Wayfarers B ride, Group 2

A cold but bright day saw all Wayfarer groups turnout for the inaugural visit to the new venue, The Hawker Centre at Ham, and it proved big enough for our numbers.

Sue Foster, the main leader, had planned a route North to Osterley which was just right given the cold and early lighting-up time. A great lunch venue as well.

Tony, Sub-leader group 2

Report for Easy Riders - 23rd November

John Connaughton was the only Easy Rider to brave the rain in order to make the North Cheam start. Sandy Bayliss and I, having delayed our departure, cycled independently to join John at Leatherhead.

Just the three of us, but our reward was a beautiful late autumn day.

Given the likelihood of muddy paths on Bookham Common, we decided to stick to tarmac, following Cobham Road to Stoke d’Abernon en route to our lunch stop at the Running Mare at Lower Cobham Tilt. We returned home via the Portsmouth Road, West End, Thames Ditton and Surbiton.

Hardly the most imaginative of routes perhaps but we logged the miles (35 in my case) and were glad we had taken a chance on the weather.

Frank

Invitation to A ride 30 November

Wednesday’s ride from Kingston will be to West Clandon for lunch, finishing at Cobham for tea.

Start is Kingston YMCA at the Hawker Centre off Lower Ham Rd, or enter from the towpath if you prefer. This is our first visit to the YMCA so please note Ged's guidance note below.

24 miles to lunch at the Bulls Head, West Clandon, all on-road or surfaced except for Muddy Lane. 

This may be your last chance to visit the Bulls Head as a traditional free house, as it's about to be swallowed up by the country's largest pub company, Stonegate.

Only 10 miles to tea at Cobham, for a hopefully early finish and home before dark.

Please email me d.vine207@btinternet.com by Monday evening 7pm if you would like to join me.

A Group ride to Warnham - 23 November.

This time of year we cyclists all keep an extra-close eye on the weather. We are not alone. On Wednesday morning I received an email from the chef at The Sussex Oak.

"Hi Neil. Just thought I’d check you’re still planning on lunch today with the rains !! Thanks. Peter "

I replied to assure him we are a hardy bunch and I expected everyone to turn up. You did not disappoint. All twenty of those expected turned up.

First group away was led by Neil W, and here is his report.

Some of us with longer journeys to Leatherhead had rain getting there. After that it was better than forecast. There was lots of surface water but no rain, even a cloud free sky later.

My group's departure was delayed due to a majority decision that the late running clock in the Leatherhead DC lounge was the one to go by, then as we started - a mechanical issue. Some were a bit below full health and strength, anyway, we kept to a moderate pace, and ride conditions were fine. We said farewell to Janice part way down as she had family care duties. 

On the reccie Dave V had dropped back at one point, I found out he had stopped to view the Tiger. I hadn't seen it before so I estimated its distance from the start, (at 15 miles). I passed that distance, I said to a horse rider we were looking for the Tiger, is it up ahead or have we past it? she was startled "TIGER!?", then after a few seconds, "Oh do you mean the figure in the garden? Yes its up ahead on the right bend". A person can pass the beastie several times a week for years but the idea of it still got the potential to alarm!

Hans leads the hunt, with Steve Dave B. and Patrick.

As we approached Warnham the suggestion of a quick POI viewing nearby lost out to getting into the Sussex Oaks right away. The food was good and over lunch I told about 'madman' Percy Shelley, the romantic poet, who was born nearby and received his early education at the local church nearly opposite. 

Patrick had football support commitments and stayed on to view Japan v Germany at the pub. I left a few minutes early to see the local sight, as I did his gleeful shouts proved the internet connection was working. Coming out of the pub to the right is a fine view of the large village church, and a unique large topiary entrance way.

