Cycle Clips

These groups are dedicated to sociable, easy-going cycling in and around Shropshire.

Some of us just potter, others are a little more energetic, but all of us delight in exploring the beautiful countryside that abounds in our county. On the other hand, our off-roaders have a different way of doing things. Their approach to leisure cycling is bold, to say the least!

I thank you all for your letters, phone calls and cycling company in the year now almost past. Cycling throws up such long-lasting friendships,
as Jim Leach’s thoughtful report later confirms, and some of my present companions have been part of my life both on and off the bike for over
thirty years now. The warmth, humour and comfort that they have brought me is quite amazing really, and how precious that fellowship is.
You can’t buy it – it is priceless.

As a bonus, there is the ongoing pleasure of meeting newcomers; friends in the making, if you like, so new friends or old, I wish you all a really
Happy Christmas, and I hope to see you, at your leisure – up the road. PW.

The treasurer and I send grateful thanks to those who responded to the call for funds. There was an excellent return and some people were exceedingly generous, so we are pleased to say that barring hiccups (our printers are under threat of closure by the council), we now have sufficient funds to cover us for the next year and a bit. The matter of future funding in our informal setting will be considered during the course of next year.

Help! I really like putting CC together, but I hate having to address envelopes by hand, stamp them, and send them out. It takes me ages – I’m not equipped to do these things by computer. There are currently twenty-seven people who receive copies by post, and it is likely that this number will increase. Is there anyone who is willing to take distribution off my hands, preferably someone who has a labelling facility on their computer? It really would make the job easier. Ed.

The Sleap Circuit, Wednesday September 14^th 2011. Dry, no rain, is always a good start and this, the sixth running of the Sleap ride, was better weather-wise than most. We were once again mentored for security purposes by our old friend Bill Sharpe, who was looking remarkably well and is still positively brimming with enthusiasm, and after lunch he conducted us on a clockwise circuit of the perimeter track, keeping us out of the way of an unusually high volume of incoming and outgoing airborne traffic. We made our now annual visit to the maintenance hangar, and on the way round the field we were given an interesting insight into operations past and present, and flying in general. There were several riders who hadn’t been here before so it was all new to them – Bryan Jefferys, ex Coastal Command, mentioned that he became disorientated up the back straight and we were able to reassure him that it happens to everyone, first time round. This is a big field, it’s as flat as a pancake, and it’s easy to lose your bearings.

We didn’t need any prompting to re-visit the hangar where the private collection of old aircraft is being restored. It was a rare opportunity to see true craftsmanship, with aircraft in various stages of restoration. Currently there is some truly intricate woodwork being undertaken on the wings of an aerobatic Pitts Special, which are delicately built in spindly spruce but made to withstand 11G, which is a tough test by any yardstick. This ‘plane should be ready to fly in the spring of next year. Looking at some of the absolute wrecks awaiting the touch of genius, it is surprising what can be undertaken, but I guess you can do anything if you really try. I suspect that a bit of the folding stuff helps!

Circuit completed, (it’s 3.11 miles round, we measured it), we extended our grateful thanks to Bill and drifted off. At the prior suggestion of Bert Catchpole, who regretfully was unable to be with us, we agreed to return in spring next year, when we hope to see not only Bert and Joyce, but also any others who have yet to enjoy this rather different day out.

The Vyrnwy Circuits, Saturday 15^thOctober 2011. Stunning, amazing, take your pick – many superlatives were used to describe the scene on this crystal clear, still, blue day. I’ve never seen anything like it. When we arrived the lake was like a mirror, but riding conditions were distinctly divided – sun blessed and gorgeous on the east, cold and damply dripping in the shade of the west. Fourteen participants gathered at Bay’s café for tea and buns, then we circuited in a clockwise direction, getting the best of the sun on our backs before plunging into the shadows down the back leg. The dark side has a beauty all of its own, where waterfalls rush down the rock faces and spill onto the road, while the sun blasts the occasional shaft of brilliance through the lofty trees to relieve the chill, but there’s no denying that a brutal shock was in store for those of us who had bare knees – Dear Lord it was cold!

It was good to see Jeannie Millichamp looking as bubbly as ever after her recent tumble, but she and David had to leave us at lunchtime, as did Ramona from Chirk, as they had other matters to attend to. Mary and Neville Roberts from Presteigne, who were riding their electric-assist machines, stayed to enjoy lap two, and on such a gorgeous day the rest of the company

joined in as well. It was fun. Vyrnwy is a really remarkable place to be, and once again we enjoyed the scenery in wonderful company.

The Revd John Durnell and I offer many thanks to those who joined in with this, our last event ‘in charge’. To those familiar faces who were regrettably missing, we wish you well, and we hope to see you next spring. PW

PS. I had a brief but revealing ride on Mary’s bike, and I was highly impressed by this electric business. On these particular machines you have to pedal all the time for the battery to assist you, and a power setting decides how much of a kick you get, but Neville reckons that he has had over thirty miles on one ride without running out of juice. It made those of us with ailing legs, (and other parts), think a bit. PW

A blessed good day! Wednesday 2^nd November 2011. Fifteen riders set out on the latest Wednesday Lot themed ride, an exploration of the history of five churches near Shrewsbury. In spite of a threatening forecast the weather remained fine, and we suspect that divine intervention had something to do with it! The first church on the itinerary was in Condover, one of the largest parish churches in the county, where an added bonus was the presence of the Vicar, who was most welcoming.

