September 27th

After greeting octogs Eric and Ned at The Arches coffee bar at Redhill, fifteen from 'A' group, led by Pete B, wend their way to The Jubilee Oak at Crawley, via Wonham, Betchworth, Cudworth and Ifold. If you expected a left turn, Pete took the right, and so on, leading one dissident to comment that we might make Crawley for tea. We made it by spot on 1pm. Our return took us through Charlwood, Root Hill, Brockham and Pixham to tea atop Box Hill, by which time our numbers had halved. Still with us, though, was new man Chris, whom we welcomed for his first outing with us. Chris found us via Simon Legg's recent intrepid London to Brighton night ride, which Chris will remember particularly for seeing the sun rise over Ditchling Beacon.

Hello Brian, Very nice to meet you and so many other riders on Wednesday. I enjoyed the ride and I hope I can flex the occasional weekday from work to join you again from time to time. Just thought I would drop this note so that you have my email address. Regards, Chris O’Hearn.

Hi Brian, Ed, John, Les, Phil and I rode as far as Redhill Bus Station before we stopped - John had a soft front tyre. No cause could be found so he fitted a fresh tube and we carried on hopefully. We went south, on or alongside the A23 until soon forking right into Pendleton Road to Woodhatch then regaining peace and quiet on Lonesome Lane (appropriately named). Pleased to notice the teddy bears in residence in Meath Green, soon we turned right which led us to the A217, fortunately not too busy for the short time we used it. Through Povey Cross to Charlwood where we headed south, then for a change, along quiet, shady Prestwood Lane. Ignoring my tummy rumblings and the attractions of The Lamb at Lambs Green we pressed on to Faygate arriving at The Holmbush just after 1pm. After a good lunch we retraced our route briefly before turning left into Wimland Lane then heading north with a slight tailwind through Rusper and Newdigate. Unfortunately Phil then punctured, but repairs having been completed we enjoyed tea at Denbies. At Leatherhead I left the group. Terry

A good 'C' group turnout at Molesey and still good weather. Dave led around fifteen of us en route for The Anchor at Bookham. Apart from he and me there was Bill, Mark, Harold, Roger, Ron, Beryl, Lynda, John Knox and a few I had not met before including Christine and Bernard (fugitives from B group in need of a rest). Dave really had the route buttoned up with quite a bit of offroad (which always gets me lost). We got onto Littleworth Common, then Arbrook Common, over the A3 then Esher Common. I got my bearings at Stoke d'Abernon when we entered Miles Lane from Sandy Lane thus being in the Fairmile area. We got some more offroad in River Lane at the end of which I spotted the village pump and small chapel at Downside Common. Out of curiosity I attended a Sunday service there with a congregation of ten and one of the two incumbents appropriately named Rev Paradise and Rev Kirk. From here we proceeded across Bookham Common and our destination which we all know provides good beer and lunch at a most sensible price. We came back over the common by the usual route to Cobham for tea. Dennis started out with us but I don't know what happened to him. I managed to contact the tarmac at one stage with my elbow but with the tender care of my good companions have made a speedy recovery ------------- Albert

Hi Brian, Just using this as an update. Any idea on the numbers coming (Friday 7pm to watch the epic "Lawrence of Arabia") yet? Also what about us all having a take-away, 'tis a long film after all and we don't want to waste away. My local INDIAN is doing a 50% deal for cash following its refurb. I have a few beers and large quantities of red wine could share. Unfortunately the HUBBA BUBBA pipe set has broken down. Anyway let me know. Also pleased to report my arm/shoulder is now thankfully on the mend, but reckon another week before even 'C' group riding will be possible. Cheers Nigel C.

Next week at Cobham, I should be collecting completed annual attendance records (on which I trust you will record your CTC membership number) and distributing invitations and agendas for our AGM the following Wednesday at 11am in Hersham Village Hall. When you get your agenda, please put some thought to nominating (at or before the meeting) the Wayfarer making the most significant contribution to cycling, to facilitate award of the Arthur Jessop Shield.

I mentioned last week The Mark Roy Trophy. This will be awarded annually (with certificate) to the CTC SW London Wayfarers member recording the greatest improvement in miles over their previous year's recorded mileage. NB: All cycled mileage is self-recordable. A plate has been added to the reverse of the trophy clarifying this for posterity.

