Recent History :- (the last two years)
July 2022
Friday 29th July. Info on Culture Weston.
To the right are two .jpg files which make up the Culture Weston Map. A paper copy was given me by the Tourist Information guys who were in Grove Park with their tic-tuk (Tourist Information Centre-tuk) and scanned by me, so not of the best quality. Personally, I shall be planning a trip around the muriels (including the 3D one - where does one get the blue / red glasses?). View BBC News feed item. |
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June 2022
Sunday June 26th - Breezy ride to Clevedon.
It was one of those days when the rendezvous for the ride was arranged, but not the destination.
Five of us assembled at Winscombe but, shockingly, Anne and John P didn’t even make it that far from Claverham after Anne sustained a ricked back and broken spoke in an alarming incident with a cyclist speeding in the opposite direction on a corner of the Strawberry Line.
At Barbara W’s suggestion we headed off towards Middlecombe Nursery café, getting a bit damp shortly after the start near Sandford. John, having rescued Anne and her bike, drove past us in Langford so they stopped and we heard the full story of her injurious encounter. They continued home for Anne to recuperate with a hot bath for her back and something for jangled nerves, and although the sun had come through, an un-raincoated and wet Yan returned to Cheddar while the rest of us kept our fingers crossed that the weather would hold up. The breeze was strong enough to dry us off nicely so after coffee we carried on via Kingston Seymour to Clevedon and a short stop by the bandstand. After that it was a ride into the wind back to base, avoiding the risk of further pitfalls on the cycle track by sticking to the road. On a Sunday, tarmac can feel less hazardous than the Strawberry Line!
Thanks to Barbara for suggesting the destination for what turned out to be a very pleasant (and sunny) ride. We hope that Anne’s back will quickly recover sufficiently for her to lead her walking trip next week.
It was one of those days when the rendezvous for the ride was arranged, but not the destination.
Five of us assembled at Winscombe but, shockingly, Anne and John P didn’t even make it that far from Claverham after Anne sustained a ricked back and broken spoke in an alarming incident with a cyclist speeding in the opposite direction on a corner of the Strawberry Line.
At Barbara W’s suggestion we headed off towards Middlecombe Nursery café, getting a bit damp shortly after the start near Sandford. John, having rescued Anne and her bike, drove past us in Langford so they stopped and we heard the full story of her injurious encounter. They continued home for Anne to recuperate with a hot bath for her back and something for jangled nerves, and although the sun had come through, an un-raincoated and wet Yan returned to Cheddar while the rest of us kept our fingers crossed that the weather would hold up. The breeze was strong enough to dry us off nicely so after coffee we carried on via Kingston Seymour to Clevedon and a short stop by the bandstand. After that it was a ride into the wind back to base, avoiding the risk of further pitfalls on the cycle track by sticking to the road. On a Sunday, tarmac can feel less hazardous than the Strawberry Line!
Thanks to Barbara for suggesting the destination for what turned out to be a very pleasant (and sunny) ride. We hope that Anne’s back will quickly recover sufficiently for her to lead her walking trip next week.
Friday 17th June. Perfect cycling weather. 7 of us bowling along enjoying the breeze on the Toll Rd and weaving in and out of the throngs of holiday makers on the prom.
A 2 stop ride. Sand Bay Tea Rooms not at its best today with NO CAKES and very weak coffee. So we compensated ourselves by stopping at Brent House Farm Shop on Eddington Rd, (recently opened and spotted by Teresa). Plenty of cakes and everything else.
New rider, Allan (another one, still, not a John!), joined us and learned the true meaning of leisure cycling. Reporter Barbara B.
A 2 stop ride. Sand Bay Tea Rooms not at its best today with NO CAKES and very weak coffee. So we compensated ourselves by stopping at Brent House Farm Shop on Eddington Rd, (recently opened and spotted by Teresa). Plenty of cakes and everything else.
New rider, Allan (another one, still, not a John!), joined us and learned the true meaning of leisure cycling. Reporter Barbara B.
May 2022
Friday 27th May. Seven of us set off from Lynda’s Loaf to enjoy a day’s cycling in perfect weather. Teresa and Adam had already cycled up Cheddar Gorge and Mike cycled from Churchill. Having noticed Teresa’s ride description of “a few ups and downs” the rest of us (Yan, David, Dave and Barbara W) decided to play safe and drive to the start. As it turned out we all managed the hills with just a little heavy breathing. The bonus of getting to the top of the hills meant that we could enjoy stunning views over beautiful countryside. Buttercups, Ox- eye daisies, Hedge Parsley, and lush green fields added to the glorious views. The lanes Teresa had mapped out for us were quiet, pretty, varied and for the most part pleasantly traffic free. We had an excellent stop for coffee, tea, cakes etc at Meadgate Farm, not far from Timsbury. Then after re-fuelling we headed out through Priston Village before wending our way back through Farmborough, Clutton, Cameley, Temple Cloud, and Hinton Blewett. Having climbed quite a steep hill just outside Cameley, Teresa thankfully decided we needed a rest to enjoy the view over the valley towards Litton. Those who had sneakily packed extra food enjoyed another snack and we could have relaxed in the warm sun for much longer but eventually decided we really ought to head home. Many thanks Teresa for planning such a memorable, scenic, interesting route with fabulous views. Do hope it goes back in the calendar before too long. Barbara W. Photos to come?
April 2022
Friday 1st April. I was pretty sceptical about the (lack of) temperature - see previous day's posting below - but I was wrong. Eleven (including Dave P, new member) turned up at Winscombe Rec. The wind was definitely fresh and chilly but the sun warm. We arrived at The Cove Café just North of the Marine Lake (whose silty sand is being pumped out). Barabara W looked interested and said it would be a considerable improvement over that at Clevedon. Café good from a food point of view but I, personally, thought the coffee terrible. But support for Ukraine dogs - good! Photographs of the group were taken by Katherine of Katherine & Bill who have decided to subject themselves to the rigorous & exacting process of applying to join CVLC. Then south by Uphill Lime Kiln where Adam demonstrated considerable skill manoeuvring the tandem through the kissing-gates. The group splintered, Barbara B & I were photographed to show off our Ukraine support (with some artistic licence on the baby blue bike content). Overall almost 36 miles, Sandford to Sandford and Mike came for tea. What a totally brilliant day and great leadership and organisation by Barbara B. Patrick.
March 2022
Friday 4th March. There were 10 starters (11 if you include Patrick who came along to say Hello & Goodbye at The Rec) but with a high attrition rate especially after the 20-mile coffee stop at The Pantry back in Winscombe. Only 3 tackled the hillier second 20-mile loop. Well done to DJ Dave for coping with the lumpier sections of the first half of the ride, and to John P and Allan for sticking with me for the full monty. Teresa
February 2022
Friday 11th February. 5 of us rode from Cheddar on a day when sunshine and no wind made it feel less cold than expected so layers were soon shed. After a brief stop in Wells to admire Vicars' Close, the oldest purely residential street with original buildings surviving intact in Europe, we ate up the miles and elevation to Rocky Mountain, ate up replacement calories, then continued east along the ridge for a bit before diving down to Croscombe along little lanes with fine views. Then it was up and over to North Wootton and back to Coxley and more familiar territory. Steve and Mike left to stop for further refreshment at Wookey Hub on the way back and the rest of us returned via Wedmore. Allan was pleased to be riding his MTB again and his battery held up well on his longest ride so far. Teresa. Mike passed by Patrick's gaff on the Strawberry Line as it was getting dark - he looked knackered and the impending darkness prevented him coming in for a cuppa! Patrick.
Friday 11th February. After a brush with the Police in The Rec car-park (where their bikes were registered on the Bike Register website), seven intrepid riders fought their way across mountains, ruts, rivers, mud and boiling lava flows, into arctic headwinds, sleet and snow, suffered punctures and mechanical breakdowns on the route to Yatton to visit the Strawberry Line Café. There they sat in spring-like sunshine in the garden with coffees, OJs, cakes, flapjacks and baps before returning on the same treacherous route. Thanks everyone for coming and, particularly, Meryl who had to pedal extra hard as there was mud stuck between her wheel & mudguard* - really! *In case you are wondering, it was my fault. Patrick.
Friday 4th February. Eleven assembled at Wedmore, which was challenging for Yan shepherding unruly groups of riders all day. It proved a lovely weather for a ride - just warm enough, plenty of sun and strong winds which, sometimes, we rode into and sometimes pushed us along. We visited Sweets, the first time in ages for me. Wedmore to Wedmore, 23 miles. Sandford to Sandford, 41 miles. An excellent route of just the right length in my view, with very little traffic. Many thanks to our leader, Yan. Patrick.
January 2022
Friday 21st January. A seriously cold day and, to get this out of the way, my fingers and / or my toes were also decidedly cold nearly the whole time. I find this detracts from the enjoyment! Anyway, the Magnificent Seven met at Wedmore and, admirably, led by Allan, cycled to Wells. It was a blissfully blue day and the sun had a little bit of heat in it. We went to the Bishop's Table café, where the kitchens were closed, and had coffees and (huge slices of) cake. Afterwards, we took Allen to the Bike shop (Bike City) to buy gloves. Next door was a baker and Mike (Baker) and Adam availed themselves of hot sausage rolls and suchlike. By now, the sun had disappeared and it was pretty cold. We wended our way back to Wedmore (which I made a 30 mile round trip). Adam & Teresa turned left for Cross, Dave, Mike and Patrick headed off to Cheddar and Anne and Allan returned to their (nice warm) cars. Hardly any mechanicals - Dave's pump fell off owing to a sub-standard elastic band - and that was it. Personally, I wasn't sorry to see my house looming up on the Strawberry Line after 48 miles. Dave stopped off at Yan's house to offer the entire content of all his sheds in the quest to fix her bike, but she was out (probably on her repaired bike!). Mike will have done over 50 miles - well done, mad person! No rain, no mud, no wind, no hills. Patrick.
