Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Graham's Birthday



(Hungers End) Merstham
Above- (Old House at Home) Dormansland

Hassle

It is a bit of a drag being forced into creating a Google account, but the appearance of this will test whether I've negotiated at least some of the maze. The 'New' blog system doesn't seem keen to let you sign out either—but perhaps it's just warming up. I'm sorry that I missed Ed's ride from Merstham today. Hope I'll be at Cobham next Wednesday. Julian

Friday, January 26, 2007

Blog Upgrade

Sorry folks.

As those of you who have posted recently will know, Blogger has been pushing "New Blogger".
All the blogs have now been moved over to New Blogger, but this means (I think) that for you to post, you will all have to create "Google" accounts from your original Blogger accounts. It's a bit of a hassle, so my apologies, but in the long term it will be beneficial. I also think that the Google accounts will allow other possibilities with the club sites, so it is all for the best really.

I believe that next time you log in to post, with your old account details, you will be prompted to create a new account based on an email address. It seems to be fairly straightforward, but if anyone has any problems please get in touch and I will try to talk you through it.

Please make a note of your new username and password, as I will no longer be able to look usernames up for those who forget (I think).

Finally, anyone who hasn't yet signed up for the Blog and would like to, please email me for an invitation.

Lisa

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Jan 24

What a surprise it was to wake up to that white world this morning!
Fortunately the roads cleared quickly and the snow was melting fast as Irene and I cycled to the Day Centre at Weybridge. Here we joined a very depleted group and after waiting to see if anyone from the Cheam and Morden group was going to join us, 'B' Group set off shortly after 'A' Group at around 11.20 am. There were four of us - Terry, Bernard, Ed and me, Gill. Taking a similar route to 'A' Group to start with, we cut across to Chertsey Meads and took the Willow Walk path, leading to the Laleham Golf Course - closed due to snow - and on to Pentonhook Marina. We skirted Thorpe and instead of the M25 and headed south, past the magnificent Elizabethan building of Great Fosters Hotel, to Virginia Water. This was the challenging part of the ride - three steep hills in quick succession! A noisy stretch of road parallel to the M3 (Chobham Lane) followed. It was a relief to cross the motorway on to Chobham Common and once over the summit of Staple Hill, it was a good downhill run all the way to the Windsor Road and into Chobham. By the time we reached Chobham Common there were only vestiges of snow lying around, the views were great and the gorse seemed to be in full bloom. We had lunch at the Red Lion, Burrowhill.
As we set off again at 2.00 p.m. there were patches of blue sky around and glimpses of sunshine from time to time! The return journey was quick and easy, along the Gracious Pond Road, Stonehill Road and into Chertsey.
Afternoon tea was at the bakery in Shepperton, where we were joined by the remnants of 'A' Group, and by 3.30 p.m. we were on our way home. Although not a mammoth ride in terms of miles, it had been a good day out.......
Gill

Cold with a blanket of snow and the cyclepath to Weybridge was pretty tricky in places. Considering the weather the turnout was not too thin at elevenses, but when it came to departure there was just the two of us.
Harold who was leader and me to give this report on the ride. We went through the town and up Heath Road past what used to be St. Charles Church where I was baptised, confirmed and married some years back, At the rail station we turned left along Hanger Hill and at the war memorial right up Queens Road past the Weybridge cricket ground where I first learned to ride on my mother's Raleigh with the old loop frame (I still need to learn several bikes later). After this we turned right down Seven Hills Road to the roundabout where we went left with a good downhill on Burwood Park Road to Byfleet. The lunch venue was still Harold's secret as we pressed on to The Halfway under the rail bridge and the next left before the traffic lights. This road emerged in Cottimore Lane in Walton and we headed in the Hurst Park direction. By this time my leader had informed me he was heading for the river and the Weir pub so we took a left turn at the next roundabout with just a short ride to lunch.. A most satisfactory nosh and the beer helped too. Harold had left his car at the Weybridge end of the towpath so that's the way we both went. This must be a first since I haven't forgotten anyone's names. See you all (non-Merstham-bound riders) next week DV ------------------------ Albert

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

A Group 24 January 2007

On a day when the Banstead Alps were shrouded in thick snow, only nine A Group riders--Ed S, Pete B, Pete M, Irene, Vic, Graham, Ray, John B and Julian--set off from Weybridge aiming for Windsor. Ed punctured alongside the A317 but the rest of us crossed Chertsey Bridge and followed the tow-path past Penton Hook to Staines where we crossed the bridge and followed the towpath under the M25 to Bell Weir Lock where Ray took pictures.

