Easy Riders March 31st

Arrived at Hersham to find Roger, Fuzz, Albert and Peter, Bill, Geoff, Ron, and the Squirrels nattering. Suprised to see Ron as he had phoned me at ten to nine from Dorking. Dennis also arrived. Ron took a photo and departed on four wheels, Dennis went to supervise the arrival of a new fridge, Geoff departed for home and the remaining stalwarts set off into the drizzle. The route through Burhill Golf Course was successful, they've constructed a new bridge over the Mole, there is then a high metal locked gate, but by walking around the barn you can rejoin the road on the other side and proceed to the bridge over the A3 - gate open at far end and so into the suburbs of Cobham. Whether the route we took will be closed off to ramblers/cyclists will remain to be seen but it is an excellent cut through at the moment. We then headed north by usual route Green Lane-Fairmile Common-Sandy Lane -Stokesheath Road and track to Claygate and the Foley Arms. After lunch Fuzz, Albert and Peter went their own ways, Roger, Bill and I headed for Molesey via Orchard Lane and the track along the River Ember. A little of the Thames brought us to Hampton Court where Bill got the train and Roger and I did a circuit of Bushy Park before a quick cuppa at the Kings Field Pavilion (where the skateboard park is at Kingston Bridge end of Bushy Park - open til 3.30 most days).
From Steph

It was cold, wet and windy and we had a rather low turnout at Hersham so let us say it`s quality rather than quantity wot counts. Stephanie lead the ride with Bill H., Fuzz, Roger plus Peter and me on the tandem trike. We encountered a fair bit of mud en route but managed without mishap. We followed Steph`s email briefing so I`ve taken the liberty of pasting same here:- Had an exploratory cycle today so here is my intended route for Wed. Westwards along Burwood Road til we come to the entrance for Burhill golf course, we turn in and follow a lovely tarmaced surface all the way past Norwood Farm, bridge over the R mole and across the Esher bypass till we come to the A307 which we cross and cut through the private estate on the opposite side of the road, more lovely tarmac. We turn northwards and follow small roads up to Fairmile common which we have to cross a very short section of to get onto Sandy Lane. It was a little muddy in a few places but really not too bad at all. At the eastern end of Sandy Lane we do some more cutting through private estates so more good tarmac! - Stokesheath Road which brings us out at Fairoak Lane, here we turn left for half a mile and then have to turn left again up the track to Coverts Road in Claygate. This little offroad section is half a mile and is muddy in a few places but we can get off and walk. It is the quickest route to Claygate where we will lunch at the Foley Arms. About 6.5 miles.
After lunch we head west along Hare Lane turning right into Littleworth Lane - across the common (1/4 mile) straight over the Portsmouth road to join Ember Lane. I will be turning left at Orchard Way for a bit of very well surfaced off road to follow a little of the River Ember before heading north through Molesey to join the Thames for a little then over Hampton Court Bridge - (passing 5 on the Bridge!) to tea at far end of Bushy Park in the Kings Field Pavilion. Thence into Kingston and home. Hope you are well and ready to go..... Steph
End of quote:----------Pete and I went home after lunch none the worse for the experience, so thanks Steph-------------Albert

B Group March 31st

On a wet cold and windy day Cliff led a small party of nine including, ladies first, Gill Pat Angie and Liz plus Eddy Dave Terry and Les out of Dorking via Punchbowl Lane. A bit of dissent in the troops occured due to the climb but everybody got up OK. Cliff promised that it was the only one but was proved to be inaccurate at the short lung tester at Trumpets Hill, whether you took it direct or tried to byepass it at the adjacent T junction.This was after passing through Brockham and Betchworth on the backway to Leigh. Here were no takers when an extension was offered to Newdigate as most people were cold and wet enough.
As a change to the Plough we went into the Seven Stars, first time for a long time for most of us, and enjoyed a pleasant lunch served by an amiable publican and his staff. After lunch Pat was found to have punctured and due to a dearth of gentlemen the ladies proceeded to change the offending tube, assisted, I have to say, by Les on the pump.Fortunately Pat had purchased the correct spanner for the removal of the wheel, thus avoiding the embarrassment of a previous puncture when we had been unable to get the wheel off.
Tea was had by Dave Terry Liz Gill and Cliff at Fannies in Leatherhead whilst the others continued straight home, I clocked a modest but cold 40 miles

A Group 31 March

Between elevenses and tea we covered 29.7 miles today, some of them twice, as Jeff sought firstly to avoid the forecast rain and then to find a pub with a welcoming fire but no fire engines. He was more successful with the latter. Rolling average speed 11.2 mph at a steady 71 watts with the peak five minutes of 149 watts ascending Henfold Lane on the homeward leg. 1586 feet of ascent and 1411 calories on what really ought to be the last day of Winter.

