rantings

rantings from the old timers


Notes from Shrewsbury
Odd jottings for cyclists in Shropshire and beyond.

Spring 2018 - no.17

Editorial

The Shrewsbury based Informals cycling group came into being back in the 1990s, as a relaxing antidote to the more formulaic
disciplines of ‘club’ cycling. Until that time, sociable, easygoing group riding had been a widely accepted aspect of general cycling
activity, but slowly a change was coming and nowadays, if you aren’t out there racing, pretending to race, or at least taking part in
sportives, you might just as well not exist, where national exposure is concerned.
That’s depressing. Competitive cycling is currently under a strongly critical spotlight, not only because of the drugs business but
also because of the intense pressures brought to bear on modern athletes to perform at the highest level. I quote something that
George Cooksey, in his own day a dedicated time triallist, said to me a couple of years ago, “Modern cycle racing is too competitive”.
Never was a truer word spoken, but unfortunately, you can’t put the clocks back. Whatever happened to fun?
‘Informal’ riders know from practice that you don’t have to put yourself under pressure to get fit. Riding our way has enabled us to
enjoy sociable, diverse, and rewarding days out, while benefiting both physically and mentally – do that and fitness comes easily. It
really is time that we banged the drum a bit and put touring cycling back in its rightful place in the national image.
The Informals original aims are set out below and with the delicious anticipation of spring upon us, this seems like a good time to
reprint them.
“If you are new to our company, welcome – we hope you enjoy pottering round the lanes with us. For want of a better name we
call ourselves ‘The Informals’. We are a very easy-going bunch. There are no leaders, no committees and there’s no one ‘in charge’.
Our sole aim is to enjoy one another’s company as we ride gently through the countryside, stopping frequently to look at things and
generally putting the world to rights. We travel rather more slowly than structured clubs do, and you don’t need to wear special
cycling clothes or have an expensive bike to come with us. Give us a try – you won’t regret it!”

On the road.

Was I the first of our faction to be on the road this New Year? As soon as Big Ben bonged midnight on Jools Holland’s TV
hootenanny I got on my bike and pedalled round Belle Vue, welcoming in 2018 from the saddle. I have undertaken a ‘New Year’s
Pootle’ for the last 18 years, and this one was a non-event by comparison with other midnight jaunts that I’ve undertaken, but it’s
always rather satisfying to get out and do it, for all that. Yes - I’d managed it for another year.
I well remember the year 2000 when I started the ritual off. It was a fairly warm night, half the population was out on the doorstep
celebrating the millennium and waiting for their computers to crash, (remember the computer fiasco?), and on the way round I was
persuaded to take several glasses of fizz by several friendly households. Champagne or Spanish Cava – I’m not choosy - I love the
stuff, and I was a bit woolly when I got home. That was a special night and I haven’t had one anything like as good since, but
whatever happens I enjoy this minor tradition of mine and I’m certainly not ready to give it up yet. Ed
The Wednesday Lot. Several members of the original group have continued to enjoy short rides throughout the winter. This outing
was once at the very heart of our activities, giving slower, more contemplative riders the chance for a day out exploring the
countryside at an easy pace, and it was very popular indeed, with a couple of dozen riders out sometimes. Time moves on, I know, but
perhaps it’s time to re-establish the format, especially now that Malcolm and Mike are catering for the whiz kids. You, the riders, will
always be in charge, so it’s up to you!
Malcolm & Mike’s Wednesday Leg-stretcher. Believe me, a more suitable name for the group is being sought, but meanwhile,
these fortnightly ride caters for those who want to go a bit faster and further than the Informals are designed to do, and it is a very
welcome initiative. Mixing faster and slower riders on the road makes for an uneasy compromise, so having two Wednesday rides
with two different aspirations makes a whole load of sense.
The runs list goes up until the end of August and it’s wide ranging. It takes in venues as diverse as Wem, Clun, Leintwardine, Lake
Vyrnwy and the Museum of Iron at Queens Head, and includes car assisted rides. Most rides start at 10.00am but it does vary, so to be
fully informed, contact Malcolm or Mike – details below.
Bill Dorrell’s University of the Third Age (U3A) rides. As frequently happens when the weather is dark and cold, this sociable group
has gone quiet (and I don’t blame them). There are still 5 regular riders but there’s no doubting that when things gets warmer, numbers
will increase. They offer a happy formula in the original Informals tradition, and plans are afoot for longer, picnic orientated, rides in
summer. Why not contact Bill now, if you think this group might suit you?
The Friday Chip Run. The chip run has been a fixture in our programme for many years now and it’s as popular as ever, with
anything up to 20 riders wheeling around Shropshire’s enchantingly potholed lanes before stopping for lunch at a set pub close to
Shrewsbury – currently The Three Fishes in Bayston Hill. The outings still only take place fortnightly and I often wonder why riders
haven’t grasped the nettle and make it a weekly event. No real organisation is involved if you choose the right pub, and
no-one would be forced to go every week, so to me it’s a no-brainer.
By far and away the most important aspect of this gathering is the social contact. That’s why a venue close to Shrewsbury is so
desirable – it enables all cyclists, active or not so active, using any means of transport they may choose, to attend. It would be
disastrous if we didn’t have somewhere that served as a regular meeting place – the participants and followers are a gregarious bunch,
and without this opportunity to meet, much of the Informals reason for existing would be lost.
Home Farm, Sunday afternoon rides. With Home Farm still closed as this goes to print, it’s too early in the season to know whether
this, our oldest ride, will revive itself this year. It was far-and- away the most sociable event that we had, and its loss two years ago is

