Prezzo annual lunch—Wednesday 3 March

This coming Wednesday, 3 March, all the Group rides will leave from Cobham to Cheam Prezzo for the annual Wayfarers' lunch organised by Lynda. Many Wayfarers have already booked. If you haven't but would like to come, that's fine—just join one of the rides at Cobham or go directly to Cheam. I will repay everyone who has given me a £2 deposit. We can then each settle our individual bills with Prezzo in full, which simplifies things.

Lynda says that menus are on the Prezzo website and there may be vouchers for special offers which can be downloaded and printed out. When I looked, the only one I could find expired on 28 Feb. There is a new one for March—see Lisa's link, below—which offers a two course set menu plus drink for £10. I'm not sure this is an improvement on their usual prices—it isn't, see Lisa's comment—but it's probably as well to be armed with the voucher as not. There is a limit of one voucher per person.

Let's hope the weather improves.

Julian

Edit: click here for the lunch menu
And here is the link for vouchers in case there is a new one listed.

Lisa

Thank you Lisa. I've printed off a few menus to bring to Cobham for non-Bloggers—Julian
PS Let's keep checking the vouchers!!

A Group - 24 February, 2010

Merstham - Balcombe - Denbies

At the Half Moon Inn

Having pedalled against the tide to make a tardy appearance at N. Cheam, by the time I had removed my cape, they were off en route to Merstham, offering Simon and me a chase for our money. The climb up Hazelwood Lane was celebrated by Simon's first puncture (see Steph's photo). The freewheel to Merstham brought out the group's latent schizophrenia, with J&J taking the quicker route via Harps Oak Lane and the rest via Gatton Bottom.

Some were already gently steaming at Hunger's End as numbers gradually grew. When time was called, the group divided with the As heading due S for Balcombe and the Bs due W to Denbies. The southerly group was Graham H, Jeff, Julian, Mark and Simon, shepherded out of Merstham by Pete M in time to witness, after just a few hundred yards, Simon's second explosive breakdown of the day- this time his chain. After the exchange of a few furtive glances, a link extractor was unearthed and the chain smartly rejoined - alas outside the jockey wheel. The tutorial was then repeated, the chain now much cleaner with most of the grunge transferred to Simon's hands.

With the rain now at bay it was heads down and head for Nutfield, the pace soon moderated by Church Hill. Then across the A25 down Cooper's Hill and downhill nearly all the way via Outwood, Smallfield, Copthorne, Old Hollow and Turner's Hill Road. The cunning plan to use Standinghall Lane to Worth Abbey had been thwarted by a padlocked gate, which meant we were blessed with the welcome bonus of Turner's Hill, before doubling back to head South again down Back Lane and Paddockhurst Lane. Now just a stone's throw from Balcombe, Simon decided that it was time for another puncture.

This delay gave Mark and Graham the chance to sneak away for a quick sprint to Ardingly to challenge Cobb Lane (see Mark's map). However, P.C. Plod had other ideas and was waiting for them and blocked the road. Thus baulked, they had to skulk back to Balcombe to rejoin the rest of the party, drying out beside the fire at the Half Moon Inn. The menu was basic but adequate, the service relaxed to the point of dormancy, but our orders did eventually arrive. The bar was packed with at least three other drinkers.
At half past the hour it was time for the return. The route familiar via Handcross, Hammer Pond and Grouse Lane to Colgate. Here my left crank made a unilateral declaration of independence from the spindle. Fairly intense and repeated diplomatic efforts, some more forceful than others (including the use of some silver paper from a discarded cigarette packet) were needed to reconcile crank with spindle in order to negotiate the way via Faygate, Rusper and Newdigate to Denbies. The B group had gone, but we arrived just in time for the café closed sign. With light fading, it was time for each to plan his final, homeward leg, depending on distance and whether the handlebar furniture included lights or not.

The distance door to door just over 70 miles

Jeff

Post ride note: the pathologist's report on the crank revealed a missing bolt, absent from birth. A transplant is awaited.

