Dec 20th A Group

A Ride Dec 20th
Todays ride & destination was prebooked in advance, as the morning turned out to be very cold and foggy a warm lunch spot was anticipated at the ‘Cap in Hand’ at Hook. This found 22 of us on a brisk ride over Walton bridge & on to Sunbury, left on to Kempton Road (path really) & Kent,s Passage via quiet spacious back roads & into a mystical misty enshrouded Bushy Park , past the skating rink at Hampton Court & old worldly Thames Ditton & so to Hook and a super Xmas Dinner with the usual mix up over who had ordered what causing some entertainment. The short ride today & even shorter ride home for most of us was just right on such a cold day. 31 miles
From Pete Mitchell

Cheam & Morden Post Xmas Lunch

To be held at The Hand in Hand Boxhill 12.30am 11th Feb 2007 £10 tickets from Steve at 02083982775 or Pete at 02083942665

Mike Morley the new SouWester Editor

Greeno Centre Sheperton Xmas lunch

Just one or two frolics ----
Presentation of Spoon

Roehampton reprieve!!

Here are Frank, David, Judy, Doreen, Ron and me (holding the camera) enjoying—as we thought—a last cup of coffee at the Roehampton café on Friday morning.

But on wishing the staff a tearful farewell, Frank learnt the good news that it had been decided on Thursday not to demolish the café but to keep it open, at least while the new one is being built. That at any rate is what we were told. So New Year's Day might be saved after all.

Julian

A Ride Dec 6th

At Cobham we presented Hazel, Thelma and Joyce with a bottle of sparkling chardonnay each to enjoy at Christmas and took the opportunity to thank them for opening the RBL Club each first Wednesday and serving us refreshments and making us feel so at home. Long may this happy situation continue. Tom duly arrived with his stock and it was good to hear that his voice retains its qualities. We welcomed two newcomers, Brian Forster and Bernie O'Donovan, who we hope will wish to make their Wayfarers ride a regular event.


From Mike Morley in Sydney Australia:
Hi Brian et al, Fantastic hot weather here in Sydney, Fri 1 Dec. Regrettably we leave to Bangkok tonight, spend 4 days there and back home to cooler weather. Glad to hear Tom Fish OK, obviously there was some concern about him. Still on target to see you all on Wed 6 Dec [subject to Bangkok tummy]. I am on for the Xmas lunch at Greeno 13 Dec if available. Best regards, Mike M.

Dear Brian,
Brian Stead sends his warm greetings from Oz . I had to return by train last week before 11`s as my down tube snapped !! Best wishes, Brian N. Thanks, Brian via Brian, Brian.

Brian
As from 9th December, the Richmond Park cafe at Roehampton Gate will be closed indefinitely. Apparently the existing building will be flattened and a new one built. 3 months was mentioned. ' Oh ' yes, Wembley Stadium comes to mind. Presumably it will be open on Friday 8th. If any wish to be there at 11, it might be a good farewell gathering. Frank

Hello Brian,
From Cobham I led Christine, Gill, Judy, Liz, Toni, Bernard, new member Brian Forster, welcome, (Steve, Jack and I met Brian years ago on Sunday mornings at Alison's tea wagon at Headley), Cliff, upright Ed, John B, Les, Nev, Norman and Robin along Plough Lane (no longer awash as on Sunday), to be shortly passed by A group. We turned left at the now-expensive Black Swan (ask Norman) and carried straight on through Effingham and up Beech Avenue to have a brief pause at the crossroads before crossing Ranmore. A gentle descent to Dorking outskirts, turn left into Ashcombe Road then a few hundred yards of A24 before turning onto the cycle track, across the golf course to Brockham. Along Kiln Lane, admiring the views to north and south and soon we arrived at The Red Lion at Betchworth. We climbed over 500ft between Cobham and Betchworth (thanks Bernard). After enjoying lunch, we returned to Dorking alongside the A25, turned into Pixham Lane, then by (fairly) popular request a group of us scaled the south face of Boxhill via the Zig Zags, followed by a cup of National Trust tea, after which we went our separate ways. A good day out helped by the wonderful weather. After the next two Wednesdays the evenings will start to get lighter! Terry

