March 7 2007

Hello Wayfarers and friends

Tom was at Cobham today (taken by car by Harold) and seemed in fine fettle as he endeavoured to foist his stock of cycling goodies on his unwary public. At 93 this month, he challenged the less encouraging suggestions of last autumn's messages. We were also joined by a second Harold, Mr Somers, or Harold S, who we welcome to our ranks.

General opinion has it that our Anniversary Lunch today, at Prezza in Cheam, was the best in at least ten years, with the venue, space, service and food all excellent. More about all this can be found at http://midweekwayfarers.blogspot.com/, recommended reading. We welcomed guests Shirley and Colin, Dawn and David, Babs and Sally and Angie, plus 44 members, some of whom were still not home by 7pm.

A lot of us 'A' group set off from Cobham. Not surprising really because it was the special event of the Wayfarers’ lunch in Cheam village. It’s easier to say who was not there rather than list who was, so I won’t include the usual list of participants. I thought that we might give the others a chance to get there before us by going round the houses a little bit rather than going straight there. My usual practice is to stay quite close to the leader so that: a/ I can’t be accused of holding up the group b/ If I get a puncture someone else might know about it and C I’m unlikely to get lost that way. Of course, if you’re the leader, then it’s more difficult to do either A or C. Anyway, we set off heading north, across the main road and up by Cobham post office. We travelled progressively in a straight line before hitting (fortunately not literally) the road leading over to the left and the A307. There we did turn left and headed towards the American school on the A307 from Cobham to Esher. So far so good. We wandered down into Esher and then took the left fork over the back by the church and headed off down More Lane and Lower Green Road which took us round Sandown Park Race Course, and then across the main Esher by-pass to Hampton Court road (the A309), onto Weston Green Road ending up in Thames Ditton. From there we made our way steadily down to the Thames at Hampton Court before going along the towpath into Kingston, admiring the exceptional height of the river as we went. From Kingston we went through the market area and along the back streets to the cycle path that runs along Lower Marsh Lane leading past the (rather smelly- because the wind was in the wrong direction) sewerage farm to Berrylands station, hence through the back doubles and onto to the main road into and through Worcester Park. Thus travelling, we came upon the Italian restaurant in Cheam where our lunch was to be served. A very leisurely affair it was too and the bar prices were such that you could see why the restaurant was able to offer a reasonably priced meal. When we had finished partaking of lunch, we all wended our separate ways rather than go for tea somewhere. All in all, a good day seems to have been enjoyed by all. Stephen

From Cobham I led a 20 strong B group briefly alongside the very high River Mole, turning into the much quieter Tilt Road, Bray Road and Station Road to rejoin Stoke Road. No time to stop at Seymour's, we carried on along the A245 to Leatherhead then onto the shared cycle track alongside the railway line. Over the railway line then along Barnett Wood Lane to Ashtead, and via Woodfield Lane and Grove Road to the peace and quiet of Ashtead Park. Past Epsom Hospital Norman took over since it was considered my proposed obligatory off-road stretch wasn't on. He led along an alternative route via Kiln Lane, Bourne Hall and Nonsuch Park to the Prezzo restaurant, Cheam and the splendid dinner organised by your good self. Thanks from us all. Terry.

Real spring-like weather had me in shorts and as the three groups en route for the annual lunch were assigned leaders I chose the indelicate heading of "Odds and Sods". Harold had collected Tom and his sale items so was unavailable and Dennis had something else on, which just left myself, Dave and Beryl to our own devices. We decided to have lunch at the Half Moon in Ripley and made off up Plough Lane in brilliant sunshine. The fields either side were like lakes but the large puddles we encountered were quite rideable. We entered Ripley via Rose Lane near the bakery. Dennis had seen our bikes outside and came in for a word but could not be persuaded to join us for tea at my place which we reached via Newark Lane. Plenty of flooding again either side and almost up to the road surface. I did 21 miles which is plenty for an old sod like me!-------------------------Albert
 

Caterham Douglas Brunton Day Centre is the venue next Wednesday for stalwarts, otherwise make your way to Elleray Hall Teddington. Location information for most venues can (thanks to Graham, I am reliably informed) be found on the DA website.

Olleh sated Hub.