Blog Bulletin

As a musical accompaniment there's something really uplifting this week, which matches the mood of optimism and feeling of well-being that spring can bring.

Formed in 1958, the American instrumental band The Ventures had a number of hits. One of my favourites has to be 'Pipeline.'

You can listen and get those feet tapping, hands drumming and even a bit of air guitaring right here.

First, a bit of a catch up. The above photograph was taken on Saturday 25th March 2017, when Howard's Group visited Oaksey Village Hall for their mid-ride refreshments. I believe I'm right in saying that it also features the Social Group. 

I'm grateful to Andrew Fuller for his photographs of the Sporting Group taken on Saturday 1st April 2017.

Saturday's ride is to the purveyor's of chabby chic at The Canteen, Nailsworth. 

You can view and download the Sporting Group's 39.1 mile course from Strava here. It has 2,546 feet of elevation.

The Social Group will be taking a more direct route.

As usual, please look out for Howard's email later in the week for details of his ride.

Monday's 2nd Annual General Meeting was extremely well attended. We easily surpassed last year's attendance.

Having quite literally burst the seams of the Hobbes Parlour, we poured into the larger neighbouring room. 

I'm pleased to report that Howard and Tim H were both re-elected and that they were joined on the committee by Paul Hadley and Peter C. It's good to know that the club is in such safe hands.

The merits and demerits of some of the proposals were debated enthusiastically. After all is said and done, not very much has changed. As far as the rides are concerned, these are the main points:

• Variable start times will mean that the Sporting Group will leave at 9.00am. The other groups will continue to depart at 10.00am. Where possible, the various groups will continue to meet at the coffee stop.
• Strava can be used to advertise club rides. This is as an additional resource to those already employed, such as the website, blog and email.
• Under 18's must wear a cycle helmet and an advisory note has been added to the Code of Conduct regarding their use for those 18 years and over. 

Following questions raised, two matters were clarified:

• Members riding with the Sporting Group will not get dropped. A sweeper system will ensure that no one is left behind and riders will, if necessary, be supported.
• Whilst a ride posted on Strava does give a member the opportunity to say if they intend riding, which can be helpful, this is not mandatory.

Otherwise, the constitution has had a bit of a revamp and that's about it.

With the meeting brought to a close, a good number of us adjourned to the bar at the Whole Hog and enjoyed a well deserved drink.

Chippenham's Buttercross

On Wednesday evening, at the start of the Knight Rider session, Paul Hudson became the club's latest member. Howard will know for sure, but I think this now leaves us just 1 short of 50 members.

Paul made up a quintet of riders who enjoyed the outing to Chippenham. We passed the Flying Monks Triathlon Club going in the opposite direction near the top of Hill Hayes Lane on our way there and then later coming back, we passed the Chippenham Wheelers who had been taking part in the Jack Nunn 10 mile TT series.

The mini tour of Chippenham included the facade of the former Goldiggers Nightclub, which allowed Peter C to reminisce about his clubbing days, the historic Buttercross and some of the High Street's period buildings constructed out of Bath Stone. 

The original Buttercross was built circa 1570 and stood a little further up the road from its present position. In 1889, it was sold for £6 and used as a gazebo at the Castle Combe Manor House. It subsequently fell into disrepair. It returned to Chippenham and was re-erected by the Chippenham Civic Society in 1995.

Riders: Mike G, Paul Hudson, Peter C, Phil and me, Tim W.

Social Group riders outside of The Old Stables, Castle Combe

Picture courtesy of Tim H

The 10.00am Social Ride kicked off in glorious weather and undertook an enjoyable 38 mile ride. The original plan was to meet up with the 9.00am start riders and Howard's 8 Recovery Group riders, but due to punctures, we were running late and so settled for a stop at the Old Stables, Castle Combe.

A warm welcome to the two Simons who joined us. One we all know (aka Nairo). The other, who was on his second ride with the club, was Sue's husband, who is also a member of the Flying Monks Triathlon Club.

