Thursday, January 18, 2007

Jan 17th

Atrocious wet and windy weather scythed into our turn-out yesterday and absentees included your Hub, who spent time writing to SCC about improving safety where a recommended cycle route crosses A217 at B290.

Hello Brian,
By the time we reached Redhill for 11s I expect most were wondering if they'd made the right decision, especially since the rain fell even harder as we watched while teaing and cakeing. However, when we were ready to leave the rain had almost stopped and I led a combined group of Bernard, Grant, John, Les, Mike M, Pete M and Tony d'I southwards on/alongside the A23 before turning right into Pendleton Road and soon the peace and quiet of Lonesome Lane. Good to see the teddy bears were still out to greet us at Meath Green. We crossed the A217 then headed for Plan B lunch stop at The Fox Revived, Norwood Hill. (Plan A had been Newdigate, too far given the conditions). While heading west we could see blue sky to the north over the Downs, encouragement indeed ! On arriving at The Fox the previous landlord and the new landlady were just emerging and informed us neither food nor drink were available this week due to refurbishments. Plan C was hastily drawn up - The Plough at Leigh - as Pete remarked 'It's downhill'.
Good food quickly served pleased everyone, and through the windows we could see bright sunshine - what a bonus. We returned in the sunshine via Tapner's Road and Bunce Common Road to Brockham, through the deserted golf course then via Pixham Lane and the cycle track to Annie's for tea where John, Pete, Tony and I stopped. I recorded 42.5 miles. Terry

Hi Brian.
I`m sending this on Thursday morning and although the weather was pretty wet and dull at first yesterday, it was preferable to this howling wind! In spite of the conditions we had a good turnout at Walton -- Geoff, Mark, Ron, Bill, John G, Robin (new to me) and Roger S (usually with B group). With yours truly and sans Ron we made a wet start over Walton bridge through Shepperton, Laleham and Staines en route for The Rose and Crown at Thorpe Green. A short holdup after crossing Staines bridge at the level crossing at Egham Hythe after which my navigation went rather pear-shaped and I missed the left turning towards Thorpe Village and we carried on over the M25 to take a left turn towards Virginia Water on the Stroude road thus adding over a mile and some pretty steep climbs to the traffic lights near VW station where a left turn and a few hundred yards brought us to the pub. After lunch the sun came out and we had a more pleasant ride to Shepperton via Chertsey where we took tea at the Greeno Centre. I think I`ll keep off the bike today though! ------------------------------------ Albert

Hoping for better weather next Wednesday and good turn-out at Weybridge Day Centre - see you there

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