Stonehouse Wheelers

CYCLING these past months seems to be taking a knock on the head due to pressures of the weather or maybe that is low pressure causing wind, rain and snow.

If the sun does appear then it is high pressure and frosty.

Perhaps not all doom and gloom though, for some very enjoyable runs have been experienced by members not least the "soup run" which whilst comparatively short allowed all present to enjoy and savour the variety of home made soups made available by the leader.

Still another day saw members on the canal side near Gloucester and reported it was cold, so cold that the fishermen in competition reported a poor day for them, well it was just too cold for the fish to bother perhaps.

Our professionals have the best idea maybe for the practice and training and many compete abroad in warmer climes, the GB cycling team in the world track events giving a good account of themselves.

The recent commemoration of women's suffragettes and gaining voting rights gave an indication of the progress made in cycling equipment dress and attitudes to cycling which have so changed but it is easy to forget that ladies were cycling before these days so a small democratic and moral victory for that.

Whilst the past 100 years have seen this progress the cycling organisations seem to be still having to face challenges of the modern age.

The government is to review the present cycling laws such as injuries caused by careless cycling but it is argued that all the present motoring regulations need a review.

Concern with air pollution, not a factor before, is now a challenge and no easy political or scientific answers are really forthcoming but it is comforting to know in the big cities at least cycling can be healthier than riding on the tube or bus given certain circumstances.

Of course cycling is repeatedly being shown as a healthy item to pursue but on a more local and perhaps realistic view, members are not too concerned, their frustration at not seeing the daffodils this year more prominent in mind due to the latest cancellation.

This particular ride is always precarious to arrange but complete cancellation must be unknown.

Still the skittles evening was surprisingly well attended due in part to a very fast improvement in weather conditions and a very enjoyable evening was the verdict.

Also great news is that the "Black Shed" is now operating again and will enable a wider choice of runs to be arranged.

Looking forward rides are now extending a little with the clocks going forward and Wotton-under-Edge, Duntisbournes and Kilcot Valley all scheduled to be visited.

Members will have been heartened to see that the topic of "potholes" has come up again in news on TV and radio.

Good to see old chestnuts again but don't expect too much so keep your eyes peeled.

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