30th November 2005

Photograph, Ray Dare.



Hello Wayfarers and friends

Sorry to keep you waiting - I've been off-line with a dodgy modem. Sometimes I quite envy those who manage to get a life well away from computers. Apologies too, to those who print out these missives - I learn that the coloured ink is x-times as expensive as black. If this worries you, press reply and on the new page change the font colour back to black before printing.

A sizeable group consisting of Irene, Grant, Graham, Pete B, Pete M, John B, John S, Ed, Frank H, Frank P, Pam, Bob, Brian, Steve, Tony and Ray set out from Shepperton in a light drizzle, which thankfully soon cleared. After all the reported mishaps of the past week or two, everybody made it round the course in one piece, though Grant only made it as far as the first set of traffic lights after Walton Bridge before puncturing. Pete's B and M volunteered assistance, and they caught up the rest of us at the lunch stop. After Walton Bridge, we passed through Oatlands Park, then skirted Weybridge, before passing St Georges Hill, Brooklands and then Byfleet. Then it was under the M25 and out into the country past the picturesque Anchor pub on the Wey navigation. We saw the ruined Newark Priory at Pyrford, before turning off to Send down Papercourt Lane. A loop around Send saw us fetching up at the Saddlers Arms at Send Marsh, a friendly pub with a good range of ales. A quick burst after lunch took us through Ripley and on to our tea stop at Seymour's at Cobham. Brian, Steve and I went back via Leatherhead. I made it home at lighting up time, just before 4pm, which was just as well as I'd come out without lights. Rob

A round dozen of us made quite a late start from Shepperton and almost immediately encountered some drizzle. Fortunately it soon cleared up as we headed for Chertsey Bridge and then routed along the river to Staines. The river was very smooth calm and soothing. The mood was soon changed by the hassle and bustle of Staines as we scrambled through the town and over the bridge then straight ahead on the B3376. We crossed the M25 to Stroud Road and then along the quiet Hurst Lane to The Rose and Crown at Thorpe Green. Dodgy looking cyclists in the other bar, on closer inspection turned out to be our 'C' group. We exchanged fraternal banter and remounted to progress through Thorshort ride, too short for Les who decided to press on. At least we beat the crowds and enjoyed a convivial lunch with reasonable service. We observed some pe, Coldharbour Lane, Mixham's Lane and then Riverside and the bridle path to Chertsey. We crossed Chertsey Mead to Weybridge where Terry and John M peeled off and we went riverside to Walton Day Centre for tea. OK but oh dear, no cakes! We discussed the topic of the day ie pensions and decided that we were all very wise to be born when we were and consequently retire when we did, if that makes sense! After tea Jill made off to Weybridge and the closing sale at the lamented Beales while Judy, Norman, Cliff, Bernard, John and myself with Mary continued along the tow path to Hampton Court bridge before going our various ways in the dusk. Mike & Mary Pontin
Weather very cold and overcast but no wind. A pretty good turnout nevertheless at Shepperton. Nice to see Fuzz who, though he did not intend to ride out, had looked us up once more. Six of us, me, Dennis, Roger, Lynda, Beryl and Helga took the long way round via Staines bridge and Egham Hythe to lunch at The Rose and Crown on Thorpe Green. Being my turn to `lead` I had checked the `interesting` routes the previous week and decided they were too dicey with the inclement weather, so we stayed on the tarmac. I still managed to turn the wrong way up Coldharbour Lane but after a quick 180 not too much time was lost. As usual the beer and food were excellent (also checked last week!). A quick run back through Chertsey saw us back at Shepperton for tea. Regards Albert

Hi Brian I regret that I am unable to ride with the Wayfarers for the time being. My swollen right leg has now been diagnosed as DVT. Regards Nev
Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Nev - we hope to see you early in 2006.

It's Christmas gift time for Hazel, Thelma and Joyce at Cobham on Wednesday. Looking forward to seeing you there.

Olleh Brian