Another "A" ride missed

Thanks Vic (if you read this) another wonderful ride, or at least it would have been if you had assembled all your keen followers B4 departure. I know that I'm very bad at being ready to go promptly at 11am but I retired 2 years ago to relax and enjoy life and its company. Sadly today a number of people were left behind especially Toni De who had expressly wanted to go on the ride and had agreed at eleven's when shaking hands with you that he was looking forward to it. I know that we are not children but so many adults got left behind today, like Frank, Richard, Bernard, Graham, Irene, and a few others who's names I don't recall. "A" groups loss was "B" groups gain but in practical terms we ended up with a large group of well over 2o riders causing some congestion on the road at times. No hard feeling as such but it is strange that so many got left behind. Can I appeal to rides leaders to look after their sheep especially in these times of foot and mouth.
To Terry I say a wonderful ride I will put some photo's on the Blog 2moro when I have downloaded from my camera. Have been too busy 2nite dealing with the young children knocking on my door for trick or treat. A whole bowl full of sweets gone and non for me!
Happy riding everyone.
P.S. I need some small contributions for the next issue of Sou'Wester if anyone can oblige, due date 28 Nov.

C Group Oct 31st

We had a very good turnout this week at Shepperton. Warm weather with sun and very light breeze. Ron led the ride with Lynda, Beryl, Roger, Fuzz, Dave, Bill, Dennis and a newcomer, John Barrett plus yours truly en route to The Albion pub (new to me) at Hampton Court. We started off from elevenses by a nearby footpath and quiet offroad until I recognised we were crossing Walton bridge. At The Swan we joined the towpath for the remainder of what was a most enjoyable ride to a pub I would recommend to your good self, gentle reader (as they used to say) It became a bit overcast but still quite warm and the intention was to take tea at Claygate so I bade the others farewell and legged it for home. A little under 20 miles, but enough for these old bones. See you at Cobham next week ------------ Albert.

From John Scott

I will be going out to France on the 15th November 2007 and will be meeting with the staff of the Chalet de Haute Joux at Cerniebaud during the weekend to make room reservations for our trip. It is imperative that I know who would like to attend no later than Wednesday 14th November 2007 as the Chalet is a very popular destination in this beautiful region of France .
Thank you. John Scott

C Group Oct 24th

Ten of us left Elleray Hall with Ron leading; Fuzz, Bill, Dave. Phil, Roger, Tom, Alan, John and myself en route for The New Inn at Ham. The weather was rather cold but dry with a light breeze but we did see the sun from time to time. Beryl and Dennis took their own route to the venue. At the end of Middle Lane we then entered Bushy Park where Alan left us during a pretty extensive tour before leaving via Hampton Wick gate. Ron has an extensive knowledge of several offroad routes so all I can report is that we eventually crossed the river at Teddington Lock with a fair bit of dismounting over the newly painted bridge. A fine sight with the sound of the water rushing over the weir. For the benefit of those not in the know (few I imagine) this is beyond where the Thames becomes tidal.
Phil left us at one point and we had quite a lot of offroad before getting to the pub. The food was good and served promptly after which tea was to be at Claygate. We went via Kingston and along the river to Hampton Court. Having had quite a ride with a fair bit ahead I bade the others farewell at Hampton Court bridge and headed for home. Thanks Ron,it was a good day but 34 miles must be about my limit! ------------------- Albert

B Group Oct 19th

(Norman Goody sent on 19 Oct 2007)

7 riders, Stephanie, John G, Les, Neil,Phil L, Terry led by Norman.
Down Burntwood round Caterham roundabout towards Woldingham right into and through Marden Park to A25 left towards Westerham. Right at first roundabout down Tandridge Lane left into Southlands Rd. Right at T-junction staggered x-road on Lingfield Common Rd and on to Lingfield for lunch at the Greyhound. After lunch to Newchapel through Horne to Smallfield cross M23 to Redhill to A23 up Rocky Lane avoiding heavy traffic up Markedge to Fanny's Farm for tea. On leaving FF I found I had got a puncture the rest went on their way. Found a flint in the tyre replaced the tube and finished a sunny day's ride enjoyed by all. Norman

B Group Oct 24th

B Ride report 24 October 2007 Eighteen of us left Elleray Hall in Teddington, and crossed through Bushey Park and the back streets of Hampton to emerge onto Lower Sunbury Road where we were joined by Mike, who had failed to find A group. Having crossed Walton Bridge, and detoured onto Desborough Island, we apparently, as the back-markers were indignantly told by locals, trespassed onto private (though unmarked as such) paths and roads, once between Weybridge and Addlestone, and again in Chertsey. After lunch at the Stag and Hounds in Virginia Water, we passed through Staines and Laleham. Just before Shepperton, we turned North to go through Littleton, and on to Charlton and Upper Halliford, whence we took a good quality one mile track to our tea stop at Sunbury. Estimated round trip distance from North Cheam was about 50 miles. John Gould