Easy Riders Feb 24th

Weather a bit milder but steady drizzle at first. It became dry after elevenses at Walton DC where we had a good turnout but no leader. After some discussion re lunch venues, the others accepted my proposition to try a pub which my neighbour had highly recommended but which was too close to provide a decent ride. So, in a roundabout way, yours truly led Roger, Fuzz, Lynda, Beryl, Phil, Bill, John C., and around four more trusting riders through Walton past The Halfway towards Hersham where I missed a turn and found we were on the wrong side of Hersham bypass. Everyone crossed over without mishap and we joined Queens Road in the direction of Weybridge. After turning right to cross the railway over Sir Richards Bridge, I failed to see the road sign on my left and passed Oatlands Chase to find we were returning to Hersham! Happily most of the others spotted my error and led me to our destination. I have attached some pics and I agree with my neighbour; it is a darned good pub. Thanks for your patience-------Albert

A Group 24th February

On a day with far less rain than was forecast, Jeff led us 44.04 sporting miles from Merstham to Denbies. Moving average speed 12.1 mph, 2920 feet of ascent, maximum speed 32.9 mph on the road to Balcombe and 2281 calories.

An update to my software now produces estimates of power used - the average for this ride was 90 watts, with a peak five minutes of 190 watts. For comparison, a ride along the Thames to Staines averages less than 50 watts and Alpe d'Huez averages about 200 watts.

I'll include the watts from now on.

Mark

B Group Feb 24th

Puncture victim Simon Waller en route to Merstham
Picture from Steph

Hungers End Merstham for coffee. Not the most popular place, only 7 or 8 of us from North Cheam. One puncture on the way, expertly and extravagantly mended, extravagant inasmuch as Simon discarded the old tube with the remark “I never mend punctures”. The discarded tube was gratefully received by someone who did mend punctures.
Coffee at the little cafe in the High Street. Stephanie said she had to wash her hair and so deserted us and Tony said he couldn’t keep up with the A group so he joined us - I’m not sure whether that’s a fair swap! So the exclusive group was: Dave, Ian, Terry, Tony and me. Only then did I realise that I was supposed to be leading. (My excuse, such as it is, was that I had been out all day on Tuesday, home late and up in a rush). The BBC forecast was for heavy rain so I thought a shorter ride might be a good idea so we went to the Denbies at Dorking for lunch. I “led” sans map, in fact what happened was I cycled in front with Terry correcting my mistakes from behind. Lunch at Denbies was quite good, Ian consumed two bottles of wine and wobbled off homeward. The rest of us were taken by Terry the back way to Cobham, a lot of it being away from the traffic. Tea at Sainsbury’s and then we went our various ways.
Regards
Bernard

Mark Roy

My photo appeared in this weeks blog, Glamour birthday boy. I had number of calls best wishes, I thank you for this. I don't know why Albert posted my picture, but with every picture, a few words should be accompanied. My birthday is not out of ordinary, but I feel some achievement of my life. I give a brief profile of me:- It was my 85th birthday. When I came to this country in 1949 I worked very hard in industry eating the wrong type of food and doing no exercise; I had my first heart attack in 1964 at the age of 40. I carried on but changed my eating habits. With the Angina set in, it was difficult to walk any distance and I survived with a handful of tablets. Around 1980 I met Arthur Butcher in a library, he started talking about cycling and asked me had I done any cycling, I said only when I was in school in India. He persuaded me to come out one Wednesday and try. The first ride was elevenses in Cobham. I cycled behind him, the ride nearly killed me! I refused to go any further and came back! It took me about three hours walking most of the way. I said to my wife no more cycling. However next Wednesday Arthur appeared on my doorstep, and coaxed me again for one more try. To cut the story short he did not leave me alone for few weeks, by that time I was getting stronger eating well and my blood pressure began to come down, and I was more or less hooked.