Stapleton is possibly unique in that it started life with two storeys, the upper portion being the church; it was later converted by removing the floor to create a very high interior. The local key holder had carried out her promise to unlock it ready for the visit and we were thus able to go inside and enjoy it to the full.

A few lovely autumnal miles later some of the group enjoyed a first class lunch served by the cheerful staff at The Tankerville Arms in Longden, while others relaxed in the unusually warm weather, with a picnic outside.

St. Ruthen’s Church, Longden was the first afternoon visit, with much discussion about the structure and the derivation of the name. Thoughtful study was given to the gravestone that records the death of four young children within a period of a few weeks. The siblings all died after catching measles, a truly sad occurrence. Then the wind blew us to Christ Church at Annscroft, the youngest of the churches visited, having been built in 1868 for the creation of a new parish. It is normally locked but a wedding had just taken place and the parishioners were still clearing up, so we were invited in, an added bonus!

The ride ended at The Church of the Holy Trinity at Meole Brace; a magnificent building in a style that exemplifies all that is best in church architecture of a large English village. This site has the unusual distinction of having had three entirely new churches on it between the medieval period and the existing one, built in 1867-8. The church contains a collection of stained glass by the pre-Raphaelite School, Burne Jones, Ford Madox Brown, William Morris and Kempe, but that will have to wait for another day!

Among the comments received were – “most informative”, “A lovely day out”, “good company”, “lovely pub”, “Jim’s good at this” (from quite a few people), “very enjoyable”, “nice chips!” and other variations on all of these! Rolf doesn’t like going in to churches but he still offered enthusiastic support and enjoyed the day, so everyone was a winner.

Jim Leach, who coordinated the whole thing, says he relished the company and appreciated the enthusiastic support, and those on the ride offered him our heartfelt thanks. And yes, they’re right – Jim is indeed good at this!

The Chip run, every other Friday. This short ride is now well established, with up to half a dozen regular attendees, and there is no doubt that more will join when its delights become fully appreciated. There’s no foreseeable chance that we’ll change the venue – The Bell at Cross Houses is a winner. It’s warm and welcoming and the locals are always good for a bit of sharp humour, and we are now fully paid-up members of the local social scene. The ride there and back is whatever you want to make of it but I dread deep winter; it’s going to be one heck of a job to get back on the road after a fat lunch in good company. Incidentally, The Bell’s bangers and mash with onion gravy is a
belter at £3.99. Proper buttery mash – now there’s a thing!

It has been suggested that this should become a weekly event; it is that enjoyable. OK, we like the idea, but would it be a ride too many? You wouldn’t have to go every week I guess, but it’s tempting. Time, and the participants, will decide.

NB. It always pays to phone through before you go anywhere just to see it there are any snags. We arrived for lunch on the last Friday in October, complete with
rumbling tums and menu choices made, only to find that the chef had taken the day off. It was a real flattener. The garage up the road has a selection of sandwiches, pies etc, but it really wasn’t the same at all. Be warned. PW

FRIENDS

Cliff Ash. We have had news that the ever-fit and every-young Cliff Ash is receiving attention for a rather punishing and worrying illness. The problem first made itself
known late in the summer, since when a series of tests have been carried out and treatment is about to commence as this goes to the printers. This is so out of character for young Cliff that we are confident that his fighting spirit, in conjunction with the skills of medical professionals, will soon see him out on his bike again; indeed he’s already talking about it. Such a problem is also a strain on a partner and we send our best wishes to both Cliff and Freda, assuring them that all their friends are available to give any support that they need.

Les Bennett. Les has had peritonitis, was operated on successfully, has since been all over the USA and is now very well indeed. That’s cramming a lot into a short time, but it’s really good to know that you are back to normal, Les!

Bert and Joyce Catchpole. Our friends experienced an uncomfortable patch around late summer, with lousy colds and other nasties striking them down, but things have improved since then. I went to see them at the end of October and truth to tell, Bert seems to be in better nick than I am. Long may he remain so! PW

The Revd John Durnell. I last saw John hammering gently along on the Vyrnwy Circuits, talking up a storm to all and sundry – he was in fine fettle. Grace was as ever, supporting us in the backup wagon and she is pretty bouncy as well, I’m pleased to say. Their company was much enjoyed by all on the ride. John has a big birthday in March, at which time a celebratory circuit of the lake will take place.

