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About Me
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- Timothy Myers
- I am a keen cyclist with the CTC,I cycle most weekends and in the week.This blog is for anyone who would like to read the adventures and happy trips I have made.
Welcome to Tim Myers Blog
Hello you cyclists out there in Swindon and beyond.
Cycling is a great way to see the country side on minor roads in and around Wiltshire. The club I belong to is the Swindon section of the Cyclist Touring Club of Great Britain,Which is a national organisation to improve conditions for cyclists.
If you would like to join our happy club here is the link for our events coming up.
Cycling is a great way to see the country side on minor roads in and around Wiltshire. The club I belong to is the Swindon section of the Cyclist Touring Club of Great Britain,Which is a national organisation to improve conditions for cyclists.
If you would like to join our happy club here is the link for our events coming up.
Members of the Saturday group enjoying the view
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Some of the cycling club at tea and cakes at Mikes House.
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Going out with the VCC
Freewheel competition 2007
This years Freewheel Competition event was held as usual just outside Cricklade. Great fun was had by all, some members nearly got to Criclade I have no idea how they do it,although I did win this event one year but only the once. The winners this year was Stuart in the men's event and Joan in the women's event. I came about fourth ah well there's always next year my problem is i cant stay on the bike long enough, i have to stop before I fall off.
Winners of the freewheel competition
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Stuart and Joan winners of the event
Biristol District Association 1907-2007
Bristol District Association 1907 to 2007 Centenary Day Celebrations.
Sunday 19th August 2007 was the day we set off for Bristol to take part in the centenary celebrations. We fitted the bike rack on the car this is a job in its self, so next the bikes were to be fitted after three attempts this was accomplished. So we were off that is Roger,John,and me Tim. We arrived to where we were to park the car and so it was off with the bikes and on with the helmets. We set off for lunch at the Salutation Inn , Ham near Berkeley. We took it at a gentle pace as there was no hurry and we only had about eight miles to cover,we enjoyed the views and as usual the conversation was excellent too. I wonder what the riders on the first ride talked about I bet it wasn't a lot different to what we talk about today on our journeys maybe they didn't talk about computers and more about oil lamps. So we arrived at the Salutation Inn for a buffet lunch and very nice it was too. As usual when you get a lot of cyclists together it was a good look around to view the cycles parked up against the pub to borrow ideas from other people. After refuelling it was off to a Thanksgiving service at St Leonards,tortworth, the weather turned wet so on went the waterproofs. The ride was gentle and we arrived in plenty of time to have a good look at the veteran cycles, although I wouldn't fancy riding any for the fear of falling off. This is the site of the Tortworth Chestnut. This is from the kew Gardens website link to the website. This is probably the most famous sweet chestnut in Britain. Due to many of the branches of its huge twisted main trunk having rooted to become trees in their own right. it now looks like a small woodland. Legend has it that it sprang from a nut planted in 800 AD . Written records go back to the 12th century. The Rev Roger Clifton put on an excellent service which was attended by many, the church was quite full. Then it was onto the centenary tea my favourite because of the cakes I have a very sweet tooth you see,this was in the Charfield village hall. The hall was packed with cyclists of all types I enjoyed talking to the older members of their past exploits, and looking at the memorabilia on the wall. After a good chat with friends there was the cyclists best friend cakes cups of tea and plenty of them. I would personally like to thank the WI for such a wonderful spread. The Centenary cake was brought out which I must say looked lovely and I can tell you it was. So only to soon the day had come to an end the bikes were put back on the bike rack and it was back to Swindon,ah well may be I will be around for the next 100 Centenary I don't think so.
