Cycle Clips

Riders with these groups are dedicated to sociable, easy-going cycling in and around Shropshire, including pottering, off-roading, general day riding and things related to country life.

OPENING THOUGHTS

Be you a regular churchgoer or not, churches frequently play a part in our everyday outings. They are welcoming places to shelter or have a picnic, ancient church buildings hold great interest historically and as a bonus, churchyards are increasingly managed as protected areas for wild flowers, making them fascinating places to stop in their own right. Then there’s the matter of gravestone inscriptions – on that subject I could bore for England!

Armed with a little knowledge of some of our local (and not so local) churches, I’m starting a new column in this edition of Cycle Clips entitled “Churches and churchyards”, in which I’ll give a bit of information that might add to your passing interest, or even persuade you to make a specific visit in some cases.

Once again, I make the plea – if you, the readers, have something on the subject that you’d like to pass on, please do so – we’ll all be delighted. Ed.

FOR YOUR DIARY

The ‘Circuit of Sleap’, Wednesday 15^th September 2010. Shropshire Aero Club has extended a welcome to us to ride the circuit for the fifth year but time moves on and as it’s just possible that this ride could be the last one, it might be worth your while making a little extra effort to be there. Those who wish to cycle out will meet as usual at Asda in Shrewsbury, leaving at 10.30am promptly. We intend to arrive at Sleap by about 12.00 noon where our friend Bill Sharpe will act as mentor, and he hopes once again to bring Bert and Joyce Catchpole with him, which will be pleasing.

The day will follow the usual pattern – after lunch we’ll ride a complete circuit of the perimeter track and poke about a bit in the hangars, before saying our farewells to Bill and flying off home. It doesn’t matter how you arrive, car, bike or whatever, but it will help the catering department if I can tell them how many will be using the café. To that end, please let me know by Wednesday 8^th September at the latest if you are coming, so that I can ‘phone the numbers through.

Please note that for this event, we go come rain or shine! Paul Wagner. 01743 363074.

Turf, Towers & Toffs, Wednesday 13^th October 2010. This is a Wednesday Lot autumnal themed ride that sets out to visit ‘fortified’ sites around the county town, all created at various times during Shropshire’s history. Several are not all that they seem to be and some are so obscure that you would hardly know that they were ever there! To allow for unpredictable weather conditions (remember February?) and the size of the party on the day, a number of alternative visits are being prepared, so don’t ask Where are we going? But some things are fixed, for instance the start will be from the usual Asda site at 10.30am, the pace will be gentle and a pub lunch venue will be on the route. If anyone wants more information nearer the date ‘phone Jim on 01743 232747

The Upton Magna chip run. Just when we weren’t sure whether the Friday chip run was grinding to a halt or not, a notice appeared on the door of The Corbet Arms saying it was closed until further notice for refurbishment, and that knocked everything on the head! It is apparent that Dee and Jason have inexplicably flown the nest, so we’ll have to wait and see what the brewery decides to do.

Meanwhile, I’m convinced that Brian Wilde’s original idea of a twice-monthly lunchtime gathering close to Shrewsbury, where we can meet and enjoy a natter without committing to a day’s ride, is a good idea. If anyone can suggest an alternative venue that will fit the bill please say so and we’ll give it a try.

PS The other Corbet Arms in Uffington, just along the road, should by now be fully operational after a rather tasteful but highly costly refurbishment, and meals are to be provided, but we don’t know the price range at the moment. Could that be a suitable place? Anyone care to try it and see? PW

The Vyrnwy Circuits, 8^th May 2010. “Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May”, as Bill the Bard once said, and they did so today, but thankfully the Welsh Met office proved to be much more accurate than the English one, which had predicted heavy rain. The weather was pleasant enough and pretty-well dry.

The turnout was disappointing, to say the least. Nevertheless, those who did attend were a classy bunch and our morning circuit, which was remarkably car free, (there were loads of other cyclists though), was a contemplative pleasure. The bluebells were just beginning to come out and the trees were in vivid green leaf, in fact the contrast of

greens was quite remarkable, and birdsong was much more noticeable than usual. There was a peregrine watch in progress in the hide halfway up the eastern side of the lake and generally speaking, the whole place was thrumming with our kind of activity.

Severn Trent Estate workers have tidied up the area of tall pines at the top end of the lake, near to the ‘half way round’ bridge where we always stop, and they look even more magnificent, standing free of undergrowth. Could ST be preparing to fell them? I know that such trees are a cash crop but I’d be really sorry to see them go, so if you like big trees as much as I do, take a look as soon as possible. Incidentally, did you know that the ST estate covers 24,000 acres and what’s more, it is up for sale, if you fancy a bit of an investment? It’s bigger than my garden, that’s for sure!

Back in Bay’s café we were regaled at length with tales of how, while in the south of France visiting her parents, her car (which is noticeably beaten up), got in such a state. Not for Bay a simple crash – oh no; a wild boar weighing some three hundred pounds hurtled out of the forest and head butted her motor. Apparently it just shook itself, then tootled off into the forest again! Don’t get her going on the subject of boar hunting; she can go on for ever!