Bill and Arlene Pfeffer. Just after the last newsletter had been sent Bill phoned up several times, with such a miscellany of queries and information that you’d never credit it. The initial call concerned a report in the US newspapers about what Bill

thought was ‘a riot’ at a concert given by the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra in London, during which there had apparently been a Palestinian demonstration, and he was concerned that our nationwide riots might be kicking off again. A mildly political

discussion followed, during which it became apparent that in the USA, Israel is treated with far greater deference than is he case here. Cliff Guttridge had been listening to the concert on the radio and said that it had been interrupted for a short while, but then it carried on after they had corralled, then elbowed, the protestors. Our papers didn’t even bother to report what was to us a very minor incident. There are differences of opinion from one side of ‘the pond’ to the other that we don’t even think about.

We then talked of ‘Fairy Toots’, (Google it, or better still, Bill says Scroogle it, it’s free), Adge Cutler and the Worzels, (Bill didn’t know that Adge had died), Margaret Thatcher, Holy Wells, and specifically, a well in a place that sounded like Nempnett Thrub over the transatlantic wire but turned out to be in Penkridge (have I got this right, Bill?). A subsequent letter from Arlene confirms that they are both OK. They will always be here in our hearts, but I doubt that that’s any consolation, particularly when Bill wants to ride the lanes again. PW

To any other friends who may be a little under the weather; please be assured that you are not forgotten, and we wish you a speedy return to normal. Ed.

LITTLE KNOWN SHROPSHIRE

(Not too far off the beaten track)

Cross Houses allotments. Yes, this edition’s must go to is an allotment site! The Atcham Union Workhouse, which is the origin of the large old building in the centre of Cross Houses that later became the hospital and is now apartments, was established in the 1790s. In the 1870s the workhouse was expanding and a kitchen garden was set up, as it was thought that the unfortunates who lived here, particularly the older children, would benefit from the chance to learn vegetable gardening as an aid to their future lives. At the same time hospital wings were added and doubtless the patients also benefited from the produce.

The workhouse closed around the turn of the century, but the hospital continued. Many years later, the Health Authority employed a team of gardeners here and they provided vegetables for this and other hospitals in the area, but they were laid off in the 1980s, at which time the allotments became the preserve of the hospital social club. Then the hospital closed. In 2002, redevelopment of the entire site as a housing estate required the preservation of the core buildings, and the allotments were added to this agreement at the request of the local people. The old Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council gave £15,000 for footpaths to be constructed in crushed brick, (as they had been originally), and currently there is a plot-holders management group which looks after the 24 plots. Members of the public are invited to inspect them at any time.

The allotments are located down in the hollow behind the old main buildings – just follow the road round to the left. This little bit of local history is really worth a visit, and it can be a rather pleasant place to while away half an hour or so.

Incidentally, riders with the Friday ‘chip run’ reckon that overall, this is as visually acceptable a development as they have seen – the new houses and the original buildings blend together really well. In fact, Cross Houses seems to be a fairly well sorted village. Remember those brilliant bus shelters that we commented on last year? They’ve got a good community pub as well, but I think I’ve mentioned that!

NEWS, VIEWS and odds and ends

Cyclops. There is a new local magazine in circulation called Cyclops, which has ‘Enjoy Cycling in Shropshire’ as its tagline. Written for Shropshire Council’s Love your Bike month in October, it is designed to encourage newcomers and lapsed cyclists back onto the road again, and it contains a wealth of useful information. It could develop into a regular publication and it seems like a wholly good idea to me, focussing primarily, as it does, on informal leisure riding. If you’d like a copy please ask me or Rob Fris, and your thoughts about its content and future development would be useful to both the editor and the Council.

Cycling World. This publication has endured a sporadic record in the last couple of years, but it seems to be back on track now. Fingers crossed, they published on two consecutive months in October and November! Nothing would please me more than to see things back to the monthly norm. CW is the only magazine that gives itself
over to a more relaxed form of cycling so long may it survive. Look out for it on the shelves in Smiths, and if you have any comments on the format etc. please tell me and I’ll tell Steve Dyster, the editor. Or you can, of course, tell him yourself. PW

Printing – a commercial. Cycle Clips is printed by Abbey Works, Castle Maltings, St Michael’s Street, Shrewsbury, SY1 2EU, a wholly worthwhile local National Health Service employment group that helps people with learning problems to gain employment skills. They have been very kind to us for several years but now, like just about everyone else, they could do with more business. I said I’d mention it, so here goes!

Abbey Works will happily (and flexibly) undertake a wide range of work. Booklets, newsletters, business cards, confidential shredding, stationery,
mail shots, signs and labels and the like are their bread and butter, and black and white or colour, it’s no problem.

Needless to say, their pricing is very keen indeed, so if you would like to know more about other services on offer, or have a job to be done, why not ask them to quote you? Ring them on 01743 359737 or e-mail Abbey.Works@sssft.nhs.uk and mention that you saw it in Cycle Clips!

Shropshire Star – Bikes for sale, 1. Gents mountain bike for sale, the tyres are flat. £30.00.

Bikes, 2. Pink toilet seat, £10.00. Where would that fit on the bike then? More to the point, who on earth edits those pages? Ed.

