Cycle Clips

Greetings folks, suddenly it’s December again! You won’t get any politically correct stuff from me
so I will simply wish you all a Happy Christmas, recognising this time of year for the Christian festival that it is.
May the New Year bring you peace; cherish each day, and I’ll see you all up the road. Ed.

OPENING THOUGHTS

I was just sitting thinking how wonderful cycling is, not only giving freedom to travel but also bringing together individuals who become lifelong friends. But, and this was really a second thought,
I realised that the most wonderful thing of all is the actual bicycle, without which none of this could happen. Equally remarkable is the fact that the basic design has changed only slightly during the passage of more than a century,
generally it being new materials that brought that about. The diamond frame, handlebars with brake controls
neatly to hand, chain drive to the rear wheel are all much as conceived by those who produced the
early ‘Safety Bicycle’.

When we, in the 21st Century, enjoy that exhilarating feeling of swooping downhill, or with the aid of a following wind build up speed on a long straight, it cannot be doubted that late Victorian riders felt the same way, even on solid tyres!
It was the bicycle that for the first time gave workingmen freedom to travel, to enjoy new scenes, sounds and smells of the countryside, then at the completion of the ride, a feeling of satisfaction at having completed a journey under their own power. Today nothing has changed; I certainly still get those feelings after experiencing the freedom of the Shropshire landscape.

So my thoughts rolled on, about how our pastime tends to return to previous ideas as though they are newly discovered! Fifty years ago Cycling (now Cycling Weekly) became Cycling and Mopeds, trying to capitalise on the trend to
use an add-on motor to the standard bicycle. There were various designs available such as the Cyclomotor,
which was built into the rear wheel, others were bolted to the front forks and applied power via the top of the tyre.
For a variety of reasons the fad was not long lasting, they were noisy and temperamental for the commuter
and those who were inclined to motoring moved on to a full motorcycle or car. Few enthusiastic cyclists
considered power assistance, realising they would miss the pleasure of quiet travel, pleasurable exercise and companionship.

Now sales promotion is geared up to electric bikes, I suspect that again this is a machine that will either evolve into something much different or slowly fade into history. They are certainly quieter than the earlier mopeds,
but still need a lot more care and attention than a simple bicycle. Nor are they ‘green machines’,
used as one of the selling points; regular charging is essential with the power station producing that electricity still discharging pollutants. The source of the emissions having been moved not eliminated!

There would appear to be a case for some commuters to use such power assistance, for instance where the journey is too far to pedal although close enough not to require a car. But I do not believe they are transport for anyone who
really enjoys cycling. Gone would be that glorious feeling on a fine day as the miles gently roll by, then after the
effort to climb to the top of a long bank comes the reward – an equally long descent with the breeze
blowing through my hair.

I often use the benefits of new technology to compensate for advancing years, therefore don’t believe I can be classed as a dinosaur, but I’m happy to be considered a purist when it comes to cycling. This personal view of power assisted riding is strong enough for me to say, “I enjoy my riding as it is so when I can’t do it any more I will be
content to live with the memories of many happy years”. Jim Leach

The Circuit of Sleap, Wednesday August 26^th 2009. Bill and Arlene Pfeffer were at the event so we could
have done without a visit from that other American, ‘Hurricane Bill’. Nevertheless, we got the tail end of his
wrath in the form of extremely high winds and a mixture of drizzle and rain and it affected the day badly.
Needless to say most of the troops stayed at home, save for four stalwart souls who upheld the honour of The Lot and cycled out to the airfield. Never mind, we mustered a company of twelve and it was a cheerful occasion,
graced by one or two infrequently seen

faces. Cliff Ash visited, well on the way to recovery from his recent cycling accident and in jovial form,
Ray Ayres joined us for lunch and the ride, (yes, he pulled one on us by bringing his bike in the car boot)
and there was a welcome mixture of old friends as well. The now traditional circuit of the perimeter track
was a blustery affair as the aerodrome is well exposed to say the least and slow progress was made, enlivened by some storming low-level approaches by a Griffin helicopter on a training run from RAF Shawbury!

I make special note of Bill Sharpe’s part in this event. As past Secretary and flying club member he isn’t obliged to come and conduct us around the peri-track but he does it willingly. He brings Bert and Joyce Catchpole
when otherwise they wouldn’t see us, or we them, and I offer you our heartfelt thanks, Bill. We love your
company and I take the liberty of declaring you to be an honorary member of The Wednesday Lot.
I’m not sure what the benefits are, but we’ll think of something! PW

‘No, this is not my normal bike’ ride, Wednesday September 9^th 2009. It is impossible to predict what will happen on this outing, it’s an ever-changing thing. We were blessed with wonderful weather and in some cases, oddly dressed riders, and we meandered out to Annscroft cross-roads where we split, one group going round the back of Longden Common en-route to Pontesbury and the other taking the slightly shorter option via Tags Gutter, Lea Cross and
New Mills Lane. It all came together at The Horseshoes where a very leisurely and sun-blessed lunch
was taken, half indoors, half in the garden. It is good to hear that Derek and Alison, our hosts,
are bucking the trend and expanding the business following successful trading. We have enjoyed a mutually beneficial friendship for many years and it will be a pleasure to continue supporting them.