Riders: Bryan, Chris, Colin, Des D, Paul Hadley, Simon A, Simon S, Stuart, Sue A and Tim H.

Tim H

Howard's Group

Photographs courtesy of Steve M

Our ride comprised of 8 riders including one new rider, Lynn. (Welcome from the blog Lynn). The route was designed by Mike P and Maureen. Mine was swept aside because it was considered to be too short. We did 15 miles to the cafe and along the way visited Lea, Cleverton, Little and Great Somerford. We rode up Scotland Hill to Lower Stanton St Quintin and then on to the cafe at Hullavington.

Great fun was had by one and all. Sorry we missed the Sporting Group.

Riders: Clive, Dave, Howard, Lynn, Maureen, Mike P, Steve M and Sue Alexander.

Howard

The Sporting Group on the final run-in to The Old Stables, Hullavington

Pictures courtesy of Andrew

Velo Club Walcot outside of The Old Stables, Hullavington

Picture courtesy of Paula Sage

Swerve cream for your derriere

Sporting Group members outside of The Old Stables, Hullavington

The sun made fairly short work of burning off the early morning fog, but there's no denying that it was pretty chilly first thing.

The mostly flat course, interspersed with some not too strenuous climbs, allowed us to make good progress.

We arrived at The Old Stables, Hullavington to be greeted by VC Walcot from Bath, who were already in residence. MCCC and VC Walcot share the distinction of both wearing green and white jerseys. 

No sooner had we sat down outside with our drinks and cake, than we were approached by one of their riders, who kindly handed out free samples of Swerve cream, which apparently keeps you smiling in the saddle! I've yet to try mine. If it works, it's available to purchase from Amazon.

Tweets have since been exchanged with Paula Sage from VC Walcot. Good relationships with neighbouring clubs helps to establish our presence within the cycling world.

With no sign of the Recovery or Social Groups, we headed back to Malmesbury and arrived shortly after midday. 

Riders: Alice, Andrew, Andy Parker, Jonathan, Mike G, Paul Hudson, Pete B, Peter C, me Tim W and Tommy.

Tim W

Which all adds up to an amazing 28 riders. Well done everyone!

Clarions and Veloists outside of St Andrews, Castle Combe

On Sunday we managed to double the number of Clarions at the annual Cyclist's Service at St Andrew's Church, Castle Combe, from the previous year. As you can see, Mike G and me were representing our club, whilst Graham and Peter C were there to represent Sherston Velo. Also pictured is Graham's wife, Anne.

With time to spare, Mike G, Peter C and me stopped on the way there for a refreshing drink at the Neeld Arms, Grittleton.

The service appropriately included Psalm 121, which begins with 'I lift up my eyes to the hills;where does my help come from?' And, the hymn 'Ride on, ride on in majesty.'

Easily the largest contingent were the members of CTC Bristol.

When the service was brought to an end by the Reverend Canon Roger Clift, tea and cakes were served inside the church. The homemade Polish cheesecake, which I'd enjoyed last year, was once again on offer, and I wasted no time in securing a slice before it all disappeared.

Blog Bulletin

Clarions outside of the Old Stables Cafe on 19th November 2016

Next Saturday we return to the Old Stables Cafe at Hullavington.

You can view and download the Sporting Group's 40.8 mile course from Strava here.

The Social Group will be employing a shorter course there, and don't forget to look out for Howard's email later in the week for details of his ride.

At 2.30pm on Sunday it's the annual Cyclists' Church Service at St Andrews, Castle Combe.

The event has taken place every year since 27th May 1945. It's a celebration of cycling and a service of thanksgiving for the men in cycling battalions who fell in the Great War and for the many cyclist soldiers, commandos and paratroopers who did not return from World War 2.

The photograph above shows the congregation gathered opposite the church for the first one. Numbers have dwindled since then, but the flickering flame of remembrance still burns bright.