THE GROUPS

Lights and spares etc. Have you checked that your lights are working, your spare inner tubes are airtight and you are carrying the right tools? As a backup, a head torch is an amazingly useful piece of kit; it’ll shine a light anywhere, hands off, and takes up very little room in your bag. Ed.

The Sunday Pedallers. Towards the end of summer we experienced an influx of new, inexperienced riders, and very welcome they were. However, now that the warm weather has gone, they seem to have deserted us but never mind, we’ll see them again, no doubt. As usual, Home Farm closes from Christmas until April. Hopefully, by the time this newsletter is printed we will have a substitute tea stop sorted out.

Meanwhile, we continue to welcome anyone who wishes to start cycling again but doesn’t know where or how to start. We can offer all the help and advice in the world, but do remember – if you start afresh in winter, it can be pretty cold!

The Wednesday Lot. This group enjoys a diversity of relatively short rides designed to appeal to those who wish to travel at a gentler pace. We don’t hurry, preferring to talk and put the world to rights as we pedal easily along – lack of pace will always be the norm. To go faster, as has occasionally been suggested, would seriously limit the
options for local cyclists.

We ride throughout the winter, adjusting the outing to suit the conditions. Feel free to join us if you’d like, we will not abandon you halfway through the day. A word with one of the riders, or one of the contacts listed at the end of the newsletter, will tell you more about us.

The Wednesday Loose-enders and The Saturday Casuals continue to meet every week, even if there isn’t anyone to report on their outings! Both groups are a little quicker than The Wednesday Lot or The Pedallers but if you are reasonably fit, they will welcome you. Details can be obtained from the contact at the end of the newsletter.

WWW, The Wild Wednesday Wheelers. The off-roaders meet somewhere in Shropshire or nearby every Wednesday night throughout the year, and you can read more about them at (http://wwwa2b.co.uk/).

“What a superb night! And, as Max Boyce would say, ‘I should know because I was there’! Lovely to have the sun shining until it set and superb, dusty trails”. That quote, taken from one of the weekly emails sent out to the WWW sums up a perfect summer for us off-road cyclists. We may not have enjoyed a heat wave but we have had an incredible run of dry weather, which has made for brilliant riding conditions with firm climbs followed by fast descents and hardly a drop of mud to be found. We have averaged over 30 riders out on the three rides, which we run every Wednesday night.

However, we are not just fair weather riders as this report from a night on Rodney’s Pillar in September shows. “It was one of those nights with a steady precipitation, which was enough to make you want to put your water-proof top on but then it was warm enough and the climbs were steep enough that you did not want it on. That was coupled with the fact the early fall of leaves and the ground being too hard for the rain to penetrate resulted in pedalling twice as far up hill as the actual ground covered. Added to that there was an absolute gale blowing on the top and it was one of those nights when it was good to get back to the pub! But we did enjoy it and we will get over those dry dusty summer rides!” And by the time this goes to print, we will probably be riding with fully charged LED lights, waterproofs and thermals!

There are around 150 off-road riders now associated with the WWW, which include the young and old, skilled and less skilled and professionals. But two of the gang – Jim Tipp and Alex Rodgers, who should be classed as pros but are just very fit and determined, went to Scotland in early September to take part in a gruelling 100 mile off-road race in appalling conditions. Both completed the event and their reports make you proud of them.

Alex texted: "Truly horrific! 100 miles of horrible weather, deep bogs and mud, very technical tracks, up and down, monster hills and bike getting absolutely hammered. To change gear, I had to use my whole hand on the levers. One of the hardest things I have done. 800 starters, only 177 finishers! 623 riders did not finish! I had agonizing muscle spasms and cramps all way round. I had to ride all hills in easiest gear or both legs completely locked. I could not race hard, but just rode for survival. I think it was the High 5 caffeine drink and gels. No front brake for last 30 miles. Last 5 miles did a 7 Stanes red downhill route with no brakes. Some riders used 3 sets of brake pads. Some riders wore through the pistons. I chanced my luck and nearly crashed several times. There were bodies and broken bikes and riders everywhere, like the retreat from Stalingrad. I finished in 104th place in 12 hours. I think we did well to finish. 100 miles mountain biking is a very long way, especially in gruesome conditions.”

Jim rode on a single speed bike, finishing in an amazing second place in that class and he added: “It was extreme! Heavy rain & cold all day. The course is one lap and 100% off road, loads of fire track and single-track stuff. There was even about 5 miles of north shore on top of a rain & wind swept moor. Very remote, didn't see anybody for miles. At 50miles checkpoint I had no brake pads, changing pads in horizontal rain on top of a moor is not nice (one XC whippet in a space blanket) nearly jacked it in. But carried on, felt ok and just concentrated on nursing bike and finishing. I had no idea about time after 50miles, cheese butty & cuppa soup at 70mile Newcastleton check was damn good. The lone Scottish bag piper on the border was surreal. No brakes again at 80miles, metal grinding on metal - didn't care though. Then we did loads more 7 Stanes red stuff, interesting with no brakes.
At 95miles chain did not sound good, seriously concerned it would snap, had to walk up a few steep climbs because I dare not pedal. However chain held and so did I. For the record, finished as 2nd single speeder in 10hours (ahead of this years SS champ! - he was only 3rd) - Well chuffed. A good one for WWW to have two finishers! Well done Alex, Cheers Jim”

Two worthy heroes, and their attitude is, I think, well summed up in a quote recently found by Simon Smith, who thought it was something most of us WWW riders aspire too, some more than most: "Life shouldn't be a journey to the grave in which

you arrive safely in a well-preserved body. Rather, you should skid there sideways, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming, ‘woo-hoo, what a ride’."

