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
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
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