We had a splendid turnout at Henfold yesterday, welcoming two octogs (Eric and Ned) and one stb octog (Ray D) and also Eric's son Anthony, David Vine on half-term break and Bob's (and Brian's) visiting friend Ray Stanborough. Some pointed out that Henfold should have merited an earlier start from N Cheam, but as we all got away comfortably by 11.30 and were further out anyway, the format was successful as the ride reports testify. Grant and Ray D left for home to prepare for evening time-trialling.
Rob led fourteen strong 'A' group to lunch at the Abinger Hatch, which over-simplifies a scenic and hilly tour of Surrey via Weare Street and Ewhurst. We were Vic, Ed, Nigel, Steve, John M, John S, Pam, Irene, Mike M, Gino (who we lost, on his last guest ride before "retiring" to Shoreham), Toni, Graham and Brian, and with so much "young" blood, the pace was brisk. Refreshed, we retraced our route up the side of Leith Hill to Coldharbour, descending to Dorking for tea at Denbighs. Thanks Rob (whose computer glitch means he cannot report via email), for truly brilliant day out.
But, (managed to do this at the library): A good sized group, 14 in all for the 'A' ride, assembled at Henfold Lake, to be greeted by the smell of fried onions, - late breakfast for the anglers. Ed, Brian, Gino, Nigel, Tony, Steve, Mike, Rob, Irene, Pam, John S, John M, Graham & Vic set out in fine but cool weather. We lost Gino early on - Murphy's Law, as it was his last trip out with the Wayfarers before moving house. Then it was through Capel and Weare Street past the pond by Holbrook Farm with its Canada geese and goslings. Then we passed Oakwoodhill and Ellen's Green, before turning north towards Ewhurst and Forest Green. The hard work started as we took on Leith Hill Lane, glimpsing the odd passing deer before arriving well strung out at the Abinger Hatch, whose prices were not quite as steep as the hill we had just climbed. The idea of taking the direct way back over White Downs did not seem so good after an extended lunch, so it was back via Coldharbour and a fine display of rhododendrons, before a well earned tea stop at Denbies rounded off a puncture free day.
From Henfold Lake I led eight 'B' group of John G, Brian N, Norman, Bob, Ray (friend of Bob), Nev, David Vine and me via Newdigate, Parkgate, Russ Hill, Jordan's, Rusper to Warnham (avoiding Warnham Station and its closed level crossing). Six had lunch at the Sussex Oak - two had sandwiches. Return via Mayes Road, Marches Road, a stretch of A24, Stane Street because bridle path was flooded (good news?), Payne's Green, Weare Street, Capel, Newdigate, to Dorking where Brian, Norman and I had tea at Haskett's. Weather dry but chilly. Les Johnston
C group chief reporter octog Albert did not come today so I am a stand in reporter Mark Roy: At Walton Day Centre the turnout was not too bad, the morning was dry but a bit chilly. Tom Fish, our nonog leader, asked who was coming on the ride. Eleven of us were ready to go - Lynda, Carole, Helga, Beryl, Roger, Bill, Mark, Fuzz, Dave, and a new face everyone knows John Knox, and of course our leader Tom. Big John, who is going on holiday tomorrow, Ron, and Liz did not come with us. The destination was Stanwell, near the airport. Tom our leader was leading in front right from the start, over the bridge towards Shepperton and then via the by-pass to Laleham and up to the roundabout. Tom never looked back. Other than four people, all others were struggling at the back. I was in front of the second group who were left behind. We could not meet up with Tom until we crossed Staines. We went under the main road to get on the road to Stanwell. Lunch was taken at The Hope Inn and Tom brought us back to Greeno at Shepperton. Fuzz had already left us to catch train home and at Greeno Den made up the number. The ride was good and everybody enjoyed it. Mark Roy
Leafing through this month's 'Cycle' magazine, I thought I ought to introduce myself. I recently launched Go Pedal! Cycle hire service; with a difference: we deliver and collect. We're based in Battersea and may be of interest to SW London members, if, for example, they have visitors wanting to join a ride. More details on www.gopedal.co.uk. 07850 796320 Regards, Simon Ford
Rob led fourteen strong 'A' group to lunch at the Abinger Hatch, which over-simplifies a scenic and hilly tour of Surrey via Weare Street and Ewhurst. We were Vic, Ed, Nigel, Steve, John M, John S, Pam, Irene, Mike M, Gino (who we lost, on his last guest ride before "retiring" to Shoreham), Toni, Graham and Brian, and with so much "young" blood, the pace was brisk. Refreshed, we retraced our route up the side of Leith Hill to Coldharbour, descending to Dorking for tea at Denbighs. Thanks Rob (whose computer glitch means he cannot report via email), for truly brilliant day out.