Mark

Plan for Tomorrow's A ride from Dorking

Dear All

As there seems to be an alarming consensus among the weather pundits that it is going to be wet tomorrow, I am proposing only a modest A group ride from Dorking tomorrow. The plan is therefore to venture no further south than Lamb's Green and to keep our heads out of the clouds. I hope that this will not be thought too timorous. I hope to make up for it on the next ride from Dorking on 9 June!

Don't forget your capes.

Jeff

The Story of Heaven and Hell

Albert again posted my photo so I suppose I have to tell you another story:

You read about the suicide bombers who create so much loss of life and the victims are all Innocent people. These suicide people are called radicalised, means their minds are brain washed. How it's done is they are offered entry into heaven where it is said they are looked after by beautiful women and there are rivers of wine as compared to the hell where the life is terrible. Now it means there is Heaven and Hell. Even other religions also preach. We are told good people go to heaven, bad people go to Hell when they die.

The story is Once a very popular politician, I forgot his name, after his death he went up in front of God and as he done some good work in life. The God told him that he could choose either Heaven or Hell. He said before I make a choice I like to see both places. He was first shown heaven, which was all peaceful calm no big house of common debates, he asked about newspapers, no papers as there was no bad things happening so no newspapers. He asked to be shown the Hell, The guide took him to the Hell. The Satan open the door, what he saw really amazed him there were lot of singing, dancing strikes people milling around more gay than Piccadilly circus lot of news stands selling Times, Daily Mail and lot of other papers.

He said to the Satan back on the earth we are all told the opposite of what it is here. Satan said, you see there are majority of do-good-er there they are all preaching for Heaven when I try to tell different, they all say "Don't listen to Satan, he cannot be trusted. So nobody believes me and now you have seen with your own eyes. He said good job I have seen if I had made my choice with seeing this it would have been terrible. So he told the messenger to go back I have made my choice. As soon the door closed the the scene changed completely. He was set upon beaten up dragged. He said to Satan what is this. Satan said the previous scene was the show case only for visitors Now you have made your choice and you are the immigrant now you get what is here. In life good and honest thing are all peaceful the bad things initially seems good the end results are always bad I hope the story is ???????

Mark Roy.

B Group March 24th

Spring has certainly sprung! What a glorious sunny day it was and warm as well - by the end of the day most of us were probably envious of Les who must have known something and was sporting his blue shorts for the first time this year! The sunshine had also brought out a horde of cyclists for today's ride - there were 20 of us in B Group!! (Judy, Liz, Stephanie, Terry, Brian, Johns G & S, Roger, Robin, Cliff, Mick, Bob, Ray, Philip, Eddy, Les, Godfrey, Frank, Ian and me - Gill) Given the large number the aim was to separate into two groups with Terry acting as Assistant Leader for the second group in order to make a break for passing traffic. This worked better in the afternoon than in the morning when Robin punctured at the foot of Egham Hill and Terry ended up leading the puncture party of himself, Robin and Godfrey while the rest of us continued on our way.

The lunch spot was The Fox and Castle at Old Windsor and our route took us out through Chertsey, along Ferry Lane to Penton Hook, to Thorpe and Egham, where we climbed Middle Hill as far as Parsonage Road. Here we cut across to Bond Street in Englefield Green but soon turned down Blay's Lane to join Wick Lane and do a loop past the Valley Gardens, Savill Gardens, ending up at Bishop's Gate. A speedy descent down Crimp Hill brought us to the pub. Opening specially for us (lunchtime opening doesn't start again until April), we soon had our orders taken and retired to the garden to enjoy the sunshine - a first for this year. Bob and Mick, however, seemed to spend most of the lunch break mending puncture no. 2 (Bob's). The Budget was on the TV in the pub and the announcement of a Road Tax for Cyclists by one of our group saw a few incredulous jaws drop before the grin of the perpetrator gave away the show!!