still deeply felt. Many riders have asked me if it’s going to make a comeback, but it’s your ride so it’s up to you to make it happen.
Why not try meeting at Shrewsbury’s Asda Store at 1.30pm on Sunday March 25 th , and then repeating it through the summer? It
really is that simple!

Rides summary.

The Wednesday Lot – Meet 10.30 am weekly, Asda Store, Old Potts Way Shrewsbury. Just turn up.
Malcolm and Mike’s Wednesday leg-stretcher – usually meets 10.00am fortnightly at Asda store, but it varies – to find out more, Contact
Malcolm Jones, 01743 271259 malcolm899jones@btinternet.com or Mike Greaves, 01743 872003 mikegreaves7@gmail.com
Bill Dorrell’s U3A rides – Meet 10.00 am weekly, Stop Café, Greyfriars, Shrewsbury, alternating Wednesdays and Thursdays.
For more information Contact Bill Dorrell, 01743 354146
The Friday Chip Run – Meet 10.30 am fortnightly, Asda Store. Contact Mike Greaves, above.

Friends.

Paul Charlesworth. Not that long ago Paul was an ever-present member of our circle, but I, at least, hadn’t seen him for several
years. I’m pleased to say that I came across him in mid-January and he is looking hale and hearty and living now in Hanwood. It was
really good to talk to him for a bit, and see that he’s OK.
George Cooksey. George appears constantly in these pages because he is known to almost all of us of a certain age, and you all like to
know how he is. He has joined in with our activities for longer than I care to remember, so he’s earned the right to a mention!
So how is he? Fit and well, he tells me, and I’m sure we are all pleased to hear that. He always closes our phone calls with the
words, “don’t do anything I wouldn’t do”. As if, George. You go carefully, too.
Cecil Dean. Ces was back in time for the Christmas lunch (see below) and has ridden with us on several occasions this winter. He has
been living on his boat in the Caribbean for much of the last eighteen years but it was very badly damaged (boatyard’s fault) in the
typhoons at the end of last year, and the extensive repairs necessary are highly complex. That, together with the fact that it is
becoming increasingly difficult for him to handle the boat at sea because of its considerable size, has caused him, most reluctantly, to
give up the life afloat. It’s a sad time and there’s no doubt about it.
Cliff Guttridge. Cliff has had a bit of a slip and wrenched himself badly enough to put him off his bike for a bit, but he’s up and
running now, and raring to go. Spring’s coming, Cliff – see you at Home Farm?
Arlene Pfeffer. Arlene’s Christmas card from America this year carried the simple message, “Many friends, many memories, love to
each and every one”. I’m happy to pass her thoughts on, remembering with a reflective smile that those memories are a two-way thing.
Her husband Bill first arrived, alone, in this country in 1995, with the sole purpose of cycling in our unspoiled, quiet English lanes.
Later Arlene joined him, and they rapidly became significant ‘summer members’ of our cycling group. One or both of them appeared
for a six-month (or so) sojourn every April for the next fifteen years, and they only decided to stay back in the USA when Bill’s health
failed. He was lost to us in 2016, and they will always be remembered with love and affection. Our many and wide-ranging greetings
to you Arlene, they were good times indeed.
We have other friends with problems at this time but I will not name them. We hope and pray that their troubles may be eased and we
wish them better days – we are thinking of them and if there’s anything that can be done practically, try me.

