Stonehouse Wheelers: A summer of cycling

TIME these days seems to jog along or perhaps flies along so that none of us seem to have a moment to think about one thing before something else seems to loom up and has to be concentrated on.

It seems like that with all the cycling that has been going on around us with difficulty of keeping abreast of it all.

After such a brilliant Tour-de-France immediately we were plunged into the Olympics.

This spectacle probably has nearly every sport imaginable going on and in particular cycling in its many forms.

For many the timetable of events was a bit daunting and even with a full guide, the TV coverage took some understanding.

To be fair the planners had a mammoth task to fit it all in at the right timing but generally did a brilliant job and most cycling events appeared at a semi respectable time to view.

The UK did very well as expected in spite of favourites, to some, Frome and Cavendish not gaining their true desire in medals but Sir Bradley was something to watch.

A mention must also be made of the Tour of Britain passing through Stroud with a great view for many on Selsley Hill.

The road control at that point seemed a bit slack with a lady travelling up the hill between the leaders and the main group.

What could she have thought of having the best view for a short while until moved out of the way.

Selsley Hill must never have seen as many cyclists on it at any one time but they did pass the time along for the waiting spectators as they climbed the hill.

It must be said some were so well equipped with cycles and clothing they could have been mistaken for the professionals.

Both the Olympics and the UK tour provided plenty of enjoyable watching for local cycling groups but no goodies were apparent as so often is seen being handed out and wish they could flag up miles occasionally instead of all these kilometres.

The business part of the club has now been completed and all reports from the top table accepted with a few new faces in place to go forward for another year.

Perhaps the real highlight though of the evening, could be said, to be the chance to have a good chat at the end of such heavy deliberations and relax.

A successful current ride programme has nearly been completed with the annual visit to the Whiteway fete, by now a must on the Wheelers destination calendar and luckily the day was dry.

Malmesbury had the possibility of causing an upset on that ride due to it being their Carnival day but by the time of arrival of a good group of riders any inconvenience with road closures were minimal.

The end of the month of September will see a refreshment stop at the Paganhill Hall kindly arranged by the past Presidents widow as a memorial to his many years with the club.

A glimpse at some upcoming destinations will include The Painswick Beacon and for a change a lunch instead of tea, another look at Gloucester Docks and Thistledown, which a few may, at the mention of this, may be looking up where that is.

It is always amazing how the small group of the upper divisions of the club can come up with such a varied number of destinations and duly arrange them.

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