Our normal weekly rides are not tests of endurance, more the chance to have a good time with a great deal of camaraderie. If this sounds like your sort of cycling, then why not consider joining us? To ensure the safety of all participants and to maintain the integrity of the group, you should have three things: some experience of off-road
cycling, a reasonable degree of fitness and (possibly the most important) a good sense of humour. If that’s you then see you soon. Nigel Pocock

FROM OUR READERS

Paul Roberts has sent another fascinating old magazine cutting, this time from The Cyclist, penned in 1945. It concerns the government’s Rear Lights Bill. Comment makes it plain that cycling organisations had long been against the compulsory use of red rear lights, arguing that their use would make accidents more likely. “The government’s bill would deal a tremendous blow to the prestige of cycling organisations”, as they had campaigned against it for so long.

Objections from the cycling lobby were in some cases baffling, but you have to remember that things were very different indeed during, and at the end of the Second World War. “The highway code requires every road user to look where he is going and not knock others down”. “Road vibration causes light filaments to break and oil lamps to jump out”. “It may be difficult to keep it (the light) alight”. “The cyclist under peace-time laws carries several aids to visibility – his reflector and white surface (a painted patch on the rear mudguard), his front lamp casting a pool of light, his glinting cranks, (that would make a great ‘pen name’) and other bright fittings”. With a final flourish it states that, “In short, a cyclist with the best will in the world cannot depend upon keeping a rear light alight”.

The article is an interesting insight into a time not so long gone, but if you applied the same thought patterns in today’s riding conditions, you’d soon be a dead duck! Full copies are available if you’d like one. Glinting Cranks. Ermm…. It has a certain something as a nom-de-plume but I think I’ll stick to ‘Ed’.

Jim Leach is dwelling on Cycling friendships. “It is notable within our pastime how long lasting are the friendships created when relatively young. This was confirmed on 5^th October when a party of 18 met for lunch at the Bulls Head in Rodington, another gathering of Shropshire Cycling Friends. All had cycling backgrounds and, with ages from 95 to a youthful 40-something, it is understandable that these days not all still ride bikes, but the interest in cycling and the friendship it

engenders still continues. The first time the ‘Friends’ met was in May 2009, following a suggestion at a funeral the previous September that it would be nice sometimes to meet socially rather than be brought together at the all too frequent wakes. That first gathering, at the Green Dragon in Little Stretton, was aimed at those who rode together in Shropshire in the late 1940s and into the 50s, there being two other events between then and this year’s autumnal lunch.

On October 5^th there was a lot of reminiscing about the past and of those who have sadly slipped away but are still fondly remembered. As a huge amount of food was consumed (still cyclists in heart and appetite) there were lots of laughs and as one ex Mid Shropshire Wheeler, now in his 80s said, “those over there are certainly putting the miles in today”, which they were in their memories and enjoying every one. As the time came to part and head for respective homes, including one who came from Stafford, it was decided that it would be nice to meet a little more often although not on a regular basis since it is important to maintain a sense of spontaneity and avoid repetition. So late spring or early summer 2012 is pencilled in for the next luncheon and as previously it will be advertised on the cyclist’s grapevine. Having cycled with others in Shropshire is the shared factor of those who attend, touring groups or racing clubs all are represented and there are no age limits either way (Rose Davie at 95, wow!). Although it has to be said that those who were born in 1960 will probably feel more at home than someone who is 30 this year. Hopefully Shropshire Cycling Friends will continue to roll along for many, many years to come, as some drop by the wayside those ‘young’ ones joining the party keeping it going”.

Gears. Roger Taylor has another solution to the problem that plagued Eric Rough with his front changer.

“I experienced this problem many years ago when my Campag Nuovo Record front changer broke. I resolved not to waste the refund money on a new one as I didn’t use my 32t inner ring much, deciding that it was much easier to drop the chain from the 42t ring with the heel of my shoe. At the top of the hill I’d put it back by hand, and I used leaves to keep my hands clean. This had the advantage of both saving weight and not having to adjust the front changer every gear change”. Roger offers a more agricultural approach to Eric’s dilemma. Give it a kicking! Oh, the wonders of cycling. Ed.

