December 31st 2008

After seasonal refreshments at Leatherhead Wetherspoons I led Christine, Irene, Pam, Charles, David (see you at February half-term), Harold, John G, Norman, Robin, Vic (briefly), new slim-line Mike M (less briefly) via Leatherhead Leisure Centre and Fetcham Mill Pond to the Lower Road. Heading south at Eastwick Road we soon confronted Hill of the Day on Chapel Lane, leading to the 1 in 5 DOWN Bagdon Hill which brought us to lunch stop at The Stepping Stones. Here tables had been reserved for us and we were soon enjoying our meals. Some then made their own ways, others crossed under the A24 and joined the Old London Road. Just beyond the Headley Lane junction we halted and Christine and John had an observation/memory test. In July we had visited Broadwood's Folly on Boxhill (photo on blog, similar to cover of previous issue of OS187) - from the spot we stopped you can see the Folly in winter when the trees are bare. They passed the test ! We freewheeled through Mickleham, crossed the A24 and rode along the cycletrack to Leatherhead where we went our separate ways, hopefully arriving home before dark. Terry

A/B Group Dec 24th

A short report for a short ride of 11 miles! Roehampton Gate cafe was almost empty on Christmas Eve 2003. In 2008 there were a surprising 30+ Wayfarers, to the delight of the manageress as one hand did for the rest. Eventually 20 including the tandem headed along NCN 4 and out of the park at Ham Gate. We offered festive greetings to Annabel and Jemima (hope they were home) before turning down the "drive" to Ham House and its polo grounds. Having circled the 1610 building and bypassed the Ham Estate, Teddington Lock found us back on NCN 4. I had intended to avoid Kingston town centre but with time pressing our route lay through the crowded Market Place where they were "raking through the ashes" of Woolies. Squeezing between Crown Court and County Hall, we continued to the back of the University and Maple Road which led eventually into St Mary's Road where we rejoined last week's route. The Cap In Hand was reached dead on 1230. Well watered and fed and with no scheduled teastop, the ride thus ended as we headed off hopefully to enjoy a Merry Christmas. Graham Hill

A Group 17 December 2008

At Bushey Park on the way to the Cap in Hand at Hook for Christmas Lunch

A Group Dec 10th

Group “A” ride 10th December 2008 From Leatherhead the group rode the length of Lower Road to the Effingham end and Orestan Lane to East Horsley. Green Dene and Coombe Lane led up Netley Heath to Staple Lane and a fine view stretching from Guildford Cathedral to Canary Wharf on a clear day, which this was. From here on the road was mostly downhill or flat to lunch at Ripley. “The Anchor” is no Wetherspoons, but it has a venerable association with club cyclists dating from the 19th.C, the beer wasn’t bad, and it was just the right distance for a winters day. Afterwards we rode the full length of the runway on Wisley airfield to Martyrs Green, Downside,Bookham Common and Fetcham to have tea at Wetherspoons Leatherhead with time to spare to get home in daylight. From Vic White

News from Gerry Hulbert

Just thought I would drop you a line, 26th Nov 08. Its been some time since last writing, and a lot has happened, Poppy is making great progress, and looks lovely in all her photos. I have not received so much mail this last month, I guess with the cold weather and an even colder economic climate it does not lend itself to writing.
Well the rainy season is over and we are now living up in the village, and it's cool season - it happens so quickly - one day we opened the french doors, the wind was blowing and it was overcast, and Pan said, "it's cold season now". I just said: "don’t be silly it will be just as it was". Wrong. Anyway having had the rent for the house run out, it was time to up sticks and bus it home to the village. The house was most welcoming, and now it’s the rural life. The silence and stillness is breathtaking, it's hot in the day like a good summer's day for the UK - there is a constant cool wind - night time its cool enough to drink outside without a jacket.
It gets dark around 6pm and the sun goes down fast. It's December now, and thankfully the political mayhem has subsided in Bangkok, and the airports are open again. It was the King's birthday yesterday - 81 years - a truly great King who is adored by all his subjects but he is not well and was unable to read his birthday speech to the nation. Lord knows what will happen when he passes over.
We went to a party at the school last night, fireworks and all. Good fun but no drinking on the kings birthday, all bars closed (not that we have one in the village). Everyone is given a candle and we finish with a procession past the King's statue, and I mean everyone: heads of the village, teachers, children, grandparents and even security men on duty. Life is almost timeless here, there is only one person speaks English, plus Brosky an Italian, who's great fun with his pidgeon English, always talking about cooking and Italian food, which of course he can't get, so we tease him a bit.
There are a few odd jobs to do like putting running water in the kitchen and running the waste out through the wall to the garden where it serves to moisten the soil, its all cold water of course and showering is a hose pipe attached to the mains - if you wait till around 5pm the pipes underground will have been warmed by the sun so the water comes out warm, you get cunning in the village, but I do have a fully plumbed in english toilet which is a true delight, such treats.
I usually take a walk in the morning for an hour or two, subject to the heat, and as I have arranged for the Bankok Post to be delivered every day, (costs me a pound and has to come via the town 40 klicks away and is delivered by the bus driver on his return daily). I stroll along in my bright blue straw hat doing the crossword, and waving to the folks working in the fields and the lorry drivers on the highway, a truly english ecentric, or as close as the villagers will ever get to one. When people talk to me I just smile and doff my cap, it seems to work for most times - they burst out laughing. One more thing on that note, Pan's children don’t speak or understand any English, can you imagine how many problems that solves, so far no stress there. Well that’s it for now there's lots more to tell next time. Dingo.I do enjoy the wayfarers updates,and this might be something different, sorry about the grammar and spelling (somewhat edited to fix, Ed). If i can help any wayfarers who might be considering a trip out this way or are considering a retirement package, or holiday: let me know. If you want to forward this note to any who might remember me (and even those who don't!) feel free.
Good luck to you all Dingo, Gerry Hulbert.

