The Tourist December 2013 - VOL61 - No 308

The

Tourist The Journal of the CTC West Group of the Cyclists’ Touring Club

VOL 61

December 2013

No 308

50p 1

The Tourist JOURNAL OF THE CTC WEST GROUP OF THE CYCLISTS’ TOURING CLUB From the Editor: Welcome to the December issue of ‘The Tourist’ and to your new Editor.

Firstly, I would like to thank Diane Hall for all her hard work in making the Tourist successful over the last few years and for this final edition.

Apologies to those contributors as yet to be credited – if you recognise your article, please let me know and I will ensure you receive recognition in the next edition.

Speaking of which, I will be taking the opportunity of reviewing the magazine and will hopefully start afresh in the New Year.

In the meantime, if you have any comments, or would like to submit a contribution ready for the next edition, please email: touristeditor@ctcwest.org.uk A tiny bit about the editor – I joined CTC Bristol in 2009 on the inaugural Get Gorge-ous Challenge and haven’t looked back since!

I have been a past contributor and winner of the coveted Tourist literary prize!

I hope to get to know many more of you through the Tourist and welcome any suggestions you may have.

Finally, every best wish for the Festive Season!

Deborah Germaine

VOL 61

December 2013

No 308

CONTENTS From the Groups The Wirral Trail John Parker Tom’s quiz Tom Gray D Day and Normandy Beaches Graham and Joy Nix Royden Williams Brian Griffiths A Severe Mountain Challenge Brian Griffiths Triennial Veterans 100 mile Anon Aromas of the countryside Rachel Dunn The Forest of Dean Anon Frome CTC Mosel Tour Day 2 Martin James End to End Days 6 and 7 Mark Shillabeer Book review - Anon Cycling tours - John Crinion CTC West Officers CTC West Events

3 7 9 10 13 14 16 17 18 19 21 26 26 27 insert

Message from Diane Hall Many thanks to everyone who has contributed articles over the last few years, particularly the regular contributors without whom it wouldn’t have been possible to keep The Tourist going – you know who you are!

Happy cycling!

Diane Hall Opinions expressed are the Editor’s or contributors’ own and do not represent official views unless so identified.

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FROM THE GROUPS Cheltenham Club runs continue on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays (morning and evening).

Our numbers have been pretty steady over the last months. Our mixture of rides seems to satisfy most people: those working come out on Sundays and Thursday evenings and those retired, or otherwise able to spare the time, meet on Tuesdays and Thursday mornings.

Steve Poulton ran his usual extensive programme of Audax events: his three March Audaxes, the Cheltenham New Flyer 200Km, Cider with Rosie 150Km and Character Colne 100Km in March and in May, the Gospel Pass 200km, the Yatmon 150km and the Hoarwithy 100km. The March events endured cold and wet weather but those in May enjoyed a window of good weather in an otherwise indifferent spring. May also saw our annual 50 in 4 ride, which this year was promoted on a Sunday and boosted the numbers.

For those who like their food on the hot side, we had our traditional Curry Night at a local curry house in March with about twenty five people present.

July saw us at The Boat at Ashleworth one Thursday evening to partake in our annual barbeque. As ever, The Boat was a popular destination and we catered for 30 cyclists on a fine summer’s evening at what is an excellent venue by the river.

8 campers cycled down to The Perfect Pitch campsite at Woolverton in September and had a very enjoyable couple of nights and explored some new territory. For most, the Two Tunnels route was a new experience as was cycling up, or attempting to cycle up, Gold Hill in Shaftsbury.

We have just organised our first Ladies Only cycle ride: a brief circuit of Cheltenham. This had 9 participants and another event is planned.

For many years we have supported the Sue Ryder Charity Ride. This year was no exception and many members turned up, on what was a cold wet morning, to ride, lead and chaperone as required.

Swindon As we head in to the last quarter of 2013, the groups Saturday rides continue to attract good support, although we are always eager to look for new destinations.

Our last social year ended with the annual Christmas Dinner, held on December 9th, at The Bayberry in Wichelstowe. We had 32 members attend, with positive feedback once the initial delay in seating had been overcome.

During the early part of the year, we continued with a monthly earlier start time to the Saturday ride, in order to finish in daylight hours for increased rider safety.

With an early Easter for 2013, twelve members headed to Morton in the Marsh in order to sample some Cotswolds rides. Although cold, the weather was kind for the weekend, with good digs and great countryside, still with some snow on high ground.

For the annual “Hotpot”, we returned to Redlands Airfield, after a short club run, for refreshments and a tour of their skydiving and micro-light facilities.

Our thanks to Amanda Caswell for arranging and leading the monthly day-rides all of which have been well supported.

Congratulations to Joan Davies and Pat Kenyon for completing the “End to End” in May. 3

Congratulations also to those who took on the annual 100 miler, with a challenging route, starting at Coate-Water, heading to Hungerford for first stop. Heading then along the Pewsey Vale, for lunch by the canal at Horton. From there, the third stop was at Malmesbury, before heading back to Swindon.

A special ride was organized for 24th August, to coincide with a Steam Weekend at Crofton Pumping Station. Arriving at Crofton shortly after 12, ample time was allowed for refreshments, take a tour of the pumping station and take in the scenery for a social gathering.

The annual “Lardy Tea” took place on September 15th, with a club ride ending at Cricklade Railway, for tea and lardy cake.

Now, well into October, we look forward to our AGM this month, and a return to the Bayberry for our Christmas Dinner on 8th December.

Frome Autumn / Winter Our Sunday rides have continued as always with visits to such places (by this I mean cafes) as Wincanton, Salisbury Plain, Wells Cathedral, Caen Hill Locks, Shaftsbury, Bruton (several times!) as well as more local places like Gillingham, Bradford-on-Avon, Stourhead, Midsomer Norton, Mere and Longleat. Our numbers average between 6/8 however we have doubled our female membership to 2 - welcome to Jo who joins our other female member, Diane.

