AT last there was a feeling of turning the corner weather-wise as Preston's Clarion club enjoyed the run to Scorton on a typical English summer day.

The day's ride was livened to some degree by a series of glitches.

These included a broken chain, a broken aluminium frame, four punctures, and a complete rebuild of a rear gear changer, all at nicely spaced intervals and dealt with patiently in good humour.

Riders had only a glimpse of their intended destination, Nicky Nook, as they passed the entry with 'Keep Out' notices at the gates.

After lunch at the Priory Caf in Scorton, the Preston riders had to make their way home by the shortest route, the A6.

Still the traffic was fairly light and memories of when the A6 was a favoured cyclists route came readily to mind as the cyclists made for home once more.

The Preston Clarion road-race was sadly marred last weekend when an hour before the club's promoted open ten mile time trial at Garstang, an articulated lorry overturned exactly at the half-way point, Hampson Green island.

Despite delaying the start time by one hour the obstruction could not be removed in time.

The organiser was then left with no option other than to cancel the event.

Thanks go to all the helpers and marshalls, and of course to the competitors, for their patience and understanding.

Fred Smith continued his good form winning a gold medal in the veterans 25 mile event based on the Fylde lanes during the week.

And Jim Ince is doing his stuff once more at the track.

He won the Course de Primes and came a close second in the points race on Monday evening.

The Medium Distance group head for Styal in Cheshire on Sunday, site of the famous Quarrybank Mill.

Riders are advised to meet at the Town Hall square at the new for summer departure time 8.30am.

For more details call the club secretary on (01204) 491595.