A Group 17 December 2008

At Bushey Park on the way to the Cap in Hand at Hook for Christmas Lunch

A Group Dec17th

28 Riders plus a couple of extras left Walton Day Centre over Walton bridge the serpent like group with no problems headed through Sunbury in cool but comfortable conditions, turning left off the major road found us following a twisty but quiet route through the back streets of Hampton and into Bushy Park for a photo shoot, out at Hampton Court and on to The Cap in Hand at Hook for a very good Xmas lunch for less than £10 including a drink! Ray left early and Grant and Ian finished his pudding to save waste! Upon leaving it certainly felt very much like the winter we expect so homeward bound to afternoon tea at Pete’s was the target for several.
From Pete Mitchell

A Group Dec 10th

Group “A” ride 10th December 2008 From Leatherhead the group rode the length of Lower Road to the Effingham end and Orestan Lane to East Horsley. Green Dene and Coombe Lane led up Netley Heath to Staple Lane and a fine view stretching from Guildford Cathedral to Canary Wharf on a clear day, which this was. From here on the road was mostly downhill or flat to lunch at Ripley. “The Anchor” is no Wetherspoons, but it has a venerable association with club cyclists dating from the 19th.C, the beer wasn’t bad, and it was just the right distance for a winters day. Afterwards we rode the full length of the runway on Wisley airfield to Martyrs Green, Downside,Bookham Common and Fetcham to have tea at Wetherspoons Leatherhead with time to spare to get home in daylight. From Vic White

A Group Dec 3rd

The trickiest part of today’s ride was getting to the start, as it was below freezing and a fair bit of ice was about. After we set off though, most of that had disappeared. On the ride were Will, Ian, John A, John B, Graham, Toni, Antonio, Adam, Pete, Frank -on- trike, Grant-on-fixed, Ed, Jake, Irene, Julian, Pam, Vic and Rob. Our lunch destination was the Station Hotel at South Nutfield, and the route took us through Stoke d’Abernon, past the Yehudi Menuhin School (sadly no strains of violin music were audible as we passed by), and into Fetcham and Leatherhead, where a few of us departed for home. Then a newish path took us a short distance by the River Mole onto the cycle path towards Dorking. The path across the golf course was muddier than expected, but nothing the Wayfarers couldn’t handle. Then it was through Woodhatch and past East Surrey Hospital and Redhill Aerodrome to lunch, where the landlord Mike, working alone, did a sterling job in getting us all fed in good time with the added bonus of an open fire where we could thaw out. After lunch came a bit of climbing, first up Coopers Hill Road across the A25 ridge and then up to Fanny’s for tea. Finally the last of the day’s sun came out as we rode along the Chipstead High Road before dispersing to all points North and West. A puncture free day and I covered a modest 45 miles. Rob

A Group Nov 26th

Wednesday 26th November A team report Frank C

As Bob S was chomping at the bit, we left the Claygate Day Centre fairly sharp at
11-10. We numbered 20, and despite my efforts, by the time we reached our destination at the Plough & Harrow Hammersmith, there were still 20 sitting down for lunch, for the usual good service and food. We consisted of Pam, Irene, Graham, Julian, Ed, John’s B. A. & S. Pete B, and M, Grant, Vic, Rob, Tony d, Jeff, Antonio, Ray, Will and Bob. Leaving the Day Centre, riding via the Scilly Isles, turning off Hampton Court Way ASAP, along Ember Lane to Hampton Court Bridge and Bushy Park, then to Teddington and Twickenham. It was here we picked up the North tow path of the Thames and back streets all the way to lunch, passing Richmond Bridge, Twickenham Bridge, Syon Park, the back of Brentford, past the league two ground (formally the 4th division side) to Kew Bridge, along Strand On The Green, Grove Park, past the Polytechnic Stadium back on the tow path, past the finish line of the Boat Race at Mortlake, and staying on the North Bank all the way to Hammersmith.
After lunch there was a decision to make, tea at Richmond Park at the golf course or Wetherspoons at Raynes Park. The later was decided as the park café was too near lunch. There were still about 10 at tea, the others pealing of to make their way home.
There were no punctures or mishaps apart from Jeff’s carrier falling to bits at Richmond, a temporary repair was made on the spot and a full service was carried out at lunch.

