November 29th

We were invited by the manager to partake of Greeno's Christmas lunch on Wednesday 13Dec06, the day we rendezvous for 11's at Leatherhead. Ron and Cliff said that their 'C' and 'B' group ride plans precluded taking up this offer, but always adaptable Bob for 'A' group said we should take up the offer. At lunch yesterday at JDW Windsor, all present (bar Vic and Steve) signed up to this and paid me £5.50 up front, stating their preference for turkey or beef main course. Any 'A' member intending to be with us 13Dec06 and wishing to be added to the lunch group should contact Brian now.

14 'A' group members left the Greeno Centre at Shepperton in glorious November sunshine if a little cool, they consisted of Pam, Brian, Ray D, Pete B, Tony, John B, Vic, Grant, Ed, Steve, Graham and 3 Franks H, P & F (that’s all were worth). We headed West along the Chertsey Road over the Thames and skirting Addleston Moore to turn right into Green Lane, under the A320 and over the M25 past St. Peter’s hospital, then right into Longcross Road for 2 miles before the right turn into Kitsmead Lane, over the M25 to Knowle Hill were right and left passing Wentworth on our left, through Virginia Water were Vic punctured, he suggested we continue and would meet us at lunch. We crossed the A30 south/west of Egham, into Englefield Green to turn left via Dell Park, Crimp Hill and Old Windsor, a short ride along the A308 into Windsor to dine at The Windlesora (a Wetherspoon’s). 16 miles from Shepperton. Such was the brisk pace we arrived just after 12-30 and Vic arrived a few minutes later. After lunch it was again a brisk ride, but taking the direct route back to the bakery in the High St. at Shepperton via Stains and Laleham, from were, riders made their own way home in various directions.

Hi Brian,
From the Greeno Centre I led Gill, Judy, Bernard (welcome back to 'B' group), Cliff, Eds recumbent and upright, Johns (3 off + friend), Les (thankfully recovered), Nev, Norman, Phil and Robin over Chertsey bridge onto the cycle track. After a brief detour to Chertsey Meads as a last resort I consulted the map and we were soon heading in the correct direction. Norman felt a boulder in his shoe which needed removing, then we went over Woburn Hill and passed through Addlestone to Ottershaw. The cycle track heading south kept us away from the traffic then at McClarens roundabout we turned into Martyrs Lane and shortly left into Woodham Lane. Time was 'getting on' so I decided to give the canal and Wey navigation towpaths a miss (sorry folks) and kept to metalled roads (the best place to view the flooded fields) to The Saddlers Arms at Send Marsh. Here we dined very well and were served quite quickly. After lunch we kept to the lanes, but with people leaving at intervals only Gill, Judy, Bernard, Cliff, Norman, Robin and myself had tea at Stoke d'Abernon. All in all a good day out, mild with plenty of sunshine, no rain though we did see a rainbow in the afternoon but the pot of gold wasn't at Seymour's. Terry

Good weather and a good turnout at Shepperton. It was my turn to lead 'C' ride with Bill, Fuzz, Dave, Ron, Dennis and Allan. Good to see Tom at elevenses. Our lunch venue was The Red Lion at Thorpe, so to make a bit of a ride of it we went down Laleham Thamesside and joined the towpath to Staines, then over the bridge to Egham Hythe. With a bit of help from Dave I found Ten Acres Lane at the end of which we took a right turn to the end where the pub was a welcome sight. The pub by the way is up for let. The service and food was good but the only member of staff seemed to be a pleasant young lady of oriental appearance. We returned to Shepperton for tea via Thorpe Road and Chertsey. John S. and John G. were intending to accompany us but it was rather out of their way for the home run. I still managed to get 23 miles on the clock. See you at Cobham -------------------- Albert

Forgive the plug, but like me, you could be in need of Christmas present inspiration.

