Robs "A" Ride 28 May 08

Elevenses at Dorking coincided with the arrival of a steady drizzle which lasted the whole day apart from the ride home after tea. Undaunted, thirteen hardy souls, Pam, Vic, Geoff, Paul, Stephen, Toni, Geoff, Dave, Bob, Mike, Will, Ed and Rob set off en route to Holmbury St Mary.
We set off through the town crossing the A24 at North Holmwood before turning into Inholms Lane where we passed B group who were heading for Oakwoodhill. We were also going in that direction, via Newdigate, Capel and Weare Street. Shortly after we headed North through Walliswood and Forest Green before the steady climb up to the Royal Oak at Holmbury, where we had a table reserved for us. We lost Vic for a short while due to some confusion about which pub we were going to but he soon found us without too much trouble.
After lunch, the lure of White Down proved irresistible to Bob, Dave and Vic. The rest of us went up Pasturewood Road and then headed for Leith Hill. Here the visibility really deteriorated. Cars &other cyclists had their lights on, which you don’t really expect at 2.30 pm at the end of May, but there we are. After that it was generally downhill through Coldharbour and back through Dorking, where Mike and Geoff took the Box Hill road, to our tea stop at Wetherspoons at Leatherhead, where the hot coffee and muffins went down a treat. I covered 51 miles in all. Rob.

Vics Ride 21 May 08

Group A Ride 21st. May 2008

This ride was covered by Surrey Cycling maps 1&2. From Shepperton, 21(!) riders set out to Chertsey Bridge Road, Free Prae Road, Station Road, Guildford Road, Holloway Hill,Longcross,Staple Hill,Chestnut Lane,Valley End,Rye Grove,Lightwater,Ambleside Road,Red Road Hill,The Maultway,Roundway Drive,Youlden Drive,Crawley Hill,Church Hill,Heathcote Road to the Claude DuVall in Camberley High Street for lunch, and to let the leader use another Wetherspoon meal voucher before the cut-off date on June 9th.
After lunch we did Kings Ride,College Ride,Kingstone Road, which leads to the continuation of College Ride, including some rough stuff, past Pennyhill Park to Bagshot. This route avoids the A30 except to cross it to Windlesham, where Pound Lane, Updown Hill and Chertsey Road and Chobham Lane lead to Trumps Green. From here along Bridge Lane, Lyne Crossing Road,Almners Road, Ruxbury Road, St. Anne’s Road,Willow Walk and Bridge Road led us back to Shepperton in time for 3o’clock tea at the bakers shop. We could have had tea at the garden centre in Nutty Lane, about ten minutes ride from where we actually had it, where there are enough chairs to go round;some other time perhaps. I have put the details in for anyone who wants to repeat the ride.

Raleigh Bike 4sale Mick Anderson

Collectable Classic.
1983 Raleigh Royal 22.1/2" Reynolds 531 Frame/Forkes over £100 spent recently on rebuild. Offers circa £80. Phone Mick Anderson on 0208 391 0908

Sheperton/Camberly Wed 21 May "A" Group

Vic led a splendid ride as usual from elevens's @ Greeno's to WEatherspoons Camberly and Cafe for tea back at Sheperton. Vic will do a write-up whic I hope to post by midweek. Meanwhile one foto at tea and another by Jeff and I en-route back home via Epsom Downs and the Lada pub where we met the land lady getting ready for the CFC/MU Euro Cup in Moscow. Everyone was in a great mood and it turned out the land lady was from Nottingham, so it had to be a red and white nite (Forest) and although the pub was mainly decked out with blue and white ballons with fans to match they also had some red and white ones.

B ride - 21 May

15 of us led by Gill left Shepperton via Chertsey Bridge, Pentonhook, Thorpe and Egham to enter Windsor Park at Bshop's Gate. We traversed the Northern part of the park leaving by Ranger's Gate on the edge of Windsor, where we lunched at the Vansittart Arms. In the afternoon, we crossed the footbridge over the Thames to Eton and rode through Green fields to the edge of Slough. We took the Jubilee River path to Datchet and Wraysbury and the Thames towpath from Staines back to Chertsey bridge to take tea at Shepperton Lock. A really lovely ride. Thank you Gill.

John Gould




I expect Gill will do a blog for yesterday's ride. Could I add a PS please?

