Thursday, December 14, 2006

Dec 13th

Under the heading "hors de combat", Albert says afraid I've done it again. Fell down three stairs Sunday morning and have had to have my left hand stitched up four inches so cannot manage the bike for a few days. Sorry to miss Ron`s ride on Wednesday and hope someone will do the honours PR wise. I can manage to operate this computer thank goodness!! Regards ---------- Albert

There is a piece about Mark in an Indian paper... check this link to have a look. http://www.tribuneindia.com/2006/20061213/jplus.htm (That's not him on the motor-bike).

Congratulations and thanks to Mike Morley for the splendid carol service and reception following the SWLDA AGM last Sunday. Congratulations too, to the said Mike for fending off any semblance of opposition to succeed venerable Clive as Sou'Wester Editor, a role we are confident he will fill with distinction ('we' evidently does not include wife Barbara). Thanks to Barbara and friends for the reception refreshments.

'A' group had accepted Greeno's invitation to their festive lunch, so after elevenses at Leatherhead, we took a tortuous committee driven route via the mansions of St George's Hill to arrive late at Shepperton. In the festive spirit, we were made welcome and enjoyed a splendid freshly prepared lunch with wine and post prandial cabaret. Having been denied our customary swift half, some repaired to The Regent in Walton for further sustenance before battling through the traffic laden streets to home. Mike certainly managed the 20 miles home from Walton on Thames to Walton-on-the-Hill quicker by bike than he would have in a car!

Hi Brian,
sorry I forgot all about a report but here goes: Cliff lead a group of eleven from Leatherhead including, but sorry I cannot recall everyone, Christine, Judy, Les, Norman, Terry our good backmarker, the two Eds two handsome bearded members and John, to Brockham via the golf course and on via Newdigate to Capel where we discussed whether or not to go on to Okewood Hill and the Plough. It was decided that we had had enough of the wind and weather and decided to have lunch there in Capel, all except Les that is who would have preferred to go on to Okewood. He was however out voted! Norman left at this point because he had to get back as his wife was, I believe, coming out of hospital that afternoon. Cannot remember the name of the Pub but it was the one opposite the road leading from Newdigate. A lovely fire greeted us in a small snug where we had nice lunch. We retraced our route back to Newdigate where we turned left up the Henfold Lakes road back thro Brockham to Annie's where Terry, John, Judy, Christine and I had tea and a bun. Terry left us here and the rest of us made our way to North Cheam. I was told that it was a bit fast, sorry it is this new bike! Just remembered there where two Johns there and John I won't accept your invitation to join the A group just yet thanks. Cliff

In the absence of our chief reporter Albert, bless his soul, I was given this task. I was thinking of skiving as I thought after my long absence from cycling in India I would not be able to keep up with the others. Our leader was Ron before we started I found out our lunch venue which was Derby Arms on Epsom downs I knew it would be a bit hilly but not that hilly the route he took, thought the woods and muddy pass Stane Street and following the Roman road and Shepherds walk to Downs road hill pass Langley village and long uphill to Epsom Down race coarse stands and Derby stables where sandwich brigade sat in the bus shelter and others went to Derby arms for lunch. Our bunch was Ron, Bill, Mark, Pat and Bill Mathews, Lynda, Elizabeth, John and Roger M. The wind was bitterly cold on top of the downs. John left us to go home and the rest of us flew down the Chalk Lane behind the hospital to the bottom of the hill. At that point except Ron, Roger and Bill everybody disappeared on their own way including your humble reporter to glad get home in warm room. It waaas cooold after my warm trip to India. Mark

Hi Brian,
Albert wasn't out today - hope he is well - and that Leatherhead was just too far from home. Here is a (backup) summary of our ride. Ron led Mark (just back from 5 weeks in India), Roger, John, Bill, Pat & Bill, Liz and myself up to Epsom Downs. It was a good route, out of the Swan Centre, left at the traffic lights to the roundabout, and straight onto the pavement which led to the woods. It wasn't too muddy, and was a very pleasant route. We came out to Langley Vale, and just headed up towards the Downs. Four of us went into the Derby Arms for lunch. Pat & Bill went for a ride (too early for their lunch); and the others went over to the bus-stop to eat their sandwiches! (The hardcore of the group). Just as we had finished lunch, I had a phone call from Harold, who is in Scotland at the moment, staying with his daughter. He said he couldn't go out on his bike today, as there were winds of 100mph! - and some parts were icy. It had been snowing in a nearby area to where he was staying. After lunch, Ron led the others to the day centre at the Wells. Liz & I headed for home. I stopped off at a couple of post offices looking for Xmas stamps. Epsom PO had a queue of about 30 deep; Stoneleigh didn't have Xmas ones; so I ended up in Cheam for the 2nd time this week and purchased some after a surprisingly short wait. I then popped into Cannons. An enjoyable day, a bit windy but pleasantly mild. Lynda.
Dear Brian Sorry to miss you all today, particularly as I really wanted to have another ride out with you. Having set off for the rendezvous in Leatherhead for elevenses I started to feel progressively out of sorts-I'll spare you the details-but it felt like a virus [over-excitement, perhaps?] so I turned around near the Tip. Hope to see you next week. Brian Forster.

I've just received a card from former Wayfarers secretary Geoff Avis, who writes:
"Here's wishing all my old "easy-riders" friends many more happy cycling miles in '07 (and fewer punctures) in the lovely Surrey country - how I miss it!! We miss you, too, Geoff."

Happy holidays and great cycling in the New Year from Janice and Ken, who would like you to visit http://www.specialized.com/bc/microsite/holiday/index.html

Olleh festive Hub.

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