Easy Riders Dec 24th

Fuzz led a very interesting ride with history facts thrown in, from Richmond Park today. We were 7; Fuzz, Roger, Barbara, (an old school friend of mine), 1st time out on a Wednesday; as she lives near Kingston Vale Gate; Lynda, Phil M., Mark and Ron. We went thro' alley-ways, a stream, parks and past some historic buildings. We cycled through Barnes, Putney and had lunch at The Eight Bells in Fulham. After lunch we made our way to Wimbledon Common where we had tea at The Windmill. I had to rush off to get the veg for Christmas Day and Barbara had parcels to wrap. We all made our way home before it got dark.

I had a phone call from Harold, to say that he was in a car accident and his car has been righted off. He is suffering bruises and possibly cracked ribs (again)! But, says they are going up to his daughter's in Scotland for Christmas; so he will get plenty of rest and pampering!
A pair of glasses were left at the cafe anybody lost a pair
Lynda.

Easy Riders Dec 10th

There were a lot of us at Leatherhead Day Centre today. Albert looked well after his 2nd eye operation. Mike M. sporting a souvenir from Australia, has made a remarkably quick recovery after his stay in hospital.

Ron led C group up to Headley. We lunched at The Cock, after getting there in good time, before the lunch rush. After our meals, it was all downhill to The Wells for tea. Helga joined us, as she is over for 10days holiday from Germany. A nice dry day, sunny but cold.

Lynda .

Easy Riders Dec 3rd

Just a few words about todays Easy Riders run. Bill Hammond took a tumble on his way to the elevenses meet at Cobham. Possibly slipped on an icy patch, do not have precise details. Apparently a couple of passing cyclists helped him up. He continued to Cobham but was a bit shaken and bruised. He went off home to check his injuries and to determine whether he should go to A&E somewhere. There were eleven starters for the ride including yours truly (Pat, Lynda, Beryl, Phil, Denis, Roger, Nev, David, Mick, Cliff, Bill Matthews, and myself. Sorry not very good at surnames.) We set of for Bookham, via Bookham Common, and thence over the tops, down Hogden Hill (1 in 5 ) to West Humble and the Stepping Stones pub. A few set off for home or sandwiches in the railway station but seven of us sat at a big round table and enjoyed a good lunch. After lunch we headed for tea at Leatherhead Day Centre although I left just before Leatherhead in order to get home in time for another engagement. In case I can't get out again this month,
Seasons Greetings to all Wayfarers. Mike Withers

Easy Riders Nov 26

What a grey day! Nevertheless, Roger led 15 of us from Claygate Day centre passed the Tilt, to one of my favourite pubs - The Running Mare at Stoke D'Abernon. A warm, friendly pub with nice food. Eight of us ate in and seven went to the cemetary with their sandwiches. We made our way back to Claygate day centre for tea. Due to the nights drawing in we made it a shorter day, to get home in daylight. It was nice for me to ride through Nonsuch Park while it was still light, and it stayed dry.

Lynda.

Easy Riders Nov 19th

There was a good crowd at Hersham today. Next time we go they will have a new cafe there.

Phil led 16 riders from Hersham on a beautiful, sunny autumnal morning. We headed towards George's Hill housing estate then made our way to the Wey canal. The terrain was OK up to The Anchor; then we continued to the other side, where it got more slippey. There was a puncture at the back of the group, and Phil went back to investigate, while the rest of us continued to Ripley, our destination being The Half Moon.

After a very nice lunch, a good day for the picnickers, we continued through Ripley Village to Oxshott Common and Stoke D'Abernon, then Arbrook Common to Claygate Day Centre. It was a very nice run through the very leafy Commons. After tea we went our separate ways.

Lynda.

Easy Riders Nov 12th

I had a phone call from Albert on Tuesday, saying that he was going to have another operation on his eye to put it right, on Thursday.

Harold led the group today, with Ron, Roger, Bill H, Charles, Beryl, Lynda, Mike & Mary, Fuzz and Allan. From Weybridge we went down to the towpath and headed for Shepperton. Came up and went over the bridge, through the town to a very interesting spirral bridge, which I found great fun going round and up, then down the other side. Thro' Charlton Village and down Nutty Road to Sunbury; where we stopped at The Flower Pot. A very nice pub and good food. After lunch we continued thro' Hamworth, Hampton and Bushy Park to Hampton Court. It was after 3pm by then; so decided not to stop for tea and we all made our way home. A very nice ride and some new places.

