Report for B group - 28th December

On the fourth day of Christmas, Twelve Cyclists gathered, at Walton Day Centre.

A slightly uneven split ensued, with Alan leading out five riders in the first group.

The second group headed out over Walton Bridge. It seemed the riders were in autonomous mode - most of the group found it hard to take the Right direction.

However we managed to head up to Charlton and along to Littleton - Chertsey - Lyne - Trumps Green (No sign of Donald) and onwards to Ottershaw - Row Town - West Byfleet -

And finally we made it to our Lunch destination "The Anchor at Pyrford". The Food was quite good and was served quickly; it actually took longer to pay for it, than getting it on the table.

After lunch we headed off down along Wisley Lane, traversing a Footbridge and into Wisley Airfield (Nobody fell asleep crossing the Airfield.) Our prescribed route took us into Cobham to complete the ride.

The damp weather made the Traffic seem more noisy than usual, which didn't lend much to the ambience of the cycle ride.

Thank you to all who made the effort to join in the ride.

Well done Alan, memorising the route and leading.

Dave C

(photo by Steph)

Alan writes:

On a wet and windy day, the last of the Wayfarers “B” Rides for 2022 took place between Walton and Cobham, following a circular route via Chertsey, New Haw, West Byfleet, Pyrford and Wisley. 

The route included a mix of wooded lanes, local village roads, and some busier roads carrying Christmas traffic, plus an unusual crossing of the M25 (by foot) and a short ride over Wisley Airfield.

Lunch was at the Anchor Pub, a riverside pub beside Pyrford Lock with views of the River Wey.

Undeterred by the weather, the small group of five riders who formed the early group remained positive, ignoring the rain and pushing on through the wind, determined to complete the ride despite the conditions.

The reward was a welcome lunch break at the Anchor Pub. A chance to remove waterproofs, have a coffee or drink, enjoy the food, and chat in warm and dry conditions.

After lunch, the group completed a short ride to Cobham via the pedestrian walkway over the A3/M25 interchange, followed by a windswept ride across the now unused, and desolate, former Wisley Airfield. Following a path leading away from the airfield, we rode through a partially flooded farmyard disturbing a gaggle of geese enjoying the weather on the way. We then followed a relaxed downhill route to Cobham, squeezing past a hedge-trimming tractor on a narrow lane en route and taking a detour to avoid a road closure caused by flooding on Plough Lane.

Keen to arrive home before dark, the group decided to forgo our usual tea stop and ride on to Esher, where we split and went our separate ways. An unexpected change to the weather allowed a quick and dry ride home as the rain stopped, and the wind changed direction.

Thanks to Madeline, Diane, Francis, and Arwyn for an enjoyable ride despite the weather (and to Arwyn for back marking and Dave(y) for planning the route). An opportunity to ride off the Christmas Pudding, discuss some of the memorable rides we completed in 2022, and look forward to Cycling in the year ahead.

Alan

Photos by Steph, Liz and Arwyn:

Alan with his team