If you can, please come along to pay your respects. Expect to see plenty of CTC members there from Bath, Bristol and Stroud Valleys branches, all of whom will have ridden to the church in their respective club colours.

The service will be followed by tea and homemade cake served in the church.

For the second year running, Mike G and me will be representing the club. We'll be leaving from outside of the Jackdaw Cafe at 1.00pm for a very leisurely ride to Castle Combe. Alternatively, meet us there for 2.15pm.

Whilst on holiday recently I participated in the UCI Cyprus Gran Fondo. I say participated, it was actually more a case of obstructed, but it wasn't my fault though. Let me explain. We left our hotel early morning for a guided tour around some of the island's hidden treasures. Eager to please, the Land Rover driver wasted no time in beginning his commentary. So engrossed was he, that he failed to notice that he'd pulled out onto the main road just ahead of the peloton. A police car quickly arrived on our tail with its blue light flashing, the officer waving frantically, urging us to get out of the way. Panic stricken, our driver misinterpreted the hand signals and began a desperate attempt to put his seat belt on. The penny did eventually drop and we accelerated out of harm's way.

A Wednesday evening ride summer 2014

Before I tell you about Wednesday's Knight Rider session, I thought I'd introduce this photograph taken from our archives. As was noted at the time, we set a rather poor example by carelessly occupying the disabled bay in The Triangle.

With a number of regulars either on holiday or otherwise committed, it was left to Peter C, James H and guest rider, Simon Vannerley to keep things afloat. The 30 mile course went out to Cricklade. I understand from Peter C that Simon, who had taken part at the weekend in the gruelling Gent-Wevelgem Challenge in Belgium, put them through their paces.

Clarions on Saturday's outing to Jolly Nice Cafe

Saturday's ride to Jolly Nice Cafe, Frampton Mansell was another well attended trip.

Peter C has kindly sent me the photograph above of the Sporting Group.

Sporting Group: Alice, Andrew, Andy Poolman, Bryan, James M, John, Karine, Malc, Paul, Peter C, Phil and Tommy.

Not the Sporting Group News

As they always say in the Section News in the excellent Boots & Spurs magazine, we want to include something from every section in the next edition. So come on the other MCCC groups, we want to hear something from you too. There's no need for War and Peace, just a few lines and the occasional photograph for the blog bulletins would be brilliant.

Blog Bulletin

The Wishing Well Inn at Codrington

Our musical accompaniment this week comes by way of a suggestion from Andy Poolman, who made a welcome return on Saturday after his skiing holiday. Inspired partly by our conversation about the unfortunate incident last year when a woman fell down a well in Malmesbury and partly by our having passed The Wishing Well Inn at Codrington, Wishing Well as a song title came easily to mind. The only dilemma was whether to go with Free's Wishing Well or Terence Trent D'Arby's. Both have their merits, but I've gone for Free's, which was recorded in 1972 and featured on their sixth and final album titled Heartbreaker. So, 

Take off your hat, kick off your shoes 
I know you ain't going anywhere
Run round the town singing your blues
I know you ain't going anywhere

and listen here.

Members returning from Relish on 11th February 2016

Next Saturday's ride is to Relish at Cotswold Water Park. You can view and download the Sporting Group's 42.2 mile course here. The Social Group will use a shorter route. For those members of Howard's peloton, please look out for his email nearer the time. And don't forget the Sporting Group only will be leaving at the earlier time of 9.00am.

I thought I'd let you in on a true story. Around the late 1970's, five work colleagues of mine, who shall we say, were very image conscious, decided to take up water skiing. I'm not sure what attracted them the most, it might have been the thought of looking like a bronzed Adonis. When they grew tired of long drives to the south coast, they decided to look for calmer waters closer to home. An opportunity arose to purchase a worked-out limestone gravel quarry. It came at a price, which was then considered a lot of money, but today would struggle to buy you a decent secondhand car. That lake just happens to form part of what we now know as the Cotswold Water Park. If it's within the development area, I'll wager it's worth an absolute fortune. 