Lynda.

Easy Riders Nov 5th

There were a lot of people at Cobham this morning; but only 7 of us on the C group ride.

I led, Beryl, Roger, Charles, Fuzz, Bill H., and Harold towards Claygate going on the old A3 road. We didn't go thro' Arbrook Common as I thought it would be too muddy after all the rain we've had the last few days. So, we stayed on the road, passing Claygate Day Centre and turning left going down to Long Ditton. We continued to Thames Ditton and had a nice lunch at Ye Old Swan by the river. They have a special menu there for £5. A good choice of 5 hot main dishes. I had the tasty lentil risotto with roasted vegetables and grated cheese on top. After a leisurely lunch, some decided to make their way back home. Roger, Charles and myself decided to do a circuit of the towpath to Kingston, Ham and Teddington. On the route I got quite a surprise when I saw a rat dart out of a bush, cross my path, looked up and decided to retrace his pawprints and doubled back, hence going under my bike and nearly getting squashed! As we were going over Teddington bridge, we saw B group coming from the opposite direction, heading for Richmond. We continued, going through Bushey Park, and making our way to Five on the Bridge for the best cakes. It was drizzly rain most of the way home and I was surprised how dark it was by 5 o'clock. Got home at 5.10pm and clocked 40mls.

Lynda.

Easy Riders Oct 29th

A beautiful, sunny day; John C led Roger, Bill H, Dennis, Fuzz, Beryl, Lynda, Dave and Harold from Walton Day centre towards Hersham. We continued onto the cycle path going towards West End. We made a left turn taking us up on to the old A3 road. From there, we turned left at the Rugby ground, then forked right which took us to The Running Mare at Cobham. A very nice pub with excellent food and service.
After lunch, we got our layers back on and made our way thro' Stoke D'Abernon and into Oxshott; down Birds Nest Drive and into Claygate Common. As John phoned from the pub; the ladies at Claygate Day centre were waiting for us with a pot of hot tea. Then we made our way home before it got dark.

Lynda.

Easy Riders Oct 22nd

Here is an account of 'C' group ride:-

Ron led a very autumnal ride from Teddington over to Esher Common to West End (Prince of Wales). After lunch we went over Oxshott Common to Arbrook Common then tea at Claygate. The trees were lovely golden colours, and to my surprise we didn't come across too much mud. There was just one puddle at the end of Arbrook Common. It was a very interesting ride and the weather stayed fine.

Lynda.

Easy Riders Oct 22nd

Picture from Mike Pontin

Easy Riders Oct 15th

C group met at Claygate day centre. Apparently, Albert has had his eye operation - get well soon. Beryl, has made a good recovery after having her knee operation. Out cycling last week; but due to a bad cold not yesterday.
18 riders left the centre and headed towards Oxshott, a little off-road, then coming out by The Tilt. Charles, got a puncture, seems it was a piece of wire; but didn't have a correct new innertube . So, Liz offered to go into Cobham and get an appropriate tube from the cycling shop there. Eddie waited with Charles, and the rest of the group made their way to Bookham, through the Common and then onto lunch at The Anchor. We made our way back to Leatherhead, and went to the Day centre at Longmead. Four of us had tea, the remainder made their way home.
Lynda.

Easy Riders Oct 1st

Easy Riders There were nine of us to start Lynda, Roger, Harold, Mark, John, Dennis, Bill , Fuzz and myself, and we gained a couple more at lunch time. Fuzz set off to make his own way, seeking a flatter route than the one I had planned. We were making our way to West Horsley through the lanes, via Martyrs Green (home of The Black Swan), Hatchford, Guileshill Lane, Hungry Hill and the Jury Farm Estate. We arrived at the King William IV West Horsley where we were joined here by Fuzz who had found a "lost" Stephnie on the way, and Brian. We enjoyed a good lunch and were very well looked after in spite of the fact that the staff were dealing with a very large luncheon party. It rained while we were lunching, but the sun was shining again by the time we were ready to set out again. After lunch we made our way to East Horsley following the track alongside the railway. After that we took the fairly recently opened cycle track through the Great Ridings Woods to Effingham, and then to Leatherhead where some looked for tea while others simply went home. Mike W

Easy Riders Sept 24th

Albert is waiting a date for his eye operation so will not be out for a few weeks. So here is an account of today's ride.

