25th January 2006

Hello Wayfarers and friends

"Dear Brian, thanks again for your news reports. Just want to say adieu for I shall be pedalling to Heathrow in the early hours of to-morrow [Tuesday] en route to Lanzarote. Happy cycling to all, especially Bernard." Pam

"Hi Brian and fellow Wayfarers. The bike has been in the shed too long now, and I am looking forward to cycling with you all again. I have been doing a lot of long distance walking and leading walks for the Ramblers. Our holiday in Australia was lovely, we spent Christmas with our two sons one of whom lives in Sydney, and then travelled around south to Melbourne, We all lost our shirts at the Crown casino!! Then we drove to Port Campbell, along the Great Ocean Road, saw the many sights, Twelve Apostle Rocks, along Warrnambool, Then north towards Geelong, and onto the Hume Freeway etc.. . We got back to Sydney, the temperature had soared to 45 deg, hottest summer since 1939. We were in time for the New Year fireworks on the harbour bridge, Fantastic! Hope you all had a good one. Stay healthy and lots of good cycling. Love from Margaret."

"Brian Sorry I have not been on many trips but I have been caring for my son who died on 9 January (25 years old!!!). I am starting a contract for 6 months so will not be available for mid-week rides and will not be renewing for 2006. Could I just say how welcoming the group was and the pleasure it gave me through a very difficult time has been appreciated. Thanks to everyone and if I get a run of Wednesdays off I'll be back (quoting Arnie) Eric Flint (of the red Roberts and weak legs). "

'A' group's traditional urban ride down the Thames in bright winter sunshine saw 17 of us leave an overcrowded Claygate Day Centre via Claygate Common, east of Sandown Park, Molesey, Hampton Court, Bushey Park, Hampton Wick and Teddington. Here we learned that the well-publicised closure of the lock footbridge really was happening and some chaos arose. Graham, Julian and Bernard took the ferry, Phil decided to return home and Ray and Toni must have followed him in error and those that had decided to stay on the road had made their separate way. The leader's group backed off the bridge and continued through Teddington to Richmond where we crossed the barrier bridge and were reunited with the ferrymen. We used the towpath as far as Kew Bridge, which we crossed to stay on tarmac through Grove Park and along the north bank through Duke's Meadows and Chiswick to Hammersmith. Last year's Blue Anchor lunch delay persuaded us to go Wetherspoon in Kings Road W6, but there are two venues of this description and we finished up with the "roadies" in the old JDW William Morris pub, now re-branded "Lloyds Bar", with the leader's group down the road in the lush new Plough and Harrow. Just as well, perhaps, as both pubs were pretty full anyway. We just happened to meet up again after lunch in King Street and the combined group went back through Chiswick and over Barnes Bridge, through the byways to Sheen and along the Beverley Brook path to Richmond Park. It being well before 3pm, it was decided by the majority to continue across the park to Kingston for tea at John Lewis's Riverside Café, from where we went our separate ways, but not before the leader bought a new shirt for his nephew Matthew's wedding on Saturday. Brian

Hi Brian A report from 'C' group, as follows: Harold led Beryl, Carole, 'Nita, Dawn, myself, Roger, Ron W., Bill, Dave, Dennis and Derek out of Claygate Day Centre, turning left and left again into Telegraph Road. We then did a bit off-road down Old Claygate Lane, (not too muddy). We came out into Surbiton, near the old Assembly Rooms (took me back a bit - my ballroom dancing days)! We continued and went through Coombe Estate, admiring the large properties, then we went thro' Ladderstile Gate in Richmond Park, and down 'Test' hill (which was a first for me). On Saturday afternoon when we go to Richmond Park, Les leads us up it! The sun shone going through the park and the deer were out enjoying it as much as we were. We came out of the park at Bog Gate; then we climbed the hill for our lunch stop at the Lass O' Richmond Hill. A very nice stop - poor chef was extra busy - so had a half hour wait; but it was worth it. I recommend the bacon, brie and cranberry ciabatta. It was freshly made and hot. We made our way back to Surbiton, turned into Balaclava Road and had afternoon tea in Long Ditton at Squires. I was glad I made it back to Nonsuch in daylight! Bye for now, Lynda.

SWLDA's annual Barn Dance is at Banstead on Saturday 4th March and social secretary Jen will have tickets available at Cobham next week. I will have some after that if you miss out next week. Cobham next week also sees distribution of the current membership list exclusively for and including paid-up members; so don't forget your membership card. I also am short of some Wayfarers CTC membership numbers, so an email or a note from you could assist. I pay for the most erratic ISP imaginable and today it is at its most unreliable, so I hope you receive this soon [noon].

18th January 2006

Hello Wayfarers and friends

After a most miserable start yesterday, by the time we reached Shepperton Greeno Centre improvement was evident and what finally emerged was reported to be the warmest January day (54ºF) in years.. More than 50 of us were present at elevenses (that's some club) including Ron in his 100th year and we welcomed back Frank C and Ron P from their long trip to Oz and NZ and were pleased to see Bernard back among our ranks.