Link to photographs of event
Link to photographs of event
Ride to Margaret and Geoff's house
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The Wednesday group
Wednesday the 5th August the Wednesday group went on a ride to Calne about Twenty miles from Swindon. On this ride Three of the riders came out on there bikes which they use to ride fifty years ago, they were Doug,Jim,Geoff. I don't think I will be around in fifty years let alone my bike. This ride is always well attended because Geoffs wife Margeret puts on a lovely spread of scones and a sponge cake in there garden with plenty of tea. We all enjoyed it enormously as you can tell in the photographs with us eating everything in sight. A big thank you from all of us goes to Margeret for putting on a lovely spread. It was there Anniversary to so that made it a very special lunch to. We also had a look at Geoffs train set which he and his grand son has built I was always racing car fan myself, but I must say what a fine job they made of it, he really is multi talented. Then after the celebrations it was back to Swindon full of cake the ride home felt very nice indeed.
Link to photographs
Link to photographs
A poem for all you cyclists who find it hard going sometimes.
I sit on my bike for the whole day long.
At the start I can whistle a nice little song.
But as the day goes on the waterproofs we don.
And by lunchtime that day we’re in no mood to say hooray.
We get back on our bikes and continue our ways.
I wonder what happened to those who have strayed.
We have plenty of discussions and nice little chats.
We even see some riders taking off their hats.
Well, as the end of the day comes
My legs think oh crumbs.
But they continue to pedal as they’re nearly home.
For that nice hot bath with a lather of foam
Poem about the TWERPS ( Nick name for the Wednesday riders )
And then the twerps turned up
turning their wheels, so
turning on the kettle
they began to settle
“Owdya likeya licra?”
“Not as much as I like my books”,
said John – He was off on one
Up the stairs like he really cares
while Wendy, in the kitchen
set too, for what they were itchin’
a cup of Rosy Lea
which, although Twerps were bold
they let get a bit cold
they got so involved
in Jefferies’ life
Then
they got back on their Bike
they call them Twerps
but what about this, never mind about Roger Bannister,
twerps in hot pursuit of Ray Booty
this man Ray had fifty years ago today
cycled first ever sub-four-hour 100 miles
down Wiltshire way, so today, in commemoration,
leading the way for today’s generation
five likely lads of a certain age
didn’t just talk about it, didn’t raise a glass in pub to it
they got on their bikes and knocked off a fifty miler
before tea, like you do
sought out Ray’s path Swindon’s Coate Water to Aldbourne
Liddington House to Bedouin Tent and a great lunch at Great Bedwyn
Where nearby, entitled to be tyred they were,
they raised that glass to Ray
to cycle back via Chiseldon Marlborough Railway track
through Jefferies’ Land to land on farmhouse lawn
to offload their lean bodies off bikes to lean
against Jefferies’ ancient Mulberry tree, then take tea with Tony
Swindon’s Poet in the Community
Swindon Section Hill Climb 2007
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This years event took place at Clyffe Pypard as usual,the riders at the start looked a fine body of men, but not at the end of the event. Thanks go out to Eric Tull and Gordon Taylor who timed the event. Eric as usual had problems with his watch which he uses to time the event I think next year we will use an egg timer this might be more reliable. At the finish I thought we might need medical attention for a few of the riders because they looked terrible coughing and sputtering as if they road up a mountain pass,one in particular which I won't name looked like he was going to faint, but all recovered soon. The winners were in the men's event Gerry Peppin and Robin Kean the veterans event. It was a shame no women took part. As usual I came second from last maybe I need more training ah well there's always next year. Link to photographs
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Winners of the hill climb
CTC Lardy Tea 2007
This years Lardy Tea was held at Cricklade just outside Swindon as usual,Eric Tull organises this event every year and it is certainly enjoyed bye every one. Thanks must go out to Eric for doing this now for many years,also thanks go out to the W.I who put on the Tea which was very nice indeed I must say I enjoyed the pudding especially as I have a sweet tooth. I had two helpings oh dear I hope I don't put on to much weight. Robin Kane took the ride around the local area which was enjoyed by all, visitors included. This year's Lardy Cake was from Wootten bassett which was sticky fruity and lovely I had three I think I have now put on a stone, better get on the bike more.Photographs of the Event
Eric Tull organiser of the event
Christmas dinner 2007
I must say I really enjoyed this years Christmas dinner. The dinner I thought was very good indeed all though I must say I enjoyed the pudding a bit to much because I had Two helpings, I think I better go on a diet. Eric Tull handed out the Awards to all the competition winners so well done to all of them. The raffle went well, I actually won Two prizes actually my partner won one but she said I should choose it for my self now wasn't that nice of her she really is a love. We all would like to thank Roger Dyson who organised this dinner well done Roger.So here's to next years dinner.