Slide Show by CCP

Sept 20th

Hello Wayfarers and friends

I enjoyed hearing from Ron at Weybridge of how he managed to sell his tandem to a blind man - a great yarn well worth getting him to tell you. This came about after someone was enquiring after Derek, who has injured his back and has been unable to mount his bike for a couple of months. He sounded bright enough when I rang him, but if you get to see this, Derek - we all miss you and look forward to your early return.

Mark Roy has presented his handsome new trophy to the club and it will be revealed to all (and presented to our inaugural recipient) at our AGM at Hersham Village Hall 11am Wednesday 11Nov06.

It seemed that Bob and most of us had never visited the Royal Oak, so sixteen 'A' group (Graham, Bob, Brian N, Brian S, Ed, Frank C, Frank H, Irene, John M, Julian, Pete B, Pete M, Ray, Rob, Steve and Vic) set out from Weybridge to find it. We passed 'B' group near Poets Corner before heading along Liberty Lane and over the M25. Woodham came next and then West Byfleet and Pyrford. Send Marsh led onto Send Hill and the riverside church. Here the "fun" started - the banks of Wey Navigation were in view but getting there... Techniques were many on the cyclist-proof bridge over the Wey but the sight of others strung out over hundreds of yards was much enjoyed by early finishers - pity it wasn't captured on film! This all took its time so the pace was sprightly through Sutton Green and Worplesdon before the turn into Wood Street Village. Second helpings beer-wise made for a convivial alfresco lunch before we set off into Jacob's Well. Here Frank C departed, having taken over transporting the new Mark Roy trophy which Julian had borne manfully all day (Brian's Tour of Britain freebee rucksack being too small). Tea was taken at Ockham Bites before we went our several ways.
The Banstead contingent enjoyed 64 splendid miles and had he been asked, Rob would have offered his panniers, but that would have denied us our post-lunch farce.

Hi Brian - a hasty report as I am due out within the hour! With me as last-minute stand-in leader, it was not until elevenses at Weybridge that the lunch destination and route were confirmed. Bound for the Castle Grove pub at Castle Green, I found myself leading a vast line of A and B cyclists towards Addlestone. However, once we had let them through, there were just 8 of us - Norman, Judy, Ed N, Ed C (on the recumbent), Nev, John, Bill (a visitor from C Group) and me. Unfortunately Ed C had a puncture almost immediately and that was the last we saw of him as he told us to go on. We cut across to Holloway Hill and along Stonehill Road to Accommodation Road - both nice roads lined with trees. Joining Longcross Road we followed this westwards, then dropped down Staple Hill into Burrowhill, through Chobham to Castle Green. Service at the pub was remarkably fast and we were on the road again within the hour. In bright sunshine now, we headed south along Chobham Road to join the busy Bagshot Road for a short way before turning off on to Hill Heath House Road and Hook Heath Road - an area of magnificent homes. Dropping down Hook Hill Lane we arrived at the Mayford Roundabout and were now on familiar territory as we skirted the southern edge of Woking through Westfield to Old Woking and Send. We passed Pat and Bill Matthews in Send, going in the opposite direction. Tannery Road took us off the busy roads and we had a pleasant ride into Ripley for tea at Watson's. From here it was across the Airfield and into Cobham where we split into two groups to head home. There are big signs at the Airfield but we decided we were non-vehicular traffic and crossed without problem. It was not a long ride by B Group standards but it had included some new territory (for the leader, at least!). Gill