Another major project that we are involving ourselves in is "Fromes Missing Link" (http://www.fromesmissinglink.org.uk/) which aims to complete the off road, traffic free cycle path from Radstock to Frome. Once completed, we will be able to follow the NCN route from Frome to Radstock and then onto Bath and finally into Bristol. About 75% of this route will be traffic free with the remainder being on very quiet country lanes. In order to help out the project, several members have been on work weekends, cutting and clearing overgrown brambles and building steps. This is an exciting local project, supported by both the local town council as well as Sustrans and will provide the traffic free missing link into Frome.

Spring / Summer Despite the prolonged cold weather our Sunday rides continued as normal and generally we have been lucky with the weather, the rain avoiding Sundays wherever possible however at times even the hardest of riders have been reluctant to surface from their beds. This picked up as the weather began to improve.

On 17 March 6 of us helped marshal the Lionheart Cyclo Sportive. Starting and finishing at Longleat, this had 1500 riders starting the event and either participating in the 100 mile or the 100 kilometre distance. However, on the day there was a problem. It snowed - hard! The 100 mile was scrapped and all riders and resources were directed towards the 100 kilometre - a great day if somewhat long and cold.

The first 100 km of the season was held on 31 March - old but pleasant as we headed down towards south Somerset /Dorset border, our destination Sherborne. But of course being Easter Sunday everything was closed. MacDonald’s on the A303 had to do.

Early April we descended on the newly opened two tunnels at Bath along with most other cyclists in the region. It was good to see other CTC sections coming through in the opposite direction.

With the weather warming up numbers were rising. We were averaging between 7/8 riders regularly and occasionally getting into double figures.

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The Merry Monk Audax took place on the 28th April. What a transformation from a year ago when we nicknamed this event the "Drenched Monk". This year we've named it the "Sunny Monk!" A great ride with substantially more people than a year ago.

May Day Bank holiday weekend - Our 2013 tour - The Welsh end to end - 250 miles, 5000 meters of climbing! This saw 5 intrepid tourers and one support vehicle embark on the epic Lon Las Cymru. Yes - the Welsh End to End. 250 miles with 2500 meters of climbing spread over three days. Great weather and awesome climbing. I've never taken 10 hours to do 100km but it was tough and well worth it.

The Frome section participate in the CTC West Annual dinner on 17 May at The Old Royal Ship Inn at Luckington. A beautiful route to and from the pub, great weather, good food and great camaraderie. We will return next year.

Our annual visit to Bathampton Weir took place on the 9th June.

In addition to our Sunday rides we also had several Friday evening pub rides. These were well supported and as always great fun.

The summer in particular was memorable because of the superb weather we had in July as well as Chris Froome becoming the second Brit in successive years to win the Tour De France.

Autumn Our Sunday rides have continued as always visiting places such as The Old Chapel at Bruton (several times), Wells Cathedral, Salisbury Plain, Caen Hill Locks, Shaftsbury, Chewton Mendip, Gillingham, Monkton Deverill, Timsbury, Bath as well as Midsomer Norton.

Burnham-On-Sea however remains elusive - perhaps next year.

The Year Ahead - 2014 The Annual Tour - to chase the Tour of France around Yorkshire for a couple of days? Watch this space!

The club continues with its traditional Sunday rides and complements this with an annual tour, as well as longer Audax type events. We also have several social events a year ranging from the AGM, Christmas dinner as well as summer Friday pub rides. The most important event however is the Sunday morning cafe stop at 11:00 and long may this continue.

Stroud Valleys CC The last 12 months have been another good year for Stroud Valleys CC. We now have club rides on a Tuesday (average of 12.28 riders/ride), Thursday (av. 5.4), Saturday (av. 8.94), and Sunday (av. 6.3). Once a month our Sunday ride is a '3-hour Buzz' (shorter, harder, faster) which is growing in popularity (av. 5.38). Approximately once per quarter we also offer an off-road ride (av. 6.0). In total, 76 people joined one or more of our rides during the year.

Tony Hadfield has created our new web pages within the CTC West website, we have now got a 'virtual telephone number' for the club (a permanent number which is re-directed to the current secretary), and have also obtained an internet domain: www.stroudvalleys.cc. Currently this web page re-directs to our pages within the CTC West website, but could be used independently in future if required. The domain also gives us a 'home' for our email circulation list, and members of the club are now able to contact each other more easily by simply sending an email to rideupdates@stroudvalleys.cc (which forwards to everyone on our list.) Our committee members are now contactable at permanent club email addresses - meaning that any printed publicity such as leaflets will not fall out of date. Our new club secretary, Helen 5

Fenton, has also started an email newsletter called "Riders Digest" - which has been very well received by the members.

During the last year we have also run a number of social events - a film night, skittles match, quiz night, the Carol Service, and a Christmas Lunch. Sadly our last Social Secretary has now moved to Spain, so we are looking for a new Social Secretary to join us!

We have recently placed a large order for more club kit. Thanks to the grant from CTC West we were able to subsidise the prices somewhat for our members, and our yellow & orange club colours & design continue to be popular.

At our recent AGM, two of our long-standing Committee members stood-down after many years of service to the Club: Marion Teal and Jim Turner. We would like to thank both of them for their hard work and commitment, and wish them both many more happy years of pedalling.

And we would also like to welcome our new Committee Members: Tony Haylor and Alan Rutter.

As we start the new year, the future for Stroud Valleys CC is looking bright. (Bright yellow and orange, at the very least!)

Bath Throughout the year we have enjoyed a full programme of rides, complemented by short easy paced rides every month and several midweek rides. Our all day Sunday rides have been well supported but the easy paced rides, after an initial surge of interest, have attracted few riders.

Our enthusiastic leader has indicated that he is intending to discontinue the rides at least for the winter months. Equally, the midweek rides have not been well supported but the leader, I’m pleased to say, is happy to continue these rides on the condition that members phone in advance if they intend to ride.