A Group Oct 24th

‘A’ team trip today to Hayes Not a long ride today although the weather was bright if not warm. The leader didn’t get it right. He thought he had got all those interested in the ride in his sights when he went off but he later discovered that a couple: Pete M and Mike M were a bit behindhand and didn’t in fact join the group. Apologies to those concerned. We set off from Teddington going through Twickenham and on the tow path to Richmond Bridge . From there we kept to the north bank and went on to Old Isleworth and the splendours of Syon Park before joining the Grand Union Canal and making our way up it to Hayes in Middlesex where we stopped for lunch at – you’ve probably guessed it – a Wetherspoons establishment. For the return trip we took off back down the canal for a bit before turning off and making our way across the M4 and into Osterley Park , then on to Richmond and back through side roads into a side gate to Richmond Park for tea down at the golf course end where we met up with Pete M. Although the trip was a bit on the short side I think that it was generally a quiet route and enjoyed by all who went on it. Stephen Cox 24th October 2007

Lunch with Albert

Thanks to Lynda for her report. Being wednesday I at least needed a bit of a ride so kept my hospital appointment by getting a few miles in and rode to Ashford Hospital instead of the free bus pickup offered. By the time I reached Laleham on my return, I stopped for a pint and some lunch at a very nice old inn and while consuming the former and waiting for the latter, a couple of cyclists whom I recognised entered and said they had seen my bike outside. They were Frank and Judy, usually with `A` group, out together and joined me at table. See you at Elleray Hall next week ------- Albert

Chaldon Church

Another try at a picture.

Much history in the church including a Fresco painted in 1170 - 1200AD

The A+B group on a photo stop enroute to Caterham and Knockholt.

Runs Sec for 2008

Stephen Cox our new Runs Sec

'A' Group

Once again I report although I did not lead the ride. 'A' group appears to live up to it's name in that the Caterham 11's venue for my part turned out to be a particularly hard ride - good if you are training for racing.
Most of my ride was on my own,the middle section was interesting before lunch and as already stated by Pete, hilly but not unexpected.
When I realised that the tea venue would add considerably more miles for me I scarpered for the first turning down to the A25 and home arriving by 5pm having covered 62 miles.
Ray D

C Group Oct 17th

Albert wasn't out today, (hospital appt.), so here is 'C' rides news by Lynda.

Claygate Day Centre is looking very nice after its refurbishment. John C. led the group today. It was perfect cycling weather. Quite a few turned out. There was Fuzz, Roger, Bill, Beryl, Lynda, Ken P, Dennis, Ron, Sonia & Liz, Pat & Bill for 11's. Harold went to 11's by car, and also came to the lunch stop. After his holiday, he will be joining us, fully recovered from his broken rib.
We left Claygate and went towards Cobham, turning left before Claremont Pk., and taking the housing estate private road. We then turned left at Cobham Football club and went through Effingham, passing The Tilt towards Bookham Common and had lunch at The Anchor in Bookham. We were told there was no chef and the fryer wasn't working so had quite a wait for sandwiches and bagettes; made up by the bar staff! Hopefully, our next visit will find a new chef and a varied menu. We came back through Leatherhead, Ashtead and had afternoon tea and cakes in the Clock Tower cafe in Epsom. A very enjoyable ride.

17 October. A+B Group enroute Caterham/Nockholt

I too would like to add my name to puncture list (soft tyre at lunch after waiting 2 hrs for food), pumped it up 4 times to get home using Bobs smashing pump. I will ask Pete M to post some photos as I tied already to nigh and I am p...d off with the blog. It shut me down and said problem with MS. The photos are much more interesting than the verbiage and can be titled as follows:

1. Our illustrious DA Sec all pumped up.



2. Jake + Dad, Toni de Italiano & Pete B waiting for food to arrive. (it was a good lunch)

The Mark Roy Trophy

The Jessop Trophy

A Group Oct 17th

14 of us left Caterham for a day of Hills, Punctures, Autumn Tints & Leafy lanes. Pete B & Ed both punctured on route to The Dennis Brunton Centre. Down White Hill towards Bletchingley Stephen punctured, Bob, Ed, Mike & Ian stopped to help and guide to Lunch. The rest carried on via Tilburstow Hill, Church Town, Godstone & Limpsfield along The Pilgrims Way to the final climb ( very steep!) up to lunch at The Crown, Knockholt. The puncture party arrived just before us. Janice quickly finished and sped off home. Will turned up out of the blue! A slight gap in ordering caused a some delay, so we split into a tea group & others. Tea was taken at The Pond Cafe Coombe Wood complete with Indian musac & a very pleasant walk round the lovely colourful gardens before the battle with traffic through Croydon and home. 54 hilly miles.
From Pete M

Draft of Jura Tour

DRAFT PROGRAMME (subject to change and detailed study of maps)

THE ULTIMATE CYCLIST TOUR OF THE JURA 2008

Tuesday, 27th May
Arrive at Cerniebaud during day.