A Group - Wednesday 19 November 08

Some of the Wayfaring Whippets straining at the leash after lunch, waiting for pack leader Ed, outside the Greyhound at Lingfield - Youngs beer and rabbit pie - AND by exception sandwiches welcome. Gold star for the Landlord!

Some supped at the Star, Michelin rating to be confirmed.

On a fine November morning the North Cheam Brotherhood, commanded by Ed, scaled the heights of the North Downs and descended Markedge Lane to Gatton Bottom. Here, before climbing Rocky Lane beside the Royal Alexandra and Albert School, they were passed by Jeff heading in the opposite direction. Their paths crossed again at the junction with the A23, before they finally joined forces at the Redhill Methodist Centre.

After refuelling the party split up, with Ed leading his group along the Surrey Cycleway to Outwood. Thence via Horne and the London Mormon Temple at Newchapel, before victoriously entering Lingfield. For lunch some favoured the Greyhound, some the Star. The former offered Youngs and a tempting menu of homemade pies. The landlord even welcomed diy sandwich eaters!

The forces regrouped outside the Greyhound before setting off to revisit Outwood and return via South Nutfield, Clay Lane and the compassionately chosen route of Philanthropic Lane, past the cemetery on the hill, back into Redhill and the familiar, welcoming arms of Weatherspoons. This lure was resisted by Jeff, wary of abandoning his beloved chained up outside and prey to the covetous glances of lurking, hooded figures. Who knows what they might pinch? He therefore gave thanks and bade an early farewell to leader Ed, before embracing the less than comforting lure of Wray Lane on the way back home, to complete a most enjoyable autumn circuit of some 40 miles. Our grateful thanks to Ed.

Jeff

A Group Nov 12th

On a bright not too breezy autumnal day, Irene the Leaderene set off
alongside the canal and through Poets Corner to Addlestone where there was a
lengthy delay at the crossing. After Ottershaw came Stonehill Road before we
turned south into Horsell. In the middle of Woking the canal was joined and
exited at Kiln Bridge. The path to the golf course caught several overgeared
but a swift descent soon brought us to the lunchtime stop, the Mayford Arms,
unchanged despite a recent revamp. Forewarned they had reserved places for
us; service was like the curate's egg but maybe we were too many. The return
was through Sutton Green and Jacob's Well to the A3 where our leader
decamped at the Wisley roundabout and the rump settled into Ockham Bites for
an alfresco finish to the day. We were 22 or more so only newish faces get a
mention: welcome Colin Farquhar, Graham Holder, John Arkless and Paul Kelly.

Graham Hill

A Group Nov 5th

Some 24 set off from Cobham, with Pete B leading and Bob volunteering to act as tail end charlie to keep such a large group on track. Across Bookham Common and up to Bookham with a brief stop to cape up as the forecast drizzle arrived. Fortunately this did not last long and it was drier, if overcast, by the time we passed Polesden Lacy and dropped down to the Stepping Stones. Along to Pixham Lane and across to Root Hill (the scene of last week's downhill) and on to Leigh. Unfortunately Jeff punctured but was happy to send the rest on as it was close to lunch. Arriving at the Three Horse Shoes, Irons Bottom, we were treated to fine food and great ale served speedily by Mein Host (who had kindly also set table for us). Then, under wintery skies, we took the farm road to Bury's Court School where we found both gates locked. With great teamwork bikes were speedily past over the obstructions and it was on past Wonham Manor before briefly stopping the admire the bonfire built on the green at Brockham. Across the golf course to retrace Pixham Lane and the cycle path took us to Leatherhead. With the Wetherspoons coffee machine hors de combat, the remaining 10 or 12 who were staying for tea squeezed into Annie's whilst the rest heading home before darkness fell.
From Pete Barnard

A Group 22 October 08

At the Five Bells, Horton (sorry Adam!)

