Stonehouse Wheelers

THE signs of spring are certainly here and for the Wheelers that often means the sighting of lambs new born or a few days old tottering about in the fields and mothers making one heck of a noise.

This is lovely to see and so are the daffodils.

These seem to spring up everywhere now apart from gardens and along the roadside verges are delightful all the while encouraging us to think at last the warmer climes are arriving.

The usual so called daffodil run is always difficult to time during March and this year again they have done the elusive trick of appearing earlier rather than later.

Still the ride to see them is always enjoyed and often they have hung on for a glimpse of their best.

Spring seems also to bring out all the organisations and clubs nationally and locals who have interests in cycling to encourage beginners to take up cycling for health and environmental reasons.

Get out that bike from the shed and give it a try seems to be one appeal, but whether spring will make that happen or just wanting to do it could be debatable.

Certainly from the cycle manufactures their is no lack of styles and prices available that anyone could need, the problem being rather which to choose.

Looking around in a large cycle shop recently revealed road, sports, mountain, city, urban and hybrids.

Hybrids must be a term pinched from the car manufacturers with their SUVs etc.

Not only that though the range of materials and equipment is very extensive.

Electronic gear shifting, carbon or aluminium frames and so on.

Perhaps the children at the primary school in Berkeley have got the spirit to encourage and publicise cycling with their wonderful display of cycles attached to the boundary railings.

If this was the reason for this then it certainly is an eye catcher, though it must be said, that these cycles perhaps are at the end of their life and past refurbishment so will not be going back into the shed.

Well done.

The skittles evening was well attended in February and the winner of the main game lost out quickly on an exciting final killer game.

This may well become an annual event being well liked.

The February and March rides have to some extent been marred by weather and on two rides only a couple ventured out.

It also played a part in possibly disrupting a ride to the Kemble airfield when due to very high winds it was feared that the airfield may be closed along with the cafe.

Actually the cafe was closed but due to repairs, an alternative being found.

A rare puncture was repaired quickly on the tow-path returning from Gloucester which provided the group with further time to chat whilst the repair was made.

The leader on a ride called "A different way to tea" noticed that some riders took this literally and found their own way there.

The next rides planned look to reflect the spring time with longer rides including an all day ride to the lakes.

So hope for sunshine.

One man who must rely on ideal weather is a record breaker who has set a new record for a downhill mountain bike at some 104mph.

Now that is moving.

Further details about the Stonehouse Wheelers can be obtained from our website at stonehousewheelers.org.uk on Twitter:@SWheelers and teastop.co.uk or from the chairman on 01453 827929.