A Group Dec 3rd

The trickiest part of today’s ride was getting to the start, as it was below freezing and a fair bit of ice was about. After we set off though, most of that had disappeared. On the ride were Will, Ian, John A, John B, Graham, Toni, Antonio, Adam, Pete, Frank -on- trike, Grant-on-fixed, Ed, Jake, Irene, Julian, Pam, Vic and Rob. Our lunch destination was the Station Hotel at South Nutfield, and the route took us through Stoke d’Abernon, past the Yehudi Menuhin School (sadly no strains of violin music were audible as we passed by), and into Fetcham and Leatherhead, where a few of us departed for home. Then a newish path took us a short distance by the River Mole onto the cycle path towards Dorking. The path across the golf course was muddier than expected, but nothing the Wayfarers couldn’t handle. Then it was through Woodhatch and past East Surrey Hospital and Redhill Aerodrome to lunch, where the landlord Mike, working alone, did a sterling job in getting us all fed in good time with the added bonus of an open fire where we could thaw out. After lunch came a bit of climbing, first up Coopers Hill Road across the A25 ridge and then up to Fanny’s for tea. Finally the last of the day’s sun came out as we rode along the Chipstead High Road before dispersing to all points North and West. A puncture free day and I covered a modest 45 miles. Rob

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

Pat Matthews

On returning from Fairfield Halls with Bill last Saturday Pat fell at Kingston Station and went to Hospital where after a long wait she was seen and diagnosed 'Nothing broken' We wish you well Pat from the Wayfarers

B Group Nov 26th

17 of us set out from Claygate. Barnes/Putney my chosen lunch-spot, did not suit several people so Adam, Harry, Nev and Phil went their different ways quite early on. That left Allan, Brian, Colin, Eddie, Gill, John G, Judy, Les, Liz, Norman, Robin, Stephanie and me. We went by quite quiet roads to the kingston Gate of Richmond Park. After a highly democratic process we elected to use the roads in the park rather than the paths. We all tried to keep up with Judy on the fairly sharp climb to Ladderstile Gate but none of us could catch her. Then on to Roehampton Gate. I never go through Richmond Park without a silent thank you to Henry VIII (or whoever it was) for leaving us such a wonderful open space. The to the Wetland Centre at Barnes. My original plan had been to have lunch there but they had said on the phone that the restaurant was only for visitors (£8 each). I went in to try to negotiate but no good. So to plan B - which was the Boathouse at Putney. It was a happy choice, they had laid a big table for us on the first floor with a lovely view across the river. The food was good and we had a charming young waitress who looked after us most assiduously. The route was too far east for several people so only 7 of us continued after lunch, firstly a nice bit by the river in Wandsworth Park followed by a grotty bit on a busy road to Battersea Park. We stopped to admire the Peace Buddha and Liz intoned her Buddhist incantation. Then Brixton, Dulwich (where I nearly succeeded in losing Norman!) past Dulwich College and up the long hill of College Road, again no-one could catch Judy. Tea was at a cafe in Sydenham that only had one sort of cake - panettone served by a rather inexperienced waiter. Then through Crystal Palace Park where we admired the circa 1850 dinosaurs which are, I'm told, thought to be rather inaccurate by modern palaeontologists. Down to Streatham where John G got a puncture. By then it was dark so he set out to train it home. I hope, John, without too much hassle.

