Sport

Underground, overground . . . cycling free

CYCLINGdoes not always have to be about how far or how fast you can go. Sometimes it’s nice just to enjoy a scenic and pleasant route at a more leisurely pace accompanied by family or friends. Anyone who first rode a bike never did so with the intention of winning the Tour de France or to become an Olympic champion. We did it for the independence and freedom to explore unfamiliar places, or simply to get around.

There are times when its best to ditch the Strava stats and trip computer to enjoy a bike ride – just for the ride.

One of my favourite examples of this is the Two Tunnels circuit around Bath. The family-friendly circular route is mostly traffic-free making use of canal towpaths, disused railway tracks and quiet country lanes.

Along the easy going 13-mile circular path you will pass through the UK’s longest cycling and walking tunnel, cycle over a viaduct, glimpse views of a castle, reach an aqueduct and ride through the centre of historic Bath. That is quite a lot to pack into a bike ride – so it is best taken at a leisurely pace.

Paths and turnings are marked using the blue and red signposts for the National Cycle Network (route no’s 244, 24 and 4). Even so, it is worth taking a copy of the route on your smartphone or printing a paper copy to navigate through the centre of Bath.

The route can be enjoyed in both directions, with each offering a different perspective. There are plenty of access points along the circuit, some of which connect to other routes on the National Cycle Network. The Bristol and Bath railway path allows traffic-free access from the west of Bath while the Colliers Way provides a peaceful link to Radstock and Frome in the south.

Starting from Bath, on an anti-clockwise circuit, the route makes use of the river Avon footpath before heading through parkland along the former Somerset and Dorset railway line to the iconic Two Tunnels.

The line from Bath was used for freight, local passenger traffic and weekend holiday trips to Bournemouth. It closed in 1966 as part of the Beeching axe to rail services despite protests from local communities.

If there is a positive legacy from that decision, it is that where trains once huffed and puffed through smoke-filled tunnels, cyclists and walkers now have a traffic-free route.

The first tunnel (the Devonshire) is around 400m long and is preparation for the much longer tunnel that follows shortly afterwards.

At an impressive 1672m long the Combe Down Tunnel is the UK’s longest cycling and walking tunnel and provides a flat route compared to the hilly terrain above ground.

Riding through this underground

thoroughfare is a striking sensory experience heightened by an audio-visual installation. The tunnel curves at both ends, so there is no daylight inside. Instead, lights cast soft pools of illumination onto the smooth road surface and the sooty CYCLING with EDMUND LODITE brick and limestone walls (cycle lights are still recommended so that others can see you). Progressing through the tunnel you can feel the temperature noticeably dropping. Marker points on the path indicating how far you are from each end of the tunnel are the only measure of your progress. Halfway along, you’ll be surprised by soft violin strings playing from motion activated speakers set into recesses on the wall. Gradually the daylight creeps back into view and the warm air provides a welcome treat as you leave the tunnel. Almost immediately, the path makes a transition from underground to overground as it crosses the impressive Tucking Mill Viaduct. Midford Castle built in the shape of the ace of clubs sits perched on the hillside above and after a short section on quiet lanes the path reaches Dundas Aqueduct, an architectural gem from the 18th century. From here the route follows canal towpaths all the way back to the centre of historic Bath – and if you’re lucky you might get a glimpse of a heron along the way! This ride can be as long or short as you wish it to be with many places to stop and eat and have a drink. It has been described by The Independent as “one of the most scenically varied and sightseeing-rich couple of hours of cycling anywhere in Britain”. That is a bold claim indeed – but to be honest I’ve not seen any better.

Runners complete a Mendip first

John Reynolds who said this was his last event

ON April 1st, the Mendip Trail Runners embarked on their biggest adventure yet. At 7am on a crisp, cold morning, the hardy bunch set off from Beacon Batch, the highest point of the Mendips to attempt an FKT (Fastest Known Time) on The Mendip Ring.

The loop had never been completed in a non-stop effort by a runner before and with an army of volunteers, crew and supporters, they began their journey.

Also joining them was local ultra-running legend and head coach of Westfield TT, John Reynolds, who, following a double hip replacement two years ago, not only wanted to jump on board to support by crewing the entire attempt, along with wife Jo, but also ran a modest 44 miles.

This would be John’s final ultra-run and it was a proud moment when he retired from this, his final run, delighted to be a part of the journey, when he helped so many of the Mendip Trail Runners to running success over the last ten years.

