brinkworth than Minety

Yes, believe it or not, the Knight Riders did indeed do their thing on Wednesday evening proving that it's definitely an all-weather activity. We were very pleased to be joined by Paul Hudson from Chavenage for his first ride with us. 

With the temperature plummeting to well below freezing, the course was switched to the 'Safety Triangle.' The three roads employed were thankfully all free of ice and so presented no problems. During the course of the ride we were showered twice with rock salt by gritting lorries, once at Minety and again at Brinkworth. Minety was a rather disappointing light dusting, whereas Brinkworth was a much more comprehensive coating. 

Riders: James H, Paul Hudson, Peter C and me, Tim W.

Allington Farm Shop Cafe

The Clarion fighting spirit was also much in evidence on Saturday for the trip to the Allington Farm Shop, Chippenham. A few degrees warmer maybe, but it was still on the chilly side. 

It was good to see the two Andy P's back in the driving seat. The pair of them on the front is an awesome combination. 

The flurry of new faces continued with the arrival of Andy, who has recently moved to Malmesbury. Needless to say, we hope to see a lot more of Andy over the coming weeks and months. I also understand that there was a new lady too. Hopefully someone can help me out so that I can give her a proper blog introduction and welcome.

Mike G also made an appearance at the cafe and joined the ride on the return leg. 

I'm informed that there were some vacant tables in the cafe, which is always a relief, and that the staff were very accommodating.

Social Group: Andy, Brian, Paul, Steve Cox, Stuart and Tim H. 

Sporting Group: Andy Parker, Andy Poolman, Lyndon and Peter C.

To assist with your forward planning, here's where we're heading over the next three months. The Research Team will be assessing the suitability of a few new cafes over the coming weeks. If successful, they'll be introduced and swapped with one or more of the venues below.

The standout event has to be our 5th birthday party ride on 25th February 2017. Please try and keep this date free. Look out for more details nearer the time.


December

10.12.16 - AV8, Cotswold Airport, Kemble.
17.12.16 - Folly Row Cafe, Kington St Michael.
24.12.16 - Angel Cafe, Sherston.
28.12.16 - Knight Riders - Pye Corner Cafe, Chepstow, leave at 9.30am. The                     ultimate twixt Christmas and New Year ride.
31.12.16 - Cafe 53, Tetbury.

January

07.01.17 - National Trust Tearoom, Lacock.
14.01.17 - Quackers Farm Shop, Hinton.
21.01.17 - The Old Stables, Hullavington.
28.01.17 - Jolly Nice Cafe, Frampton Mansell.

February

04.02.17 - The Canteen, Nailsworth.
11.02.17 - Relish, Cotswold Water Park.
18.02.17 - Wickwar Coffee Shop.
25.02.17 - MCCC 5th birthday party ride.

Sue outside of the Wickwar Coffee Shop

Sue Akers, one of our new members, recently had an operation on her foot, which will keep her off of her feet and her bicycle for 6 weeks. With Howard and Pete B also recovering after their surgery, a post-operation group seems to be taking shape. (Written whilst stroking my lucky rabbit's foot in case I'm in anyway tempting fate).

Get well soon Sue, from all of your friends in the Malmesbury Clarions. 

Blog Bulletin

Clarions at Allington Farm Shop on 5th December 2015 

Given the all-year-round popularity of the Allington Farm Shop at Chippenham, and with the added attraction of Christmas creeping ever closer, it seems sensible that we pay them a visit sooner rather than later if we want to find some spare seats. And so without further ado, that's where we're heading next Saturday.

You can view and download the Sporting Group's 40.1 mile course here.  It has 1,500 feet of elevation.

Similarly, the Social Group's 35.9 mile course can be viewed and downloaded here. It has 1,362 feet of elevation.

Warning! As you're leaving Biddestone, please resist the temptation to take the first left at the side of the Manor House. This might be a quicker route to the farm shop, but the Chippenham Lane is notoriously muddy this time of the year. Stay safe and use the next left instead. 

Please take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the course you intend to ride and if you have a Garmin or a similar device, please download it. Both will be of a great help to your ride leader.

