Stonehouse Wheelers

THE seasons come and go just the same as adjusting clocks for summer time back to GMT but the usual odd trick is played out with a nearly Indian summer taking place just before and all members not really thinking of earlier starting times to ensure a reasonable home time can be achieved before total darkness sets in.

However by now adjustments have been made to the proposed future rides during December and January.

Lighting has been checked, waterproofs and warmer clothing have been checked and generally hoping this descent into another season and the rest of winter will be fairly smooth.

The beauty of autumn though has not gone unmissed, the gradual turning of trees produce a magnificent view and also noticeable has been the apples and late produce on sale along the quiet roads around villages.

The professional cyclists however seem as busy as ever and are back into the velodromes, the interesting one being a stage of the world cup series held in Manchester the so called home of British cycling.

Last year a stage was held in Glasgow and provided some exciting racing so the Manchester venue had something to live up to and it really did so but perhaps with a few less spills.

Ed Clancy, the Olympian champion was back and obtained a gold in the team sprint and also Katie Archibald taking gold in the Madison as last year but with a new partner Elinor Barker.

Katie Archibold also came close to another gold gaining a silver in the omnium series just losing out to the American world Champion but led for a gold in the ladies team sprint.

So indeed class riders but not all like this indoor racing which does seem to entail complicated rules and varied events, the final scoring at the end of the series also perhaps best left to the officials.

France won it last year, well they would, some may say.

More down to earth and reality away from the professionals the members who ventured out for the mystery run were treated to a ride taking in roads most had not travelled on before, itself a mystery, but was enjoyed very much.

Strangely also was a ride arranged to Berkeley Castle.

As it turned out a wet day it was surprising that the Castle cafe was quite full along with the car park.

No doubt the Castle authorities were pleased and the only reason that could be thought of for these numbers was the Castle provided a dry day out under cover.

Looking forward to the next few months more local rides are arranged by the upper powers keeping in many cases to lower ground and therefore a bit less climbing.

In addition the annual Carol service is scheduled along with the Christmas lunch later in December.

The Carol service this year is at Stroud Parish Church and not at the usual venue in Cam.

Perhaps this is more appropriate being both Stonehouse Wheelers and Stroud Valleys Cycling Club (who kindly arrange the event and provide refreshments) but is also attended by other area associated clubs. Hopefully they will still be present.

A further point of interest is the imminent arrival of club specific clothing.

The design, in club colours with name prominent across its front and also the distribution by a member has been approved by the appropriate officials for anyone who likes this type of club clothing.

This will be a new venture for the club and a change from past policy but it is optional and probably some will wish to make use of this.

Finally if this is getting all too local why not take a trip to London and try out the New Boris hire bikes supposedly lighter, easier to ride and better lighting.

They are made by Pashley and will be now known as Sadiq bikes.

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