We came home by different routes, the main bunch climbing the track over the scenic Lyth Hill and down through Bayston Hill. Full marks once again go to Paul Roberts, who this year appeared in the guise of a vicar,
complete with wildly flowing robes and big black bicycle. From behind he looked like Zorro!

And how could I miss Jean, who appeared to be a bespangled oystercatcher, judging by her furbelows and the shade of her legs. I’m sorry that your tutu fell off at such an early stage in the proceedings! Thank you everyone,
for proving that a wonderful streak of immaturity still exists as age creeps on! PW

Happy Memories! Saturday September 19^th 2009. Earlier in the year, as reported in Cycle Clips,
more than 30 local riders who had ridden together in the late 1940s and early 50s met to reminisce.
But one who couldn’t be there was Ian Thomson, who, quite realistically, said it was a bit too far to come over from Panang! That was all put to right at lunchtime on 19^th September at the Four Crosses Hotel in Bicton when a
group of about 16 cycling friends, wives and partners, met to reminisce, with Ian and his wife Janet at the top of
the table.
Not only was the gathering at the instigation of Ian and Janet who had requested a list of Ian’s old friends from the Mid Shropshire Wheelers be contacted, they had also arranged for the tables to be well laden with food and drink.

To meet again after so many years was a moving experience and all those present greatly appreciated the hospitality so generously displayed by the hosts, particularly when those still living in Shropshire thought that they were going to
entertain our overseas visitors! Ian for many years has suffered from a cruel and debilitating disease and while
over here visited a Consultant who is a known expert in the field. A particularly happy outcome of the visit to
Britain is that with advised changes of medication, which are still ongoing, Ian’s condition has markedly improved. Long may that continue, and when a further visit is made next year we may get the two of them out on a tandem. JL

Petton church service, ‘Celebrating the Countryside’, Sunday September 20^th 2009. Even churches have
their off days, and regrettably this was one of them. The idea is strong but for some reason the service was poorly attended. I’d have thought that as we live in such a beautiful county, people would have been pleased to celebrate it,
but there you are. Our commiserations go to the vicar, The Revd. David Ash, we could all have wished for a
better result. PW

The Vyrnwy circuits, Saturday October 3^rd 2009. Have we now seen Vyrnwy at its worst? This ride qualified
as an aquatic sport from the start and there were times when it felt akin to hang-gliding as well, as we pedalled our way round the pond in the company of The Revd John and Mrs Grace Durnell. A gale blew down the water creating white-topped breakers for the first time in my long acquaintance with the place and rain drove in horizontal, undulating air
waves to form a dull grey backdrop. Nevertheless, the company of a dozen riders were undeterred. Grace wisely
chose to support us from her car and in retrospect I’ve no doubt at all that she had the right idea!

Regrettably, Bay had closed her cafe at short notice, (she went to an auction), so we started from Artisans, but it was a poor second best as the fare was limited and the prices on the high side. The first circuit was a jolly affair. On John’s advice we went clockwise to avoid the worst of the wind and we didn’t let a bit of a wetting get us down; we even managed to admire the autumn colours that we’d come to see, but on the back leg along the east side of the lake
some of us were nearly blown off the road by repeated squalls, and the trees were rattling and crashing about in a
really threatening manner. At one stage I found myself travelling at an easy, gale-assisted eighteen miles an hour,
not bad on a forty-year-old Dawes Kingpin, which, rather incongruously, sports a computer!

Some went to The Lake View Café situated on the east side of the lake for lunch, which proved to be a better bet than Artisans, while others made a mini pilgrimage to the church in the hidden valley behind The Vyrnwy Hotel (no, I didn’t know it was there, either), to complete the tribute to Percy Dorning Bailey, the rider killed in 1898 whose story

was told by John D. in Cycle Clips recently. We viewed the memorial window and visited the grave of this pioneer
cyclist, then returned to Artisans, the only feeding station available at the bottom end of the lake, for a cuppa and a sandwich.

Only three riders started the second circuit but they returned to base within ten minutes, defeated by the conditions, which by now had become foul in the extreme. It was a sensible decision, and by then there was nowt to do but go

home and pray that next spring will provide us with a better deal. We’ll try to choose a weekend when Bay’s cafe is
open as well; we really can’t do without her. Was it worth it? Oh yes, there’s no doubt about it! PW.

‘The Chip Run’ to The Corbet Arms, Upton Magna, alternate Fridays. This venture has become so popular that
it is in danger of grinding to a halt! One day in November eighteen people arrived on bikes, by car or on foot, when we had only phoned in for six, and the staff were somewhat swamped. They coped very well, but in future it would help tremendously if other groups as well as the ‘main ride’ would ring the pub to warn that you are coming, even if there
are only a couple of you. Please ring Jason or Diana on 01743 709616. This way, they can predict increasing numbers and prepare accordingly. I wonder if Brian Wilde, the perpetrator of this extravaganza, ever thought that it would be as popular as it is? It’s a great idea, Brian!

A formal (ish) ride starts from Asda’s main entrance on the Old Potts Way, Shrewsbury at 10.30am on every other Friday, or you may decide to join us at the pub, where we try to gather at about 12.15pm. If you’re still confused about
the dates, and I have to confess that I usually am, just ask someone when the next one is! PW

Petton candle-lit carol service, Friday December 18^th2009. You are invited to join our friends the parishioners at Petton church for this long running and much loved service. Kick-off is at 7.00pm, don’t be late or you won’t get in!