Phil, our leader, started off from Teddington Day Centre, followed by 14 riders. Mike & Mary, Eddie; 1st time out ( Saturday rider), Dave, Roger, Bill H. Fuzz, Les J., Mark, Charles, Dennis, Harold and myself (Lynda). We did a few left and right turns, on cycle paths, waterways, over bridges, canals, heading for Brent. After a few miles we lost the back 3 en (a very complex) route. It turns out Harold had got a puncture. Nevertheless, onwards we went, a very interesting, picturesque route passed Syon Park to Hanwell Lock. Phil told us there were 9 locks that way. By the time we got to lunch, 11 of us enjoyed a very satisfying, cheap lunch at Brent Valley golf club. Mine, totalled £3.80! - and that was a fresh bacon and egg sandwich and half a guinness. We came back towards Otterley and stopped for afternoon tea at Tesco's. I clocked 45mls. (More details of the route from Phil).

Lynda.

Easy Riders Sept 17th

Picture from Albert

Eight of us started out from Weybridge in mild weather but rather overcast until the sun showed itself in the afternoon. Ron was leading with Bill H., Mike and Mary on tandem, Mark, Roger, Dennis, Harold and me. Lunch was to be at The Bells,Staines. At The Quadrant we turned right to cross the old bridge and on to Poets Corner. At the railway crossing gates in Addlestone we turned right and at the roundabout near St. George`s College we went via the cyclepath up Woburn Hill then down into Chertsey Meads with a right turn over Chertsey bridge, Laleham Thamesside, then the towpath all the way to Staines. It is a good pub with quick service in a quiet backwater. Afterwards we followed the same route as far as Chertsey Bridge where we turned left to Shepperton for tea. No hills or mud (great). Thanks Ron also Lynda for stepping in last week when I was away----------------Albert

Easy Riders 10 September 08

A Wealth of Experience Ready to set off from the Fairfield Centre, Leatherhead

Facing the Camera with a Smile with Leader Lynda!

Easy Riders Sept 10th

Due to Albert being away in Belgium for a holiday; here is the write-up on 'Ding ding day'.

Well, it was fun participating in 'Ding day', even if nobody else knew about it!

There were quite a few at 11's in Leatherhead; but on the ride were Lynda, Liz, Sonia, Roger, Fuzz, Bill H, Mike W, Mark, Harold and back marker, Charles. Jeff and Allan came part way but left before our lunch stop.

From the day centre we made our way over the footbridge towards Ashtead, down Skinners Lane across the green to Ashtead station and into Ashtead Common. We took the left fork and made our way round to Stew Ponds car park. Out of the Common we turned left to Malden Rushett. Every time we passed a cyclist we did a very tuneful 'ding ding' and occasionally we got one back.

We made our way past Chessington World of Adventures to Bridge Rd roundabout, where we turned left towards Claygate. Over the A3 bridge we turned right into Long Ditton and Thames Ditton. We had lunch at Ye Olde Swan in Thames Ditton. A good selection of main meals for £5. We sat outside by the river.

After lunch we continued into Hampton Court, over the bridge and down to the towpath to Kingston - more response of 'dings' along the towpath. Liz counted at least 3! After Liz, Fuzz and Harold left, the rest of us made our way to Teddington still along the towpath. We went through Teddington town and round into Bushy Park. Back to Hampton Court, where 5 of us remaining enjoyed afternoon tea and cake at my favourite cafe '5 at the bridge'.

We had a very interesting conversation of Mark's stories on homeopathic medicine. Roger and Bill left after tea and Sonia, Charles and myself made our way towards Chessington and Epsom/Cheam/Worcester Park. Just as we were passing Squires at Long Ditton two fellers passed by on bikes - and as we did our 'ding ding', one of them said, 'Ding day'! At last, someone knew about it!

Maybe it will catch on next year. Did anyone play the game in London?
Lynda.