I went there to take a picture and someone was sat down by the war memorial, (just out of sight to the right). He looked like a war veteran who had seen hard times. He politely asked if he was in the way of my picture, should he move? We chatted a bit. He said the church is a good one, he sang in the choir, enjoyed it. The topiary has a dramatic cascade of poppies on the memorial side, commemorating the fallen. Memorials can be formal, things, distant. Briefly meeting this guy I was close to the reality of lives broken by war, and the merit of communities where they find a place.

 

The return journey to Leatherhead went fine. Our backmarker also got me coffee and cake - double thanks to you Steve.

Last group away was Dave V and here is his report.

My group, Sue C, Sue F, Nigel, Alan, Geoff, and ever diligent Dave F left with sun and clear skies, but there was surface water everywhere to remind us that we had arrived in the rain.

We made excellent progress to lunch, despite the long drag up to the ridge at Rusper, with occasional clear views to the South Downs. From here the undulating "descent" to Warnham gave us ample opportunity to experience the delights of the landfill. Hard to imagine that Warnham was also the birthplace of Shelley, the romantic poet.

Lunch at the Sussex Oak is always a pleasure. This time the excellent food was served speedily, so that we were away within 50 minutes, which is what you need on a winter ride.

We left Patrick in the pub, watching Japan beat Germany, proving that some things are more important than cycling. The return trip was mixed. Weare St is delightful in all seasons. We paused for a group photo by the pond, inviting the curiosity of the resident goose.



Shortly after we suffered a puncture, always a bit of a downer. But while Dave F gave us a masterclass in VAR-assisted tyre remounting we met a charming local who offered to sell us his near-new and very nice Boardman hybrid, which he could not now ride due to hip problems.








Back on the road it was time to head for home. We had one sharp shower, a burst of sun, and a rainbow, before we arrived in Leatherhead around 4pm. None of us favoured tea so we split for home.

I punctured in Ashtead, close enough to the station to favour a cooling wait for a Wimbledon train rather than a roadside repair. Hopefully everyone else got home without incident.

Thanks everyone for being a great group, and Dave F for back-marking and mastering the VAR. 

               -----------------------------------------------------------

Between those two groups I led Frances, Mark, Ged, Mike R, Brian and (when he caught up after his rain-delayed start) Steve W.

We saw no tigers, watched no football, talked to no strangers and had no punctures. But did have a great day's cycling with autumnal views, sunshine, a fine lunch and tea at Amici in Leatherhead.

Thanks to all for turning up and especially to Neil W and Dave V for leading their groups.

Wayfarers - first visit to YMCA Hawker Centre, Kingston, for Elevenses, 30th November 2022.

Next Wednesday, 30th November, will be our first visit to the YMCA, Hawker Centre, for elevenses. (This  venue replaces our former traditional Kingston venue, the Bradbury Centre: post Covid, Bradbury is unable to cater for our requirements).

The location of the YMCA is shown on Google maps - which you can find when you click on the YMCA Kingston, as shown in the Rides List. There are two ways to access the Centre, and you may choose the most convenient for you:-

* from Lower Ham Road, or

* from the Thames towpath.

If you are coming from Lower Ham Road there are bike stands in the car park entrance at the front of the building. If you are coming from the Thames towpath, the gate from the towpath will be open, and there is adequate space to secure bikes inside the perimeter fence at the rear of the building outside the cafe. Please note there is no cycling on the path from the stands and past the entrance to the rear of the building. Most groups are likely to leave the Centre via the towpath so you should position your bike accordingly.

Refreshments include coffee & tea (and a wide range of beers!), but snacks are limited to chocolate bars & crisps. You may therefore wish to bring an energy bar/favourite pastry. Card payment only, no cash. The cafe is quite big, but also busy with parents & toddlers etc, so it will be crowded if everyone is there at the same time. You are advised to arrive in good time for coffee/tea before your departure.

If the YMCA Centre proves to be a satisfactory and convenient facility it will be fixed as an elevenses venue in the annual Rides Programme for 2023.

Last Orders for Christmas Lunch

Pam and myself putting the finishing
touches to Christmas Lunch.