‘History (re) cycled’, Wednesday February 10^th 2010. This is a planned ride for the winter months yet to come. Starting from the Wednesday Lot’s new meeting point at Asda’s car park at 10.30am, the plan is for an easygoing
potter never drifting far from the edges of Shrewsbury. It will follow a theme of looking at the past and linking a variety
of venues or objects together, just the sort of thing to occupy a late winter’s day when the weather may not be at its
most inviting. The ride will include a visit to either a welcoming pub or café for a lunch stop. Details will be firmed up nearer the date and, particularly if the weather is very bad, it is suggested that a phone call to either Paul on his usual number or Jim on 232747 will confirm arrangements. JL

Geoffrey Mountford is a name familiar to local cyclists since the 1940s, indeed one that seems to have been around forever; sadly Geoff lost his fight against cancer on Sunday 18^th October. Born in 1927 in Shrewsbury, where he was also educated, in his teens he became a member of the Mid Shropshire Wheelers also starting his working life in banking. That was interrupted in 1945 for three years when he became a Bevin Boy, the alternative to going into the armed forces, which saw him wearing a helmet and undertaking hard manual labour at the coalface.

Returning to his banking career Geoff held posts in several Shropshire towns before being appointed as manager at Rhos on Sea, then Broadway and finally Henley on Thames, as he always said wonderful places to live and work. In 1986 retirement brought Geoff and his wife Peggy back to their native county since when they lived happily at Little Stretton.

At one time a prodigious mile-eater on his bike it didn’t feature highly in later years, but his interest in the pastime and his friendship with colleagues from as far back as the 1940s continued. His travelling also continued, usually with the campervan which he and Peggy loved to use, but also other forms of travel that took them around the world 4 times and to explore unusual and obscure parts of the globe. Even when he knew he was very ill, one last campervan visit was made to Cornwall to say goodbye to places enjoyed earlier in life.

A Thanksgiving Service was held on 26^th October at United Reform Church, Church Stretton when a congregation, which included cycling friends, confirmed Geoff’s popularity – it was greater than the capacity of the building! The service sheet carrying a smiling photo of him listed in capitals his interests and activities, in order they were:

CYCLIST, BEVIN BOY, BANK MANAGER

Our sympathy is extended to his wife Peggy, who nursed him through his last illness, and all members of his family. JL

Bill and Arlene Pfeffer. Bill and Arlene have now returned home to the USA after their third farewell tour. Each
time they come over they declare it to be the final visit so whatever happens this time, we thank you both for being part
of our lives for the past thirteen years and joining in with our group and social life. In that time you have become
familiar figures in the Shrewsbury mix – much-loved friends to some, and great companions to us all. Bill, Arlene, if you really don’t come back we’ll miss you tremendously and you will always be in our thoughts. PW

Wendy Jones. Wendy has recently confessed that when Cycle Clips appears in her husband Mike’s bike shop she immediately grabs a copy and reads it from cover to cover, and she proved it to me by quoting random bits of the last
issue. As we are an informal outfit we have no way of officially recognising such dedication so we’ll just have to
accept it, thank her for her support, and bask in her lovely smile whenever we go into the shop. Stay happy, Wendy!

Funding for Cycle Clips. Thank you to all who have made donations to the fund over the past year or so. I keep full records of our finances and invite anyone to inspect the books at any time. Jean Wagner

Lyth Hill. The steep, stony track from Exfords Green to the top of Lyth Hill is testing to those who are, shall we say, less able than of yore, and they tend to avoid using it. Perhaps in recognition of this, the powers that be have
supplied three substantial and well-placed seats – two towards the top and one on the very peak, giving us
somewhere to take a breather whilst looking at the magnificent scenery. This is a truly excellent route that is
frequently under-rated. Now there is no excuse to dodge it!

The A49 going south from Shrewsbury isn’t a road any sensible cyclist would use by choice. But, to go towards
Church Stretton the more pleasant routes all cross the trunk road somewhere, so proposed alterations to such junctions prompted me to try and obtain more detail. The first proposal is at the bottom of Hunger Hill, where lanes from
Condover and Stapleton meet the A49, nearly forming a crossroads. This change is promoted by the company that takes sand from Gonsall Quarry and entails a new road across farmland thus allowing lorries to travel from the quarry to the
main road without using the lanes or passing through Condover village. Sad as it is to see tarmac laid across green
fields, this would greatly enhance the life of villagers and also remove heavy traffic from narrow lanes. At the junction
with the trunk road, it is proposed to widen and straighten about 400 yards and create a central turning lane to make
use of the junctions easier and safer.

The second scheme, put forward by the Highway Agency, is at the much used cross roads where the lane from Stapleton meets the A49 opposite the lane to Ryton and adjacent to Long Lane Filling Station. Here the idea is to cut
back the embankment facing the filling station (on the west side of the A49) for the entire length of the straight, as well
as up the incline to the south towards Dorrington. This would much improve visibility for anyone exiting the
Stapleton Lane, also a filter lane in the road centre would provide safer refuge for those crossing or turning off the
main road.