Best weather so far this week. Sunshine all the way and just a spot of breeze. Roger led around twelve of us 'C' group from Cobham en route for the refurbished Black Swan (formerly but no longer Mucky Duck). Apart from me `n Im, there was Ron, Bill, Dave, John G., Alan,Fuzz,Dennis, Mike and Mary on tandem,Lynda,Liz, Bill `A` and another who name I did not catch (I cant remember him throwing it!). I know that`s more than twelve but Dennis and another took an alternative route probably up Plough Lane while we carried on up Downside Bridge Road and turned right at The Drift, at the end of which we did a left and right into East Horsley. Another right turn took us to Ockham, then past the disused Wisley airfield (stirring old memories), to the pub. They have done a complete makeover which is reflected in the prices but unfortunately the service was poor and some of the offerings when they arrived half an hour after we ordered them were a bit cold. None the less the staff were welcoming and there was nothing wrong with the beer. As the intention was to take tea at Claygate, I took the route back over the airfield, a rather lonely ride apart from a few friendly old ghosts, leaving at Wisley over the footbridge which crosses the A3 and a spot of offroad to Byfleet Village and home via Oyster Lane -------- Albert

The fine weather brought a large turnout to Cobham, where, in 'A' group were, Brian, Bob, Vic, Pam, Bernie, Pete B, Pete M, John S, John M, Frank C, Frank H, Graham, Ray, Toni, John B, Steve, Julian, Nigel, Grant, Ed S and Ed C. (was that all?). An early puncture for Grant saw our number reduced by 1, although when we passed B group in Plough Lane, we made up a combined peleton of not far off 40.
At modest pace, partly due to the stiff headwind, we passed through Ripley, then down Papercourt Lane, where there was quite a bit of surface water still lying on the fields, not to mention the roads. Then it was through Send and on to Old Woking and Mayford, then up Prey Heath Road past Worplesdon Railway Station. After crossing Fox Corner, and Bullswater Common, we arrived at our lunch destination, the Cricketers at Pirbright, to find ourselves beaten to it by a short head by West Surrey CTC. So some went to the White Hart just down the road for lunch, with a detachment heading off to Wetherspoons at Woking. While the rest of us were enjoying our lunch in the Cricketers' snooker room, a large black cloud unkindly disgorged its contents on Pam just as she was mending a puncture (ably assisted by Brian).
After lunch, at brisker pace we headed back via Worplesdon and Jacobs Well, where Bernie picked up our third puncture of the day, whereupon a small committee headed by Ed S soon fixed the problem and had us on our way again up the cycle path on the A3. I had originally intended to head for our tea stop at Ockham Bites via the lanes, but to save time we continued there up the A3, to be rejoined by Grant and also Jen.
By the time Brian and I got back to Banstead, it was well after dark, and we covered 54 miles altogether. Rob

This Sunday, please support the SWLDA AGM at Breech Lane 12.30pm and/or follow-up Cyclist's/Rambler's Carol Service at 2pm at nearby St Peters Church Walton-on-the-Hill. See you there.
Brian

Tom Fish

Hello Brian,

I think everyone was very pleased to see our old friend Tom Fish meeting up with the Wayfarers again today. Despite still having a very painful left leg he had managed to ride, on his brand new Trek cycle, from his home to Twickenham station and then from Shepperton station to Greeno Day Centre. Upon his arrival everyone present gave him a great welcome.

Ken Loy

A Ride Nov 22nd

Report by Ed Sharp leader, Pete M, Pete B, Bob, Brian, Ray, Steve, Jen met at The Star. Destination Lingfield The Star Pub. Morning: Weak winter sun and falling leaves. Route: Outwood Mill Newchapel & Lingfield.
Afternoon: Rain in the air and looming darkness so made for home via Blindley Heath, Bletchingley, Merstham, Banstead.

Free Wheeling Contest

John Mason completed his hat trick by beating Pete Barnard & David Aylett on Wednesday in windy conditions.

Nov 8th

Hello Wayfarers and friends

As I announced at Kingston elevenses, I had a call over the weekend from Tom Fish, saying, in effect, that his cycling days are numbered due mainly to his permanently swollen ankles and shins. He cannot get about unless taken. He promised to write offering various cycling goods and I now have his letter "Thanks for taking my phone message. I've tried to make a list for DA members (Tom is President). Cannot get to midweek without transport. Was glad of a car ride Sunday 29th October with Robin to Newport Pagnell for a smashing Sunday Dinner (route details). Would like to borrow an open-frame (ladies) bike. Probably manage that a bit better. Tom" He then lists: Free - just ask: 21" Blue/yellow bike, semi-light, cut-away lugs; 27x1.25wheels, tyres, tubes; brakes; bars; saddle; 3" stem; mudguards; carrier; pedals; toe-clips; bottle carrier; (further details). All ready for adjustment - to take away. He also lists many new tyres - ring Tom on 020 8755 0724 for details.