I was nearly back to West Sutton station after a particularly enjoyable ride (thank you Gill) waiting at the traffic lights with Norman to cross the A217. I was directly in front of a Jaguar - which was neatly positioned in the green area that's supposed to be for bikes. The lights changed and We set off, the Jag drove directly into the back of my bike. I was able to jump off without even falling over but my back wheel was severely mangled. The only saving grace was that the driver was very apologetic and said "I don't know how I did it, I must have just set off too quickly".

Regards Bernard

Raasay Times 2

Around the time Grumpy was demonstrating a two steps and knee bog trot near the bothy, her front inner tube exploded at the road end (Windlesham ride encore!). But the Tamworth Four (www.lifeattheendoftheroad.com) seemed unperturbed when we met up with them later; perhaps weightier matters were on their mind like it being their last Thursday on Earth.

Otherwise the kids' arrival has limited us to island walks - Holoman, Hallaig, Dun Caan, etc. Wildlife included stags, seals, herons (nesting) and Raasay vole (dead) amongst the primroses, violets, and emerging rhodies. The plumber, sweep and coalman have left us with a fully working hostel. The guests are at the bothy tonight, so we're looking forward to a Skye cycle ride today.

R***fall since arriving: 0.00cm

G

C group - 21 May

A bit warmer, no wind and fine and sunny as we met at Shepperton for a pleasant ride to The Old Plough at Stoke d`Abernon. John C. led Lynda, Fuzz, Dave (welcome return), Bill H., Mark, Roger, Phil, Ron, Peter (welcome newcomer) and yours truly over Walton bridge, along New Zealand Avenue, past The Halfway and under the bridge to the cyclepath along the dual carriageway to Westend.
A spot of climbing started but a right turn at the junction along the main road until we arrived at the left turn down Fairmile Lane. By now I was looking forward to the pint I was soon to down. We arrived at the roundabout where the third exit brings you to the Stoke Road with a left turn and a right to our destination. Not only a very pleasant ride, but John bought me the much needed pint. Tea was to be at Claygate so I made for home to avoid the school rush.
Thanks for both the ride and the pint John -------------------------- Albert

Thanks from Pam

Thank you so much Pete for your continuing Blog reports.
Please thank Bernard - via the Blog - for such an interesting and humorous report of the Jura trip. I stayed off my bike the 3rd day due to exhaustion!! Two days in them there hills!! It was a super trip and my thanks to every body for making it such fun.

Pam :) :)

Jura 6 to 14 May org by John Scott

One of many cascades during the enduring 3hr mountain goat trech with loaded bikes before reaching the summit. (there was supposed to be a road?)

Snow remaining from heavy falls at Easter. You can see from Ian's eyes what a fantastic map reader he is. (as I said at the time I'm with the Woolwich!)

CH Border (the French one was manned but we were waved through)

Jurasic Delights. Fantastic village with famous Abbey and surrounding cliffs the ascent from which was quite challenging. Look for the clue in the pic as to where we were!

4 more pictures for now more to come later.

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Trial by Jura

First day, great climb

Breather stop

Amazing roads

Downloaded about 200 pictures, as I gather others have. Francois has suggested an autumn/winter reuinion and I think that would be great. I hope that by now Christine has got the flowers we sent, she provide a lovely tipical local Lunch and it was fantastic to see her apartment in the village she grew up in. Thanks to John S for all the organisation, if it were not for him non of us would have been there to participate in this memorable experience. Some photo's above for now and more to come, 3 to 4 at a time or my PC crashes.

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A Group May14th

Lunch & Puncture & Geoff

A cool start with a NE tailwind to Newlands Corner for 11s found a select group with various comments about not realizing the early start time (Deaf ears at Cobham when it was anounced!)9 of us Pete B, Will, Vic, Jeff, Angie, Ed, Julian & a welcome addition Geoff Pyke. A whoosh down to the silent Pool & then a series of quiet shady lanes over Farley Green, Winterfold Heath, descending Pitch Hill on to lunch in the sunny garden at The Chequers Rowhook (Beware the low ceiling). After the usual intelligent discusion putting the world to rights we headed North into a steady head wind but pleasantly warm. Pete Barnard punctured enabling a rest while he demonstrated how to fix it in 10minutes! . Tea at idilic Tanhouse Farm allongside many sheep and lambs, one of which seemed to recognise Vic as a long lost relative (or a source of food – no chance!) Geoff, Angie, & Pete left us to enjoy what must be the best cake selection around, Green tea for Ed & Vic to set them up for the steady ride home after a great day out. From Pete M 61miles