'The Magnificent Seven Ride Again'- on a cold and frosty morning seven intrepid riders set off on a quest to Wells to find somewhere that sold decent coffee and cake, and somewhere that sold gloves that would keep Allan's hands warm. Fortunately we were successful in both respects and returned via Launcherley and the ever-faithful Cats & Dogs." Allan.
'The Magnificent Seven Ride Again'- on a cold and frosty morning seven intrepid riders set off on a quest to Wells to find somewhere that sold decent coffee and cake, and somewhere that sold gloves that would keep Allan's hands warm. Fortunately we were successful in both respects and returned via Launcherley and the ever-faithful Cats & Dogs." Allan.
December 2021
Friday December 31st. New Year’s Eve ride. Thirteen riders from Winscombe to Avalon and back to Winscombe. Raining first thing, but not much and stopped by the time we had assembled at Winscombe. Amazingly warm - in fact, the warmest ever New Year's Eve recorded in Britain - 15.8ºC - and that happened in Somerset! After a lunch at Avalon, riders went different ways ... Steve disappeared as he had many, many miles to do, Trevor & Jackie straight (as possible) home 'cos Trevor in agony, Dave, Teresa & Adam on a long route and the rest on a shorter one. Mike & Patrick were joined by Teresa, Adam and Dave on the Strawberry Line whilst Patrick took the Cheddar picture below. Barbara W took the group pictures and Teresa did the leading. Brilliant route with few hilly bits. Sandford to Sandrord 42.8 miles. Patrick. (Mike was so knackered he couldn't get out of his armchair until midnight - he blames his heavy hybrid!).
Friday December 31st. New Year’s Eve ride - another report. We finished 2021 by starting as a baker's dozen at Winscombe for a forgiving flattish ride to suit everyone feeling sluggish after days festive indulgence. After losing one to an early refuelling stop at Brent Knoll the remaining dozen (but still including a Baker) we took a circuitous route to the café at Avalon Marshes by way of our only gentle gradient on to the Poldens ridge. It was fine enough to enjoy sitting outside until chilled sufficiently to start back. Wishing each other a happy new year, those who had expected to ride the direct route to the café took the shortest way home while a trio continued as per the original plan and via Nyland back to Cheddar, happening to meet Patrick and Mike again, taking a breath to look at the view of the reservoir on the Strawberry line path before Axbridge. Distance was 35 - 42 miles depending on the route taken home. It was a good way to set us up for the year ahead. Teresa.
Friday December 31st. New Year’s Eve ride - another report. We finished 2021 by starting as a baker's dozen at Winscombe for a forgiving flattish ride to suit everyone feeling sluggish after days festive indulgence. After losing one to an early refuelling stop at Brent Knoll the remaining dozen (but still including a Baker) we took a circuitous route to the café at Avalon Marshes by way of our only gentle gradient on to the Poldens ridge. It was fine enough to enjoy sitting outside until chilled sufficiently to start back. Wishing each other a happy new year, those who had expected to ride the direct route to the café took the shortest way home while a trio continued as per the original plan and via Nyland back to Cheddar, happening to meet Patrick and Mike again, taking a breath to look at the view of the reservoir on the Strawberry line path before Axbridge. Distance was 35 - 42 miles depending on the route taken home. It was a good way to set us up for the year ahead. Teresa.
Friday December 24th. Mystery Tour.
Friday December 17th. Parkside Café.
Friday December 10th. CVLC Christmas Lunch. Excellent ride, quite cold, watery sun and perfect timing. 27 miles Sandford to Sandford. At the pub, we were greeted by Mike who, I have to say, looked considerably better then his declared 55% fitness. Being a local Gentleman of Standing, the pub declined his deposit. We were a large group, but with some notable exceptions, Sandy & John Pa*, John G & Carole, Barbara W, Dave R & Diane, Steve, Sally and Tim. *Look, I'm bored with all these Johns and Daves or Davids, particularly when some of the Johns have surnames starting with the same letter ... rant over! The lunch was in a marquee which from my point of view was good as, a) not much echo so I could actually hear something and, b) I wasn't really bothered about the temperature (or lack thereof). Others, though were distinctly chilly. Personally, I thought the food delicious. We had brought Christmas Cards (except Allan!!) and these were drawn from a refuse sack - later used for its intended purpose. There was a very special card from Sandy and John which Trevor read to us all. We were particularly sad that Sandy couldn't be with us as she is really not up to going out. We all drank to her good health and to John G, also absent for health reasons. Sandy had generously supplied us with some After Eights and we all had one except for John D (who had two). Most enjoyable all around and excellent organisation by Mike (with a little help from Patrick). Some stayed on for coffees in the warm while others including DJ-Dave and Patrick headed home in the freezing cold. The latter then had a blissful hot shower. Super day out ... thanks to all. Will add photos if they are emailed to me. Patrick.
Friday 3rd December. We have to thank David H who, after encouragement from Anne, organised and led a very enjoyable ride beyond our usual territorial limit to the outskirts of Bristol. Eight of us met in sunshine at the Hangstones Pavilion car park, Yatton, and heading out across Backwell Common to the railway path we rode on through Long Ashton, which is indeed a very long strung-out village. We had lost the sun by the time we entered the Ashton Court estate but the climb up the hill kept us warm and there were reindeer with fine antlers sitting by the road to keep our minds off the gradient. There was not a red nose among them. We posed for a group photo this side of the Clifton suspension bridge, then safely across (even for anyone not keen on heights) we tackled the last short climb to the Clifton Observatory. This was built originally as a windmill in 1766 and has had a varied history over the years. It was bought in 1828 as a studio by artist, William West, who fitted a camera obscura and this remains one of only three still working in this country. The building fell into disuse again before being restored in 2015 with the opening of the 360 Café which has amazing views of the suspension bridge and Avon gorge and is the purveyor of the richest and chocolatiest torte I have ever come across in enormous slices which defeated me, but which David polished off in record time. We did deserve the calories to replenish those used to reach the literal highspot of the ride. After this it was more or less all downhill across the Downs and through the leafy avenues of Sneyd Park, which is where the most well-heeled Bristolians aspire to live, before coming down to earth at Sea Mills, where we picked up the cycle path running along the Avon gorge beside the Portway. Passing under the bridge this time it looked so high up.... More cycleways avoiding any riding in city traffic brought us back to Long Ashton, from where we returned via Nailsea to Yatton where we scattered for cars, home or the SL back south. This was an excellent route, offering a welcome change of scene, which we hope will be repeated (echoed Patrick). It would be fantastic to enjoy the views from Ashton Court and Clifton Downs on a sunny day and, after having the full low tide mud experience this time, to enjoy seeing the river Avon when the water is high. 34 miles round trip from Yatton, 50 from south of Mendip. Authoress Teresa, Leader & Planner David H.
Friday 3rd December. We have to thank David H who, after encouragement from Anne, organised and led a very enjoyable ride beyond our usual territorial limit to the outskirts of Bristol. Eight of us met in sunshine at the Hangstones Pavilion car park, Yatton, and heading out across Backwell Common to the railway path we rode on through Long Ashton, which is indeed a very long strung-out village. We had lost the sun by the time we entered the Ashton Court estate but the climb up the hill kept us warm and there were reindeer with fine antlers sitting by the road to keep our minds off the gradient. There was not a red nose among them. We posed for a group photo this side of the Clifton suspension bridge, then safely across (even for anyone not keen on heights) we tackled the last short climb to the Clifton Observatory. This was built originally as a windmill in 1766 and has had a varied history over the years. It was bought in 1828 as a studio by artist, William West, who fitted a camera obscura and this remains one of only three still working in this country. The building fell into disuse again before being restored in 2015 with the opening of the 360 Café which has amazing views of the suspension bridge and Avon gorge and is the purveyor of the richest and chocolatiest torte I have ever come across in enormous slices which defeated me, but which David polished off in record time. We did deserve the calories to replenish those used to reach the literal highspot of the ride. After this it was more or less all downhill across the Downs and through the leafy avenues of Sneyd Park, which is where the most well-heeled Bristolians aspire to live, before coming down to earth at Sea Mills, where we picked up the cycle path running along the Avon gorge beside the Portway. Passing under the bridge this time it looked so high up.... More cycleways avoiding any riding in city traffic brought us back to Long Ashton, from where we returned via Nailsea to Yatton where we scattered for cars, home or the SL back south. This was an excellent route, offering a welcome change of scene, which we hope will be repeated (echoed Patrick). It would be fantastic to enjoy the views from Ashton Court and Clifton Downs on a sunny day and, after having the full low tide mud experience this time, to enjoy seeing the river Avon when the water is high. 34 miles round trip from Yatton, 50 from south of Mendip. Authoress Teresa, Leader & Planner David H.