Wednesday, 28th May
Short ride to Labargement St. Marie (visit to Bell Fonderie). Lunch at Auberge de Coude. Continue into Pontarlier for tea and return to Cerniebaud for dinner.

Thursday, 29th May
Ride to St. Germain en Montage for morning coffee, continue to Chateau Chalon for lunch and then on to Voiteur for wine tasting and return to Cerniebaud for dinner

Friday, 30th May
Ride to Vesey for coffee and then on to Baume les Messieurs for lunch and return to Cerniebaud for dinner

Saturday, 31st May
Ride to Foret de Fresse to see Le President (tallest tree in the World) stopping at Pont de Navoy for lunch and then onto Cascade de Herisson for tea, returning to Cerniebaud for dinner.

Sunday, 1st June
Ride to Arbois and Wine tasting at Pupillin and return to Cerniebaud for dinner.

Monday, 2nd June
Depart

John Scott's Offer

June 2008 French Cycling Trip

In 2003 a party of Wayfarers “enjoyed” a hard tour in the Jura mountains from the Cerniebaud Sports Centre, Le Chalet de la Haute-Joux (a modern high standard purpose built facility) near John Scott’s holiday home. You are invited to participate in the 2008 event which will run from 27th May until 2nd June. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Jura it is a department of the Franche Comte and lies on the Eastern side of France next to the Swiss border.

We will make daily sorties out from Cerniebaud to locations within the Jura. The terrain is mountainous with many lakes and forests and has little car traffic. Most days we will cover a maximum of 50 miles but due to hills it is likely to be demanding.
Attached is a draft programme for the 2008 event which John is willing to organise if there is sufficient interest. Car-sharing is the preferred means of getting there.

We do not have the 2008 prices but we expect that will be approximately 48 Euros per night depending on whether you take a shared or single room – this includes breakfast and dinner. Each room has a private shower and toilet en suite.

At the Chalet there is a secure storage room for our bikes and also a repair workshop where you can do your own running repairs or have them done for you by a member of the staff.

For those of you who do not want to take your own bike with you it is possible to hire mountain bikes at the Chalet.

There are a limited number of places available on this trip which will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Please let John know if you would be interested in participating.

John Scott
Tel. No: 020 7229 7337
Fax. No: 020 7221 1844
e-mail: aspinscott@aol.com

'A' Group

This was a rare occasion for me to be leading so as it followed the AGM at Hersham Day Centre, it was a short ride via Hersham road and Ashley road to the Regent Weatherspoon's at Walton-on-Thames. There were twelve of us including Pam, Pete B, Pete M, Vic, Stephen, John, Mike, Rob, Richard, Tony and Ed.
It was quick service having arrived early so we left by 1:30 less Pam and Pete B for 3's which was at Fetcham where my wife Beryl had kindly laid on refreshments. Pam and Pete had other commitments and in any case Fetcham was the wrong direction for them. Our route was Seven Hills road, very busy as usual , Richard had a puncture but it was not long before we left Seven Hills for the tranquility of the Convent school and thereon to Cobham and offroad on Bookham Common to Fetcham.
We dispersed at about 4.00 pm with thanks to Beryl, particularly for me as I was able to climb into the bath rather than climb back on the Bike.
Ray

Our New Gen. Sec.

Our new general secretary Terry Lowe already at work at the AGM

Peter Edwards

At the AGM Fuzz passed on the information that his tandem partner Peter Edwards had died in September he leaves behind the memory of an ever cheerful person on our encounters at elevenses over the last few years. The picture was taken at the Wayfarers lunch at Cheam last year. From Pete M

C Group Oct 10th

Another good day weatherwise; warmer and dry after yesterdays rain. After elevenses we had our A.G.M. as usual next door,at the conclusion of which I was delighted to receive The annual award of the Arthur Jessop Shield. Thanks to all oof those who gave me their vote. Idont know what I could possibly have done to deserve this prestigious award but let me say I am proud and delighted to have such friends. Not a lot of time left for a fullblown ride but Lynda led us up the dual carriageway for lunch at The Prince of Wales at West End. There was Bill H., Dennis, Bill and Pat Mathews, Mark, Dave, a new chap name of Nigel, Fuzz, Dave, John G.,Roger, Tom, Beryl, apart from Lynda and myself. They were very busy at the pub but the food when it came was good. Afterwards we made for Claygate for tea,but being unable to use the usual short cut through the housing estate, took the longer way round. Sorry to miss you next week as the medicos are after me again. Happy days!!-------------------------------------------------Albert

B Group Oct 10th

9 of us set out from Hersham towards Weybridge and there we joined the Thames towpath and went the quite short distance to the Weir, a rather nice pub near Molesley lock; where, being rather an intellectual group, we ate in the library. The 9 were Gill, John, Les, Liz, Norman, Robin, Stephanie, Terry and yours truly. There was no gammon on the menu but otherwise the food was pretty good with very pleasant service. One of the discussion points over lunch was how grateful we all were to those who had taken on the work of running the club.