Both these proposals, which have yet to go to the Planning Authority and have no time scale, appear quite sensible, offering safer usage for all without any obvious disadvantage to we cyclists. But things can change, so I suggest we are
all aware of possibilities and read any notices or press releases carefully. JL

Sustrans Route 81. Back in the summer while having a lazy lunch at The Raven in Tilley, (oops, sorry, The Tilley Raven), The Wednesday Lot bumped into Mike Clarke, Shropshire’s Liaison Ranger for Sustrans. I subsequently
sent him a copy of Cycle Clips, wherein he read of the difficulty that some of our riders face on the slippery setts
under the railway bridge alongside the Severn. He told me that he would raise the matter with his area manager to
get his opinion. It is to be hoped that some solution can be found; bold riders attack it but I have personally seen
two riders come off at slow speed here, and on another occasion only the railings saved me from crashing into the
drink myself, so it isn’t a myth!

Thanks for taking the matter up, Mike; the season is upon us when the problem is at its worst. Meanwhile, as a new subscriber to Cycle Clips, we welcome you! Ed.

Leintwardine, The Sun Inn. The Sun will rise again! The local reporter on the Shropshire Star, Hanna Costigan,
got her teeth into the tale and presented us with regular updates, and towards the end of August the Daily Mail
devoted most of a double page spread to the pub, its landlady the late Flossie Lane, and their history.

The good news is that at the end of October Gary Seymour, the chap who runs the Fiddler’s Elbow Chip Shop next door to The Sun, and Nick Davis, of the Cleobury Mortimer based Hobsons Brewery, purchased it jointly.
They promise to maintain the pub in the ‘real-ale local’ tradition, extend its community use, and make only the
minimum changes needed to help it become a viable business. The doors re-open in the New Year; may The Sun
thrive mightily, and I just can’t wait to go there. PW

Cycling safety. I have been asked to mention that on several occasions recently, riders have been seen to behave
in a manner likely to cause problems for other road users. Please obey the rules of the road, keep to the
left-hand-side in

blind narrow lanes, and when you need to stop, the simple call of Stopping should be used to tell others of your intention. Once stationary, please go to the side of, or if possible, get off the road, so that you don’t block other
traffic. A little care makes everyone happy so let’s behave courteously please. Ed.

Wingfield Gardens junction, Ditherington, Shrewsbury. We have long had problems crossing the main road
here, and at last the council has provided a solution. A cycle path has been constructed that leads you directly to the pedestrian crossing opposite the shops, making the whole business a lot safer and easier!

Along the Moors. Do you remember the excellent cycling booklets produced in 2008 by the Discovering
Wellington project, concerning the Tern Valley and a circular ride around The Wrekin? Bert Catchpole has sent me a copy of their most recent effort, Along the Moors, which details a 21 mile cycle trail linking Wellington with the
Weald Moors, and it contains a lot of interesting detail which would form the basis of a good day’s exploration. I still haven’t taken all the information in and I will visit the area with renewed interest early in the New Year. PW

No one said whether Jeaves was badly scratched. That’s what happens when you go Treading Moutains. Ain’t the English language a wonderful thing?! PW

‘Freecycling’. The principle of freecycling is simple. If you have anything that is surplus to requirements, (anything, not only bicycle bits), why not give it away for free to someone who can use it, rather than sending it to the tip? Equally,
if there is something that you need, then ask, because someone might just have the item spare.

This column exists for you to advertise your unwanted and wanted goods, to help eliminate waste. It is that simple. Admittedly it won’t work as well as if Cycle Clips came out weekly, but it’s a start. Ed.

Free maps. OS 26, 41, 49, 50, 55, 56, 60, 67, 69, (all Scotland). 92, 96, 98, 114, 119, 124, 125, 135, 138, 147, 151, 157, 160, 174. Various 1920 linen inclu. Bala, Knighton, Llanidloes, Gloucester & Newport, tourist map of the lakes, and some others, condition varies.

Free cameras. All 35mm roll film – Yashica 2000 with 50, 28-70mm lenses. Zorki 4k, Jupiter 50mm lens, So-called Russian Leica copy. Olympus Mju compact, Olympus trip 35 mechanical – a bombproof saddlebag
camera.

Free, but there are valuable items here so the odd donation towards Cycle Clips would be well received! Ed.

A register of tradesmen. Finding decent tradesmen is difficult nowadays. If you have recently employed someone who is reliable and does a good job at a reasonable price please let me know so that a register can be started.
The service must be from someone that you have actually used and whose work can be seen if possible, not just a friend or relation, as this would defeat the object of the exercise. Ed.

This gentleman has just constructed a built-in wardrobe for us. His work is excellent, he keeps good time, he’s polite, and does exactly what you want. He doesn’t advertise; employment is by word of mouth only.
P & J Wagner

A keen tricyclist recommends. Jon Derricott recently completed an intensive few days of cycling which started with the Marathon of the Dolomites in Italy, then a devious and mountainous ride from Aberystwyth to Shrewsbury accompanied by son Harry. The second night was spent at The Castle Hotel in Bishops Castle, a venue known as
a good lunch stop by many local riders. While there Jon browsed through the visitors book and found that even back in
1891 riders had found it very acceptable. Unfortunately the photo of the entry is not clear enough to reprint,
but it reads.

It’s interesting to see that Mr Amos considers membership of the CTC takes precedence over being a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. Is there a protocol with which I’m not familiar? Ed.

