Easy Riders - 27th February

Roger's ride from Chessington to lunch in Lower Cobham Tilt then back to Chessington for Tea

A Group 27 February

Addlestone - Woodside - Walton-on-Thames

 Lunch at the DoE - anyone for haggis?

 Tea with a touch of culture at WoT

A Group 27th Feb

Fourteen of us set off from Addlestone heading along Green Lane, Lyne Lane and through Trumps Green to Wentworth. Here an offended local in a Chelsea tractor forcefully reminded us that this was a private estate. Fortunately he didn't stop to pursue the point.

Onwards to Sunningdale and Cheapside to reach the A330 alongside Ascot racecourse. Although close to the lunch stop a loop westwards through Winkworth Row, Maidens Green and Crouch Lane added a few more miles to arrive at the Duke of Edinburgh at Woodside just before 1pm.

The pub was full (pre-booking is essential) as it was when I did my recce. Good, well priced food and friendly service seem to be the key and its nice to visit a pub that's thriving. Now the sun was out though spring was certainly not in the air for a return through Windsor Great Park via Ascot Gate and then to Prune Hill, Thorpe and Chertsey. Walton Lane in now closed at the south end and requires a left turn across Windmill Green to access Walton Bridge. Here we used the new ramp to access the Thames path to the Riverhouse gallery for tea.

Walton Bridge

Work in progress not much difference from the last photo's but work goes on! Took these pics on way back from Addelston with Grant Pike.

n 

Just a further note to say I picked up some Sou'Westers left on table so if anyone short let me know. Also had call from Toni de I who somehow did not make it to 11's but in the end I gather did 70 miles so well done Toni. Also talked to Don who was out for first time this year after some Heart investigations. I'm sure we all wish him well and good progress!

B Group 27 February

Unfortunately John G reported sick on Monday (get well soon, John) so I logged on to www.bikehike.co.uk  and plotted a circuitous route from Addlestone to John's pre-booked lunch venue.

The air was cool but the roads were dry as about a dozen of us used the backstreets and footbridge over the M25 to Ottershaw, then a quieter route via Foxhills, Stonehill and Gracious Pond Roads to Burrowhill. Windlesham Road led to Valley End (a few brave crocuses were trying hard) then within earshot of the M3 to Chertsey Road and Longcross Road. Soon we turned into Kitsmead Lane and forked left into Wellington Avenue which led to lunch at Callow Hill - that four-letter word providing the sting in the tail to the morning's ride.

Soon after we arrived at The Rose and Olive Branch Bernard joined us and we were all soon enjoying delicious lunches.

After lunch the sun appeared. We set off northish to shortly fly down Prune Hill then followed the 'normal' route via Thorpe Lea, Penton Marina, approach to Laleham Golf Course, Ferry Lane (reasonably dry) to join the B375 to Shepperton and tea for five at Cafe Mocha D, after which we went our separate ways. About 24 miles, both on my computer and the website. Thanks to tec Irene.

Terry

B Ride 27 February 2013

Our lunch stop in Virginia Water where we had and excellent meal

 

A Group 27th February

A cloudy and chilly start today, but sunshine later.  Brian led us 34.78 miles from elevenses at Addlestone to lunch at the Duke of Edinburgh, Woodside and back to Walton for tea.

Moving average 12.7mph, maximum speed 33.4mph and 1,558 calories.

Mark

Addlestone Weds 27th

The last couple of visits to Addlestone have been notable for our rather late starts towards lunch. Could whoever leads from N Cheam plan to leave promptly at 9.30 and those coming direct ensure they are in time to leave by 11.15. Lets see whether that's possible. Thanks. Brian

Forum

For those who have not noticed we now have a forum so anyone can voice their opinions, comments or suggestions. Look on the right hand side and click the link. Please do add your input, positive or otherwise.

The Gospel Pass

Yesterday, I rode 'The Gospel Pass', which is a long-standing and classic Audax ride.  It's always held at this time of the year, and, at 150kms, is fairly long for an early season event.  If you add in the Gospel Pass itself, the highest road pass in Wales, you have the makings of a proper adventure.

The ride starts at Chepstow, so I took my lodgings at the Castle View, where they made me a good breakfast before I walked across the road to sign in at the castle itself.  There was a large field of more than 100 riders, many more than is normal in our part of the world. But everything was well organised and by 0800 we were climbing up to a hilly spit of land that has great views over the Severn and Wye, heading for the first control at Monmouth.