November 2021
Friday 19th November - A group of ten set off from Winscombe. Barbara W in blue, everyone else in yellow. Not long afterwards it had changed into a group of nine (for which, some group members, confusingly, used the term 'eight'). Despite extensive racking of brains and recounts, nobody knew who or where the 10th rider was. So apologies to whoever you are? Anyway, we started in drizzle and mizzle which continued for longer than expected - on and off all the way to Sand Bay and Kewstoke. As we arrived in WSM, the sun came out and the sky steadily turned to blue. We stopped off at Uphill Wharf Café -Bar and sat outside, entertained by Barbara W's animated description of the 10' tall, 25 stone bloke into whose van she had (sort-of) driven into. He turned out to be very pleasant but knows where she lives! This might not be the end of this story? Not much further on Patrick fell off his bike trying desperately hard not to fall on Barbara W's bike and failing dismally on all counts. Sorry! Here and there riders dropped off and went their own way and later on, some reappeared. My personal view is that this was done deliberately to confuse Mike's counting and shepherding, and it worked! After Winscombe, Mike came in for a cup of tea and, when he left, I washed an extremely muddy bike. Really good ride - thanks, Mike. 32 miles Sandford return.
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October 2021
Friday 29th October - Cross over to South of the Poldens.
Friday 22nd October "Lumps and Levels".
Patrick's report. Seven men assembled at Cheddar and set off up The Gorge. I thought I was at the back (apart from Steve who stopped off here and there to take photos). In fact, Mike had had 'a mechanical' and was ushered up to the top by Steve. The day turned really nice with sunshine and, as I was to discover later, mostly a tail-wind. The billing of 'one climb in the morning and that's it' turned out to be more like dozens of climbs all day. The thing is a LeJog-ger has a completely different perception of 'a hill' than normal mortals and it was actually quite surprising that the ride wasn't billed as 'no hills'! Anyway, we arrived at Lynda's Loaf with Adam having been on a bit of a circuitous route. We sat in the sun and had coffee, a variety of edibles (including pizza and sausage-rolls) and it was highly pleasant. (Note that Adam had a very small piece of cake only). Then we resumed and, after several more hills, arrived at a point where the route turned south. Here Steve, Tim, John P, Adam, and David did, indeed, turn south. Mike & I turned north and returned home via Burrington Combe. Immediately, I realised that there was quite a vicious headwind while the sky got oppressively grey (but no rain). As we progressed (slowly), I also realised that Burrington Combe was a lot further away than I thought! Anyway, a lovely whizz down the Combe and a top speed of 32.6 mph which is about as fast as Patrick is ever likely to go - 25mph is flat out pedalling speed. Then back to Churchill into the headwind where an extremely welcome mug of coffee was served by Anne. Back home about 3:30pm. Just under 38 miles. Knackered! Thanks to Steve for organisation and, no doubt, somebody will write a report of the whole route and add photos to the two below.
Patrick's report. Seven men assembled at Cheddar and set off up The Gorge. I thought I was at the back (apart from Steve who stopped off here and there to take photos). In fact, Mike had had 'a mechanical' and was ushered up to the top by Steve. The day turned really nice with sunshine and, as I was to discover later, mostly a tail-wind. The billing of 'one climb in the morning and that's it' turned out to be more like dozens of climbs all day. The thing is a LeJog-ger has a completely different perception of 'a hill' than normal mortals and it was actually quite surprising that the ride wasn't billed as 'no hills'! Anyway, we arrived at Lynda's Loaf with Adam having been on a bit of a circuitous route. We sat in the sun and had coffee, a variety of edibles (including pizza and sausage-rolls) and it was highly pleasant. (Note that Adam had a very small piece of cake only). Then we resumed and, after several more hills, arrived at a point where the route turned south. Here Steve, Tim, John P, Adam, and David did, indeed, turn south. Mike & I turned north and returned home via Burrington Combe. Immediately, I realised that there was quite a vicious headwind while the sky got oppressively grey (but no rain). As we progressed (slowly), I also realised that Burrington Combe was a lot further away than I thought! Anyway, a lovely whizz down the Combe and a top speed of 32.6 mph which is about as fast as Patrick is ever likely to go - 25mph is flat out pedalling speed. Then back to Churchill into the headwind where an extremely welcome mug of coffee was served by Anne. Back home about 3:30pm. Just under 38 miles. Knackered! Thanks to Steve for organisation and, no doubt, somebody will write a report of the whole route and add photos to the two below.
Swytch Report. I try to avoid turning on the Sywtch on long rides as I am there for exercise. Nevertheless, I used it three times on The Gorge. Twice on the steep bits and once just to catch up the riders ahead. Without it, and given my current state of unfitness, I doubt if I would have made the climb. I have cycled up the Gorge a few times on my Kona Dr Dew which is lighter and has thinner tyres and, I suspect, when I was less unfit. Other than that, I didn't use the motor at all and returned home with a full battery indication.
At Lynda's Loaf there was a chap with an electric Brompton - also a Swytch conversion. He was just a short distance cyclist and always cycles with assistance. His choice had cost him dear as his wife tried it and immediately demanded one so, as husbands do, he provided!
At Lynda's Loaf there was a chap with an electric Brompton - also a Swytch conversion. He was just a short distance cyclist and always cycles with assistance. His choice had cost him dear as his wife tried it and immediately demanded one so, as husbands do, he provided!
Sunday 10th Club ride report. Sunday Sun.
A group of 9 nine riders met at Winscombe recreation ground including John P and Anne who had travelled all the way from France to be with us.
The group decided on the Road route to Sandford rather than the Strawberry Line.
To Puxton and Palmers Elm the group boldly went to cross the dangers of the A370 (the easiest crossing I can ever remember) and beyond to then skirt Worle by the crematorium to reach Kewstoke. There had to be a photo stop here as Sand Bay and Sand Point had never looked better on any previous ride I had done in this direction.
The Toll Road negotiated we made our way to Grove Park for a café stop. The Sun shone brightly and we enjoyed home made cakes and drinks before another photo was called for. Highlights of the break were the fruit shortbread and Teresa’s choice of a treacle tart conveniently not remembering that Adam was not on the ride as the tart was big enough for two!! The group was certainly lazing as it was now a very sunny Sunday afternoon.
Following this leisurely stop we proceeded along the sea front to Uphill Marina where someone suggested a Two Café ride but this was too soon after our first one. A lovely cycle route through the nature reserve apart from the first and last gates. Who in their right mind would put this sort of gate on a cycle ride when the ones in the middle were much easier to navigate.
We turned away from Brean and used lanes to reach the outskirts of Burnham. Then Brent Knoll and East Brent soon followed. Once again the A 370 was crossed this time with the aid of Traffic Lights. Loxton and Barton Road took us back the Recreation Ground having completed 33 gloriously sunny miles.
Electric John said that if we organised another ride he would definitely come as we obviously knew how to arrange the weather.
Trevor
A group of 9 nine riders met at Winscombe recreation ground including John P and Anne who had travelled all the way from France to be with us.
The group decided on the Road route to Sandford rather than the Strawberry Line.
To Puxton and Palmers Elm the group boldly went to cross the dangers of the A370 (the easiest crossing I can ever remember) and beyond to then skirt Worle by the crematorium to reach Kewstoke. There had to be a photo stop here as Sand Bay and Sand Point had never looked better on any previous ride I had done in this direction.
The Toll Road negotiated we made our way to Grove Park for a café stop. The Sun shone brightly and we enjoyed home made cakes and drinks before another photo was called for. Highlights of the break were the fruit shortbread and Teresa’s choice of a treacle tart conveniently not remembering that Adam was not on the ride as the tart was big enough for two!! The group was certainly lazing as it was now a very sunny Sunday afternoon.
Following this leisurely stop we proceeded along the sea front to Uphill Marina where someone suggested a Two Café ride but this was too soon after our first one. A lovely cycle route through the nature reserve apart from the first and last gates. Who in their right mind would put this sort of gate on a cycle ride when the ones in the middle were much easier to navigate.
We turned away from Brean and used lanes to reach the outskirts of Burnham. Then Brent Knoll and East Brent soon followed. Once again the A 370 was crossed this time with the aid of Traffic Lights. Loxton and Barton Road took us back the Recreation Ground having completed 33 gloriously sunny miles.
Electric John said that if we organised another ride he would definitely come as we obviously knew how to arrange the weather.
Trevor
Friday October 8th - The Strawberry Line Café at Yatton.
Nine riders ambled along the Strawberry Line to Yattom. These included Sandy (who was out testing her heart) and her friend Mo (possible CVLC recruit). Super to see them both. They left John (supervising) and Alan (fixing) a 1950's Atco cylinder mower in Compton Bishop. We spent a considerable time at the café doing what CVLC do best. Only Mike carried on further (to check out Dot's renowned 'welcome') on his way to Clevedon. Mo acquired a puncture which was sufficiently slow to warrant pumping up and carrying on using a motley collection of fairly useless pumps and equally useless operators until Dave (DJ) stepped forward with a CO2 inflator which was highly effective (and irreplaceable now that CO2 production has all-but ceased). Excellent, super-social day out and Sandy pleased with her progress. Patrick - see you next month in chilly November?
Dear fellow cyclists of CVLC
I would like to say 'Thank you' to all the cyclists who came to my rescue on Friday 8th October when I managed to get a puncture. I felt most embarrassed as not only was it my first ride with the group (Sandy very kindly invited me) but I came totally unprepared! If it wasn't for all your help with pumps of various sorts and accompanying me back to Sandy's house, I would have had a long wait to be picked up.
