Free Wheel Day

Pictures from Francoise

A cold but sunny, careful ride on snow/slush lined roads led A and B riders to 11s at Dorking. Here we had a very pleasant surprise - Mike Morley, currently in Australia, had organised delicious chocolate birthday cakes for us on his XXXth birthday, today. Whilst we were enjoying same, he rang Jeff and we all gave him a rousing chorus of 'Happy Birthday'. Many thanks, Mike. As we set off for Root Hill for the freewheel competition Les found he had a rear puncture, but he soon repaired it and caught up with us. We split into two groups to go along steaming, sometimes slushy roads to the hill, Vic led one group, Terry the other. Soon after we arrived Jeff appeared, having ridden up the hill from Brockham and declared the road hazard-free. Norman did his usual job of pushing - off (people, not leaving), and everyone seemed to have an interesting if uneventful run. After the competition we split into two groups, Vic leading some to The Red Lion at Betchworth, the remainder going to the Duke's Head at Brockham. After lunch we all met up at Betchworth where the latest CTC ruling was discussed - when 'D.A' is abolished should we Wayfarers become an independent ' Member' group or stay much as we are now, an 'Informal' group under the CTC South West London umbrella. A unanimous decision was made to stay as we are i.e. an 'Informal' group. The awards presentation then took place - Angie, enjoying a day off work, won one of Ed's unique wood carvings for Best Lady, John Mason (again) won a similar award for Best Man and Bernard won the traditional runner-up award, a new tube. We then split into two groups, some to go straight home, others to tea at Leatherhead. Terry