Jon Derricott sends a review of the book “A bike ride through my life” by Frank Clements. “Frank Clements, of the

famous Shropshire cycling family, was an accomplished rider in the 1950’s and early Sixties, who, after a short racing career, then moved into various aspects of cycle manufacture, often with his more famous brother Ernie. Frank’s fractious on-off relationship with his elder sibling recurs frequently throughout. The book, which may be of particular local interest, chronicles his important rides in some detail and it’s these that for me form the best parts of the book – particularly his account of the brutal 1956 Tour of Britain.

As a serial consumer of books about cycling it’s refreshing occasionally to step out of the minute and sometimes tedious historical detail offered by many, to understand more of the rounded person, rather than just seeing them solely within a cycling context. It’s a real shame then, that Frank somewhat overdoes this, for my tastes giving too much information about his personal life and business dealings outside of cycling.

All in all I’m glad to have read the book and as a result learned a lot, particularly from its at times utterly fearless approach to alleging who did (or took) what. Unfortunately, it’s clear that there is a better book struggling to get out from between its

covers. With judicious editing to address what at times becomes tedious repetition and straightforward proofreading to remove the large number of distracting typographical errors it could become both much more readable and a better testament.

Frank by name and often very frank in nature, it’s rather a curate’s egg of a book, but one that I’d guess that many local riders would find interesting.
Trafford Publishing 2011, £22.25 Hardback, £15.19 Paperback

Carol Glanville received a poem, written in ‘Middle English’ along the lines of the Canterbury Tales, on the occasion of her 70^th birthday. It is entitled
The Scrobesberigge Tales and here are a couple of verses. (The Byker Kinge is husband Paul, of course).

A Byker ther was, and that of hye renoun, God woote the contree wer thir boone,

Wolde seke hym out to pumpe thir tyres – “Forsooth, a byker’s lyf for me”!

For those not familiar with this aspect of our language, here is some help. woninge – home, ther nas – there wasn’t a, koude goon bifor – could surpass him, konninge – knowledgeable, y-hyte – called, y-falle – fallen, God woote – God knows, boone – pleasure, y-swynken – toiled.

Carol asks if y-swynken could possibly be related to ‘sweat’? – Any ideas, you scholars?

Nostalgia for Norfolk has Ramona Penfold waxing lyrical. “ Some years ago, Colin, my late husband, and I lived in Norfolk and spent many strenuous and happy
days awheel with Norfolk DA of the CTC. My eldest daughter still lives there in North Pickenham and my parents are buried in Necton churchyard.

I particularly love the county in autumn when the corn has been cut and the fields are full of poppies. (Yes, Ramona assures me that they bloom at that time of year in Norfolk). The vast skies cast a golden glow over the maze of lanes but let me assure you, northwest Norfolk is far from flat with plenty of undulating terrain. Avoid going east to the area around The Broads if you seek tranquillity.

This year I paid a nostalgic visit, cycling to Burnham Market where Rob and I met some cyclists camping and using electric bikes, due to advancing years. We also cycled to Holkham with its vast stretch of golden sands. My daughter joined us here, on horseback. Another venue on the itinerary was Bircham Windmill, then on to Castle Acre, to savour its fascinating history. The Old Red Lion offers excellent accommodation. Both Sandringham, and Norfolk Lavender, are worth a visit.

We spent a leisurely week turning the pedals when the weather was kind and sunny, but not always liking the strong headwinds. The village signs are fascinating plus the greens, and duck ponds – it’s really worth the effort as the pace of life is slower and the county offers reasonably easy cycling for those who like a gentle tour. It is paradise for any birdwatchers among you, and for artists the light is unique”.

Brian Roberts is surely among those who were ‘Brung up Proper’. He has sent us an amusing piece that tells how in days gone by we survived without any of the equipment that everyone reckons is indispensable nowadays, and thrived, doing a variety of things that would currently cause Health and Safety advocates to explode. It could be construed as being just a smidgen ‘politically incorrect’, however, so in order not to offend anyone, I have included it as a loose sheet to those who I think
may enjoy it. Why the reticence? Believe it or not, Cycle Clips has twice been rejected by computer systems which scan incoming material, as containing unacceptably offensive material.

If you have been missed out and would like a copy of Brian’s piece, please tell me and I’ll rectify the omission! Ed.

‘It could only happen on a bike’. Roger Taylor has another offering under this heading. “Cycling up to a red set of traffic lights, I noticed that the Rolls Royce car
waiting in front of me had a flat rear offside tyre. I asked the driver if he was aware of the fact and he replied that he wasn’t, but he was most grateful as this had happened before and the wheel had been destroyed. The suspension, and thick seat, had masked the problem.

Many years later something similar occurred. This time I was told to “B***** off” as no warning sign had come up on the dashboard. The way he sped off I assume that he also would need a new wheel”!

And Anon has another memory. “Back in the early eighties, during the time of the Easy Riders CTC group, we were descending the steep bank by the Drum and Monkey PH at the back of Hope Valley, Shropshire, when we all became aware of a strong smell of burning rubber. When we stopped at the bottom, Alan Rumble’s front tyre literally fell off the rim, the ill-adjusted brake blocks having worn right through the casing. The forks were covered with powdered rubber and two hot wire

hoops were all that remained in place. Luckily, in those days someone usually carried a spare tyre and on this occasion it was Barry Wilkinson”. Ah, those really were the days! Ed.

