A Group Staines Lunch

Thanks again to Ed for leading the ride the picture reflects many of the riders except Vic et al on another table. A wet wet day but my new coat was weatherproof!! Sorry I missed the rest of you at Molesey, couldn't find it! Hope Gill and Fuzz had a good ride.

Soon it will be New Year 2010 I wish everyone a healthy and happy year! Mike M.

A Group 30th December

On a wet last Wednesday of the year Ed led a sizeable band of well-fed Wayfarers from the warmth of Molesey to the sofas of Wetherspoons in Staines; thence to tea at Shepperton.

The solstice has passed and the mileage is up - 17.88 miles at a rolling average of 9.82 mph. It was never going to be a hilly ride, but it is interesting to see how the telemetry represents the thirty-odd feet of climbing into Staines. It looks quite a hill ...

Still no news from the calorie machine.

A Happy New Year to All,

Mark

A Group Dec 23rd

A vision of snow and ice was the first thing to be seen this morning, so for the first time since joining the Wayfarers, bike was put on back of van, to be transported in comparative safety to Oxshott. The roads, at least the main ones, looked to be rideable from there, so my trip to Walton was completed on two wheels.
A few hardy souls had gathered there, ignoring the doom laden weather forecast and meagre window of daylight. Thus it was that our group, focusing on quality rather than quantity, and consisting of Eddie, Mark, (resplendent with new snow tyres), Mike, Ray, Jeff and Rob, set off into the frozen wastes.
The plan originally had been to end up at Guildford, but this had to be hastily revised, and a main road only route to Epsom was substituted. Heavy Christmas traffic was encountered in Walton, and later at Esher, where Ray and Eddie were temporarily detached. All met up safely at ‘Spoons at Epsom, where an earnest discussion about the CTC becoming a full blown charity was held.
Tea was dispensed with, and everybody dispersed hopefully in time to get home in the light. Mileage for me was a crippling 21.
Rob

A Group 23rd December

On an icy December morning with lying snow on the verges Rob led a small but stalwart band from Walton to Wetherspoons in Epsom. Wisely choosing a route that favoured prudence above all else he may have set a record of sorts.

10.84 miles, rolling average 11.91 mph and a highest speed of 25.49 mph - courageous in the circumstances. It's not the time of year to talk about calories.

A Merry Christmas to all Wayfarers,

Mark

A Group 16 December 09

Leader Ray briefing the troops at the Fairfield Centre

A Ride Dec 16th

Pictures from Pam

Xmas Lunch 16th Dec 09

On a cold day we set off in two groups hopeful that the weather would remain kind to us. Brian Greenwood had kindly agreed to lead the second group to make the ride more controllable. From The Fairfield Day Centre Leatherhead the route taken was Randalls Road and River Lane over the River Mole at The Splash - not quite the weather for a splash but who knows if the weather hadn't shown signs of deteriating! Here after taking pictures we continued through Fetcham and across Lower Road and The Ridgeway to meet the A246 at Young Street (The Canadian built road during the 2nd world War). At this stage it was at higher ground snowing and Jake thought it wise to seek warmer climes. Many of us continued on across Norbury Park to eventually descend from the Woodchopping shop on a metalled but snow covered surface to West Humble. This was decision time as here some continued on up Little Switzerland (one time noted for it's Holly this time of the year) whilst others took the flatter route on the cycle path to Leatherhead.

The conditions worsened but rideable for the Little Switzerland group whilst climbing some 2.5 miles to Slough Lane where we had some backwheel slip on climbing sections but no real problems. The descent on main roads via the Headley Rehabilitation Centre was fast to Leatherhead and Weatherspoons.

It was nice to see those Xmas lunchers that had arrived earlier comfortably waiting at the laid tables stretched out to accomodate 28 of us of the 30 booked. One had to cancel and the other decided on the day to ride only. I hope the weather did not spoil the day and that the food and service made a memorable day.

Ray

White Christmas Lunch

A masterful lead by Ray. Not the longest ride of the season, nor the fastest, but consistently interesting and continuously snowy. So, after all, it may have been the longest and fastest ride in the snow ...