In 1990 while out cycling at lunchtime I had pain in my chest and told the leader that I was going back. We were in Rushpur, and somehow by resting many times along the way, I made it home. As I sat down I had severe pain and called the Ambulance, went to hospital and found my 3 arteries were completely blocked one 75%. I had a quadruple by-pass. After about five weeks I started cycling . To start off a couple of miles and gradually over several months back to 30/40 miles. B.B.C. world service heard about this and they came round to make a film together with our wayfarers . About twelve members took part in making the film including Bill & Margeret Squirell, Ron Beam and others and included the surgeon from St Georges hospital in Tooting who did my operation. The film was shown world wide and the Wayfarers were stars for a day. In 2006 Borough of Kingston organised a group charity ride from Lands end to John O'Groats in aid of the Pakistan earthquake. They persuaded me to take part in it as one of Asian. I cycled from Ross on Wye to Clun and second leg from Clun to Chester. A total of 150 miles in two days and collected £3500. After the charity ride I decided to do all my cycling in aid of charity. Every mile I cycle at the end of day with the help of my family, we put 5 pence per mile in a box and that money go to charity in India who perform cataract eye operation free of charge to poor people. Last year money restored eyesight of ten people. Each operation cost about 10 pounds for medicine and after care, that is most satisfying thing to me rather than pedalling away miles for nothing.

In December 2008 I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. The doctor said that at my age they did not give Radiotherapy, but because of the cycling and right diet, they decided that I was healthy enough and gave me the treatment. I took part in an experiment where they wanted to cut the treatment time from 39 days to 19 days. so my turn came to 19 days at double dose. The surgeon said to me to carry on my usual life style. I can say that I had terrible side effect inside Bowls was badly damaged . However other than four weeks I carried on my cycling I am more or less back to normal. On Wednesday last from Weybridge I cycled to have lunch at Ripley and tea at Cobham where I treated my friends for tea.

I am really thankful to you all to carry me through all this time, especially to Arthur Butcher bless his soul in heaven who started me cycling.

Easy Riders Feb17th

A happy group at lunch

Birthday Boy Mark Roy

We could not have had better weather for our first ride in Lent. Great sunshine all the way and just like a spring day. We had a good turnout at Weybridge. With Fuzz in the lead plus Beryl, John C., Roger, Chris, Mark, Bill H., with Peter and me on our tandem trike we set off for The Seven Stars at Ripley. We took our first diversion at the foot of Heath Road, going left into Waverley Road by The British Volunteer. This was my route to prep school so it`s not surprising I remember the names, although I must add I was not an habitue of the last named establishment in those far off days. The old school has given way to housing and is now part of Weybridge Park through which we passed before joining Hanger Hill (site of an early Roman settlement). Having crossed the railway bridge near Weybridge station we followed Brooklands Road passing the site of Vickers Aviation and the famous track. We pressed on to West Byfleet then left to Pyrford. After about a quarter of a mile on the left of the road stands a place which dispenses certain natural herbal remedies and Peter took the opportunity to bring to our attention that it had been visited in past days by the late Princess Diana. Then Warren Lane and a pleasant lunch at our destination. For tea we made for Cobham day centre, under the A3 at Ripley,Ockham Road, past The Mucky Duck and with a fast downhill on Plough Lane with quite a flooding of the road after we crossed over the motorway bridge. Thanks Fuzz for a good considerate ride. I`ve attached some shots we took in the pub-----------Albert p.s. It was Mark`s birthday hence the glamour shot!!

A Group Feb 17th

After torrential rain throughout Tuesday, Wednesday dawned cloudless and bright for our ride from Weybridge. Present were Ray, Toni, Pete M, Pete B, Jeff, Ed, Graham, Mark, Frank, Vic, Bob S, Don, Julian, Bob (out with us for the first time), Paul, Dave and Rob.
This was a ride to Guildford originally planned for when the freeze was on us. In the event, surface water proved to be our only natural obstacle at the usual spot near the River Mole in Plough Lane ouside Cobham.
Our route took us down Heath Road and past Brooklands into Byfleet. Then a short stretch of off road took us under the M25 and into Wisley Lane. From there it was through Pyrford and Send, before Potters Lane led us onto the A3. As we left the A3 Frank collected our only puncture of the day, before we meandered into central Guildford and the delights of ‘Spoons, via Jacobs Well and a tortuous footbridge across the A3 by the Wooden Bridge pub.
The return trip via Ripley took us to tea at Sainsbury’s at Cobham, after which the spring like conditions inspired Mark, and, later on, me to detour home via Box Hill, which boosted my day’s mileage to 61.

