The Great Lakes

There are many around Walton, tow path closed westwards. Road out of Shepperton westwards closed and Littleton Lane though I got through both by half-pedalling but water was higher on the return so my feet got a wash. Chertsey Bridge closed though I didn't venture that far to experience it first hand. Interesting vistas. All waterfowl are having a field day. To Easyriders I will be heading for higher ground on Wednesday.

Steph x

PS: Even the tow path between Hampton Court and Kingston contains a flooded section at Raven's Ait though easily passable by a muddy detour through the trees.

New Shoes?

240 titanium studs ....

Mark

Gatorskin or Gruyère?

Woodrot?

Just bought some new tyres and they both had holes like this. 'Phoned the shop to request replacements. Their stock of 700 x 23C was similarly affected. What do you suppose was the explanation?

Jeff

SCC - Please repair my road

Surrey - Pothole Capital of the Country?

Have you heard about Surrey County Council's Roadshows on repairing the worst roads in Surrey?  I hadn't. This is what SCC is offering:

"A series of roadshows asking residents for their views on Surrey's worst roads will run in the county during October and November. Residents will be able to suggest a road for inclusion in a proposed new road maintenance programme, designed to renew Surrey roads by resurfacing those in the worst condition. The proposals, which are due to go to Surrey County Council’s Cabinet for discussion in February 2013, include a five year programme of major works to solve the root cause of potholes and focus on roads that will make a real difference to communities.

To put forward a road visit one of the events below or email your suggestion to:

improvemyroad@surreycc.gov.uk including the following information:

• Road name
• Section of the road (for example between junctions, by local landmarks)
• Town/village
• District/borough
• Postcode (if known)"

I missed my chance for the Epsom/Reigate roadshows, but there might still be time for you. Here is the link to the SCC website and the dates and venues of the roadshows.

Even if you missed your local roadshow, you can still email your nomination for a road in serious need of repair. Might be worth a shout. What is there to lose?

Jeff

Washing Instructions

Gentlemen,

Here is some advice that I am sure we will all take to heart when next we stand before the washing machine, wonder  which cycle to choose and what button to press. When next we are out together, I shall expect to see you all as radiant as a field of rape in glorious full blossom. This may be of interest also to the ladies.

We extend our grateful thanks to Shirley Quemby for this addition to our domestic armoury.

I'm sure it will all come out in the wash.

Jeff

An idea from Adam

While I hope bike riders in the UK wont have the severe weather for too much longer we Canadian (BC) riders have adapted to winters for so long we must take it in our stride or not ride. One thing we use locally is studded tires for the icy days. Take an old mountain bike tire and insert small screws, cover the heads by layering with duct tape to protect the tube and keep pressure on the low side. However be careful if you happen to fall and run yourself over, it can be nasty. Also make sure you keep all the cables well oiled to prevent freezing.
sent in from Adam
Just using up last few minutes at yet another library; I really must get a life!

Above is something else cycle-related I'd be interested to hear from anyone who adapts a pair of tyres and does a test run on local by-ways. Certainly cheaper than the £29.99 per tyre that Clas Ohlson in Kingston charge for studded tyres. Maybe you could try out whether the theory really works?!

Snow Tyres

Prompted by the current cold snap I have fitted a pair of snow tyres. Although rare in the UK, these are commonplace in the snowier parts of Europe where people use their bikes for utility purposes like shopping and going to work.

Snow tyres are made of a rubber that includes sharp granules in the moulding to give snow and ice grip; heavy duty versions include varying numbers of metal studs. The widest choice is in 26'' MTB fittings, but winter tyres in 700c touring sizes can also be had. Touring staples such as Continental Top Contact and Schwalbe Marathon are made in Winter variants, for example.

If you want to buy a pair - or just to take a look at what's available - www.chainreactioncycles.com have some and www.bike-components.de have a wide range.

In use they're a bit clunky but they certainly work. You can ride a bicycle on surfaces where it would be difficult to walk in normal shoes. I rode the Wandle Trail yesterday, long sections of which were sheet ice, with no problem. Staying clear of cars, which may be less well equipped, is probably wise, though ...

Mark

The (lack of) View from the Cab

Eco Day at Stoneleigh Library

We have just learnt that there will be an Eco Day in Stoneleigh Library (Stoneleigh Broadway just by Stoneleigh station) 12.30 - 15.30 on Saturday 20 June. We could have a small stall if we wish.

Would anyone like to be there with leaflets and answer questions either for the whole time or until it is time to leave for the afternoon rides?

It clashes with the all day ride.

This is the last Saturday of Bike Week so I and Dr. Bike team members will be in Sutton Town Centre for the whole morning.

I will be pleased to hear of any offers on behalf of the Beginners/DA.

Thank you.

Shirley.

Cheam & Morden Post Xmas Lunch

Cheam & Morden Post Christmas Lunch
12:30 on Sunday 27th January 2008
At Horton Park Golf & Country Club, Hook Rd, Epsom

Cost £10 for two courses.

Current Runs List

To new viewers please note the easy access to the runs list on the right

Potholes&Trails

Having reviewed part of the Hilly 50 course and found potholes, I would encourage all to use the new http://www.fillthathole.org.uk/ and the http://www.clearthattrail.org.uk/ facility. I used it for the first time today and the system works great. You can home in on the Google Map and pinpoint your pothole with the mouse, which then shows a red flag like a golf hole flag. At first I thought it was someone else that had flagged it up and was already in the system but No! it was my flag.

To prove this you move the cursor on the map, click on the mouse and the flag moves to where you have clicked on the map. I am not yet clear how you know if someone else has picked the hole up and reported it already. Anyway it seems to me to be an excellent tool and full marks to CTC. You can get at it by clicking on above or go to the CTC link on right-hand-side of this blog and it's under new tools. Give it a try when you find your first dangerous hole. I think we should highlight these two www. permanently in our Sou'Wester.

Mike M.