Planning for the future. Jim Leach offers these sage thoughts, which recently appeared in News & Views, the bimonthly magazine of the Veteran-Cycle Club. They are worth considering. “We have all lived through a period when road surfaces improved (and writers in the 1950s thought so too). Wheelbases shortened, fork radius increased, tyre sizes reduced from 28x1½, 26x1½, 26x1¼, 700x25 to a ludicrous 700x18 by the mid 80s. In the future sports-roadster should not be regarded any longer a term of abuse. And twenty-six by one and three eighths with its ready supply of good modern tyres and rims should be re-assessed favourably. Roads will only get worse”. Reproduced with credit to Francis Thurmer.

Arthur Broadhurst has sent in a comprehensive translation of French/English names of cycle components, and useful phrases pertaining to cycle repair. It would prove invaluable to anyone touring in France – I won’t print it out here but if you’d like a copy, please ask. Ed.

Paul Wagner tells about saddles and The Mawddach Trail. “While away on holiday in Penmaenpool, I had to buy a new saddle from the bike shop in Dolgellau. The card to which it was attached tells me that it has a ‘love channel’ right next to the two ‘comfort zones’. If such things had been available when I was younger I’d surely have bought one then, when it might have been of some use. As it is, it’s a good deal more comfortable than I’d have thought from looking at it, but there have been no other noticeable side effects.

Why the new saddle, anyway? While drifting down the Mawddach Trail there was a movement in the sit-upon area, and the saddle leather went slack. The tensioning bolt on my new Brooks B67 saddle had broken, just like the one on that

thirty-year-old B17, back in the summer. I’m having trouble with saddles presently. The Dolly bike shop couldn’t fix it but they could sell me another perch – Mike Jones’ Bike Shop fixed the Brooks pronto on my return, (thanks, Mike and Simon), but meanwhile, I had to make do.

On another day, Jean and I were drifting down the trail when a woman stopped us. “I’m sorry to bother you, but which way is the sea?” she asked. We were towards the seaward end of the trail near the Arthog junction, and there are literally only two ways you can go. Inland, the mountains loom large, while seaward, Barmouth Bridge and the wide-open horizon beckons, offering fairly obvious clues, I’d have thought. We managed to point her in the right direction, but I hardly knew what to say!

Our love for this area grows, and a Country File programme on BBC TV in October was hugely enthusiastic about it. Was there ever a more stunning place to dream the days away? We met all sorts of cyclists, but by far the largest percentage of them were couples both young and old, and small family groups learning to enjoy cycling again. There were not many loners, and no clubs. I’m glad to report that in a fortnight I can only recall seeing two riders who were going a bit too quickly for the territory”.

FOR SALE

Dawes Kingpin (1984), the popular folding version, finished in a nice shade of deep blue and in good condition. All the usual features including a Sturmey 3AW, rear carrier, nicely polished guards and excellent white wall tyres plus a new and unused spare. Purchased earlier this year from the only previous owner, a lady, but I have decided it’s not my sort of bike. Being offered locally at £50 before placing on eBay. Jim Leach Tel: 01743 232747

Brand new, partly built pair of wheels, all new parts, with Mavic 700c T224 double skinned, eyeleted rims to take 28 – 35mm tyres. Front – Shimano hub brake, SS spokes. Rear – Sturmey Archer hub brake to take screw-on six block, no spokes, wheel not built. These are for someone who wants a bombproof pair of winter wheels. I thought I needed them, but I don’t! The total cost of the parts would be in excess of £100.00 but they are yours for a relatively small sum, to be agreed. PW, 01743 363074

WANTED.

Help with technical information. I have two beautiful looking Suntour XCE rear mechanisms, advertised by Suntour as being useable in indexed/non-indexed mode. One is in commission in non-indexed mode, but it isn’t at all happy on a Shimano 14/30 six-block. It’ll easily handle the tooth difference and most of the time it works beautifully, but then suddenly it’ll float up and down a couple of cogs of its own accord, for no apparent reason. Does it need a matching block even in non-index mode, or has the actual mech. got ‘float’ built into it to accommodate indexing?

I’d appreciate some help, but alternatively, should I actually be advertising for ‘Two old but good non-indexed rear mechs, not Suntour’, to suit two old but good bikes? I was about to use the second one on another bike but I have held off, for obvious reasons. To be honest, I’m reluctant to discard them; they are wonderfully smooth, very well made, and new, but I just can’t make them work 100% of the time. Suntour blocks are hard to find, and I’d need two of them, were this to be the solution. I’m not really mechanically minded and I certainly don’t understand what’s happening! PW. 01743 363074