Rob

Rodboro Building

In 1901 Dennis Bros. Ltd moved into a factory designed for the production of their motor vehicles on the corner of Onslow Street and Bridge Street, in Guildford. This building was later known as Rodboro Buildings, after the Rodboro Boot and Shoe Company who bought the building from Dennis in 1917. The brothers launched their first motor car in 1902, buses in 1903, followed by vans and lorries, and fire engines, the most famous of Dennis Vehicles, from 1908.
A group lunch venue on wednesday

B Group Feb 17th

What a glorious day for a ride! It felt as if spring had sprung and all twelve riders in B Group (Judy, Liz, Jane, Dave, Brian, Roger, Eddy, Cliff, Les, Bernard, Terry and me, Gill) set off in high spirits from Weybridge once Cliff had got himself and knitting wool organised! It turned out to be quite an eventful ride with one chain off (me), three punctures and one attempted suicide - no, not one of us!! Our destination was The Plough at Horsell and the route chosen took us through Addlestone to Green Lane, turning off on to Bittams Lane to pick up the path across Homewood Park to Stonehill Road. Opposite Accommodation Road junction, Brian punctured but after a quick change of inner tyre, we were off again. Turning into Gracious Pond Road, always a pleasure to cycle along even if today there were numerous puddles and running water across the road after yesterday's rain, we came into Chobham, went straight through the village to Castle Green (the pub there has changed it's name and been given a new coat of paint). Close to our destination now, we approached it via Carthouse Lane, Littlewick Road and Horsell Common Road. Here, Dave's tyre suddenly expired and was quickly sorted out while we queued to order lunch.

Refreshed, we came out into the sun again for the return route which took us down through the village of Horsell to the Basingstoke Canal. Mirror-like reflections on the still water were so perfect it would be hard to judge which was the original. Dave suffered another puncture on this stretch and we left him and Jane to deal with the offending tyre, hopefully to join us for tea in Shepperton. Leaving the canal at West Byfleet, we skirted Woodham to reach Row Town with its steep hill, back to Addlestone, up Woburn Hill, across Chertsey Meads to Chertsey Bridge and so to Shepperton taking the scenic route along Dockett Eddy Lane. Sunny and tranquil, suddenly we found cars coming towards us on this one-way stretch. There had been a helicopter hovering around above us for a while and soon we found our way blocked by every kind of emergency vehicle - fire engines, ambulances, etc. - outside Thames Court Hotel. We were told it was an attempted suicide and the action was all but over by the time we arrived so we could get through. It was, however, a sobering experience. With most of the group heading home after this, three of us partook of tea at the Shepperton Bakery. (Gill Finlay)

Ripley Jumble

Two Pics from Bill Squirrell

Models of the Tour

Made by Bill Squirrell

A Group 17th February

Spring at last? Rob led us 29.64 sunny miles from Weybridge to Cobham with lunch being taken at Guildford. Moving average 9.99 mph, a modest ascent of 764.8 ft, 1409 calories and no snow tyres.

Mark

Cycle Sub way reopens

The Subway under the A309 at Hook has been flooded since December it is now clear and dry to cycle through From Pete M

Savethectc.org.uk

In addition to the information on the SW London DA website, the new savethectc website is now up and running. Click on the link in the previous sentence, then click on each of the tabs.

The web address is:

http://www.savethectc.org.uk

A Group - Wednesday, 10 February

The Saddler's Arms - Send

Who would believe there was a blizzard blowing earlier?