The weather was very cold - it probably didn't get much above freezing all day, and was well below it most of the time - but it was a dry cold, so really quite bearable if you wrapped up.  The weather had given me some puzzlement with the choice of bike, too.  My Pearson Carbon Audax is excellent for this type of ride, as you would expect, but it's light, and a little flighty, so it might be a bit of a handful if conditions turned bad.  On the other hand my Croix de Fer is robust and capable and is fitted with snow tyres.  In the end the Croix de Fer got it, and I regretted my choice all of the fifty hilly miles to Hay on Wye.  Although there was ice in the ditches, and icicles in the hedgerows in places, the road surface was clear and dry and a lighter bike would have rolled easier.

Leaving the Hay control and beginning to climb the pass itself I began to change my opinion.  The more I climbed, the more the road gathered strips of snow and bands of ice.  Nothing to really bother about, but I was beginning to be able to ride where others chose to walk.  Hmm.

Just before the summit the organiser, Nic Peregrin, appeared, warning that there was a large amount of ice on the far side and that riders should walk down.  'Don't worry about the time', he said 'just get down safely'.  It's not often that your hear Audax timekeepers telling you not to worry about the time...

Over the top and down the other side, keeping a weather eye out for the ice.  Nothing much for the first couple of miles, no worse than the ascent, but as the road left the open moorland it went into a deep cutting.  Almost immediately it was covered with ice, for a distance of a couple of hundred yards.  It seemed that the trees on the top of the bank provided enough shelter to let the ice form.

I stopped and took a look at it, and decided that, with a bit of care, I should be able to ride it with the snow tyres.  Being careful to do nothing sudden I got across it with little difficulty, to the tarmac beyond.  Round the corner, and here was another stretch of ice, and so on for the next five miles or so, until lower altitudes turned the ice first to slush, and then to water.

Having learned the trick of passing the first patch of ice, this suited me quite well, and I was able to progress steadily, not at great pace, but very much more quickly than my fellow riders who were walking across the ice in cleats.  You could almost feel them willing me to fall off ...

On to the control at Abergavenny, which should have been in a pub, the 'Farmers Arms', but had been moved at short notice to a nearby cafe, as the rugby was on the telly and the pub was packed with people watching Wales win.  The cafe owner could hardly believe her luck -  a hundred hungry cyclists, when everyone else was watching the rugby.  Well.

Twenty-odd miles to go now, with another big hill in the way, but again I was rewarded with expansive views, this time over the Severn Estuary.  From the top, a fast blast down to the final control at the 'Three Tuns', Chepstow; in time, and ready for supper.

98.54 miles, rolling average 11.2mph and 8,070 feet of ascent.  If you're looking for some early season miles and a bit of an adventure, I'd recommend 'The Gospel Pass'

Mark

Annual Lunch - 6 March

The annual Wayfarers' lunch will be held at Prezzo, Cheam Village, Wednesday after next.    If you haven't reserved your place, then your best bet would be to lodge a £2 deposit with me next Wednesday.  Failing that, you could just email Lynda Barrow or myself so we can give the restaurant an idea of numbers.

We will meet at Cobham for elevenses as usual, and A/B/Easy Rider groups will have a morning-only ride ending at Cheam at lunchtime.  We are booked at Prezzo at 12.30.   It is worth checking the Prezzo site for special offers in the week before the lunch.

And just a reminder - if you haven't already paid your annual Wayfarers subscription, then I'll be happy to take £3 off you at any time!

Simon.

A Group - 20 February

Teddington - Horton - Halliford

A Ride – 20 February

18 left Teddington and headed North but on the outskirts of Teddington the puncture fairy struck Helena with a rear wheel puncture, the wheel was not QR(quick release) and try as they might the brawn of Wayfarers males could not budge the nuts. Poor Helena had to abandon and catch the train home, through Whitton, Hounslow and just before Osterley Park we had another visit from the PF , this time Graham H was the victim and his second puncture of the day! Now with no spare tube Graham also decided to head home. On to Norwood Green and the outskirts of Hayes down Nestle Avenue ans past the London motor Museum with it's replica of Del boy's Reliant.

