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At our Cycling Club AGM on Sunday 26th November new membership fees were unanimously agreed. London Clarion + National Clarion (which includes up to £5m 3rd party liability insurance) £25 per year for new joiners or £20 for those who renew within a month of their membership ending. London Clarion only membership (without National Clarion membership or 3rd party liability insurance) £15 to join or £10 to renew if renewed within a month of your membership expiring. Prompt renewals are appreciated so we can organise new membership cards. Membership can be renewed or you can join using this link - https://membermojo.co.uk/london-clarion

For a relatively short time in the late 1930's and early 1940's the National Clarion Cycling Club London and Southern Counties Unions of Clarion Cycling Clubs published a newsletter called Boots! It's now possible to read a few copies for free on our recently update Clarion Cycling Clubs archive. Boots! gives readers of today a facinating insight into the life of a cycling club at the time. In it you can read about the sad loss of Tom Oldershaw a London Clarion Cyclist and communist who fought against Franco in the Spanish Civil War. Boots!gives a facinating insight to life in the late 1930's.

Paris, renowned for its romantic ambiance, architectural marvels, and culinary delights, is also witnessing a silent revolution on its streets - the growing love affair with cycling. While the image of Paris may conjure up visions of quaint cafés and bustling boulevards, it's increasingly becoming synonymous with a different mode of transportation: the bicycle.   A Pedal-Powered Metropolis   In recent years, Paris has embraced cycling with intensity, evident in the proliferation of bike lanes, dedicated cycling infrastructure, and the rise of bike-sharing schemes. This transformation is not merely a passing trend but reflects a fundamental shift in urban mobility preferences, driven by environmental concerns, health consciousness, and a desire for convenience.   Environmental Imperatives   At the forefront of this cycling renaissance is a heightened awareness of environmental sustainability. As the world grapples with the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change, cities like Paris are prioritizing eco-friendly modes of transport. Cycling, being emission-free and energy-efficient, emerges as a compelling solution to mitigate pollution and congestion while promoting cleaner air and a healthier urban environment.   Health and Wellness   Moreover, the allure of cycling extends beyond environmental considerations to encompass personal health and wellness. In an age where sedentary lifestyles and chronic diseases are rampant, Parisians are increasingly turning to cycling as a means to incorporate physical activity into their daily routines. The benefits of cycling are many,  from improving cardiovascular health and boosting mental well-being to enhancing overall fitness levels. With an extensive network of cycling paths crisscrossing the city, Paris offers an inviting landscape for cyclists of all ages and abilities to pedal their way to better health.   Urban Accessibility   Another driving force behind the surge in cycling is the quest for urban accessibility and convenience. In a city notorious for its traffic congestion and limited parking spaces, cycling emerges as a practical alternative for navigating the bustling streets of Paris. With dedicated bike lanes and bike-sharing programs such as Vélib', which boasts thousands of bikes stationed at numerous locations across the city, commuting by bicycle has never been more accessible or appealing. Whether it's a leisurely ride along the Seine or a brisk pedal to work, cyclists in Paris enjoy the freedom and flexibility to traverse the cityscape at their own pace.   Cultural Shift   Beyond its practical advantages, the growing popularity of cycling in Paris also reflects a broader cultural shift towards sustainable and active lifestyles. As Parisians embrace the bicycle as a symbol of urban chic and sophistication, cycling culture is flourishing, characterized by cycling clubs, themed events, and a burgeoning community of enthusiasts. From fashion-forward cyclists sporting stylish attire to cafés catering to the two-wheeled crowd, cycling has become an integral part of Parisian identity, transcending mere transportation to embody a lifestyle choice.   Challenges and Opportunities   Despite its many benefits, the widespread adoption of cycling in Paris is not without its challenges. Issues such as road safety, inadequate cycling infrastructure, and the need for greater awareness and education remain key areas of concern. However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation and collaboration, as city authorities, urban planners, and advocacy groups work together to create a more cyclist-friendly environment. London can learn a lot from the recent growth in Cycling in Paris and we hope that Sadiq Khan will continue to help support the further development of cycling across London in his new third term in office.

The amazing long distance cyclist Fiona is on an epic journey to cycle 5,500 miles on a Solar Bike to help raise awareness of Climate change. On our London Clarion Cycle Club run yesterday it was a great honour for 12 London Clarion Cyclists to be able to accompany Fiona on her ride into London for the next part of her adventure. As part of our ride into London from Harlow we took the opportunity to visit the site of the former London Clarion clubhouse in Nazeing Essex which was open between 1913 and 1920 as well as the site of the former Clarion Socialist Youth Hostel in Hoddesdon. We also visited the site of Sylvia Pankhursts Red Cottage and Anti-War Memorial (Slyvia Pankhurst was both a Suffragette and Clarion Cyclist). Dr Sheila Hanlon who researches the social and political history of women's cycling explains in "the Pankhursts: Clarionettes and Suffragettes" that Cycling was a family affair for the Pankhursts, Dr Richard Pankhurst (1834-1896) was an avid cyclist and prominent member of the Clarion Cycling Club. His wife Emmeline cycled as well as their 3 daughters all cycled. Unlike most cycling organisations of the time Clarion Cycling Clubs extended membership to women from its foundation in 1895. To learn more about Fiona and her Suncycling Odyssey you can follow her on Instagram and Facebook.