News, views and odds and ends.

The Shrewsbury Informals Christmas lunch. Mike Greaves arranged this celebration at The Three Fishes Bayston Hill, and it was a
roaring success. All tickets were sold, the food was excellent and the gathering was blessed with light entertainment in the form of a
monologue, Albert and the Lion, performed by that old thespian Malcolm Jones, followed by Rolf Ursin Smith’s rarely seen but highly
diverting rendition of ‘Jazz on the air-trombone’, a class routine, never to be forgotten, considering that no instrument is involved!
Such gleeful distractions are a fast disappearing thing, and all the more treasured because of it. Many thanks go to our artists, and
to Mike for organising this traditional event once again. Shrewsbury cyclists have enjoyed similar celebrations for as long as I can
remember, and it’s really quite important that we should continue in the same vein.
South Shropshire’s Christmas gathering. There weren’t as many present at The Discovery Centre in Craven Arms this year as last,
but I’m told that it was a very happy, sociable, get-together nonetheless, and I was sorry not to be able to attend. The wonderful Tess
was good enough to bring George to the bunfight and take him back home, and I’m increasingly aware of how important it is that
gatherings like this, and the long-lasting friendships that they nurture, should continue for as long as possible. I have been associated
with the group in a small way for many years, and although I no longer see any of them very often I, and others like me, still like to
know what they are doing and how they are getting on.
BIKES for disposal. I’d like the Mercian to have a good home. The others have done their job and it’s time for them to go – just
make me an offer I can’t refuse!
23” Mercian. Classic frame, Reynolds 531 double-butted tubing throughout, half-chrome forks and stays, in original paint, worn but
decent. Non-period components – very light, modern 27x 1¼ ” wheels with black alloy rims, sealed bearing hubs, stainless DB spokes,
spare pair of new alloy Rigida rims included. New but ugly Shimano indexed 6 gears, single-ring Stronglight chainset, new Acor dual
pivot brakes, Brooks B17 saddle. In this guise it’s a sweet ride, ideal for gentle pottering.
Ridgeback folder. 20” wheels, Shimano Nexus 7 speed hub with really useable low ratios; Schwalbe Marathon tyres, spare pair of
unused alloy rims included. Really good bike, little mileage as I only ever used to use it on foreign holidays.
Lady’s Saracen. About 30 years old, hung in the garage for 20 of those. 531 main tubes, Good light bike. New (old stock) 700c alloy
wheels built by Paul Glanville. Campag. Rally rear mech, all in good order, suit lady five feet two plus.
Dawes Horizon 24” frame only, includes BB and headset. Reynolds 531 main tubes, takes canti-brakes. Unused since factory
replacement of a stay under guarantee - then factory re-sprayed red.