The Mawddach Trail. Many of you are familiar with this converted rail track bed from Dolgellau to Barmouth,
but Jean and I have just been there for the first time and it knocked us off our perches! I can’t remember
riding in such a

beautiful location for many years, and being as flat as a pancake there was really no effort involved.
There are excellent lunch opportunities at both ends of the trail and also at Penmaenpool,
where we stayed - crossing the estuary

on Barmouth bridge is amazing, and the only possible hindrance is the fact that the prevailing wind blows
straight inland so if you are riding the outward leg, it can be a bit of a push. That said, it’s a scenic eye-opener,
situated as it is on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park.

We met and spoke to quite a few local inhabitants who were a fund of information about the trail, its history and its surroundings. There were many middle-aged couples who wouldn’t normally be seen out on bikes, family groups
and of course, walkers, together with a uni-cyclist on a machine that put his head about eight feet off the ground,
and a file of RAF personnel on mountain bikes, all towing Bobcat trailers, returning from an arduous survival
expedition.

At the weekend, when there are lots of people about, it can be a bit of a stop-start ride because everyone wants to talk to you, so it’s no place to be if you are anti-social. However, in mid-week, or when the sun is nearly down and
dusk approaches, (when the trail takes on a magic new face), you can have the whole estuary to yourselves. We loved
it in all its guises and we’ll be going back for more without any shadow of a doubt. PW

Cycling nature notes. Crows and their close relatives magpies, jackdaws, ravens and rooks are well known for
being clever birds. My observations of a couple of local crows provide further evidence for this.

Frequent cycle journeys see me ride along the riverside path from my Ditherington home, and I find pleasure in pausing at the weir, where there is so much of interest for anyone with an eye for wildlife. In addition of course,
there is the refreshing air, full of negative ions created by the tumbling water it is said, and like the air on beaches
and near fountains, made invigorating by those charged particles. But for me the main attraction of the weir is visual.

Crows are usually attracted there by the prospect of food left in fast-food wrappers discarded by people who consume their takeaways at the car park overlooking the weir. The crows care not whether or not the leftovers are
put in the rubbish bin; indeed they might find it easier if everyone simply threw their litter on the ground. One day I

spotted two crows strutting about on the concrete apron very close to the water. One was watching the water very intently just where it makes its final plunge into the weir pool. I had previously seen little fish jumping out of the foam

at this point, and realised that small groups were leaping into the descending chute of water. Not surprisingly some of the fish were landing on the concrete apron and occasionally, to my surprise, one became bird food as one of the crows quickly snapped it up and flew off with it. At that point the crow’s mate took over the fishing station, because that
was what it was, for them!

Having watched the crows for half an hour it became clear that they were taking the fish fry for their young. And they were not content to angle from terra firma. I found that they could snap up the more exuberant fry in mid-air, as they launched themselves briefly out of the water; perhaps they were young salmon living up to their Roman name
– salar,
the leaper. But even more remarkable was one crow’s imitation of a seagull, when, having tired of the lull in the
flow of fry, it dived into the water and took a fish at least three inches long. This was broken into two pieces at a
safe distance from the water and then taken to the nest in successive flights, followed by a careful check to make
sure that there was none left. Perhaps crows, clever though they are, cannot count, and like a cat that is deprived
of a bird it has

caught, the angling crow just had to make sure there was none left over! Following its aquatic foray the crow
resumed
its more pedestrian vigil on the apron of the weir.

But that was the only occasion I saw crows fishing. I have stopped at the weir many times since and only once did I see fish leaping there, and they were so small that they were hard to see. Obviously I was very fortunate to see what must be a rare event.

At the time when those crows had young nearby a new food source presented itself, almost on a plate, by the injudicious leaping of small residents of the river onto the concrete apron of the weir. A hiatus in that food supply led
one of the crows to enter the unknown environment of its prey and become an active angler in order to catch more
fish for its young. A clear example of the use of intelligence. Paul R Glanville.

Paul’s article was first published in the Shropshire Wildlife Trust magazine. Ed.

Pass the port, Caruthers. I have learned that at dinner, if the port is being passed round too slowly for one’s liking
it is etiquette to enquire, “Are you acquainted with the Bishop of Winchester”? This simple phrase will apparently
hasten the arrival of the decanter. I must move in the wrong circles. I know the Bishop of St Albans, but he doesn’t
have the same clout. PW

A Scottish Struggle. In July last year I attended the Welsh Festival of Cycling and met Richard, from North
Cheam, who suggested it might be an idea to have a cycle tour together this year. Having spent the last four years on lone tours since I lost my lovely husband I agreed but insisted we spend a few days cycling in N. Wales just to
ensure we were compatible: this we did in May and had a very enjoyable five days. We planned a cycle tour to
Scotland in September

– Richard’s idea of a cycle tour is 80 miles a day at 20 mph – my comfort zone is 40-50 miles per day at 10 mph! Anyway, we agreed to compromise.

In September, we set off by train to New Lanark where we had booked the youth hostel for an overnight stop - fairly simple on paper, sheer hell in reality. We had pre-booked our bikes so didn’t envisage a problem. The train from Chester to Warrington Quay had two coaches with passengers packed like sardines. We attempted to board
but were

fought back so the Station Master was called to sort the melee. When we reached Warrington we boarded the
train for Glasgow Central only to be turned off at Preston where we spent over two cold hours before we were
allowed to board another train. Apparently our cycles weren’t booked on Virgin’s computer. Suffice to say we eventually reached New Lanark exhausted and hungry (this was supposedly the easy day), where staff had swine
flu!