I also announced that our annual lunch would be at The Cap in Hand (A3/A243 junction, Hook) on the first Wednesday in March 2007 (after Cobham elevenses). The date is 7th March 2007 (I got it wrong - thanks, Ray) and I will collect £2 meal deposit with £3 subs from 03Jan07. It is standard Wetherspoons menu on offer and I carry a copy. For the numbers expected, management require choice of main course to be advised in advance, so I will prepare a chart.

Deanna writes: His daughter Linda phoned me (Deanna) today (Monday), telling me that Arthur Clarke died at home on Saturday 10.30 pm. The funeral will probably take place next week. During this year he was in and out of hospital until his heart could take no more. He survived a heart attack nearly twenty years ago, and managed to live until his early eighties. Although they used to cycle with the Family Section (now Downland) which is where I met them and have remained friends ever since, I believe some will remember Arthur and his wife Eileen. Years ago they hosted elevenses at their home - Oakenstaff, Heathway, Chaldon, Surrey, CR3 5DL. Regards - hope to see you at Dorking on Wednesday. Deanna.

"As I was going up the stair I met a man who wasn't there He wasn't there again today I wish that man would go away". I now know how that man feels, I thought I was out with the 'C' ride last week but must give way to the prose of Albert, so how did I get the cycle dirty?
Harold
PS: I wasn't out with 'C' group again this week.

Sixteen 'A' group — Pam, Jen, Pete B, Pete M, Vic, John B, Frank C, Frank H, Brian, Graham, Toni, Rob, Nigel, Ed, Recumbent Ed and Steve — set out with Julian from the Bradbury Centre in Kingston for a figure-of-eight ride around the local area. After wiggling through the centre of Kingston we went along the new bit of cycle track in Skerne Road, up King's Road to the Kingston Gate of Richmond Park along to Ham Cross and did the loop by the ballet school, left to Richmond Gate back to Ham Cross and down the hill towards Ham Common. The deer were much in evidence in the Park and there was a generally, calm autumnal feel. Crossing the Richmond Road, we turned right down the track towards Ham House, passed across its river frontage then took Riverside Drive to Teddington Lock, went along the tow path into Kingston (where Nigel paused to buy spoons), over the bridge and down the tow path to Hampton Court, through Thames Ditton and so to the ornate glories of the Coronation Hall (aka Surbiton Wetherspoons) for lunch (about a mile from our starting point). After lunch, Brian, Graham, Nigel and Ed C took off for home at various stages along the route, which took us up St Mark's Hill, down past Berrylands, through Malden, under the by-pass and up Copse Hill—where John B survived crunching into a bollard by the Atkinson Morley hospital—over Wimbledon Common, down through the Roehampton estate and into the Park once more and the Roehampton Cafe for an early tea. A light drizzle was starting as we left for home, but otherwise, we'd been remarkably fortunate with the weather.