Clarion Sunday took place this year on Sunday 12th June at the last Clarion House, near Roughlee in Lancashire. Clarion Sunday is a special day for Clarion Cycling Clubs when they get to meet fellow Clarion Cyclists at this historic location and affirm their commitment to the ideals of the founders of the Clarion movement. Cyclists from many Clarion clubs across the country participated including Barnoldswick Clarion, Blackpool Clarion, Bolton Clarion, Brighton and Hove Clarion, Bury Clarion, Clitheroe Clarion, Crewe Clarion Wheelers, North Cheshire Clarion, National Clarion Cycling Club 1895, Saddleworth Clarion, Stockport Clarion and Yorkshire Coast Clarion. A good number of other local cyclists also attended in particular from local CTC / Cycling UK Clubs and a large group from Halifax Imperial Wheelers cycling club. All the special meet ribbons were handed out to attendees by early afternoon, so it was estimated that over 300 came in total. It's great to see Clarion Sunday continuing to get more and more popular each year. The amazing volunteers at Clarion House were certainly kept busy making pint mugs of tea for the amazing price of just 60p. All sandwiches kindly donated by Bolton Clarion and cakes made by supporters of Clarion House were much welcomed especially by those who had cycled long distances. The largest cycling club in attendance this year was Saddleworth who organised 3 different rides to Clarion House. It was also lovely to hear the East Lancs Clarion choir as well as see launch of the updated version of the amazing book Fellowship is Life with a foreword by his widow and Clarion choir singer Wendy Pye. Clarion Sunday 2023 will take place on Sunday 11th 2023. Clarion House is open every Sunday throughout the year. This is a photo of the meet ribbon handed out to everyone who came long.

This blog will include details of recent London (=C=L=A=R=I=O=N<) Cycling Club rides together with ramblings about Cycling in London and some interesting facts about the history of the (=C=L=A=R=I=O=N<) movement.

A huge thank you to Brixton Cycles, Herne Hill Velodrome and everyone else who helped organise the 2022 Cobblemonster ride. A dozen London Clarion members took part in this years event the majority meeting at 08:30 outside Brixton Cycles. The ride included an impromptu stop in Rotherhithe about half way around the course for coffee before the ride continued to Herne Hill Veledrome. The weather was perfect and it was great to see so many fellow London cyclists supporting this event and helping to raise money for the Evelina London Children's Charity. Looking forward to the 2023 event already!

Some years ago, Chris of Yorkshire Coast Clarion challenged me to organise an Easter Meet in Barrow in Furness. Now, not much organisation was actually required, and it came to pass at Easter 2022. With Euston Station closed over the whole weekend, the London Clarion contingent had an arduous journey on Thursday evening. We met for breakfast on Friday morning at the Furness Railway (Wetherspoons), and soon gathered a goodly group of riders. We did a morning traffic free coast ride to Roa Island, and an afternoon ride on Walney Island, visiting the nature reserve at the south end, with a walk to the lighthouse. Between the two we had lunch at Peace and Loaf, an excellent bakery near the college. In the evening we had dinner, organised by Colin Urmston, at Dhaba Indian Restaurant, and attended by 17. Saturday, we rode a low traffic route to Ulverston, with a break at The Milk Hut on the coast road. We had lunch in a pub recommended by Labour activists who were canvassing in the square in Ulverston. Sadly, some of our number had to return home early, so only 11 of us attended pizza night at Peace and Loaf, and then had beer at The Duke of Edinburgh Hotel. It is owned by Lancaster Brewery and the beer is excellent. On a busy and crowded evening the staff opened a room for us so we could sit together. Sunday, we rode a gently hilly circuit to Dalton in Furness and nearby villages including Askham. We met riders from Barrow Central Wheelers, and they led us to a café at an old water mill in Gleaston where we had lunch. We later visited Furness Abbey, and had an afternoon beer at The Kings Arms, on a hillside above Barrow. Sunday dinner was in a town centre bar named the Odd Frog. Nice food at a good price but blighted by a band doing sound checks and tuning up. On Monday morning we went our separate ways. The Bolton/London contingent of Bisset, Southern and Kiddle took a boat trip to Piel Island on a fast-rising tide, and after another Milk Hut visit walked to the Hoad Monument on the hill above Ulverston. Easter Meets seem to last for ever and be over in a flash. We had an excellent weekend of cycling and good fellowship. Thanks to all who attended: from Blackburn, London, Barnoldswick, Stockport, Scarborough, Salford and Bolton. Special thanks to the 4 women, regular riders on the Bolton Clarion Fellowship ride, who joined us for part of the weekend. We were happy to learn you enjoyed your trip to the Abbey before you took your train home. Before we left, we agreed that in 2023 we shall meet in Leicester and planning of rides has already started.

