News for September 2016

Thursday 1st September 2016. Report from Bill Balchin: Ah, September the first. We are now into Autumn in the meteorological calendar but whatever you call the season, the weather is looking ideal for cycling today - dry, a bit of sunshine, warm enough for short sleeves but not baking hot - the only thing the eighteen starters at Winterbourne need now is a good route to Shipton Moyne. Our Sem Fed contingent of Sean, Catherine, Mike and Alex were present today after a week of French cycling so our route needed to be something special to live up to that. Step forward Steve Hicks who has planned out a corker for us. Frampton End road into is always a good start, especially now that the overgrown hedges have been trimmed back. Then onto Chaingate Lane where the "Road Closed" sign was ignored as the workmen were packing up. A cruise along Tanhouse Lane in the sunshine took us to the short climb for Bury Hill where Don declared his new Thorn Audax to be the ideal tool for the job. And more delightful lanes over Hawkesbury common into Hillesley for the climb of the day at Kilcot.

I managed to get ahead to grab a couple of photos on the pretty valley before the climb proper - the left fork, not the leg-buster of straight on. A short way on the A46 took us to the turning for Leighterton where it is easy to go wrong with six little lanes all converging on the village. Steve deftly led us through the mini-maze, not passing the Royal Oak which became a bit too gastro for us, and on to a lovely little lane that was suddenly blocked by a huge cattle truck coming towards us, towering over us and filling the entire width of the tarmac. Quickly taking to the grass verge we watched him carry on by leaving a trail of smashed off branches in his wake. On past the Beaufort polo club and over the Tetbury Road at Westonbirt you could sense the wealth in the area. Huge mansions, immaculate gardens, stables and lovely smooth tarmac was the recipe for the final leg before we arrived at the Cat and Custard Pot just on noon.

This was our second visit to this pub. The previous time we had sat in the front garden in baking sunshine, today we sat outside in more pleasant sunshine. The pre-ordering seemed to be working well, they brought the meals out to us with the request to pay later. It all went a bit out of kilter when there was a spare ham, egg and chips unclaimed. In the end one of the scaffolders working on the outside of the building scoffed it down. The penny dropped when Pete Hoskin turned up by car at a quarter to one. Ooops, keep schtum? No, Peter did the honourable thing and paid up leaving the pub square and a happy scaffolder. The beer was the cheapest for a long time at three quid so we were a pretty happy bunch by leaving time.

Den and Annette had made their own way plus Dave on his first BTOTC ride who had missed the punctual depart and all joined us for the trip home. There was more picturesque scenery and delightful lanes as Steve led us through Easton Grey and then instead of the main road to Sherston put in pleasant loop over the river Avon and along the Foxley Road where we managed to meet another huge truck. At Sherston we took the lane that passes through the Badminton estate - another five star cycling lane - and onto where our descent off the Cotswolds was by the Hawksbury monument and down, down, down over Inglestone common. Pedalling hard on one of the many ramps over Inglestone Common many of us were intrigued as Annette sailed past effortlessly on her electric bike. I think I have seen the future. Another excellent day out.

Touch here to see Steve's route out to Shipton Moyne and back.

3rd September 2016: Message from Mark Brough: Hi BTOTC. Thought I'd drop you a line before setting off on holiday with some CTC bods to The Picos. I am now cycling about 15 miles on my "proper" bike, and am becoming stronger and am able to cycle up Park Street without too much effort.

What is frustrating is that my range is not increasing - I have been limited to about 15 miles for some weeks now. Consequently I have hired a van at Santander and will have to turn around and head back for the van after cycling with the group for five to ten miles. Everyone will be chatting about the bike they've brought for cycling the Picos, but my conversation is about which van to hire to cycle the Picos! Next step is my 2nd hip, which I am hoping can be replaced November / December ready for Thursday pies next spring.

Regards, Mark.

Thursday 8th September 2016. Report from Pete Campbell: We were promised a sunny day for the arrival of the Tour of Britain in Bath. Well, it was raining when I left home, but it didn't last long, so going out without a waterproof was the right decision. We met at Station which is normally a sign that the ride is being led by Martyn Hallett. So no surprise to find Martyn ready to go for our ride to Bradford on Avon, where we would have a short lunch followed by a dash back to Common to see the Tour riders flash by on their run into Bath. Another feature of the day was a new lunch venue: the Lock Inn cafe, on the canal towpath and directly opposite our normal stop at the Canal Tavern (where we've had a few examples of slow service). There were eighteen riders for Martyn's expedition including Nick on his first ride with us. He retired at the end of July, had August off (which I think means getting up late, slobbing around, and basically being unable to believe that this is all he needs to do now, for ever). But by September I think he's decided that getting on his bike, during the day, and just riding seems a better option.

