2011-09-06 - Rider Down (Digger)

Clarion
Thanks for that response, I've only just seen it as I've been super busy working on a TV series about mudlarking. I heard of the Clarion only recently on a R4 series about cycling history (where an elder was remarking that ctc was known as the collar n tie club for it's borgeois members, whereas Clarion had a left lean... )

Glad you have a pedal in both Clarions. Bit sad it split. Don't think I'd ever join a club that would accept me as a member, but the 1895 version is probably of more interest to me, despite the veiled reference to 'Love' being their 'Law'... I find gnostic stuff a bit creepy really. However the friend on the road philosophy is right up my lane, I often meet new friends while out on a bicycle, it is a sociable pursuit.

I was surprised myself! I chose my forum name in recognition of the combination of politics and cycling, but thought it was gone.

As it happens, it was having a resurgence, and I met the Secretary Charles Jepson at York Cycle Rally.

Sadly, there was a split in the Clarion not long back, and now there is the National Clarion CC, which contains a lot of members who are 'non-political', and who try to balance the heritage of the club with their negative feelings about socialism, which can be confusing at times.

Then there is the National Clarion 1895 CC, which was set up by Charles Jepson when he was ousted. It is quite small, and has a definite North West base, but is also growing. It has a definite political emphasis. Quite soon, they will be taking part in a ride from Glasgow to Cable Street, visiting memorials to the heroes and martyrs of the International Brigades en route.

I'm a member of both clubs.