Special events have been few. Next weekend there is a ride to Ledbury with an overnight stay, returning on Sunday. Nine members are participating. During the year we mustered a token presence at the Castle Combe church service and the CTC West annual lunch and prize presentation. Cycle Bristol have emailed me their programme of events which I’ve forwarded to our members The start for our rides has been The Alkmaar Garden in Orange Grove since the visit from the Alkmaar CC in 2009. Latterly, the Walcot Velo Club have transferred to this location for a 9am start. The significance of mentioning this is to note the much larger turnout compared with us. A rough count suggests between 20-25 riders but as winter approaches their numbers have begun to wane. We shall see. I asked one of their members, where were they going? The answer, we decide on the way. They are normally back by lunch. One reason could be that our rides are all day events. Half day rides seem more popular. Most of us ride bikes fitted with mudguards and we have a structured rides programme. We are touring cyclists, we enjoy our rides and we are not going to change.

On Saturday 26th October we are holding our AGM during which we expect to finalise the rides list for the next three months. In a note from Nigel Williams, CTC Cycling Development Officer, he tells us he is planning to attend.

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The Wirral Trail, NCN56, NCN62 & Southport 2013 When planning this holiday in October 2012, I gave no thought to the weather. Fortunately by Saturday morning (19th January 2013) the snow had stopped, all the main roads had been gritted and were clear. With virtually no traffic it was an easy, virtually traffic free ride to Bristol Temple Meads arriving over an hour before my train to Newport was due out. A latte and an almond croissant for very early 11’s purchased as well as a ham & egg mayonnaise roll for lunch, I sat on the wooden (GWR) seats on platform 4 and observed a local seagull gliding over the tracks at platform level making a neat gliding turn to disappear between one of the stone arches separating the platforms.

Eventually my 10.21 train came in; I boarded and we set off through the snow covered suburbs of Bristol, through the Severn Tunnel and into an even snowier South Wales - a proper “winter wonderland”. The train reached Newport on time and I used the stylish new over bridge to get bike and self to platform 4. Time to use the facilities before my train to Wrexham came in at 11.36. The whole countryside was white occasionally dotted by a field of grey blobs (sheep).

From Wrexham my connection took me north and across the Dee to link with Mersey Rail at Bidston.

The Mersey Rail trains are electric using a live third rail like the London Tube. Soon at my destination (West Kirby), which is the end of the line, I found a café called “Toast” where a toasted cheese sandwich set me up before heading for the B&B which was only 5 minutes from the station. Arriving at 5pm and settling in to a comfortable centrally heated room I decided not to bother going out again that evening.

After a good night’s sleep, I was up and having breakfast by 8am. Just before 10am I set off to the local park where the Wirral Trail followed an old railway line. Heading south a light snow soon set in but it was still pleasant cycling. The path had a layer of snow in parts but was not slippery. After about 5 miles I came to the break in the trail where it follows the local road and decided to turn back towards Thurstaston where I had seen a sign for a café. Arriving there, I covered my saddle to keep off the snow and went in. I enjoyed a café latte and a piece warm lemon drizzle cake and read my book. About noon, I continued back to West Kirby and cycled along the esplanade by the Marine Lake. The tide was out; you could walk right across the sand to Little Eye at the southern end of the Hilbre Islands though it was at least half a mile.

Someone being brought back across the sand in a Land Rover to a waiting ambulance but it did not seem serious. I continued along the main road to Hoylake and along the esplanade there as well before returning to West Kirby for lunch (soup & roast turkey - very filling!). Then it was back to the B&B to leave my bike and walk (5 minutes) into town to “Toast” for tea and slice of coffee & walnut cake, returning to the B&B for the evening, reading and watching TV. After a good breakfast, Monday morning saw me putting on all my wet weather gear (Gortex trousers, galoshes & cape) for my journey to Southport. Back to the park, I turned north on the Wirral Trail to follow it around the Wirral Coast. A bit icy in parts I managed to fall off before I got to Hoylake but no damage to me or the bike. I was soon through Hoylake and on the coastal path, diverting past a lighthouse, then past a café (too early to stop!) to regain the coastal path. When level with Wallasey, you pick up NCN 56 along the coast to New Brighton and then down the Millennium Promenade to Seacombe. I arrived just in time to catch the “Ferry across the Mersey” and made good use of the 30 minute trip (complete with commentary and ending with the song) by buying coffee (11’s), a sandwich (for lunch later) and using the facilities. Though my map showed a cycle route leading away from the docks, I decided to follow the snow free main roads to Knotty Ash arriving just after 1pm.

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Here I joined NCN62 (Trans Pennine Trail) which runs along a disused railway line. Quite snowy in parts I one had to be careful, occasionally getting off to negotiate tricky slopes. In Aintree, NCN62 leaves the old railway line and takes a complex route ending up along the towpath of a partly frozen stretch of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. Fortunately there was a narrow path through the snow on the bank and I kept well clear of the edge!

At Netherton NCN62 left the canal and continued through the edge of Maghull to regain the line of the old railway. Out in the open country now, the snow a lot thicker, I had to get off at times and walk the bike. I found myself following the tyre tracks of a couple of mountain bikes and rather wished I had one to make the going easier - the path seemed to go on forever across the flat countryside. Around 3.30pm I stopped briefly to make “yellow snow” and for a bite or two of my sandwich before pressing on.

Eventually I came to a signpost saying “Southport 7 miles” which was a great relief. At the cross roads with the A565, I should have left the Trans Pennine Trail and headed right into Southport.

However I decided to stick to the TPT alongside the Coastal Road. A sign on the path saying ‘Cyclists Dismount‘ puzzled me and I cycled on until the reason became obvious - the path was completely flooded as well as the right hand carriageway of the road. So I cycled on the road which fortunately was not too busy. Reaching the pier, I fitted on my bike lights as it was now dark and decided to turn inland as the various hotels are set about half a mile back from the coast road on the other side of the Marine Lake.

Not being sure where my hotel was, I went into the posh new Marriott Hotel and, leaving my bike dripping gently against a pillar, took the lift to reception on the first floor. They gave me clear instructions and I arrived at my hotel around 5.30pm - very glad to have made it. After brushing the worst of the accumulated snow from my bike (there was an inch of frozen slush on the inside of the rim of my back wheel!), I gave it into the care of the hotel. Wendy was very pleased to see me and we just made it to 6pm dinner.