During lunch The Revd. John and I agreed that regrettably, this would be the last of the Vyrnwy Circuits as such. Our thanks go to those who have supported us since the first outing in 2003. They have been great social times but all good things come to an end, it seems. Vyrnwy is still an absolutely beautiful place to ride a bike, whatever the weather, and I’d like to add my personal thanks both to John for the original idea, and to the stalwart ladies and gentlemen who were here on this, the last day, for making it such an amicable gathering.

As we prepared to depart, Cliff Ash removed his front wheel and put his bike in the back of the car. When he got home he found that he’d left the wheel leaning against the fence in the car park near the café, and in a generous display of benevolence and support for the local economy, he didn’t bother to go back for it. By God Cliff, There’s rich you are! PW

FRIENDS

It isn’t my intention to mention all of the outlying cyclists that we know in every edition, but if you have anything that you wish to pass on under this heading, please tell me. Ed.

Martin Beardwell. Our thoughts are very much with Pam and Martin on the recent sad loss of their son. We offer our love, care and support.

Cliff and Freda Ash. It was good to see Cliff and Freda looking chipper in Shrewsbury at the end of July. Freda tells me that Cliff has given up time-trialling after his last encounter with the road but I’m not sure whether time-trialists ever really pack up so we’ll wait and see! Cliff told me that he has acquired a new cycling nickname – “The Pope”. When I asked how this had come about he reckoned that it was because he had “Kissed the tarmac more times than the Pontiff has ”. Nothing wrong with his chuckle buds then!

Bert and Joyce Catchpole. I ‘phoned our friends a couple of days ago to enquire after their health and welfare, and you’ll be glad to know that they are both just fine. I only spoke to Joyce as Bert had just gone out to his shed with a cup of tea.

This shed business is a funny thing. Men certainly seem to spend a lot of time fiddling about in their sheds, I know I do ‘cos mine’s full of bikes, but Joyce had a fresh slant on it. She reckons it was women who invented sheds, so that their men folk would disappear and let the ladies have some peace. Now there’s a thought.

The next chance we’ll have to see Bert and Joyce in the flesh will be at the ‘Sleap Circuit’ on 15^th September.

George Cooksey. George was ‘cooking (Cookseying?) on gas’, as they say, last time I spoke to him. Irrepressible!

John and Grace Durnell. All is well with our friends in the Welsh outpost of Hirnant but locally there’s a lot of unrest now that the Vyrnwy estate is up for sale. Nobody knows what to expect in the way of land ownership in future, but the operators dealing on behalf of the Severn Trent Water Authority seem to be offering the estate in parcels rather than as a single lot. Twenty-four thousand acres is a lot of real estate and apparently the place is knee deep in inquisitive legal bods, so it’s a worrying time for many people whose livelihoods are at stake. There are restrictions in place safeguarding certain recreational aspects of the whole area – we’ll just have to pray that local people’s interests are protected as well.

Bryan Jefferys. Bryan has food for thought in the ‘From our Readers’ section.

Ramona Penfold. Ramona is now fully recovered and riding her bike again but her wrist is still ‘tender’ and she finds that she is still rather wary when out and about. Quite by accident she mentioned that she is a very long-time acquaintance of Bryan Jeffreys and his late wife Enid, as they were all members of the South Bucks DA of the CTC many years ago. Well, I didn’t know that! Keep on turning the pedals, Ramona.

Pam Peck. We met Pam at Home Farm one sunny Sunday in August and at last her health has returned almost to normal. The strange thing is that it only levelled out when she had pretty-well stopped cycling and taken up walking, which must say something, but I’m at a loss to know what! Whatever, it’s always nice to see you, Pam.

Bill and Arlene Pfeffer. It’s hard to put words together when I write about our friends, as it’s apparent that after thirteen years of visiting, the long journey from Anacortes on the western seaboard of the USA is now too testing and they have stopped visiting our shores. Bill gave up his garage in Havelock Road in August and I’ve moved in, a show of kinship, if you like, in the same way as we automatically include them both in our conversation when we

are out cycling together. The ladies who run the café at Home Farm were disappointed to find that they won’t be coming back, too – they’ve dished out a lot of cake, scones and good companionship over the years.

Arlene’s latest letter tells us that Bill is a bit off the pace with his local club and he’s stopped going out with them. It’s universal Bill, we’re getting slower and slower here as well, but that’s no consolation, I know. Where Bill and Arlene live local riding is a bit restricted and they are thinking of moving a short distance (not for the cycling alone), to a place where there is a greater variety of routes, but as Bill was always telling us, our network of lanes is unique.

LITTLE KNOWN SHROPSHIRE.

Artistic bus shelters. Actually, this venture is not so much off the beaten track as right on it. We were passing through Cross Houses on a sunny chip-run day in May when we noticed an unusual structure being erected on the side of the road in front of the old hospital site. It turned out to be a very unusual bus shelter and the construction workers, who didn’t look at all like construction workers, identified themselves as Ruth Gibson and Huw Powell Roberts, freelance artists employed by Shropshire Council and The Arts Council, among others.

It’s an interesting piece and unless you are looking for it you could easily ride right past it. The roof is almost ‘flying’, and the more you look, the more you see. The theme is ‘the old hospital and workhouse’, and local children have made hundreds of heads about the size of tennis balls, which have been both embedded within the structure and placed in small wire baskets incorporated in the build, which represent the tortured souls who were imprisoned in the workhouse. Looked at in that light, it’s a bit scary! There is also a selection of individually sculpted and manufactured tiles forming a frieze, and the whole thing has been made with timber and bricks reclaimed from the hospital demolition.