'A' Group 10th Feb

Seventeen of us left Claygate in what looked might stay a dry but cold day.We got away by 11.15 taking a route across the A3 on the bridle path to the B280 and thereon to Oxshott via Crown land crossing the A244 to Stoke D'Abernon.From here via Tilt road we skirted the cemetary to cross the River Mole on a track which by this time snow was falling fast.Continuing on to Downside and across to Hatchford,Ockham and Hungry hill there was no let up with the snow.In Hungry Hill we appeared to have lost three riders which I believe were John Scott ,Nigel Cornwall and Don Clarke. When we arrived at the Saddlers Arms at Send Marsh we were down to thirteen which included Julian Calder, Graham Holder,Mark Gladwyn,Pete Mitchell,Jeff Tollerman,John Bassett,Will Almand,Edd Sharp Graham Hill, Peter Barnard, Rob Maskell,Toni D'Italia and myself. John Scott arrived about half hour later having had a puncture and was I understand helped by Don and Nigel, although I believe arrived separately from John.Bob Starey had started with us but at some stage did his own ride since we did not see him at lunch.
It was fortuitous that we arrived early at 12.15 so that we did not clash with a Wake which was due at 1.30. I knew that the host was a bit concerned but at the same time gave us a good welcome and service.
We were away at 1.30 less John Scott, I hope he did not have further trouble.
Our route back was similar to the outward ride as far as Downside then to Cobham and the A246 to Annie's at Leatherhead.
Some had gone home and those of us left enjoyed a natter and left about 3.15 just as the 'B' group arrived.

Ray Dare

Easy Riders Feb 10th

Pretty cold and with a northerly wind but sunshine now and then. We had a fairly good turnout at Claygate. Ron and Bill H., were there plus Dennis but the ride, led by Roger consisted of Fuzz, Me, Stephanie, Lynda and Sonia with our lunch destination being The Running Mare at Cobham. No pictures this time as my camera batteries were flat. There were plenty of potholes in Claygate and I took a tumble as tail end charlie which was unobserved. This left me to pick a route so I opted for Esher and Cobham via the old Portsmouth Road. Rather a long haul and with a snow blizzard developing made any attempt at a fast downhill now and then, somewhat of a hazard. The snow was pretty local and by the time I reached Cobham it had stopped. Having sunk a pint and telling my tale of woe, I made my farewells and took the last five miles home------------Albert

B group February 10

Unconcerned at the prospect of five off-road stretches before lunch, Angie, Gill, Irene, Liz, Steph (tec, thanks), Allan, Bernard, Cliff, Dave J, Eddie, John G and Les (+ one, sorry) followed me south from Claygate down New Road (the first off-road) to the B280, where we waited briefly for the A group to proceed. Then through Oxshott, via River Lane to Fetcham and Leatherhead Leisure Centre, shortly joining the cycletrack but turning off it to press forward over Pressforward Bridge to the A24. We crossed the dual carriageway and rode through Mickleham to Burford Bridge, noting Broadwood's Folly (with resident tree) on the skyline. After arriving at the lunch stop (The Royal Oak, Brockham) via Pixham Lane and Betchworth golf course we had an enjoyable break. We continued further south to Dawesgreen then Bunce Common, where, after turning right we had the sun behind us and a northerly headwind ( a very noticeable reversal from this morning), all the way back to Annie's where the A group were on the point of leaving. Despite the cold, wind and occasional snow (but there was frequent sunshine), this was probably the best Wednesday this year.

Terry

PS Nice to see Nev Dable at Claygate - he's had a stent fitted after his problems last year.

A Group 10 February

Ray found some sunshine for us today, between the snow showers. 23.74 miles Claygate to Leatherhead, moving average 10.98 mph, 999.6 ft of ascent and 1129 calories. Maximum speed 22.1 mph going down Ockham Lane on the return leg.

Mark

Harold Fifield

Harold called me yesterday to ask advice on turbo-trainers. I recommended the one I use TACX T1435 sirius. If any one has any other opinions or wishes to sell one contact haroldfifield@yahoo.co.uk
Harold sends his best regards to all and says he is feeling fairly well. The snow has recently cramped his style however and they were literally snowed in for a week unable to get out of their house. Send me some pictures Harold and I will post them.