Clarions in the mist by the Somerset Monument on Saturday

Peter C has put together some interesting courses for the Sporting Group. These can be found on the calendar page of the website. I'd become guilty of relying too much on tried and tested courses. Peter's zest and enthusiasm for route designing will see a lot of hitherto unexplored roads and lanes being deployed. 

The Social riders under Tim H's stewardship are heading for the same venues. The idea is that the Sporting Group will ride a longish outward leg to the cafe and the Social Group a more direct route. This should allow the two groups to overlap at the coffee stop.

Things seemed to get off to a good start on Saturday. The Sporting Group left at 9.00am with 9 riders. Battered by a very perky headwind for most of the way, the Wickwar Coffee Shop provided a welcome sanctuary from the elements. We soon generated a very lively atmosphere. This was further enhanced by the appearance outside of Tim H in his club jacket, heralding the arrival of the Social quartet.

Boosted by Pete B, who met us at Wickwar and Rob, who transferred across, we beat a retreat across Inglestone Common. Also making their way in the same direction as us, was a good showing of Thornbury CC Improvers' Group riders, and a very friendly bunch they were too. I've since made contact with Lee, their Ride Leader, via Strava. We'll be sure to keep a look out for them with a cheery wave in the future.

We avoided the agony of a frontal assault on the ascent to the Somerset Monument, by slipping along the lane at the base of the hill and taking the road up from Hillesley. The pain-free experience left me wondering why I'd never adopted this simple solution.   


Sporting Group: Alice, Andy Poolman, Mike G, Pete B, Peter C, Phil, Tommy and me, Tim W. Plus guest riders Carl from Malmesbury and Paul from Chavenage, who we were delighted to have along. Paul has ridden with us once before on a Wednesday evening and this was Carl's first outing.

Social Group: Bryan, Stuart and Tim H, together with Rob riding as a guest. Some of you will have already met Rob, but I haven't, as yet introduced and welcomed him on the blog.

Where did the last 3 years disappear? Members in the garden at Sweetapples Tearoom, Marshfield on 17th May 2014

Another change to our usual format is the introduction of a monthly longer ride for the Sporting Group. This will take place on the last Saturday of each month and begin on 29th April 2017. On this occasion, the club's nominated coffee stop at Sweetapples Tearoom, Marshfield, will be used, but on subsequent months, we'll be spreading our wings and visiting some MCCC favourites like the Berkeley Tearooms and the Ox House at Northleach.

To whet your appetite, here's a sneak preview of Peter C's 57.6 mile course, which employs the Bristol and Bath Railway Path to deliver us into Bath. There is the hill at Bannerdown to conquer, but just imagine the sense of satisfaction you'll feel once you've reached the top. Also, how you'll be able to eat the sweetest confection you like at Sweetapples with a completely clear conscience.

The course might require a little tweaking through Bath, so please don't download it just yet.

Readers of a certain age will be familiar with this long running programme on BBC Radio 4. First commissioned in 1955, a number of BBC foreign correspondents deliver a sequence of short talks reflecting on current events and topical themes in the countries in which they are based. They range from the significant to the inconsequential, and in that respect, it's similar to the blog.

I'm ever mindful that I don't want the blog to come over, as being all about the Sporting Group and nothing else. To help accomplish this, I do need the help of some correspondents who are prepared to write a few words and take the occasional photograph from within the other groups. No qualifications or previous experience are necessary. I normally try and post the blog bulletin by late Sunday evening, so anything to me by 6.00pm would be very much appreciated. Viewing figures are extremely healthy, so your efforts definitely won't be wasted. 

Blog Bulletin

Judging by the very positive feedback I had last week, I'm not the only one who finds Tina Turner's 'Simply The Best' an inspirational piece of music.