At 8pm on Saturday, April 2nd, Ian Rodd and Steven Probert became the first to complete a non-stop loop of the Mendip Ring, which was a little further in mileage than first thought. They ran an impressive 123.43 miles, with 10,892ft elevation gain, in an equally impressive 38 hours and five minutes.

Massive congratulations to all seven of The Mendip Trail Runners who were able to complete part of the loop, from ten to 90 miles and to Westfield TT runners who joined various sections, supporting the team and completing new distances of their own.

Also a huge thank you to Jo and John Reynolds for their support over the weekend and to all the volunteers who were out to cheer us on.

Natalie Platten

Cross country finalist

AFTER coming second in B&NE’s cross country run last October, Chew Stoke Year 5 pupil, Rory Price, was able to go forward to the Avon area finals.

He came seventh in the Year 5 race, the top runner from B&NES, against teams from South Goucestershire, North Somerset and Bristol.

His whole family were there to cheer him on together with deputy head and class teacher, Vickie Hennessy.

New Cheddar pump track

THEnew pump track in Cheddar has been officially opened, providing the community with a fantastic facility for riders of all ages.

The track is suitable for bikes, scooters and skateboards and riders use their arms and legs to pump and gain momentum to carry them around the circuit.

The track is located adjacent to Cheddar Skate Park on Sharpham Road, designed and built by Velosolutions UK.

The vision of charity, Ride Mendips, the scheme was made a reality due to a number of donations – spearheaded by Hanson UK, which operates Batts Combe quarry in the village and donated all the aggregates and asphalt for the project.

Hundreds of riders and supporters of all ages took part in the launch event, which included open sessions and a timed lap competition, and concluded with an evening celebration which saw local resident and pump track enthusiast Jack Bessant, bassist/songwriter with rock band Reef, play with his band the Cheddar Experiment.

Grant Garge of Ride Mendips said: “It has taken three years for the project to come to fruition so it’s awesome to see the pump track dream become reality. The launch event was a massive success and we’ve had amazing feedback from children, parents and expert riders about the quality and versatility of the track. It has already become a well-loved facility in the village.

“We are very grateful to all the people involved in the two Cheddar Extravanganza events that helped us to raise over £7,000 as well as all of the other supporters.

“By providing all the stone and asphalt, Hanson saved us almost £50,000, while British Cycling awarded us £35,000 as part of the Places to Ride fund, National Grid £20,000 from their community projects fund, Hinkley Point C £10,000 from the HPC community fund, Sedgemoor District Council £2,500, Petruth Paddocks £1,500 and The Mendip Rotary Club £500.

“We are also excited to start running the New Cheddar Shredderz bike club, as part of the Ride Mendips charity, which will provide free coaching sessions for young people on the track.”

Simon Parkes, Hanson UK unit manager, added: “The turnout for the launch event was testament to the support this fantastic project has from the local community, and we are delighted to be able to be a part of its success. I am sure that it is a facility that will be enjoyed by riders of all ages for years to come.”

Amazing achievements for Winscombe girls

Scrum time in the semi-final

WINSCOMBE Rugby Club’s U-15s girls’ side can call themselves one of the top four teams in the country after reaching the semi-finals of the National Cup.

Having won away at Havant and Kingsbridge, the Winscombe Warriors team travelled to Surrey to face Old Reigatians, losing in the last minute to an intercepted try.

Director of Girls’ Rugby, Gareth Waterfield said: “We are hugely proud of our girls’ section here at Winscombe Rugby Club. All three age groups are flourishing with over 120 girls playing every week; our U-13s squad is the future of the club and just looks amazing, the U-18s became South West champions and the U-15s really flew the flag at a national level this season.”

Next season, Winscombe will expand the girls’ section to four age groups with the formation of an U-12s category. Gareth added: “The ethos of the club is very much ‘friendship through rugby’, we play friendlies, development festivals as well as competitive cup rugby, so it’s very much rugby for everyone at all levels, particularly those that are new to the game.”

Details: Gareth at gareth.waterfield1980@hotmail.com

Andy’s Scillies gig

THEWorld Pilot Gig Championships will be taking place off the Isles of Scilly after a break of two years – and Andy Littler from Pensford will be there. He has passed the selections to row for Bristol Gig Club as a “super vet” over 50 years old. He will be 72 a week after the races, which run from April 29th-May 1st. He said: “I’m looking forward Andy, pictured right to it. The championships are the peak of the pilot gig rowing season. There will be about 130 boats lined up at the start of the first men's and women's open races.”