For all the above, phone Paul Wagner, 01743 363074

Petton church. Those with long memories will remember that thirty years ago we enjoyed the company of a cycling vicar, the late
Revd. John Durnell. He was already a CTC member when we met, the groups fell in easily with his engaging company, and he became
a very dearly loved friend of mine. Way back, John was vicar of Petton church, a tiny rural place of worship near Cockshutt, and we
decided to hold a trial ‘cyclist’s service’ there one summer Sunday afternoon, to give thanks for our lovely countryside. Interest was
immediate, the parishioners supported it fully, and it caught on big time. From having simple tea and biscuits after the formalities, the
locals turned it into their main summer event. It grew into a full-on feast, with sumptuous food in ever-increasing quantities – a
cracking spiritual and social occasion enjoyed by fifty or sixty people. It only ended (very sadly) after ten years, when John retired to
Hirnant, above Lake Vyrnwy, where, incidentally, he started the Vyrnwy Circuits, twice a year rides that you may at least have heard
of or, if you were lucky, enjoyed. Since then, Jean and I have stayed in touch with Petton’s goings-on.
“Interesting local cycling history, but what’s that got to do with us?” you may ask. Well, 12 th century Petton’s great drawback was
not only that it’s situated in the middle of a field some distance from habitation, but also that it didn’t have toilet facilities. We got
round that in a variety of inventive ways, but in this day and age the situation is unacceptable, so the powers that be decided to make
the church redundant.
Enter Mona Whitfield, who has been the churchwarden for ever, who loves the place and wasn’t about to see it shut down. She
found the cheapest way that a toilet could be provided was by use of an ‘eco-loo’, and following a grant from the North Shropshire
Community Care Trust, the facility was formally opened in July 2017 by the Archdeacon of Salop.
Services are still conducted there, but the church now enjoys a wider life as a community facility. It is delightfully situated on a
gentle rise in the ground on the edge of the community, with broad views across the north Shropshire plain, and the Shropshire
Astronomical Society has already met there because the church has such clear night-sky views. By arrangement, Mona would be happy
to provide guided tours of this historical little gem to anyone who’d like to go there, and she is particularly keen to see Shropshire’s
cyclists again, having been associated with us for so long. I reckon that a summer visit would make a great day out. Refreshments
could be provided in exchange for a small donation if we ask, and it would be a nice gesture, and mutually beneficial, to bring cyclists
and the church together again. Would anyone like to organise it – I could make the first contact with Mona?
Dr J Collis Browne’s Chlorodyne. A couple of editions ago we found that this cure-all medicine was once highly recommended by
the Cyclists’ Touring Club, and it was thought to be a fixture in everyone’s medicine chest. The final word on the matter went to Jenny
Norton, who admitted to having had a bottle in her cupboard permanently. She reckoned the fact that it contained morphine was the
deciding factor in its efficacy!
Now, by good fortune, we know even more about the stuff. That splendid magazine, The Oldie, recently featured half a page on Dr
C Browne’s restorative mixture. They said that not only did the juice indeed contain Morphine, as Jenny told us, but originally it also
had chloroform, laudanum and cannabis in its makeup. What a blast! Apparently it could become extremely addictive, and deaths
from overdoses were frequent.
As government regulations became tougher the formulation had to change. The more effective ingredients were either reduced
drastically or taken out completely, and the coming of the National Health Service brought about a decline in self-medication, which
pretty well did for it. However, the name still lives on in J Collis Browne’s Mixture, (no Doctor), and this ‘jollop’ (as my mother used
to call it) will still, apparently, relieve diarrhoea and coughs. The morphine remains, but unsurprisingly, it doesn’t have the same kick
as before. Thank heaven that we now live in more enlightened times.
Diarrhoea and coughs – isn’t there a presumption that, having the former, you dare not contract the latter at the same time?
A light-hearted look at the racing scene. Race-Training programmes. My attention has been brought to several static-bike winter
training programmes. Monafartlek is said to improve aerobic effectiveness, Vicious VO2 increases one’s 5-minute capacity, and
Tickling the Beast is best for pedalling effectiveness. My mind ran riot, but are not the very names enough to put you off?
Tyres. Our friends at the quicker end of the cycling spectrum have suddenly discovered that having been addicted to 23mm and 25mm
tyre widths ‘til now, the 28mm so frequently used by us ordinary people has tangible advantages over the narrower item. I quote
Cycling Weekly, ‘they have the potential for more comfort and more grip, with little sacrifice in speed. The wider profile does mean
that they are not as aerodynamic, but they are well worth giving a try in 2018’. Good Lord – they’ll be using sprung saddles and
mudguards next.
Pedals. And now for something completely different. CW had a pair of pedals advertised for £850.00. Yes – £850.00! They contain a
power-measuring mechanism that may be of some use to the cash-rich devotee, but can any gain be that worthwhile? I’ll go to my
yardstick of usefulness – has Paul Roberts bought a pair for his big black Pashley sit-up- and-beg yet?
Cheating. In the Christmas edition, I praised Chris Froome for winning the Vuelta a Espana, supposedly ‘clean’. He may well have let
me down. While he and his team are under such close surveillance, I will say no more than this – doesn’t the whole drugs business
absolutely stink, and deaden any interest you may have in cycle racing?
Yes, I too was nearly a pro cyclist. The 2018 Mallorca Challenge has just ended – a semi-competitive professional stage-race, the first
in the season and a time when the top teams can try out their new strip, new riders, new bikes and equipment, with the full media
scrum in attendance. I may have mentioned it before, but from 1996 onwards Jean and I enjoyed ten years consecutive long-stay
winter holidays in Mallorca, and this race, then known an the Vuelta a Mallorca, always took place while we were there. It was a
fairly relaxed affair, when the public could mix and mingle and have their pictures taken with ‘the names’, and we met Big-Mig
Indurain, Laurent Jalabert, Eric Zabel, Pedro Delgardo (who had just retired) and all that lot. It all felt so delightfully different from
today’s desperately serious, closely guarded stuff.
One day I went in to Alcudia’s tourist information centre, close to where we were staying, and enquired, in my best Spanish, what
time the race was due to pass through. The assistant looked flustered then disappeared into a back room, emerging all of twenty
minutes later with a worried look on her face. “I’m afraid that you can’t ride in the race today, the list is already closed, but you can
watch, if you like”, she said hopefully. She’d gone to all that trouble in an attempt to get me, a knackered, bent-over old chap in his
sixties on a walking stick, onto the start sheet!

