Feb 7

Hi Brian-- It is 9.30 Tuesday morning 06Feb07 and I`ve just had a call from Vic who was hit from behind by a woman motorist last evening and although he says no bones are broken he is some considerable pain and wanted me to let everyone know he will be out of commission for some time. At the moment he is at his cousin`s home in Addlestone phone 01932 844207. He was here at my place with Bill for tea and left around 6.30. See you at Cobham----------------------------Albert

Thanks, Albert I've spoken to Vic, who is fairly upbeat, albeit fairly uncomfortable and won't be out for a while. He has organised a wheelchair. BS

Cobham hosted another good turn-out, including Tom Fish, who seems a lot better than a few weeks back. A birthday card went round for Derek Robinson, our latest octog, not seen for several months. We hope our card encourages Derek to get on his bike in the Spring. Again, Wednesday was a fantastic day then, lo-and-behold, Thursday morning a heavy overnight fall of snow has brought everything to a standstill.

Suffering from a non-avian respiratory problem, I was intent on a modest target for lunch. A bright but very cold morning meant a muddled departure from Cobham. Groups 'A' (Graham, Bob, Brian, Ed, Irene, Jen, John, Julian, Mick, Mike, Pete B, Pete M, Steve) and 'B' headed off in the same direction and we overtook them in Plough Lane. After Ockham (where Julian fell on black ice), Hungry Hill and Burnt Common we used the A3 path to Jacobs Well. For a change the northern half of Guildford including Stoughton barracks was next before the turn was made towards Wood Street and the Royal Oak. They were fully booked but obligingly erected folding table and chairs on the oche. Lunch became a protracted affair with several meals (2 courses for Mike M!). Due to the overcrowding we had lost Brian and Bob to the White Hart and next Jen and Mike M headed for home. The way back was via Fox Corner Mayford and Pyrford to Wisley where we met up with the soon-off 'B' group. By now we were down to 4 but there was still time for a detour to Chatley Heath Tower. Hope I havent forgotten anyone! Graham Ray's picture of a group labelled midweekers is at http://midweekwayfarers.blogspot.com/

It must have been the coldest day so far this winter but we had a good turnout at Cobham RBL. With Mark in the lead then me, Roger, Harold, Bill, John C plus another John, Fuzz, followed by the ladies, Lynda, Carol and Dianne with a welcome back to our 'C' group of Beryl we set off for our lunch venue to The Half Moon at Ripley. Up Plough Lane (accent on the `up`) we crossed over to the Ockham Road at The Black Swan. After passing Ockham we took a left up Guilshill Lane. That`s the one with a bit of a climb where oncoming cars usually stop for one to get by. Then there`s this bit of a quick drop to a left turn where one can usually encounter loose shingle in the middle of the road and attempt to avoid it by picking a careful line by some pretty ghastly potholes. On this ocassion the area was flooded for about 25 yards with a large amouint of frozen slush where not only me but Mark took a purler. It was mainly bruising for both of us and he rang me to see how I was after reaching home. We then joined Rose Lane over the A3 into Ripley and a decent lunch and pint. As the others were going back over the A3 to Ripley for tea I took a route home down Newark Lane . At least we were a day early and avoided this snow!!!----------------Albert

Derek Robinson rang this evening to say how delighted he was by our special card and that he hoped to challenge Mrs Robinson's ban on bike riding before too long.

Afasic are organising a charity bike ride during national bike week and we wondered if you might be able to publicise this to your membership for us. Starting Sunday 17th June to Saturday 23rd June 2007 from Great Yarmouth in Norfolk, right across the country to Barmouth in North Wales. Access details via our website: http://www.afasic.org.uk/how1.htm Thanks. Mark Thompson

Olleh icy Hub