The afternoon's ride was a straightforward return to Egham via Runnymede, Staines and then along the towpath to Laleham. It was on this stretch that Terry again became leader of a small group after John G. had to stop for a slow puncture. The rest of us continued to Shepperton where those wishing to go home duly departed. With the decision to go to the Walled Garden for tea having been made by those who remained, the back group suddenly hove into view and eight of us enjoyed tea and cakes before heading homewards - leaving Brian to deal with his flat tyre - another slow puncture! (For information - the Walled Garden will be staying open until 5.00 p.m. as of this weekend with the change of the clocks - last teas served at 4.45 p.m.) Gill Finlay

PS It was good to see David Salmon at Elevenses and we wish him all the best with his chemo treatment starting tomorrow.

Easy Riders March 24th

Good turnout at Shepperton with warmer weather. Before leaving the village, yours truly had a bit of a contretemp but happily no ill effects. John C., led our ride to The Running Mare at Cobham with Lynda, Beryl, Mark, Roger, Fuzz, Dennis, me and a couple more. The route took us over Walton bridge and down New Zealand Avenue to the cyclepath leading from Hersham to Westend. Here the potholes became pretty grim and the climbs a bit fierce. I am afraid the others had quite a few waits for me to catch up. It`s not that I`m getting old; I AM OLD. we did however get some freewheeling before reaching Stoke Road and the pub, which always does us proud. After lunch most of the others went on to Claygate for tea while I with good old Dennis headed for my place. Thanks John for keeping me clear of the offroad.A couple of pictures attached---------Albert

A Group 24th March

Mention of the W-word frightened all but the committed into joining Gill leaving just twelve for the A ride. After a shakedown in Shepperton Village, we continued to Chertsey Bridge and across the Meads. The backways of Addlestone, New Haw and Byfleet were uncovered along with some countryside just before Pyrford Church. Send and Potter's Lane brought us back down to earth and the A3 and a familiar way into the crowded centre of Guildford. As usual service at Wetherspoons was prompt and inexpensive.

The Wey Navigation towpath went well....until the wood sculptures! From there the slipping and sliding forced a hurried risk assessment with Vic on the A320 bridge. Thus we jinked north on a convenient cycle route to the Jacob's Well turnoff and from there reached the A3 again. Turning right after the Jovial Sailor, we passed greening fields, Lady Halberton's Revenge and Mucky Duck and then sped down into Cobham. Once again Sainsbury's cafe revealed the colour of our silver with goodbyes said around four.
From Graham Hill

A Group 24th March

At short notice Graham stood in for Irene, and did a pretty good impromptu lead to Wetherspoons in Guildford. 33.53 miles, rolling average 9.4 mph at a relaxing 47 watts, tho' we did peak at 119 watts pulling up Ockham Lane near the airport. Not a lot of climbing and the 1594 calories were a close run thing with my slice of cake at Cobham ...

Mark

End to End progress report

Monday 22nd March We are getting on well in our End to End. Today was day 10 and we've done just over 500miles. We are staying in Shap with a view of the snow in the Lakes! Luisa's early knee problem seems to be getting better - she was up Shap well ahead of me. It was caused by over exertion on all those Cornish and Devon hills. A couple of soakings but most weather good with favourable winds. Day off on Wednesday - day trip to London. Then Scottish hills. Love to all B & L

Tuesday Offroad Group

Ably led by Bob Starey, Will, Paul and me had an interesting ride through Richmond Park and onto Ealing via Brentwood and canal through Walpole Park among others. Lunch was at Ealing.

The return trip via Chiswick and Barns bridge, where we met Julian going the other way, went by an Obelisk marking the spot where the 1st V2 landed on London. Oddly enough Paul remarked that where his house is built in Wimbledon, the last V2 landed. Just as well he was wearing his helmet. Note the Clarencourt Bandanna (band aid) holding his ear in place. My first real trip out since my broken arm!

A Trip to the Seaside - It's On!

I've had a very positive response on this, both from those who want to come and from some who'd rather not, but who still think it's a good idea. The route is above and here are the arrangements:

At 0900 sharp on 14th April the Seaside Party will leave Cheam crossroads. There will be plenty of others there - it's an early start day anyway. We'll go via Henfold Lakes, but will only take a short break and will be gone well before 1100 - nb those who plan to join us there. The route then goes on through some pretty countryside to Shoreham, where I had a good two-course fish lunch at the Crown and Anchor when I rode the route on Monday.