"Hi Fellow Cyclist I hope you don't mind me writing, but my book Four Fifty-Plus Fools Flit Fru France is on http://www.roadcyclinguk.com/news/article/mps/UAN/1861/v/1/sp/, RoadCyclingUK Online Magazine website. I think the book will suit the humour of many fellow senior cyclists. It's not like the many round the world cycling books! My website gives details of the book with extracts, photographs and a link to buy the book for less than a tenner (someone may think you're worth it!).... http://www.1bm.me.uk/books/ Mike Newton"

See you all at Cobham next week, when we shall present our traditional Christmas presents to Hazel, Thelma and Joyce at th RBL Club.

Olleh Hub

Tom Fish

Hello Brian,

I think everyone was very pleased to see our old friend Tom Fish meeting up with the Wayfarers again today. Despite still having a very painful left leg he had managed to ride, on his brand new Trek cycle, from his home to Twickenham station and then from Shepperton station to Greeno Day Centre. Upon his arrival everyone present gave him a great welcome.

Ken Loy

News of Les Johnston

On arriving home Les went to St Helier Hospital to check for eye damage. The cut was given 3 stitches, the eye was OK, the eyelid swelling will recover without treatment. This is the second accident (one of our newer members had one recently) involving bikes fitted with the old style front mudguard stays. I strongly recommend fitting SKS mudguards which have quick release front stays which open if the bike picks up branches or similar objects and prevents jamming the front wheel. I think that anyone whose bike has the old ones should seriously consider fittng the SKS mudguards, they are a little dearer than the older guards, but they could prevent serious injury. Les' accident was on softer surface, on a road it could have been extremely serious.
Wishing you all safe cycling,

Norman

News of Tom Fish

No sooner had I despatched Wayfarers News when Harold rang to say that he had called on Tom at home and found him in good spirits, and intending to be at Shepperton next week. Several enquiries had failed to contact Tom at home, so it is good to hear from him. He has much cycling gear to go to new homes, so Harold will bring it and Tom to Cobham 03Jan07 - unmissable.
Brian

Nov 22nd

Best wishes to Beryl, recuperating at home after knee or hip surgery (one or the other, I forget which) - we hope to see you back with us soon, Beryl.

Peter Hammond writes: Hope my Dad didn't go on too long at your presentation. He is still aiming to reach 100,000 miles on his bike since he retired at age 63. He has cycled over 98,000 so far including Lands End to John O' Groats in 13 days when he was 66. But he may have told you this!

Brian Et Al, (writes Mike M) Here we are in Queenstown after 4 weeks in Australasian @day the weather has been fantastic and we have been in the mountains and been on location for the Lord of the Rings. Fantastic mountain biking country. Not done much biking apart from some gentle stuff in Sydney on a crap bike. Previous days it has been very wet and complete cloud cover over the glacier region and Mt Cook was completely obliterated. Hope everyone is well give my regards to all. I will try and be out on 6 Dec as we back on 5 Dec but it depends on jet lag. Emajay.

Angie had a great day last Wednesday. All that free-wheeling made me think my legs had been paralysed! Cliff, Dave A, John G and myself set out last from Dorking - helped fix John's puncture, so went via the Golf Course and Brockham, out to Leigh and round the bottom of Norwood Hill (down Deanoak Road and back up Collendean Road). Thought we had missed the event but just managed to tack on the end. Great fun! Then on to lunch with everyone else. Came back the opposite way down Lonesome Lane, up to Redhill, whizzed out that way and down the A22 through Merstham and Coulsdon way. Dave A left us there and Cliff and I came up Rectory Lane into Banstead and
the home to Worcester Park - just under 48 miles. Boss is away so hope to see you all again next Wednesday. Thanks again for an hilarious day out - loved it. Angiex

Many thanks for the Sou'wester and Attendance Record. I am sorry to have missed you at Dorking but I only got as far as Denbies before turning back having run out of time. I turned left at West Humble, past Polesden Lacey to Bookham including the 1:5 hill, without getting off the bike. NB: the last ride in Sou'Wester Wayfarers rides should read 03Jan07. Regards Philip

