Cyclists Touring Club
Newark On Trent
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NEWARK NOTES from the Secretary

November 2001

More tales from the North East frontier.

Given the, er, age profile of the current membership, it’s perhaps little surprise that the Saturday "Easy Rides" now attract greater numbers than the more formal club runs on Sundays. The last weekend in September brought the easy riders an unexpected treat when they happened upon the open day at East Bridgford church. The view from the top of the tower was, I’m told, quite breathtaking, as, no doubt, was the climb. To demonstrate that for some, every silver lining has a cloud bursting to get out (ancient cliché no. 1409), at least one member got a flea in his ear from his wife for his late return!

The easy ride got the best weather too, on Sunday, a fulfilled - forecast for rain reduced the numbers to just two for a fortunately short ride to Torksey. Naturally, the rain stopped as we got back to Newark.

Miserable weather reduced the numbers for the following week’s ride to Thorpe Satchville, though this time the rain did hold off.

For October 14th our ride went to the Aviation Heritage Centre at Cranwell. Despite all having ridden past on numerous occasions, it was the first time any of us had actually stopped there, and well worth a visit it was. All of us managed to crash the flight simulator, (have you considered terrorism? - ed.) so be thankful we stick to terrestrial transport! I believe a rural ride there from Nottingham last year attracted a good turnout despite the longer distance and I don’t think the riders would have been disappointed.

For the next week we’d planned to depart from the published list to go to the conker championships at Long Clawson, but on the day torrential rain kept us all indoors. What wimps, eh? The earth may have moved on October 28th but Newark section didn’t much, a communication breakdown resulting in the two (again) riders turning up at different times and doing the ride independently.

And so to November and, so far, dryer weather. The first weekend should have taken us to Castle Bytham but finding ourselves behind schedule we turned back at Corby Glen, though not before sampling the wares of the village hostelry (Will I ever get through a ‘notes’ without mentioning a pub? - Or should I cut out the boring cycling stuff?).

November 9th brought our section AGM, which should have been in October but critical people were on holiday and, OK, I forgot to organise it. Since the departure of Nick Green the section has been without a treasurer and, having kept the seat warm since then, I was happy when Ray Clarke agreed to take over the financial reins.

The next day took the easy riders to Hough on the Hill and a meeting with John Scott, whilst on Sunday the ‘main’ ride went to Greens mill in Sneinton. Right on most of your doorsteps, and another place I for one had ridden past many times without venturing inside. Another very interesting visit, both for the scientific connection and the views over the city from the top. And the Lord Nelson, just down the road, was a revelation, seemingly a country pub transposed to an inner-city location. Thanks to Colin and his local knowledge (gained from his Morris dancing days) for showing us that one.

Mike Graham

Page updated 19/02/03