A Group Christmas Lunch 19 Dec 07

Thanks to Pete Mitchell for arranging an excellent "A" group seasonal lunch at the Cap in Hand. In an impromptu gesture (or was it jester) by Toni de put his hand in his pocket and made a small contribution (he was feeling larey so he put in Lira) and we made an even more impromptu presentation, see photo, of old crackers wrapped in old serviettes. The real present will be presented by Jake when the sales are on.

Equally we were all delighted to see Bob & Lesley at the Cap in Hand. Bob couldn't resist a chance of a Wetherspoon bash. It was amazing to see him one week and one day after the replacement of his right hip. Hip, Hip Hooray. He cant wait to get rid of the sticks and get on a bike.

Finally I could not resist this photo, it's what you might call a "Thorn" between two "Roses. The one on the left I am Truly, Deeply, Fondly, trying to remember her name!! The one in the middle can at times be a complete pain but is off to Spain to keep out of the rain (well at least lands of grotty). I never forget the name of the one on the right, I just think of what she must have had after that epic Mersey 24hr (a bath) and it begins with Ann

A Group Lunch

A very enjoyable social occasion with good food at the Cap in Hand.

I am only sorry I could not have cycled there with you but the odds were against me what with the bad throat and bicycle at the repairers. Whilst I was out my wife received a call to say that the bike was now ready for collection. One day late for the meal. Anyway I look forward to seeing you all again in the new year for another year of good company and good excercise.

All the very best for Christmas and the New Year.

Kind Regards,

John Scott

Update on the Brothers Starey

Bob is home from a successful replacement of his right hip and is almost roadworthy. Well he walked to his local paper shop this morning on 2 sticks and is determined to get back on his bike (or at least my wife Barbara's bike-an old single speed steel ladies bike) asap. Not surprisingly he is sore and its painful but he is very determined and eager to get cracking on the second one maybe in 3 to 4 months time.

Brian and I took Bob out for a pub lunch today in the Red Lion Cheam. Photo attached of all three but last Monday at the 3 Horseshoes Irons Bottom before Bob had the Iron fitted next to his bottom last Tuesday.

'A' Group 12th Dec

This ride I took at Stephen's request in place of Bob who as we know is undergoing hip operations and undestand one has been completed.We all wish him well and hope it will not be too long before he is back in his stride leading in his impeccable way.

The ride to West Horsley was a short one . 18 of us left in cold but beautiful weather taking a route close to the railway and river Mole to Fetcham on path and byways. Our ride was interrupted as we hit ice in River Lane,yours truly coming down followed by Stephen,fortunately we were able to carry on to Fetcham where we met what appeared to be a diversion with police in control, presumably due to another ice accident,however we were able to continue on our intended route. This was the path on Bookham Common to Bookham station then road to the end of Oristan Lane picking up the new Sustrans path to East Horsley.

When we encountered the low tunnel photos were taken which was almost hidden by our number which have not be named but I hope are visiblle.The path ended at the East Horsley's butchers shop where men humping carcasses into the shop warned us of ice as we entered the road. Our route finished up on road via Horsley railway station to the Barley Mow where we lunched as arranged. Rob entertained us at the bar when he shattered a lamp with his head from a lantern overhanging the bar. The barmaid blinked not as she continued to serve him.

We left about 1.30 so the service was quite reasonable in view of the festive season already in swing. Other than those who went directly home we ended up at Weatherspoon's and Annie's Leatherhead for tea etc. and left by 3pm whereby I hope most of us got home before dark.My mileage was less than 20, a record I think.

'A' Group 12th Dec.

The ride from Leatherhead Day Centre to West Horsley was comparitively a short one compared with most rides regardless of the beautiful conditions. 18 of us set off,hopefully they will be recognised in the pictures. The route followed the River Mole and railway on byways when progress was halted on hitting River Lane where yours truly was brought down by ice bringing down Stephen as well. Continuing on through Fetcham there appeared to be a diversion controlled by police thought perhaps due to an accident caused by ice, however we were allowed to continue on the intended route. It was not long before we entered Bookham Common via the Glade and thereon to Little Bookham and Effingham ,Orestan Lane and Sustrans route to East Horsley's butcher shop. Here delivery men humping carcasses into the butcher,s warned us of ice as we were leaving the track which had been perfect to ride on to that point.We arrived in good time at the Barley Mow via Ockham Road South and Horsley where as arranged sustenance was provided in reasonable time in view of Xmas functions.Rob entertained us when he sent a lamp from a lantern

flying that was overhanging the Bar which was obviously impeding his vision at that hight.The Barmaid blinked not and blithely dealt with our needs.

Our routine journey back to Leatherhead other than those returning directly home was uneventful arriving around about 2pm. Weatherspoons and Annies were selected for tea etc. and we parted company about 2.45. My surprising total from home was 20 miles,disgusting Ray

'A' Group-Report

Stephen asked me to take the ride as Bob would have lead but was having hip operations.We wish him all the best and understand one hip has been done. We look forward to him taking rides again in the not too distant future.