Regards

Bernard

A Group - Wednesday 19 November 08

Some of the Wayfaring Whippets straining at the leash after lunch, waiting for pack leader Ed, outside the Greyhound at Lingfield - Youngs beer and rabbit pie - AND by exception sandwiches welcome. Gold star for the Landlord!

Some supped at the Star, Michelin rating to be confirmed.

On a fine November morning the North Cheam Brotherhood, commanded by Ed, scaled the heights of the North Downs and descended Markedge Lane to Gatton Bottom. Here, before climbing Rocky Lane beside the Royal Alexandra and Albert School, they were passed by Jeff heading in the opposite direction. Their paths crossed again at the junction with the A23, before they finally joined forces at the Redhill Methodist Centre.

After refuelling the party split up, with Ed leading his group along the Surrey Cycleway to Outwood. Thence via Horne and the London Mormon Temple at Newchapel, before victoriously entering Lingfield. For lunch some favoured the Greyhound, some the Star. The former offered Youngs and a tempting menu of homemade pies. The landlord even welcomed diy sandwich eaters!

The forces regrouped outside the Greyhound before setting off to revisit Outwood and return via South Nutfield, Clay Lane and the compassionately chosen route of Philanthropic Lane, past the cemetery on the hill, back into Redhill and the familiar, welcoming arms of Weatherspoons. This lure was resisted by Jeff, wary of abandoning his beloved chained up outside and prey to the covetous glances of lurking, hooded figures. Who knows what they might pinch? He therefore gave thanks and bade an early farewell to leader Ed, before embracing the less than comforting lure of Wray Lane on the way back home, to complete a most enjoyable autumn circuit of some 40 miles. Our grateful thanks to Ed.

Jeff

Wednesday 12 November 08

The Mayford Arms - A Group lunchtime venue

A Group Nov 12th

On a bright not too breezy autumnal day, Irene the Leaderene set off
alongside the canal and through Poets Corner to Addlestone where there was a
lengthy delay at the crossing. After Ottershaw came Stonehill Road before we
turned south into Horsell. In the middle of Woking the canal was joined and
exited at Kiln Bridge. The path to the golf course caught several overgeared
but a swift descent soon brought us to the lunchtime stop, the Mayford Arms,
unchanged despite a recent revamp. Forewarned they had reserved places for
us; service was like the curate's egg but maybe we were too many. The return
was through Sutton Green and Jacob's Well to the A3 where our leader
decamped at the Wisley roundabout and the rump settled into Ockham Bites for
an alfresco finish to the day. We were 22 or more so only newish faces get a
mention: welcome Colin Farquhar, Graham Holder, John Arkless and Paul Kelly.

Graham Hill

B Group Nov 5th

14 of us set out from Cobham. They were Brian, David, Eddie, Gill, Godfrey, Harry, John G, Les, Liz, Marion, Neville, Norman, Reg and me. I always try to get away from the traffic even if it means a some bumps and mud. So our route took us along the Wey Navigation to Weybridge after a miserable albeit short bit along the A3, then on to the Thames along the tow-path to a quite nice pub (whoops hotel) The Weir. Then more Thames tow-path to Hampton Court Bridge and through Bushey Park and back across the river via the Teddington Lock footbridge. I was quite pleased with the proportion of low-traffic cycling - although Judy's bike does need a clean. There were a few challenges on the tow-paths in the form of roots and other lumps. One chap failed the test and fell off. Fortunately no serious harm done other than a bent brake. A slow puncture caused the victim to catch the the train at Hampton Court. After lunch our numbers began to reduce but several of us made it to the nursery at Petersham where the cakes were rather nice - including beetroot cake. Just before the tea-stop another puncture and a minor catastrophe - the leader passed the turning to the nursery and when he realised he stopped rather quickly without warning. Consequently two people crashed, Gill suffering a compound fracture of her left knee. She said she didn't need an ambulance as she hurried along (without limping) to her cake. Is this a record - two puncture and three crashes? Regards Bernard

A Group Nov 5th

Some 24 set off from Cobham, with Pete B leading and Bob volunteering to act as tail end charlie to keep such a large group on track. Across Bookham Common and up to Bookham with a brief stop to cape up as the forecast drizzle arrived. Fortunately this did not last long and it was drier, if overcast, by the time we passed Polesden Lacy and dropped down to the Stepping Stones. Along to Pixham Lane and across to Root Hill (the scene of last week's downhill) and on to Leigh. Unfortunately Jeff punctured but was happy to send the rest on as it was close to lunch. Arriving at the Three Horse Shoes, Irons Bottom, we were treated to fine food and great ale served speedily by Mein Host (who had kindly also set table for us). Then, under wintery skies, we took the farm road to Bury's Court School where we found both gates locked. With great teamwork bikes were speedily past over the obstructions and it was on past Wonham Manor before briefly stopping the admire the bonfire built on the green at Brockham. Across the golf course to retrace Pixham Lane and the cycle path took us to Leatherhead. With the Wetherspoons coffee machine hors de combat, the remaining 10 or 12 who were staying for tea squeezed into Annie's whilst the rest heading home before darkness fell.
From Pete Barnard