So, please pass on my thanks and I have certainly learnt a good lesson and now have pump/spare inner tube/tyre levers etc. in a pack in my pannier ready for my next ride.
Lovely meeting you all and happy peddling.
Mo
Thank you Mo, we all hope to see Mo next month. Plus it is really good to have an exciting event on a ride and, if Dave isn't there, the chances are much reduced!
Dear fellow cyclists of CVLC
I would like to say 'Thank you' to all the cyclists who came to my rescue on Friday 8th October when I managed to get a puncture. I felt most embarrassed as not only was it my first ride with the group (Sandy very kindly invited me) but I came totally unprepared! If it wasn't for all your help with pumps of various sorts and accompanying me back to Sandy's house, I would have had a long wait to be picked up.
So, please pass on my thanks and I have certainly learnt a good lesson and now have pump/spare inner tube/tyre levers etc. in a pack in my pannier ready for my next ride.
Lovely meeting you all and happy peddling.
Mo
Thank you Mo, we all hope to see Mo next month. Plus it is really good to have an exciting event on a ride and, if Dave isn't there, the chances are much reduced!
September 2021
Friday September 14th - Zulu Café.
Eight riders - Tim joined in Langford. More or less followed the prescribed route but a bit of spontaneity crept in from Sally. Part of the group got lost along with a bloke in a white van near Zulu. Then Mike had a puncture (front) and pulled out the thorn which let out all the air! Excellent stop on an industrial estate for lunch - some had delicious bacon sandwiches. Then the puncture repair ensued with, eventually, everyone getting involved as it proved tricky. New tube had a hole therein. Adam rescued the day by repairing the old one. Some sun, some cloud, some hills and lovely views. A really great ride in the author's opinion. 38.5 miles Sandford return. Mike, although not fully recovered, did over 40. Patrick.
Friday September 17th - Holy Cow.
2 bikes (Yan and Tim) and a tandem (him and me) climbed the gorge to join another 5 bikes and their pilots at Lynda's Loaf. The reward was cake. Tim had to return home but the rest of us headed on to a second round of coffee and eats at Holy Cow which fortified the return. It was a super ride, led by Barbara W, between 25 and 50 miles depending on start and finish. Teresa. (Good to see Mike back riding).
Friday September 10th - Easy Ride to Wrington.
Friday September 3rd - Wedmore to Wells (and back).
Yup a lovely ride to Wells but, on departure, Dave R found he had a puncture in his rear tyre. He replaced the tube with a well--patched spare and off we went. Patrick had come on Patrick, his electric bike's first long trip. On arriving in Wedmore (having cycled from home) he found there was a bump-bump noise as the wheels turned. Inspection showed a egg-shaped lump sticking out of the wall of the front tyre - a tyre that came with the bike when it was donated to him. To be fair, he did know replacement tyres were needed. A lot of pressure was let out and the journey continued in hope of it lasting. Anyway, there we all were, poodling along somewhere in the boondocks on the return journey to Wedmore when there was a HUGE bang. Patrick immediately stopped and squeezed his front tyre, but it was fine! The BANG had come from Dave and his front wheel rim had partially split off causing mayhem - fortunately with no damage to Dave. We left Dave (with his pork scratching, gel bars and energy bars - none more than 15 years past their eat-by date) and continued. As we neared Wedmore John D and Patrick set of (with electric assistance) and whizzed to Wedmore where John loaded up his bike and returned to the scene of the excitement to retrieve Dave. Patrick continued home and, yes, his tyre lasted out. Thanks to Yan for a lovely (and exciting) day out. Patrick.
Yan's version ... A day of bulges and blow outs! We had nine eager riders and the sun was with us for our cycle to Wells. Patrick was on his hand built electric bike which was very impressive as he whizzed past me to Wedmore without using any electricity! It went a bit awry outside Wedmore though when he found a nasty bulge in the tyre and had to let some air out which seemed to sort it out. Onwards to Wells and the Bishop's Palace. Nothing else could go wrong could it? Well yes - as we were leaving Dave had a puncture in the back tyre and then on route down the hill at Launcherly his front wheel went bang as the metal tyre trim tore off and ate a great hole in the tube! The bike was unrideable so John kindly agreed to go back to Wedmore, get his car and pick Dave and his dastardly bike up and take the wounded soul back to Winscombe. I think there are pictures of the event which maybe someone could upload? A Day for Dave to forget. Yan.
Patrick was testing his bike to see how he got on with riding it without electric power. The answer was very well. He had done nearly 30 miles with just two very brief squirts of electricity and then rode the last 14 odd miles home with it on, mostly in the lowest power setting. When he arrived home, three of five bars of power left so the guess is that it would do about 25 miles with the way Patrick rides before going flat. Although the battery itself weighs 2kg, the bike is great to ride with no power.
News : There is one Yellow CVLC T-shirt in Large Man size available from Yan - £9.20.
News : Anybody like to email me any more pictures of Dave's wheel? John D?
Yup a lovely ride to Wells but, on departure, Dave R found he had a puncture in his rear tyre. He replaced the tube with a well--patched spare and off we went. Patrick had come on Patrick, his electric bike's first long trip. On arriving in Wedmore (having cycled from home) he found there was a bump-bump noise as the wheels turned. Inspection showed a egg-shaped lump sticking out of the wall of the front tyre - a tyre that came with the bike when it was donated to him. To be fair, he did know replacement tyres were needed. A lot of pressure was let out and the journey continued in hope of it lasting. Anyway, there we all were, poodling along somewhere in the boondocks on the return journey to Wedmore when there was a HUGE bang. Patrick immediately stopped and squeezed his front tyre, but it was fine! The BANG had come from Dave and his front wheel rim had partially split off causing mayhem - fortunately with no damage to Dave. We left Dave (with his pork scratching, gel bars and energy bars - none more than 15 years past their eat-by date) and continued. As we neared Wedmore John D and Patrick set of (with electric assistance) and whizzed to Wedmore where John loaded up his bike and returned to the scene of the excitement to retrieve Dave. Patrick continued home and, yes, his tyre lasted out. Thanks to Yan for a lovely (and exciting) day out. Patrick.
Yan's version ... A day of bulges and blow outs! We had nine eager riders and the sun was with us for our cycle to Wells. Patrick was on his hand built electric bike which was very impressive as he whizzed past me to Wedmore without using any electricity! It went a bit awry outside Wedmore though when he found a nasty bulge in the tyre and had to let some air out which seemed to sort it out. Onwards to Wells and the Bishop's Palace. Nothing else could go wrong could it? Well yes - as we were leaving Dave had a puncture in the back tyre and then on route down the hill at Launcherly his front wheel went bang as the metal tyre trim tore off and ate a great hole in the tube! The bike was unrideable so John kindly agreed to go back to Wedmore, get his car and pick Dave and his dastardly bike up and take the wounded soul back to Winscombe. I think there are pictures of the event which maybe someone could upload? A Day for Dave to forget. Yan.
Patrick was testing his bike to see how he got on with riding it without electric power. The answer was very well. He had done nearly 30 miles with just two very brief squirts of electricity and then rode the last 14 odd miles home with it on, mostly in the lowest power setting. When he arrived home, three of five bars of power left so the guess is that it would do about 25 miles with the way Patrick rides before going flat. Although the battery itself weighs 2kg, the bike is great to ride with no power.
News : There is one Yellow CVLC T-shirt in Large Man size available from Yan - £9.20.
News : Anybody like to email me any more pictures of Dave's wheel? John D?
August 2021
Friday 6th August - Easy Leisurely Ride.
On a windy day, we assembled at various points along the Strawberry Line and were particularly thrilled to be joined by Sandy and John. We pootled along to Axbridge and sat outside in the charming square on the council benches and ordered our victuals from The Almshouse Teashop (which now has a bookshop inside). Apart from a savage attempted attack by an umbrella which took off in the wind from one of the tables, but missed everyone, we had a tranquil and convivial (and rather spaced out delivery-wise time) café stop. Adam, looking cool and dapper and en route to the Post Office, stopped and took our group photo. Then we split into various groups and the last standing (or sitting) Dave, Barbara, Yan, Dave B (aka New Dave but now to be known as DJ) and Patrick returned to Axbridge via Wedmore, Nyland and Cheddar. Good cycle path into Cheddar avoids a bit of the A371 and emerges by St Andrews Church. Patrick needed to be back home so rushed off. Dave accompanied DJ back to Sandford at a more leisurely pace and we all got a bit wet, but not very. Patrick.
On a windy day, we assembled at various points along the Strawberry Line and were particularly thrilled to be joined by Sandy and John. We pootled along to Axbridge and sat outside in the charming square on the council benches and ordered our victuals from The Almshouse Teashop (which now has a bookshop inside). Apart from a savage attempted attack by an umbrella which took off in the wind from one of the tables, but missed everyone, we had a tranquil and convivial (and rather spaced out delivery-wise time) café stop. Adam, looking cool and dapper and en route to the Post Office, stopped and took our group photo. Then we split into various groups and the last standing (or sitting) Dave, Barbara, Yan, Dave B (aka New Dave but now to be known as DJ) and Patrick returned to Axbridge via Wedmore, Nyland and Cheddar. Good cycle path into Cheddar avoids a bit of the A371 and emerges by St Andrews Church. Patrick needed to be back home so rushed off. Dave accompanied DJ back to Sandford at a more leisurely pace and we all got a bit wet, but not very. Patrick.
Friday 30th July. - Rocky Mountain café.