At this point having stopped twice for punctures and with time now against us I shortened the route by missing a loop of Botwell lane and Botwell common and headed into Stockley park and onto a short off road path, we crossed a sandy section (slowly) and my back wheel dug in and over I went, just my pride was bruised. Also at this point Marks saddle stem decided to slide down into the seat post so another delay to rectify the problem only for it to happen again 100 metres further on!

On past Hillingdon hospital, Brunel University and the edge of Uxbridge and into Iver lane to Iver and a left turn into Thorney lane North where a cut though led us to Old Slade lane and across the M4, Colnbrook and Horton for lunch at the 5 Bells at about 1.40pm.

I had cycled to the pub Friday and booked lunch for the group but when we arrived part of the pub was being decorated and an irate (not with us) landlady had to phone franticly for assistance as she was alone with no chef! She did rise to the challenge and took orders and gave us our drinks but we did have a little wait for food but which was good when it arrived.

After lunch we headed East and the pace did raise a tad with a few heading homeward, through Poyle, Stanwell Moor, Stanwell, Ashford and to Squires at Upper Haliford to tea after which the group went their separate ways, I followed Ed to Hampton where I turned for home. A very cold but Sunny day...

Easy Riders - 20th February

David Salmon's route from the Elleray Hall to Isleworth for lunch, then back to Kingston

B Ride 20 February 2013

Our lunch-stop in Leatherhead

 

B Ride - 20 February

Trials and Tribulations of a B Leader

Having been asked to lead a B ride , I had planned out a gentle ride through the lanes to Leatherhead, to be followed by a shorter but more strenuous run across to the newly discovered Silver Spoon at Tattenham Corner.

Alas it was not to be! Some 17 left Teddington and cut through Bushy Park to Hampton Court. Crossing the Mole via Summer Road and that sinking feeling of a rear wheel puncture. Offending flint removed and inner tube replaced it was swiftly on our way. One mile later and that sinking feeling again. Realizing this to be an 'I may be some time' moment I asked Terry if he would take the rest forward to Leatherhead with a view to catching up later, I stayed to tackle the problem with a spare tube kindly loaned by Bob. Search as I may I could not find the root cause of my woes. Eventually, by taking the tyre off and turning it inside out, I found a small thorn entered at an angle that couldn't be felt from the inside. Hurrah! Time to use Bob's tube and meet up with the rest. Except Bob's tube was of no use. Months of bobbing around in the bag had caused the seam to chaff and split (tip - always wrap your spare in an old flannel secured by one of those postie's red rubber bands). So I'm afraid it was straight home for me with a slow puncture and a few stops for use of the pump.

So, thanks to Terry for stepping into the breach and I hope the other 16 had a better day than I did. Still I was back in good time to watch the World Championships on the Red Button, so all was not lost.

Pete=

B Group 20 February

After leaving a dry but dullish Teddington, Pete B led us through Bushy Park (many deer safely grazing) and over Hampton Court Bridge. Soon he punctured but after a speedy repair off we pedalled. Unfortunately, not for long, he punctured again in the outskirts of  Esher. Not wishing to delay us further he decided to repair as necessary and hopefully join us at lunch.

I then led, mostly the reverse of my route to Teddington ie Esher, A244 south until we could turn right into the peace and quiet of Sandy Lane and Fairmile Lane, turning left on the A245 to Leatherhead. Lunch was at Wetherspoons where Ray Dare joined us but sadly Pete didn't.

After lunch some went  straight home but a group of us, led by Liz (thanks), went to Ashtead via Beaverbrook roundabout, B2033, Tumber Street and Ashtead Park to the newish Bike Beans cafe. By now we had developed thirsts and appetites which were well satisfied. Ray and I were last to leave, we saw the proprietor riding a modern version of the 'penny farthing' although wheel sizes were more in the ratio 2p/1p and it had pneumatic tyres and brake (elf and safety ?).

Terry  

A Group 20th February

Tony led us widdershins round Heathrow today, to the fabled Northern Shire of Buckingham.  29.5 miles from elevenses at Elleray Hall to tea at Upper Halliford; lunch at Horton.  Rolling average 11mph and 1320 calories.

Almost sunny enough to eat outside, and home without lights.