MWW Ride Report 22 October 08


A gloriously sunny, cloudless and crisp late October morning witnessed a flock of Wayfarers (genus: birota peregrinensis), resplendent in their autumn plumage, gather on the telegraph lines of their usual North Cheam roost. At the sound of the starting horn, off they soared, their instinct taking them, unerringly though circuitously, through the confusing to some, backways of SW London to their mid-morning watering spot of the Elleray Hall at Teddington. Grateful thanks to a determined Norman who headed the flock to its destination. A nominal novice ‘leader’ kept a respectful distance, shepherded by the ever watchful Lynda to the rear of the group.

At Elleray Hall the flock doubled in size, each member having its number tag duly checked on arrival, before being allowed its reward of tea and cake. With all refreshed, an imperious Pam called ‘time’ and the chattering flock reassembled, splitting into sub-groups each now with a destination of its own.

The genus ‘alpha’ sped off, this time headed by a perhaps over-enthusiastic and definitely inexperienced pioneer, who really had little idea where he was going, or rather how reliably to get there. Soon the flower beds of Bushy Park gave way to the filter beds of Sunbury and so along the house-boated banks of the Thames to Shepperton. Fate decreed that respite was needed and John A. duly punctured. Frank, as ever the rock, remained to supervise the repair and guide the victim back on route. The damage to the innertube alas proved terminal. Off again to spin around the single helix bridge across the M25 to the wonderful Nutty Lane, where the ‘leader’ disappeared to leave some of the flock in doubt about its left or right – a serious misdemeanour! From then a scoot through Charlton, Ashford (brief stop to check the compass and take advice), Ashton Moor, a well advised off-road diversion to avoid near certain death in crossing the M25 near T5 and a welcome arrival at the Five Bells, Horton.

A nourishing lunch enjoyed by most, not all, before a hasty photo-call (apologies to the missing half of Adam), remount and back through Wraysbury (familiar to last Sunday’s Cheam & Morden ride). Then back through Staines along the B376 to Shepperton where a very early tea was taken before the flock dispersed, each finding its own way back to its home coop. The distance perch to perch a modest 59 miles.

As for that probationary test ride, this time I fear no pass certificate. The provisional licence remains, no date yet fixed for any retest.

P.S. Remember, this was the last Wednesday before the clocks go back. Dust off those lights, recharge those batteries and fit them on the bike , not leave them in the shed, before you get caught out!

Jeff

Edenbridge Lunch

Thanks to Pete for leading the ride and to Ed for puncturing and to Toni de I for waiting for him. A few of the "A" group at the Queens Head where the food was very good and the wait excruciating. The "B" group also joined for lunch and Bernard's looked the most amazing and very tempting. I wish I was rich! Jeff's Liver and Bacon was also excellent as was my soup, John B's chips and the non descript Chili con (non) Carne that I finished off. You poor tight man Mike M you're Barmy! (where have I heard that B4).

P.S. On enquiring from John Scott, if we were to be treated to another Jura ride next year, he replied that he will be very busy in 2009!

A Group October 15th

Mild & Dampish was the weather at Caterham as we moved off in a southerly direction down White Hill & Brewer Street where todays puncture victim was Ed Sharp, Mike M & Tony D' stopped to admire Ed's repair technique allowing the rest to move on via damp lanes to lunch at The King & Queen Edenbridge. We arrived in good time at 12.45 but due to the altra slow service the last person to receive his meal was John B! at 14.30! During this lengthy lunch break new comer Graham Holder held up well enduring an indepth personal enquirery session from John S, Ian A, Tony D', scoring especially well in the box marked early retirement! Welcome Graham come again.
A devious lane route mystified most including the leader found us at Marden Park & Tea at Woldingham Garden Centre in time for tea and scones etc. at 4.15 (they close at 4.30) the afternoon had brightened considerably and a pleasant tailwind ride home finished the day.
56 Miles, 1 Puncture, Nobody dropped or lost.
From Pete Mitchell

'A' Ride

Beryl is saying " Hope you can all find your right shoes".