The musical backdrops aren't about to become a weekly feature, but I thought I'd try you with a bit of Booker T and The MG's, to accompany your reading of the blog. The instrumental 'Time is Tight' was a hit in 1969. It will be instantly recognisable to some, as Radio 1 DJ, Johnnie Walker, used it during the 1970's, as his back-up music for his weekly rundown of the BBC chart.

In the best radio tradition of linking music with news items, the eagle eyed reader will soon begin to notice a time related theme running through this blog bulletin.

You can listen and relax by following the link here.   

If you have any requests, please let me know and I'll be happy to oblige.

Clarions at the Rose and Crown, Lea last summer

With the lighter evenings creeping ever closer, last Wednesday we'd almost reached the half-light stage when we set off at 6.30pm. It's also getting warmer too, which allowed for less layers and a satisfying, but false impression of being trimmer than usual.

Our quartet eased out of Malmesbury and by the time we'd reached Cleverton, we were engulfed by the darkness.

Sitting behind Peter C and Phil, James H and me explored a wide range of topics of conversation. Midway through identity fraud, it suddenly dawned on me that I'd become so engrossed in the subject matter, I had absolutely no idea where we were. Fortunately, the more responsible riders at the front had been paying attention.

With the clocks due to move forward at 1.00am on Sunday 26th March, it won't be long before we start leaving in the daylight. Then, once the temperature becomes pleasant, we'll be able to start enjoying our very popular end of ride public house visits.

In the meantime, the countdown has started for James H, as his firm's contract in Malmesbury nears completion. If you haven't met him yet, please come along on a Wednesday evening before it's too late.

And the last word goes to Mike G, who unfortunately missed us at the start, but in trying to catch us up, recorded some useful miles and an impressive average.

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

It's green for go! The 9.00am trial for the Sporting Group begins this Saturday. Other rides will continue to start at the usual time of 10.00am. Apart from the earlier start, the Sporting Group's rides will remain the same. They'll maintain an average of around 14mph and cover approximately 40 miles. Allowing for a break for coffee, the aim is to return to Malmesbury at about 12.30pm. 

I've updated the website to reflect the new start time and also the introduction of Howard's group.

Our bikes outside of Wickwar Coffee Shop October 2016

To get the ball rolling, we're off to the Wickwar Coffee Shop. There's always a warm welcome waiting there for us. 

Peter C has crafted an interesting 43 mile course for the Sporting Group. The outward leg to the cafe is 28.3 miles. The estimated time of arrival is approximately 11.15am.

The Social Group's suggested 34.9 mile course takes a direct 16 mile route there. The 12 mile difference between the two courses should facilitate an overlap at the Wickwar Coffee Shop. 

You can view and download the Sporting Group's course here. 

Similarly, you can see and download the Social Group's suggested course here. The actual route will be at the discretion of your Ride Leader.

Please take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the course you intend to ride. If you have a Garmin or a similar device then please download it. Both will be very helpful to your Ride Leader.

Please keep an eye out for Howard's email later in the week for details of his ride.

Here's where we're heading for the rest of March and April:

25.03.17 - Relish, Cotswold Water Park
01.04.17 - Jolly Nice Cafe, Frampton Mansell
08.04.17 - The Old Stables Cafe, Hullavington
15.04.17 - The Canteen, Nailsworth
22.04.17 - National Trust Tearoom, Lacock
29.04.17 - Sweetapples Tearoom, Marshfield

Other dates of interest:

Cyclists' Service, Castle Combe

2.30pm Sunday 09.04.17 - Cyclists' Church Service, Castle Combe

This event has taken place every year since 27th May 1945. It is a celebration of cycling and a service of thanksgiving for the men in cycling battalions who fell in the Great War and for the many cyclist soldiers, commandos and paratroopers who did not return from World War 2.

The Castle Combe church service, like the services held in May on the village green at Meridian, the centre of England, and at Coxwold, a few miles north of York, is now a memorial service and an informal gathering especially for today's cyclists in the West Country.