Savethectc

Future of the CTC

DANGER

Dear All

How aware are you of the proposal of the CTC head office to change the constitution of the CTC from a Membership organisation and convert it into a full blown charitable trust?

Have the reports and proposals been circulated to Member Groups to consider and discuss? The network is there across the whole country, but has not yet been used.

Have you seen and read the Report on the proposal by John Meudell, CTC Councillor, on the SW London website? Look up the 'savethectc' link on the Hilly 50 webpage. Click on 'Hilly 50 Blog', then click on the 'savethectc' link in grey on the right.

Have you looked at the debate on the CTC Forum? It is red hot! There is also a link to the full Forum debate on the savethectc page

Do you understand what this means for you as a member?

How aware are you of the vituperative debate that has been raging about what this would mean for members?

Do you care?

If you do, it is time for you to:

• find out what is happening
• decide for yourself what you believe is the purpose of the CTC - who it is for.
  
• make sure you get a proxy vote and have it cast in accord with your belief in what you think the future of the CTC should be
• know that the result will be decided by your proxy vote, or failure to use it
• the proposal will require, I believe, 75% of the votes of those present , including proxy votes
  
• a failure to vote is as good as a vote in favour of the change, which cannot be reversed.
  

This fundamental change to the role, independence and future of the CTC as a member organisation will be voted on at the AGM, to be held on 15 May 2010. You know how many people attend AGMs. Did you attend the SWLondon AGM? A very small number of activists can decide the future of 62,000 members. We can anticipate a blitz of propaganda from the head office and some council members to promote their proposal. The Feb/March issue of Cycling carries for and against arguments from opposite sides of the debate (see pp 36-37).

Please consider for yourself the weight of the arguments for and against this momentous proposal , make up your own mind, and make sure that you vote. The future of the CTC as a membership organisation that represents YOUR interests depends on your vote.

Don't be a sheep - be a lion!

You have 100 days!

Here endeth the first lesson.

Jeff

From Gerry in Thailand

Hi Pete, I know it’s been sometime since last I wrote and many things have happened. Still receive the CTC news sheets which I enjoy, the old computer keep me in touch with most that’s happening. And is a great asset up in the village where I am spending a lot of my time now that the house is in principle finished, given that a house in Thailand is never really finished, there’s no building regs or planning permission. So one average size house soon becomes a large house if you see what I mean plus extensions front and back, carport for the pickup, and so on. To say it’s a rural existence is an understatement, the peace and quiet is to die for, and there is only Patric and Bosky my Italian friends in the village who speak English and Bosky only just. Pan my Thai partner has good English, so I tend to relay on her not a good idea really because it makes you lazy for learning the native language, and Thai is not an easy one to learn. Now that things have settled down a bit I have started riding again. after a lifetime of riding almost every day to work, a different venue every two or three weeks, and the club riding, I cycled with the west surrey for along time before joining the SWLDA I am discovering the true beauty and pleasure all over again. I think once a cyclist always a cyclist. I have purchased a mountain bike a Fuji .made in Taiwan I think. but its shamano all through with a 8 piece sprocket set and disk brakes front and rear and purrs along.Bosky the Italian man is a keen rider of course, and we have taken to going out for a spin most days, not to far at present around 50_ 60 clicks, most times. Now here ie the really good news, its dry season out here at present and it hasten rained in 12 weeks, perhaps twice, and the sun shines every every day.temp in the 90 degree range light winds sometimes, So we set out at 8 oc in the morning for a couple of hours, the roads in Thailand are excellent.and we ride through the paddy fields from village to village, we are in the Rice producing area on the north east, close to Cambodia, in SA kaew province,our nearest main village is Ta phraya.its like we are in a basin between two mountain ranges,but huge distances, and the traffic is light almost non existant compared with the UK,I am not sure how well Thailand would lend itself to cycle touring, partly because the sun comes up at 7am and goes down at 6pm, constantly, and in the day it gets very hot, and in the winter time cools down at night, no need for to many covers at bed time, and we always sleep with the fan on.No air Con as yet.This is a very poor village as most rural Thai villages are,we do not have a Hotel, Pub or Bars or restaurants, just a few little shops that sell most small things, the nearest ATM is 12 miles away, and the nearest Tescos, just opened in December is 45 click's away, But food is plentiful and fresh with a god selection, in the morning and evening markets, on the main highway through the village. We have most of the creature comforts, satellite TV microwave ovens etc, and I usually cook something for dinner, and Pan looks after the house and takes the kids to school etc, there is hardly Any traffic in the village just the odd pickup and mostly mopeds, so the children play out in the streets, just like we used to when we were kids. Do you remember;;;.And of course life is very inexpensive in the village, you pay the same as the Thais, our combined water and electric bill for the month was 12 pounds english,Oh by the way they do excellent beer in Thailand,for around 80 pence a litre, Thai whisky at 3 pounds bottle, perfectly drinkable.long on the rocks with soda.talking of which its time for the old Sundowner about Now. Cheers to you all at the CTC from Dingo, Gerry Hulbert. 4th Feb 2010. P S if any riders are interested in a possible retirement package in Thailand . I might be able to help them out with information, having been coming here for 17 years, and having a home in the village for the past 4 years.
From Gerry Hulbert