Team gets new kit

CHEW Valley Rugby Club’s U-14s unveiled their new playing kit with a healthy win over Kingwood RFC.

The boys would like to thank their sponsors: Hudson Plumbing and Heating Services, JB Pearce Scrap Metal Dealers, WECS Consulting Ltd and W.D Bowrey Motor Services.

Boys in Year 9 are welcome to go along to Lobbingtons on a Wednesday night at 6.30pm and join their friendly bunch for training. Matches are on a Sunday morning.

Details: Simon 07805 475373

Chew U-14s

Promotion for Chew Valley 2nds?

CHEWValley Second XV, captained by flanker James Stone, are likely to play their rugby in Tribute Somerset Premier next season having finished second to Old Reds IIs at the end of the current campaign.

Next year they hope to be playing the First XVs of local rivals Wells, Avon, Yatton, Imperial, Oldfield Old Boys, St Bernadettes, Bristol Harlequins and Tor. The league is expected to confirm the promotion shortly.

The team is coached by head coach, Steve Worrall, and his colleagues Lee Smith, Dean Brooker and Wales and Bristol Bears outside half, Callum Sheedy.

Club president, Andrew Tanner, said: “This promotion is a measure of the quality of rugby on offer at Chew Valley and a testament to the value of a thriving junior section.”

Chew Valley’s First XV won Somerset Premier in the 2012/13 season and have been rising through the ranks ever since.

In their first full season since promotion, they have lead South West Division –Tribute South West 1 West for most of this season. The final position rested on the weekend’s final matches as Mendip Times went to press.

Pictured at the end of an 8-38 win against Bath based Old Sulians First XV, front row (l to r) Ross Harding, Alex Britton, Harry Stride, Sam Ryan, Will Waddington, Will Broderick, Alex Bryant, James Ryan, Olly Broderick; back row (l to r) coach and team manager, Lee Smith, Sol Thompson, Sam Wedlake, Reece Carter, James Stone (captain), Alex Hodson, Jack Wedlake, Jake Rogers, Fergus Lodge, Ryan (Reg) Parfitt, Steve Bartlett, Alistair Russell and Silas Cox

Twickenham memories revived

A SPECIAL lunch was held at Wells Rugby Club before the 1st XV’s last game of the season to celebrate the tenth anniversary of their victorious Senior Cup final trip to Twickenham.

The day also saw the retirement of six Wells players and one from the their opposition on the day, Bristol Imperial RFC. l Wells juniors coach Rob Crew is looking for new players to relaunch the club’s under16s side next season. For details, visit: www.wellsrfc.co.uk

Seems like only yesterday – nearly all the Wells side which won at Twickenham were reunited

Students bring beats to the streets

Louis, Joe and Jude playing outside the Cheese & Grain Charlotte, a former music student, who deputised for another performer

MUSIC students from Frome College took to the streets of the town for the return of the hugely-popular Frome Busks event.

Taking place across eight locations around the town centre, the performers attracted large crowds of passers-by. The event was supported by Frome Town Council.

The young musicians took turns to play for up to 15 minutes at each location –some bustling like Boyle Cross and others quieter such as next to the Valentine Lamp at the top of Catherine Hill. They raised £550 towards extra curriculum music performances and productions.

Head of Music at Frome College, Josh Hampson, said: “The performers and tech team did brilliantly and raised a whopping £550 over the course of three hours. It was great to see the performers enjoy themselves and the town centre come alive with their creativity.”

Frome Town Council’s Community Projects Officer, Vivienne Whitaker, said: “The sun wasn’t the only thing that shone, the quality of the performers was outstanding and there was an excellent mix of well-known songs and original songs. The town was buzzing, and we can’t wait to support next year’s event.”

Emily, on Stony Street Hush Wing in King Street

Classical guitar from Ollie in the Westway Precinct Millie, Phoebe, Bella and Lainey head for their next venue

New director Kramer Durcan duo

JOSHUANewport has taken over at Winscombe Community Singers from Rachel Mason who had been the musical director for five years.

Joshua is known for musical theatre; he directs and plays in shows around the South West. He has recently moved from South Gloucestershire to live in North Somerset. THEfinal concert of Yatton Music Society’s spring season will include music played by American violinist Miriam Kramer, accompanied on either the piano or organ by Nicholas Durcan.

The concert at St Mary’s, Yatton on May 21st will include popular music from the classical composers and Gershwin.

The concert starts at 7.30pm, tickets price £10, half price for students over 16, children free.

Details: www.yms.org.uk