Later in the day we rode down to the finishing line just outside our hotel, where the full-blown media set-up had been established –
a variety of European TV stations, radio, a bemused selection of under-dressed promotion girls huddled up together and sucking
desperately on fags (they were frozen; it was February and they were kitted out for July) – all the publicity bells and whistles were
there as a tryout for the season to come. I’ve got a photograph of myself cycling across the finish line and punching the air to the
cheers of the announcers, press, and crowd, all of whom were actually waiting for the real thing. Half an hour later Tom Steels won
the stage in a blast of a finish, but he never knew that the real winner that day was me!
Still turning the pedals? Just over a year ago, while feeling a wee bit despondent, I was daft enough to write a piece asking ‘When do
you know that your cycling days are done?’ The result was a deafening silence, which I soon recognized as meaning that no such
thoughts ever enter a real cyclist’s head. You carry on in some way until the old chap in black wields the scythe.
I have recently found that when you wear out, however slowly you go – and as long as you are still pedal-powered – cycling is the
same satisfying business that it always has been. In the middle of February, on a seriously chilly, dull, afternoon, I went out for half an
hour, and my spirits lifted the very moment that I turned the cranks over. Shortly afterwards my head froze, but that’s beside the point.
It wasn’t even that I was going anywhere special – I was ‘Just going out on my bike’. Cycling is a highly pleasurable pastime and it’s
deeply ingrained in your psyche, when push comes to shove.
That’s why, in town, you still see ancient old folk on their equally ancient sit-up- and-beg bikes, easing along the kerbside with a
few bits of shopping in their bags, and it’s why, out in the country, you still see old racing chaps crouched ‘in the position’ and
wearing all the gear, while just staying upright at a steady six miles an hour.
Once you’ve been a cyclist of any kind you are stuck with it. I’m increasingly happy with that.
The Royal Oak, Eccleshall. A friend of mine, who helped to renovate this hotel, showed me what appears to be a business card that he
found under the floorboards. On one side was the seven of diamonds (so could it have been one of a set of playing cards?); while on
the other these priceless words appear, which I print as written: –
JOHN DYKES,
From Worsley Mills, near Manchester,
begf leave to acquaint the Nobility, and Gentry,

That he has taken the Royal Oak, in Eccleshall, late in the poffeffion of Mr Henfhaw; which he has fitted up in the moft
commodious Manner, and as laid in a frefh Stock of the best Liquors. Thofe who pleafe to honour him with their Favours, may depend

upon meeting with the beft Accommodations, and the ftricteft Attendance,
By their moft obedient and humble Servant, John Dykes.
Neat Pofte Chaife and able Horfef.