Easy Riders Feb 3rd

Peter took these with his mobile at the Saddlers Arms yesterday--Albert

We had a good turnout at Cobham with nine of us on the actual ride. Led by John C., there was Lynda, Beryl, Fuzz, Mike, Roger, Bill H., with myself and son Peter on the tandem trike. Our lunch destination was The Saddlers Arms at Send Marsh. Up Plough Lane to Martyrs Green,then down Ockham Lane passing Wisley Airfield where my friendly ghosts reside. I realise that on the way we took in Hungry Hill and a few other steep bits but from my vantage point much of this is from memory having gone down this way before!. A good ride however and after a pleasant lunch Peter and I made for home via Warren Lane and Pyrford. The rest were to have tea at Claygate. Thanks John---------------Albert

A Group Report 3rd Feb

Leaving the British Legion at Cobham fairly sharp just after 11, I was surprised at the number for the A group, but the forecast of rain was better than the rubbish we have had for the last couple of weeks.
16 hardy soles were, Jake, Julian, Ray, Pete’s B & M. John’s B & S. Bob, Don, Will, Vic, Dave V. Toni, Graham & Ed.
Starting at a leisurely pace so that none were left behind the pace increased along Plough Lane over the M25, past the Mucky Duck and over the A3 west of Ripley to Sendmarsh and Send. We followed the A247 to Old Woking but turned off for Westfield & Mayford, we avoided some of the A320 to Guildford our chosen lunch destination by doing a loop via Worplesdon Station and finally to Wetherspoons in the centre of Guildford. Pete Barnard broke a spoke on route but met us at lunch.
The 15 miles to lunch took us just a fraction over the hour so there was time for a relaxing meal ready for the briskish return ride.
We took the A246 out of Guildford which becomes the A25 then returns back to the A246 as far as Effingham then left along the parallel Lower Road, to Annie’s in Leatherhead for tea.
Riding to tea the weather turned a little damp so a few decided not to stop, but there were still 9 of us at tea until the remnants of Liz’s B group joined us. It was a pleasure to lead a group of 16 confident riders at a brisk pace. The distance from Cobham to tea was just 28 miles. Mine for the day was 65.
Frank C

B Group Feb 3rd

3.2.10 B Ride report
14 riders left Cobham via Ockham on route to East Clandon. After a small detour via
Ripley we arrived at The Queens Head, East Clandon for a delightful lunch.
The steady climb up to Netley Heath combined with the deteriorating weather conditions unfortunately proved a little too daunting for some of the group. Six of us continued through Ranmore Common and West Humble before arriving at Annie's for a very welcome cuppa (and chocolate cake).
From Liz

Cricket Whites

DA Barn Dance 2010

The DA Barn Dance and Prize Presentation