Dave writes:
The Weather always warrants a mention, it being less cold than of late, making it more conducive for us Wayfarers. It always seems to be a bonus when we are able to cycle in dry weather and we were even blessed with some Sunshine after lunch.
Twenty cyclists gathered for our jaunt out from Walton day centre to our Lunch venue at the King William 1V Pub in West Horsley
The route took us initially alongside the Thames at Walton then through Weybridge, and Addlestone. We traversed the M25 without a problem! Onwards through Row Town, passed over the Basingstoke Canal and headed towards West Byfleet.
More water passed underneath us in the form of the River Wey. Always a bonus when Water is below, rather than above, falling on us.
None of our group were tempted to swim in Papercourt Lake?
Today's route included some trails, which got us away from the sometimes relentless traffic that is always around, ready to crowd for some reason?
Condolences to the Wayfarers who were unable to join us, for one reason or another.
Thank you to the two sub-leaders today, and all who took part, making it a pleasant day out.
Fixie-Dave
Clive writes:
My group set off from Walton Day Centre with the usual promptness, just the standard 5 or so minutes behind schedule. There is no reason for it, just that it takes time to put on woolly hat, helmet, glove liners, gloves then remove gloves again because you can’t operate the computer with them on, then load the route and put gloves back on. It might be better in the summer.
We the Vanguards (Sue, Paula, Gill, Mags, Brenda and Tim G) made our way out of Walton and on to the river path where we briefly mingled with many dog walkers before exiting the path and taking to the road instead (Walton Lane) towards Weybridge, going down Weybridge high street and out the other side.
We saw a little bit more of Bourne Business Park than was intended by Dave, when he was concocting the route, due to the navigator leading the Vanguards on a short detour. Anyway, having found the way out of the business park maze, the Vanguards were rendered in two by the level crossing in Addlestone. But this gave Mags a few minutes to tell a few of the Vanguards about her camper van trip around Europe with her husband – it sounded like a great trip.
Eventually the level crossing barriers lifted, and the Vanguards were one group again, heading towards West Byfleet and out in to a more rural scene at Pyrford. It’s quite possible that this photo was taken around there somewhere.
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| Paula, Gill, Brenda, Sue, Mags and Tim |
The route then compelled us to cycle past the atmospheric Newark Abbey, the peaceful Papercourt Lake, and the pretty countryside of Ockham before arriving at the King William IV pub in West Horsley.
The pub had one or two IT issues when the Vanguards were ordering their lunches, but the staff happily maintained a cheerful outlook throughout. I think these may have been ironed out by the time The Main Core and The Rear Guard arrived.
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| The Vanguards (Sue behind camera) ready to depart |
Suitably refreshed and refuelled the Vanguards set of as one again, gradually losing one Vanguard at a time as they cast off towards their home ports.
Thankyou Dave for today’s varied route. It was certainly enjoyed by all the Vanguards. Thanks Tim for back marking and to everyone else for the company.
~ Clive
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| Stephen with 'The Main Core' team |
Stephen writes:
Stephen’s group - ’the Main Core’, consisting of 5 riders - left Walton after Clive’s. Hardly had we reached Weybridge, however, than Tim’s front tire lost pressure and we came to a premature halt. It gave those of us not familiar with it the chance of a quick lesson in tubeless technology and we were soon able to continue. We did wonder whether Addlestone might prove Tim’s terminus, but in fact the tyre held up and we were all able to complete the ride in good form. Highlights included the lock on the Basingstoke Canal (pictured) and the path around Papercourt Lake. Lunch at ’The Billy’ was excellent, the sun appeared for the first time in a week, and we dispersed to get home in time for tea (some) and chores (others).
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| Woodham Lock on the Basingstoke Canal |
~ Stephen
Thanks to Dave, Clive, Brenda, Sue Bellamy and Stephen for the photos in this report.
~ Tim
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