Mark

Midweek Wayfarers Forum/Message Board

I talked about doing this - specifically with Jeff T - some while ago. I came to the conclusion that the easiest thing for me to oversee was to make a Forum for the Wayfarers as an addition to the Kingston Phoenix forum (and the Phoenix members were all for it!). Jeff and others, myself included, were concerned about retaining the autonomy and seperate identity of the Wayfarers so the idea was put on hold for a while.

Seeing the 'conversation' here about the Pub Register, I came to the conclusion that it was worth resurrecting the original idea, so I have created a totally seperate Wayfarers forum alongside the Kingston Phoenix forum and changed as much of the setup as I can to reflect the identities of both groups.

Anyone who signs up for the Wayfarers forum will have access to participate in discussions on the Phoenix forum should they wish, and vice versa - to be honest the more people involved the more conversation there is likely to be - and quite a few of the Phoenix are Wayfarers anyway. It should also be easy to keep the two as seperate as they are on the road.

Signup is open to anyone at the moment (until I have problems with spammers signing up by the bucket-load) and should be relatively simple.

Anyone needing help let me know and I'll do what I can.

For usernames, I suggest christian name and first initial of surname unless you have a unique first name - I think Terry only needs his first name!, this isn't like email where you are competing with the entire planet for a name. How do you identify and differentiate yourselves out on the road?

I'll add a link to the right-hand side of the blog, in the meantime here it is: 

http://kingstonphoenix.freeforums.org/swlda-midweek-wayfarers-f4.html

Anyone who doesn't want to join can read posts, but not comment. But joining allows you to see more easily when there are new posts after you last read a thread. It also removes some of the advertising. And it's best not to click on any moving adverts on the screen.

That's all I can think of to start with.

Lisa

Lisa, Brava!

Pub Register Information

OK, Folks,

I have instituted a trial for a Pub Register, you will see that there are two new links to the right of the page - one is to a form to submit information on a pub (also the post below this one), the other is to the spreadsheet created by those submissions.

I am not entirely sure that this is going to work in the way that you would like, but it is a start, and the information submitted will be available to use in whatever format we figure works best ultimately - we can refine things as I figure out what is possible.

Try submitting stuff, I am not sure what might work in terms of allowing everyone permission to edit - as there is scope for screwing the whole thing up - but this does give anyone permission to submit an entry. However anything that goes in as rubbish is not going to be difficult for me to remove.

Let me know what you think, etc.

I run the Kingston Phoenix website and I am looking to find a host for that which should allow me to do some new and cool stuff that I can't at the moment and I hope to offer some more functionality for you guys at the same time.

If anyone knows anything about this sort of thing and can recommend a hosting company, I'm up for suggestions, there are a bewildering array of choices out there, although I think I might have identified one to try.

If you want to contact me, most of you have my email address - if you don't, then I am lisa via the kprc website (I already get enough spam and don't want to spell out my email address here!).

Have fun.

Lisa 

Pub Register submission form - Test

PUB REGISTER/Mark's comments

OK, agreed re the usefulness of post codes.  Until now I had no idea of their wider utility.  However they are not 100% on the mark - if you try SW6 1BE, my local Evans Cycles, you are presented with a map of Germany!

A separate linked blog seems a simple solution.

Time Trialing with a difference...

Pub Register

Oh dear, it's beginning to sound like an IT project ...

Here's a cheap and cheerful suggestion.  Why don't we just make another blog?  They're free and it's easy.  Have one called 'CTC Wayfarers Pubs for Lunch' or some such, and link it to our current blog.  Same contributor list for making entries and anyone can read it.  Dates are automatically generated and you can search it by pub name, village name or whatever you fancy.

Also, while I understand the attraction of OS Refs, postcodes have a lot going for them.  You can Google them, and get a map and lots of info back, and your gps or iPhone will take you to a postcode but generally not to an OS Ref.  Case for both, I think.

Try the one for the Dolphin and see what I mean.

While the technology catches up I will continue to research pubs on my bicycle.

Mark

pub register

I agree with Jeff's comment re word doc and access and I trust that Jeff knows an IT guru who can do the necessary.  Second thoughts:

• date of review/comment should be added - new management can work wonders
• post codes cover v large areas in the country and so OS refs are preferable

Wayfarers' Guide to the Good Life

  Seems a good idea. How would it work?