The Photographs of the dinner are showing below just double click on the one you want to see and it will take you to Google Photo Albums so you can see all the photo's of the event.
The Photographs of the dinner are showing below just double click on the one you want to see and it will take you to Google Photo Albums so you can see all the photo's of the event.
Hot Pot ride 2008
I am looking forward to many happy miles on my bike during this year. The Swindon section of the CTC has already many miles under its wheels because it is now march. We have had the Hot pot ride which is always a good event to meet members you might not have seen for a while. the ride was led by Doug Bolton and very enjoyable it was to. When we arrived at Purton a very enjoyable meal was waiting for us. I wondered if i could cyle home with all that Hot pot inside me, but i made it. The Wednesday group is still going strong, we even have a couple of new cyclists started to come out with us one of which i cycled Lands End to John Groats with, so we always have a good laugh with each other. The Saturday group is still strong with quite a few members each week.
Hot Pot Ride 2008
Pete,Jim and Doug enjoying there meals
Sad loss of Dr Eric Tull.
Itis with sadness I must reoort the sad death of Eric. Eric will be greatly missed in the Swindon section of the CTC, and by many people who knew him. He enjoyed his cycling and many other pursuits, but it is his company on many a cycling trip I have done with him that i will miss him. All of us who cycled with him enjoyed his company he made us laugh as we pedaled along. We all have stories to tell about him but I will allways remember his cape which he had for 50 years and was still using with more gaffer tape than cape. We was cycling along once and he had a puncture so he got out his inner tube which had about 20 patches on it I asked him why didn't he get a new one,his reply was theres plenty more years service in this one. He will be really missed on our Wednesday's rides we will be reminissing about him for years to come, he really added something special to our Wenesday's ride. We all send our condolances to his relatives.
Dr Eric Tull
Christmas 2005
Wednesday's Ride with the Veteran Cycling Club
Last week the Wednesday riders was invited by Geoff Cooke to go out with the Veteran Cycling Club [VCC]. We met them at the start, at the Cotswold Camping site where there is a cafe, so a nice cup of tea and a slice of cake was enjoyed before the start. The ride was lead by Geoff Cook who took us around the local area that I now quite well all though I still rely on my GPS to show me the way. Lunch was had at a very nice pub indeed although I have now forgotten the name of the pub. I had sanwiches on one of the benches outside and went in for a drink. After lunch Me and Jim went back home on our home as it was quicker for us to do that.
Many thanks to Geoff for a lovely day.
Many thanks to Geoff for a lovely day.
Veteran Cycling Club Ride
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Having lunch in the pub.
Swindon CTC section Freewheel Event 2008
Well the freewheel competition has come and gone for 2008. The weather this year was awfull but at least we managed to complete the event between the showers. This year we had a rather poor turn out of members wanting to take part, maybe we are getting soft and the first sign of rain we stay in doors. It's the first time for quite a few years we had no women taking part in the event that was a bit of a shame. The winner this year was Gerry Peppin the same as last year I would like to know how he does it, although I have won once although the method I used was deemed ileagle so I haven't won since. Pete Clayton came out on his trike which I must say looked a treat but he did say he was just getting used to riding it, so best of luck Pete for the future for you and your trike.
Swindon Section Freewheel Competition 2008
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Winner Gerry Peppin "congratulations"
Lardy Tea 2008
Mike and Ginny at this years Lardy Tea
Lardy Tea 2008 At Crcklade Town Hall.
Well this years Lardy Tea has come and gone once again and a very enjoyable one it was too. Although I think we all missed Eric this year but I'm sure he was in all of our minds. Numbers were down this year, with about eighteen people attending, but even though numbers were down we all had a good time. I managed to get some Lardy cake which I must say was very tasty indeed, I must have put on a few pounds because I ended up eating three of them. I would like to thank gordon and Jean Taylor for organising this years Tea.
