News for August 2016

Thursday 04 August 2016. Ashton to . Report from Shirley Hume: Today’s ride to the Penscot Inn at Shipham was led by Gordon ‘Wader’ Waddington, who duly warned us at the start that the route was a ‘bit’ muddy [as in the Atlantic Ocean is a ‘bit’ wet]. 16 of us were gathered to hear this piece of good news before setting off on the well-cycled route to Wild County Lane, where a change from our usual route saw us crossing the B3130 at Barrow Gurney and heading up the now traffic free road to the A38. This meant more climbing and a slightly tricky crossing of the main road, but avoided the busy section along the side of the A38 and made a pleasant change from the normal route. Following the B3130 towards we turned off on Cycle Route 334 through the little housing estate to encounter our first serious puddles of the day. In fairness I have been along this lane when it has been much worse – but that was in the middle of winter, not the middle of summer!! We made our way up to Winford Manor and then along a variety of lanes to pop out again in .

The only threat of rain came as we were speeding along the B3114 by the side of Lake, but it was only a few spots and did not merit a jacket stop. Passing the Blue Bowl pub we approached the ‘only’ big hill of the day [according to our leader – some may question this]. Initially we climbed up to cross the A368 between and , then we just continued up [and up, and up, and then up some more] to pass the Wellsway Inn, where we turned right and continued [you got it] up! Regrouping at the top we discovered that we had ‘lost’ 25% of the riders. According to the backmarker one had stopped to take a phone call, one to answer a call of nature, one was last seen writing a note to the leader asking permission to be excused ‘games’ while the fourth took one look at the hill and decided Gordon was having a laugh! [Alternatively they had heard about the alligator infested swamp we were about to ride through and had second thoughts].

The track we were about to tackle was the BW from Hazel Warren to Charterhouse and after 3 wet days it was not exactly at its best. Wheel sucking mud, man-eating nettles and brambles that made triffids look friendly, plus the aforementioned alligator infested lagoons, all added to the carnival atmosphere and Gordon was subjected to some good natured abuse and queries about what was the matter with the roads in the area. All taken in good part by Gordon, who succinctly told us who was Boss, we were soon bowling along the road past Tynings farm and with one last small hill to improve our appetites we raced down to the pub, where we were joined by 3 of the 4 ‘lost’ riders and 3 of the Bath Boys.

We all lifted a glass to Malcolm before lunch, which arrived steadily if not speedily so that it was around 1.30pm before we were leaving the pub. Unusually the route back to Ashton was about the same length as the route out to the pub, taking in part of the newly improved Strawberry Line [especially for Pete] and a tour of areas of Nailsea that I suspect many of us had never seen before – certainly the comments I heard indicated that a number of people were a bit disorientated [although that might have been the real ale in the pub I suppose]. Thanks to Gordon for an original route, which if we had ridden it last week would doubtless have been bone dry – the joys of the British Summer. And for Steve's route map of the day, touch here. Thursday 11th August 2016. Amcor to Wotton under Edge. Report from Bill Balchin: The French have their iconic places to cycle - Alpe d'Huez. Mont Ventoux, Col du Tourmalet - but we have our own lesser celebrated but much loved local places - Swan Lane, Frampton End Road and Mapleridge Lane to name only three. Pete's plan for the twenty strong group today was to stick with good cycling lanes and avoid traffic as much as possible. We were expecting a dry day with occasional sunny spells but the sun was reluctant to show itself as we started on Swan Lane and took a while to cross Winterbourne high street which was full of cars today - possibly backed up by dustbin lorries. Frampton End Road is always a treat to cycle on especially when dry. That brought us into Iron Acton where we passed a large group of easy riders going in the opposite direction. If their group gets any larger we may have to refer to them as the main group.