Route via Dinder and returning through Croscombe. It's 39 miles from Cheddar, passing through Wells, along the cycle path to Dulcote, then climbing small lanes from Dinder up to the café. Back down a steepish hill to Croscombe to cross the river Sheppey, we continue up and down to North Wootton and the levels before a final gradiential fling from Theale to Cold Nose ridge and back to Cheddar via Blackford. A little under 2500ft ascent with great views in good weather.
It felt somewhat foolhardy in the face of Storm Evert not to cancel the ride but I think those who set out from home all did so in the spirit of not letting the others down! Unfortunately John P was turned back at Wedmore because a fallen tree had blocked the road to the start at Cheddar. Five local riders expected to have a short excursion then home, but the drizzle soon stopped and we were able to do the route as planned. A well-timed deluge came as we were under cover at the café but the sun was out as we left and became increasingly prominent during the afternoon. Although a very breezy ride it was great when it was a tailwind and we hardly got damp at all. Teresa.
July 2021
July 25th - Garden Tea.
Winscombe Rec. Christon, Loxton, Rooksbridge, Mark, Chapel and Stone Allerton. Organiser: John G
10 riders including a tandem.
John organised a pleasant shorter ride of 20+ miles depending on where individuals started and finished.
Weather was fortunately cooler than of late. Some pleasant country lanes in particular Pill Lane after Rooksbridge. Here riding 2 abreast on the road next to a rhyne there was plenty of opportunity to chat.
The Old Spot Bakery in Mark was a great stop for refreshments. Sausage rolls and apricot tart were the two favourite choices in great demand. Steve joined us briefly on his training ride just as we were leaving!
After lunch we headed across the levels to Chapel Allerton and onward to Trevor and Jackie's garden for tea and cake for those able to stop. The group then dispersed to cycle home or back to Winscombe or even find some more miles to travel.
Thanks John G for planning and leading a most enjoyable ride. Trevor
Winscombe Rec. Christon, Loxton, Rooksbridge, Mark, Chapel and Stone Allerton. Organiser: John G
10 riders including a tandem.
John organised a pleasant shorter ride of 20+ miles depending on where individuals started and finished.
Weather was fortunately cooler than of late. Some pleasant country lanes in particular Pill Lane after Rooksbridge. Here riding 2 abreast on the road next to a rhyne there was plenty of opportunity to chat.
The Old Spot Bakery in Mark was a great stop for refreshments. Sausage rolls and apricot tart were the two favourite choices in great demand. Steve joined us briefly on his training ride just as we were leaving!
After lunch we headed across the levels to Chapel Allerton and onward to Trevor and Jackie's garden for tea and cake for those able to stop. The group then dispersed to cycle home or back to Winscombe or even find some more miles to travel.
Thanks John G for planning and leading a most enjoyable ride. Trevor
July 18th - Double Gates.
July 16th - Steve's Pizza Day route without Steve. We were two down even before we started as Steve and Mike were both nursing temporary but painful conditions acquired since the last ride, so we were seven when we set out from Winscombe at the earlier than usual start time of 10am to ensure an arrival at Lynda’s Loaf on pizza Friday before she stopped cooking for the day. A paced ascent via Shipham with a couple of stops to regroup allowed Tim, who had a late start, to catch us up at our third breather stop at Tyning’s Farm. The view from the top of Longbottom is very fine and repays the effort to reach it; Barbara B was delighted to have made the top for the first time by bike. Now eight, we continued along the scenic road to Charterhouse and Velvet Bottom but then Yan had her second puncture in a week and diverted home down the gorge. Back to seven, we rode on through the lanes of East Harptree and Greendown 'til Barbara turned back for Ubley, so it was six who arrived at Lynda’s to find Mike already lunching there with his missus (he knows how to spoil Anne). It wasn’t long before Steve arrived in his snazzy open-top sports car, well suited to the day, which had by now warmed up to 27 degrees. The cherry Bakewell and lemon mascarpone cake were well up to standard, but I didn’t notice anyone actually having the pizza unless Mike had eaten one before we arrived.
Lunch and conversation can only be stretched out for so long before the rallying call to re-saddle is sounded, so the cyclists pedalled on up to Stockhill forest and then down through Lower Milton to Wookey Hole, where by common consent we took the scenic diversion to the levels through Wookey and the long ford to re-join the designated route up Snake Lane for more views. It was still baking hot in Wedmore so another stop for ice cream at the pretty, shaded seating area next to the wedding outfit shop was very welcome. Tim dropped off the back as we passed his house in Axbridge, and the Cross residents enjoyed the downhill coast home as the remaining three faced the final pitch to the Strawberry Line back to Winscombe. About 41 miles over hills in the heat, it wasn’t quite up to a TdF mountain stage, but it was a good workout and a very enjoyable day with the bonus of seeing the non-starters at lunchtime. Teresa.
Lunch and conversation can only be stretched out for so long before the rallying call to re-saddle is sounded, so the cyclists pedalled on up to Stockhill forest and then down through Lower Milton to Wookey Hole, where by common consent we took the scenic diversion to the levels through Wookey and the long ford to re-join the designated route up Snake Lane for more views. It was still baking hot in Wedmore so another stop for ice cream at the pretty, shaded seating area next to the wedding outfit shop was very welcome. Tim dropped off the back as we passed his house in Axbridge, and the Cross residents enjoyed the downhill coast home as the remaining three faced the final pitch to the Strawberry Line back to Winscombe. About 41 miles over hills in the heat, it wasn’t quite up to a TdF mountain stage, but it was a good workout and a very enjoyable day with the bonus of seeing the non-starters at lunchtime. Teresa.
July 11th - Failand.
July 11th - Wedmore 40/30. Dave and Patrick cycled from Winscombe / Sandford (and back). John P and Anne drove to the start which was at the Post & Wicket between Wedmore and Blackford. We all met up and Dave nearly, but not quite, joined John on the 40. John took on the ‘hilly’ 40 mile route which went up Cheddar Gorge, round Chew Valley Lake returning through Bishop Sutton, Chewton Mendip and Wells. The organisers managed to find a few gratuitous hills to make a challenging 4 hour ride. Fortunately, the 9.00am start enabled a return just as the rain set in. The other three completed the circuit in less than three hours and covered 31 miles. One 'banana' stop. Ably navigated by Anne - no surprise there, and most convivial. The weather slowly deteriorated from pleasant with occasional sun to a few drips of rain as we returned. Large amount of delicious (and free) food provided by the Wedmore Women Wheelers and Burns The Bread - particularly enjoyed by Dave! Anne and Patrick had their bikes registered by Bike Register. Those who had come by bike, then returned, getting quite damp on the way. Just over 50 miles overall for Patrick. Thanks to all. Patrick. I will add the official photo of our start when I find out where it is published?
July 9th - Easy Ride.
Jackie & Trevor, John D (no battery!) and me started from Winscombe, Meryl and Dave B and Barbara W from Sandford and Dave R at Yatton. Lovely gentle ride and good company and coffee etc (coffee & walnut cake for me) at the café. Some went home via Wrington and others along the Strawberry Line where we inspected Congresbury station - almost completely overgrown. Hill onto the Nye Road railway bridge a bit of a challenge at the end. Possible future outing is to meet at Yatton to watch the steam trains pass through? Between 12 and 25 miles. If you go to the Café tab and click on Yatton, you will be able to view a video of the line from Yatton to Cheddar. Trevor & Jackie said my garden looked pretty - thanks. It is all down to instructions from other residents! Patrick
Jackie & Trevor, John D (no battery!) and me started from Winscombe, Meryl and Dave B and Barbara W from Sandford and Dave R at Yatton. Lovely gentle ride and good company and coffee etc (coffee & walnut cake for me) at the café. Some went home via Wrington and others along the Strawberry Line where we inspected Congresbury station - almost completely overgrown. Hill onto the Nye Road railway bridge a bit of a challenge at the end. Possible future outing is to meet at Yatton to watch the steam trains pass through? Between 12 and 25 miles. If you go to the Café tab and click on Yatton, you will be able to view a video of the line from Yatton to Cheddar. Trevor & Jackie said my garden looked pretty - thanks. It is all down to instructions from other residents! Patrick
July 2nd - Lynda's Loaf & Radstock.
Some lazy people - me - cadged a lift with Dave to Lynda's Loaf whilst others cycled up The Gorge. We didn't get going until around 11am as we were busy spending a few £££s with Lynda. There were far more riders than expected and disorganisation ruled for a little while. Some of us got lost within a mile of departure! We ended up in two groups and in Radstock (several times). We followed a large number of dedicated bicycle paths (and avoided some of the heavy traffic) both of which were delightful. As Yan says, the Walled Garden at Mells was a delight and I shall attempt to bring a posse of Sandford Station residents for pizza and a look a the church with its Burne-Jones tapestry. It has a particularly distinguished selection of bells which, obviously, Teresa has donged. John D and I enjoyed the railway memorabilia. Hot afternoon and a small mileage (for me) - 29.5. Glad to be back and under the shower. Mike must have done an enormous mileage and we hope he arrived home in one piece? As always, thanks to our leaders, and route finders (sometimes). Patrick.