by – Alison Miller My first Dieppe Raid weekend with the London Clarion, from start to finish, was an experience packed with laughs, cycling, beer, wine and lovely French nosh. I was grateful for the planning that had gone into the weekend, including the renting by Alex and Alan of an elegant five storey house perched on a hill, with lovely views across Dieppe and beyond, which became the London Clarion temporary à la maison. Travelling to catch the ferry at Newhaven, we showed our solidarity with the RMT strike by getting there on our bikes or taking up the offers of lifts from other club members. A smooth Ferry crossing was followed by unrelenting sheet rain on arrival in Dieppe. Undeterred once we'd made it to our gaff, a volunteer crew braved the heavy downpours to get our weekend provisions. Given the weather conditions, a sensible decision was made to transport the shopping back by taxi, while holing up with other London Clarion Cycling Club members in a bar, to wait for the deluge to subside. On their return, they discovered all the unpacking and putting away had already been done, as well food and drink prepared, laid out and waiting for them. This was indicative of the mucking in, sharing and comradely nature of Clarion club members on this trip, which contributed to it being for me such an enjoyable event. Woke up next morning to grey clouds, but not accompanied by the curtains of rain that had besieged us on arrival. So we were hopeful of the weather holding out for a planned cycle and picnic in the afternoon. Off we went to the Dieppe Farmers market, which is worth a trip to Dieppe itself to experience; streets and streets of Market stalls selling colourful produce of amazing variety and quality at non-inflated prices. However, as some of us set out along the cycle path, it started to rain. We shrugged our shoulders and agreed, what's a little rain between comrades. It'll clear we said to ourselves in time for our picnic. Several hours into the ride, we were all grown up enough to admit that the continued downpour had rendered the purpose of our trip unviable. What again impressed me, was a collective ability to arrive at an easy consensus to turn back. No needless masochism that cyclists sometimes fall victim. The trip was all about fun. Next year we concluded that we could have a relaxed communal picnic in the lovely terraces and gardens à la maison instead. I have to mention in passing that it was no mean feat to have organised restaurant bookings for a ten plus group on both the Saturday and Sunday evenings at superb restaurants on the quayside. This was achieved by London Clarion stalwarts and much appreciated. Back to the cycling – Sunday morning we were all up and ready to get our bikes out and set off for the HQ on Salle Paul Eluard to get registered for the ride. Most people opting for either the 60km or the 100km route though Bob Harber (Brighton Clarion) chose the 120km route. Happily, the sun was out and there was little wind. These were the weather conditions that prevailed for a day of glorious cycling. There were stand out moments cycling through the stunning scenery of the three valleys, with hardly a car in sight. However, the tone was set early on when we had a brief pit stop at a village bakery to purchase meringues the size of melons. Throughout the ride, local people were very friendly and seemed genuinely pleased to these hordes of cyclists coming through their lanes and villages. Those new to the Dieppe Raid, like me were warned about the large array of awards to be handed out after the ride by the worthies of Cyclo-Club Dieppe back at the HQ. I just sat back and enjoyed the good humour and enthusiasm of the event organisers, the volunteers, and the cyclists themselves. One London Clarion member, who shall remain nameless, won the top raffle prize of a brand-new cycle, but he deferred suggesting it goes to someone in need in Dieppe. Well done that man. After the award event London Clarion returned to our HQ, to commemorate the life of John Howell a London Clarion member and regular Dieppe participant, who recently passed away at the untimely age of 46. As the sun was setting outside on the terrace beautiful words were spoken in his memory. I hope to be back next year to continue in the tradition of friendship and fun forged by London Clarion members both past and present.

Our New Year’s Day 2023 London Clarion Cycling club ride started at Surrey Quays in South East London shortly after 09:30 following breakfast at the Surrey Docks Wetherspoons. The first of many hills was in Greenwich Park, where we met up with Ian and Harley before heading to Blackheath, Chislehurst, St Mary Cray and stopping at The Bull pub in Horton Kirby where we caught up with Don and Mick. The cycling route back was through Bexley, Blackfen, Plumstead and Greenwich before finishing the ride in Deptford at the Dog and Bell pub. Just over 40 miles and 2,000 ft climbing; a perfect ride to start the new year.