Also at Mangotsfield were a number of Easy Riders who were taking the flat route down the cycle path to Bath and then the tow path to Bradford. No such luxury for the main group. No more than a mile to the first ascent, up Coxgrove Hill to , had some of us wishing we could justify applying for Easy Rider membership (not sure if that's even allowed). Then we had another two or three miles of flat before climbing up past Hinton onto the edge of the Cotswolds. After that Martyn promised only rolling roads. So by now Nick had seen what he'd let himself in for. He looked like he was doing okay. We later learned that he's been riding tandems for the last ten years, so seems like he's a real cyclist. The roads then really did turn out to be rolling, through Burton, skirting Castle Combe, into Yatton Keynell, through Biddeston and Corsham. There was no traffic till we reached Bradford on Avon at nearly noon, where the roads were full of people also probably wanting to eat.

The Lock Inn has tables inside, and in their garden. We had reserved seating on their boat. You could tell you were on a boat when anyone else got on it (I think the technical term is "boarded"), but it wasn't as bad as when I was once on a Brittany Ferry on the Bay of Biscay so I managed. A huge menu, speedy service and good food means we will certainly be going there again. No leisurely lunch today as there was cycle racing to watch. Martyn's route for those who wanted to see the race was onto the towpath as far as the Dundas aqueduct, then up through Monkton Combe and onto the Two Tunnels path at Midford, into Bath and onto the cycle path, past station and turn off at and stop at the Dolphin. We'd made good time, and the TV in the pub showed the Tour had not reached Wotton under Edge. So the dozen of us there had no choice but to drag tables to the roadside and sit in the sun with our second pint of the day watching the action unfold. No-one came past throwing out goodies so we had to make do with the Dolphin's Doombar.Various amateur cyclists heading for the finish zipped by (showing off, I think). A few Tour vehicles came by, and then increasing numbers of police on motor bikes closing roads, and finally the lead group of six cyclists going faster than I can manage, and probably faster than I could ever have managed, followed by the peloton, and then the team cars, and then... Well, that was it. So into the Dolphin to see the finish live on TV about fifteen minutes later. What a great day.

The route map? Touch here to see.

Thursday 15 September 2016. Report from Shirley Hume:

Forecasts of thunderstorms did not deter 21 BTOTC riders from assembling at Ashton today for Arnold’s ‘Magical Mystery Tour’ of the leafy suburbs of Bristol. Our leader himself was either reprising his days as a domestique in the Tour de France [musette slung casually over his shoulder] or was practising for a retirement job as a Cycle Courier – whatever the reason he looked very dashing! We set off through Ashton Court to exit at the main gate on to the A369, from where a little ‘wiggle’ through the housing took us out to cross the suspension bridge and straight on to pass Christchurch, Clifton. A further ‘wiggle’ saw us delivered out to the top of Bridge Valley Road, a slightly awkward crossing for a large group of cyclists, from where we took the outer road round the Downs to stop and enjoy the view of the Avon gorge, timing our arrival just in advance of the ice cream van who managed to secure his position without actually flattening any of the group. Due to the mist and haze, the view along the gorge was not as clear as it often is, but the sun was at least threatening to burn off the mist in due course.

Next up was a tour of the leafy environs of Stoke Bishop, with at least two of the group passing close to where they live, before plunging down to the banks of the river Trym and along Bell Barn Road, where a couple of us [no names!] were thinking we could actually have had a good lie-in if we had realised the route. We dropped down to enter the Blaise Castle Estate where, after a number of us had lifted our bikes over the gates or negotiated our way through the kissing gate, Arnold opened the supposedly locked gates and walked through – a born leader who had the wit to notice that the padlock wasn’t fastened. This left me wondering how many times on our daily commute we had done battle with the kissing gate, when we could have just walked through…………………….

Navigating our way round dogs, walkers and a BCC van we eventually emerged at the museum and on to the road, from where we headed to Hallen to join NCN route 41, which took us via a variety of traffic free paths, including the Lawrence Weston greenway, to the Avon bridge. Over the bridge and a sharp right turn at the bottom took us on to NCN route 26, wending its way round the giant car parks to eventually spit us out on the Sheepway, leading in to Portishead. The twisting off-road route had not finished with us yet and we turned off through housing before eventually riding into Portishead and up to the Windmill. Today was one of those days when the North Bristol based riders probably knew nearly all of the route and those from Bath and beyond may have been hoping they wouldn’t lose the group and have to find their own way back! It was still hazy sunshine when we reached the pub, but rather surprisingly most of the other customers were sitting inside. Although there was no official Easy Riders group today a number of people had found their way to the pub independently and we were probably about 30 strong in total.

The food appeared promptly and efficiently and we were heading back shortly after 1.00pm. The route back took us via Clapton in Gordano, Pill and the Avon bridge before turning in towards the Cruise Terminal [I really can’t get my head round cruise ships docking in Avonmouth] then branching off into the nature reserve towards the Lamplighters pub. Arnold was finishing the ride down at the Docks, but as is usual after lunch people started peeling off at different points. Having just got back from a 2 week cycling holiday in the Alps I for one [and Chris for 2] was very grateful for a reasonably flat and moderately paced ride which showed off just how green some parts of Bristol are and how many cycle paths it boasts. Many thanks to Arnold for showcasing Bristol like this and Good Luck in your new career………………………….

And how did we get there? Touch here to see.