A group agm ride 8th Oct

A casual ride on a very nice bright day for fourteen of us leaving the AGM from Hersham. It was the great distance of 5 miles to the Foley Arms at Claygate via West End and Blackhills at which point Graham deserted us (bad lad! after all the entreaties at the AGM) to reappear approx 1 ml before the Foley arms. After a leisurely lunch a very concerned host enquired whether we had been adequately served, we in full chorus assured her that we had, in fact we had also been given a great welcome.

We now made our way in warm sunshine to our residence for 3's that my wife Beryl had planned ( this was by mobile to me whilst at 11's ). So off to Fetcham another great distance approx 9 miles using a mixture of offroad and tarmac some private via Oxshott and Bookham common.

The use again of the 'mobile' assured us of well prepared refresments by Beryl for 11 of us on arrival. There was a pleasant sojourn with entertainment supplied by Graham's CD of Pam's party. With thanks to Beryl and even to myself I having done little, each went their own way.

My total miles 22.34, which I enjoyed and hope likewise by all others.

A Group 1 October 08

After a dry but blustery day, the Windswept Wayfarers take tea at the Denbies Tropicarium

A Group Oct 1st

After the squall we had earlier on, the day turned out bright and sunny, without rain. Before setting out, we had a roll call of walking wounded, Ray had knee trouble, Ian had a dodgy ankle, and Grant was under the weather with a cold. Also present and relatively able bodied were Brian, Will, Frank C, Mike, Vic, John G, John S, Pete M, Pete B, Jeff, Toni, Graham, John B, Simon and Ed.
We were hardly out of the starting blocks before we lost Ian, though despite sore ankle he turned up later at lunch. We also lost Brian to the first puncture of the day. Other early finishers were Pete B, Ray, Grant and Frank C, who left at lunch for a date at Hyde Park Corner as timekeeper for the tandem trike 12 hour/ Lands End – London record attempt. Our route took us due South to Effingham, then it was a steady climb from there up Critten Lane before emerging at the top of White Down. Conditions had dried out by then, so the descent of White Down was trouble free. Then we went along Raikes Lane, past the Volunteer pub, and up into Holmbury St Mary. After that it was downhill into Forest Green, through Walliswood before arriving at Rowhook and the Chequers Inn for lunch (decent food but a tad pricey according to some). Just short of lunch, John s had our second puncture, but at least it was close to the pub.
After lunch, our return led through Okewoodhill and up Weare Street, through Capel and into Newdigate. From there it was the usual thrash back into Dorking, though John G and John S missed the turn into Punchbowl Lane, but found their way along the A24 to tea at Denbies, where Jen joined us for a cuppa. I covered 59 miles in all. Rob

A&B Groups Sept 24th

This week's ride was scheduled to be a combined A & B one. However, despite the light rain weather forecast, there were in the region of 30 enjoying the tea and cakes at Redhill instead of the normally sparse group we get heading south. Too many to safely take on the road as one group, so, after a quick conference, it was agreed that Pete B should set off first with a predominately A group of 16 whilst Norman kindly volunteered to follow up with a predominately B group a discrete distance behind. Taking the cycle path out past the hospital and then lanes to Wasp Green and Outwood windmill, Toni gave us a demonstration of his bike handling skills by going in and out of a tramlinelike crack in the middle of the road without falling off. Across to touch the A22 and a climb up the foothills of Tilburstow before dropping down to Crowhurst and taking Gibbs Brook Lane and Hall Hill to reach Oxted. Unfortunately new man John (of the Belle Vue) touched wheels and came down. However, as this was right outside the Wetherspoons, he was soon able to lubricate his wounds. Lunch was served quickly (apart from the bar staff having to send out a search party to find the leader's ciabata) and we had just started eating when Norman and the B's arrived having followed a similar if not identical route. The afternoon started with the climb up Tandridge Hill Lane (or walk as some of us preferred) and then along to Botley Hill and the glorious drop down Beddlestead and Featherbed Lanes (provided you forget about the leg breaking 1 in 6 Hesiers Hill in between of course). The rain was returning as we climbed Gravel Hill before stopping for a welcome cup of tea at the cafe in the park just over the top. Fortunately the rain had stopped by the restart and so in was into the traffic of Croydon and Mitcham Common with riders peeling off at their preferred points.
62 miles for the leader and a stirling 78 for Frank C.