It was borderline temperature for short or long sleeves but I kept my arm warmers in place as we rode into Horton past yellow painted bikes advertising the Sodbury Sportive on the 21st of this month, over the common and into Hillesley. Ignoring the signpost for Wotton we forked left towards Kingswood on that nice new tarmac and then took a right for the climb of Nind Lane. Roger Taylor was riding with us again after a long absence and surprised himself by managing all the hills. No need to worry about being the last man up while I am in the group Rog. I thought about grabbing a photo as we climbed Nind Lane but as I was struggling to get the camera out of my pocket a large lorry came the other way causing a difficult avoiding manouvre while riding one-handed. The surface was potholed and sprinkled with gravel - much more suited to a climb that a speedy descent. As the group waited at the top I pushed ahead to grab some pictures on the steep hill leading into the town.

At least that was the plan. By the time I was in position, parked the bike and got the camera out the first riders were already past. Come on folks, we were already early for the pub. You can't hold this lot back when there is some lunch getting close.

But I managed to grab a couple of shots. We had about half and half inside and out at the Royal . There was a bit of shelter from the cool wind although still no sunshine. Well before one o'clock most people had finished their lunch so lets get back on the bikes and follow Pete onto the Dursley Road and drop into Bradley Green and through Huntingford and Damerey for home. Well pretty close to home for me once we were through Tytherington, but at least you folk had some sunshine to end your journey when the sun eventually broke through just before two.

Today's route on super lanes - click here.

Thursday 18th August 2016. Bitton to . Report from Bill Balchin: It's only just over a year that Shirley and Chris Hume have been riding with the BTOTC and I think it is fair to say that it took no time at all for them to become part of the family. Seldom missing a ride, leading and writing occasional reports - obviously keen as mustard when it comes to cycling. And at the end of the month they are off to the Alps with their bikes to conquer Alpe d'Huez. Only thing is - with Shirley leading today are we joining in their final final training ride before the mountains? Well we have a fabulous day for it - the forecast overnight rain came to nothing leaving the roads dry, there is cloudy sunshine keeping the temperature at a reasonable level and the wind is light. Plus Shirley is promising some new roads for the twenty two strong group. Oh and yes, just the six categorised climbs on the way to the Ring O'Bells at Hinton Blewett.

Down the cycle track towards Bath and we took the new turning for Bath Spa uni that Jeremy Hogan introduced us to in March. This time we took the road to the south of the uni and climbed through for our first ascent of the day - just the 400 feet or so. And so we continued on small lanes with Shirley deftly leading the way on un-signposted turns. That nice descent past the entrance to Priston Mill took us into Priston village where there has often been some uncertainty in the past about which road to take. Not today as we dropped down into the village and took a right into Priston lane just seconds after a large tractor had pulled out of it. I had been trying to grab a few photos on the move without much success and managed to miss taking a really good one as we swooped down towards Camerton. Bales of golden hay in the fields and a bright blue sky, if I could just get those two elements with a blur of our riders shooting past... No chance. When you are descending at thirty miles per hour you are never going to be able to stop and compose the shot before they have all sped past.

More confident leading continued as we arrived at a tee junction on the road between Paulton and Midsommer Norton. Straight over through a set of bollards down to a roundabout where Arnold picked up the only puncture of the day. With six miles and some more climbing in front of us we left Arnold in the care of Pete Campbell, Phil Hodgson and a satnav to take a more direct route to lunch-stop. The climbs were getting less severe by now although the final one up to the Ring O'Bells is a tough test and suddenly we were there at a bit before twelve thirty. Most of the group were still queuing for their lunch when Arnold's team arrived so not too far behind. It was a day to enjoy outdoor dining although when the sun came out we had to find some shade. Several other regulars had made their own way including John Killick who we have not seen for a while. Team Bath were well represented and Dennis was on another new bike - Colnago C60 limited edition, yet another work of art on two wheels.

With a big crowd to deal with the staff worked hard but got us all served without big delays and we were back on the road soon after one thirty. After all the climbing in the morning we had earned the swoop down Hill then a familiar route through into . Chris and Shirley peeled off here for (they just love their climbing) as the rest of the bunch rode into Whitchurch before splitting up for Bristol or back to Bitton. Chris and Shirley - the Alps will be a doddle after this. Thanks for a fantastic day.

