Drizzle turns into a day of sunshine for cyclists (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Drizzle turns into a day of sunshine for cyclists

THE day started grey and drizzly and, expecting the worst, a mere five Corinium Cycling Club members turned out for last Sunday's run.

In this small group were Norman Hayes, John Scott, the ever-present Peter Holden, Derek Mitchell and run leader Gareth Hughes and they headed out to Barnsley before turning off the main road on to the lanes leading to Coln St Dennis.

A break for refreshments was taken at Northleach. At this point, the weather had changed considerably and blue skies and sunshine greeted riders as they left.

Norman and John returned home at this point, leaving the remaining three to climb out of Northleach via the Farmington road.

Wending their way to Bourton-on-the-Water, the trio crossed the main road to get through Lower Slaughter and on towards Guiting Power.

At this point, the party deviated from the planned journey, fearing they would run out of light on their return, and so took a direct route through to Winch-combe.

The trio eventually arrived at the Lady Jane Tea Shop for a lunch-stop. On leaving, Gareth attempted to persuade Peter not to take too steep a route out of Winchcombe.

His entreaties, though, fell on deaf ears and the riders took on the fearsome Belas Knapp.

With time running short, the group cut across country south of Cheltenham before climbing up over the Kilkeney viewpoint before joining the A435 at Colesbourne.

Roads now strewn with leaf- mush made the going difficult at this point and bikes and riders alike became plastered in the stuff.

In order to make it back to Cirencester in time to beat the dark, Peter started to push up the pace to a respectable speed, given the blustery conditions.

Gareth decided to pulled off at this point and the trio finally split up. Riding in five to six hours of sunshine, travelling some 53 miles and climbing 4,600 feet, it was a most enjoyable outing.

This Sunday's ride to Dauntsey Lock, which is to be led by Babs Holden, should prove a much easier run out.

Those who fancy a bit of a spin, club members or not, male or female, young or not so young, are feel free to join the group at the Market Place in Cirencester at 10am.

Details of all Corinium Cycling Club activities can be found on the club's web site at www.coriniumcc.co.uk

Last Thursday's 'Bike Fix-in', hosted by the irrepressible Roger Osborne, has certainly stirred up a hornets' nest.

Not only have members now been shamed into washing their winter bikes, they have also been led into a heated discussion about the merits of new state of the art oil versus good old 3-in-1 oil.

Roger has no idea of the controversy he has caused and members can barely wait for his next session!