The next four days were cold, wet and windy as we progressed to Biggar, Broughton, Peebles and Broadmeadows YH via Traquair. It was grim climbing over the moors before the drop to Yarrow Valley, very cold and windy but
after

the descent we arrived at a checkpoint for a ‘sportif’ where we were invited to share refreshments with nearly 200 cyclists, a real bonus. Next day was an easier ride to Melrose YH despite the gloom.

Monday it was via Newton Boswell to Duns for a late lunch. As the YH at Coldingham had closed Richard wanted to continue to Eyemouth, despite my protests. No accommodation was available so we turned back to Coldingham
to seek a B&B. After 55 miles I was sagging, tired and hungry so I instructed him to go on ahead and try for
vacancies and I would locate him. This misfired completely and I rang on my mobile from Coldingham Square after visiting six

B&Bs trying to find Richard. He answered but before he could give me the name of the establishment I lost the
signal. By this time it was getting dark so I decided to book in at the next B&B myself, if my search for him was to
no avail. However the owners were very helpful to this crazy bedraggled cyclist. They phoned around and
eventually located
him. When I turned up there were cheers all round and I was placated with a bowl of soup in a friendly pub.

Next day we visited St Abbs Head, fighting our way back over Coldingham Moor into a 50mph gale to Cockburnsporth then Dunbar. Once again I rebelled as we finished up on the A1 for the last mile, so I insisted on
map reading the following day. Wednesday I felt foul with a sore throat and a temperature (probably swine flu?),
but battled on through beautiful scenery in sunshine around the coast, N Berwick being outstanding, to Joppa,
where I thought I was going to die and return in a coffin (drama queen)!

Thursday my bug developed into a stinking cold and cough so I wasn’t firing on all cylinders but still insisted on map reading, negotiating cycle paths around Edinburgh and Leith along the coast and Almond River Valley to
Queensferry, with magnificent views of the Forth Bridge. Friday I was allowed a boat trip to Inchcolm on calm
waters, in sunshine. This gave me a rest and lifted my spirits before we proceeded to Kirkaldy. The sun still shone on Saturday so the trip around the coast to Elie for lunch was wonderful, with delightful little harbours. We proceeded
to Kingsbarns via Crail.

Next day we visited St Andrews (of golf fame) viewing the castle and the cathedral and attending the service before going to Falkland. Monday was our last day. We went over the Lomond Hills to Leslie through Dunfirmline to Linlithgow, with its unusual palace. On Tuesday we took the train back to Glasgow, and had a less traumatic journey home. This area was certainly worth a visit.

Surprisingly, Richard and I are still friends despite my two days of feeling ill and being a ratbag! Once again I said “no more tours, too old for this lark”, but now I’m planning my next trip to Buckinghamshire for the Golden Beeches weekend in October.

PS can we have another Teapot Tour, Paul? Or does anyone want a slow, aged ‘old fart’ for a
touring companion next year? Ramona.

Sadly, my days of Teapot Touring are over but the principle is as good now as it was when we first thought of it.
For the uninitiated, we used to spend a week away, mostly in youth hostels, but never much more than thirty miles from Shrewsbury. Daily mileage was deliberately restricted to allow lots of time to hang about and look at things
and we had a wonderfully relaxing time over-indulging ourselves, eating buns and drinking tea, hence the ‘Teapot’ title. It worked extraordinarily well for some ten years. The June/July edition of Cycling World contained a
fuller account; if you don’t read it, subscribe! Perhaps someone else would like to revive this relaxed way of getting
to know your own area? Ed.

The Wednesday Lot. On the last Wednesday in September we enjoyed Bill and Arlene’s final ride with us, as they returned to the USA the following week. Four of us started out, but with a smattering of luck and a fair wind there
were nineteen riders present by lunchtime. The Tayleur Arms provided us with excellent fare at a bargain price and the ride home was a fragmented business because riders all had their own idea of a route, but that’s the nature of the
group!
It was a pretty relaxed affair and I hope that Bill and Arlene will remember The Lot at least as much for our happy-go-lucky attitude as anything else. God bless you both, thank you for being with us and if by chance you do return,
you’ll be doubly welcome!

A change of start point. From Wednesday 2^nd December The Wednesday Lot will meet by the main entrance to
Asda’s Store on the Old Potts Way, Shrewsbury, at 10.30am, not in Drawwell Street. After much discussion, no other changes are envisaged – The Lot has always been a slow, sociable group and as that’s the way we like it, so it will
remain.

Right now, the clocks have gone back and we’ve battened down the hatches for the dullness of winter. Someone said that it’s only three weeks to the shortest day, so just keep smiling and before we know where we are it’ll be spring.
PW

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/)

The nights may be drawing in but the number of riders enjoying riding in the dark is on the increase and even
the weather will not put many off! This gives me the opportunity to answer a question raised by Paul W in the last
issue of Cycle Clips - the equipment available to us now is truly amazing. Waterproof clothing has come on immensely
and it is now possible to stay relatively dry in jackets which are highly breathable, and no longer end up as wet on
the inside as they are on the outside. The lights are brilliant too! LED lights have come on in leaps and bounds and
there are rechargeable systems available from around £50 to the best at around £250 to £350 and these will easily
last the duration of one of our night rides.