I’d be surprised if this really works as a shelter because it has no sides (in private, I can tell you the rather unfortunate reason for this), and faces into the prevailing wind – perhaps it’s an art work posing as a shelter but it’s fascinating, nevertheless, especially the looks on the faces of some of the heads. Children have imagination!

On the other side of the road, down towards The Bell Inn, the group constructed their first bus shelter in 2008. At first glance this one looks a bit like a mini-chapel – it’s not as quirky as the newest one but it’s a lot more practical – at least it’ll keep the rain off you! Then in August we noticed that a bench using even more heads has been added to the group, so this is obviously a rolling project.

I’m hugely taken by this sort of thing. It really is good to see a bit of artistic individuality and flair livening up otherwise mundane surroundings. Visit the artists’ website and find out more about them and other art that they’ve made, linked both to the Cross Houses community and elsewhere. PW

FROM OUR READERS

In the last edition of Cycle Clips Ken Linney asked about the status of The Grove PH at Walcot, advertised in 1912 as ‘Headquarters of CTC’. Jim Leach has come up with the definitive answer.

Cast Iron Evidence. Studying the question of the CTC connection with The Grove produced some interesting facts about the social standing of cyclists a century ago, as well as, hopefully, the answer Ken was seeking. The 1900 Kelly’s trade directory should have recorded CTC Headquarters, not Headquarters of CTC, that being what would have been on the cast iron sign outside the premises; a prodigious emblem that was highly prized by hoteliers at the turn of the century. Today’s equivalent would be a four star hotel. This is all due to the origins of the Bicycle Touring Club (later the CTC), which was created to look after the well being of cyclists at a time when only the wealthy could afford such machines.

My own archives, except for various cuttings, only go back to volumes of the CTC Gazette for 1905/6 and they include lists of candidates wishing to become members. To do this entailed sending a completed form to the

Secretary, who then placed the application in the next Gazette, and only if there was no objection from an existing member was the newcomer accepted. Most of the names appear to be from the professions. In August 1905, typically, was candidate AB Deakin, the highly respected architect who lived at The Poplars, Berwick Road, Shrewsbury.

But back to those signs – in 1879 the CTC established contracts with hotel proprietors who had been recommended by members as offering accommodation of a suitable standard. These agreements not only gave

assurance of the quality of the hotel, but also fixed prices – ‘bed, two shillings’ and ‘breakfast with eggs one shilling and sixpence’ would be the sort of thing to expect. Not surprisingly, some hoteliers who were not on the approved

list tried to tempt the passing rider by putting false notices outside, suggesting that they were CTC approved. This was tackled in 1883 when the first iron signs were issued, and then in 1889 the designs were varied, advertising either ‘Headquarters CTC’ or the lower category, ‘Quarters CTC’. An additional design was also made available to

the bicycle trade that read ‘Repairer CTC’. Irrespective of type all signs were supplied to the user on payment of a deposit and remained the property of the CTC, who could claim them back if standards fell or contracts were broken.

Between 1895 and 1899 the two classes of accommodation were phased out, apparently due to dissatisfaction on the part of the hoteliers, and from there on the club offered just one standard iron sign. Even as the motorcar took over and AA and RAC signs took prime position on the more prestigious hotels, the number of cyclists meant that their business was keenly sought after, and a variety of misleading adverts that included the letters CTC could be seen on buildings, but that’s another story.

So, looking again at Ken’s question about The Grove, the trade directory entry for 1900 was carrying forward a description ‘Headquarters’ that had just ceased to exist, all contracts with the CTC having expired in the previous five years, and renewal would be on the ‘single status’ basis.

As sources for the above I have used my own archive material, but I’ve also dipped into the online material compiled by Roy Spilsbury of CTC North Wales, which is of great interest and invaluable for research purposes. For those online visit www.cyclingnorthwales.co.uk/pages/ctc_wing_whls_htm#home Jim Leach.

“Spring is sprung!” The moment that the summer edition of Cycle Clips hit the streets I had two responses to the query “What is the origin of the ‘spring has sprung’ rhyme” – from Peter Griffiths and The Revd John D. Both gave Schnozzle Durante, the American comedian, as the source, with the additional suggestion from Pete that Harpo Marx also had something to do with it. It may well have originated before my 1950s suggestion, as well.

Now Schnozzle was a full-on Jewish comic and thinking back, I can distinctly recall the rhyme being spoken in the following manner –

So the Schnozzle connection is established. I can even hear him saying it, now I’ve been reminded and, as I was an avid radio listener in those far off days, that seems to be pretty conclusive. It wasn’t in the newspapers after all! Thanks to Peter and John for their help in solving this one. PW

We have Carol Glanville to thank for discovering the next two items, in the newspaper of the Hereford Diocese of the Anglican Church. Ed.

The Sin Eater. The Parish of Ratlinghope launched an appeal in spring, to restore the gravestone of Richard Munslow, the man believed to be the last known ‘sin eater’ in England. Sin eating was a very odd practice, peculiar to the Welsh Marches, and would not have had the approval of the church, but vicars often turned a blind eye to the practice. The custom involved a beggar or poor person taking and eating bread and drinking the local brew across the body of someone who had died unprepared for death. A payment was then made and it was believed that the sins of the deceased were transferred to the sin eater, allowing the soul to go to heaven in peace.