Some lazy people - me - cadged a lift with Dave to Lynda's Loaf whilst others cycled up The Gorge. We didn't get going until around 11am as we were busy spending a few £££s with Lynda. There were far more riders than expected and disorganisation ruled for a little while. Some of us got lost within a mile of departure! We ended up in two groups and in Radstock (several times). We followed a large number of dedicated bicycle paths (and avoided some of the heavy traffic) both of which were delightful. As Yan says, the Walled Garden at Mells was a delight and I shall attempt to bring a posse of Sandford Station residents for pizza and a look a the church with its Burne-Jones tapestry. It has a particularly distinguished selection of bells which, obviously, Teresa has donged. John D and I enjoyed the railway memorabilia. Hot afternoon and a small mileage (for me) - 29.5. Glad to be back and under the shower. Mike must have done an enormous mileage and we hope he arrived home in one piece? As always, thanks to our leaders, and route finders (sometimes). Patrick.
Patrick asked Sally whether she had enjoyed her day with CVLC. She said 'Absolutely Fantastic' and was accused of being polite. I don't think she was anything other than genuine!
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The Manx Missile (Mark Cavendish) won another stage on the Tour. This was completely unexpected (particularly by Mark himself). He won his first Stage in the TdF in 2008 and his 30th in 2016. Now his 31st in 2021.
Mike brought along an historic musette to mark the occasion. He thinks it came free with a cycling magazine and, on the other side was 'Go Brad'. |
June 2021
June 2021 - Brockley Combe and other Hills.
Five assembled at Winscombe. We collected Barbara W at Sandford (and a discarded Ad-Blue Plastic can for Mike which we hid behind the bus shelter). Anne took us up the Strawberry Line to Yatton and and on to Brockley Combe which is a long steady and manageable ascent, even for me. Rather too much traffic despite being a 'B' road. Then via dozens of twists and turns until we magically arrived at New Manor Farm. Pretty busy, though we ended up with a good table and good food outside in the courtyard. Very enjoyable - see how happy we look in the picture! Then onwards (and upwards). Firstly Mike dropped off and went the less-hilly way back home. Barbara came and ascended quite a way, but decided that Ubley was the better part of valour and returned to Lubo. Just after my Garmin had clicked over to 30 miles, we arrived at some nasty looking hills. Anne & I walked up them (including Annoying Hill - well, you know I don't do names - It was really called ?????). But Yan and Teresa cycled up them - I really have no idea how 'cos I was almost dead from walking! Eventually we arrived at the A368. I then decided to go straight down the main road which was directly into a very fresh headwind. Yan, Teresa and Anne followed Anne's route through Lower Langford. At Churchill, Mike was sitting smugly on the bench by the traffic lights where he chatted with me and, later, the others. I arrived home at 39.5 miles, but went out immediately after several drinks of water to deliver the Ad-Blue can. Luckily, I have now, more-or-less, finished building my electric bike, so went on that and then went to Winscombe via the A38, which I whizzed up with reasonable ease. Well, what a superb route devised by Anne - thank you. Patrick.
Mechanicals - Teresa had 'chain falling off syndrome' which I offered to fix at New Manor Farm but forgot to (as I do - not deliberately!). I reckon the upper stop on the front mech needs a clockwise turn or two. Even Teresa looks happy in the picture despite knowing she is going to get covered in grease a couple of minutes later. One of these maybe instead of the dedicated stick?
Five assembled at Winscombe. We collected Barbara W at Sandford (and a discarded Ad-Blue Plastic can for Mike which we hid behind the bus shelter). Anne took us up the Strawberry Line to Yatton and and on to Brockley Combe which is a long steady and manageable ascent, even for me. Rather too much traffic despite being a 'B' road. Then via dozens of twists and turns until we magically arrived at New Manor Farm. Pretty busy, though we ended up with a good table and good food outside in the courtyard. Very enjoyable - see how happy we look in the picture! Then onwards (and upwards). Firstly Mike dropped off and went the less-hilly way back home. Barbara came and ascended quite a way, but decided that Ubley was the better part of valour and returned to Lubo. Just after my Garmin had clicked over to 30 miles, we arrived at some nasty looking hills. Anne & I walked up them (including Annoying Hill - well, you know I don't do names - It was really called ?????). But Yan and Teresa cycled up them - I really have no idea how 'cos I was almost dead from walking! Eventually we arrived at the A368. I then decided to go straight down the main road which was directly into a very fresh headwind. Yan, Teresa and Anne followed Anne's route through Lower Langford. At Churchill, Mike was sitting smugly on the bench by the traffic lights where he chatted with me and, later, the others. I arrived home at 39.5 miles, but went out immediately after several drinks of water to deliver the Ad-Blue can. Luckily, I have now, more-or-less, finished building my electric bike, so went on that and then went to Winscombe via the A38, which I whizzed up with reasonable ease. Well, what a superb route devised by Anne - thank you. Patrick.
Mechanicals - Teresa had 'chain falling off syndrome' which I offered to fix at New Manor Farm but forgot to (as I do - not deliberately!). I reckon the upper stop on the front mech needs a clockwise turn or two. Even Teresa looks happy in the picture despite knowing she is going to get covered in grease a couple of minutes later. One of these maybe instead of the dedicated stick?
Friday 18th June 2021 - Monthly Easy Ride - Yatton.
June 2021 - L-ish Rides.
Friday June 11th. Twelve assembled atThe Rec including Mike on his rebuilt Youngs (see picture below). It looks very smart indeed. He had dropped in en route on the mechanic at Sandford Station who passed him a spanner through the wire. Teresa led us off, though I haven't a clue where we went - we did see Christon church at some point and ended up in Locking at the Parkside Café. The weather was better than forecast and we had a new potential member, Tim, who joined. I haven't had an official request with his details so, I suspect, he is 'just testing'. The traffic was generally pretty horrible which, I suppose, is what we would expect at this time of year on a decent day. The café was excellent and some of us - no names, no pack drill - has bacon, brie and cranberry panini. We then arrived, mysteriously, by St Monica's gate in Sandford - I recognised it as I live there! The group reduced itself to eight and we pedalled on to Wrington where Barbara and I had tea with Val who joined us at Mother Hen. The other five disappeared somewhere? Barbara and I set off home but Barbara decided to try to get her Garmin to tell here something other the 'Turn Round - Wrong Way' so I left her too it. Altogether 38 miles for me. Thanks to Teresa ... Patrick
Friday June 11th. Twelve assembled atThe Rec including Mike on his rebuilt Youngs (see picture below). It looks very smart indeed. He had dropped in en route on the mechanic at Sandford Station who passed him a spanner through the wire. Teresa led us off, though I haven't a clue where we went - we did see Christon church at some point and ended up in Locking at the Parkside Café. The weather was better than forecast and we had a new potential member, Tim, who joined. I haven't had an official request with his details so, I suspect, he is 'just testing'. The traffic was generally pretty horrible which, I suppose, is what we would expect at this time of year on a decent day. The café was excellent and some of us - no names, no pack drill - has bacon, brie and cranberry panini. We then arrived, mysteriously, by St Monica's gate in Sandford - I recognised it as I live there! The group reduced itself to eight and we pedalled on to Wrington where Barbara and I had tea with Val who joined us at Mother Hen. The other five disappeared somewhere? Barbara and I set off home but Barbara decided to try to get her Garmin to tell here something other the 'Turn Round - Wrong Way' so I left her too it. Altogether 38 miles for me. Thanks to Teresa ... Patrick
The leader's report. We had 12 out for the ride. Perhaps it was the L-lure of a new café venue at Locking which tempted so many. We had a very friendly welcome there and ate savouries and/or home-made cakes overlooking the park. One rider had to wait for his cake until it had been long enough out of the oven to cut. A couple of people did the short loop option and some more turned back at Wrington leaving 5 to complete the L-longest loop. Between 22 and 37 miles. Teresa.
June 2021 - Wedmore Wander.
Sunday June 6th. Some people arrived at Wedmore psyched up and ready to tackle Steve's planned alternative hilly ride up Cheddar gorge without knowing he had postponed it. There were lots of us at the meet, and it worked out well that 7 went in John G's group on his ride along the Poldens, while 4 of us went on to mount the gorge anyway. We passed Steve coming out of Cheddar so he turned round and joined us in the ascent. Anne and John P celebrated their first ascent of this classic climb. There was a division of paths at Priddy when 80% of the group descended to Wookey and on across the levels via Double Gates café, while the other one headed towards the blue sky over Chew Valley as per the original plan. After a day starting with pretty solid grey cloud everybody finished the day having enjoyed some sunshine somewhere. Teresa
Sunday June 6th. Some people arrived at Wedmore psyched up and ready to tackle Steve's planned alternative hilly ride up Cheddar gorge without knowing he had postponed it. There were lots of us at the meet, and it worked out well that 7 went in John G's group on his ride along the Poldens, while 4 of us went on to mount the gorge anyway. We passed Steve coming out of Cheddar so he turned round and joined us in the ascent. Anne and John P celebrated their first ascent of this classic climb. There was a division of paths at Priddy when 80% of the group descended to Wookey and on across the levels via Double Gates café, while the other one headed towards the blue sky over Chew Valley as per the original plan. After a day starting with pretty solid grey cloud everybody finished the day having enjoyed some sunshine somewhere. Teresa
June 2021 - Seaside Spinner.