Hi Brian, Sorry I was not out yesterday with the Wayfarers, Redhill is just a little too far on a winters morning! Have to start out too early for a 30mile ride!! Luckily for me, Irene and Gill also feel the same! Hence we 'Three Musketeer's' (Pete Mathews was unable to join us), had an enjoyable ride! I cycled to Irene's then along the towpath to Chertsey bridge to meet Gill. We had a photo stop before arriving at Fairoakes airport for coffees - well - we have to see how the planes are doing!! I chatted to a gentleman who arrived in a 50 years old Jaguar sports car, it was in super condition, yet he had bought it as a wreck 30 years ago! As the weather forecast was not in our favour, our original ride plan was reduced to the 'long' ride to Woodside for lunch. In fact, it was raining when we came out of the pub after a very tasty bowl of soup and pate with crusty bread so we returned via Windsor Park, Egham and Chertsey where Irene and I waved goodbye to Gill and we continued to Staines. Thanks girls, nice ride with an early finish! Cheers Pam

8 potential 'B' riders arrived at Redhill, but 3 were put off by the weather forecast. So five riders, Brian N, John, Les and Terry, led by Norman, followed 'A' group along the signed cycle route as far as the East Surrey hospital where we left the road and on to the off-road path towards Gatwick. We rode along the Autumn coloured treelined path when Les rode over a hidden piece of tree branch which jammed between the mudguard stays and front wheel and Les was thrown off. He sustained a cut over his left eye. Fortunately Terry had a first-aid kit and put a plaster over the cut. The damaged bits were removed and Les said he would carry on. We stayed on the path to Horley where we returned to the road through Smallfield and Horne on to Felbridge to lunch at the "Wire Mill" It wasn't Les' day. He blew his nose and his left eyelid swelled up.We asked for some ice and the barman brought out a pack of frozen peas to help relieve the swelling. After lunch we asked Les if he would like to go home by train but but, stout fellow, he said he would stay with us. It had started raining so waterproofs on and back via Horne Outwood, past Wasp Green up Coopers Hill to the A25. the rain had stopped. John and Terry turned off towards Redhill and home. There we went on to Merstham. Brian carried on towards Coulsdon , Les and I on to Fanny's Farm. As it was getting dull Les declined to stop so being thirsty I had tea. Nearing home, in Banstead, it started to rain lightly, About half mile from home there was a downpour. A welcome warm house awaited! Norman

The weather was great for the first part of the 'C' ride; sunny, no wind and the forecast proved pretty accurate when it clouded over but the rain held off until after lunch at The New Inn at Send. Dave led us from Weybridge. We comprised apart from me and him, Roger, Roger S., Ron, Fuzz, Geoff and Harold. Dennis arrived at the venue and Bernard who had intended to come changed his mind and went off with the ladies (welcome back, Bernard)
.....
We rode through Weybridge up Heath Road, over the railway bridge, up Brooklands Road, turned right at the end to Byfleet, down Church Road at the end of which we encountered a short spot of offroad taking us to the Wey Navigation canal towpath. This we followed as far as the Plough at Pyrford Lock. We crossed the bridge then down Lock Lane to the Pyrford Lane, then left to Warren Lane at the end of which went left as far as The Seven Stars.We then took a right turn down Papercourt Lane leading to Tannery Lane after which we arrived at Send and our destination. I had intended going with the others to Cobham for tea but with the state of the weather Harold and I left them at Newark Lane having started the return ride downn Tannery Lane. Harold pressed off in the direction of Weybridge when we arrived at Addlestone. See you at Shepperton next week ------------------------------ Albert