Thursday 22nd September 2016. Report from Bill Balchin: My last report on the first of September was at the start of Autumn according to the meteorological calendar. Today was the start of Autumn according to the astrological calendar, on the autumnal equinox. The weather at ten o'clock looked like it could go either way. Overnight rain had left the roads damp but the rain had stopped leaving some dark looking clouds. All the twenty starters at Winterbourne had faced the same questions - the bike with or without mudguards? long sleeves or short? shorts or longs? rain jacket?

With a bunch containing every combination of choices, Sean led the way along the Old Gloucester Road into Tytherington. My local knowledge suggested that the lanes may be mucky so I had gone for mudguards. Sean must have had the same thought so brought his summer bike and took us along the larger road to Cromall and past Leyhill. By the time we dropped into Damery and began the wooded climb to cross the motorway the sun was filtering through the trees.

We swooped down over the M5 full of drivers making effortless but dull progress in their vehicles while we enjoyed the freedom that comes from providing your own propulsion out in the fresh air. I pushed ahead to grab a couple of photos as we took the left turn onto cycle route 41 just before Ham.

The Berkeley Vale is pretty flat isn't it? Well that's the accepted wisdom but when you have put yourself at the back and have to chase back on you realise that there are several lumps along the way, especially as it was now into the wind. I must be a glutton for punishment as I pushed on again on Oldbury Naite to get into position for more photos at Oldbury church. Should have saved my energy, they were rubbish. And the lumps were even lumpier on the final section through Cowhill and into Littleton as we arrived at the White Hart bang on twelve.

It had turned into a pretty fine day by now so numbers were equally split between dining inside or out in the spacious garden. I think this was the second time for the BTOTC at the White Hart in modern times. It is probably near the top end of the price band but then you expect to pay a bit extra to get your meal on a wooden board. But the food and drink were good and served swiftly and we were ready to go before one o'clock. After a bit of chat with the easy riders and the Bath group (and saying goodbye to Ian Deegan who had cycled on his own from Bitton rather than Amcor) we got going by one fifteen with the weather now bright and sunny. I really enjoyed those three miles riding back to .

Spot the Berkeley Vale lumps on the route map.

Thursday 29th September 2016. Report from Bill Balchin: Five minutes ago it was the first of September and now suddenly it is the twenty ninth and well into autumn. Last time out I was over cautious and rode my touring bike when I could have got away with the lightweight. Today, despite the wet roads early on, I decided to risk it. A bit of mud splatter is a small price to pay for better hill climbing, especially as I heard mentioned last week. A group of sixteen awaited Peter Ralph and Shirley Hume who had both immediately volunteered to step in when we needed a new leader. They soon slipped into a rhythm of leading and marshalling across junctions with Gordon taking care of back-marking duties. Along the Golden Valley into Wick, we dropped into as a bunch of old timers came the other way. If Alex Rendu had not been with us I would have been sure that he was with them - several times over. Anybody know of another group of good-looking seniors similar to us?

The climb of Dyrham was as tough as ever although the wind was helping us. Shirley and Martyn were the first up. I knew that Martyn had just returned home from a cruise to celebrate his sixtieth birthday. "Did you use the granny ring on the Specialized Tri Cross today?" I asked. "Nope, still never been used. I'm saving it for when I get old". Swine. Peter had tipped me off that there would be a photo opportunity today. "Are we getting close?" I asked as we rode past the chicken farms to the hill above Castle Combe. "Not yet" as we turned away from Castle Combe and bombed down to Ford. Here we turned left by the White Hart pub and up the former goat track that is now a perfect country lane. "Getting close?" "Not yet". Hang on. Where is our back-marker? Gordon had punctured but being at the back nobody had noticed and he was left behind. With Shirley now on the back we crossed back over the A420 at Allington. "Is this the photo op?" "Not yet". Crikey, we are almost there.

Then just past the Chippenham golf centre Peter signalled to stop and we had our group photo opportunity by the signpost for Tiddleywink. Yes there is such a place with a signpost to prove it. Just down the road and we rolled into the Bell at Yatton Keynell to find Gordon already there, a big bunch of easyriders, the Bath team and Phil and Roger's mid paced group of two who had ridden from Mangotsfield. Despite the sudden influx the queue soon cleared and meals followed soon after, I have never had a bad experience at the Bell in all the years we have been going there.

Don entertained our table with his experience of the study into exercise and blood pressure that you may have seen advertised on our homepage. On Monday of this week he was weighed, measured and hooked up to various equipment and set to work on a stationary bike that gradually increased it's resistance until even Don had to declare it was enough. The young chap conducting the tests was well impressed by the performance, especially when Don told him that there are another couple of dozen like him riding the lanes around Bristol every Thursday. You can read a fuller account in "From our own correspondent". Click here for a link. Getting ready to leave for home I was hoping to get Shirley and Brian Crumpton of the Bath group together. Both were wearing Mont Ventoux jerseys, Shirley's declaring a height of 1909 metres and Brian's 1913. For the trip home in a generally Westerly direction the wind was no longer our friend but the lanes through Nettleton gave us a bit of shelter until we got close to the A46 with the usual grind until we could drop down into Hinton and split off for home in Pucklechurch after another excellent day's cycling with the BTOTC.

And where did we go today? Touch here to see.