I am now looking forward to next years Tea so I can have some more Lardy Cake.
I am now looking forward to next years Tea so I can have some more Lardy Cake.
CTC Swindon Section Hill Climb Event 2008
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The start at Clyff Pypard
Hill climbe event 2008
Well it's come round again the Hill Climb for 2008. It was held later in the year this time November, which I think put doubt into members minds whether they should take part. There were only three members taking part in the event this year John Smith, Gerry Peppin, and Robin Kane. The weather wasn't to bad a bit dull but quite mild although the road was quite wet and a bit slippery. This year we went all high tech, I brought out some walkie talkies so we could comunicate with the time keeper at the top of the hill, but could we get them to work I don't think so. So we decided to go back to the Eric Tull way of doing things I bet he was looking down on us and saying, I told you the old ways are best. The winner this year of the male event was Gerry Peppin, and the winner of the Veteran male event was Robin Kane. Unfortunately John Smith got off to a poor start so he came third. After the event it was a short cycle ride to a well earned cup of tea and a scone at the garden centre and very enjoyable it was to.
CTC Swindon Section Christmas Dinner 2008
Well it's come round again, the annual Christmas Dinner. This year the dinner took place at the Dockle Farm Pub in Swindon. Mike Blundell was given the task to organise this year's dinner and an excellant job he made of it to. I must say the meal was excellant and we even got a free drink with the meal to. I would say there was about 35 members who attended the dinner, but unfortunately one member was missing who was grately missed that member is John Smith. He had a serious cycling accident cycling to work a couple of weeks ago. He broke his leg quite badly and has other injuries caused by the accident, I have visited him in hospital and he seems to be in good spirits but it seems he won't be able to get back on the bike again for about six months. So all our thoughts are with you John and we hope to see you back on your bike in the new year, so get well soon from all the club. Back to the Christmas dinner, I won a couple of raffle prizes this year 2 lights they will come in handy for these dark nights. I would just like to thank Mike Blundell and Ginny Evans who organised the event a fine job they made of it too. Good luck to Mike for the new year he is our new club Secretary we all wish you well.
To view the photographs just click on the slide show and it will take you to all the photographs of the event.
To view the photographs just click on the slide show and it will take you to all the photographs of the event.
CTC Swindon Section Christmas Dinner
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We know what your doing
Hot Pot Ride 2009
Hot Pot Dinner at the Angel Purton
Hot Pot Dinner 2009
Well here we are at the start of the year. We start this year of with the traditional Hot Pot dinner which was held at the Angel pub in Purton. About sixteen of us attended the event and very enjoyable it was to. It was a shame some of our regulars couldn't attend for various reasons, but we all had a very nice dinner and an enjoyable time. I would like to take this oppurtunity to wish John Smith the best, as we all know he had a very nasty accident on his bike, get well soon John we all miss you on Saturday's. I hope to get out on the bike more this year than I did last year, let's keep our fingers crossed I can do that. Well that's it for now, the photographs of the event are belowe so why not take a look. Happy cycling to you all for the new year Tim.
TWERPS Ride To Alverscot
This was my first ride out for quite a few months but it was great to be with the TWERPS again. Unfortunately on the way home I became quite tired, so I decided to take a rest at Bruce's house and very welcome it was to. After a couple of cups of tea and some very nice crumpets I was ready to ride home. I arrived home tired and full of crumpets but I enjoyed the day very much indeed.
TWERPS Ride To Alverscot
The Lads
TWERPS Ride To Hungerford 8th April 2009
Today the ride was to Hungerford and a very nice one it was too. This ride was a lot easier than the last one I was on, the only hard part of the ride was Baydon hill which is a slow drag up quite a steep hill, ahwell I suppose there is allways the downhill to look forward too. Today I had sandwiches on a bench by the canal and very pleasant it was too. I found the ride home a lot easier this week, I must be getting fitter I hope. I look forward to the next TWERPS day out.
TWERPS Ride To Hungerford
Robin And His Merry Men