You can't beat a freshly picked carrot

Four members and one guest took part in Wednesday evening's Knight Rider session. We tend to ride in fairly close formation; two abreast when conditions allow. The addition of just one more rider would have allowed us to cycle in perfect symmetry. It would also have meant that no one had to ride for periods without someone to talk with. If you'd like to even-up the numbers, you'd certainly be made very welcome, and don't worry if you're short of conversation. Riding in silence on any climbs is positively encouraged.  

The course was a repeat of the previous week's outing to Chalford, which most of us had missed last time. 

Another mild, dry evening produced a second sighting of the mysterious poacher. This time he was carrying a bag of carrots. The plot, or perhaps I should say, the vegetable soup, thickens.


Riders: James H, Peter C, Phil, Simon Vannerley and me, Tim W.

Lots of Clarions at Relish

(Photo courtesy of Tim H)

Saturday's club ride to Relish at the Cotswold Water Park drew another good turnout. Stuart came back for his second ride. John Shephard became our latest member and also introduced his wife Alyson for her first ride with us. 

Over recent weeks we've seen an influx of new faces, which is a very welcome development. We might not be the most boisterous bunch, but you can rest assured that everyone's participation is valued, and we really are a club where everyone knows your name.

For the second week running, the Social Group easily outnumbered the Sporting Group. Sporting riders were joined by Steve M at Great Somerford, but this didn't narrow the numerical gap, as the Social Group picked up John's wife at Minety.

Seating 15 around the same table at Relish required a sweep of the cafe for any unattended chairs, but we just managed to squeeze everyone in. Eating and drinking together is an essential part of the Clarion experience. This was a very agreeable refreshment stop. Cake was served in substantial wedges. The practice of using the bacon slicer looks to have ended.

Clarions leaving Relish

The Sporting Group was boosted on the return leg by Lyndon and Malc switching sides.

Clarions on the Spine Road heading for home

Sporting Group: Mike G, Peter C, Steve M and me, Tim W.

Social Group: Alyson, Brian, James M, John, Lyndon, Malc, Mike R, Phil, Steve C, Stuart, and Tim H.

The table below shows the current standings for the Chairman's Trophy after the club ride on Saturday 26th November 2016. The competition will run until Saturday 31st December 2016. Club trophies will be presented at the Annual General Meeting, on a date to be fixed, early in 2017.

This competition is all about club commitment. Two names worthy of a mention are Steve Cox in 5th place and James Horler in 6th. Whilst the limelight often falls on some of the club's other members, Steve has an excellent record of attendance on Thursdays and Saturdays. Unless you've ever ridden on a Wednesday evening, you won't have met James. He works in Malmesbury during the week and returns home to Devon at the weekends. Without fail, James is present every Wednesday evening. 

Member	Points
Peter C	64
Tim W	56
Phil	35
Tim H	29
Steve C	28
James H	25
Mike G	25
Simon S	24
Lyndon	24
Des	21
Steve K	21

Blog Bulletin

Cricklade's Jubilee Clock

A shorter bulletin than normal this week, partly due to a change in destination. It occurred to me that the courses to the Folly Row Cafe at Kington St Michael, our advertised coffee stop, were a bit too similar to those we'd used on Saturday for our visit to the Old Stables Cafe at Hullavington. I've therefore mixed things up a bit and brought forward our outing to Relish at the Cotswold Water Park.

For the Sporting Group's course, I've borrowed some elements from a couple of Peter Cattermole's Wednesday evening routes. The outward leg includes an ascent of Pavenhill at Purton and an opportunity to admire Cricklade's very impressive Jubilee Clock, which was erected in 1897.

You can view and download the 41.2 mile course here. It has 1,429 feet of elevation.

Meanwhile, the Social Group's 34.5 mile course is also ready for viewing and downloading here. It has 1,163 feet of elevation. Whilst the Social Group riders will be denied a view of the Jubilee Clock, they will have the advantage of slightly more rural surroundings.

Post refreshments, both group's return via the same route.

Please take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the course you intend to ride and if you have a Garmin or a similar device, then please download it. Both will be of assistance to your ride leader.

 

A different type of poacher?

The Knight Riders Wednesday evening session has a loyal following, but it needs a bigger pool of riders to make it sustainable. If, as happened last Wednesday, some of the core participants are unavailable, it means that someone can end up having to ride alone. Fortunately for Peter C, he was joined by Simon Vannerly from the Sherston Velos, to keep him company.