After brisk bookings for the Wayfarers A & B Christmas Lunches on 14th and 7th Dec respectively, there are still a few places available at both meals if you wish to join us.  Details here.   

Easy Riders lunch, also on 7th Dec;  details here.

Invitation to a B Group ride on 30th November

Ride from Kingston to Osterley and back to Kingston

You are invited to join next week’s ride which will be from the Kingston YMCA Hawker Centre (KT2 5BH) - please note this is a new Kingston venue. The route is flat using mainly parks and quiet roads but there are a few busy bits.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41503183 

We will have lunch at The Hare and Hounds on Windmill Lane and they are offering a sandwich menu which includes a drink for £12,  or soup of the day.

After lunch we head down to the A4 where we join the Grand Union Canal to Brentford, through Syon Park and back to Kingston for tea. There are numerous  options in Kingston so we can discuss at lunch or each group can decide for themselves. Only thing to remember is a sturdy bike lock!

The pub need to know our orders  by Sunday evening so if you could let me know by 6pm on Sunday if you would like to join the ride and your lunch choice. Please confirm to:

Sue.foster39@gmail.com

Hope you can make it.

Sue F

B Group Ride Report - Wed.23rd Nov.

The early morning rain made for an anxious start but luckily cleared to provide a fine day for cycling. Despite the wet weather a good proportion of our initial number braved the elements and arrived for elevenses at the Fairfield Centre. A welcome start to what proved to be an improving prospect.

Three sub-groups left on time for a brief loop around Stoke D'Abernon and Fetcham to arrive back at Leatherhead to start the ascent up Church Road, over the A24, up to Headley and along Hurst Road to Walton-on-the-Hill.

Chris H, having had early difficulties, caught up with us only to have his second puncture of the day and as a result headed to Tadworth station to get the train home.

We progressed over Banstead Heath, through the posh estate, onto Chipstead and up to Woodmansterne for lunch at 'The Woodman'. I've always found this to be a successful lunchtime venue. The staff are very accomodating and everyone was served promptly in comfortable surroundings.

Being the last group to leave we shortened our afternoon ride to 'The Old Moat' and most peeled off on the way. I understand members of the earlier groups managed to reach the final destination to enjoy their tea and cakes.

Thanks to my sub-leaders John and Francis for guiding their groups and to everyone who turned out to enjoy what proved to be a successful day's ride.

A good day had by all !

TimG

Francis also adds -

A rainy start to the day made the ride to elevenses rather wet and gloomy. Luckily for all this soon gave way to sun and warmth for the rest of the day.

A wonderful morning's ride to Woodmansterne via Headley was undulating, incorporating both busy urban and quiet country lanes.

Lunch at 'The Woodman' was excellent. Quick service and large portions all at a reasonable price. The afternoon ride via Epsom Downs and Woodcote was short and sweet ending the day with tea and cakes at 'The Old Moat'.

Thanks to Jane, Dave Fixie and Tony for their convivial company. Chris H deserves a special award today for his persistence in getting to Leatherhead and making the ride up to Walton despite experiencing two punctures !

Report for Easy Riders - 16th November

We found Terry Lowe and Vic White waiting for us at Weybridge DC on the off chance that they might ride with the Easy Riders, but they decided to go on their own rides as we had planned to go East for our lunch.

Only six of us left Weybridge DC as the weather looked uncertain but, in fact, turned out to be good for the time of year. We took the path at the back of the nearby car park and made our way along back roads to Oatlands Avenue. At the end we turned right, left and right again to go down Station Avenue and at the crossroads went straight over into Rydens Road. We took off right along Walton Park, left into Molesey Road and right along the path to Mill Road. From there we made our way to and across Hampton Court Bridge and into Bushy Park, through Kingston and to our planned lunch stop at the Wych Elm.