Click here for the route.

Thursday 25th August 2016. Ashton to . Report from Bill Balchin: What could we expect from the weather today? The early part of the week had been a return to summer but of course it never lasts for long. The morning started dry but humid and misty so most of the twenty plus group at Ashton for John Upward's ride to Axbridge had brought along a rain jacket.

The first time that Andy Short rode with us I made a reference to his shopping bike. I was soon put right that the Raleigh is maintained to high standards and it's looks are it's first line of defence against thieves. Today Andy was out on the Rotrax that he has been restoring. Although revitalising might be a better word as the 1952 vintage frame had been Argos resprayed with picked out lug work and new decals and the wheels and groupset have been replaced with new items. Although purists may object, it does make for a practical and interesting bike. The With twenty six miles planned to get to the Lamb for lunch, John led us off promptly at ten via Long Ashton high street to save time instead of wriggling along the Festival Way. The usual trip over the moors brought us into Congresbury followed by a run along the busy A370 before we turned off for the quiet of Puxton lane. The map of today's route may lead you to think that the leader was having a few doubts around East Rolstone, and those following him were wondering as well. But it was all planned, what looks like the obvious route was a track that even Mr Google didn't take his camera car down. You knew you were in the country as we negotiated a small herd of cows being moved, a couple of odd cows who were just out for a walk and a kamikaze bunny rabbit racing us and darting from one side of the lane to the other. By about eleven thirty the rain began, not too heavy, but enough to pull on those rain jackets. Shortly afterwards we turned into Summer Lane. Somebody has got a sense of humour.

Skirting around most of us were on unfamiliar roads as we crossed the M5 and passed through the villages of Christon and Loxton before recrossing the motorway and passing the Webbington. Ah. Got my bearing now. Just a drop down the hill into Cross, over the A38 and we rocked up at the Lamb at about one fifteen. About half the group had complied with the request to pre order their lunch but there seemed to be no disadvantage if you had not. I guess it made life a bit easier for them in the kitchen as we were all soon getting stuck in. I had ordered a small fish and chips. There was no dispute that it was small but after having cycled home after a full sized meal several times with my stomach complaining this was enough for me. And where do we cycle after lunch at the Lamb? Why of course. Dave and Shirley Clegg got a bit of teasing as they departed in the opposite direction and the rest of us set of for the eight hundred plus feet of climbing required to conquer the gorge.

Once on the top of the Mendips the light rain started up again. The big split for home happened before Charterhouse with about half the group aiming for South Glos and John leading the rest down some fearsome descending into , followed by more descending to bypass Rickford and then into Wrington. "Everybody alright for Wrington hill?" asked John. At half the height of Cheddar gorge it doesn't look much on the profile but I was glad to get up and over the other side to the flatlands of the moors again. My usual route home from Bourton is up Belmont Hill but with sixty miles already covered I could not face it today. So I tagged along with Pete to go through Bristol. Crikey. I did not realise what a building site Bristol has become. Roadworks and traffic every where, pretty unpleasant. So on the basis of "live and learn" what did I learn today? Well a light lunch is a good idea before a tough cycle ride, and maybe Belmont Hill ain't so bad after all.

From Andy Short about his bike: Purists shouldn't be too concerned, I bought just the frame and forks from Geoff Roberts of Limpley Stoke, he bought it in 2002 and immediately had it restored to original by Argos, but never used it. All I have done is to have the rear end spread 10mm to take a modern wheel. It is the same as the 1964 Ron Cooper built A.S. Gillott that I bought as frame and forks in 1976. The 1953 Armstrong was rather different. Ironically, I bought it for £5 from a DIY shop 2 doors along from Rotrax in 1974, original bar the chain and Regina 5-speed block. Everything disintegrated over the next 10 years leaving only the frame and forks original. Rebuilding the Rotrax with period parts would just wear them out for ever.

Click here for today's route map