The return route is via Steyning, skirting Horsham and rejoining the outward route at Rusper. We will finish at Leatherhead, before 1800 if all goes well. Wetherspoons for those who fancy it or straight home for those who don't. 92 miles Cheam to Leatherhead - those who want it will easily score their Century.

I would emphasise that this is neither a hard nor a fast ride. There are some small hills, but nothing challenging, and the pace will be the normal 'A' Group Wednesday speed of about 12 mph. Those who are daunted by the distance need not worry - the return route parallels the railway line from Horsham so anyone who wants can peel off at any time - even on the outward leg, if need be - and take a train back to Leatherhead, Cheam or wherever. So you can have a good day out and lunch at the seaside for 55 miles or so of steady riding with the train helping you out on the last bit.

A couple of logistic points. Depending on how many come, I may divide the party into sub-groups of five or so. It makes it easier to keep the pace up. And it's probably a good idea to carry a bottle and a snack. There are not too many cafes on the route so a snack 'hors sac' may be welcome at some stage.

If we're blessed with decent weather then it'll be an excellent day out - and, as ever, we'll have a good ride whatever the weather. I'm looking forward to it.

Mark

Caroline Street Dieppe Raid Sponsorship

Caroline Street, thanks all those that have sponsored her so far and sets off on her next Marathon on Sunday 27th March. I asked if she had any sponsorship forms and she replied by saying, the easiest way to sponsor is to visit her JustGiving pages. The money will go direct to the charities. You can read the method and payment options, the pages are:
http://www.justgiving.com/7x7x7Marathons2009 (Breast Cancer Campaign)
http://www.justgiving.com/7x7x7Marathons (The Rainbow Centre)
Best of luck Caroline we all hope you reach and exceed your targets!

Easy Riders March 17th

Spring seems to have finally arrived. Peter and yours truly made our trip to Kingston via the towpath from Walton to find the others waiting to start off from the Bradbury Centre. Fuzz led the ride to The Tapestry at Hayes with Roger, Lynda, Beryl, Chris, Dennis, Mark and a few more so we took our thirst with us. Almost from the word go we could not navigate the first hazard; a gate not wide enough for our tandem trike. We followed Dennis who knew the way to the point of exit, after which we kept up as far as our first port of call Mortlake. No beer to be found in the interesting cemetery there but the resting place of Sir Richard Burton (no ladies not that one). He was around in the eighteen hundreds and Peter sent me some pictures of the mausoleum in which his remains now reside. After this jolly ramble we made for the Tapestry at Barnes, a restaurant rather than a pub with furniture made from old church timbers and bottled beer rather than draught, but good IPA from Greene Kings. After a pleasant meal we two made a solo home run. Having the sun for our guide, the first place we recognised was Lower Sunbury. We took coffee at a cafe in Shepperton and on arriving home found 40 miles on the clock. Thanks Fuzz for a good run. attached photo
From Albert

Bernard & Louisa

I spoke to Bernard this morning. He and Louisa are riding along the River Wye between Monmouth and Hereford—so they are on schedule. Louisa's knees are bearing up. Bernard said the going has been pretty tough but very enjoyable.

Julian

A Group - Wednesday, 17 March 2010

Caterham-on-the-Hill - Dormansland - Redhill Aerodrome

Welcome to Ed H on his first ride - testing the mettle of the A Group

Testing the mettle of the menu at The Old House at Home

Late for check in at Redhill Aerodrome

A Group March 17th

Spring was in the air as we congregated at Caterham. The Day Centre had put up shamrock bunting to remind us it was St Patrick’s Day. To mark the occasion, I did ask for a pint of Guinness at the tea bar, but regrettably, Guinness was ‘off’.
On our ride were Pete M, Toni, Janice, Graham, John B, Mark, Paul, Jeff, Ed, Ray, Eddy (welcome for the first time for a long time), Will and Rob. Our destination was Dormansland, so it was the usual sort of switchback ride down Burntwood Lane, up Lungbuster Hill, then a flatter section along the Ridge before a boneshaking drop down Titsey Hill, where Toni’s chain jumped off, and into Limpsfield. The route then took us through Hurst Green, Merle Common, Dwelly Lane and past Haxted Mill before we pitched up at the Old House at Home, where the usual convivial welcome awaited us, together with open log fire.
Our way back took us through Lingfield, Newchapel, Cogmans Lane (potholed to the point of disintegration), up Scotts Hill, before we landed at Redhill Aerodrome for tea, where despite arriving before 3.30, anything hot was off the menu, so it was cold drinks all round. The way home through Redhill was enlivened by a minor altercation with a white van man who appeared not to understand the meaning of priority arrows.
Overall , a typical brisk Caterham ride which shifted a fair bit of Winter rust.
Rob