We then carried on downstream, over Hampton Court Bridge where there were about a thousand school parties. (Liz was nearly in tears because none of us managed to run over a child!). Back across Kingston bridge where we had a modicum of democracy about the route. Richmond Park was the winner so that's where we went. I saw a 14-pointer stag. John then invited us to tea so there was a bit of parting of the ways, some of us took up his offer and had tea and lovely apple cake straight from the oven with vanilla topping.

Regards Bernard

A Group Oct 3rd

Cobham generally produces a high turnout, and today was no exception. Twenty riders made up the group, which became twenty-one at tea when Jen turned up. It was nice to be joined by three 'refugees' from B group, Angie, John G and David. Also present were Graham, Irene, Stephen, Brian, Richard, Ed, John S, John B, Toni, Pete M, Pete B, Mike, Grant, Vic, Frank C, Nigel and Rob.

We headed South out of Cobham via Plough Lane, past the Black Swan and the Haut Boy, then over the A3 into Ripley.After a slight hiatus at the narrow turning into Newark Lane, the route took us down Papercourt Lane, then up Send Hill, Potters Lane and into old Woking. Then it was across the A320 and into Prey Heath Road. After we decided we weren't going to infringe any Foot & Mouth regulations, our only short stretch of off road took us across Smart's Heath, and into Goose Lane. Shortly after this, David also had his front tyre goosed by a piece of glass, which necessitated a tube change. Frank stayed to assist, while the rest of us pressed on to lunch at the Cricketers at Pirbright, only a mile or two away, where the guest beers took a bit of a hammering.

After lunch, the usual front runners upped the pace, as we returned via Worplesdon, Jacobs Well and the A3 back into Ripley and to Ockham Bites for tea, where Jen's arrival coincided with that of the sun, making for a pleasantly warm ride home. I covered 56 miles. Rob

B Group Oct 3rd

Group B Wednesday 3rd Oct 07.

Fifteen: Bob, Terry, Les, Neil, Jill, Judy, Liz, Cliff, Norman, Bernard, Frank, Francessca, Roger, Phill L and Robin set off from Chobham, in cool overcast weather.
Going south on Downside Road then left past Effingham Junction station into Effingham and left into Lower Road to Bookham. Right on Dorking Road to Westhumble R on bypass, L into Pixham Lane, L then R on Coach Road to Brockham. R And L into Wheelers Lane, L at House Lane, R into Swanham Lane. Slight delay here as Cliff fell over when mixing up left and right on his new cycle, thankfully no injury. L on Clayhall Lane, R at Sandcross Lane to Prince Lane, across the A217 and L into Endleton Road Northwards into Redhill centre for lunch at Wetherspoons “The Sun” for lunch, a large place with plenty of seating.
Going west past the station, L and R onto bridle path across Cormongers Lane, L and R at Bletchlingley Lane onto footpath, past Mersham Station, north across M25, west along Bottom Gatton, under M25, R into Markedge Lane north to Fannies Farm for tea, when the sun came out, and homeward bound I finished riding through Richmond Park. Robin J.
Our thanks to Bob Starey. for leading a lovely ride who took over knowing all the route without any delays by having to refer to maps.

C Group Oct 3rd

Good turnout at Cobham. Weather overcast but dry and rather warm with no wind.. Mike W. led about twelve of us for lunch at The Saddlers Arms at Send. I counted three ladies; Lynda,Beryl and Mary with Mike on their tandem.. Then came Ron, Roger, Mark, Bill, Dave, Tom, John C. and me . At the highest point of Plough Lane we all went offroad to the right. (a first for me.). It was downhill but a pretty good surface After a spot of tarmac we arrived on the cyclepath alongside the A3,then over the footbridge near Wisley eventually arriving near Pyrford Lock where we joined the towpath by the Wey Navigation canal and crossing over to ride towards Ripley. This is a pretty rough stretch especially near the end. We took a footpath just before the village to bring us to Newark Lane. Those who had brought their own lunch stayed in Ripley. The rest of us pressed on to turn down Polesden Lane to get a pint and lunch. Tea was to be at Cobham but once more I made for home after a very good ride and thankfull to the medicos who gave my pacemaker a tweak last week!----------------------------------------Albert