Friday June 4th. A few assembled in Loxton and we rode to Winscombe (where some had already been earlier). Here more joined in and we wended our way south through the tunnel, round the reservoir at Axbridge where all the craft were becalmed. On through some tortuous route to Mark. Patrick was the 'sweeper' and Steve the bloke i/c. At Mark, we stopped at The Old Spot Bakery - no sausage roils which was blamed on a delivery driver but the deficiency might have bee as a result of an earlier shopping spree by Steve? Then on to Burnham where we stopped at The Bay Café and had ice-creams. The beach was gratifyingly populated and the old access ramp to the beach for the railway was pointed out by a gentleman in an anorak (aka JD). From there we wended our way North to The Uphill Wharf Café. Various partings of the way took place on the trip and Patrick left at that point and I went home via Poundland and Wiko (where he bought chicken pellets in a container too big to carry - he had to return the next day on the bus to collect them)! Lovely ride superbly lead in gorgeous weather with up to eleven riders.
Patrick (47 miles).
Patrick (47 miles).
May 2021
May 2021 - World's Biggest Bike Ride.
Sunday May 30th was billed at the "World's Biggest Bike Ride" with Cycling UK encouraging as many people as possible to get out for a ride on that day. John P hatched a plan providing routes of different lengths to suit all pledging participation in the event and fortunately the weather turned out to be perfect for a day in the saddle. With some starting at Avalon Marshes centre and others joining at Mark eight of us set out together to ride on to the Poldens as far as Ashcott, where three turned off towards Glastonbury to cover total distances of between 30 and 40 miles. Five others aimed to ride 100km or more in the day, and headed south to do a longer loop (see maps). The first stop at Somerton was for a picnic as all the cafes were shut. Dave had a different type of puncture from his usual when his can of fizzy pop sprang an impressive leak after he dropped it. Then it was onward to Castle Cary where we negotiated the one way system to reach the ice cream shop. It's only a very small town centre but we still managed to lose Adam who, oblivious of the route but unnoticed by the rest of us, set off impulsively in the wrong direction back up the one way street. More laps of the centre and we were regrouped and managed to stay together as we covered more miles through the pleasant green lanes around Ditcheat and the surprisingly steep and narrow ones down to and up from Pilton. By the time we reached the more familiar territory of North Wootton it was good to know it was a level finish to the day. We all achieved our 100k target with a decent margin and thank John for being leader for the ride. Teresa
Sunday May 30th was billed at the "World's Biggest Bike Ride" with Cycling UK encouraging as many people as possible to get out for a ride on that day. John P hatched a plan providing routes of different lengths to suit all pledging participation in the event and fortunately the weather turned out to be perfect for a day in the saddle. With some starting at Avalon Marshes centre and others joining at Mark eight of us set out together to ride on to the Poldens as far as Ashcott, where three turned off towards Glastonbury to cover total distances of between 30 and 40 miles. Five others aimed to ride 100km or more in the day, and headed south to do a longer loop (see maps). The first stop at Somerton was for a picnic as all the cafes were shut. Dave had a different type of puncture from his usual when his can of fizzy pop sprang an impressive leak after he dropped it. Then it was onward to Castle Cary where we negotiated the one way system to reach the ice cream shop. It's only a very small town centre but we still managed to lose Adam who, oblivious of the route but unnoticed by the rest of us, set off impulsively in the wrong direction back up the one way street. More laps of the centre and we were regrouped and managed to stay together as we covered more miles through the pleasant green lanes around Ditcheat and the surprisingly steep and narrow ones down to and up from Pilton. By the time we reached the more familiar territory of North Wootton it was good to know it was a level finish to the day. We all achieved our 100k target with a decent margin and thank John for being leader for the ride. Teresa
May 2021 - Castle Combe.
Away day ride Friday 28 May 2021
We set off bikes loaded for Pucklechurch Community Hall where Teresa our leader for the ride had made an agreement for us to park there for the day.
Unfortunately, there was light rain at the beginning of the day but this lessened and finally stopped and in no way spoiled the ride.
The aim was 18 miles before lunch which was to be at the Stable Barn café in Castle Coombe. Having never been to Castle Coombe before I had no idea what to expect and looked forward in anticipation to visiting this well known village.
The morning ride had some hills but nothing major and some delightful Cotswold scenery. I saw wonderful Cotswold Dry Stone walls and in one village there was a Dry Stone Waller building a wall on the outside of a cottage. We went through some wonderfully named places including Kidney Hill, Wapley, Dodington, Pennsylvania, Acton Turville and Grittleton.
Eventually we reached Castle Coombe after a substantial descent to the village. It can best be described as a quaint and traditional Cotswold Village with the buildings being very old and having been built with the yellow Cotswold Stone.
There were plenty of tourists but our lunch stop was well chosen and the service was outstanding along with the size of the cake portions and the heart shaped scones (ask Dave)!
After lunch a tour of the village and a queue for the one available toilet allowed us time to spot a Greater Spotted Woodpecker nest in a hole in a tree above an idyllic river where a youngster was making and incessant noise and the parent birds were seen flying in to feed it. A wonderful sight.
The hill out of the village was soon climbed to reach country lanes along a ridge. We passed some lovely rolling meadows with many buttercups in evidence. We saw magnificent wheeling Red Kites following the plough in one field and a very pale Buzzard on an electric post close to the road. After lunch the weather had brightened considerably making the ride very enjoyable and delightful with scenic views and on roads with hardly any cars.
Towards the end of the ride we descended Sands Hill on the edge of Dyrham Park. The group accidently divided here with the slower ones taking the scenic route around the back of Dyrham Park building and those in front going to the bottom of the hill.
A few phone calls and a delay by a puncture soon had the group back together to return to Puckechurch.
An excellent 31 mile well planned and well led route with a great group of fellow riders.
Trevor
We set off bikes loaded for Pucklechurch Community Hall where Teresa our leader for the ride had made an agreement for us to park there for the day.
Unfortunately, there was light rain at the beginning of the day but this lessened and finally stopped and in no way spoiled the ride.
The aim was 18 miles before lunch which was to be at the Stable Barn café in Castle Coombe. Having never been to Castle Coombe before I had no idea what to expect and looked forward in anticipation to visiting this well known village.
The morning ride had some hills but nothing major and some delightful Cotswold scenery. I saw wonderful Cotswold Dry Stone walls and in one village there was a Dry Stone Waller building a wall on the outside of a cottage. We went through some wonderfully named places including Kidney Hill, Wapley, Dodington, Pennsylvania, Acton Turville and Grittleton.
Eventually we reached Castle Coombe after a substantial descent to the village. It can best be described as a quaint and traditional Cotswold Village with the buildings being very old and having been built with the yellow Cotswold Stone.
There were plenty of tourists but our lunch stop was well chosen and the service was outstanding along with the size of the cake portions and the heart shaped scones (ask Dave)!
After lunch a tour of the village and a queue for the one available toilet allowed us time to spot a Greater Spotted Woodpecker nest in a hole in a tree above an idyllic river where a youngster was making and incessant noise and the parent birds were seen flying in to feed it. A wonderful sight.
The hill out of the village was soon climbed to reach country lanes along a ridge. We passed some lovely rolling meadows with many buttercups in evidence. We saw magnificent wheeling Red Kites following the plough in one field and a very pale Buzzard on an electric post close to the road. After lunch the weather had brightened considerably making the ride very enjoyable and delightful with scenic views and on roads with hardly any cars.
Towards the end of the ride we descended Sands Hill on the edge of Dyrham Park. The group accidently divided here with the slower ones taking the scenic route around the back of Dyrham Park building and those in front going to the bottom of the hill.
A few phone calls and a delay by a puncture soon had the group back together to return to Puckechurch.
An excellent 31 mile well planned and well led route with a great group of fellow riders.
Trevor
April 2021
April 23rd. Ten, then Nine and then Eight riders on a brilliant route led by Teresa. Lots of hills but no casualties. We climbed Long Bottom (which includes a bit of 1 in 6, apparently). Steve left first to 'go to work' (which actually means not ride his fancy bike on a rough track) thus missing Lynda's Loaf Café - super coffee and food in a very dull yard, currently without tables, chairs and a toilet. Mike and Patrick shared a pepperoni pizza. The latter needed a bath afterwards whilst the former didn't. Not sure why? Teresa and Dave had Cherry Bakewell with whole cherries - not exactly small! Friendly owner took our picture. Back down Cheddar Gorge where Yan whizzed off home while (most of) the rest of us had Ice-creams. Well, somebody's got to do it!. Back on the Strawberry line to Winscombe (and beyond). Met Barbara B on the SL, off to Axbridge for some sort of dodgy test! Excellent day, lovely weather.
March 2021.
December 2020.
August 2020.
Excellent report from Teresa. Well despite some organisational vagueness and a decidedly iffy weather forecast yesterday, it all worked out rather well for all those of us out cycling today.
First off - it wasn't raining when we woke up and the forecast now said it would be dry till lunchtime. In fact despite a few rainspots here and there we stayed dry - I think because Adam had deployed his rubber shorts and I was wearing both waterproof socks and overshoes after yesterday afternoon's soaking a few miles from home.
Adam, Yan and I made an early start (well 9.30 from Cheddar) to see if we could find George Wall on his mega-ride. The logistics were not simple, where would he be, would we recognise him, etc etc. We decided to go to Sweets first to ask if anyone had yet seen him. As I reached the gate, a bloke was coming out and in answer to "You're not George, are you?" he replied that he was indeed the same. What are the chances of that happening? He had left home in Yeovil at 04:40 and had already got a couple of levels 23.5 mile 'loops' under his belt. We decided to let him get on solo while we set off in the opposite direction. We met like passing ships and waved a couple of times as we rode his route backwards, then met him a final time at 1pm as we were having cake and coffee at Sweets. He had another 75 miles to go - one more loop and return to Yeovil - but looked in good shape considering he had already ridden 125 miles and had never gone that far in a day before. He seems like a very decent guy and I hope some of us will donate to his Just Giving page which is in support of Yeovil Hospital breast cancer unit - one of his cycling friends recently succumbed to the disease at a too young age.
