After 20 years of riding with the Wayfarers I'm finding it a bit same-y. We start from the same places, meet at the same venues and ride to wherever we can get to by lunchtime. These are the group conditions we accept, so that if we want something different we must do our own thing some other day, which I guess most of us already do. However, I think there is still some scope for variety on Wednesday rides.
I drew distribution diagrams of the invariable factors. Where we all live is not likely to change soon. I found that all the addresses on the current membership list are within nine miles of Berrylands Station, not too far from North Cheam, where rides start. The current elevenses venues are dictated by availability and suitability for invasion by large groups of cyclists. These too are not likely to change soon. All these places are within 12 miles of a different focus east of Leatherhead at Highlands Farm (TQ 186560) As for the lunch places of the last two years, we have another centre point, near Epsom at West Park Hospital (TQ 185610) Rides can go in any direction but only to where groups can manage by lunchtime, say 12:30 to 13:00 hours. The outer perimeter of this lunch domain is at 23 miles from West Park but we don't often achieve Wisborough Green to the south or Hedsor Hill to the north. I think we do pass the 13 mile mark most weeks otherwise we might as well stay at home.
A circle of 23 miles radius gives us a territory of nearly 1700 square miles to explore, which ought to be enough. This is diminished by the proximity of London, so that we hardly ever use the northeast quadrant of our circle, but it can be done. I have been on a couple of rides on cycle tracks through public spaces up to the river, but it takes a leader with the knowledge to avoid too much map reading, and a deal of forward planning.
Most of our area is covered by free cycling maps, which can usually be found in Kingston. The 14 London maps are in the Tourist Information office in the Market Place, the 8 Surrey maps in Reception at County Hall or you can ring 0207 222 1234 for London, 08456 009 009 for Surrey. There’s also a wealth of information to be found free pamphlets from local libraries and local Council Offices. From old diaries I can see that we used to lunch at Shamley Green, Hambledon, Faygate, Baynards, Puttenham, Ockley, Fickleshole, Castle Grove, Elstead, Tilford, Farnborough, Fulmer and Horsham (at this point I closed the diary). Some of the leaders of those times have retired, and there are too few people taking their place.
I would urge more of our newer members to make the effort to lead at least one ride a year. Get a map at 1/50,000 to 1/100,000, mark out circles as described above and look for likely lunch places. Do a reconnaissance ride, time yourself, go in to the pub to see if their menu is good enough and get their phone number. Offer to lead a ride. For one day at least you can be the most popular person around, especially if you are the only one who knows where you are. Be sure to get the group back in time to have a pleasant teatime before a leisurely ride home. This is meant to be an occasion for conviviality, not a try-out for a road race (you really wouldn't like it).
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