C Group May14th

A few familiar faces missing but a good turnout at Leatherhead and fine weather for a ride with Ron leading to The Plough at Leigh (guess you all know by now the locals pronounce it `Lie`). Our party consisted of Lynda, Beryl, Dawn, Pat and Bill M., Bill H., Mark, Roger, Harold, Alan, Charles, plus Mick (usually B group) , a lady rider named Vivienne one other gent whose name I cannot remember, plus Ron and myself. We crossed the bridge over the Mole and joined the cyclepath along the A24 in the Dorking direction, then crossing over to Pixham Lane which brought us out to a left turn along the cyclepath alongside the A25. We were rather split up by this time and Beryl and one other were following me as I missed the short cut and continued until reaching Brockham Road. I remembered Brockham was in the direction required and when we got there, the others were waiting so we continued en masse for our lunch at the aforementioned Leigh (Lie). The food and beer went down well and we were invited by Ron to take tea at his son`s house about a couple of miles or so away. After a welcome stop we started our return journey which became pretty offroad and required quite a spot of walking across fields chomped up by the hooves of cattle. Happily we arrived on the tarmac of the A25 and eventually Pixham Lane to return to Leatherhead the way we had come earlier. Just had a phone call from Harold to say he`ll be away in Scotland for six weeks-------------------------Albert

B Group May14th

Blackheath

Pictures from Terry

It was still coolish but fine when I (Terry) led newcomer Peter Leigh (welcome, Peter), Brian F, Les and Norman onto the Drove Road from Newlands Corner but within a mile Les had a puncture. After joining Staple Lane we descended Combe Lane to briefly join the A25 before turning off for Albury and Chilworth, opting for Blackheath and its' signpost (100% correct but useless) en route to Wonersh. We turned into Tannery Lane, noting the bridge over non-existent water of the Wey and Arun Junction Canal (1816-1871), also the bridge over the non-existent Horsham and Guildford Direct Railway Company line (1865-1966). It was quite peaceful and quiet riding along the Downs Link - occasionally getting glimpses of the canal, near Bramley a gang was busy doing restoration work. (A lot has been done near Loxwood, a little further on). Fairly soon we arrived at Cranleigh and The Little Park Hatch where we were all pleased with our lunches - Peter also had a sweet then decided he would probably have another drink and make his own way back to his daughter's car at Newlands Corner. Meanwhile we removed a layer or so and started our return journey, avoiding Ewhurst by using quiet, shady, pot-holey Gadbridge Lane, Plough Lane and Lower Breache Road, then the usual return route to Denbies after which we went our separate ways. From Terry

Raasay Report

God this is an awful place - never known Raasay as dry as this; no rain since we arrived and none forecast until next week. Grumpy's complaining it's too hot for the clothes brought but we must keep the fire alight as currently it's the only source of hot water. Tonight's treat is football in Gaelic!

Now the door's back on the bike shed we're nearly ready for Friday's quiet (zero punters) opening night. Soon we'll be off to the top of the island (see www.lifeattheendoftheroad.com) before all hell breaks out as the toffs arrives on Saturday to fill the hostel.

From Graham & Grumpy

The Jura 2008

Tuesday 6 May was arrival day. Various ways of doing the journey. John Scott pottered the 10 km from his house. Ian brought his bike in a bag on the train - 12 hours door-to-door wasn't bad. Frank and Francoise, John Gould, Rob, Mike, Toni were all there by car in time for dinner. Robin and Pam arrived somewhat later - after my bed-time. Luisa and I had had a leisurely journey starting on Saturday with a bit of sight-seeing and cycling on the way. The distance was a bit under 500 miles. The French motorways are so quiet and road-works free that they are a pleasure to drive on. One simply sets the cruise control and relaxes.

The Auberge at Longcochon, which is a hamlet 65 miles north of Geneva, was a bit basic but clean and the woman who ran it and her daughter were charming and helpful. Mike had a problem with the towels - he said they were so enormous and fluffy that they were difficult to manage especially round his private parts.