Easy Riders Sept 3rd

Another month and still some sunny weather when we met at Cobham. Roger was leading and our lunch was to be at The New Inn at Send. We took a well travelled route up Plough Lane, Martyr`s Green, the Ockham Road with some hilly bits until we reached the Send Road and the short ride past parked lorries before crossing the old Portsmouth Road and entering the lane which terminates with the pub. I just wish we could find a route with less than three maps to cover it! Our group consisted of Mark, Fuzz, Lynda, Sonia, John C., Charles, Dave, Dennis, Harold (who had a puncture but caught up with us), Mike, Bill H., myself and of course Roger in the lead. I am sure there were fifteen all told but the other names escape me. Lynda passed around a `get well` card to send Beryl who is in hospital with a knee job (bless her). She has always been a regular with our group and we look forward to seeing her well again soon. I forgot to bring my camera and my efforts to get a decent shot with my mobile were pretty feeble, so no attachments this time. Tea was to be at Cobham but I peeled off home when we left Papercourt Lane. I`ll be in Belgium next Wednesday so I`ll see you in a couple of weeks---------------------Albert

Easy Riders Aug 27th

Picture from Albert

Good old Tom turned up at elevenses at Molesey but with quite a few others including Charles and his fourteen year old grandson James did not come on our ride, although in the case of the last two named I took it to be their intention. Ron led us down the towpath to Walton bridge where we crossed over to Shepperton en route for The Red Lion at Thorpe. Before our departure Sonia`s bike punctured and I believe Lynda stayed behind to help, so we lost their company; the lone lady with us being Beryl. Harold also had the same problem while on the towpath but managed to continue. Still in the merry band was Mark, Roger, Dave, John C., Bill H., and me. Before we crossed Chertsey bridge, Ron asked me to lead being my home ground and knowing the best way to avoid the centre of the town. I avoided that spot of offroad through Penton Hook and took the direct route up the Thorpe Road Road. After a pleasant lunch we headed for Shepperton for our tea. Ron resumed the lead up Coldharbour Lane which meant us making our way through Penton Hook for good measure! I took the photo as we were leaving the pub. ---------------Albert

Easy Riders Aug 20

Picture from Albert

Some pleasant surprises when we met up at Shepperton; Bill Squirrell, looking fit and well after his hospital sojourn in Blackpool was there with Margaret. As for me, I got a welcoming hug from Pam. A bonus enjoyed by very old chaps! John C., was our leader for the ride to The Running Mare at Cobham. We had a very good turnout in spot on weather with Lynda, Beryl, Carole,Fuzz, Dennis, Dave, Roger, Harold, Mark, Charles, Geoff, Bill H., Ron, Mike (I think) and me.We took the short route to Walton bridge then up New Zealand Avenue to Hersham and the cyclepath along the dual carriageway to Westend after which a spot of climbing ensued and being in the wrong gear, I had to walk for fifty yards but soon caught up as John is good at looking after stragglers. We came out of Leith Hill Road before crossing the Stoke Road near Cobham just a stone`s throw from the pub. After a good lunch we met up with the others and headed back up Leith Hill Road for our tea at Claygate. The only bit of offroad we encountered was Claygate Common just before our arrival. All in all a great day and just 28 miles on the clock when I got home at 4.20----------Albert

C Group Aug 13th

Picture from Albert

A fairly stiff breeze from the southeast aided my 12 mile ride to elevenses at Kingston where Fuzz led our ride to The Coach and Horses at Barnes. We had a good turnout with Ron, Phil, Bill H., Lynda, Beryl, Sonia, Dave, Roger, Harold, Mark, Dennis, as well as Fuzz and myself. We headed through Kingston to Richmond Park where Beryl had a bit of a tumble caused by an uneven verge. She bravely claimed to be unhurt so we continued to the eastern exit of the park after a few light showers, quite a bit of sun and still breezy. Soon after arriving back on the tarmac I came a cropper, having clipped Dave`s rear wheel. I`ll need some more dressings for my first aid kit before I venture out again. We had some good offroad thanks to Fuzz`s knowledge of this urban neighbourhood including an area with the odd name of `Leg of Mutton` amenety area with instructions to refrain from cycling and fishing. I can report that none of us fished! The pub turned out to be most pleasant and since the bitter was so good I managed an extra half pint to revive myself to face a pretty long ride home. We returned through the park for tea at the cycle renting cafe near the exit to Roehampton. After tea, Roger led myself, Lynda and Beryl back through the park to Kingston; Lynda must have peeled off early for Cheam, Beryl for the rail station and myself for Kingston bridge. I recognised the overhead walkway linking Bentalls to their carpark, where after passing the lights I went onto the cyclepath over the bridge. 38.54 miles, arriving home at 5.25. I keep a goodly stock of beer---------Albert