 Any reports posted on the blog will sink out of sight before you can say: 'Mine's a pint, please'. Perhaps we might need to create a link to a Google Doc to which MWW/ C&M and Beginners all have access and editing rights -  not just blog contributors. This would need the consent and cooperation of the blog owner. I have sketched a simple and very rough draft template of the information suggested by Geoffrey and Mark that might be included. I don't know if this is legible!

Others will know better than me if this would work or indeed if it is necessary! What do you think?

Jeff

Pubs for Lunch

Good idea, Geoffrey.  Here's a contribution from me:

The Dolphin, Betchworth

On Corner opposite Church - RH3 7DW

Old pub, extended and modernised, but retaining interesting features (and a nice fire).  Good menu, frequently changed, with emphasis on local game.  Youngs beers and a pleasant range of guest beers too.  Some tables outside for a sunny day.

Mark Gladwyn

Pubs for lunch

As many of you know I am a townie and one of the great pleasure for me is the country pub.  I propose that we compile our views of those that we visit on MWW and other recommended destinations. To start here is my suggested format and comment on Ray's excellent choice for the A group on 13/02.

Charlwood, "Half Moon", next to the church, TQ 241 411.
Pros:  very good value and interesting menu; good beers - I enjoyed Hobgblin; efficient service; quiet location.
Cons: architecturally prosaic (but not ugly) and limited outside area.
Recommended/not recommended by Geoffrey Shields

If this proposal meets with approval by members may I suggest that the ground rules are

• make you own entries listed by location ie village 
• make supporting or contradicting comments on existing entries with full identity
• respect existing entries - no editing

A Group 13th Feb

A leisurely start for eleven of us from the Leatherhead Day Centre as far as the climb from the A24 cycle path on a winding road to the Woodlogging Centre at Norbury Park.It was a bit mucky thereon to Druids Grove where Vic decided to admire the murky view.We descended on a metalled surface to West Humble and back on to the A24 cycle path to the Denbies R'bt.Here we met the 'B' group led by Terry - a quick exchange of words as we crossed their path whilst going into Pixham Lane.

On reaching the A25 it was right and left into a climb on Punchbowl Lane to Tilehurst where I temporarily lost memory of my planned route to Charlwood. Thereon once on the Brockenhurst Rd  and twice right  to Parkgate it had developed into chaingang riding to Charlwood for lunch.

There are a number of places one can eat in Charlwood including the Pine shop (this is soon to close according to my local paper-- on one occasion this was used for lunch by the Wayfarers but is really more suitable for 11's). As I had not booked a lunch because of the uncertain weather it was a question of whether we may all eat together, however we were fortunate that the Half Moon were willing to provide instant service regardless of another already booked group, Thank you Mark for the excellent pictures where he stepped in to take whilst Jeff T was missing and also for the short account of the ride.

After a very satisfying lunch we left at 1.45  to tackle the hill  out of Charlwood to Newdigate our shortest route homebound. The pace was perhaps faster than expected  after lunch but with the exchange of leaders from time to time this was helpful to me and exhilarating.However we must have been carried away because Vic had been dropped by the time we got to the foot of Punchbowl Lane.

It was a more steady ride from there to Annies at Leatherhead arriving for 3's by 2.50.Mark arrived soon after having made a nature stop.We were leaving when the 'B' team arrived and it was nice to talk to them again although briefly.

Ray
.

C Group Ride - 13 February

I led Sandy, Malcolm, Tom, Anna, Sonia, Angie, Liz and Maureen from Leatherhead, taking the left turn towards the station then bearing right towards Stoke D'Abernon. We turned right up to Fairmile Road, then another right onto the old A3, passing Blackhills to Claremont Park. We then went left down West End and arrived at our lunch destination; The Prince of Wales.

We got there just after 12pm; which was good, as this is a very popular pub with good food. We were directed to a table for us 9. Fuzz came in as we had finished eating but he caught us up at the tea stop. We left in good time as I wanted to drop into The Gallery to see Liz Bernard's painting exhibition.

We turned left from the pub and last exit on the roundabout, which took us to Esher. A left at the Green and into Molesey. I thought the exhibition must be near my favourite cafe on Bridge Road; and it was! We popped in to see Liz who was pleased to see us, and showed us some very nice paintings. After a chat, we walked past a few shops, and arrived for afternoon tea - '5 at the bridge'.

