Stonehouse Wheelers

WELL the summer rides are now at an end and the winter programme takes over.

So soon it does not seem that a very pleasant programme of rides are completed and different thinking has to be applied to devising new rides to take into account the possibility of inclement weather, the darkness drawing in, and wetter conditions.

Well sometimes but it is surprising how many times a ride looks threatened only to find that this area of Gloucestershire missed the downpours reported elsewhere.

The Wednesday afternoon rides now started amply illustrate that moving on from an evening slot.

So the year ends and could be said to have culminated at our Annual General Meeting when stock is taken of our financial standing, subscriptions considered and renewed and appointment of club officers for a further year.

Whilst these sort of meetings can be a bit boring they present an opportunity for all members to have a chat and enjoy splendid cakes supplied by a very competent member skilled in these matters.

The summer rides were quite varied this year ranging from short flat rides to all day rides and attended by a varying number of riders.

It is difficult to predict the turnout for any ride and the summer months illustrate that due to members taking holidays, Grandparent duties in long school holidays and other attractions that need attendance.

It is worth mentioning some of the rides undertaken that perhaps were a little different from the routine.

A Duntisbourne day ride gave us a chance to pass through all the Duntisbournes and the Sharpness picnic due to weather not being able to decide what to do ended up being a cafe stop in Berkeley, with a quick look at Sharpness to finish off the sandwiches.

As usual the Purton church ladies provided us with a splendid tea and cakes at their weekly summer sale of refreshments, preserves and bric-a bac and similarly our annual visit to the Whiteway fete was enjoyed by a good number of members.

The second all day ride to the Cirencester lakes was greatly enjoyed but regrettably by only a few.

An incident with a small dog though added to the fun when collecting it off the road and returning it to its unaware owner.

We can now think ahead again and the annual carol service and then the Christmas lunch are coming up with a skittles match later so the darker days will pass along very well for us all.

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 secretary on 01453 298759