If you're unsure as to whether the Knight Rider experience is for you or not, I would urge you to give it a try. Collectively we put out a lot of lumens, and it's definitely a case of safety in numbers. Also, if you live outside of Malmesbury and don't fancy having to ride home alone afterwards, just have a word with Peter C. He's very accommodating and will construct a course that drops you off at your door.

As to the ride, Peter C informs me that it was a mild and dry evening. Riding between Frampton Mansell and Chalford they came across a poacher out with his dog. Simon initially mistook the animal for a wolf, but Peter C recognised the tail as that of a springer spaniel. The poacher was no doubt taking advantage of the super moon, which was particularly prominent later at the top of Star Lane out of Avening.

Clarions outside of the Old Stables Cafe, Hullavington, minus, Lyndon and Mike, who had already left and me, Tim W holding the camera

Saturday we were pleased to be joined by Stuart from Malmesbury for his first ride with us. Hopefully we'll have the pleasure of his company over many more miles.

A special mention also goes to young James Moody, who having ridden to the start and then home again afterwards, clocked up a praiseworthy 44.7 miles.

Keeping on trend, the two groups arrived at the Old Stables Cafe within minutes of each other and sat around two tables.

Riders: Andy Poolman, Brian, Chris, James M, Lyndon, Mike G, Peter C, Phil, Steve C, Steve M, Stuart, Tim H and Tim W.

Blog Bulletin

                                              Inside the hangar

This Saturday we're visiting the enterprising young ladies at The Old Stables Coffee Shop & Deli in Hullavington. (On Wednesday 16th November 2016, they're opening another cafe in Castle Combe. Rest assured, we'll be checking this out and assessing its suitability as soon as possible).

Hullavington gained a certain amount of exposure or to be more precise, the RAF base did, when the airfield was used as a film set during the making of 1984. The film was based on George Orwell's novel Nineteen Eighty-Four. It was a remake of the 1956 film 1984. Recorded during April, May and June in 1984, it starred John Hurt and Richard Burton. This was Richard Burton's last film before his death in August of that year. In poor health Richard Burton had great difficulty remembering his lines. One scene took a record 41 takes before he managed to say his speech without fumbling his lines. The opening scenes of the film took place in a grass-covered hangar at RAF Hullavington. The large crowd gathered in the hangar included local people who were recruited as extras. 

The Old Stables Coffee Shop & Deli

No course checking this week, so as always, please be careful.

You can view and download the Social Group's 35 mile course here. It has 1,211 feet of elevation.

Similarly, you can find the Sporting Group's 41.4 mile course here.  It has 1,517 feet of elevation. This is a slightly different course to the one used last time in order to avoid some potentially muddy lanes.

As always, please familiarise yourself with the course you intend to ride and if you have a Garmin or a similar device, then please download it. Both will assist your ride leader.

The illuminated carved stone poppy

Wednesday evening saw 5 members take to the road. Peter C's course took us out to Purton and around to Wootton Bassett, where we stopped briefly to admire the large carved stone poppy at the Coped Hall end of the high street. By day, the stone is white, but with the projected red lighting, it makes a very poignant tribute.

We also broke our journey coming to a halt by the cenotaph. Outside of the post office, sitting on a bench, was a life-size soldier formed out of a wire frame and completely covered with knitted poppies. One side of the town hall was also decorated with knitted poppies grouped together in the shape of a single large poppy.

Riders: James, Peter, Phil, Tim H and me, Tim W.

                Not The Canteen, but they do sell secondhand crockery

I've exhausted my stock of photographs of The Canteen, and so instead I'm going to give a plug for Emmaus, one of my favourite charity shops, which is situated in Market Street, Nailsworth. If you like a good old rummage in a proper junk shop, with sensibly priced stock, being sold in aid of a great cause, then this is the place to come, but make sure you allow plenty of time to get around.

Peter C informs me that Saturday's excursion to The Canteen at Nailsworth was an enjoyable one with both groups arriving for coffee within minutes of each other.

Suitably refreshed, they merged together and returned to Malmesbury via Balls Green, Minchinhampton and Cherington. 

Social Group: James Moody, Phil, Mike Ratcliffe, Steve Cox and Tim H.

Sporting Group: Brian, Mike G and Peter C.

