Cycling run becomes fun after the rain abates (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Cycling run becomes fun after the rain abates

THE recent Bank Holiday Sunday run for members of Corinium Cycling Club started in traditional wet weather.

Happily things got better as, by the time the group had negotiated the climb up the Whiteway, the rain had abated.

However, the descent into Withington caught out Gareth Hughes, who cited wind in his eyes as being the reason for making a hash of the hairpin half-way down!

After a right turn towards Yanworth, the road become a little more testing with short sharp climbs all the way to Northleach before reaching the sanctuary of the Corner Green Caf.

As the gentle and the faster run joined forces, it became apparent that the great majority of riders would be returning back to Cirencester via Bibury, Quenington, Down Ampney and Ashton Keynes.

Mike Dolman, though, was obviously feeling on top form as he set a blistering pace all the way back with the rest of the group strung out behind as they put a high-speed finish to a 47- mile ride.

Last Sunday's run enticed eight riders out on the gentle ride, but only three for the faster group.

The easy riders consisted of the regular crew - Barbara Holden, Frank Savage, Andrew Tolman, Norman Hayes and John Skinner, resplendent on his new machine - with the addition of Neil Mattingly, Pete Dickinson and John Scott who had deserted the fast run on this occasion.

Departing at the slightly earlier time of 9.30am, they made their way across country at a sensible pace for their rendezvous at the Malmesbury Garden Centre with the fast run.

Peter Holden, Mike Dolman and Cliff Dutton left the Market Place at 10am and made their way through Coates, Tarlton, Ashley and Long Newnton in disappointingly cool and overcast conditions.

By the time they had reached Brokenborough and Malmes-bury, it had all changed to bright, sunny weather.

Once at the garden centre, the numbers where further swelled as Diane Howells had made a welcome return to riding and had met up with the group.

Rob Wyatt had also taken the opportunity to join forces at this point, and it was to be just he and Peter Holden who would carry on through Norton and past the racing circuit at Castle Combe before tackling the steep little climb from Long Dean to West Yatton.

Crossing the A420 at Giddeahall, the duo stopped for lunch at the White Horse at Biddeston.

After a short climb up to Colerne, they joined the Fosse Way and rode as far as The Gibb where they turned east to Stanton St Quentin, Startle and The Somerfords.

This Sunday's runs is to Burford Garden Centre for elevenses and Stow-on-the-Wold for lunch.

Dave Druce, at the head of the gentle run, leaves the Market Place at 9.30am while the quicker run, led by Derek Mitchell, departs 30 minutes later.

The Corinium Audax, the brainchild of Terry Cleary, is a family-based event open to everyone and will be run over a flat, 40-mile course.

It is not a race but simply gives everybody an opportunity to take advantage of good weather and see some of the beautiful countryside around Cirencester.

Riders will be leaving Greasy Joes, by the new Tesco's, at 10am on Saturday, June 14, and any other cycling enthusiasts are welcome to join in.

Details of this and all other Corinium Cycling Club activities can be found on their web site at www.coriniumcc.co.uk