The Pembrokeshire Freewheelers
2002 Annual Club Review: March
Our Annual Club Dinner was held in March following a short ride from Narberth led by Victor. The venue this year was Tavernspite Garden Centre.
This was in appreciation of the fact that they had looked after us on several occasions when we had called in for elevenses or later in the day when they were busy serving Sunday lunches. They had always accommodated us, no matter how busy they were, and we were happy to repay their hospitality by given them our custom. Around 20 members turned up for the enjoyable lunch provided.
It had been suggested at last year's AGM that some members would like to have some bicycle maintenance lessons, and Sydney volunteered to take them. Having obtained a room in Pembrokeshire College, Sydney held a very interesting teach-in, in which he explained the basics of what tools to carry with you on a ride. He pointed out the different choices, dependant on type and length of a ride or trip away, and why and how to use the tools.
He covered the many different types of wheel and tyre sizes and the problems associated, including the non-compatibility of each of them.
Sadly the time passed only too quickly, and after thanking Sydney for his time and efforts we had to leave. Unfortunately it became apparent that the offer of the room would not be financially viable, and it was hoped that different accommodation would become available, for lessons continue.
Later in March a small contingent of members travelled to Malvern Youth Hostel for a weekends riding in the area.
Although Malvern is noted for its hills, the 53 mile ride on the Saturday was most notable for the fact that the first 51 were all relatively flat. Visiting Upton-on-Severn for elevenses, and Pershore for lunch, it was realised how flat the terrain was when the wind came up and there was no shelter from it. Riding around Bredon Hill brought no benefit either, and the return route through Tewkesbury was all straight into the wind.
However, the scenery was lovely even on a bleak spring morning, and the last 2 miles uphill back to the hostel certainly warmed the riders up.
On the Sunday, after a good breakfast, the riders took a hilly western route out towards Ledbury, before going their separate ways home.
The hostel in Malvern is a wonderful large mansion type house and can be highly recommended for a cycling break away.
Mike led a ride from Haverfordwest in the middle of March, and as usual he went off like a rocket and didn't stop till he got back. Actually writing this report up in October no-one can remember if he did actually stop for lunch, but then that is what most of his rides end up like anyway!!!
Barrie had booked the Pembroke Power Station Social Club for a skittles night, and although numbers attending were down on last year, those who were present thoroughly enjoyed an entertaining evening, with much Mickey-taking in evidence, but all played in great spirit. Thanks must again go to Barrie for organising and Kevin for repeatedly stacking the skittles.
The final ride in March was from Newport. It had been hoped to make it a YHA weekend, but being Easter most members had family commitments, so there was just a day ride led by Ed.