Tuesday was spent wandering around the shops with Wendy. On Wednesday, I abandoned the idea of riding to Skelmersdale and walked to the end of the pier and back and spent the rest of the day in the warm hotel with a good book. Thursday, I joined Wendy & co on the coach to visit Ormskirk - market day - and had a good lunch in a very old pub - The Hind in the Vine.

The journey home on Friday was not as simple as I had planned. Arriving at Southport station, fortunately early, I was advised to get the previous train to that booked as there had been a derailment and trains were not running through to Manchester Piccadilly.

We set off through the flat white countryside passing frozen lakes and canals. Arriving at Wigan we were delayed waiting for a driver. Eventually we set off again - destination Salford Crescent.

Arriving here we transferred to a coach (I slid my bike into the luggage compartment underneath) bound for Manchester Oxford Road (one station short of Manchester Piccadilly).

The man I had sat opposite in the coach kindly offered to show me the way to Manchester Piccadilly and walked with me; I arrived with 10 minutes to spare. The train was waiting on Platform 3 so I tied my bike to the rack in coach D and found a table seat in coach B. The journey south continued past white fields and frozen canals. The trolley service provided lunch (ham salad baguette & tea). By the time we stopped at Stafford, there was the odd flake of snow drifting in the air but it came to nothing. The canals were frozen all the way to Birmingham. South of the city a watery sun shone on the snow covered embankments as we seemed to be taking an unusual route! Arriving at Bristol Parkway, I was soon home and not 5 minutes later the coach dropped Wendy at our door.

John Parker

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TOM’S QUIZ 2013 In the following the last letter of each answer is the first letter of the next. a Knighted cyclist b City in north of England c

Salt town in Cheshire

d

River reputedly blue

e

Roman name of b above

f

Location of hills bordering Worcestershire and Herefordshire

g

Location of A E Housman’s "Blue Remembered Hills"

h

City of Ian Rankin’s Rebus novels

j

From xxxx Hell and Halifax may the Good Lord deliver us

k

West end of Manchester ship canal

l

Cycle saddles are made from this

m Christian name of xxx Harris post war sprint cyclist n

Fishing port in north of Lincolnshire

o

American National Park

p

River of SW England

q Female sheep r

Finish of quiz

Answers on page 26

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D Day and Normandy Beaches June 2013 (Santana Beyond Tandem) Joy and I have always talked about taking the tandem and cycling around the Normandy beaches to understand better the events of the invasion. This was especially meaningful for Joy as her Dad had been part of the invasion but never spoke of it; Joy has family links to Canadians who also fought as part of the allied forces.

Our adventure started in September 2012 when we went to the Cycle show in Birmingham NEC and met Charlie Bladon. Charlie (the owner) was staffing the Green Jersey French Cycling stand (wwwgreenjerseycycling.co.uk). He was very informative and we were attracted by the daily mileage of 40 to 50 miles and that the ride was supported meaning luggage would be moved for us each day.

In November we booked our places for the 5 day tour. Our original plan was to take Brittany Ferries overnight from Portsmouth to Ouistreham (Caen) however Joy suggested that we might go to the Belvedere Bike Hotel in Riccione, Italy first. With a suggestion like that I was on the internet, in minutes, sorting out booking and travel arrangements. If you ever get the chance to go this hotel then take it; it is a fabulous experience. Superb hotel, great food, facilities and tour guided rides to suit all levels of fitness and experience every day.

As a result of this slight diversion (!) we arranged to meet the rest of the riders and Charlie at the ferry terminal in Ouistreham at 7.45 am having stayed in Caen overnight. Charlie had sent us all of the detailed information in advance along with the Route Book. The route is self-guided however the five on this trip cycled together for the five days and enjoyed the company.

The route book was detailed enough for the ride (a GPS route is available as well). Charlie was very attentive and we met him often on the route. He parked the van at helpful points and gave us briefings on the next stage of the route, water, drinks and homemade cakes to keep us going. The weather was not great but what we are used to as cyclists in the UK! We had time to visit many sites but could not stop at every one or at every memorial – there are so many! We were very fortunate in that our tour coincided with the D-Day anniversary so there were many historic vehicles to see and veterans visiting. Everywhere the memorials, cemeteries, etc, appeared exceptionally well looked after and clearly cared for.

Day one (44m/71km) the route goes west along the coast to Arromanches - you must see the panoramic cinema film – very informative and ‘moving’- then onto Bayeux for the night. Hotels throughout the trip were of good quality and bikes secure overnight. Evening meals are included and this evening we ate in a local restaurant.

Day 2 (44m/71km) after seeing the Bayeux tapestry, we went in a south easterly direction to Tilly Sur Seulles, Tourville, Hill 112, Tournay to Aunay Sur Odon for the night and a welldeserved beer. There were some good climbs today with a number of visits to cemeteries (always well kept, quiet and humbling when you think of the price paid by those involved) and memorials.

Day 3 (45m/72km) starts with a long climb then passing through some pretty villages which, Charlie explains, were completely devastated and then rebuilt after the war. The route takes you to Clecy where we stopped for coffee then a very steep climb through Le Vey. Much in need were the drinks at the top provided by Charlie.

There is plenty of time and everyone climbs the hill at their own pace - no rush and no pressure.

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Then to Falaise where we visited William the Conqueror’s Castle. The overnight stay was in Ecouche where the bikes were stored in the owner’s garage. The Mayor and local dignitaries were having drinks and a meal at the hotel – we thought it a welcoming party for us but alas not.

Day 4 (49m/74km) after a group photograph at the French Sherman Tank we set off along a rolling series of hills passing memorials etc. The most incredible scene was the ford used by the Germans to escape from the pincer movement by the allies. So narrow, and so many people died here.

Then at 20 miles there was a hill!! The route card said engage low gear and Charlie meant it!

We managed it on the tandem but we were in the granny ring and hot when we got to the top.

The view was worth it along with the visit to the Montormel Memorial and museum.

Downhill was wonderful to Camembert then to Livarot where we visited the cheese factory and ate most of the taster pieces of cheese. If buying cheese, as a couple of us did, then beware it is rather smelly! Overnight was in Lisieux; we had to ride on busy roads to enter the town but all manageable and the French are very considerate to cyclists. The food at the hotel was voted the best meal of the five days - they were all good with a wide choice. Breakfasts varied but there was always plenty to eat.