Yes, see you there

Olleh Hub

PS: A contingent of Wayfarers consisting of Ed C, Rob and yours truly John S half-completed a circular ride encompassing Saffron Walden, Thaxted and Finchingfield in Essex. The other stages of the 32 mile ride via the Bumpsteads had to be abandoned due to horrendous weather conditions. Ed and I went by train from Liverpool Street Station to Audley End departing at 09h58 train and arriving at 11h01. Meanwhile Rob drove to Saffron Walden and met us at the Cross Keys pub. After a difficult start due to problems in finding the correct route out of the town we had a good ride to our lunch stop at the Swan in Thaxted. Opposite the pub was a most huge and magnificent 14th century church. Clarence House built in 1715 I am told is where composer Gustav Holst worked on part of The Planets. After lunch we pressed on in deteriorating weather to Finchingfield, a jumble of medieval cottages and Georgian houses around the village green and pond. It also had a delightful square towered church. At this point we deviated from our intended route to ride in rivers of water formerly intended to be roads and arrived back at Saffron Walden drenched ready to return to London. Ed and I split up at Liverpool Street station and I took the busy route through the City via the Bank, Fleet Street, Strand, Trafalgar Square, The Mall and Hyde Park. A drenched yours truly arrived home just after 6-00pm. I would be pleased to hear from any other Wayfarers interested in another alternative ride in the future under better metrological conditions (preferably not on a Wednesday). Kind regards, John Scott

A Ride Nov 22nd

Report by Ed Sharp leader, Pete M, Pete B, Bob, Brian, Ray, Steve, Jen met at The Star. Destination Lingfield The Star Pub. Morning: Weak winter sun and falling leaves. Route: Outwood Mill Newchapel & Lingfield.
Afternoon: Rain in the air and looming darkness so made for home via Blindley Heath, Bletchingley, Merstham, Banstead.

Cheam & Morden Dinner 2007

The date of the C&M's annual lunch is 11th February 2007. Declare your interest to Steve Gordon steveandann61@tiscali.co.uk & 020 8398 2775. More details published shortly.

Nov 15th

Hello Wayfarers and friends

Freewheel competition There was a good turnout at Dorking yesterday, from where Vic led ' A' group and I (Terry) led ' B' group to Norwood Hill for the annual free-wheel competition. Norman was chief pusher-off, and in reasonably dry conditions but with an occasional headwind, John Mason completed his hat-trick, winning by a considerable distance from David Aylett who narrowly beat Pete Barnard (last year's runner-up) into third place. Vic, Ray D and John Scott were also very close, very interesting from my point of view since the leader and runners-up kept changing. We then continued to The Greyhound/Hungry Horse at Charlwood, the only establishment which could cope with our numbers. Ed had carved a beautiful shield for the winner and I bought a not-so-beautiful inner tube for the r-u. Just after starting the return journey we thought we heard a rifle shot, but in approximately half a second I realised it was my back tyre. Norman led the rest in the general direction of Dorking, John M stopped to help (thanks John) and by replacing the tube and patching the tyre with some Gaffer tape we reached homes with no further problems. Meanwhile, I'm thinking of a different venue for next year.... Terry

Still quite warm and the rain held off. Phil was leading 'C' group from Claygate in the absence of Mark and his intended venue was The Bell at Walton on the Hill (bring your own oxygen!). Our number consisted of Ron, Dave, Fuzz, Harold, Roger, Roger S, Ed N, John K. and Dennis (who only came for elevenses). That`s eleven with me and Phil. Sorry if I missed anyone. There were no ladies present (shame). Since most of the ride was offroad I can only report Claygate Common, Princes Covert, over the Esher Bypass, Ashstead Common, soon after which the climbing started. surfaces varied from muddy tracks, no tracks at all, long grass and mole hills with plenty of wheelslip. pot holes and broken tarmac and always uphill. About a mile short of the pub when I had clocked over twenty miles, we had a bit of a rest while Dave mended a puncture and I got to wondering what route to take after after lunch. Two lady horse riders approached at this point and we stood aside to allow them to pass. One of the mounts was a nervous animal and began to rear. It seemed It was our bikes and not us that upset it so we did our best to make them less conspicuous. After lunch Phil declared his intention of making for tea at Ewell, so I left the others at Tattenham Corner in the hope of finding my way home via Leatherhead. The first sign I saw was to Kingston so I went via the bypass and Esher (where I needed to light up) and got home at five. The total distance was only 39.67mls. After all that climbing most of the way was downhill -------------------------------- Albert

Free Wheeling Contest

John Mason completed his hat trick by beating Pete Barnard & David Aylett on Wednesday in windy conditions.