Wednesday was a lovely day, perfect cycling weather, cool air and warm sunshine. John S's aspiration to a 9.00 start was somewhat frustrated by various people taking a while to get organised. We did start eventually and John S immediately demonstrated his intimate knowledge of the local geography by setting off in the wrong direction! No harm done, and we were soon en route for Metabief for lunch. The first-choice auberge was visited on the way and was judged better than where we were staying, cheaper too. After lunch our departure was delayed by John G locking his bike without the key! Ian's mobile workshop was invaluable to enable the mudguard and 4 spokes to be removed, one after-effect only - the wheel was slightly egg-shaped. As many will know cycling in rural France is such a pleasure: good road surfaces, little traffic, considerate drivers. The countryside in the Jura is lovely, a mixture of alpine meadows, forests and lakes. One section of the ride was by Lac de Saint Point which was picture-postcard pretty. Stats for the day: 51.26 miles, 11.30 mph average speed, 35.39 mph max speed.

Thursday another perfect day. We set off more punctually to Arbois and Pupillin where we had lunch. Our auberge was at 850 metres and Arbois at 300 metres so there was a good deal of easy downhill. One particular quite long section was through a forest where we met not a single car. Arbois is where Louis Pasteur lived for most of his life and his house can be visited. Wine tasting after lunch preceded by a conducted tour of the "factory". Apparently wine from the Jura rarely gets to the UK because there's no UK agent. one of the several hills on the way home took us up to the impressive limestone Cirque du Fer a Cheval, a bowl-shaped dead-end valley with very steep sides that I think are formed at the head of a mountain glacier from cold-climate weathering processes. Dinner a bit indifferent. There was a French walking group who went in for raucous singing, one of the songs involved a rather attractive young woman standing on her chair pulling a scarf backwards and forwards between her legs. The words of the song were an enigma, even to Francoise (or maybe she was too shy to explain!) We tried to compete but our volume was a poor second. Stats for the day: 56.58 miles, 9.35 mph average speed, 34.82 mph max speed.

Friday yet another perfect day. Much discussion at breakfast about the plan for the day ending with a three-way split. The hard men (John S, John G, Mike, Rob, Toni and Ian) went off to some waterfalls. They came back with what sounded like a horror story. Only 55 miles but 500 metres of vertical ascent carrying their bikes and a lot of off-road (one reporter said 5 hours, another two and a half, but I don't necessarily believe either of them!). Frank and Francoise, Pam, Robin walked into the nearby village, had lunch and "chilled out". Luisa and I went back to Arbois by car, treated ourselves to a grande bouffe, had a conducted tour of Louis Pasteur's house and came back via another even bigger cirque - Cirque de Baume. Much discussion over dinner (which was nice, chicken in cheese sauce, pears and choc sauce) about the next day's ride.

Saturday perfect day number four. We all set off to Switzerland. John S, Mike, Rob, Toni and Ian were more ambitious and went to les Rousses for lunch. They reported 77 miles when they got back. Listening to them over dinner one got the impression they hadn't enjoyed it (some problem about Ian and the others doing UDI regarding the route and losing John temporarily) but I suppose they must like it or they wouldn't do it. Perhaps it's the way they tell it! [Maybe they would like to add some explanation to this blog]. The rest of us had a rancour-free day. We cycled round Lac de Joux which was lovely. there was a spectacular view across to the higher mountains with streaks of snow between grey spruce and bright green deciduous trees. Quite a lot of hills. On this occasion it was the other way round, start at 850 metres, up to 1125 metres having been down to 790 metres with hills in between. The hills weren't too bad, for example there was a hill that was 5 miles up and 5 miles down but the gradients were such that you could go at 5 mph without great effort on the way up and whiz down without braking on the way down. There were a lot of raptors on the holiday, today especially. I wished I'd had my bird-book and my binoculars. One of the few drawbacks with the Jura is that there aren't many cafes. It was OK in Switzerland, we had two nice sojourns in an Irish pub and another in a cafe that served us delicious cake. Dinner was OK-ish. Best thing about it was Mike's joke about three simultaneous deaths - too long for my fingers, you'll have to ask him. Stats for the day: 64.08 miles, 10.03 mph average speed, 37.08 mph max speed.