It is something that has to be seen to be believed, but a trail of 20 plus lights descending from the top of the Stiperstones in a tunnel of light lifts the spirit on a frosty winter’s night and gives you that extra thrill that you are out having as much fun as ever whilst most of the population are snuggled up in front of the telly. Personally, I find I am probably safer riding in
the dark, because my attention is focussed down a bright beam of light rather than looking at the views!

Without doubt one of the reasons our group enjoys such support is that it may be a cold, wet, dark night, but you know that they will still be a large turnout. Whereas, probably, if you were to ride on your own, you would put it off until it
was a better night! Yet the rain can be bucketing down and after that first mile you really have forgotten about it and I swear that some of the recollections of our best rides forget to include the fact that it was pouring with rain!

As the numbers grow a record was set on a warm early August evening when 53 riders joined three rides out of the village of Stiperstones. The landlord served 26 meals afterwards, which prompted him to enquire “Recession, what recession?”

As reported in an earlier edition of Cycle Clips, Graham Pocock celebrated the big 50 this year, which has prompted him to come up with some interesting rides, like a Birthday ride of over 40 miles mainly off road from Borth to Nant-y-Arian and back. Then one Sunday he decided to ride from Shrewsbury to Borth in a day with a couple of friends
using as much off road as possible! He discovered that was a little ambitious and had to finish the 83mile ride on the
road from Carno in order to be back for work the next day.

This uncompleted ride haunted Graham and gave Mick Boulton just the excuse he needed to see how many bikes he could get in one of his coaches! So on the 11^th October a bus full of 22 riders and bikes arrived at Carno after an 8 am start from Shrewsbury to ride to the coast and Graham reports:

“The first 1000’ climb took us into the low cloud, rain and amongst the wind turbines. A fast tarmac descent lowered us to next valley. A forestry track was one of many climbs that took us from a village and a rather “urban” bridleway. Eventually, after numerous muddy climbs, we found us heading up the “Shoot”, a downhill section of the Mach3 ride. This challenging ascent was to stir the very souls of those on the ride. Pay back came in the guise of stunning views to the East, a few punctures and then the final forestry track towards the coast.

At the seaside only Mick ventured into the sea, while others changed into dry clothes and gathered their thoughts. A well-driven bus journey was punctuated by a food stop at Machynellyth. All arrived safety Shrewsbury at

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

Nigel, as an old Rough Stuff Fellowship member I have always loved the hills and tracks. If I could knock 20 years off my age I’d be with you like a shot. Incidentally, in my day light was a yellowish thing that fell out of your
front lamp and onto the wheel – it was that bad. Brilliant, evocative stuff – thank you so much. Ed.

The Sunday Pedallers. The usual rides to Home Farm will end at Christmas, when the farm closes until April.
It is likely that the Corbet Arms, Upton Magna, will serve as a refreshment stop in the interim. Meanwhile
The Pedallers continue in their carefree, happy way, totally relaxed and totally informal!

The Wednesday Loose-Enders. News on hold at present, no-one is available to report to us. If anyone involved
would like to keep us up to date it would be appreciated. See ‘contacts’ on last page.

Beacon Ring. Many people ride the ridge road along the top of the Long Mountain from the back of Westbury, without knowing that one of the best views of Wales can be enjoyed from a position just a few hundred yards off it.
Beacon Ring hill fort, an ancient British encampment, is located at OS map ref. 265058 and from here,
the highest point on the ridge, there is a mind-blowing view across the Severn valley and Welshpool that
goes deep into the heart of the Principality. It is amazing on a sunny winter’s day, when there has been a smattering of snow. You’ll find a gated track leading off the road towards the radio masts, and access can be made from there.

This area has been fairly busy in its time. A bit of a local scuffle took place at the fort in 633AD involving one Gwaith Meigen, then in 894 AD a Danish army was rebuffed by Alfred the Great in the valley below, but the beacon is better known as the muster point for Henry Tudor’s Welsh and Shropshire forces on their march to the battle of
Bosworth Field in 1485. Much more recently, in 1915, a German zeppelin dropped a couple of small bombs on
Buttington, below, but apart from that it’s pretty quiet nowadays.

As an aside, Welshpool was originally just ‘Pool’, or ‘Poole’, but the name was changed to differentiate it from Poole, Dorset. When? I’ve no idea! A remnant of the old way of things can be found in the existing name of ‘Pool Quay’,
down to the right, in the valley. The quay was once the head of navigation on the Severn, and the port for Welshpool.

Minsterley – at your convenience. Incongruously set into the front garden of a private house opposite the war
memorial in Minsterley, you’ll find a Victorian gentleman’s urinal constructed from pierced cast iron. It is still in use,
but rather than me telling you how it came to be there, I am asking you to tell me. Does anyone know when and why it was constructed? Was it for the mining community, does it date from the time when there was a railway here, or
what?
It is certainly a curiosity in this day and age and I’d like to know more about it.