A Group 17th March

St Patrick's day and Spring at last - or at least for a bit. Rob O'Maskell led us 30.97 of your rolling English miles from the heights of Caterham to the aviator's paradise that is Redhill Aerodrome. Moving average speed 11.2 mph, maximum speed 33.3 mph on a very rough Titsey Hill, 1,444 feet of ascent, 1472 calories and an average of 81 watts.

Peak five minutes power output was How Lane on the way to Caterham at 217 watts. Tough little hill.

Mark

News of David Salmon

I thought people might like to know that David Salmon (B Group rider) is about to start chemotherapy treatment. I spoke to him this evening (Wed. 17th March) and he hopes to put in an appearance from time to time, whether on his bike or just to have coffee with us at elevenses. I'm sure we all wish him well.
From Gill

B Group March17

On a fine, dry, mild day I led Liz, Steph (tec, thanks), Cliff, Ian, Johns G and S, Les and Ray H west from the Douglas Brunton Centre, shortly turning south into Roffe's Lane, leading to the only real climb of the day, White Hill. Over the crest we seemed to go downhill for ever, crossing the M25 then the A25 at Bletchingly, turning left past t' untroubled post mill at Outwood. A few quiet, level, traffic-free lanes later we arrived at the Plough at Smallfield. I don't recall visiting there before though others did. Service was quick, food was good, it's a place to remember. After lunch we explored a few un-named dry tracks, eventually emerging onto Balcombe Road leading to Horley where we were able to escape much of the traffic by turning left into Horley Row. A quick look over the shoulder (just to check the teddy bears were OK) in Meath Green Lane, then Lonesome Lane led us to Reigate Garden Centre. Suitably refreshed we carried on to Betchworth where some brave souls decided they hadn't had sufficient hills so opted to return via Pebblecoombe. With a clicking right pedal I opted for Brockham, the golf course and A24 cycle track.

Terry

PS Lidl have cycling gear tomorrow (Thursday 18th)

Mike Morley Physio Update

Sorry I missed you all at Caterham, I had intended to ride to elevens's after seeing my physio for the first time since my broken arm 7wks ago. I was surprised that he gave me a full session and it left no time to get there. My arm is making good progress and I am free to ride my bike with care. The good news is that the muscles I use to ride will not harm the broken part of my arm and will be good physio. Say no more but I am told not to go mad and must not fall!!! I now have lots of exercises to get on with.

To celebrate I decided to go for a ride in Nonsuch Park and en-route I came across a couple of Old Rollers (or was it Broilers), the former had clearly seen better days and looked somewhat like I have been feeling the last few weeks.

However to brighten the day I took some photo's of the flowers spoilt only by the culprit bike I fell off!

I also spoke to Tom Fish as commented on Pete's Blog. I must also send regards to Louisa on her knees on the End to End!

Tom Fish

End to End progress report

End to End started on Saturday 13th March Progress report from Bernard & Luisa. Hi all we started at Lands End saturday morning. We are now in Somerset, yesterday was very hard. Dartmoor National Park is lovely. Now in hospital at present due to a swollen knee but Bernard is stronger than ever
From Luisa (Tuesday)

B Group March 10

Announcing in advance that the B ride last Wednesday would involve a fair amount of off road scared off about half the potential B riders at Bocketts. They either headed straight home from elevenses or joined the A ride. Thus it was an exclusive group of only nine of us, Francoise, Gill, Stephanie, Bernard, Frank, Les, Robin, Simon (first time out with Wayfarers -welcome Simon) and myself, that set out on the track across Norbury Park to the Saw Mill. We then turned South along the ridge (superb views of the Box Hill Range to the left) and down through the woods to our first tarmac at Crabtree Lane and a steep descent to the Station at West Humble. As I told the troops, from here it was downhill all the way (except for the steep uphill bits) across Ranmore Common to lunch around one big table at the Duke of Wellington at East Horsley. Les was in luck because the special pensioners menu at £4.50 included his mandatory Gammon Steak with pineapple and two fried eggs.