Sunday, our last day although some stayed on, weather started perfectly as usual, but see later. We all set off together (bar Robin whose hip was troubling him so he took himself off to hospital). I went a bit ahead and after waiting for what seemed ages decided they must have gone another way and so carried on. In Champagnole, the nearest small town, the other 10 split. Frank and Francoise, John G, Luisa, looked round the town and had a leisurely and nice lunch. They then cycled back to the auberge. On the way the weather disgraced itself in the form of a thunderstorm. Hailstones as big as cricket balls they said! 25 miles for the day. The others (John S, Ian, Rob and Toni) caught me up on the way. I was surprised by the cycling style of the group. After 25 miles in this desert of cafes we came to a wonderful-looking auberge, I assumed we'd stop and have a drink, but, no, we had "to crack on". We went up to the Cirque de Baume, found the restaurant full, being Sunday, then back to the village Baume-les-Messieurs where we met Mike. He had been delayed because he was praying for us. The restaurants were full here also but there was a stall selling sandwiches and beer so we didn't starve. We looked round the Abbey and set off home. The only hill I had to walk up then followed. At the top was feeling tired so I left the others and went the shortest way home. They went via John's house for tea. As we went along we saw a thunderstorm in the distance (the one that soaked the first lot) with plenty of thunder and lightning but it missed us and we stayed dry. Dinner was good, roesti with ham. By now Ian had fallen in love with Honorina, the manager's daughter, but failed to persuade her to marry him. Stats for the day: 68.15 miles, 10.03 mph average speed, 38.09 mph max speed.The others did 70 miles.

On Monday our journey back was really easy, six and a half hours driving in France on those empty motorways; one snag in England though, the A20 was closed completely.

I think everyone enjoyed it, Luisa and I certainly did.
Regards Bernard

Trouble for Harold

After Albert's departure it was noticed that my saddle needed some adjustment and a very helpfull newcomer to the group placed his hands upon the Brooks ( cut away flyer b17) present from Fuzz, and adjusted it until the pin came away in his hands. This was a problem as you will no doubt understand, comfort-wise so I started a repair, insisting the group not wait. Enter stage left, Dennis who helped in cutting the top of the saddle pin toward the seat tube and presing seat over the now upright fingers, 2 miles later repair failed.------sent Dennis away and walked back to the garage borrowed grindstone etc. With great caution rode home feeling more than just tired, 7 of the clock I discovered later was the time Dennis also reached home having laid under his bike until rescued by a good samaritan I think he should find a better place to fall of in future .

From Harold Fifield C Group not the new B group Harold

From the Jura

Nozeroy

Hello Peter and All,

Here we are amongst the hills - so far sun every day. Some having a
rest and touristy day. Lovely cycling roads in this part of the world.

Best regards
Robin & Co in the Jura

A Wet picture from Jeff

A wet picture from Jeff Tollerman to verify turning out in the rain but missing the
A Group
on 30th April

B Group May 7th

Norman Goody B Groups Puncture Victim

The B group comprising, amongst others,Norman Angie Steff Judy Les J. Les Paul a new member Harold Nev Mick led by Cliff left Cobham on what was meant to be a "gentlemanly" ride to Leigh, pronounced Lie by the cognizenti ! It was intended to be a peaceful enjoyable ride after last weeks wet wet ride.Unfortunately the leader, who is easily led got carried away by riders close around him upping the pace! This resulted in complaints, gentle ones, from some and the group getting to Leigh at an average of just under 12 mph. Angie of course thought this was slow! We lost Harold at some point when he stopped to take a call on his mobile, sorry Harold! At Leigh Nev and Mick went off to "sandwich" and we didn't see them again. Lunch at the Plough was O.K. at least I didn't hear any complaints. Just as we were leaving Norman found he had a puncture so the rest of us sat in the sun while he repaired it. Tea was taken at Denbies, except that is for Les J. who set off home, the rest of us returning to Worcester Park and various places between via Ashtead Common.
From Cliff Whitfield

C Group May 7th

The sun shone all day and it was as warm as high summer as we left Cobham for The New Inn at Send. I made it around fifteen with Lynda leading then Beryl, Fuzz,Mark, Bill H., and Bill S., then Roger, Ken, Charles, Alan, Tom, Lisa, Jonothon and me plus one more up Plough Lane with a steady ride to Ripley where we waited for some time while Lynda went back to find a few missing. It seemed that Tom had some trouble with his bike and they arrived soon after us. We had taken the Newark Road and turned off at Papercourt Lane near the Seven Stars then coming out of Tannery Lane to Send. We enjoyed our lunch in the open, after which I opted for home since tea was to be had at Claygate and I was expecting visitors. Thanks Lynda--------------------------Albert