Free Wheel Day

Pictures from Francoise

A cold but sunny, careful ride on snow/slush lined roads led A and B riders to 11s at Dorking. Here we had a very pleasant surprise - Mike Morley, currently in Australia, had organised delicious chocolate birthday cakes for us on his XXXth birthday, today. Whilst we were enjoying same, he rang Jeff and we all gave him a rousing chorus of 'Happy Birthday'. Many thanks, Mike. As we set off for Root Hill for the freewheel competition Les found he had a rear puncture, but he soon repaired it and caught up with us. We split into two groups to go along steaming, sometimes slushy roads to the hill, Vic led one group, Terry the other. Soon after we arrived Jeff appeared, having ridden up the hill from Brockham and declared the road hazard-free. Norman did his usual job of pushing - off (people, not leaving), and everyone seemed to have an interesting if uneventful run. After the competition we split into two groups, Vic leading some to The Red Lion at Betchworth, the remainder going to the Duke's Head at Brockham. After lunch we all met up at Betchworth where the latest CTC ruling was discussed - when 'D.A' is abolished should we Wayfarers become an independent ' Member' group or stay much as we are now, an 'Informal' group under the CTC South West London umbrella. A unanimous decision was made to stay as we are i.e. an 'Informal' group. The awards presentation then took place - Angie, enjoying a day off work, won one of Ed's unique wood carvings for Best Lady, John Mason (again) won a similar award for Best Man and Bernard won the traditional runner-up award, a new tube. We then split into two groups, some to go straight home, others to tea at Leatherhead. Terry

22 October 08

The Full Picture

In the interest of equity and inclusiveness, I am adding this image to show that Adam was with us in every way on Wednesday.

Easy Riders Oct 22nd

Picture from Mike Pontin

Free Wheel Contest 29 Oct 2008

I protest. No one is allowed to fix a competition like this on my Birthday without informing me first! Its not printed in the Sou'Wester or flagged up anywhere that I can see. I happened to notice by chance as I look at the MWW Blog that the ride to Dorking 11's on 29/10/2008 incorporates the said event or am I seeing things. As we have already had an event this year what precedent is there for having a second one or does it usually happen in October and last year did not take place? If thats the case and we missed last year then we should wait untill October 2009 for the next one. Its not fair as I see it that Terry should keep the trophy for only a few months (unless of course he wins it again). The main reason for my concern is that as I shall be in OZ I don't get a chance to compete and maybe even win? After all this is not like the Olympics, its the taking part that counts, this is serious stuff and is all about winning!!

Well I guess I have to treat myself to cakes then, have a good speedy free wheel.

For those that did not see the KPRC Blog Jackie and I had a good 2-up Gentlemans ride on Sunday 19 Oct.

http://www.kingstonphoenix.blogspot.co.uk/2008/10/redmon-gentlemans-2-up.html
http://www.kingstonphoenix.blogspot.co.uk/2008/10/more-redmon-2-up.html

Memory of Jura 2008

To John Scott. Thanks for the memory. Just to let you know after our chat on Wednesday at Edenbridge, I had not realised that after all my efforts to write your R-RW CD, that it did not work. I have now written a new non rewritable CD which I will get to you somehow before going to OZ. Its a compilation of Pam/Ian/MJM photo's. Will try and get Frank and Francois 2u later. Meanwhile a collage 4u. Best wishes for happy cycling in 2009.

Cycle Parking at the Brunton Centre - Caterham - and Elsewhere

At our visit to the Douglas Brunton Centre at Caterham yesterday, the Centre Manager pointed out that some of our cycle parking was creating a bit of an obstacle for some of the visitors to the Centre. She was concerned in particular about the railed off pathway leading to the main entrance. She has therefore asked, in the kindest of ways, that we try to avoid parking our bikes in this area, where they might be a possible hazard for visitors with balance or vision difficulties, or possibly in a wheelchair. This seems very reasonable and sensible and I said that I would bring her concern to our riders' attention. On our next visit she will designate an area for us. I took one or two photos to illustrate her concerns.

I'm sure that we will be very happy to cooperate. As so many of our 11's stops are at day centres for the elderly, we will no doubt show the same consideration for elderly users at the other centres that we visit.

I should perhaps say that not only the Douglas Brunton Centre but all those that we vist have said how pleased and delighted they are to have us visit and share facilities with their regular users!

Jeff