News 22Feb07

Hello Wayfarers and friends


On Saturday I helped out at our DA's major event, the Hilly 50. I knew that it was a demanding course, but only now having assisted first hand did I realise what a great event it is that Ed Sharp has organised for the DA over the years, encompassing a series of major climbs over 50km of Surrey lanes.. Three years ago the entry was a couple of dozen or so, but with excellent warm weather and internet coverage, 153 riders from all over set out on this daunting course and virtually all completed it. I have nothing but total admiration for all who took part for completing this awesome ride and offer warmest congratulations to our own Grant, Rob, Ray, Mike (luckily almost unscathed after a nasty fall en route) and Jen (plus husband Simon and sister Jake - whose husband Gary got round fastest in 1hr46min). Pete M was around the course with his cameras, so check out http://midweekwayfarers.blogspot.com/, where we may be seeing more on this. Ed is so modest about his major role in the Hilly 50, but that his event is established on so many riders' programmes is testimony to the esteem due to him as organiser.

Just a note to say Cycling Weekly tomorrow will be doing a four-page spread on the Hilly 50. Can you tell the others? Thanks. Jake

It may be in other papers, but p13 of today's Telegraph has a story of the man that bought a used bike in 1956 that has since completed 100,000 miles. He's now bought a new £1200 Trek - look out for it!

Belated but nontheless sincere apologies to the six or so members who failed to learn of yesterday's switch from Claygate (under refurbishment) to Kingston - my recent absence meant that no announcement was made at previous elevenses and the Sou'Wester note appeared too late. I hope they got together for an impromtu ride in the sunshine. Quite different weather today (Thursday), when we are back to dull and wet.

When I announced our 'A' group destination was to view the new Wembley stadium, the comments varied from "Wow" to "O my God", but 13 of us left the Kingston Bradbury Centre sharp at 11 o’clock, for the challenge. They were, Pete M. Pete B. Irene, Bob S. Julian, Frank and wife Francoise, Sou’Wester Editor Mike, recumbent Ed C, Mick Wakely, Grant for just a planned couple of miles and Ed S. Crossing to the north side of the Thames at Kingston Bridge we took the back road past Teddington Studios to Twickenham then the tow path to Richmond and Isleworth, and through Syon Park. We past Brentford football ground and past under the M4 to the cycle path at Gunnersbury Park, then disaster struck, recumbent Ed caught his front wheel on a ridge on the cycle path and down he went, bringing two others with him, fortunately there were no injuries, but half of Ed’s handle bar had snapped off. It was out of the question he could continue on the run and after some debate, decided to walk/ride the short distance to Kew station. We continued on the maze of side roads and quiet cycle paths across the North Circular, under the A40 at Hanger Lane and under the North Circular again to Stonebridge, along the service road past the famous Ace Café to Wembley and the stadium. A ride of 16 miles from Kingston. Pictures were taken and after a short break we rode the short distance to lunch at the pub, the Pleasure Boat, by the Grand Union Canal at Alperton, good food and very cheap, Bob preferring Wembley's JDW. After lunch it was a shorter route, keeping west of the North Circular to Kew Bridge, then Sheen, into Richmond Park and tea at the Roehampton Gate Café. From there members went their own way home. Fortunately the weather was far better than the forecast. Frank C.

Brian, You missed a fantastic ride yesterday, Frank took us on an exceptional traffic free route to Wembley Stadium. It looked fantastic but a bit off a mess all round;they are knocking the Wembley Conference centre down etc. We had good weather but the distance from Walton was a long way and the ride back a bit of a grind after Richmond Park but the Deer there were magnificent in the afternoon sunlight.

Hi Brian, I had a spill approaching Chiswick and broke the right handlebar on my P38. I managed to ride home using the pliers on my Leatherman. I'll have to get a replacement from California, so may be out of action for awhile. I got away with a small bump on my elbow. I'm sorry I didn't get to Wembley. Ed Campbell Also brought down were Pete M and Mick W, who injured his hand - could have been worse!

Hello Brian, On a much-better-than-forecast morning, Norman led a sizeable 'B' group (good to see half-termers Stephanie and David) plus a few usual A and C group members to Kingston Bridge. I then led along the towpath to Hampton Court Bridge where we turned into the Hampton Court Road. Still in sight of the river we noted daffodils and crocii in bloom and the parakeets serenading overhead (we don't have parakeets in Effingham). Soon we turned into the quieter Lower Sunbury Road which led to Walton Bridge, thence to Weybridge but using the road in lieu of the towpath, very briefly alongside Wey Navigation then up the hill , past Weybridge Station to cross Brooklands. (The northern half of the runway is now part of Mercedes test track with built in water jets. The Brooklands museum now has a Concorde and a very early Harrier outside). Through Byfleet to Murray's Lane and the Wey Navigation towpath, over Dodd's Bridge then onto the rather damp Dodd's Lane. (I did hear Christine promise to swear in French if it got any more challenging, but she didn't so presumably it didn't). At the end of the lane we stopped to re-group, clear mud from mudguards (and I think curse the leader) then rode on to The Seven Stars at Ripley. B group hadn't been there for a few years, it is now much improved. Most people had lunch there, some went home or to The Half Moon in Ripley where we all met up later. Tempus fugit so I chose the direct route along the old Wisley runway to Cobham (where some left) and tea at Seymours,Stoke d'Abernon, after which we went our separate ways. Brian - hope you're soon back in the world of the pedallers. Terry [thanks, Terry and thanks Harold and Mike who asked aout me - see you at Bockett's Farm next week]

Brian, can you do me, or at least Lynda, a favour. She was disappointed that I had not put anything in the Sou’Wester about printing Dieppe Raid shirts. I suggested you may be able to put out a general circular. Let Lynda know if you have any garments for printing with our "Sou'Westers" logo. Mike M.

'C' group report will follow, if and when.

Leatherhead or Bockett's Farm next week - enjoy!

Olleh Hub --