Such style! For those who are not acquainted with the old form of English, the letter ‘f’ represented the letter ‘s’ and, (correct me if
I am wrong), it is known as a long f. Sometimes Mr Dykes uses it, sometimes he doesn’t. Why the inconsistency? And I really like the
closing line advertising his tidy ‘passenger or mail carrying coach’ and horses…!
I’m very fond of little bits of history like this, found by the simple coincidence of lifting some floorboards. My money is on it
having been a humorous business card (a fake playing card), but I’m not sure they used humour this way in those days. There again,
why would anyone print such an advertisement on an in-house card game? Does anybody have a clue about this?
A brief word from Penmaenpool. Jean and I haven’t yet managed to get back to our old haunts, but we will be visiting in May for a
couple of weeks, then again later in the year. Meanwhile, you may well find that next time you cross Barmouth Estuary Bridge, you’ll
be invited to contribute to its upkeep by way of a voluntary donation.
Fact – Gwynedd Council says that it has discovered a troll living underneath the bridge, causing it to be re-categorised as a
‘trollbridge’. We all know that trolls need their houses to be kept in good order to keep them sweet, and I find a charitable levy to be
wholly logical, so I’ll be paying up willingly so they can keep the structure safe over his head. Hey, isn’t our own David Nutbrown a
wheeler-dealer for the railway company in this area? Did you negotiate the ogre’s rent, David?
I was amazed when Gwynedd withdrew the official toll in 2013, although I believe that the Welsh national government had some
involvement. It seemed to be such a simple way of paying for the upkeep of this wonderful bridge and most regular users that I spoke
to would have been happy to pay a voluntary fee to continue using it. Now, with the advent of this whimsical idea, they can do so.
£1.00 is suggested, and I’m all for it. For heavens sake – it’s worth a quid for the view alone.
E-bikes. I haven’t seen an e-bike in use by one of our riders since late autumn, suggesting that their owners are even choosier with
their weather than ordinary riders. I’ve met a variety of ordinary cyclists on the road, but of the powered variety there has been no
sign. Can we coax them out of hibernation sometime soon, get together, and hold an e-bike comparison day, for the sake of those who
are thinking of buying one themselves?

Eating out.

Attingham Park, Home Farm. Oh how the more traditional members of the Informals miss the place when it’s closed! Judy opens
her doors again on Sunday March 25 th , so lets all go and give her a welcome!
Bayston Hill, The Three Fishes. Most people are happy with the menu and the welcome couldn’t be warmer. We come here for
social reasons as much as anything else, the group is comfortable here, so is everybody happy?
Dorrington, Village Hall tearoom. For those who haven’t heard yet, Shane had to pack her bags in Dorrington, having encountered
one or two insurmountable local difficulties with her business. She really needs premises where she can set out her stall and do her
own thing permanently, rather than have to fit in with village hall requirements. Has she found it now??
Joles Bakery & Coffee Shop. A new find at Teggs Farm, Halfway House. Excellent quality coffee and cakes, with a warm
welcome.

Pontesbury - Shane’s café again! This is the first truly moveable feast that we have ever encountered because she’s never in the
same village for more than a month at a time – it’s a pop-up café in every sense of the word! She’s now trying become established in
Pontesbury – we haven’t found out quite where yet but we’ll find out, so watch this space!
Upton Magna, The Haughmond Café. Now also known as The Pedal Stop, other cyclists apart from our lot seem to have impressed
the owner. It takes a long time for a cyclists’ café to get established. I hope that this one is now firmly here to stay.

ARE YOU INSURED?

We trust all riders in our group to have third party insurance cover, either by being members of British Cycling, or Cycling UK, or on
their household policies. If not, you really must think seriously about it – without protection you could be at a huge disadvantage
should you be involved in an incident.

Riders are responsible for their own safety at all times.

Editor Paul Wagner,