An enjoyable ride but it was very cold.

Lynda

B Group - 13 February

Leatherhead - Newdigate - Leatherhead

Eleven daffodils and a snowdrop in the shadow of St Peter's Newdigate

B Group 13 February

Unfortunately Peter Tiller was unwell this morning so was unable to lead the Bs from Leatherhead - get better soon Peter. About to start on her return journey, Irene discovered a front puncture but Pam stayed behind to help. Thanks, Pam.

About sixteen of us headed south on the cycle track into the slight wind (keeping the temperature even lower), turning into Pixham Lane where the As flashed by. Continuing east on the A25 we soon turned left into Old Reigate Road, over the footbridge (the original road bridge was washed away in the September 1960 something storm) and through the perpetual mud patch to rejoin the A25 briefly before turning right towards Brockham. A left turn took us to Betchworth then via Wonham Lane (deer safely grazing well away from the road) past the slowly refurbished Wonham Mill  to Leigh and decision time - Norwood Hill ? yea or neigh? time decided neigh, so straight over the crossroads, left into Hogspudding Lane bringing us to The Six Bells (Les Six Cloches?) at Newdigate just before 1300.

Despite last night's warning from the landlady 'You might have to wait if there's a lot of you' we didn't and there was, lunch was enjoyed by all.

It was decided tea should be at Annie's so we returned (with a slight tailwind) via Henfold and (most of us) North Holmwood, Horsham Road, Vincent Lane (a new Lidl is coming), Chalkpit Lane, Parkway (sorry, didn't have enough cake to go round), Meadowbank and cycle track to Leatherhead. The As were just about to leave Annie's but there was some cake left so nobody went hungry. David discovered he had a split rear rim but hopefully made home safely. We left Annie's with plenty of daylight to come, but just as I was approaching Dorking it started to snow gently - at time of writing it has stopped.

Terry

B Group - map for 13th of Feb

Bells at Newdigate

                                                                                                 The B's had lunch at the .........  Newdigate.

A Group 13th February

A little sunshine early on, but basically a grey day and cold with it.  Ray soon warmed us up with an interesting loop over Fetcham Downs, then on to lunch at the Half Moon, Charlwood and back for tea at Annies. 29.61 miles elevenses to tea, rolling average 11.2mph and 1,953 feet of ascent.

Snowdrops on Tilehurst lane, but Spring advances slowly.

Mark

Belated 6 Feb Cobham

Great to see Hazel & Thelma visit us for 11's. They send Brian Starey their best regards and were pleased to see all the Wayfarers again!

B Group leader needed Weds at Leatherhead

All

Peter T has unfortunately come down with the flu and so we are looking for someone to lead the Bs on Weds. I am also similarly indisposed so cant be sure how I will feel on Weds.

I'll keep checking the blog but please also email any offers. Thanks.

Brian

Exhibition now in final week

Liz Bernard who has been riding regularly with B Group for several months will be mounting an exhibition with two other local artists in February. Her portfolio includes cyclists in action so we are hoping that this subject will be well represented in the collection she includes in the show.


For details of the exhibition and venue please click on her invitation:

She will be at the gallery in person at these times:

Monday 4	SET UP DAY
Tuesday 5	11.30-2.30	Philip	2.30 -5.30	Jen/Liz
Wednesday 6	11.30-2.30	Jen	2.30 -5.30	Philip
Thursday 7	11.30-2.30	Liz	2.30 -5.30	Jen
Friday 8	11.30-2.30	Liz	2.30 -5.30	Jen
Saturday 9	11.30-2.30	Phil	2.30 -5.30	Phil
Sunday 10	11.30-2.30	Phil	2.30 -5.30	Liz
Monday 11	CLOSED ALL DAY		CLOSED ALL DAY
Tuesday 12	11.30-2.30	Liz	2.30 -5.30	Jen/Phil
Wednesday 13	11.30-2.30	Liz	2.30 -5.30	Phil
Thursday 14	11.30-2.30	Liz	2.30 -5.30	Jen
Friday 15	11.30-2.30	Liz	2.30 -5.30	Jen
Saturday 16	11.30-2.30	Jen	2.30 -5.30	Philip
Sunday 17	11.30-2.30	Philip	2.30 -5.30	Jen/Liz
Monday 18	PACK UP