A Group September 24

The A Group, damp but not dispirited, after tea at the Pond Tea Rooms near Addington Hills. Leader Pete for some reason sporting the colours of Romania and Rob still waiting for the sun to come out. After some of the foot-hills that our leader teased us with, I think we should call him Sherpa Pete. No doubt more graphic details to follow.

A Group Sept 17th

After last weeks mystery ride this weeks mystery seemed to be who would lead as Graham is in Scotland & Pam nominated to stand in is indisposed! So I volunteered on the sure belief that this week i wouldn't be lost by the leader. Around fourteen left Weybridge including three new names to me, so welcome to Paul, Colin & Andy. A pleasant tail wind assisted us through Chertsey, Thorpe, Egham resisting the urge to call in Pam's across the path at Runneymeade to Old Windsor, Datchet to lunch at "The Pineapple" Dorney. huge sandwiches found several struggling to clear their plates. The cycle path along the Jubilee River back to Eton under the constant flow of landing planes for Heathrow picking up Bob emerging from Wetherspoons in Staines on to "Watsons" at Shepperton in time to witness the departure of B Group having just finished tea and cakes. Home via various alleys and back roads From Pete Mitchell

A Group Sept 3rd

Mid Week Report A Group Frank Cubis 3rd Sept I should know by now, not to take the weather forecast as gospel, what should have been a showery day turned out beautiful. There was no rush from the British Legion at Cobham as I had planned a mere 15 mile ride to Sunningdale for lunch due to the forecast. We headed west up Pains Hill and the not very pleasant Byfleet Road. With the Olympics fresh in the memory of myself, we had an 18 man team pursuit along the A245 comprising of Grant, Tony d, Ed, Pete M, Pete B, Pam, David, Julian, Will, Vic, Bob, John B, Neil, John S, Ray and Don, all the way to Chobam, where a little hic-up found us heading for Castle Green, a quick chat with Vic, a u-turn, and on our way again along the Windsor Road, a short detour up Steep Hill and Valley Road brought us to Chobham Road, down to the A30 at Sunningdale, a left and right into Broomhall Lane and the High Street to lunch at The Nags Head, although there were now 17 in number we were warmly welcomed and can recommend the food, Mike Morley met up with us there after having spent a few hours with toilet problems, (not him personally, but the little room) After a leisurely lunch it was back on the bikes, along London Road & Blacknest Road to the A30 at Virginia Lodge, left and right along the B389, then left into Stroude Lane to Thorpe Lea and Staines to the precinct and the Bakers Oven were they serve the best iced buns in Surrey. From there members rode in different directions home, and I, a mere 56 miles.

A Group August 27

Trouble finding Elevenses?

Ordnance Survey might be responsible for misdirecting Wayfarers like me, heading for the first time for elevenses at the Airfield. Any pilot looking for Fairoaks Airport might end up dropping in for a drink at Castle Green. OS identifies the Airport on the Landranger Map 175 for Reading & Windsor (rev 2006) as being at GR 972 605, just SE of Castle Green. Or is my map-reading way off-beam? Anyway, that is my excuse for being five minutes late. Thank heavens I was on two wheels and not two wings dropping in from 2,000 feet.

The Walled Garden at Lower Sunbury, see below, is a much safer bet.