Last year Mike G and me represented the club. We were proud to take our places alongside the rest of the congregation, mostly made up of CTC members from Bath, Bristol and Stroud Valleys branches, all wearing their respective club colours, having ridden to the service. You don't have to be religious.The important thing is that we continue to remember those who for our tomorrow gave their today.

The service will be followed by tea and homemade cake served in the church. Donations welcome.

George coming round the outside at Castle Combe 

(blue helmet) in his MCCC skinsuit

Friday 14.04.17 - Easter Classic cycle racing at Castle Combe Race Circuit

There will be some ex Clarion interest in the Category 4 race. George is racing this season in the Veloton Pro-Cycling Team colours. He has 6 British Cycling race points so far, having finished 4th overall in a 3 race event at Maindy, Cardiff in February. Another 6 points will see him become a 3rd Cat rider.

No news yet on whether our other racing ex Clarion, Max Girdler will be competing too. Unfortunately Max failed to retain his Category 2 status by just 1 point last season and so has returned to Category 3. 

Blog Bulletin

Clarions at Toomers Garden Centre on 19th April 2014

We haven't had a musical backdrop for a while. After the roaring success of our 5th birthday party, I've lined up what I think is a very appropriate record. I'm going to dedicate it to each and every member for their personal achievements, whatever they might be, and to the club itself. It's not intended to be an elitist statement, but we have to believe in ourselves and each other. 

I'll let you discover for yourself what the song is, but you might recognise it from the lyrics taken from the first verse. It sums up what the club means to an over-sentimental fool like me. If you're ever passing my house at 9.45am on a Saturday morning and I've got my bedroom window open, I can pretty much guarantee that you'll hear this.  

I call you when I need you
When my heart's on fire
You come to me, come to me
Wild and wired
You come to me,
Give me everything I need

You can listen and hopefully enjoy it here.

If you found the music inspirational, and you're now well and truly wild and wired, perhaps you'll take the plunge and volunteer to become a Ride Leader. The situation has already gone beyond critical. Being a Ride Leader won't be for everyone. That's fully understood and appreciated. However, we can't run rides without them. We are affiliated to Cycling UK (formerly CTC), who are our insurance providers, and as such, it's a requirement that we provide them. It also stands to reason that we need someone who knows the way, either because they've studied the course and made some written notes or because they have a technical device of some description.

Tim H has provided an excellent service ever since the Ride Leaders were first introduced. Before that, he piloted members around for years. He's now taking a well earned break. I'm still leading rides, but driving George around to cycle racing circuits and participating myself in Audax events, both mean I'm not available as much as I used to be.

Mike G has returned to the skeleton crew and Peter C, to his credit, is present virtually every week. His absence last Saturday was a very rare exception. Apart from a few cameo appearances from some others, that's about it.

Peter C has offered to lead the Sporting Group this Saturday, and so on that basis, we're able to offer the 39.9 mile course to the Folly Row Cafe at Kington St Michael. It's a fairly flat route with just 1,472 feet of elevation. Departure will be at the usual time of 10.00am.

You can view and download the course here.

If you intend riding with the Sporting Group, please take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the route and if you have a Garmin or a similar device, please download the course. Both will be helpful to your Ride Leader.

If there is a volunteer who would be willing to act as a Ride Leader for the Social Group, and if they're new to the job, they can be registered in time, then I'll be pleased to post a suitable course, which should allow both groups to meet at the cafe.

For those wishing to ride with Howard, please look out for his email later in the week.

I quite often say that if you lived your life according to the weather forecast, you'd never do anything. Frequently, thank goodness, the predicted bad weather fails to materialise. On the other hand, there are those times when it really does deliver everything that was threatened. Wednesday evening's Knight Rider session was one such occasion. 

Choosing to ignore the predicted heavy rain, 6 of us set off from the Cross Hayes full of expectation. The light rain did little to dampen our enthusiasm. 