Day 5 (40m/61km) Charlie seems to favour a good climb to set us off and today’s was a gentle rise to get out of the town to the cemetery at St Desir. The weather was cold and felt like winter.

A relatively flat ride today to the Merville museum, then onto Pegasus Bridge and museum.

Those on the 16.30 ferry had plenty of time and for those of us on the overnight we spent our time cycling the last few kilometres to the port having a good meal in the restaurant near the ferry terminal. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from.

We thoroughly enjoyed the tour and felt well supported and looked after by Charlie. We would certainly travel with Charlie again and will probably go back to Normandy by ourselves as there is so much to see and understand. Thank you Charlie for a great time and to the others we went with.

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Fuller details of the tour can be seen on the website of Green Jersey Cycling.

Graham and Joy Nix 12

ROYDEN WILLIAMS 1928-2013 Sadly we have to record the passing of a Bristol Cycling Legend. Roy, as he was often known, was very much a part of the Bristol cycling community, frequently leading the Thursday Old Timer Cyclists along mystery routes to their lunchtime venue, along the local lanes that he knew so intimately. Actively participating in touring, racing, and entertaining CTC members with his slide shows, he was a real character who soon made his presence felt in any company. He was noted for his incredible pedalling ability aboard his favourite Hetchins “Curly” fixed wheel machine.

Roy was a proud Welshman originally from the Neath Valley in South Wales, a place he never forgot, often recalling the joyful experience of playing in the surrounding mountains and streams during his childhood.

He left the Welsh Valleys to work as a fireman on the great Western Railway, mainly on the Paddington line. When he came to Bristol he took up cycling with the CTC and with Bristol Road Club and saw success as an amateur-racing cyclist. This is where he met Mary Peacock whom he married in February 1957; they had three fine sons Derek, Mark and Steven.

In 1956 Roy joined the Post Office, which then became British Telecom, staying in this employment until his retirement in 1990.

When the family moved to Staple Hill in 1976, cycling became the main interest for Roy and Mary. Roy continued cycling with the Bristol Thursday Old Timers into his eighties and often led the weekly rides. He was an enthusiastic photographer and took lots of pictures of the group’s activities and the places they had been to, which were presented at regular intervals at the CTC clubroom. His pictures of trips to America to visit his son Derek were particularly popular.

Unfortunately Roy eventually became a victim of dementia and his cycling activities were slowly curtailed. He will be greatly missed by Mary, his sons and his many Bristol cycling friends, as evidenced by the huge turnout that came to pay their last respects at his funeral at Westerleigh.

Brian Griffiths

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A SEVERE MOUNTAN CHALLENGE For some years my cycling friend David had been pressing me to arrange a trip to the French Alps to ride three of the Classic Climbs used in the Tour de France. I was always interested but never got anything arranged until he came up with a good reason and also made the comment that if we don’t do it soon we might be too old. He wanted to raise some funds for a Methodist Homestead in Northampton where he lived at the time.

We chose to go in September and after crossing on the ferry from Portsmouth to Le Havre we drove down through France via Evreux, Dreux and Chartres and on to St Etienne for an overnight.

The next morning we drove on towards our final destination. Presently we saw the misty isolated outline of the Giant of Provence, the legendary Mont Ventoux, our first target.

Eventually we reached the beautiful little town of Valence de Romaine and unloaded our bikes to enjoy our first leg stretching ride.

Next morning we were up early and took the car to Bedoin. Leaving our motor transport in the square, we set off to begin the first big challenge.

The road rose steadily and progress was made at a comfortable pace in cool calm conditions.

Soon after the sun broke through we got our first glimpse of the shining summit we were aiming for. We rode together controlling our breathing and measuring our pace as there was still a long way to go. Feeling comfortable we reached Chateau Renard and joined a number of other cyclists on the climb for a brief coffee stop.

When we left the Chateau the sun was really warming up, we were out of the shade of the trees and the road began rising sharply. It was a long hard push from this point on. A brief stop was made at the Tom Simpson Memorial which stands by the roadside about a kilometre from the summit. We took photos and left a small plaque from the Wrekin Havoc’s cycling club in recognition of our association with this legendary cyclist who died on the mountain in 1967.

More stern effort was required to complete the ride in the thin air at nearly 6,000 feet. It is difficult to describe the feeling of standing on the top of this mountain, above the clouds, gazing down the long winding road up which we had ridden. Number one target nailed and it really felt good.

A rapid decent was made to the bottom, before making our way to Malucene and then climbing up the Little Madeline back to the car at Bedoin. The bikes were returned to the car rack and we set off at good speed for our overnight at Briancon reckoned to be the highest town in France.

Next morning we were away early to climb the long steady road up the Lauteret in bright sunshine! It was not really steep but perhaps better described as relentless. Passing through the village of Monitier les Baines we stopped at a junction for some early sustenance and marvelled at the massive form of the Glacier du Homme, which stood glittering in front of us.

When we set off again we were on the first slopes of the Galibier our next objective, and we found them quite severe. With no signs of the summit we wound our way through countless hairpins. On one of which stood the tall monument to Henri Desgrange the acknowledged father of the Tour de France.

Back to the pedalling and soon we saw what appeared to be the top, still a daunting distance away. Eventually we breasted the summit of the Toumalet, after another 6000 feet of climbing and then took some photos to record our achievement. It was not very warm so we didn’t hang about long before we set off on the rapid decent back to our hotel in Briancon.

After a good night’s sleep we were ready to tackle our third big climb or fifth if you count the Little Madeline and the Lauteret as well.

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Initially riding down the hill from our hotel the route was clearly indicated. To our surprise we found ourselves descending even lower into a valley but it was not long before the climb appeared and was showing us that we had to suffer.

Relentlessly we were making headway and in due course we came to Refuge Napolian from where we could see the summit cafĂŠ at a daunting height above us. The road took on a cruel ferocity and the final kilometre had us really bending the cranks and burning the calories.