Nov 8th

Hello Wayfarers and friends

As I announced at Kingston elevenses, I had a call over the weekend from Tom Fish, saying, in effect, that his cycling days are numbered due mainly to his permanently swollen ankles and shins. He cannot get about unless taken. He promised to write offering various cycling goods and I now have his letter "Thanks for taking my phone message. I've tried to make a list for DA members (Tom is President). Cannot get to midweek without transport. Was glad of a car ride Sunday 29th October with Robin to Newport Pagnell for a smashing Sunday Dinner (route details). Would like to borrow an open-frame (ladies) bike. Probably manage that a bit better. Tom" He then lists: Free - just ask: 21" Blue/yellow bike, semi-light, cut-away lugs; 27x1.25wheels, tyres, tubes; brakes; bars; saddle; 3" stem; mudguards; carrier; pedals; toe-clips; bottle carrier; (further details). All ready for adjustment - to take away. He also lists many new tyres - ring Tom on 020 8755 0724 for details.

I also announced that our annual lunch would be at The Cap in Hand (A3/A243 junction, Hook) on the first Wednesday in March 2007 (after Cobham elevenses). The date is 7th March 2007 (I got it wrong - thanks, Ray) and I will collect £2 meal deposit with £3 subs from 03Jan07. It is standard Wetherspoons menu on offer and I carry a copy. For the numbers expected, management require choice of main course to be advised in advance, so I will prepare a chart.

Deanna writes: His daughter Linda phoned me (Deanna) today (Monday), telling me that Arthur Clarke died at home on Saturday 10.30 pm. The funeral will probably take place next week. During this year he was in and out of hospital until his heart could take no more. He survived a heart attack nearly twenty years ago, and managed to live until his early eighties. Although they used to cycle with the Family Section (now Downland) which is where I met them and have remained friends ever since, I believe some will remember Arthur and his wife Eileen. Years ago they hosted elevenses at their home - Oakenstaff, Heathway, Chaldon, Surrey, CR3 5DL. Regards - hope to see you at Dorking on Wednesday. Deanna.

"As I was going up the stair I met a man who wasn't there He wasn't there again today I wish that man would go away". I now know how that man feels, I thought I was out with the 'C' ride last week but must give way to the prose of Albert, so how did I get the cycle dirty?
Harold
PS: I wasn't out with 'C' group again this week.

Sixteen 'A' group — Pam, Jen, Pete B, Pete M, Vic, John B, Frank C, Frank H, Brian, Graham, Toni, Rob, Nigel, Ed, Recumbent Ed and Steve — set out with Julian from the Bradbury Centre in Kingston for a figure-of-eight ride around the local area. After wiggling through the centre of Kingston we went along the new bit of cycle track in Skerne Road, up King's Road to the Kingston Gate of Richmond Park along to Ham Cross and did the loop by the ballet school, left to Richmond Gate back to Ham Cross and down the hill towards Ham Common. The deer were much in evidence in the Park and there was a generally, calm autumnal feel. Crossing the Richmond Road, we turned right down the track towards Ham House, passed across its river frontage then took Riverside Drive to Teddington Lock, went along the tow path into Kingston (where Nigel paused to buy spoons), over the bridge and down the tow path to Hampton Court, through Thames Ditton and so to the ornate glories of the Coronation Hall (aka Surbiton Wetherspoons) for lunch (about a mile from our starting point). After lunch, Brian, Graham, Nigel and Ed C took off for home at various stages along the route, which took us up St Mark's Hill, down past Berrylands, through Malden, under the by-pass and up Copse Hill—where John B survived crunching into a bollard by the Atkinson Morley hospital—over Wimbledon Common, down through the Roehampton estate and into the Park once more and the Roehampton Cafe for an early tea. A light drizzle was starting as we left for home, but otherwise, we'd been remarkably fortunate with the weather.