Howard coincidently with a field of poppies

Howard went into hospital, I believe on Sunday 13th November 2016, for an operation to rectify his faulty heart valve. 

Peter Baptiste at Toomers on 13th August 2016

You might recall that last year Peter B broke his collarbone whilst mountain biking. Unfortunately the fracture didn't set properly, which meant that he needed an operation. Peter should have undergone surgery on Monday 7th November 2016, but having got up at 5.30am, and after abstaining from food and drink, he arrived at the hospital to find that the consultant had been taken away to another hospital for a procedure he was waiting for. Peter B is now hoping to have his operation tomorrow (Wednesday 16th November).

I know that you'll all join me in wishing Howard and Peter B very speedy recoveries. In the meantime, we'll look forward to seeing them both back in action just as soon as they're able to ride again.

Blog Bulletin

Clarions leaving The Canteen on 26th April 2014

Saturday's ride is to The Canteen, Nailsworth. I drew a bit of a blank where notable people connected with the town are concerned, and whilst it's steeped in history, nothing grabbed me as being of particular interest. Instead, I thought I'd pick out something of note along the way.

The Lynch Knoll Wind Turbine

At 42 metres high, the Lynch Knoll wind turbine at Nympsfield can be seen for miles around. Erected in 1996, construction took just 2 days, as opposed to the planning process, which lasted 4 years. The concrete tower weighs 100 tonnes. The blades it supports are made of glass fibre and are 20 metres in length. The estimated number of hours per year when there is no wind whatsoever, is just 200.

The Social Group's 37.1 mile course can be viewed and downloaded here.  It has 1,744 feet of elevation. 

Meanwhile, the Sporting Group's 42.7 mile course is ready for viewing and downloading here. It has 2,001 feet of elevation, and includes an ascent of the infamous 'W' to Minchinhampton Common. Alternatively, some riders might prefer to switch to the Social Group after coffee, which will be taking a less strenuous route to Avening.

Sporting Group riders should be aware of the following:

• The course was ridden on 2nd November. The lane between the B4058, through Nympsfield to the B4066, is generally in a good state of repair. There was some mud on the road, but easily passed with care.
• The road off the top of Selsley Common runs very fast. Please resist the temptation to go hurtling down, as you'll miss the right turn to North Woodchester.
• Having made the right turn, there is another swift descent to the A46 Bath Road. Be prepared though to make a right turn prior to the T junction.
• The road running parallel to the A46 Bath Road has a number of short, sharp ascents. If you don't anticipate them, you'll find yourself stuck in too high a gear.

As usual, please take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the course you intend to ride, and if you have a Garmin or a similar device, please download the route. Both will be of assistance to your ride leader. 

                                 The inside of the Barista, Cricklade

Wednesday evening's Knight Rider session attracted 5 members. With a very noticeable drop in the temperature, this was by necessity a spirited workout. Peter C's flat course out to Cricklade certainly helped us make good progress. With our toes beginning to tingle with the cold, unexpectedly the Barista cafe in the High Street appeared to be open. A shout went up to see if anyone wanted a coffee, but with no takers, we pressed on. This was probably just as well, as checking their website when I got home, I discovered that Wednesday is their Coffee and Craft Club evening. Maybe if we asked them nicely they could knit us some warm winter socks! A chilly night, but it was otherwise perfect for cycling, and a great way to get some midweek miles in. 

Riders: Gary, James, Peter C, Phil and me, Tim W.

Our new muster point at the side of the town hall by the statue of the monk, was generally well received by members on Saturday. I was actually quite surprised at just how much room there was available to us. Providing we all keep off of the road and back from the footpath, up until we're ready to depart, the new arrangement should work well.

We were delighted to be joined on our trip to the Jolly Nice Cafe at Frampton Mansell by Steve Keable, who now lives in Bristol. In moving there, he has become our one-man Bristol sub-section. Steve was happy to deny reports that in keeping with his new city lifestyle, he is to become a hipster. Only time will tell.

With military precision, the two groups converged a few miles from the cafe and more or less arrived as one.

Social Group: Chris, Lyndon, Mike G, Steve C, Sue A and me, Tim W.

Sporting Group: Brian, Ian, Jonathan, Karine, Peter C, Phil, Steve K and Tim H.