After lunch we dropped Bernard at Horsley Station-he said he had to get home in time to prepare a meal for 20 guests that evening. We cycled thru' Ockam, Martyrs Green and Downside and then off-road to Stoke D'Abernon. Then through exclusive gated private roads and off-road again through Oxshott Heath to Fairoak Lane and then off-Road again to Claygate. Just before Claygate, Francoise punctured. As Francoise and Frank were extremely tired due to jetlag (they had only just returned from Vietnam) and by now it was bitterly cold, they decided to walk to Claygate station and mend the tyre after they got home. The rest of us had tea at the Long Ditton Garden Centre whence we returned home by our separate ways.

John Gould

A Group - March 10

Bocketts Farm - Mayford - Cobham

A warm welcome to Simon on his first ride with the MWW

Elevenses at Bocketts Farm

Leisurely lunch at The Mayford Arms

A Group March 10th

Whilst the sun was out it was spring (though there's was little green to speak of) but the northeasterly was a sharp reminder of what we have endured for the last three months. 17 headed along the Bottom Road to Effingham and thence down to the junction. With pipelayers blocking the Forest Road we skirted past the golf course. Between the Horsleys a law lecture given by clapped out white van man went unheeded. Just before Bill 4, we turned north again and after a teethrattling ride over the farm road were soon at Burnt Common. Although invisible, the Wey guided us to the New Inn and main roads to our lunchstop, the Mayford Arms. They had reserved a room for us, unnecessary as we were more than 3/4 of the customers throughout our stay.

After a very leisurely lunch Jacob's Well and the A3 cyclepath was the chosen way back. Due to translation difficulties with Toni (my fault), we endured a noisy, bumpy and stony ride over the M25 interchange and into Cobham Sainsburys where a dozen were left for a final frenzy of feasting.
From Graham Hill

Caroline Street

Caroline Street - Dieppe Raid Organiser

Sponsorship Plea ================ I am currently participating in a Marathon Challenge - 7 marathons in 7 months. They are all off-road and consequently very tough. So far I have completed 3 of the 7 events. The next one is on 27th February in South Devon. I hope that you might be willing to spare a few coppers to support me in this challenge. I am raising money for Breast Cancer Campaign and The Rainbow Centre (a local charity on the South Coast that helps families coping with cerebral palsy). As many of you are aware, I undertake the work for Dieppe on a voluntary basis so I hope you don't take offence. Any small donation would be greatly appreciated. The following links provide more information and would allow you to donate on-line. Thank you for your support.

http://www.justgiving.com/7x7x7Marathons2009 (Breast Cancer)

http://www.justgiving.com/7x7x7Marathons (Rainbow)

Caroline has worked hard on the Dieppe raid over several years it seems a nice idea to donate to her two charities as an appreciation from the S'Westers who have taken a lot of the awards over the years.

Easy Riders March 10th

Quite a few of us at Leatherhead Day Centre today. The Squirrels brought Albert, who decided to use 4 wheels today. Bill M. had coffee then went to do his shopping in Cobham Sainsburys. Mick A. stayed for coffee. The rest of us went to Brockham for lunch. I lead, behind the day centre, passing Wetherspoons on our left to the bottom of Leatherhead High Street, took a left turn to the traffic lights. We continued down to the cycle path and passed Denbies. It was a real treat to be cycling in the sunshine, which was not the forecast. We continued over the roundabout and up Pixham Lane, crossed over and back on a cycle path to the Golf Course. As it has been dry for a number of days, it was fine taking the short cut. We came out to sunny Brockham Green and parked our bikes at The Royal Oak. It has been refurbished; and is very nice. We took a round table and Fuzz, Chris, Bill H. Sonia, Mike W. Roger and myself ordered drinks and food; while Phill M. and Ron went to the church with their packed lunches.

For afternoon tea 4 of us stopped at Ashtead Garden Centre. Sonia and I browsed and purchased some seed potatoes to plant in bags.

While we were at the day centre I bought a card for Tom Fish's 96th birthday on St. Patrick's Day. Those of us at lunch signed it and I have written 'and all The Wayfarers' on the inside. I think he deserves a card for his 96th!