The going had been muddy in places with occasional patches of soggy snow but no serious problems. We joined the road past Runnymede and, deciding that a detour through the Great Park might be pushing our luck, took the route through Old Windsor and Datchet (where Pete B punctured and the sky started to show some blue) turned up past the Castle and one of the Wetherspoons down the pedestrianised Peascod Street into William Street and the other Wetherspoons. Here Ed and Pete rejoined us and, after rearranging our bikes to the satisfaction of the management, we all enjoyed the Wetherspoon specialities of good, prompt, cheap food and drink and sound-off telly.

Coming back, we went through Eton and followed the B376 threading past reservoirs to the bakery at Shepperton where Ed, Vic and Julian joined B Group for tea while others made straight for home. In all it was an enjoyable Winter ride, chilly but no biting wind, soaking rain or slippery ice, getting indoors before needing lights...........Julian

'A' team 24th Jan.


Weatherspoons Windsor after lunch, leader Julian and Postman Pete preparing to leave.

Thursday, January 18, 2007

Jan 17th

Atrocious wet and windy weather scythed into our turn-out yesterday and absentees included your Hub, who spent time writing to SCC about improving safety where a recommended cycle route crosses A217 at B290.

Hello Brian,
By the time we reached Redhill for 11s I expect most were wondering if they'd made the right decision, especially since the rain fell even harder as we watched while teaing and cakeing. However, when we were ready to leave the rain had almost stopped and I led a combined group of Bernard, Grant, John, Les, Mike M, Pete M and Tony d'I southwards on/alongside the A23 before turning right into Pendleton Road and soon the peace and quiet of Lonesome Lane. Good to see the teddy bears were still out to greet us at Meath Green. We crossed the A217 then headed for Plan B lunch stop at The Fox Revived, Norwood Hill. (Plan A had been Newdigate, too far given the conditions). While heading west we could see blue sky to the north over the Downs, encouragement indeed ! On arriving at The Fox the previous landlord and the new landlady were just emerging and informed us neither food nor drink were available this week due to refurbishments. Plan C was hastily drawn up - The Plough at Leigh - as Pete remarked 'It's downhill'.
Good food quickly served pleased everyone, and through the windows we could see bright sunshine - what a bonus. We returned in the sunshine via Tapner's Road and Bunce Common Road to Brockham, through the deserted golf course then via Pixham Lane and the cycle track to Annie's for tea where John, Pete, Tony and I stopped. I recorded 42.5 miles. Terry

Hi Brian.
I`m sending this on Thursday morning and although the weather was pretty wet and dull at first yesterday, it was preferable to this howling wind! In spite of the conditions we had a good turnout at Walton -- Geoff, Mark, Ron, Bill, John G, Robin (new to me) and Roger S (usually with B group). With yours truly and sans Ron we made a wet start over Walton bridge through Shepperton, Laleham and Staines en route for The Rose and Crown at Thorpe Green. A short holdup after crossing Staines bridge at the level crossing at Egham Hythe after which my navigation went rather pear-shaped and I missed the left turning towards Thorpe Village and we carried on over the M25 to take a left turn towards Virginia Water on the Stroude road thus adding over a mile and some pretty steep climbs to the traffic lights near VW station where a left turn and a few hundred yards brought us to the pub. After lunch the sun came out and we had a more pleasant ride to Shepperton via Chertsey where we took tea at the Greeno Centre. I think I`ll keep off the bike today though! ------------------------------------ Albert

Hoping for better weather next Wednesday and good turn-out at Weybridge Day Centre - see you there

Thursday, January 11, 2007

Jan 10th

Ten participants have paid £10 deposit for our two-nights Spring Special
tour from Henfold to Eastbourne 09-10May07 - Pam, Ray, Rob, Pete M,
Vic,John G, John B, Mike M, Bob and Brian - if anyone else wants to join
us, please let Brian know asap.