At the graveside the prayer of the sin eater would be “ Come not down the lanes or in our meadows. And for thy peace I pawn my own soul. Amen”. The sin eater was usually excluded from the village community thereafter.

The vicar, Richard Munslow, reckons that the work will cost about £1000, which is little enough for such an interesting project, and he says, “The grave will be of interest to visitors, historians and students of folklore”. As a studier of such stones for many years I have to agree, and I can’t wait to look at it.

Flossie Lane, late landlady of The Sun PH, Leintwardine. The Diocesan paper also contains news of a lasting memorial to Flossie and her pub. A special set of six misericords is to be installed in the choir stalls of the church of St Mary Magdalene in Leintwardine, the first such carvings to be commissioned in hundreds of years. Andy Pearson, a local carver of international renown, is executing the work and the first one, which represents the history and culture of The Sun Inn, was put in place last Easter. It’s a lovely work, showing the River Teme flowing through the village, Flossie filling a tankard from a barrel, two chaps sitting at a table, and a fly fishing rod and reel together with a salmon. The full set of misericords is due to be completed in the next five or six years.

If you haven’t visited Leintwardine church I can only suggest that you rectify the omission. It is a remarkable building with a mass of historical interest, the village itself is worth inspection, and you could whet your whistle at The Sun and then visit the chip shop next door! Ed.

The Beslow bypass is now open. I bet that’s made many of you scratch your heads and say, “Where is that”? Both The Saturday Casuals and The Wednesday Lot have been through Beslow, although it was quite some time ago. It is a very quiet and extremely rural setting, just a smudge on the OS map to be found between the Horseshoes Inn at

Uppington and Donnington, that’s the one at the foot of Charlton Hill. For many years the farmer at Beslow preferred users of the bridleway, for that is what the route is, to pass through the farmyard rather than go through his

fields. Now all is changed, there are gates in place to stop anyone from leaving the legal right of way marked on the maps. This means that one has to leave the hard surfaced lane and cross a large field, through which at the end on

June the bridleway route had been left clear of the growing cereals, but it will probably be rather muddy during wet weather. Still a nice alternative way, but be warned – instead of riding all the way you will now have to walk and

wheel your bike for about half a mile. I don’t know the reason for this change, but suspect it could be for security, because cases of theft of the very expensive machinery used by the agricultural industry are increasing in number.

Bryan Jefferys reminisces… “I fear now I’ve passed the mid point of my “eighties”, the extent of my cycling is woefully restricted. I try to get out most days, unless it’s raining or just plain foul, the wind is particularly ferocious or ice and snow make cycling hazardous, especially for an old codger. I have five, ten and fifteen mile circuits around Wem and fortunately I can still drive, so on occasion the bike goes in the back and I can sally forth further afield. Now that The Albion in Wem is seldom visited by the club, (not being as good as it used to be), I am seldom able to make contact with the club, although thanks to John and Jenny Leese I keep reasonably well informed. However, things are now difficult, as the two B roads south of Wem have become very unpleasant due to the volume of speeding cars. We understand that the dreaded ‘sat-nav’ is the cause, as vehicles travelling south through Whitchurch are directed through Wem instead of along the A49, as the distance is marginally shorter. It obviously isn’t shorter in time but that’s what happens with modern progress.

Consequently, having been delayed by numerous herds and the tortuous narrow streets of Wem, plus parked cars, once out of here many drivers are trying to make up for lost time, some squeezing past a cyclist with another

car approaching the other way. My one alternative is ambling through Tilley and Noneley and on to the fringes of Myddle.

In the winter months I like to have a project to keep me occupied. The past winter I’ve been mulling through the back numbers of the monthly magazine of the South Bucks DA of the CTC, ‘The Beech Leaf’, from 1943 to 2000. I joined in 1947 on demob from the RAF but my late wife Enid went back to 1943. Almost another world in the “forties and fifties”, wonderful memories but tinged with a little sadness at the list of dear comrades no longer with us, including my dear wife. But I’m still around, can still enjoy my limited cycling even though I have long since lost my ‘push’ ”. Bryan.

Bryan, there’s a lot of positive stuff here. I bet that you are getting more days out on your bike than most of us; you just aren’t going as far as you did and that’s true of many. I find that simply being out and able to engage with the countryside, people and nature is still a wonderful privilege, however far (or not so far) I go, and I know that you appreciate that aspect of things as well. Miles aside, you are giving it a better go than many, so all power to your elbow.

Sat-navs? I hadn’t even thought of the problem that you mention but yes, I can see it now. Me, I still use a map; progress isn’t always a good thing, is it? Ed.

But not the bookies favourite! On Thursday 3 June, a very hot day, my neighbour Angela and I explored parts of Shropshire rather further afield than on our usual rides. Out to the Church Stretton area then a tough hilly route via Hopesay, Shelderton and Bromfield brought us to the entrance to Oakley Park, continuing on the bridleway through

Priors Halton into Ludlow at Dinham Bridge. If anyone is in Ludlow, particularly when the weather is fine, visit the café alongside the bridge, excellent food in an idyllic setting.