Lynda.

A Group 10th March

Not a bad day, but a cold Northeast wind. Graham led us 27.9 miles from Bockett's Farm to Cobham, with lunch at Mayford. A bit of climbing - 919 ft; moving average speed 11.6 mph, 1326 calories and average power 61 watts.

Mark

A Trip To The Seaside

I'm rostered to lead a ride from Henfold Lakes on 14 April and have been giving some thought to the route. As we'll be starting at one of our Southernmost points, I wondered whether a ride to the seaside might not make a change. The advantages we have are that the day is in any case scheduled for an early start - 0900 at Cheam - and the daylight hours are getting longer, with sunset just before 2000. The disadvantage is that the ride would be about 100 miles round trip to Cheam, which may be too much for some.

I've sketched out a map (see above) of a route that might work. It's about 35 miles from Henfold to Worthing, pretty countryside and not too hilly, and the route back parallels the Horsham/Dorking/Leatherhead/Cheam railway line, so that anyone who wants to drop off when they've had enough can easily hop on a train.

The outline plan would be a brisk and early start, lunch at the seaside, paddling for those who want it and then a return to Leatherhead. We'd be too late for Annies but in good time for an early supper at Wetherspoons.

What do you think? I'd be grateful if people would let me know over the next few weeks, either by talking to me on one of the rides or by posting a comment here. If most people would rather something else then plans are easy enough to change!

Mark

Prezzo Lunch

A bit colder than of late but fine and dry and a good turnout at Cobham. It was the week when I stoked my tandem trike, so it`s not surprising that my observation of the route to Cheam and Prezzo is a bit disjointed. We followed Lynda with Beryl, Roger, Bill H.,Bill ? and several others through a fair bit of offroad including one place where it became necessary to dismount and manhandle our machine. The food and drinks were well served if rather overpriced. Still it`s an annual event so we have time to save up for next year! On our return we stuck to the tarmac and made for Esher where took coffee before heading for home. Thanks Lynda for all the arrangments. Here is snap taken by Peter-----------Albert

Prezzo lunch

Thank you, Lynda, for the organisation: and Grant for an interesting route from Cobham; and very good company at lunch—so an enjoyable day all round.



I managed to repay most of the deposits either at Cobham or Cheam, but I still have five to refund. I will aim to catch up with you during the next few Wednesdays, but don't hesitate to remind me.


Julian

A Group 3 March

Grant led us by a brisk and interesting route to the annual lunch at Prezzo in Cheam. 18.7 miles, rolling average 11.9 mph and 889 calories - not enough for what I ate. The ride was pretty flat and the average power was 53 watts.

Mark

Winter Tyres - End of Season?

It's sunny this morning, so on the heroic assumption that Winter is in fact over, here's a brief end-of-term report on the snow tyres that I fitted in December.

I chose Continental Top Contact Winter, which are at the bottom end of winter capability. They are made of a grippy rubber that has granules of silica embedded in it and they have a pretty aggressive tread pattern, but no studs or spikes. Their rating is formally 'Mud and Snow', which I felt would be a pretty good match for the Surrey lanes, and this turned out to be the case. Spikes are tricky on tarmac, and we have at least as much tarmac as snow and ice, even on a bad day.

I also chose 26" wheels, for robustness, which I certainly got, but they may have been more than was needed.

The snow tyres worked well for the purpose that they are intended. I was able to ride on snow and ice with quite surprising ease and had no slips or frights all season. They were fine on wet tarmac and gripped well on mud. The tyres are part of Continental's anti-puncture system, which basically consists of a strong tyre with a thick tube - free replacement if you get a puncture in a year. I didn't get one, and the tyres also hold their pressure much better than normal road tyres.

There are disadvantages. The special rubber is said to wear more quickly than normal rubber - I can't really comment on this as my winter mileage was pretty low. But the robustness of the tyres comes at a price - they are heavy, the extra rotating mass is noticeable when accelerating or climbing, and the 26" wheel exacerbates it. The tyres are not made in small sizes - 700c 37 is the lightest - so you just have to put up with this if you want to ride in the snow.

All in all they did a pretty good job. I got some rides, safely, when I otherwise could not have. I'll certainly use them again next season. And if anyone else is thinking of buying a pair, I'd strongly recommend it, as if enough of us get them it won't snow ...

Mark