Starting from Kingston, often seen as a good place from which to follow the river or venture towards the metropolis, I decided to take 'B' group in the opposite direction and head out into the country. There were sixteen of us: Nev, Robin, John Scott, John Mason, Harold (who thought he was joining 'C' group till he got to Woodstock Lane), Lynda, Liz, Terry, Mike and Mary, Les, Ed, Reg Beever, Brian N, new rider - Peter Taunton (welcome, Peter) - and me, Gill. Hurrying through the built-up areas of Kingston and Surbiton to Long Ditton, we headed up Rectory Lane and then followed Woodstock Lane to Claygate. Admittedly there was the roar of the A 3 but on the other side of the road there were fields and Surbiton Golf Course, which made it feel rural. Passing through Claygate, we turned into Arbrook Lane and on to Arbrook Common. Here we followed a cycle route (white signs with a red bicycle on them and white arrows) - take the middle track on entry to the Common. This led us due south, then across to Esher Common after crossing the busy Copsem Lane. At first we followed the pylons but soon turned into the woods on a sandy track. The autumn colours were glorious. Crossing high above the A3 we emerged eventually on to Sandy Lane and from here it was a mixture of on and off-road all the way into Cobham. Our lunch destination was the Jovial Sailor at Ripley, so from here on we followed the traditional route to Ockham and into Ripley down Rose Lane. A short stretch on the old Portsmouth Road and we were at the pub. (For the record, leaders please note that the Jovial Sailor now has a policy of table service and central billing for a group. They very kindly accommodated us this time, allowing individuals to order at the bar, but as a venue for us in the future it may need checking first.) The return route was along Grove Heath Road, up Ripley Lane to West Horsley and along the A246 to Effingham where we joined the Lower Road. I had planned to join this road by taking the earlier turn-off of Dirtham Lane but was warned of ferocious dogs down here so opted to take the advice of those in the know. We ended up in Leatherhead and five of us went for tea at Annie's, where we forgot to say we were having the 'special' of tea and cake for £2 but luckily the lady kindly allowed us to get away with it! I'm not sure what happened about the Passion cake but hopefully it was all sorted out amicably!! A good day's ride with lots of good autumn colours despite the grey skies. Gill

Downhill competition for the competitive from Dorking St Martin's (Church) Centre next week - Thanks to Terry for organising this popular annual event. A bit damp and overcast but little wind and quite warm for November. From Kingston, John G. led twelve of 'C' group - two Rogers (welcome Roger Sceats, a newcomer in our midst), then came Ron, Fuzz, Harold, Dennis, Dawn, Allan (welcome return), Bill and me. John must have a very good knowledge of the busy built-up parts of the area and we had little in the way of hold-ups apart from the odd traffic lights. The first gate we entered to Bushey Park had a memorial to some cobbler outside, but before I could discover how such a one achieved such fame, it was my turn to negotiate the bike-upending gate. We followed traffic-free paths until we left the park at the Hampton Hill gate. Lunch was to be at Isleworth so after a bit of towpath and footpath riding and mostly traffic-free areas including a footbridge, we arrived at the rather splendid Town Wharf near the Thames. There were eight of us at a table already laid out with `Reserved` signs. In the event the prices were most reasonable and the service was good.. The water was high when we left, being tidal this far down the river. The intention was to have tea at Raynes Park and of course that was the group I followed until John advised me of my error. The Kingston few had gone to the towpath, but I took a wrong turning and found myself on the Chertsey Road which I followed until turning off to Sunbury. Shepperton and home. I enjoyed the ride and clocked up 38.99 miles (that's 40 in my book!) At least the Chertsey Road has a decent bike path ------------------------- Albert