Bernard had responded: Thanks a lot for your message, it's wonderful to have Wayfarers good wishes. The funeral was last Thursday, 300 people in church, 160 here at our house for the wake. It brought home to me just what a loved person she was. I've attached her photo taken on Xmas Day only 48 hours before she died. Best regards Bernard

Vic led 'A' group of twelve at pace via Chertsey and Lyne into Berkshire for a splendid lunch at Woodside, returning through Windsor Great Park and Egham back to Chertsey, where Brian, having punctured, was unable to continue reporting. A taxi to Addlestone bike shop for a new tyre and tube soon got him going again.

Terry reports: I led Gill, Judy, Bernard (is there much washing-up?), Cliff (hope your check-up is OK and you can EAT again), Franks C (welcome back) and H, Johns M and directionally challenged S, Les and Norman, from Shepperton through Chertsey to Lyne. (Les had thoughtfully had the B group puncture before 11's so we weren't delayed during the ride). We went to Ottershaw via the lanes then used the cycle-track alongside the A320 to McLarens roundabout where we turned left into Martyrs Lane. Left again onto the A245 to Sheerwater where we turned off the road for a few hundred yards along the canal towpath, through West Byfleet to the pub with almost no beer aka The Anchor at Pyrford Lock. We had a pleasant break in the conservatory, then through Wisley village and over the A3 via the footbridge, across Wisley airfield then via Cobham to Seymour's at Stoke d'Abernon for refreshments. John M had left us by now to face the challenge of Bookham Common, after the break Gill left to explore Fairmile Lane, the rest of us set off for Leatherhead, where we split up for the final legs home. A pleasant days' ride and company, any rain had fallen by 11am and I guess most people got home in the daylight. Terry

Weather mild and overcast, 'C' group left Shepperton via Laleham, Staines, Egham Hythe, Thorpe Lea, Thorpe and all points west for Thorpe Green and The Rose and Crown just like my last lead on December 30th. Anyhow it's a good pub so why not? We had a good turnout with Lynda, Beryl, John, Dave, Bill, Roger, Harold, Ron, Dennis and the chap with the recumbent (Ed Campbell?). (I really must get everyone's names!). The sun came out and it got pretty spring-like but it was only temporary and soon got overcast again. We came back to Shepperton the quick way, via Chertsey where I managed to lead everyone the wrong way up Guildford Street not remembering it is now one way. We were lucky to avoid the odd raspberry from approaching traffic. Nine of us enjoyed tea back at Shepperton and as I made my lone way home I saw one of the other groups en route for Shepperton. Cheers Albert

From Claygate next week, I shall be leading our annual urban 'A' group ride downstream to Hammersmith, so a mud loving bike would be a good idea. See you then.

Olleh Brian

11th January 2006

From Hersham Day Centre five of us 'B' group- Gill Finlay, Toni Zeolla, Terry Lowe, Norman Goody and I rode to the Bird in Hand PH Mayford, for lunch. On to West Horsley, Squires Garden Centre for tea. Les Johnston

Ron Weedon led 'C' group to lunch at The Plough Stoke D'Abernon {so he told me}, but as neither Lynda nor Albert were present, I won't await a ride report.
Incidentally, I did write 08Dec05 to Hersham with today's date as our first 2006 visit, but didn't Janet and her team cope brilliantly in Reception, when the Day Centre was supposed to be closed for floor renewal (a current occupation of mine).

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Bernard, absent recently whilst undergoing chemotherapy, whose wife Penny died suddenly from a brain haemorrhage only days after their lovely family Christmas together.
We hope you can muster the strength to pull through this tragedy, Bernard, and hope our company in your bereavement will help you to focus on the way ahead.

Geoff Avis writes from West Bridgeford, where he and Honor have re-located, near their family: Things are almost back to normal after a hectic move and into Christmas panic, so with the computer now operational I wish you all a belated Happy New Year and many happy cycling miles. Haven't managed to get any serious rides in myself yet due to lack of time, but am expecting to get into the pleasant flat roads very close by soon for a gentle return to fitness. Having the family frequently dropping in now is a big plus however. Having just updated on several Wayfarers emails at once I wish I had been around to join in what seems to have been a very active programme.
Best wishes Geoff Avis {Missing you already, Geoff - keep in touch}

Following my forced "retirement" when I was to be leading on 28th Dec, I am to have various medical investigations to see if there is an underlying cause. Pending the results, I am to refrain from any vigorous activity and am therefore unable to participate in Club rides for the time being. In particular, I am afraid that you must assume that I am unlikely to be able to lead as scheduled on 8th February. Regards, Ken