'A' group set off from Hersham with some trepidation amidst black clouds and blustery rain. Finding the entrance to St Georges Hill blocked by mud covered workmen, a quick diversion was required before dropping down into Weybridge and along by the canal, now close to bursting its banks. In Addlestone there was a brief merger with the B group, who had taken a
shorter route, before taking the back roads to Ottershaw Cross and over to Longcross via Accommodation Road. Into the wind across Chobham Common it wasn't too long before the welcome sight of the Sun at Windlesham and, immediately, its namesake burst through the clouds and we were treated to a mass of blue sky. There were 17 for lunch (Pete B, Pete M, Irene, Pam, Frank C, Jake, Ed, Mike M, Grant, 2xJohn, Steve, Brian, Vic, Rob, Ray and Graham) + Don who popped in having seen us arrive whist driving past. Food (and drinks) were most enjoyable and reasonably quickly served, given our number. After lunch, it was into the lanes around Valley End and Gracious Pond. Earlier rain led some of our number to wonder if the leader had mistakenly decided to return by river. Then, in brilliant sunshine and with a following wind, it was back through Addlestonemoor and the cycle path across Chertsey Meads to the Bakery at Shepperton for tea and so home.
[Banstead riders covered 55 miles]

From Hersham I led the 18 strong (well, fairly strong) B group to Weybridge then via the usual quiet roads to Addlestone where progress was delayed at the level crossing by a non-stop South West Train thundering through heading south-east. Straight over the roundabout at Ottershaw then past a soggy, quiet Fairoaks. To the south the sky seemed to be brightening, and after
riding along Philpot Lane and Sandpit Hall Road we arrived at Chobham and the sun was shining! The Castle Grove coped with us very well with quick service and good food. Onwards to Knaphill passing my plan A lunch destination (on the right as you enter Knaphill heading west - does anyone know anything about this pub?), then we turned into Lower Guildford Road, shortly turning left after crossing the Basingstoke Canal to Mayford. Soon people started heading for home, and by the time we reached Seymour's at Stoke d'Abernon for tea via Sutton Green, Jacobs Well and Ockham only Christine, Bernard , Norman and myself were left. Terry

A damp start at Hersham but a quick clearance apart from a stiff breeze. There was a good turnout but our ride was rather thin with Dave leading me, Mark, Roger , Fuzz and Bill. The venue was to be The Jovial Sailor at Ripley but in the event became The Half Moon (still in Ripley). Fuzz caught up with us at Ripley having been held up due to being carved up by some goon driving an artic. Happily without serious consequences. Our route was pretty noisy since we were refused entry to St. Georges Hill and were obliged to continue up Seven Hills Road with a right turn at the lights then down the busy Byfleet Road. We took a left up Redhill Road past the bus museum and golf club and at the end turned right down the footpath leading to all those
crossing lights at Junction 10 which enabled us to get to the south side of the A3. By this time there were only five of us on the cyclepath to the Ripley turnoff. On entering Ripley we split up with three having sandwiches and just Roger and myself having a reasonable snack at The Half Moon. Fuzz arrived after we had finished eating and had a pint while telling us about his near mishap. The others arrived and were intending to go for tea at Cobham. I fear I'm still a bit clapped out after Christmas and opted for another route home down Newark Lane and Warren Lane etc. Se you next week when I get to lead from Walton---------------------------Albert
Cobham Day Centre, sometimes used as afternoon tea stop, mainly by 'C' group- asks that we let Manager Kim (01932 867601) know when we are coming so that the tea bar can be staffed.