We had agreed to meet Helen Tovey at the pub, but she had arrived earlier and messaged us that there were "no lights, no life and no lunch" at the Wych Elm. With circumstances as they are, the landlord had decided that the pub would, in future, open at 3.00 pm. Ray Wren decided to go home as he had pressing business that he had to deal with. After a brief discussion we decided to go to Woodies at New Malden as it was on the way home and we were uncertain about the weather. We all thoroughly enjoyed our lunch and made it home in clement weather.

John

B Group ride - 23rd November.

Our ride on Wednesday will take us to Woodmansterne via Headley for lunch at 'The Woodman'.

The afternoon ride will take us via Epsom Downs and Woodcote for tea at 'The Old Moat' g/c.

Please reply by Monday evening to be included on the ride list.

Email - timgibbons1@virginmedia.com

WhatsApp - 07756961505

Looking forward to seeing you all on Wednesday.

TimG

Invitation to A Group Ride Wed 23rd November

We will meet at The Fairfield Centre in Leatherhead and then head via Headley and Rusper to The Sussex Oak in Warnham for lunch. After lunch we will return to Leatherhead via Weare Street and Newdigate. Around twenty one miles before lunch and twenty after.

All the route is on-road and in reasonable condition considering the rain we have had recently.

The pub has requested we pre-order our lunches so could you please choose from the menu below.

If you would like to join us please email me before 8pm on Monday with your lunch choice.

Groups, start times and route gpx will be sent Tuesday morning.

Thanks,

Neil C

Report for B Group - 16th November

The Oxford and Cambridge crew were lucky with the weather, sunshine all the way to lunch. Our route followed the Thames where possible to Putney, crossing over the Thames in four places and included the boat race course.

As we crossed Barnes Railway Bridge we viewed the new walkway bridge which was well under construction.

Memorial commemorating the 39 volunteers from Hammersmith and Fulham who fought with the International Brigades on the Republican side in the Spanish Civil War.

Our Lunch stop was at The Rocket Pub in Putney, the Wetherspoons pub was up to its usual standard, with good service and value for money and also a good view of our locked bikes.

The home run was through Richmond Park to tea at the Cycle Exchange Café in Kingston.

Restoring the lost calories

The Cambridge Crew won (but they did have a 10 minutes start)

Twenty crew members took part but one Cambridge Crew member (Gill) fell overboard.

Thanks to Tim for being our Oxford Cox and to Alan for leading the Cambridge Crew.

Regards

Tony Hooker (Oxford)

_______________________________

On a boat-race-themed ride between Weybridge and Kingston, the Cambridge crew (of 11 riders), enjoyed a day of relaxed cycling on quiet roads and paths beside the river Thames and through the beautiful open space of two Royal Parks, Bushy and Richmond Park.

The route, which included five bridge crossings over the river at Walton, Teddington, Barnes, Hammersmith, and Putney; also passed through Hampton, Ham, Sheen, and Fulham before stopping for lunch at the Rocket pub overlooking the Thames at Putney.

The landmarks along the way included the riverside stadium of Fulham Football Club, the starting point for the University Boat Race in Putney, and in the afternoon, the roadside memorial for Marc Bolan in Barnes. Numerous historic riverside pubs and buildings along the waterside path between Chiswick, Hammersmith and Fulham added further interest.

After a short afternoon ride past Roehampton and into Richmond Park, the Cambridge crew finished strongly by climbing Broomfield Hill, before descending to exit the park via Kingston Gate and then down into Kingston for tea. A few hardy crew members continued onto Hampton Court. The remainder of the crew elected to make for home to avoid the rain as the sky began to darken and the weather began to change.

Thanks to the Cambridge Team for a great day of cycling on a beautiful sunny day; and to Tony (for being Cox) and Tony (for planning the route).

Alan C (Cambridge)

Vic made a cameo appearance at Elevenses

Still Life

At the Marc Bolan shrine in Barnes

near Teddington Lock

a couple on the foot bridge

Tony 'The Dove' Hopkins

soaking up the rays and the scenery

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Report for "A" group ride to Hedgerley, 16th November

 When I sent the invitation for this week's ride, the forward weather forecast for ride day was a nice bright and mild day. However, events in the following days overtook us and it was a very different picture in the lead up. 