What a relief it was to reach level ground and stand before the monument that marks the top of the 8,000 feet pass. Our mission completed we put on warm tops to descend at high speed for mile after mile through the Combe du Queyras until we reached Guillestre and the N94 back to Briancon and our welcome accommodation for a shower and a celebration meal.

We could now reflect that we had completed our task and achieved our objectives, raising some ÂŁ1200 pounds for a good cause in the process.

Brian Griffiths 15

Triennial Veterans 100 mile The West Group Triennial Veterans 100 mile event was run under pretty good conditions on Sunday the 9th June. There were 56 starters and as far as is known they all finished within the 12 hour time standard.

Probably the stiffest part of the course was the first 25 miles to the mid-morning stop at Charlton for welcome refreshments provided by Bristol Section.

Although the riders faced a slight headwind, the ride to Cricklade for lunch was not too demanding. Well fuelled by an excellent meal provided by the local WI, the riders returned to Charlton by a different route for afternoon tea.

By this time tiredness was beginning to show but with a following wind to help over the last 25 miles everyone finally arrived back to Winterbourne their mission accomplished.

There was a warm welcome for everyone back at the community centre and further tea and cakes were served whilst precious certificates were prepared and handed out to proud recipients. With an all-round thank you to those who had turned out to make this event such a success!

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AROMAS OF THE COUNTRYSIDE Cycling in countryside ... there’s so many pleasures...

Sniffs of fresh air ... and other lovely treasures.

Luscious fresh sky ... manure and grass ...

Different aromas ... we will pass.

Countryside air ... a delight to breathe in ...

As our legs pedal round ... and wheels we spin.

Manure is important ... (but it really does smell) ...

It’s part of the countryside ... so I think, Oh well.

Grass is so gorgeous ... when newly cut ...

Preoccupied with sniffing ... my wheel ends up in a rut.

These are delights ... of being outdoor ...

I’ll be on the bike tomorrow ... for a little bit more.

In countryside or town ... pleasant scents will arise ...

But fresh air, for me ... will always win the prize.

It’s clear and refreshing ... I love it a lot I like it whether cool ... raining or hot Riding in countryside ... with sky all around ...

Birds twittering ... making a beautiful sound.

We come across aromas ... of all types of kind ...

(Those with a pong... are soon left behind).

Perhaps you adore countryside ... as much as me?

Appreciating ... I think that’s the key.

By Rachel Dunn

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'The Forest of Dean: The Family Trail and Other Great Rides' Many people enjoy the Family Trail which amounts to just over nine miles of forest track. This brand new guide, published by Cycling Guides, is designed to help leisure cyclists explore much more of the forest.

To date making the most of the forest has been difficult as the tracks can be something of a maze, with many that are shown on maps overgrown or otherwise un-ride-able.

Therefore Ben Searle personally assessed practically all of the many miles of tracks in the heart of the forest. In consultation with the Forestry Commission he then selected 80 miles of the most easily ride-able and rewarding of these in addition to the Family Trail.

All the selected tracks are very clearly shown on the guide’s map. 43 miles of route are fully described with succinct stage-by-stage distances, and route profiles, so that you can pick a ride to suit. The guide is designed to make it easy for users to put together their own rides using a further 46 miles of links, shortcuts and alternative tracks that are clearly marked on the map.

One aim of this guide is to enable visitors to venture off the Family Trail with the confidence that they will easily find their way on tracks and trails that connect together into rewarding routes, are navigable and within their ability. This will help them explore and reach new areas of the forest.

The guide is carefully laid out with directions right next to the map panel you are looking at - no more flip-flapping the map back and forth to find out which way to go!

Fed up of maps that fall about after a few hours use, Ben sought a special tough waterproof plastic which feels like high quality paper - this guide will last very many visits - come rain or shine!

The map base is the superbly detailed Ordnance Survey Ⓡ 1:25,000 Explorer series, on which Cycling Guides have overlaid the route and additional information. This includes where to eat, drink and places of interest along or near the routes. All the information you’ll need to plan a fantastic day out!

The guide is fully supported by the www.cyclingguides.com website which provides further information to help cyclists explore the area, news, updates and GPX files of the routes for those with GPS devices.

Price £6.95. ISBN: 978-0-9576827-0-2 Available from www.cyclingguides.com with free first class P&P. For CTC members to get £1 discount enter 'BOAR' discount code at the checkout.

Also available in the Forest of Dean from: Pedalabikeaway: Beechenhurst Lodge Visitor Centre: Camping in the Forest (Bracelands camp site): Deanwood Holidays & Caravan and Camping Site.

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Frome CTC Mosel Tour – Day One (2nd July 2012) Kenn to Remisch Having arrived late the day before at the small family run Hotel Weingut Jungling in Kenn (a town by the Mosel), we were now ready to start the cycle tour properly. After a good German breakfast at the hotel, set out at approx. 9am having discovered earlier, at 7am, that we need not have brought an alarm clock as the church on the hill provided one! We headed south through the town and eventually found our way to join the network of cycle paths and the riverside. The slightly damp morning weather stayed with us for most of the day.

Cycling south but upstream along by the Mosel River in the direction of Remisch (Luxembourg), we saw quite a lot of industrial areas, but also some very nice villages. A small ferry took us across the river at Wasserbillig, then we later crossed bridges to make sure we stayed by the Mosel and not the Saar river.

Perry had brought a very good map, and the signage was excellent. Mid-morning, we stopped in at a café in Nittel and enjoyed Kaffee und Kuche. I decided to try a ‘Nuss Ecke’ (Nut Corner), which was true to its name in that it was a triangle in shape. We continued south along the river, passing in and out of Germany several times along the way, going into France and Luxembourg. The architecture and culture differences were visible in each case. Being a Monday, our short foray into France showed us the traditional French approach to this part of the week – nothing open, not a soul about!

Eventually we reached our destination of Remisch. Having found it, our thoughts turned to lunch, however there were no obvious options here. Turning back, when we reached Schengen (Luxembourg) we stopped for lunch in a small roadside café just over the bridge.

