Author Archives: Peter Morteo

Wheelers Enmore Dash

News Reports 1 Comment
    It was overcast but the relentless wind that had tormented us all week had lessened somewhat as we set out to take on Enmore hill near Bridgewater. After a quick dash up past Banwell bone caves to start the hearts pumping we ambled down the Winscombe valley and then across the levels towards Mark. The sun came out and all was well until Duncan was caught by one of the many patches of subsidence, punctured and fell heavily. He was soon back on his feet displaying the classic cyclists injuries, a badly scuffed knee, elbow and shoulder. Less than twenty miles from home having left several square centimetres of skin on the road and bleeding from his injuries most normal humans would have understood if he had chosen to head for home but Duncan is a cyclist as it was hardly a surprise that he opted to fix the puncture and carry on. The pace was fairly brisk with the usual halts to allow the peloton to rejoin the breakaway, nobody thought to made allowances for Duncan, and nor did he require them; even by cyclists standards he is made of stern stuff.
We endured the brief horror of the A39 through Bridgewater before taking the turn towards Enmore. The road climbs for just over 4 miles although, officially, Enmore hill is the last two miles. Andy had dropped us several miles back and reached the summit some time before the rest of us tackled it. Katie, resplendent in her new kit, and having chosen to ride her black and white Canyon with tastefully matching socks, gave a demonstration of effortless superiority as she blatted past everyone to set the second fastest ladies time and reach the cafe whilst they still had coffee; she is a remarkable rider and it is a privilege to see her in action. Paul C, recently back on his bike after a romantic distraction, despite dreading the climb, reached the top without too much pain and completed the whole of his ride successfully. Pete G, recently back from some hilly rides in North Devon was in fine form. Most of us put our heads down and ground out the miles.
Coffee drunk and cakes consumed we dropped down from the top at a cracking pace to endure another section of the A39 to and through Bridgewater as we retraced our route across the levels before diverting towards Weston-super-Mare. Pete G and Merrion had the energy for some hard charging down the flat mile beside the railway as we approached Weston, but most of us were happy to let the mile roll by. Another splendid ride with the Wheeler’s; a great bunch of riders, a couple of hills, pleasant scenery, some good flat sections, coffee, cake and plenty of chat as we went along. You could ask for nothing more on a Sunday morning, to join us, check our website for the route, and meet us at Priory School at 09.00hr next week.

Sunday club ride New kit special !

Dolphin 40-60 miles News Reports No Comments
Weston Wheelers Cycling Club – Ride report 7th August 2016. A little early morning drizzle could not dampen the spirits of the sixteen riders that assembled at Priory School on Sunday morning; for the Weston Wheelers Cycling Club regular group ride. The club ride had special significance due to the arrival of the newly redesigned club riding kit. A suitably enthused group of riders left Weston Super Mare via the quiet roads towards Wick St Lawrence and headed towards Congresbury. Taking the turning towards Brinsea, the club commenced the long ascent up to Shipham. What goes up, must come down, and even with slightly damp conditions, speeds approaching 40MPH brought smiles to faces before inevitably, the riders slowed as they neared Cheddar. Making progress as a group, the club, made a lesser ascent through Rodney Stoke, passing through Clewer and Cocklake before taking to the Somerset Levels and the arrow straight back roads. It was a little unfortunate that the strengthening wind reduced the riders average speed, but it did provide an opportunity to their 'through and off' technique as they took turns to take the brunt of the headwind. Glastonbury Tor, visible for miles on the flat terrain, provided a focus for the clubs efforts and the relatively quiet Sunday traffic, meant the riders made good time to the base of the tor. The short, sharp, incline to the top of the road encircling the tor certainly woke the legs up, if it were needed; pausing at the top to catch their breath and for a brief photo call. Descending the tor a welcome cafe stop in the centre of the town provided a brief respite from their labours. An improving weather situation, barring the gusty wind, had long since dried the roads and with the sun on their faces, the club enjoyed a beverage in the August sun. Refreshed and with water bottles refilled the Wheelers commenced the ride home. Although the wind was now consistently in their faces and flat terrain enabled a rapid pace to be set through Meare and Mark, and before long, Brent Knoll approached. Skirting the knoll, even though a tongue in cheek suggestion was made to ride over the obstruction, the riders now turned northward and with a final stretch of their legs along a sprint segment, the club returned to Weston Super Mare. The Wheelers welcomed Mat to his first Wheelers group ride today. And although he had to battle through a nagging old injury, Mat completed the ride in the company of the group. Several new club members also took part in the ride, having previously ridden with the club on a number of occasions The route covered 60 miles with a wind affected average speed of around 16 MPH, with approximately 1600 feet of ascent. Any local riders wanting to try group riding are welcome to ride as a guest with the Weston Wheelers on their regular club rides; Sunday at 9am and Wednesday at 6pm – meeting outside Priory School. Details can be found on their website;http://westonwheelers.cc/ Duncan Robertson Club Secretary

Had cake and ate it!

Dolphin 40-60 miles News Reports Routes No Comments
This weeks ride was a re run of a route first cycled in January when the weather was a bit nippier but only just! Ten riders set off from Priory at 9 am and included our new young rider Ben on his first outing with the wheelers and only his second week in the saddle! Heading out through St Georges and under grey skies we crossed the A370 and over a couple of small climbs through the charming villages of Christon and Loxton. With cake on our minds we quickly got into formation and flew through Wedmore up over Mudgley Hill to arrive at Sweets Café for Tea and Cake. Feeling refreshed we continued on our journey in a southerly direction towards Bridgwater and then on to Woolavington when the heavens opened. Soaking wet but with the wind behind us we headed home via Burnham seafront and Lympsham. This weeks ride was a great day of PR's with several members beating there best times on Strava. Because of the tail wind the ride averaged 17.7 Mph over a 52 mile route climbing 1800ft. Well done all who joined us especially Ben who could be a Cavendish in the making. The Wheelers meet every Wednesday evening and Sunday morning why not join us for a ride.