12.63 miles, 1004 feet of ascent, slowest speed 0 mph on Slough Lane (wheelspin) and far too few calories to match the excellent Christmas Lunch that followed.

Mark

A Group - 9 December

Newdigate - The Six Bells

A group 9th Dec

35028 Merchant Navy class 'Clan Line' at Dorking this afternoon.

And here's one I took earlier!

After enjoying a delicious slice of Birthday Cake (thanks Louisa and Bernard) on a windless, sunless and thankfully rainless morning I led a largish group from St Martin's, Dorking past the cockerel roundabout to turn south into Punchbowl Lane, shortly turning into Tilehurst Lane. Soon we joined Bushbury Road (the lower end of Roothill) - and had to be alert to avoid the potholes which would have made the fwc there too risky. We left Brockham on Wheelers Lane and pedalled on to lunch at The Six Bells, Newdigate, via Dawes Green, Leigh, Norwood Hill and Parkgate. I think they were pleased to see us - there was only a handful of other customers. After a pleasant break we left just after 2pm, using the most direct route to Dorking, aiming to be there by 3pm for a special treat. However, most preferred to carry on to Annie's but a few of us diverted to Dorking Deepdene station to see steam locomotive no 35028 Merchant Navy class 'Clan Line' thunder through. We then rejoined the group at Leatherhead for refreshments before going our separate ways. Thanks to Brian G for backmarking.

Terry

A Group 9th December

Terry led off from Dorking promising a 'devious' route to Newdigate, which he duly delivered, with a brisk run back after lunch to allow steam enthusiasts to catch a glimpse of the 1500 at Dorking. Tea at Annies, Victoria sponge again. I am becoming a creature of habit.

24.83 miles - not bad for a week before the solstice, moving average 11.21 mph, 1180 calories and a highest speed of 33.4 mph down Punchbowl Lane on the return leg.

And it didn't rain.

Mark

A Group - 2 December 09

Three Horseshoes - Irons Bottom

One I took earlier before the rains came down

Bob played Father Christmas and led the sleigh-ride over some well chosen off-road and on-road to the Three Horseshoes near Sidlow. Top class range of beers (excellent mild), good food and welcoming host. Submariner Graham took over the helm for the return. Pete is challenging for the title of Lone Rider.

A Group 2nd December

A ride of two halves - and, indeed, two leaders. Bob led us out from Cobham in bright December sunshine, Graham led us back from the Three Horseshoes at Ironsbottom in heavy rain which cleared before we got to Annies. 30.47 miles, respectable for a Winters day, 1262.3 ft of ascent, moving average 11.47 mph and 1449 calories. Highest speed 30.9 mph on Bunce Common Road and Victoria Sponge for tea.

Mark

A Group Nov 25th

I uttered the phrase "Get home in the light" and suddenly the A ride was 28
strong (it seemed more) at times stretched out over hundreds of yards of
tarmac. But nobody was lost thanks to Tail End Irene. Bushy Park was entered
unusually behind NPL and exited in Hampton; both have "kissing" gates! Soon
we were in an anonymous cul-de-sac (Roy Grove) where surprisingly there is a
monument to the man whom many consider to be the founder of Ordnance Survey
(Major-General William Roy). From leafy avenues our way lead under the A316
into Feltham and through BP's main UK site at Sunbury. TEI may have been
unmoved but Ed was delighted with home town (Ashford) and Europe's largest
female prison (HMP Bronzefield). After the Spelthorne council offices we
were divided in the centre of Staines, some to The George, others to The
Town Hall and the rest to somewhere near the church. For your future use,
the Town Hall service is not Wetherspoon quick but the gents has inflatable
pigs and sheep for sale (www.naughtyvend.com). Our rendezvous was brief and
orderly; somewhere on towpath to Laleham, Pete B terra-firma'ed seemingly
without injury. Five were last seen heading towards the Shepperton bakery
and an early bath. Around Lower Sunbury Frank/Francoise punctured; never to
be seen again. From Hampton station and down to 13, we went back to the
haves and have nots of the stag world. The Refractory was a new teastop,
relatively expensive, glass and steel. It should have been perfect (mid
afternoon, midweek, term time) but the place was packed with B/C Wayfarers!
A blustery southwester and copious sunshine made it a fine day for cycling
but a mere 27 miles door to door.