We left Leatherhead-18 of us in icy cold but beautiful conditions,soon entering Mill Lane and followed the path adjacent to the railway then byroads and path to River Lane.Here both Stephen and myself were brought down by ice, fortunately with minor injury only we believe.

Onwards to Fetcham where the police were controlling a diversion but we were able to continue on our intended route which was the Glade to Bookham Station via the common.Road riding thereon to the end of Orestan Lane Effingham and on to the new Sustrans path to East Horsley.

At the low roofed tunnel Will kindly took a picture, The tunnel was obscured by the number of us but I hope we are recognisable as I have not named us all.On leaving the path at the East Horsley butchers shop we were warned by men humping carcasses into the shop of ice just as we were reaching the road.However the conditios on the path were ideal for the time of the year.

To West Horsley via Horsley station brought us to the Barley Mow where we sat down to lunch as arranged.Rob entertained us when he shattered a lamp with his head from a lantern overhanging the bar The barmaid blinked not as she continued to serve Rob. Rob was unhurt but safety regulations could have been in doubt!

The food I think was good and served in reasonable time in view of the festive season now in swing.

Some of us left directly for home whilst the rest of us returned to Leatherhead by road for tea etc, at Weatherspoon's and Annie's . I hope most of us were home before lights as I was- with a total 20 miles! a record for me I believe.

Ray

'A' Group 12th Dec- photo

Text to follow

B Group Dec 12

Thirteen riders left Leatherhead, or tried to leave, as our leader punctured on the traffic lights outside the Day Centre, he was however ably assisted by amongst others Bernard and Robin to repair the offending wheel and continue. The group included the aforementioned plus Liz and Judy John John G Nev Norman Les Gerry Roger and our faithfull backmarker Terry. Our route took us along the byepass to Pixham Lane and over to Punchbowl Lane and down to Henfold Lane to Newdigate, Capel,Coles lane to Ockley and a left and right turn to Mole Street where a left took us to aright into a freezing and black iced Stanton Lane and up to the Gatton Manor Golf and Country Club. Some of our members were a little apprehensive of our welcome at a fairly prestigeous G.C. but we had a good reception and lunch. The owner came out to see us before we left and assured us that we would be welcome any time we revisited.Our return took us via Cathill Lane to Ockley where we retraced via capel and Newdigate to Annies at Leatherhead for tea. The consensus of opinion seemed to be a good ride but definitely challenging
From Cliff

Connect 2 Vote

We believe that Sustrans' Connect2 campagn to obtain £50 million pound for critical cycle routes across the country is going well but we do need the votes. You can now vote by phone and it is extremely easy.

Phone: 0870 24 24 602. It will cost 10p. Simply dialling this number registers a vote for Connect2. You will hear a voice confirming this fact. Only one vote can be made per phone. Voting ends midday monday 10th Dec.

If you want more info or to vote on line visit: www.itv.com/peoplesmillions
Fingers crossed!
Regards Mike Pontin.

Arthur Jessop

On receiving the Arthur Jessop Trophy Albert enquired who was Arthur Jessop? Thanks to Bill Squirrell for providing the picture from the distant past

Wayfarers Punctures

Punctures reported are now being collected on this site click on 2007-08 Puncture Tables
Under Links on the right

East Horsley - Effingham Sustrans Route

"Bonjour Monsieur Spindleshanks, shall we try out this new route young Ray Dare was cracking on about?"

"Morning M de Railleur. Certainly, lead on."

BUT

Unknown to our intrepid friends, There may be problems ahead !!!

The route is well signposted and is shown on Surrey Cycle Guide No 5. It is the purple track starting at the junction of Orestan Lane and Calvert Road (west of Effingham), almost immediately becoming a short, sharp, vertical challenge, then briefly joins Old London Road before forking left becoming a red track leading to Lynx Hill (green road). It then joins the B2039 alongside Conisbee the butcher. The surface is quite good but beware, it is very loose in places.
The approach to the bridge shown (from Effingham) is down one of these places. The route will be very useful when riding to/from Squires’ at Horsley since it cuts out a stretch of the A246 and avoids the dogs in Calvert Road (hopefully a thing of the past). As always, do look and listen - motorcyclists have been practising along the track.