Still great cycling weather but rather less than usual 'C' group numbers for a ride from Weybridge to The Nags Head at Sunningdale. There was me leading, Roger, Bill, Dave, Mark, Harold, Ron and Fuzz (the latter two dropped off earlier on) also a chap named John Knox (new to me). We turned down Minorca Road in Weybridge, the traffic being pretty heavy in Church Street and entered Portmore Park Road, joining the cyclepath to Addlestone Moor where we used the lit crossing of the dual carriageway to enter the tunnel under St Peters Way and cross Hatch Bridge still offroad into Prairie Road to a right turn up Green Lane where a decent cyclepath has been provided to take one over the M25 as far as White Lodge. Climbing began up Holloway Hill, then Fan Court Hill, after which the hilly bits were more modest.
Crossing over the M3 we turned left and then right at the next roundabout with a short run to Sunningdale. We turned right at the junction with the A30 and after a bit of a climb turned left towards Sunningdale Village and the pub which is situated in High Street (oddly named as no shops were in sight). However the beer and food are of the best and four of us lunched until the others joined us for a drink after their sandwiches. I led this ride on the same route previously and on our return as before went into Wentworth Estate. A few yards into these hallowed grounds we were accosted by a fellow in some sort of uniform who informed us of the estate's privacy. My reply must have impressed him somewhat as he allowed us to continue and we made our way through the sacred place eventually going back to my place for tea via Lyne Crossing Road. Mark and Harold had a long ride home and left us before we arrived. Hope it wasn't too boring. I only clocked 21mls and where were the ladies? --------Albert

CTC - Local Groups Conference 2006 Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd October 2006.
Location: New CTC National Offices, Guildford. Times: 11.00 -17.30 Saturday, 09.00 - 16.00 Sunday.

If any Wayfarer would like to represent us at this event (and get to see our new HQ), let Brian know and I will put you in contact with organiser Alex Geen.

Don't miss "Lawrence of Arabia" at Nigel's (020 8642 1100) 7pm Friday 29Sep06 - Cheam - Wayfarers welcome.

The four riders at Lee Valley YH

Heading for lunch at Hertford

13th Sept 2006

Brian,
Ride completed on Wednesday 13th September 2006.

Participants, some departing sooner than others, were as follows :

Yours Truly, John Gould, Toni D Italia, Fuzz Edwards, Harold Fifield, John Stead, Brian Stead, Brian Nixon, Robin Johnson, Mark Roy, Frank Cubis, Judy, Julian, Brian Starey, Ed Campbell, Roger Mitchell, Vic White, Bob Starey, Ed Sharp, Ray Harrison, Norman Goody, Nigel, Steve, Lynda Barrow, Helga, Mike Pontin, Mary Pontin, Margaret Squirrell, Bill Squirrell, Liz Scrivens, Terry Lowe, Dave Davis, Pete Mitchell, Tony Hooker, Pete Barnard, Rob Maskell, John Aitken.

As there were 37 riders and it would appear that CTC rules only allow 20 riders per leader, Frank Cubis kindly accepted my suggestion that he became a Sub Leader. On the run to Hammersmith Bridge Frank decided to take his section on a different route to mine. We eventually met up at Hammersmith bridge enabling the ride to continue as planned.

My planning and execution was as follows:

Richmond Park Café to Richmond Gate via the cycle track.
Circumnavigation of the one way system into part of the old town and on to the Thames Path via the rear of Kew Gardens.
We exited the Thames Path at Mortlake to circumnavigate the rough section of path then on to Barnes.
Barnes to Hammersmith bridge via the Thames Path then under the bridge and up to street level.
Crossed the bridge via the footpath (walking was required).
Down the slope to the Thames Path then a left turn to follow a network of back-streets thus circumnavigating the Hammersmith one way system and on to Barons Court.
Crossing Talgarth Road at Barons Court and following a network of back-streets to emerge at Kensington Olympia via the North End Road junction.
Kensington Olympia to Kensington High Street and a left turn into Melbury Road.
Then right into Abbotsbury Road and left into Holland Park.
Using the Holland Park Gate to enter on foot Holland Park itself (Strictly restricted to walking, unfortunately, because of Park Rules).

In Holland Park we were treated to the delights of the floral displays and viewed The Third Lord Holland's Statue (MDCCLXXIII to MDCCCXL or as my daughter Olivia translated it - 1773 to 1840. How did the Romans progress without sensible mathematics.) Then we walked around the beautiful Japanese garden. We continued through more magnificent gardens, viewed the ruins of Holland House. Saw the Ice House and Orangery. Saw water features and lawns and eventually came to the Café where we stopped for a restful lunch.
Exiting the park we crossed Holland Walk and entered Duchess of Bedford Walk and into Holland Street turning left into Hornton Street and then a right into Sheffield Terrace. We then crossed over Kensington Church Street and wiggled to make a right into Palace Gardens Terrace and continued on to reach the lower end of Church Street. Here we turned left on to a path, just past Vicarage Gate, which led us to Kensington Palace (Home of the Duke and Duchess of Kent and the late Diana Princess of Wales and other Royals).