But, (managed to do this at the library): A good sized group, 14 in all for the 'A' ride, assembled at Henfold Lake, to be greeted by the smell of fried onions, - late breakfast for the anglers. Ed, Brian, Gino, Nigel, Tony, Steve, Mike, Rob, Irene, Pam, John S, John M, Graham & Vic set out in fine but cool weather. We lost Gino early on - Murphy's Law, as it was his last trip out with the Wayfarers before moving house. Then it was through Capel and Weare Street past the pond by Holbrook Farm with its Canada geese and goslings. Then we passed Oakwoodhill and Ellen's Green, before turning north towards Ewhurst and Forest Green. The hard work started as we took on Leith Hill Lane, glimpsing the odd passing deer before arriving well strung out at the Abinger Hatch, whose prices were not quite as steep as the hill we had just climbed. The idea of taking the direct way back over White Downs did not seem so good after an extended lunch, so it was back via Coldharbour and a fine display of rhododendrons, before a well earned tea stop at Denbies rounded off a puncture free day.
From Henfold Lake I led eight 'B' group of John G, Brian N, Norman, Bob, Ray (friend of Bob), Nev, David Vine and me via Newdigate, Parkgate, Russ Hill, Jordan's, Rusper to Warnham (avoiding Warnham Station and its closed level crossing). Six had lunch at the Sussex Oak - two had sandwiches. Return via Mayes Road, Marches Road, a stretch of A24, Stane Street because bridle path was flooded (good news?), Payne's Green, Weare Street, Capel, Newdigate, to Dorking where Brian, Norman and I had tea at Haskett's. Weather dry but chilly. Les Johnston
C group chief reporter octog Albert did not come today so I am a stand in reporter Mark Roy: At Walton Day Centre the turnout was not too bad, the morning was dry but a bit chilly. Tom Fish, our nonog leader, asked who was coming on the ride. Eleven of us were ready to go - Lynda, Carole, Helga, Beryl, Roger, Bill, Mark, Fuzz, Dave, and a new face everyone knows John Knox, and of course our leader Tom. Big John, who is going on holiday tomorrow, Ron, and Liz did not come with us. The destination was Stanwell, near the airport. Tom our leader was leading in front right from the start, over the bridge towards Shepperton and then via the by-pass to Laleham and up to the roundabout. Tom never looked back. Other than four people, all others were struggling at the back. I was in front of the second group who were left behind. We could not meet up with Tom until we crossed Staines. We went under the main road to get on the road to Stanwell. Lunch was taken at The Hope Inn and Tom brought us back to Greeno at Shepperton. Fuzz had already left us to catch train home and at Greeno Den made up the number. The ride was good and everybody enjoyed it. Mark Roy
Leafing through this month's 'Cycle' magazine, I thought I ought to introduce myself. I recently launched Go Pedal! Cycle hire service; with a difference: we deliver and collect. We're based in Battersea and may be of interest to SW London members, if, for example, they have visitors wanting to join a ride. More details on www.gopedal.co.uk. 07850 796320 Regards, Simon Ford
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