EATING OUT

Abermule, The Abermule Hotel. Following a recommendation in Cycle Clips some two years ago, only recently was there an opportunity to sample this hotel, and what a find! Family run, the welcome was warm and genuine, followed by food that was really home cooked, and excellent value. For example, a range of six ‘Winter Warmers’ included homemade Cottage Pie, chips or mash/stump & peas that really filled the plate (and me) was priced £2.95 as were the other options in that range. There are other cooked dishes on the general menu, as well as various sandwiches for those who want to eat light, which are £1.50 to £1.70 per round! Except Tuesday when the kitchen is closed, food is served daily Monday to Saturday noon to 2.30pm and in the evenings, and on Sunday lunchtime a carvery is during the same hours. (Tel: 01686 630676). Jim Leach

Barmouth, The Isis Café. This café, situated right opposite the harbour, provides constantly good food at competitive prices. When it’s sunny, you can sit outside and watch the world go by. The chip shop nearby, just on the main road, is extremely satisfactory as well – such luscious, white fish! Watch out for the seagulls on the promenade; they’ll nick your chips.

Berriew, The Lychgate Cottage Tea Room & Deli. A gem of a find is tucked away in this idyllic village on a corner near the church and just above the riverbank. It is open Monday to Saturday between 08.00 and 4.30 summer and winter (sorry – closed Sundays) to serve the best coffee and tea you can imagine, complimented by an unimaginably tempting range of sandwiches, baguettes, cakes and very luxurious gateaux. Light lunches are also available but there was no time to sample those so no judgement can be made. This is another reason for visiting the beautiful area in which it is situated. (Tel: 01686 640750). JL

Church Stretton – The Beaumont is no more, but worry not, The Flamingo has flown into Beaumont Avenue to replace it (Tel: 01694 724747). This long established favourite of local cyclists has changed its image. The same welcoming owners now open into the evenings with a speciality pizza menu but they still offering the same good food during the daytime – they are purely trying to widen the appeal and increase business. On a recent visit it was also noted that the price of a very large cup of excellent coffee was £1.80, not the higher price commented on in a recent newsletter. That, apparently, has been the charge for quite sometime, although there is a wide range of coffees, with some quite exotic ones that are more expensive. JL

Edgerley, The Royal Hill. Although this is one of our favourite lunch stops, the prices are getting a bit steep. There comes a time when you realise that you are out for bit of lunch rather than a major dining experience, and then the cost becomes a factor. It’s still a smashing place to be, though! PW

Longdon on Tern, The Tayleur Arms. This comfortable pub continues to please. The welcome and the food are as good as ever, with especially nice fish and chips. Keep on going there and we’ll help it to survive.

Shawbirch, The Apley Arms. The pub is open every day from 12.00 noon and does very good basic roasts from £3.69, help yourself to vegetables – vegetarian meals are also available. IPA is £2.10 a pint, tea and coffee from £1.40. It is located on the B5063 at the junction with the A442, and it can be reached from NCN Route 81 using cycle paths. No phone number is available, if anyone goes there please get details. Roger Taylor

Rodington, The Bulls Head. (Tel: 01952 770219) Two recent visits for lunch have confirmed that this once popular venue is again providing consistently good food at an attractive price. A daily lunchtime special menu offering a number of main courses for just under a fiver, found to be large really tasty portions. The quality of the food and service was further confirmed when a party of 18 met for a special luncheon, there being so much food that half of it went uneaten! But all were offered polystyrene containers to take home what they wished. A place well worth a visit, you will want to go again. JL

Upton Magna, The Corbett Arms. I spoke to the manager, Ian Shelton, in September and he was obviously new to the business, and still getting the pub’s act together. He now has a chef (his wife) and he is presently offering food in the evenings and on lunchtimes at weekends, while preparing to extend the menu to lunchtime on weekdays.
Ring 01743 709422 or Ian on 075801 33946. They are also on twitter and facebook. PW

Insurance. Nowadays, cyclists need to carry third party insurance. Most of the riders with these groups are covered by membership of one of the national cycling organisations like the Cyclists’ Touring Club, but you can of course insure privately. Whatever you do, please make sure that your cover is adequate.

General. All of our rides are informal in nature. The groups are individual in their activities, and our only alliance is a shared love of cycling, and this newsletter. You are asked to abide by the rules of the road and ride safely, with due regard to your companions, horse riders, and all other members of the public.

The Sunday Pedallers. The entrance to Asda, Old Potts Way, Shrewsbury, at 1.30pm.

The Wednesday Loose-Enders. Red Barn PH car park, Longden Road, Shrewsbury, at 9.30am.

The following people can give you information about the groups that they ride with. The phone numbers shown are ALL prefixed 01743, (Shrewsbury).

Sunday Pedallers & The Wednesday Lot – Paul and Carol Glanville, 368816 or Paul Wagner, 363074.

Cycle Clips is produced quarterly by Paul Wagner, 19 Drawwell Street, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY3 7RF, phone 01743 363074. Copies are available on or about the first day of March, June, September and December.

COPYRIGHT. No part of this newsletter may be used or reproduced in any way without the permission of the editor, which normally will be freely given.

Winter 2011

The quarterly newsletter of the Shrewsbury Informal Cycling Groups