Here we entered Kensington Gardens to view the magnificent Kensington Palace with the statue of William III at its entrance. We were treated to a view of the spectacular wrought iron gates in front of the façade of the Palace. Continuing straight on we were able to cycle a short distance past The Round Pond and a short walk to the right brought us to the view of the Albert Memorial, relatively newly refurbished. Opposite we viewed the Albert Hall.

On exiting the park we turned left on to a cycle track which we followed just short of the Bayswater Road. Here we turned left and once again had to walk a short distance to view the spectacular Italian Fountains and The Jenner Statue; he being the discoverer of vaccination.

We walked back to the cycle track and crossed into Hyde Park soon turning left to cross the Bayswater Road using a conveniently situated pedestrian crossing. Using a network of small roads we crossed Edgware Road at the Beirut Express restaurant to enter George Street and continued on to Manchester Street, Marylebone High Street and via Weymouth Street to make a left into Upper Wimpole Street and on to Devonshire Street and then to cross the Marylebone Road. We soon exited this busy road turning left into Regents Park where we followed the outer circle round to Gloucester Gate and followed the roads to Primrose Hill. We had to walk due again to park restrictions to reach the summit of the hill where we were treated to a spectacular panoramic view of the city encompassing St Paul's Cathedral, The BT Tower, Cannery Warf, The Ferris Wheel to name but a few of the sights to see.

We returned to Regents Park to continue the circuit using the outer circle to view the Regents Park Mosque and exited the park at Park Square East. Crossing once again the busy Marylebone road we entered Portland place where we turned right into Cavendish Street and followed basically the same route we had taken to travel from Hyde Park. This circumnavigated a mish-mash of difficult one way streets entirely unsuitable for cyclists.

On re entry of Hyde Park we took the right hand direction to circulate via the serpentine.

The ride took longer than I expected so by popular request it was truncated at the Serpentine Restaurant where the remaining riders took refreshments. Frank kindly led most of the remaining riders from this point and I returned home early for once.

Thanks go to back-markers / helpers; John Gould, Norman Goody, Pete Barnard and Sub leader Frank Cubis.
Hope everyone had a good day and see you soon.

Kind regards,
John Scott

More Sept 6th

Sorry about the late 'B' group report [better late than too late, Norman], but this was due to [mind boggling] equipment failure. A balanced group of12 riders - Anita, Carole, Gill, Judy, Liz and Mary, Ed N, John G, Mike and Nev led by Norman, with back-marker Terry rode from Cobham via Effingham to Ranmore, stopping to admire the magnificent view on a clear day. Then an exhilarating ride down the sweeping bends into Dorking. Through the one-way system, West Street, South Street, up the Horsham Road, down Flint Hill, round the Holmwood roundabout into Spook Hill. At this point Neville's back tyre was "spooked" with a gunshot sound! Puncture was found but the cause was not, tube replaced and we carried on up Inholms Lane, right into Blackbrook Road, left into Red Lane to Leigh Road. Waited for regroup. Terry and Neville were missing. A motorist told us he had seen two cyclists stopped by the roadside, so I sent the main group on to lunch stop at "The Plough" in Leigh and rode back to meet Terry, on his own. Nev's back tyre had "exploded", the wall separating from the bead. He phoned home to be rescued. After lunch we rode towards Reigate on the Flanchford Road down Trumpet Hill past Wonham Manor into Betchworth and Brockham, across the golf course, to tea at Denbighs.