The return journey was to be to the east side of the A49, again very hilly but very beautiful. Firstly out to Stoke Lacy and then back west to Ludlow Racecourse, from where there is a good bridleway linking the Culmington road to a lane for Onibury. Then a problem occurred - the bridleway is closed for building work on the grandstand. But problem solved, those in charge have displayed signs diverting users (us!) through the rails to the right and onto some beautifully maintained turf.

Please tell us; are we the first Shrewsbury Informals to enjoy riding the last half furlong, passing the grandstand and finishing post, even if was more of a slog than a sprint? It was, if nothing else, a real winner of an experience! Jim L

A wonderful day out. It’s almost part of Wednesday Lot folk lore that once a year, at Eileen Taylor’s invitation, we visit her home in Pulverbatch to inspect the wild flower meadow that she and Graham have nurtured. A ‘phone call told us that the flowers were at their best and on a delightfully sunny day in May, off we went.

It’s uphill all the way to Pulverbatch and it doesn’t get any flatter as the years roll by, but after a diversion through Exfords Green and a visit to Church Pulverbatch’s lovely church and churchyard, we arrived in perfect time to enjoy a lunchtime picnic. Eileen is a wonderful provider and made us really welcome. We were treated to a never-ending supply of tea, scones and cake; Eileen, your lemon drizzle cake was absolute perfection, a lip-smacking

showstopper! The meadow was a picture, orchids and all, then we sat some more, and Roger said, “This is what cycling is all about”. Spot on, Roger.

It’s difficult to get going after relaxing in the sun in congenial company. Some of us were half asleep, but after thanking Eileen for her company and her splendid spread, we cycled round to the bottom of Broom Hill, where a turkey stood in the middle of the road with all his tail feathers up like a fan, ‘gobble-gobbling’ at us in a haughty

manner. At the top of the hill, Jean W got a puncture. “I was nowhere near it, it just went schhhh”, she said, which was true, it was leaning against a gate all by itself at the time.

The three Pauls, Glanville, Roberts and Wagner, struggled manfully with an obstinate Schwalbe Marathon Extra, while Jean, completely oblivious to our plight, was chortling cheerfully to four passing hikers who had complimented her on her ‘bicycle’ earrings. She then innocently directed our sweat filled eyes to a passing red kite. We were otherwise engaged, oh sweet one, but aren’t red kites brilliant? They seem, thankfully, to have become a permanent fixture in this part of Shropshire.

The reputation of Schwalbe’s supposedly near puncture-proof tyres remains intact. For no apparent reason the tube had blown out on the spoke side, just by the valve. At this point I’ll also slip in a recommendation for CO2 gas pumps. OK, it costs a bob to gas a tyre up, but if your hands are a bit rheumaticky it doesn’t half save toil and pain.

Job done, we whizzed downhill to Wrentnall and turned up that lovely little lane leading to The Oaks. The view across to Buildwas and the Shropshire plain is quite exceptional from here but there was a heavy heat haze that rather spoilt things. We read the notices on Plealey’s parish notice board – plenty goes on here and they hold a wonderful summer fair – in Annscroft I spotted the first of this year’s orange hawkbit, an appropriately coloured flower better known as ‘fox and cubs’ which grows prolifically on the verges here, and in Hook-a-Gate we bought free-range eggs from Mary Williams’ brother’s place, just the job for tea with brown bread and butter when we got home.

Can you think of a better end to such a day? I can’t. Thanks so much, Eileen! PW

An unusual failure. At the end of a 140-mile day, while climbing Hope Valley out of the saddle in an 80-inch gear, Andy Jones managed to destroy his rear hub by ripping the flange off. He suggests that when going uphill, we lesser mortals should stick to our 28-inch gears and stay unfit if possible, because fitness destroys stuff. His top gear is 144 inches and what the heck he is doing riding with The Wednesday Lot and joining in on the chip run is anybody’s guess. The mind boggles!

Shropshire Cycle Forum, 7^th June, Carding Mill Valley. It was a truly stunning evening to be in such a picturesque location and a large group of cyclists had ridden to the meeting from Shrewsbury, including The Very Revd. John Petty in long trousers and full dog collar!

ReaVEN. In May, the group held a publicity ride to introduce the proposed Shrewsbury – Minsterley all-purpose route to the general public. This was followed by an explanatory talk in Minsterley Village Hall and it all went very well, with about 17 people on the ride and 35 at the meeting. Some local farmers whose land would be affected by the proposals were present, and they were generally won over by the discussion.

The group has now reached the stage when they feel that any further progress in promoting this scheme will have to be undertaken by a more influential body as professional help and funding will be needed, and to that end they have asked Shropshire Council to take over the reins.

I wrote to Alison Kennedy, Infrastructure Manager for Cycle Shrewsbury, expressing our ongoing support for the scheme and she has indicated that it will be included together with a couple of other similar projects, Sustrans Route 45 between Coalport and Bridgnorth, (which should actually be open by now), and a proposal for a path alongside the disused railway in Oswestry.

What the ReaVEN group has achieved is quite special and the fact that in conjunction with Shropshire Council they have already seen a section of their route opened is indicative, I hope, of the will to progress by the Council. We can only pray that this initiative doesn’t get lost in a sea of discursive bureaucracy, when everything is talked about but nothing is achieved. Meanwhile, congratulations ReaVEN, you have shown that small pressure groups can achieve a great deal.