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Having practised German at the earlier cafĂŠ stop in Nittel, we were now enjoying an attempt at pointing and pulling faces in order to obtain food and drink in French. In both cases, the small attempts we made at speaking the local language were definitely appreciated, and resulted in us not going hungry! Croque Monsieur was a welcome and tasty choice.

After lunch we went back across the bridge and continued our return journey, allowing us to see a completely different view of the riverside slopes than that seen on the way up. It is fair to say the view going back north was much nicer, with vines visible all along the slopes.

The paths we followed on this trip had allowed us to stay almost completely traffic-free all day, something seldom achieved in the UK. The weather was now brightening and warming up; we enjoyed the end part of the ride very much. Arriving back at the hotel for around 8pm, we quickly washed and changed for dinner in the hotel which also included some of their own wine.

The Riesling turned out to be something well worth revisiting ‌ This first day was interesting and worth doing, but not as good as the later trips in the week. The improving weather was set for the week and our next day’s trip, although misty to start, was bathed in glorious sunshine as we followed the river north to Kinheim.

Martin James

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End to End – Days 6 & 7 Edinburgh to Dalwhinne Wake up, pull back the curtains to check the weather and there is Geoff repairing a puncture in the back yard (up early, as he had difficulty sleeping in the same room with Richard and Dave, and Dave’s snoring!). Get ready for the off, pack rucksack, and head down for breakfast. As soon as I set foot in the breakfast room, the landlady appears (you sit there and you sit over there, I know why I didn’t join the army). Order my coffee and ask for a full English (is that how they refer to bacon, sausage, beans and fried egg in Scotland). Pour out my coffee and put in the sugar, the landlady’s back telling us to put the paper wrappers from the sugar in the pot on the table (Get me out of here now!). We set off following the A701-A7-A90 and then onto the B924, Dave has joined us this morning. We come out on top of the South Bank, which gives us a great view of the rail and road bridges.

At least they built the rail bridge properly, just a shame we could not cycle over it. After we have taken some pictures and had comfort break behind the hedge (we did want to get away from the B&B as quickly as possible), we follow the blue signs that lead us onto the Forth Road Bridge.

We stop in the centre of the bridge to get those pictures that say ‘I was here’. I ask Martin to get an action shot of me, cycling across the bridge and take the opportunity to cycle at him, braking at the last moment. Well, Martin has more faith in my brakes than I do (or he could just be mad). ‘My bike and I were here’ photos over, we carry on to the North Bank and down onto the B981 through Inverkeithing and back out into the countryside.

Joining the B917 at Cowdenbeath, then onto the B966 at Kelty. This road gives you a great view of Loch Leven and continues on into Kinross, where we stop for coffee at cafe 98. Out of the cafe and back on the B966. I’m not sure what they put in the coffee but at Milnathort, we neglect to follow the B966 and take a detour into the Scottish countryside.

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Cycling along the lane, we come across some ladies out for a ride on their horses and ask if this road leads to Perth, ‘well, eventually’ was the reply, in perfect English vowels. This was a shock. After getting directions, we have a choice, ride back the way we came or continue along this lovely quiet lane.

No contest, so we carry on along the lane (uphill), passing through avenues of Christmas trees, although you would need a high ceiling, plenty of lights and decorations if you wanted one.

Continuing on the mystery tour, the road eventually starts to descend out of the trees. After a while we see houses in the distance.

A sign at the side of the road, warns us of the climb ahead 1: 6. There was a very sharp bend in the road that almost doubles back on itself. Still, a good photo opportunity showing us out of the saddle and going red in the face, as we crest the hill.

Sometime later, we arrive in Perth and head for the railway station (a club tradition to have your picture taken through the railings of the bridge, over the rail line). Come on lads, where is the cafe? Oh! The railway cafe is a tradition as well - at least they do tuna jacket potatoes. Belly fuelled for a few miles, we head out onto the A912 then join the A9 which is to be the road of choice for the rest of today. No chance of any mystery tours then?

Back on the main road, we push on looking to make up some lost time, on past Luncarty and passing the Liqueur centre Nr Bankfoot (best we don’t stop here to top up our fluid levels).

At the Pass of Birnam there is a great view of the river Tay on our right and the rail line to our left. On past Little Dunkeld (any one into mountain biking should try out the trails here).

We stop to check the map at the junction with the B898; it is decided that we are going to be pushing our luck with getting food later so Richard contacts the B&B to check if they do evening meals. We are in luck, they do and we can chose from the menu when we arrive and they will prepare the food while we have a shower and get ready - result.

Back on the A9, passing Kindallachan and Ballinluig. Just after turning off the A9 and onto the A924 into Pitlochry, we see the tour bus parked in a lay-by and Geoff standing by the wall, staring into the river (looks a good spot for a bit of salmon fishing).

Riding on to Pitlochry town centre and stopping for coffee and cake at Bistro No1, (you can eat all the cakes you like on rides like this). We head out of Pitlochry on the B924 and join up with the B8079 where I spy Dave up ahead and ride on to join him. We notice a blue sign, for a cycle path to Killiecrankie, on our left and decide to follow it through Faskally.

It starts off well with fields full of bluebells and a decent tarmac road which soon turns in to a gravel path beside the river - we decide to take the path up to the right, which leads us back onto the B8079. We stop by the sign for Killiecrankie to take the ‘my bike was here picture’.

Cycling on to the village centre, where I take some more pictures of the pretty village cottages “stream, with ducks out the front and mountains behind”. All too soon the road goes from the B8079 and back onto the A9. Pushing on pass Blair Athol, the view from my bike is stunning, passing the snow gates at Dalnacardoch Lodge, they won’t need these with the lovely sunny weather we have been having on this ride.

Although the road is climbing, your mind is taken off the ascent by the view of the mountains, some with snow on the top. I stop to put on my pack-a-mac as its getting a bit colder and the air is damp, we are riding up to the clouds after all.

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After a while, I begin to wonder if I have passed the B&B, so phone Martin to find out and also ask them if all the lorry drivers are blowing their horns and waving to them, (we later discover that they have made the old road into a designated cycle route, oh well maybe next time). At least I have not passed the B&B yet but the snow is getting a lot closer.