Starting from Kingston, often seen as a good place from which to follow the river or venture towards the metropolis, I decided to take 'B' group in the opposite direction and head out into the country. There were sixteen of us: Nev, Robin, John Scott, John Mason, Harold (who thought he was joining 'C' group till he got to Woodstock Lane), Lynda, Liz, Terry, Mike and Mary, Les, Ed, Reg Beever, Brian N, new rider - Peter Taunton (welcome, Peter) - and me, Gill. Hurrying through the built-up areas of Kingston and Surbiton to Long Ditton, we headed up Rectory Lane and then followed Woodstock Lane to Claygate. Admittedly there was the roar of the A 3 but on the other side of the road there were fields and Surbiton Golf Course, which made it feel rural. Passing through Claygate, we turned into Arbrook Lane and on to Arbrook Common. Here we followed a cycle route (white signs with a red bicycle on them and white arrows) - take the middle track on entry to the Common. This led us due south, then across to Esher Common after crossing the busy Copsem Lane. At first we followed the pylons but soon turned into the woods on a sandy track. The autumn colours were glorious. Crossing high above the A3 we emerged eventually on to Sandy Lane and from here it was a mixture of on and off-road all the way into Cobham. Our lunch destination was the Jovial Sailor at Ripley, so from here on we followed the traditional route to Ockham and into Ripley down Rose Lane. A short stretch on the old Portsmouth Road and we were at the pub. (For the record, leaders please note that the Jovial Sailor now has a policy of table service and central billing for a group. They very kindly accommodated us this time, allowing individuals to order at the bar, but as a venue for us in the future it may need checking first.) The return route was along Grove Heath Road, up Ripley Lane to West Horsley and along the A246 to Effingham where we joined the Lower Road. I had planned to join this road by taking the earlier turn-off of Dirtham Lane but was warned of ferocious dogs down here so opted to take the advice of those in the know. We ended up in Leatherhead and five of us went for tea at Annie's, where we forgot to say we were having the 'special' of tea and cake for £2 but luckily the lady kindly allowed us to get away with it! I'm not sure what happened about the Passion cake but hopefully it was all sorted out amicably!! A good day's ride with lots of good autumn colours despite the grey skies. Gill

Downhill competition for the competitive from Dorking St Martin's (Church) Centre next week - Thanks to Terry for organising this popular annual event. A bit damp and overcast but little wind and quite warm for November. From Kingston, John G. led twelve of 'C' group - two Rogers (welcome Roger Sceats, a newcomer in our midst), then came Ron, Fuzz, Harold, Dennis, Dawn, Allan (welcome return), Bill and me. John must have a very good knowledge of the busy built-up parts of the area and we had little in the way of hold-ups apart from the odd traffic lights. The first gate we entered to Bushey Park had a memorial to some cobbler outside, but before I could discover how such a one achieved such fame, it was my turn to negotiate the bike-upending gate. We followed traffic-free paths until we left the park at the Hampton Hill gate. Lunch was to be at Isleworth so after a bit of towpath and footpath riding and mostly traffic-free areas including a footbridge, we arrived at the rather splendid Town Wharf near the Thames. There were eight of us at a table already laid out with `Reserved` signs. In the event the prices were most reasonable and the service was good.. The water was high when we left, being tidal this far down the river. The intention was to have tea at Raynes Park and of course that was the group I followed until John advised me of my error. The Kingston few had gone to the towpath, but I took a wrong turning and found myself on the Chertsey Road which I followed until turning off to Sunbury. Shepperton and home. I enjoyed the ride and clocked up 38.99 miles (that's 40 in my book!) At least the Chertsey Road has a decent bike path ------------------------- Albert

'A' group at Cranleigh

Did not check on the name of this pub we dined at,but good value.

Achievement Trophy

Brian Starey receiving the Arthur Jessop Wayfarers trophy for outstanding achievement in the year 2006 as voted by members at the recent AGM. Birthday boy (90) John Hammond is presenting the award at Teddington elevenses.

News of Wayfarers.... 21st Oct 06

Hello Brian,
Janice and I were down in Epsom today and visited Margaret and Bill Squirrell and their collection of old and ancient bicycles, which they had been invited to display in the large forecourt of Ebbisham Library, Epsom.
This is the 2nd year running they have attended together with the local Fire Brigade, various craft / charity stalls.and our local jazz band.
You might already know this is just one of the many such functions Bill and Margaret attend, dressed in their Victorian cycling outfits and displaying their ancient bicycles throughout the year.
A very good effort, held in dry, bright and sunny weather. (thank heavens).
Regards
Janice and Ken

AGM presentation

The Mark Roy Mileage Improvement Shield being presented at the AGM by secretary Brian Starey to Irene North an improvement of 2489 miles over the previous year.

The four riders at Lee Valley YH

Heading for lunch at Hertford

Pam's Pics A Group

Pictures by Pam on Vic's Ride

Rowhook- leaving after lunch

Pete's keeping us on the ball so here goes with my picture. Kept busy with seeing the interesting blogs of the 12 hour team.
Ray

Chequers for lunch

Photo by Pam (Gert)

Ickenham today

This follows on from Pete's picture of 100 years ago.
Ray

Ickenham Lunch Spot

Ickenham 100 years before the A group arrived to lunch at Wetherspoons