Emerging out onto Minchinhampton Common, the raindrops quickly grew in size and rapidly increased in their frequency. In the darkness it was impossible to tell whether this was a heavy rain shower or the start of a sustained period of heavy rain.

With riding glasses misting over, some chose to remove them. A cautious descent of the 'W' was undertaken. Regrouping at the bottom, those riders with disc brakes were particularly pleased with how their steeds had performed.

Too wet to loiter, we made an ascent of Horsley Hill. Keen not to hang around unnecessarily, PR's were surprisingly recorded by some over the Strava segments on the ascent.

Having reached the top, we eagerly headed for home down Bowldown Road. Further on, the Sherston duo peeled off at the Hare and Hounds, Westonbirt leaving the remaining quartet to complete the last part of the ride to Malmesbury.

Peter C and me gratefully returned to our homes in Malmesbury, while Mike G and Phil headed off into the night, back to theirs.

Yes, wet and cold maybe, but after a hot drink and a shower, it still felt good.

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

Mike G and Tim W Audaxing in 2016 with a stop at Bitto(n)

Our ever-expanding Audax section was out in force for Mr Pickwick's March Madness 200km from Tewkesbury on Saturday.

I enjoyed the luxury of a ride up to Tewkesbury in Tommy's van. There was room for 3 bikes in the back, but Mike G in true Audax spirit, elected to ride to the start. This was certainly no mean feat, as Mike G was up and away by 3.30am.

Arriving at the Royal Hop Pole, he naturally felt quite chuffed with himself. Speaking to a fellow Audaxer, who had also ridden there, Mike G asked if he'd come far. 'From Northampton, I left at midnight' came the reply! (Having checked the AA Route Planner, avoiding motorways, that's a distance of 72.6 miles. Oh and he also rode home again afterwards).

After a complimentary breakfast of fried egg rolls for Mike G and Tommy, and toast for me (I couldn't wait any longer for my sausages in a roll to arrive), we set off for the ride proper at 7.30am. 

After a flat first 10 miles, we then started the slow climb up to British Camp at the top of the Herefordshire Beacon in the Malvern Hills.

Flowerdew's

Our first control was at the excellent Flowerdew's Cafe in Bromyard. The owners are keen cyclists themselves. They know exactly the sort of food cyclists like to eat when they're out on the road, and always get it out quickly too.

On the approach to Bromyard my rear wheel suddenly started to slip from side to side. Looking down, I could see that the tyre hadn't deflated. The problem persisted for a short while. Before going inside Flowerdew's I checked the bike over and unable to find anything amiss, was left puzzling over what had happened. (I was later to discover that there was in fact a diesel spillage, which had brought a number of riders down).

The Forest of Dean Heritage Centre's rooftop cafe

From Bromyard, we rode southwards into the wind, through the rolling hills of Herefordshire. Our route skirted Much Marcle, birthplace of the loathsome mass murderer, Fred West.

It was with some relief that we arrived at the Forest of Dean Heritage Centre. With a 76km ride to the next control, we all made the most of the opportunity to refuel. 

Shortly after leaving, we experienced our first shower. Rain jackets were quickly deployed, but luckily it didn't last long.

Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester

Having crossed the Severn Bridge, the last leg took us up the Severn Estuary to Gloucester, and from there, courtesy of the A38, back to Tewkesbury. We made good progress thanks to a tailwind. 

Near Littleton on Severn, a cyclist not taking part in the Audax, on seeing our club kit, asked if we had to cycle back to Malmesbury. It only occurred to me afterwards that when I said we were actually on our way to Tewkesbury, he might have thought I was being facetious.

Navigation through Gloucester is always a bit tricky. There's a 2 mile section along the towpath of the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal and a maze of cycle paths, which take you past the Gloucester Cathedral. Matters weren't helped by the cars leaving Kingsholm Stadium, home of Gloucester Rugby Club.

Mike G sensibly joined us in Tommy's van for the trip home. The thought of having to ride back down the A38 to Gloucester being too much for even Mike G to bear.