NCN Route 81, setts under the railway bridge. The Council is, according to Alison, “continuing to identify the best ways to tackle this problem” and seeking opinion from other interested parties. We are told, “We (Cycle Shrewsbury) have a lot of projects under way at present”. Maybe so but in my eyes, things have stalled on this one. Cyclists present at the meeting made it clear that they were extremely unhappy with the situation, which has plagued us for several years, and the engineering solution seems to be simple. The Council owns the surface in question and they should get on with providing a metre wide strip of tarmac for the full length of it. It isn’t rocket science. The notices on either side of the bridge stating “Slippery surface” are no more than a poke in the eye really – they tell us that the Council knows that there is danger but they aren’t doing anything. This is getting ridiculous.

Route 81,Dorset pools. We were told at the last Forum meeting that warning notices would be erected here, telling motorists that cyclists were present. At the end of July, as far as I can see, nothing had happened. Will you please keep watch to see if notices are erected, and meanwhile report any traffic incidents to Alison Kennedy at Shirehall on 01743 253035.

The following requests for action have been made to Alison since the Carding Mill Valley meeting.

Route 81,English Bridge. A litterbin has been attached to a lighting column on the downstream side of the bridge, which faced squarely out into the path and obstructed passage. Alison has had the bin repositioned, thus opening up as much width as possible, for which we thank her.

Cycle path alongside the A49, Meole Brace to Bayston Hill’. Angela Axson pointed out that there were sections of hedge near the Sainsbury’s roundabout that obstructed the cycleway and they have been cut. Thanks again, Alison.

Hazeldine Way. After complaints to the Forum some months ago about potential danger to cyclists, particularly children, the new crash barrier supports were ‘protected’ by placing plastic caps on them. There are other, new sections, which now require the same treatment.

The Cycle Shrewsbury team apparently have a lot on their plate and some things are easily remedied, others not. Patience is needed but in some cases the need for immediate action is very plain indeed. Ed.

Birthdays. When I reached seventy, Paul Glanville wrote me a poem. Now, several years on, it’s time it had a public airing, because it neatly captures all that is good about Wednesday Lot riding.

Thanks Paul, I really like that, and it constantly reminds me that however slowly we may go, there’s still so much to see and do. There’s a lot of true friendship at our end of the cycling spectrum, and it’s very uplifting. PW

Electric bikes. Mike Jones, of Stan Jones Cycles, has a couple of Trek electric-assist bikes in his shop that are serious contenders in the field. At £1600 they are pricey but as Mike puts it, “It’s like riding downhill with the wind behind you, all the time”. Go and give one a whizz if you are in the market, they are pretty good pieces of kit.

The Shropshire Star again! ‘For sale, double bicycle, brand new, complete with frame, £25.00.

And - ‘British Eagle savage mounting bike’. Does it bite your bottom as you get on? Some of these entries are hard to believe! Ed.

Wanted. Stronglight double chainset (any size rings) or just the cranks to take two rings, the better the condition the more acceptable, but anything that is mechanically sound will be considered – tell me your price.

Freecycling – to good home. Slide projector with several cassettes and a roll up screen on folding stand, maybe old hat these days but very usable for anyone with slides or transparencies. Free to a good home, but if the recipient wishes to make a donation to the Cycle Clips fund I know that Jean Wagner will welcome it.

Wanted. Sturmey Archer AW 3 speed hub, 28 holes, must be in good working order. Paul W, 01743 363074.

Longnor. St Mary’s in Longnor is a real gem. It’s one of the most satisfying churches that I have ever come across – it has such a timeless, peaceful atmosphere.

Pevsner considers it to be a perfect example of Early English architecture and it certainly is pretty neat. It was built circa 1280 and very little has changed since then. Over the years they’ve moved doors about a bit on the north and south side, and the west window has been re-ordered, but the main fabric is much as it was originally.

There are no tombstones in the churchyard, burials having taken place in Condover until the eighteenth century, and in Leebotwood thereafter. I’ve no idea why, there will be some church rule that governs it, no doubt. We may even have an ecclesiastically inclined reader who knows the answer?

The church was in the patronage of the Corbett family for more than five hundred years. The first Corbett became Lord of the Manor in 1433 and the family held it until 1948 when it was vested in the Diocese of Hereford. The family has gone from the Hall now and that’s sad, I like a bit of continuity!

In the village, Longnor Hall, The Dower House (wherein still lives a Corbett family member) and The Moat House are all classic examples of architecture of their day. I had the privilege of visiting The Moat House when it was

up for sale some years ago and it really is a magnificent building, but you can’t see much of it from the road, unfortunately.

I have one question. Opposite the school there’s a cul-de-sac called The Vineyard. Was there a vineyard here, perhaps in Roman times as at Wroxeter, or is this merely a fanciful bit of street-namer’s licence?

There’s a lot to see in this quiet place, (OK, so it’s not quiet when the school is turning out!), and it’s really worth half a day’s visit. In fact, as I haven’t been there for several years, it’s time I had another look.