Graham Hill

A Group 25th November

Today's map is not a complete record as I turned off a couple of miles before tea to head for Hampton Court Bridge.

On a bright late November day Graham led us 18.78 miles from elevenses to Sunnyside Reservoir - probably just over twenty altogether. Moving average 10.21 mph, 893 calories and a pretty flat run.

Mark

A Group - 18 November '09

Pete's Last Lead

Abinger Hatchlings

As you will have read below, the ride to Abinger Common was the occasion of Pete Mitchell's last ride as a runs leader. It may be no coincidence that the green opposite the Abinger Hatch still sports a well-worn and weathered set of stocks, with space for three miscreants. There may well be more than three among our number, who have been guilty of grievous offence, worst of which is willfully riding ahead of the leader. Could that be you in the stocks? Let he who is without sin cast the first stone!

We shall sorely miss Pete's wise head at the front of the group, as well as his extensive knowledge of so many lovely lanes and byways. We know how easily he can leave an impetuous front-runner suddnly alone and bewildered, wondering where the group has gone.
We are all indebted to Pete for the thought and time he has put into leading rides and choosing venues for so many years.

Many thanks, Pete, for giving us the benefit of your experience. It will still be with us even if not from the helm.

Jeff

A Group Nov 18th

15 of us left Claygate following in the tracks of B group across the A3 bridge behind Claygate & onto a very sheltered track away from the gusty wind. A pause to let B group disappear, continuing up through Oxshot & River Road closing on the rear guard of the B's another pause and our routes parted at last, we climbed up and down White Downs. Ed & Bob were missing but a phone call to Ed (Phone on!) confirmed it was Bob with a puncture and no pump with Bob!. On to a very well prepared lunch at Abinger Hatch complete with log fire. Away by 2pm into the golden leafy lanes of Friday Street & back to Dorking with a strong following wind (Frank C 35.4 mph on 68" fixed = 175rpm) The ride allong the cycle path to Leatherhead was notable as we all kept together (most unusual!) thanks to Frank on the front with the leader effectively blocking any attempts to dash ahead. Tea at Annies. warm scones ready to leave at 4pm just in time to make space for B group who arrived in dribs and drabs home across Ashtead Common before dark 41 miles and the last day as a runs leader is over.
Pete M

Free Wheeling Contest

Pictures from Bernard

Pictures from Francoise

Free-wheel competition November 11 2009

From Dorking I led A and B groups through the golf course to Brockham, past the burnt-out fire to Strood green and Leigh to Norwood Hill. (It would appear The Fox Revived may soon be back in business). With Ed and Norman organising departures (thanks), I freewheeled away first. The weather was fine but the road was dampish so the first corner had to be treated with a certain amount of respect, otherwise it was an uneventful run. Liz was next down and kept an eye on the ladies' efforts (thanks). Aerodynamic Mark beat me by a couple of metres (or yards, if you prefer), then soon Francoise beat Liz by a similar margin. After everyone had wiggled their way down we carried on to Charlwood for lunch at pre-warned The Greyhound. Ed's unique carvings (thanks) were presented to Francoise and Mark, Liz and Terry won inner tubes, then we set off for 3s, to be at Annie's (I warned them we were coming, they had various cakes in stock but no muffins). Delayed slightly by sheep being unloaded at Russ Hill, we pressed on through very slight drizzle to Parkgate, Newdigate and Dorking to Leatherhead, where, upon leaving to go our separate ways, the sky brightened up a little.

Terry

Free Wheel Competition

Free Wheel Course

Free Wheel Telemetry

The Free Wheel Competition, led by Terry, made good use of a dreich November day. Elevenses to tea: 27.1 miles, moving average 11.8 mph and 1137 ft of ascent. As the main purpose of the day was descent details of the Free Wheel course and telemetry are also included this week.

Mark