Next week 'A' and 'B' groups go to The Arches Cafe Gloucester Road Redhill and 'C' group to Walton Day Centre Manor Road Walton on Thames.
Olleh Hub

Thursday, January 04, 2007

Jan 3rd

We were there in numbers for our first outing in 2007 from Cobham, where we were sincerely thanked for Christmas gifts of sparkling wine to Hazel, Thelma and Joyce. Tom was in fine form.

We were delighted to welcome new Wayfarer Sonia Broome and look forward to her company on a regular basis; this has inspired brother Clive to renew his Wayfarers membership - welcome back Clive - we like dynasties! The bulk of members renewed their membership yesterday and I hope others will do the same very soon.

The venue for our 07Mar07 anniversary lunch is now Prezza Restaurant in Cheam Village (near The Railway pub). The £9 set lunch menu includes a choice of starter, main course of pizza, pasta or salad and coffee and gratuity. Fuzz hopes to bring cousin Peter (who used to ride postilion with Fuzz) and wives. I've collected 45 deposits and several meal choices so far, but cut-off date for joining us is not until 07Feb07.

We changed from the Cap-in-Hand Hook because too many choices made pre-booking unmanageable, but we hope to have another Wayfarers Xmas lunch there on 19Dec07, if available.



Hi Brian. Here is the leader's report for yesterday's 'B' ride: From Cobham, Bernard, Bill, Brian N, Christine, Ed, Les, Liz, Norman, Terry and John G set out in a South Westerly direction into a strong head-wind-but at least it wasn't raining. Just before Ockham, we turned thru Bridge End Farm, crossed Wisley Aerodrome to Elm Corner and Elm Lane, and emerged at the footbridge over the A3. Thence via Wisley Gardens, Pyrford Lock and Pyrford to Old Woking and Send, where we were served an excellent value lunch at the New Inn. In the afternoon we cycled through Ripley and Downside to Stoke D'Abernon, taking early tea outside at the bakery by the station. Here Terry left us, while the remainder returned through Oxshott and an extremely muddy Claygate Common to arrive home just before it became completely dark. I estimate that riders to/from North Cheam would have done about 45 miles. John Gould

Hi Brian Not a very nice morning yesterday, cloud and drizzle all the way to Cobham. But after coffee, it did improve. I lead 'C' group of Carole, Sonia, from Saturday afternoon rides (who joined Wayfarers today, first time out on a Wednesday), John, Phil, Bill, Allan and Fuzz to The Spring at Ewell. We went round the golf course at Claremont park, passed Claygate to Chessington. Then back-doubles to Ewell Rec., where unfortunately, we lost Fuzz, who did a left and right to get to Bourne Hall; and we did a right and left and got to The Spring, on the corner of Bourne Hall. But I did find out that Fuzz enjoyed a very nice lunch in The Wheatsheaf, which must be the other side of Bourne Hall. So near, yet so far! Helga joined us for lunch; first time out on her bike since her foot operation. Only three of us left after lunch; so Carole, Helga and myself cycled to Cheam, where we enjoyed a nice cup of coffee at Costas, which opened today. See you, Lynda.
Hi Brian, the CTC mags offered last week had already found a new home so are no longer available Happy new year Doreen P

See you at Hersham next week.

Jan 3rd "A" Ride

A fair number of us set out from Cobham, taking a route via Leigh Hill Rd, Fairmile A307 Blackhills, A244, Claygate-Foley Rd and hence some off road (which there became a little disjointed due to the advice of an ardent offroader landing us through a Farm which was definitely private). One member Pete M took the correct muddy way which I had researched the previous day. The route thereon was Barwell Lane, A243 to Rushett Lane and the Cricketers at Stamford Green. A number of us stayed for lunch whilst others found another venue or went straight home as it was still quite early in the day but overcast. No planned 3's was planned so we went our own ways after lunch.
My total mileage was 33
Ray

Tuesday, January 02, 2007

DA Competitions

The first submissions of their 2006 mileage are on the mileage table .

Send your totals to Pete Mitchell for inclusion (by email, text or phone).

And don't forget the Photographic competition - Pictures to your section Sec if s/he will take them or else also to PeteM.

Lisa