Terry Lowe

A Group November 28th

Picture by Mike Morley

‘A’ Group ride report Wednesday 28th Nov Frank C. Under threatening sky’s and an equally threatening forecast a group of 21 (I think) left the Claygate Day centre soon after 11 o’clock. We viewed the mansions in Esher Park Avenue to immerge at the centre of Esher we turned left onto the old A3, now A307, along the Fairmile (were John B. punctured) Will, knowing our route offered to assist. After this short delay it was into Cobham and up Pains Hill, straight over the roundabout and along the Byfleet Road and left into the dead end Redhill Road, past Silvermere Golf Club, at the end of the road it was the cycle path to negotiate the A3/M25 junction into Old Lane at Ockam Bite. Then Hatchford End, The Mucky Duck, Effingham Junction and left into Lower Road at Effingham Village, all the along to Leatherhead High St to Weatherspoons where Ron & Doreen were there and John, Will & Ray arrived soon after. After lunch with the weather still holding fine a number of the group declined the invite of the leader to climb the Zig Zag. So it was a group of 12 hardy soul’s to ride through Mickleham, up Box Hill back along Headley Common, Ashtead Park, Woodcote to Epsom Weatherspoons bang on 3 o’clock. All went their own way from here, I arrived back at Wembley after 62 miles and still in the dry so presumably all were dry and home before dark.

Bob gets ready for his Pre-Med

Must be a record for one day, both lunch and afternoon tea taken in Wetherspoons, Leatherhead and Epsom. Photo shows Bob preparing for his pre-med in Wetherspoons today. Looks to me like they took him for a ride and he lost his shirt. Take a good look now girls, this might be the last time you see him in such good fettle! Lets hope when he goes in for his op, Bob doesn't try to leg it too soon. As for getting his leg over (the cross bar) he may have to convalesce first. Not content with having one hip replaced, like the Wetherspoons twice in one day, Bob is having two hips replaced (separate ops). I can't think of a more determined man to get through all this and come out the other side screaming fit (well at least screaming)

Brian Nixon's Puncture

Well done Ray for such a good outdoor picture. I particularly like the Palm Tree and the fact that our DA Sec. has an inscrutable smile. I am even more impressed with our new midWW rides secs., even bigger smile, next to Brian's even more unfortunate puncture. That's life and I guess in the CTC you get the lot which can be no bad thing. For those not aware don't forget there is a puncture competition for the most punctures in a year and an even more splendid one for the best photo in various categories details of which can be found on the DA website. More in the next issue of Sou'Wester. ed.s'w

'A' Group 21st Nov. after lunch.

A Group November 21st

Pictures by Mike Morley

Report by Ed Sharp
Elevenses Redhill 'The Arches'
Destination : Dormansland
On Ride : Pete M, Pete B, Jake, Brian, John B, Will, Ian, Ray, Richard, Mike, Rob, Grant, Stephen, Toni. Route out, Smallfield, Lingfield, Dormansland for lunch. Weather: Fine after heavy overnight rain. Route Back, Lingfield, Blindley Heath, Smallfield, Redhill 'Wetherspoons The Sun' for tea. Home via Gatton, Chipstead, Banstead, Ewell. Distance 55miles

B Group

B group fan club (Meath Green Lane branch) were out in force today

From Redhill I led Angie, Liz, Stephanie, Bernard, Cliff, David A, Les, Mick and Norman south alongside the busy A23 Brighton Road until we could fork right to enjoy the relative peace and quiet of Pendleton Road. At Woodhatch we joined Lonesome Lane and continued south to Meath Green having noted the fan club en route. A short stretch of the A217 then we turned right to Charlwood, Russ Hill, Partridge Lane, left into Burntoak Lane past the moated Cudworth Manor to arrive at The Six Bells at Newdigate at about 1245.

I had been warned there would be others in the bars but the place was bulging with pensioners! Some were skittling in the alley but we went outside where heaters had been switched on in the smokers' covered, open area for us. This soon proved too breezy so we relocated to a conveniently empty, unheated but fairly draught-proof marquee and later moved indoors when others had moved on. The food was splendid and generous, the rather extended break ended about 1410 and we headed for Dorking via the usual lanes. Then down Pixham Lane and along the cycle track to Leatherhead where some carried straight on and some of us stopped at Annie's. After an enjoyable sunny day, although a bit breezy at times, we went our separate ways, hopefully all arriving home before the rain.
Terry

Raleigh Sprint cycle for sale

Raleigh Cycle as picture for sale, index gears, good condition, price £70. Phone 0208 393 6692 Frank Powney

From Ken Loy

I was talking to Fuzz Edwards today at the Weybridge Day Centre and we got round to reminiscing, as one does, about our early days of cycling in the late 1940s and Youth Hostelling when an overnight bed was about 7.5 pence in today's money. It seems we are the same age and started cycling at the same time. Fuzz mentioned that in his early years he had a Fenton Zip kiddies cycle side car which was a very light contraption made of plywood and bolted to a cycle or tandem frame much like a motorcycle sidecar with gaspipe steel tubing. I found some details of this sidecar on the Internet and with the photo it states that this one is possibly the last in existence today. It was purchased only a couple of years ago and needed very little restoration and is thought to be the 2nd one made by Fentons of York. The 1932 black and white photo shows a slightly different model of the Zip with a split front windscreen. The sidecar suspension appears to be 2 hinges at the back end and a coil spring under the front. Pity the baby inside. I've run these photos off for Fuzz which I'm sure will bring back some happy cycling memories. Acknowledgements to the vintage vehicle website www.groovydubs.com Ken Loy