Stonehouse Wheelers summer season

SUMMER time and holiday season of the year has again come round and so quickly that even the time lord would have had trouble keeping up with it and so many members are taking holidays which then reflects on attendances on the arranged rides.

Now that a busy time with politics has ended and all sorted, well some of it, looking forward to a few days away and change is welcome.

This can vary from day trips to a holiday abroad and not forgetting a cycling holiday perhaps expected amongst cyclists.

A number of members joined together and had several days touring in the south of England and in contrast a walking holiday in the Lakes and Dales.

Similarly a cycling tour was undertaken from north west to east.

Well the sun has certainly shone but perhaps typically the forecasters also tell us that it will not last oh! so true to form.

The latest campaign being promoted to encourage cycling is directed at ladies to take up the activity and is admirable but can lead to disappointments.

An example at a recent attempt to promote sporting activities by Stonehouse Town Council attendance was nil and finished early due to no interest shown.

It was disappointing from the Wheelers point of view for possible new members were anticipated being welcomed and introduced into local cycling.

For those still waiting to start their holiday many enjoy watching the Tour de France for it is that month but disappointingly both Cavendish and Geraint Thomas were out early and Frome has kept us all guessing to the end.

Cavendish did give a lesson to more steady riders about trying to squeeze through narrow gaps and Thomas similarly crashing out on his admission to riding too close to each other in a group, but at some 50mph it is bound to happen sometime.

Closer to home some members had a simpler lesson to learn regarding emergency roadside repairs.

Every cyclist hates a puncture and is usually ready for it but on one ride a member found that out of a selection of a cycle pump and a few spare tubes none would work and other members had to help out to effect a repair.

That is an advantage of riding in a club where help is around but also the need to check emergency supplies carried.

Members have had a varied choice of rides in the past weeks with Westbury being a new venue but a picnic at Sharpness proved popular in spite of the usual misgivings of the weather but actually was sunny and the annual freewheeling contest provided some spirited banter which produced a clear winner for the shield to hold for twelve months.

Perhaps the most intriguing outing was a visit to Stroud museum which was presenting a feature on local history with the local historical society.

Well it does show perhaps that cyclists can also have a wider interest than just "err" cycling.

Looking a bit forward it is time for the club AGM coming up in September and members besides renewing their membership can have a say on club matters and a good selection of rides embracing Malmesbury, Purton, Miserden and the Whiteway Carnival.

And just to show that the weather can be defeated by re-staging the ride to Tortworth deferred due to rain to a shorter run last month.

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.