During our levels ride we had a chance encounter with Mike, who was making up for lost miles on Friday. He couldn't ride with us as he was in a hurry to make it home in time for roast pork at the appointed hour. After leaving Yan we were coming through Weare on the way home and met Trevor and Jackie returning from the official CVLC ride, where they, Barbara B and Dave had enjoyed a leisurely coffee and bacon sandwich stop at the New Castle café. While en route they had also seen Mike (he gets about doesn't he?) and thought they might also have spotted Patrick out on the Strawberry line. So all in all, many of us, despite riding independent routes, managed still to meet and say hello to each other. Win!
Also, while at Sweets we met a lone lady cyclist, newly moved from Cornwall to Cheddar since February. She looks the fit retiree sort, has been enjoying exploring local roads and found herself recently cycling up some seriously steep hill on to Mendip from Rodney Stoke, and survived. We told her about our website as she hadn't heard of us, and perhaps she'll get in touch if she thinks we won't be too slow.
Statistics - 40-44 miles for the levels George supporters
25-30ish miles for the official CVLC route riders
0 punctures
0 injuries
0 wet feet
First off - it wasn't raining when we woke up and the forecast now said it would be dry till lunchtime. In fact despite a few rainspots here and there we stayed dry - I think because Adam had deployed his rubber shorts and I was wearing both waterproof socks and overshoes after yesterday afternoon's soaking a few miles from home.
Adam, Yan and I made an early start (well 9.30 from Cheddar) to see if we could find George Wall on his mega-ride. The logistics were not simple, where would he be, would we recognise him, etc etc. We decided to go to Sweets first to ask if anyone had yet seen him. As I reached the gate, a bloke was coming out and in answer to "You're not George, are you?" he replied that he was indeed the same. What are the chances of that happening? He had left home in Yeovil at 04:40 and had already got a couple of levels 23.5 mile 'loops' under his belt. We decided to let him get on solo while we set off in the opposite direction. We met like passing ships and waved a couple of times as we rode his route backwards, then met him a final time at 1pm as we were having cake and coffee at Sweets. He had another 75 miles to go - one more loop and return to Yeovil - but looked in good shape considering he had already ridden 125 miles and had never gone that far in a day before. He seems like a very decent guy and I hope some of us will donate to his Just Giving page which is in support of Yeovil Hospital breast cancer unit - one of his cycling friends recently succumbed to the disease at a too young age.
During our levels ride we had a chance encounter with Mike, who was making up for lost miles on Friday. He couldn't ride with us as he was in a hurry to make it home in time for roast pork at the appointed hour. After leaving Yan we were coming through Weare on the way home and met Trevor and Jackie returning from the official CVLC ride, where they, Barbara B and Dave had enjoyed a leisurely coffee and bacon sandwich stop at the New Castle café. While en route they had also seen Mike (he gets about doesn't he?) and thought they might also have spotted Patrick out on the Strawberry line. So all in all, many of us, despite riding independent routes, managed still to meet and say hello to each other. Win!
Also, while at Sweets we met a lone lady cyclist, newly moved from Cornwall to Cheddar since February. She looks the fit retiree sort, has been enjoying exploring local roads and found herself recently cycling up some seriously steep hill on to Mendip from Rodney Stoke, and survived. We told her about our website as she hadn't heard of us, and perhaps she'll get in touch if she thinks we won't be too slow.
Statistics - 40-44 miles for the levels George supporters
25-30ish miles for the official CVLC route riders
0 punctures
0 injuries
0 wet feet
July 2020.
A Day Out in Oake - July 2020 (in the middle of the Pandemic)
This is the first manifestation of 'Other Ideas' on the Home page.
Teresa created a plan and implemented it by leading a group of six on a forty mile ride starting from Oake - map here.
This ride was greatly appreciated and enjoyed (except some of the hills) and, below are some pictures and feedback.
Although it is difficult to believe, Anne had a puncture on her new bike and Dave had no puncture on his old bike.
(It seems to the webmaster that it is a long way to go to play with a bike tyre! He has, further, noted that Adam was in a 'supervisory role' throughout)
Teresa created a plan and implemented it by leading a group of six on a forty mile ride starting from Oake - map here.
This ride was greatly appreciated and enjoyed (except some of the hills) and, below are some pictures and feedback.
Although it is difficult to believe, Anne had a puncture on her new bike and Dave had no puncture on his old bike.
(It seems to the webmaster that it is a long way to go to play with a bike tyre! He has, further, noted that Adam was in a 'supervisory role' throughout)
Barbara deciding where to stand ... at the Amy Thomas memorial.
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Steve said 'Smashing Poldens ride today. Lovely weather, lunch and a tailwind almost all the way round!'. Barbara, David and Patrick left the rest at Sweets - Patrick had a meeting at 5pm (except he didn't as one of the quorum forgot!), so had to get back. Well, dunno about the tailwind, but apart from on the A371 Axbridge bypass it was a vicious headwind the whole way to Sandford. The Axbridge bypass was gridlocked and, what with the tailwind, Patrick passed many, many vehicles up the hill - very satisfying - and crossed the A38 on the Strawberry Line through stationary traffic. 51¼ miles & knackered.
What a delight to see Sandy on the ride - we all wish her well with various medical issues and, now, self-isolation - she is not good at feeling unfit and unwell! We had a longish break at Yatton Café and reminisced about Maurice. Then we had an email from Val, who had hoped to join us - next time? She said "I have been looking forward to seeing you at Yatton station today but things have gone a bit pear shaped and I’m not going to make it after all. So sorry after you were kind to think of me again and let me know. Please give my regards and good wishes to everyone. I really do hope to meet up with all of you soon.".
Sandy, feeling much improved, and Barbara went home while the remaining three cycled on to Uphill Café (for a second stop) and back via Loxton.
Super ride organised by Yan starting at Mark. Despite Yan phoning the Ring O'Bells in Moorlinch to check it was a) open, b) had drinks and, c) had sandwiches available for purchase, it was shut! What it did have was a toilet and umbrellas over the tables in the garden under which we sheltered for the only significant rain of the day. We then went to Avalon Marshes where we had lunch, complete with wasps. Hazel joined us on the ride and put up with the old gits - not that Steve is in that category!
More July.
Dave (whilst knackered in Ubley) looked aghast at the suggestion of three rides a week. Barbara W advised Dave that 'it wasn't mandatory to go on all of them'. Dave looked startled and confused at such an alien thought.
Patrick labelled Teresa's route (up Cheddar Gorge, in the heat and nearly 50 miles) as 'bonkers'. Teresa upset, taken it to heart and will 'never forget it'. In hindsight, Patrick admits that climbing Cheddar Gorge was 'nothing like as bad as anticipated'.
Dave 'I can't get on the granny ring'. Yan, helpfully, 'You nee more sausage in your roll'.
Jackie asked Barbara W (who is going on a camping trip with Lubo to a Secret Location) ... "Where are you staying?". After a pause, Barbara said "I think you are my friend, so I will tell you!".
Dave had a Sundae on Friday - we all enjoyed the spectacle and speed of consumption.
Patrick hopes the purchases from 11 of us at The Greedy Goose gave them a little bit of useful income. Patrick gave them a decent tip.
Ditto Mother Hen in Wrington (except the tip from Patrick 'cos he was lost at the time).
Patrick, having had a puncture, went the nearest way home. He managed to get lost several times and the 11 miles turned into 16 and went up every potholed lane with grass down the middle and every hill in Somerset. Several times the slowly passing countryside was subjected to a shout of "Not another f**cking hill?".
Also, top tip, take a decent pump and not a crap one!
Jackie acquired a nice new set of pedals from Dave's Shed & Pedal Emporium.
Dave (whilst knackered in Ubley) looked aghast at the suggestion of three rides a week. Barbara W advised Dave that 'it wasn't mandatory to go on all of them'. Dave looked startled and confused at such an alien thought.
Patrick labelled Teresa's route (up Cheddar Gorge, in the heat and nearly 50 miles) as 'bonkers'. Teresa upset, taken it to heart and will 'never forget it'. In hindsight, Patrick admits that climbing Cheddar Gorge was 'nothing like as bad as anticipated'.
Dave 'I can't get on the granny ring'. Yan, helpfully, 'You nee more sausage in your roll'.
Jackie asked Barbara W (who is going on a camping trip with Lubo to a Secret Location) ... "Where are you staying?". After a pause, Barbara said "I think you are my friend, so I will tell you!".
Dave had a Sundae on Friday - we all enjoyed the spectacle and speed of consumption.
Patrick hopes the purchases from 11 of us at The Greedy Goose gave them a little bit of useful income. Patrick gave them a decent tip.
Ditto Mother Hen in Wrington (except the tip from Patrick 'cos he was lost at the time).
Patrick, having had a puncture, went the nearest way home. He managed to get lost several times and the 11 miles turned into 16 and went up every potholed lane with grass down the middle and every hill in Somerset. Several times the slowly passing countryside was subjected to a shout of "Not another f**cking hill?".
Also, top tip, take a decent pump and not a crap one!
Jackie acquired a nice new set of pedals from Dave's Shed & Pedal Emporium.