Hi Brian, Had a prang yesterday (Monday). Front wheel became very detached and yours truly took a nose-first purler to the tarmac. Front forks splayed out extra 20deg. but fixable. Bars badly bent so a good days work to put right. Got myself a good nosebleed of course but upper right leg bruised so it'll need a couple of days and a few stiff whiskies which I would have had in the normal course. Ron keeps trying to get me on one of his three wheeled bedsteads which he has surplus to requirements, but I keep telling him I'll jack this cycling lark when I can no longer balance on two wheels!
See you next week with any luck Albert

Hi I was looking for something quite different and came across your website and a reference to Ron Weedon. As it is a cycling site (and you seem to be of a certain age) it triggered something in the distant depths of my mind! Is this by any chance the same Ron Weedon who was a member of the Wimbledon YHA group in the late 1950's or 60's who used to win the slow cycling race against Kingston (he had a fixed wheel)? Anyway it brought back happy memories and although I still have my cycle I don't use it.
Best wishes to you all. (Ron won't remember me our paths crossed only very briefly. David Howard {I asked Ron about this at Hersham today and, yes, it is he, but it was a freewheel cycle that consistently won him honours!}

A Group Jan 11th

Jan 11th after a dampish start turned out to be a fine dry sunny day as 15 of us made our way to The Castle Grove Pub at Chobham for good food if slightly delayed service. The return route was taken via Horsell, Sheerwater and West Byfleet to open air tea at Wisley tea hut, afterwards following the cycle path to the M25 roundabout. 3sets of traffic lights and on to Poynters Road enlivened by Toni's demonstration on how to slide ungracefully sideways into a deep muddy puddle.
I have received 33 mileage totals for 2005 to be published on the DA Website in due course. So far no entries have been received for the DA Photographic Competition so it could be a Mitchell walkover.

Pete.

4th January 2006

Hello Wayfarers and friends and best wishes for a happy and prosperous 2006.

Albert reckons Ron and Harold deserve medals for turning out the last 2005 Wednesday. Hope there are no resulting health problems, particularly with the bare knees! For my part, I felt a cold coming on but the weather was enough to put me off. Us Monday lot are meeting at Tesco at Brooklands (up the escalator) around 10.30. Otherwise hope to see everyone on Wednesday at Cobham. A Happy New Year to you and yours from Albert Happy New Year to all of you from Les and Barbara Johnson

At Cobham yesterday I collected 50 subs - good job I was going home anyway, as I could never have finished my "work" in time to join any of our three groups. We welcome Mike Morley as a recent new member and welcome back Gerry Hulbert (anyone know Gerry's email address or phone number?). Some people present (always the same ones) didn't pay up - I do hate chasing subs - it's not what I joined for! 31 names marked "subs due" to be removed from list if subs still unpaid by 25Jan06.

Pete B reports: Some 19 left Cobham on 'A' ride (including some we welcomed from our split 'B' group). Heading out in dull, overcast, conditions along Plough Lane through Hatchford, Martyr's Green and Ockham before a quick diversion down Back Lane in East Clandon. The climb up Staple Lane to Coombe Bottom quickly sorted out those who had over indulged on the Christmas pud. Near the top we passed the Surrey Hills Brewery, one of the new small brewers in the area. Then a fast decent to Shere before another climb to Burrows Cross and along Hoe Lane to Holmbury. Now down to 18 (Grant having returned home) we were welcomed at the Kings Head. Lunch for most was a tasty baguette or appetizing soup, accompanied (for some) by the excellent product of the aforementioned brewery. (and I missed out - shame - Brian) Replenished, we were preparing to leave when Graham realized he had acquired the first puncture of the year. Feeling he may be some time he waved us all on and Irene stayed to give him a hand. Jake, Vic and a few others decided to head back the short way via White Down, whilst the remaining 10 set off up Pasture Wood Road, climbing higher and higher into the clouds. By the time we were on the top of Leith Hill visibility was a spooky 50 yards. However it cleared on the decent to Dorking and, on passing Denbies, only Rob felt the need of further refreshment. We continued through the Mickleham Gap with a quick cut through Norbury Park and into Leatherhead. John Scott headed for the train and others went their separate ways and were home in time for tea.

Lynda, who was intended to lead 'B' group, combined with 'C' group in the absence of John G (unwell - gws!) and led thirteen of us out from Cobham up Plough Lane (I haven't recovered from Christmas yet!). We were Harold, Beryl, Dennis, Liz, Cliff, Mike and Mary, new Mike M, Dave and Ron to name most of us. We crossed the main road at The Black Swan and over the A3 to Ripley where nine of us had lunch at The Jovial Sailor the others having dropped off for the Day Centre and the Bakery. The intention was to return to either Cobham or Claygate for tea, so in the event I made a beeline for home via Send Marsh and West Byfleet. It was very overcast but mild and quite a number of cars had lights on at 2pm. Thanks for the coffee Liz. See you next week Albert.

Olleh Brian