Hello Brian [from Ken Loy], It was a nice meet at Cobham again this week and thanks for mailing on the news again. I don't know whether you were told on Wednesday but on Monday this week Angie Launder, one of our semi regulars, was knocked over by a car. She was taken to hospital by ambulance but no bones were broken. She has a variety of injuries to her head and her [nice] legs [Get well soon, Angie]. Janice and I have seen her twice this week and she is quite perky and plans to be riding again this coming weekend. Regards, Ken PS: I sometimes pass on your weekly reports to our friend Diane Suckling who retired to Brisbane Oz. She likes to read all about our rides and the people she knew. [We miss you too, Diane. Brian]

Sept 6th

As I said at Cobham, it was nice to be missed and welcomed "home" by Thelma, Hazel and Joyce, even though only one Cobham meet was missed - we several being at Dumfries - including Tom Fish, oldest participant. Tom had his No1 bike stolen last week and attended the Tour of Britain finish at Westminster on Sunday looking somewhat morose, on a bike almost as old as Tom.

Suzanne Lyndon to Frank C: Dear Frank, Unfortunately I’ve had a change of plans and must return to Sydney by the end of this week and so will be unable to join Wayfarers on your Wednesday rides this week and next. Thank you very much for the ride last week, I enjoyed it very much, especially meeting you and the other club members. Should you or any members come ‘down under’, I would be very delighted to show you some Sydney rides. My club’s website is sydneycyclingclub.org.au Regards and safe riding, Suzanne

Wednesday 'A' ride report from Frank C: I advertised at the British Legion in Cobham a briskish ride to lunch at Godalming, 13 members decided to take up the challenge, they were Pam, Graham, Vic, Frank H, Pete B, Brian, Bob, Tony, Grant, Steve, Rob, Ray D, and John M. And what a professional group of riders it turned out to be. We left Cobham at 11-15 via Martyr’s Green and Hungry Hill to Burnt Common, turning left into London Road we took the cycle path along the A3 to Clay Lane past Jacobswell to the A320 a quick left and right into Salt Box Road, but then turned left into Sumberland Ave to cross the A322. Did a bit of off road to Rydes Hill across the A323 into Broad Street, through Wood Street and left into A323 through Willy Green to turn left at Wyke Cross, through Christmas pie to Wanborough and the stonking climb up to the Hogs Back, through Puttenham over the A3 then the exhilarating (but not on fixed) descent into Godalming, as we road into the High St the town clock struck one, a distance of 23 miles at an average of 13 mph, we dined at Wetherspoon where Mike Morley met up with us. After lunch it was main roads to Guildford, Merrow, West Clandon and tea at West Horsley and by now the weather was very warm indeed, after tea members made their own way home, perhaps, a little weary, but hopefully, well worth the effort. Well done to all.

Surviving a last-minute change of leader, 'B' group led by Norman, made their way to (Terry did tell me, but - in one ear, out the same one) - no report by 7pm Friday, so away we go.

Summer is still here and it was cooking up for a warm ride as Mark led around 25 of us from the RBL up Plough Lane en route for The New Inn at Send. That's about right, 25 and I checked out Harold (lots of photos), Roger, Bill, Dave, John, Fuzz, Dennis (we lost him after the initial climb), Jonathon, Lynda, Beryl, Helga and Carole. Then there was another Bill whose real name was Albert (but we cant stand two of those!) and he prefers to be named like his dad. At the pub I found we had two more Johns and another Dave also Ken, a refugee from 'B' group, who preferred a more sedate ride also Bill and Pat Matthews.
It was nice to see Lisa join us on a Wednesday ride. The other three names will probably come to me after I've sent this email. From the look of it as we rode past, the Black Swan appears to be going upmarket. In Ripley we took a right turn down Newark Lane then left at The Seven Stars down Papercourt Lane, emerging in Send from Tannery Lane. From there I could almost taste my lunchtime pint to which Harold kindly treated me (thanks again Harold). In spite of our number the service was spot on. Tea was to be at Cobham but I legged it down Newark Lane as we passed thro` Ripley. Thanks for a pleasant ride Mark and thanks too for offering to do this slot next week when I'll be in Belgium. See you the following week at Weybridge if I survive the Belgian beer ------------------ Albert

Our not-quite-so-mystery ride next week evidently involves visiting many London parks, suitable for all our groups, covering about 40 miles, under John Scott's debut leadership. Usual North Cheam 09:30 start, or 10:30 at Roehampton Gate Café in Richmond Park. Please pay attention to John's on-site pre-ride induction course.

Our Lee Valley venture next week begins when those involved reach a suitable point to depart the mystery ride. See you at Richmond Park. Olleh Hub.