This has been one of the best climbs I have ever done. As the road starts to flatten out, I can see the B&B up ahead all on its own, what a sight, this has made my day. I pull up outside, park my bike, grab my bag from the car and head in to choose my evening meal and head for the shower. We all meet back up in the kitchen, for our evening meal and chat about the day (they did us proud). Well done Richard - great B&B and good food1 Dalwhinne to Dornnoch I am woken this morning by the sound of the train going past, although I did not hear any in the night. The track is about 10 feet away from the back of the cottage. Feels like I have had a good night’s sleep but I am reluctant to get up; only the smell of the bacon is making me feel hungry.

Right, move your back side. Put on cycling gear, pack bag, load bag into car and go for breakfast, starting to get used to this routine. We sit in the lounge and discuss today’s route, next we will be discussing who is going to be the domestic (that will be me then) and who is going to attack in the mountains. After a good breakfast, I stand outside admiring the view, it’s lovely up here, railway, stream, mountains with snow on top and the main road is far enough away not to be intrusive.

At last the rest are ready for the off, I push my bike up the track, well you don't want to start the day deflated do you, or slipping on the cattle grid, although this only seems to happen on the way back from our pub ride?

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The A9 starts off nice and flat and we still have the wind pushing us in the right direction. Any minute Richard will be telling us it’s all down hill from here and I would probably be inclined to believe him on this occasion.

Up here the clouds are closing in around the tops of the mountains, giving a bit of dampness in the air. Glad I put my waterproof on at the start.

We speed on along the A9, before joining the B9152 at Kingussie, where we stop for the usual picture with the sign. Moving on, passing Loch Insh,Kincraig and Spreybank, named after the river running beside the road, I pull into a lay-by beside Loch Alvie, to get a picture of the loch, with the mist covered hills in the background.

We are not far from this morning’s coffee stop at Aviemore. Richard tells us not to expect too much, as the town was quite run down last time he was here. Riding into Aviemore, we are pleasantly surprised and head over to the cafe. Martin’s cappuccino looks more like a volcano erupting than one of the surrounding mountains as there is so much froth on top.

Leaving Aviemore on the B9152, we stop to take some pictures of the snow covered mountains although it’s still a bit cloudy to do justice to the view. The B9152 turns into the A95 where it becomes more densely forested. Coming off the A95 we join the B9153 into Carrbridge. We stop beside the remains of the 18th century packhorse bridge - health and safety would have a field day if the bridge was in use today. We leave Carrbridge on the B9153 and join the A9 at Slochd, within a mile we pass a sign "Slochd Summit" 1328ft (405m) above sea level.

This must mean it’s all downhill to John O Groats …

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… Yeah right!

A few miles up the A9 we are blown sideways as we start to cross the bridge over the river Findhorn. We pull up onto the pavement in the middle of the bridge to take a picture of the river and rail bridge. Richard gets out his handkerchief to demonstrate how hard the wind is blowing.

Posing over, it’s heads down, catching a glimpse of Loch Moy through the trees.

I seem to have dropped Martin and Richard behind but catch up with Diane just as we come into Inverness where we stop and take some photos beside the welcome to the City of Inverness Capital of the Highlands sign.

When Martin and Richard arrive and finish smiling for the camera, we continue into Inverness, heading first to the railway station and then to Morrison’s for lunch. Richard and Martin go shopping, so I ride out of Inverness, over the Moray Firth bridge with Diane. It’s very hard riding across the bridge in a straight line because of the side wind. I wait until we are safely on the other side, before I stop to take a picture.

Continuing along the A9, I leave Diane taking a few more pictures. Just after Duncanston there is the first sign, with the famous words on it (John O Groats 111miles). Not far now. A little way further on, Geoff is stopped in a layby, so I pull in for a chat. From the lay-by, we can see the bridge across the Cromarty Firth below us (it was also in this lay-by that Dave decided it was time to replace his brake blocks, dropping the small Allen screw holding the block in place, it was eventually found).

Crossing the Cromarty Firth bridge you can see a disused oil rig platform, and on reaching Alness Bay you are afforded a closer view of the rig. I turn off the A9 onto the B817 following this road into Invetgordon where I go in search of a café. I find one just off the high street and head over to check what time they close. ‘In about an hour’, the lady informs me, so it is quite a surprise when 15 minutes later the others join me and the door is locked so we head round to the next best option the Somerfield shop.

It would seem we have come on a bad day, either that, or they just hate the English around here. My impression of Invergordon is like seeing the pictures of Northern Ireland in the 80s with the sides of the houses painted with murals.

Like I said, I think we came on a bad day. We make our escape, back on the B817, re-joining the A9 at Kildary. The next information sign we see declares 85 miles to John O Groats, this is just before the bridge over the Dornoch Firth. So it’s down onto the bridge to snap some more happy memories. Then continue to Dornoch. I somehow miss the A949 turning, so take the next one in the B9168 and head out to find Kyleview house B&B where we are staying for two nights, yes! No packing in the morning. Showered and changed, we all meet in the Eagle Hotel for tonight’s meal.

Mark Shillabeer

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New Book Review Dave Bater’s ‘Great British Bike Rides” - A comprehensive manual of some of the best British bike rides imaginable, it’s stacked with information, maps contours, route details - a unique source of reference to add to any library. The pictures alone make it a stunning presentation no doubt many of you will already have tackled some of the suggested rides.

More than anything it is book of ideas, an inspiration and a definite starting point to plan some really interesting and rewarding rides.

Do take a look on http://www.greatbritishbikerides.co.uk, you won’t be disappointed.

*** Cycling tours John Crinion does quite a bit of touring and has a website with his future tours - the next major one will be in February in Mallorca see: http://johncrinion.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/mallorcacycling-holiday-sunday-23rd.html. Please note that these are privately organised tours; they are not organised through any CTC group.

Answers to Tom’s quiz Hoy –York – Knutsford – Danube – Eboracum – Malverns - Shropshire (would accept Salop) – Edinburgh – Hull – Liverpool – Leather – Reg – Grimsby – Yellowstone – Exe – Ewe - End 26

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