Jan 10th

Ten participants have paid £10 deposit for our two-nights Spring Special
tour from Henfold to Eastbourne 09-10May07 - Pam, Ray, Rob, Pete M,
Vic,John G, John B, Mike M, Bob and Brian - if anyone else wants to join
us, please let Brian know asap.

'A' group set off from Hersham with some trepidation amidst black clouds and blustery rain. Finding the entrance to St Georges Hill blocked by mud covered workmen, a quick diversion was required before dropping down into Weybridge and along by the canal, now close to bursting its banks. In Addlestone there was a brief merger with the B group, who had taken a
shorter route, before taking the back roads to Ottershaw Cross and over to Longcross via Accommodation Road. Into the wind across Chobham Common it wasn't too long before the welcome sight of the Sun at Windlesham and, immediately, its namesake burst through the clouds and we were treated to a mass of blue sky. There were 17 for lunch (Pete B, Pete M, Irene, Pam, Frank C, Jake, Ed, Mike M, Grant, 2xJohn, Steve, Brian, Vic, Rob, Ray and Graham) + Don who popped in having seen us arrive whist driving past. Food (and drinks) were most enjoyable and reasonably quickly served, given our number. After lunch, it was into the lanes around Valley End and Gracious Pond. Earlier rain led some of our number to wonder if the leader had mistakenly decided to return by river. Then, in brilliant sunshine and with a following wind, it was back through Addlestonemoor and the cycle path across Chertsey Meads to the Bakery at Shepperton for tea and so home.
[Banstead riders covered 55 miles]

From Hersham I led the 18 strong (well, fairly strong) B group to Weybridge then via the usual quiet roads to Addlestone where progress was delayed at the level crossing by a non-stop South West Train thundering through heading south-east. Straight over the roundabout at Ottershaw then past a soggy, quiet Fairoaks. To the south the sky seemed to be brightening, and after
riding along Philpot Lane and Sandpit Hall Road we arrived at Chobham and the sun was shining! The Castle Grove coped with us very well with quick service and good food. Onwards to Knaphill passing my plan A lunch destination (on the right as you enter Knaphill heading west - does anyone know anything about this pub?), then we turned into Lower Guildford Road, shortly turning left after crossing the Basingstoke Canal to Mayford. Soon people started heading for home, and by the time we reached Seymour's at Stoke d'Abernon for tea via Sutton Green, Jacobs Well and Ockham only Christine, Bernard , Norman and myself were left. Terry

A damp start at Hersham but a quick clearance apart from a stiff breeze. There was a good turnout but our ride was rather thin with Dave leading me, Mark, Roger , Fuzz and Bill. The venue was to be The Jovial Sailor at Ripley but in the event became The Half Moon (still in Ripley). Fuzz caught up with us at Ripley having been held up due to being carved up by some goon driving an artic. Happily without serious consequences. Our route was pretty noisy since we were refused entry to St. Georges Hill and were obliged to continue up Seven Hills Road with a right turn at the lights then down the busy Byfleet Road. We took a left up Redhill Road past the bus museum and golf club and at the end turned right down the footpath leading to all those
crossing lights at Junction 10 which enabled us to get to the south side of the A3. By this time there were only five of us on the cyclepath to the Ripley turnoff. On entering Ripley we split up with three having sandwiches and just Roger and myself having a reasonable snack at The Half Moon. Fuzz arrived after we had finished eating and had a pint while telling us about his near mishap. The others arrived and were intending to go for tea at Cobham. I fear I'm still a bit clapped out after Christmas and opted for another route home down Newark Lane and Warren Lane etc. Se you next week when I get to lead from Walton---------------------------Albert
Cobham Day Centre, sometimes used as afternoon tea stop, mainly by 'C' group- asks that we let Manager Kim (01932 867601) know when we are coming so that the tea bar can be staffed.

Next week 'A' and 'B' groups go to The Arches Cafe Gloucester Road Redhill and 'C' group to Walton Day Centre Manor Road Walton on Thames.
Olleh Hub