17 riders eventually signed up by Monday evening, plus myself and Steve D, making 19 in total. The torrential rain on Tuesday night and early on Wednesday morning led to 3 cancellations (I was expecting more!!..), so eventually 16 of us set off from Weybridge.

First away was Steve Duffin.......

Having completed a recce with Dave B the Friday before the ride I was struck by the number of quiet lanes we rode. It was a sunny day and the autumn colours promised a spectacle. On the Wednesday I started off in rain and couldn't help wondering what the weather had done to the route. So it was with some trepidation that I led Dave Vine, Sue Foster, Paula, Neil C, Neil W, Keith and Ged as our back marker from Weybridge. However the sun shone and it was dry. Another wardrobe faux pas! 

The first section north to Laleham was off road and easy to negotiate. Then came Staines, which had low traffic volume and very soon came the off road path next to the King George VI reservoir. This was a rough concrete path with muddy sections, broken and slippery. It was a boneshaker path. At the end Sue found she had a puncture in the rear tyre. Dave and Neil C rolled up their sleeves and soon changed the inner tube and pumped up the tyre again. The second group arrived and passed us. However we followed not far behind and soon we were cycling through Black Park off road, then Fulmer and Hedgerley. The White Horse did a good job, getting the excellent food to us quickly. I thought it strange that we had to pay separately for food and drink, however the variety was very good. We found out Simon had taken a tumble and hurt his ribs. He also sported a bloody left knee, but he appeared to be in good spirits so hopefully will heal up quickly.

We set off again for the River House Barn cafe in Walton at 1.35 pm. Once again the route had some off road, but with the advantage of bypassing Slough and Egham. Just before our entry into Herschel Park north of Eton, Paula had a tumble and locked the rear brake caliper onto the wheel rim. Neil C managed to free the caliper and we went on. The route proved fast from here. Just as well, because my phone sat nav was down to 12 % battery. Finally we reached the cafe for a welcome cuppa. I even managed to get home before it rained.

Dave B chose the route from a ride we did in 2018. What a good idea! Another excellent route, thanks to Dave. I appreciated the company of my fellow riders and many thanks for the solid back marking of Ged. Always nice to have someone reliable behind you. 

My group were set to go but we were one missing...Steve W was nowhere to be seen, and just as were leaving he called to say he was running late....no problem, we picked him up as the route came over Chertsey Bridge, so all good. So I led Hans, Simon, Sue C, Janice, Patrick, Dave W and Steve W

After the extremely heavy rain early in the morning, the weather gods now seemed to be smiling on us, and we rode the morning section with blue skies and sunshine for the most part. The little-used path from Staines up to Stanwell Moor, along side the River Colne, between the reservoir and Staines Moor, was for the most part navigated by all but was long, bumpy and strewn with fallen leaves and muddy in patches....now we know why it's little used !!

After passing Steve's group at the end of the path fixing a puncture, we carried on via Colnbrook and Iver, and the through Langley Country Park and on to Fulmer and Hedgerley.

Here we were well looked after as always by the staff, and lunch was served quickly.

Somebody had definitely turned the thermostat down after lunch, and the clouds had appeared and the return of the rain seemed imminent. We made it through Stoke Poges, Slough and the Ditton Park and over the M4 back into Datchet for the run back to Walton, via Sunnymeads and Wraysbury, but instead of the usual route via Laleham, we went over the bridge in Staines and down through Thorpe into Chertsey, and then on to Walton, all without any rain to dampen the way.

Nobody had spotted that this was direct repeat of a route that I had led in May 2018, even those that I knew had been on that ride...I shall spare the names !!....or maybe it was that bad that they wanted to forget it !!

Thanks to all who braved the chance of rain and were rewarded with a dry day (although not necessarily dry roads), to Dave W for back-marking my group, and to Steve D for leading the second group.