B Group Nov 1st

Starting as a crisp, cold morning in brilliant sunshine, eighteen 'B' group comprising Judy, Bill, Gill, John G, Reg, Les, Nigel, Lynda, Francoise with Frank H, Norman, Liz, Ed N, Nev, Cliff, Ray H, Frank P and Robin leading, left Cobham along Brook Road, across Fetcham Common, through Fetcham, up to Bockett's roundabout, onto the bridleway through Norbury Park where three followed the leader and fourteen took an alternative track, leaving the leaders group waiting and searching for the remainder. Luckily, the obvious route continued down past Boxhill and Westhumble station, along the A24 cycleway to Pixham Lane, across Betchworth Park to lunch at The Dukes Head at Brockham. The afternoon plan was to go slowly over Pebble Hill to Epsom, but a majority of wimps voted to ride the flatter route through Leatherhead, finishing in Epsom for tea. We had nearly an hour of daylight left and I enjoyed the setting sun whilst crossing Richmond Park en route home.
Robin

Nov 1st

At Cobham yesterday, after a good response to the Poppy Appeal, Brian Nixon warmly bade farewell to Brian Stead, who returns to Oz this weekend after 14 weeks of tending to his dad and to his dad's affairs. We all enjoyed your company, Brian and from your response, it was gratifying to know how much you enjoyed being out with us. We had a very welcome visit from Fran Humphrey and look forward to more of the same.

'A' group, 13 strong led by Pete B, set out from Cobham in brilliant sunshine, if a trifle on the chilly side. The route took us down Plough Lane, past the newly refurbished Black Swan Martyr's Green, Ockham and East Clandon to climb Staple Lane and admire the views across London from the top. Then the fast decent of Coombe Bottom, up through Shere and down Jesses Lane to arrive at Peaslake and a gentle climb before dropping down to Ewhurst. Here Toni suffered a puncture (new tyres fitted last night!) but, assisted by Ed and Brian, quickly fixed the problem and they were able to join the back of the lunch queue just along the road at the Little Hatch in Cranleigh where there were now 15 of us. After a sumptuous meal, it was back along the road to Ewhurst Green to take another Plough Lane towards Holmbury. Unfortunately John Scott suffered our second puncture (more new tyres!) and John Mason kindly offered to take him back the flatter route whilst the rest of us, now somewhat split up, continued through Holmbury and Raikes Lane before tackling the dreaded White Down. Some stopped for tea at the Bakery in Effingham but most, with wintertime now with us and the nights drawing in, decided a direct route home was in order.

Great cycling weather on All Saints Day from Cobham. Phil was down to lead 'C' group but for some reason was unable and Mark was to do the honours but in his turn had an appointment for a flu jab so it was left to Roger who decided on lunch at The New Inn at Send. There were around fourteen of us, Bill H., Bill and Pat Matthews, Mike and Mary on tandem, Brian Stead and another Brian (no not you old chum!). By jove - Brians were thick on the ground yesterday. Then there was a welcome return with Beryl also Dave, Fuzz, Dennis, John C. and me. The route was familiar up Plough Lane, straight across the road at The Black Swan, then a right and left at the end to Hungry Hill Lane. A bit of a climb and a right turn on the main road to Send with what seems to be an interesting diversion to the left at the roundabout where all the vans are parked, to enable us to reach our destination without passing through Send itself, Tea was to be at Cobham Day Centre so we all rode down Tannery Lane to the Newark Road near The Seven Stars which is where I split for home having some earlier appointments which was true apart from being nicer to say than "afraid I'm a bit clapped". A splendid day all round ------------------------------- Albert

Les Johnston, one of our most regular and most reliable ride leaders, tells me that he wants to ride but not lead from 2007. I can only say thanks for all the originality and research you have put into the task and that you are a hard act to follow, Les. More recently Gill, John G and Robin have begun to lead 'B' group and we hope that they will continue; anyone else out there feeling overlooked only has to offer.

'A' group at Cranleigh

Did not check on the name of this pub we dined at,but good value.