B Group ride next Wednesday 25th

John Austin has issued the following advice (warning) for B Group:

"We shall set out from Caterham, riding south and then east into Kent. Lunch will be at Toys Hill and Tea in Banstead, a total of about 40 miles. This will not be a flat ride!"

Remember that anyone meeting at North Cheam (9:30) will be led down to Caterham, probably by the scenic route over Farthing Down. You may wish to consume a larger breakfast than usual.

~ Tim

A Group Ride Report - Wed 18 April

Wednesday’s destination of Yateley was a gamble, given that the ride was planned when the weather varied between wet and windy, and sometimes both; in particular the direction was SW and there was little chance of shortening the route.

In the event it was a glorious day, sunny with the temperature mostly in the mid 20’s but touching 30 later in the afternoon. There were 18 of us out. The only tricky bit was an off-road excursion around Frimley and across the Blackwater Valley road to Farnborough.

Lunch at the Dog & Partridge was excellently served by helpful staff. Only Brian suffered a long wait for his tuna sandwich which went missing somewhere between kitchen and bar. It was too relaxing in the warmth of the sunny garden, so departure was delayed until well after 2pm.

Return found us heading into the freshening wind, climbing Tunnel Hill out of Mytchett, and a shady excursion through Woking on the cool banks of the Basingstoke Canal. Most stopped for tea at Walton Bridge, where ice creams were the refreshment of choice.

49 miles, only 1,757 ft climbing, 12.2 moving mph.

Thanks to Mike Barrett for back marking, always clearly visible in orange, Geoff for photos, and Mark for maps & stats.

B Group - 18th April

22 of us headed out from Walton DC along Walton Lane. But before we had got very far Ray Youlden fell victim to a puncture. He kindly indicated to Terry that he would be fine making his own way to lunch. John Scott had had very little time during the winter to train for today’s ride so he peeled off and headed for home. But it was good to see him at elevenses. So, by our usual route through Weybridge to Addlestone via Ham Moor then New Haw and West Byfleet we were finally launched from suburbia into the countryside, pausing just once on the way to see if Vic had made a decent job of pruning his laurel hedge. He had and his house was just visible through the shrubbery.

We rode directly to West Horsley by Ripley Lane. I didn’t know whether anyone would take up my suggestion of going directly to the Barley Mow when we reached the turnoff into The Street. However several did so, and those of us who did the extra four miles down to the A246 and along to the Duke of Wellington before riding up Ockham Road, past Horsley Station then left into East Lane, arrived to find them all sitting around a big table on the lawn, quaffing their beverages.

This appears to be one of the few affordable pubs in the area but we were pleased with the service and the food was very good. Those of us who chose the Thai dishes had a very good lunch indeed. We were making good progress with our eating and drinking when Ray arrived but with plenty of time in hand we were all happy to loll about in the sunshine while he ate his Thai green curry with chicken.

We rode up to Ockham and towards Cobham but made a scenic detour through Downside and the River Lane to Upper Cobham Tilt. Then we took Fairmile Lane through to Esher and Garsons Farm to lounge about outside to enjoy our afternoon tea. It is a huge and quite posh establishment these days but we felt at home and in no great hurry to leave.

Thanks to Terry for back marking, Liz (absent today) for sharing the recce, and to numerous people for corner marking. We all enjoyed this proper summer’s day.

When cycling around on such a lovely day as this Lou Reed’s song often comes in to my head. You know the one. Here are his lyrics with some explanatory comments:

Just a perfect day
Drink Sangria in the park       Elevenses at the Walton DC
And then later
When it gets dark, we go home   We try to get home before dark

Just a perfect day              As sunny as they come, no wind
Feed animals in the zoo         Nice lunch at the Barley Mow
Then later
A movie, too, and then home     Better to go home and shower first

Oh, it's such a perfect day
I'm glad I spent it with you    That’s you, B Group
Oh, such a perfect day
You just keep me hanging on     The faster I pedalled the more you
You just keep me hanging on     chased after me

Just a perfect day
Problems all left alone         Shame about Ray’s puncture
Weekenders on our own           ‘Wayfarers on our own’
It's such fun                   are like born again children

Just a perfect day
You made me forget myself       My mind wanders a lot these days
I thought I was
Someone else, someone good      like Bradley, Geraint, Chris,
                                Chris or Chris

Oh, it's such a perfect day
I'm glad I spent it with you    I could hardly go off on my own
Oh,…                            could I?

 
~ Tim

A Group 18th April

What a wonderful day for a ride!  Dave led us out West to the Dog and Partridge, where we ate well in the sun, and back to Walton where we enjoyed ice-creams for tea.

I feel that this sets the tone for the Summer ahead of us.

Mark

More sunny day pictures.

Tony..

First sunny Wednesday

Tony..

B Group ride this Wednesday

We will be taking fairly familar routes through to West Horsley. After 14 miles anyone feeling overwhelmed with hunger can go around the corner to the pub but the official ride will involve an extra 4 mile loop to work up a proper appetite.

The main attraction of the Barley Mow is its Thai food which is delicious. However there is also a decent English menu (i.e. Italian, French, Scottish etc) but including fish and chips, bangers and mash, pies, sarnies, the lot.

The afternoon ride will be quite short, heading in the general direction of Esher, Tea venue to be decided, Garson Farm perhaps. Expect sunshine.

~ Tim

A Group Ride Wed 18 April

Wednesday’s ride from Walton will be to the Dog and Partridge at Yateley (www.dogandpartridgeyateley.co.uk) reputedly the last home of the Monster Raving Loony Party. 

Mostly on road, but if it stays dry we will return through Woking on the canal towpath. No significant hills. The roads may be dry but the potholes will be deep, so take care in the group.

About 24 miles to lunch, tea at Walton Bridge.

Prompt start please.

Sad News re Ken Williams

I have just heard the following sad news from Brian Powney of Kingston Phoenix.

"It is with a heavy heart, that I report the sad news that Ken Williams peacefully passed away yesterday afternoon at The Royal Marsden Hospital.

Most of you will know that Ken had been ill for a while and faced this battle as he did life.  He was with family and friends to the end and he will be sorely missed by many.

Further news will be issued in due course when the family are ready.

God bless Ken."

Amen to that.