I have a head-and-shoulders photograph (there’s tasteful, then) of the facility being tested by some of the CTC Easy-Riders section (now defunct) on May 11^th 1986. They are grinning like daft things! PW

There are several entries in this edition of CC that are outside the range of day rides for Shrewsbury based riders, and why not? We have readers in Wales and Herefordshire, many of us spread our wings from time to time, and so recommendations in these areas are very welcome. Ed.

Abermule, The Abermule Hotel. This small village at the foot of the Mule Valley is a bit further away than many recommended food venues, but still within a comfortable range for the more energetic ones, or for readers who live in
west Shropshire. Out with a friend who was visiting our county the cycling-friendly Abermule Hotel was a very
pleasant surprise. Not having planned to eat out and finding ourselves inexplicably hungry having ridden the hard miles
from Clun to Abermule, we noticed this pub offered meals and were both very impressed with the food, price and
friendly service. John Derricott

Dolgellau, The Royal Ship Hotel. This excellent hotel will take you back to an era when service was service and customers were welcome. It has a slightly formal but comfortable atmosphere, cyclists are treated as normal people,
the menu is full of goodies and their pensioner’s special during the week is a snatch at £6.50, two courses to include
tea or coffee. The lemon meringue pie was simply divine, dears, and Jean enjoyed an excellent cheese board
within the price. We might just go and stay there sometime. PW

Longden, The Tankerville Arms. An update - visited in early September, this pub continues to offer good value. Two-course roast lunch, £5.50, plenty of other things at about £5 -£6.00, wicked rhubarb-and-ginger pie and
custard,
a warm welcome and pleasant service. This is certainly one for short winter rides.

Longdon-on-Tern, The Tayleur Arms. A new manager has moved in who is a really friendly chap, and there is
every reason to believe that he will take root. He is a well-travelled chef who wants to give his young family a
permanent home and best of all, for us, he does a range of lunchtime specials at £3.50 that should satisfy anyone,
as well as having a tempting general menu. I know that we say, “Use them or lose them” quite often, but the Tayleur
really is worth keeping alive so get out there and stuff yourselves, folks!

Penmaenpool, The George III Hotel. Rumour had it that this establishment was expensive and if you intend to stay there, at £686.00 per week for basic B&B in a twin room, it is! However, their food is a much more acceptable price, considering that it’s right on The Mawddach Trail and they could be expected to capitalise on the fact. Bar meals
are in the £7.00-£8.50 bracket but sandwiches, baked potatoes, etc. are cheaper, and the quality is better than the
average. Evening meals are excellent, the atmosphere is cosy and civilised and it’s a haven in this day and age. PW

Rodington, The Bull. An interim report – at a visit in late October ten of us were well satisfied, it really was good.
The roast of the day on the ‘menu for small appetites’ is recommended, it’s enough for any adult, and the full menu is varied and tasty.

Wem, The Albion. As predicted by some from the outset, the pub has closed again.

Walcot. The Grove Inn was mentioned some time ago, and although the food was rated as good it was also noted the price range was higher than most establishments that we eat in. A recent visit uncovered the fact that there is now a ‘Senior Citizen’s Lunch’ Tuesday to Saturday each week priced at £5, and on the day of the visit it was good value. If anyone wants to make enquiries in advance the number is 01952 740814. JL

Uckington, The Horseshoes. Only a couple of miles from the above venue, The Horseshoes is situated on the
‘Old A5’, more specifically the B5061. Now owned by Daron and Dawn Lloyd, as one enters there is a keenness to
please the customers, a nice change from that experienced some three years ago. A good range of food at acceptable prices is on offer right through the day. Although the perception is that the premises are on a main road, it actually
carries only light traffic except in early mornings and late afternoons, and a number of access lanes also mean a
journey there can be a cycle friendly ride. Telephone number 01952 740238. JL

NB. An increasing number of food outlets are asking us to ring them and warn them that we are coming for lunch, giving approximate numbers. It used to be normal practice, so in order to help them to serve us, it is time to resume the courtesy. A list of phone numbers is available and additional venues are always sought. Ed.

Electric bikes. Over the last few years I have found cycling becoming progressively less enjoyable. I have intermittent claudication, mainly in my left leg, fortunately not bad enough to bring me to a standstill but painful on hills. Mary has been found to have asthma, which also makes headwinds and hills a trial.

We have therefore looked into electric assistance, reading A to B magazine and visiting Presteigne’s ‘electric bike weekends’. This year we took the plunge and bought two Monark Eco bikes from On Bikes in Presteigne. These
have step-through frames and crank motors which drive the chain only whilst pedalling. The power, (three levels),
can be switched off, when they behave much like any other heavy bike with a three speed hub, but then when the
road goes up, it is a joy to turn on the appropriate level of power.

They really have put the pleasure back into cycling. Since we got ours, two harder riding friends with health problems have converted lightweight bikes to good effect. Neville Roberts, (Presteigne).

I received the above piece from Neville a while after Jim had submitted his ‘Opening Thoughts’. These two diametrically opposed views on the subject of electrics bring this edition of Cycle Clips to a close very neatly,
and the beauty of it is – they are both right! Ed.

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 are in. The phone numbers shown are ALL prefixed 01743, (Shrewsbury).

(No. 49) 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.

WINTER 2009

The quarterly newsletter of the Shrewsbury Informal Cycling Groups

OPENING THOUGHTS