THE GROUPS

The Sunday Pedallers. We are really pleased to welcome Sheila back in the saddle after she broke her ankle in the winter – she is actually going rather well, which is good to report. The group continues with its policy of ‘one destination’ riding, visiting Home Farm, Attingham every Sunday for tea and cake, and the idea obviously works, or it would be changed! Other groups or individuals know where we are every week and come to meet us, and the whole thing is extremely sociable.

Why not join in? The rides start outside Asda’s on Old Potts Way, Shrewsbury, at 1.30pm, or perhaps we’ll see you at the tearoom. PW

The Loose-enders. This group meets at 9.30am every Wednesday in the car park of the Red Barn PH on Longden Road, Shrewsbury. The pace is somewhat quicker than either The Wednesday Lot or The Sunday Pedallers. There is no pre-organisation whatsoever and things are so informal that occasionally nobody turns up, but there will probably be someone there next week!

The Wednesday Lot. There really isn’t anything fresh to add to what you already know about The Lot. We are, to the best of my knowledge, the only local group that has ever been formed specifically to engage in slow, contemplative, conversational cycling, and for those who are worried that in the future we may decide to go more quickly, rest easy. We will remain true to our constitution!

If you’d like to know more about us and our ‘drifty’ way of spending the day, a short leaflet is available telling you what we, and The Pedallers, do. Please ring me. PW

The Wild Wednesday Wheelers – off-road news. The off-road riders, who meet somewhere in Shropshire or nearby every Wednesday night, usually go by the Internet age name of the Wild Wednesday Wheelers (http://www.wwwa2b.co.uk/)

One of our riders, Tim Rutherford, who also rides with TTT, completed an epic ride in May showing how the big hills of the Welsh Borders gives them amazing stamina. Tim has produced a beautifully descriptive report of this great off-road ride from Snowdon to Oswestry. Here it is!

After 3 months of planning, drinking, talking, drinking, and some training in harsh winter conditions, the team of eight finely honed athletes were left confused and demoralised by a warm, dry, perfect spring morning in Snowdonia.

“We are just not trained for this eventuality,” moaned one of the team, before being forced out of the support van by his wife at 7.30 a.m. A watery sun began to burn the last cloud from around the craggy heights of Tryfan as the dispirited group were jeered into moving by an impatient crowd of wives and family members.

The kind campsite owner at Gwern Gof Isaf donated £10 to our cause to get us off his property, and spirits were further raised on the first jaunty trail to Capel Curig by following behind a deeply attractive cow for much of the way. (I did say it had been a long winter.)

Gloom and despondency were restored by the first climb out of Pont Cyfyng, heading for Dolwyddelan, and the team finally had to give up all hope of the cold Welsh drizzle and tire-clogging mud they were used to, and make do with blasting down dry forest trails, following an early morning fox in the sunshine.

Worse still, the support van containing vast quantities of food, drink, clothing, spares and tools met us at exactly the correct rendezvous point, and continued to do so throughout the day, leaving us with no excuse but to continue. Our huge thanks go to Claire the Sandwich and Karen the Soup, and to Steve and Sue the SatNavs. It made a great difference to do this sort of ride without heavy backpacks.

Penmachno forest saw the first dramas of the day as the energy drinks kicked in, with Paul trying to fell a tree with one hand, giving him a fist belonging to the Incredible Hulk for the day, and Mike Savage carving a unique line through both a bend and onlookers, fully locked up and travelling sideways. Only 50 miles to go.

Resigned to their fate, the team now realised the full horror of having to descend miles of dry, stony, moorland track complete with jumps and dust, and with nothing but sunshine on their backs and skylarks ringing in their ears. This was worse than California or the Alps.

Speeds increased on the descent to Ysbyty Ifan, largely due to the extraordinary levels of flatulence from the group. Whoever said cycling was carbon neutral has never eaten an energy bar. At last, the search for some truly

fetid swampland was rewarded at the base of the climb to Cwm Hesgyn, and we all celebrated by coating gears, chains and wheels in stinking slime, as well as filling our boots.

The view over Llyn Hesgyn worked its usual magic, with the bonus of looking down on two red kites wheeling over the lake, and the promised wading of the river turned out to be a gentle skip over the stones. This is a very

special valley and Shane appeased its local gods by offering his bike and several other assets to them when he cramped up while climbing a gate. A whooping field descent and short section of road brought us once more to the waiting van, this time with soup, pasta and sandwiches, hot and ready. This is the way to go biking!

After the road ride to Llandrillo, where they were celebrating a fine funeral gathering, came a climb that many were dreading. The ascent to the Wayfarer’s Memorial is a steady slog when you are fresh, but having already put in 45 miles of trail, it is quite a test. Blinded by sweat and tears, I didn’t see what others did, except Al disappearing over the horizon, but I think most of us rode most of it.

The clattering descent to Llanarmon was as fast as you’d expect of eight tired elderly white men, and saw the first of just two punctures – our only mechanicals of the whole trip. Llanarmon D.C. was celebrating a fine wedding gathering, so our group has successfully lowered the social tone on both sides of the Berwyns in one day.

Near Tregeiriog, an awfully nice gentleman took one sniff of us and decided, very wisely, not to prevent us riding a short stretch of footpath. So we let him live. The climb of Springhill (or Collar-bone alley) was again led by Al and Dave J.