A Group at Chobham

Lunch & tea for A Group at Chobham & Wisley
Pictures from Neil Guild

A Group May 7th

Todays Puncture Victim Jeff Tollerman

Vic, John B, Bob, Grant, Pete Mathews, Pete M, Irene(Leader), John M, Ed, Julian, Neil, Pete B, Frank C, Jeff, Terry. On a scorching hot morning left Cobham on to the old runway tailwind assisted imitating the Red Arrows flight team as far as the foot bridge over the A3, which was the nearest to taking the air we could manage. On through Ripley & Woking to a very warm & friendly welcom at The Grove Chobham for an astonishing speedy service. After lunch a complete circle back to lunch was narrowly avoided by a committee of 15! through Woking to an early afternoon tea in the leafy shade at Ockham Bites From Irene

April 23rd Train Assisted

Picture by Vic White

Train Assisted Ride Farnham April 23rd Thirteen early birds met at Farnham station on a cold wet morning. The leader harboured secret hopes that no-one else would turn up and he could go home , but duty called, and it all turned out for the best. The party voted for a coffee break at The Maltings, which is not the cheapest of venues but magically the rain stopped and the sun put in an appearance as we left down West Street to Crondall Lane and the Land of Promise beyond. Through Dippenhall, Well and Long Sutton to Bidden and the source of the River Whitewater, a favourite trout Stream hereabouts. The bye-way from here was unrideable, so we carried on by road to Upton Grey to reach Greywell. This is where the Basingstoke Canal ends for all practical purposes. We inspected the tunnel entrance, King Johns Castle and a very wide ford, our last sight of the Whitewater on this ride. A puncture earlier on necessitated a short cut to lunch at The Bell in Odiham. Here we caught up with four late risers and one who had caught the wrong train and finished up in Basingstoke, making the party eighteen strong for a bargain fish and chip lunch with good beer. After inspecting the village stocks and Plague House we set out again through Hillside and Roke Lane ,past Crondall to Redfields Garden Centre for tea. The sting came after tea when the way led through Ewshot, a noticeable climb. Despite the leader waiting at the top, some riders took the short way to Farnham down the A287 and were in the return train while the rest were still sampling the delights of Dora’s Green and Dippenhall on what had turned into a perfect Spring day for a country ride. From Vic White

A Group at Redhill

A Very Wet Start from Redhill

B Group April 30th

I was the sub for Liz who must have predicted the rotten weather about a month ago. And what a day! Even before Cheam I'd had a puncture (back wheel of course) which I'd mended in the rain. It rained really hard all the way to Redhill and we were all pretty wet by the time we got there. (By the way I've never heard anyone say they enjoyed going to Redhill, so why do we go there?). Undeterred "We few, we happy few, we band of brothers" viz Stephanie, Les, Terry, Cliff, Norman and yours truly set off northwards. Various events transpired. First the hills - several of them really quite steep, one was 25% as they say nowadays, 1 in 4 as we used to say. Then there was the wet bit. It was marked on the London Cycle map as a yellow road and the surface wasn't too bad, BUT the puddles were enormous. At one point it was a pond from side to to side.It was rather disconcerting not knowing whether there was a pot-hole or a brick below the surface. Next there was the navigation cock-up which added a couple of miles. So 19 miles after Redhill and 29,000 feet of ascent we got to lunch in Crystal Palace. The menu was pretty limited but the landlord was friendly and hospitable. We managed to lose Terry and Cliff almost immediately after lunch. So the remaining few went back towards Cheam. My day didn't improve on the way home, my chain came off and it completely buggered the derailleur so I had to walk the last 4 miles!
Regards Bernard

C Group April 30th

I cannot remember when we had such abysmal weather. It rained almost without a break and was as cold as charity. In the event we had a good turnout at Teddington plus a fresh face name of Rob. Tom and Phil were there but did not come on the wet outing. With Roger leading there was Lynda, Bill, Beryl, Charles, Ron, Rob, Fuzz, Harold, Dennis and me en route for lunch at The Running Mare at Cobham. Through Bushy Park to cross Hampton Court bridge then a right turn at the crossing lights through East Molesey. I`m afraid I lost track after this but we were still on tarmac under a rail bridge and then in Fairmile Lane. At this point we were rather split up and there was just myself and Harold who had a spot of bother with his chain bcoming jammed at the rear mech and then his brake fouling the rim on the rear wheel. We both got cracking to fix thimgs when Dennis arrived and helped. The main group had then come to find us and we continued on our wet way to the pub, where they had a couple of bars with welcoming fires and good service. Tea was to be at Claygate but as the rain was still belting down and I was feeling in need of something more stimulating, I said farewell and made for home --------- Albert