Finally, we trolled through leafy evening sunshine to Morda and Hope House, where a truly amazing welcome had been prepared by the children, staff and families. Banners, flags, paintings, tea and biccys were all laid on, and with the cheering and clapping it might have been the Champs Elysee.

For the eight of us, I don’t think it could have been a more successful or enjoyable day, so a huge ‘thank you’ to all who helped and contributed. I’m told we have raised more than £2,000 (and rising) for Hope House.

If adventures like this sound 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

Thanks Tim – this is a hugely entertaining piece! I love the attitude, and that’s a truly excellent result for Hope House – congratulations all round. Ed.

EATING OUT

“Tis not the eating, nor ‘tis not the drinking that is to be blamed, but the excess”. John Sheldon, 1854 – 1894.

Church Stretton, The Café Beaumont. This popular venue can be contacted on 0770 799 3063 (mobile). The establishment is now open seven days a week with a daily variation of hours.

These are: Mon 10am-2pm, Tues and Wed 9am-4pm, Thurs 9am-5pm, Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 9am-5pm and

Clun, The Maltings café on the High Street. Open from 7.00am, 7 days a week, and hoping to stay open all the year round. Breakfast, (handy if you are at the hostel and have a lazy streak), Light lunches, pots of tea, cyclists welcome as the proprietor comes from a racing family.

Clun, The White Horse PH. Jack the landlord has now installed a cycle rack. Is this a first? asks Andy.

The Corbet Arms at Upton Magna has long possessed a rather elaborate, freestanding rack, which is located at the side of the car park. I’m surprised that you haven’t noticed it on those occasions when we’ve enjoyed your company on the ‘Chip Run’ Andy, – perhaps you were in a hurry to get inside for a spot of good old laid back company! Mind you, the rack’s a wheel-bender and no sensible cyclist would use it. Ed.

Cross Houses, The Bell. After you’ve been to see the bus shelters, why not try the pub? The menu is mercifully unpretentious. There is a good range of simple food with a decent list of ‘specials’, all at the right price, and although it’s exceptionally close to home, it may just fit in with a ‘short day, early home, bad weather, can’t be bothered’ ride. Ring Annie and Darren on 01743 761264.

Knockin, The Knockin Shop Cafe. The shop now has a “cyclists’ menu”! You can have a filled jacket potato and a mug of tea for £4.00, a filled crusty roll and a mug of tea for the same price, or cake and a mug of tea for £2.20, all of which can be consumed in their “charming upstairs rooms or at our outside tables”. There are other things too,

and they suggest that for speedy service you should ‘phone them in advance on 01691 682217. Early reports are very favourable and our thanks go to Paul Roberts for that useful information.

Leintwardine, The Sun PH. The late Flossie Lane’s pub is now up and running, see their website.

Little Stretton, The Green Dragon. The number in the telephone directory for the Green Dragon at Little Stretton will not take incoming calls! Very frustrating if you wish to make a booking, but you will soon get through to Gary by using 01694 722925.

Longden Common, The Red Lion. The pub has opened once again, the staff are very welcoming and the premises are very comfortable indeed. However, the menu is floridly descriptive. You know the form, all the chips are ‘hand cut’ and the sausages have to be ‘award winning’. ‘Deep fried until golden’ and ‘lashings of hot gravy’ get me as

well, but on this occasion it all translated into fairly ordinary food which was adequate but no more than that. Prices range from £3.30 for a chip butty to £6.75/£8.50 for a lot of other things. Perhaps as the kitchen beds down and we further explore the menu things will improve. Meanwhile, we wish the venture well.

Ruyton X1 Towns, The Talbot. It is great to be able to report that ‘The Dog’ re-opened on the last Friday in July after being closed for a couple of years. They are said to be offering food at reasonable prices and all we need now is for someone to go and give it a try!

Uffington, The Corbet Arms. By the time you read this, the pub should be fully open again. No one has any idea what to expect but everything has been beautifully restored, which may suggest that it has gone way up market. Your help is needed, please let me know if you get any more information. PW

Upton Magna, The Corbet Arms. It seems that the pub is going to take quite a few weeks to refurbish after Dee and Jason departed in such haste. We’ll have to see what comes next!

PS. Can I prevail on Jim Leach to tell us about the Corbet/Corbett families? All the ‘Corbet Arms’ pubs are presumably named after the Corbets of Moreton Corbet. Are the Corbetts of Longnor related to them, their history goes back just as far? I’m already getting out of my depth!

Meanwhile, thanks to Andy Jones, the Whitcott Keysett wonder, for the Clun and Leintwardine items. Ed.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

On this occasion there are no takers for this slot, but if you have something brief and pithy that you’d like the readers to ponder over in the next edition, please feel free to tell the editor.

Insurance. Nowadays, third party insurance is essential. 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 following people can give you information about the groups that they cycle with. The phone numbers shown are ALL prefixed 01743 (Shrewsbury).

Cycle Clips is produced by Paul Wagner, 19 Drawwell Street, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY3 7RF, phone 01743 363074. Copy for the next edition MUST be received by Nov 1^st and preferably a good while before then!

Cycle Clips (No. 52) is printed by Abbey Works, Castle Foregate, Shrewsbury, Tele: 01743 359737, who will happily quote for your work.

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

Autumn 2010

The quarterly newsletter of the Shrewsbury Informal Cycling Groups