Jura update

Dates : 6^th May 2008 to 12^th May 2008 (14^th may 2008)

I am concerned that I am now receiving requests to vary the accommodation bookings (vis: Mike Morleys request for a single room rather than a double room with an additional single room for Toni d'Italia and Ian Appletons request for the duration of his stay to be one day shorter due to his intended late arrival by one day).

It is now very difficult to change the bookings as a contract has been entered into with the owner of the Auberge. We are now bound by this contract which was based on your individually requested bookings. The owners will look to you individually to compensate them for any financial shortfall which might occur in you shortening or amending the bookings.

Indeed I have secured a very special deal with the owner of the Auberge because of the numbers of beds required. (i.e. a reduction in the normal price to be paid by smaller parties). This will be as stated Euro 32.50 per person per night.

I have e-mailed Mike that I will see if there is any room for manoeuvre with the owners when I go to the Jura at Christmas (not what I really wanted to do! It spoils my relaxation with my family during the festive season). However, as the region is very popular, as evidenced by my failure to gain accommodation at Le Chalet de la Haute-Joux, I am in some doubt that I will be successful in this respect. Even if I am successful the owners may want to increase the prices for you all due to the fact that they will be one room short when they try to satisfy other demands for accommodation (they are an over flow for Le Chalet de la Haute-Joux).

I am not gaining anything by running this trip other than seeing you all have a very good holiday. However, if I am constantly being harassed to change arrangements I may think twice about running such events in future.

Hope you will appreciate my position.

Kind regards,

John

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

Wednesday Haloween Basingstoke Canal

A fine and interesting ride down by the canal with autumn colours. Two pictures at one of the locks and Beryl and the serving wenches (ladies) at Shepperton.

'A' Group

Once again I report although I did not lead the ride. 'A' group appears to live up to it's name in that the Caterham 11's venue for my part turned out to be a particularly hard ride - good if you are training for racing.
Most of my ride was on my own,the middle section was interesting before lunch and as already stated by Pete, hilly but not unexpected.
When I realised that the tea venue would add considerably more miles for me I scarpered for the first turning down to the A25 and home arriving by 5pm having covered 62 miles.
Ray D

'A' Group

This was a rare occasion for me to be leading so as it followed the AGM at Hersham Day Centre, it was a short ride via Hersham road and Ashley road to the Regent Weatherspoon's at Walton-on-Thames. There were twelve of us including Pam, Pete B, Pete M, Vic, Stephen, John, Mike, Rob, Richard, Tony and Ed.
It was quick service having arrived early so we left by 1:30 less Pam and Pete B for 3's which was at Fetcham where my wife Beryl had kindly laid on refreshments. Pam and Pete had other commitments and in any case Fetcham was the wrong direction for them. Our route was Seven Hills road, very busy as usual , Richard had a puncture but it was not long before we left Seven Hills for the tranquility of the Convent school and thereon to Cobham and offroad on Bookham Common to Fetcham.
We dispersed at about 4.00 pm with thanks to Beryl, particularly for me as I was able to climb into the bath rather than climb back on the Bike.
Ray

Angies Ride

I managed to get a day off work to go on the Wednesday ride and there were so many cyclists at North Cheam it was quite overwhelming!!
Anyway, Bob went off with his merry ladies and gents on their mystery ride, but I decided I wasn't up for a mystery so Dave Aylett, Godfrey, Lorraine and I went on our own mystery ride. After a bit of shouted discussion whilst we rode and a change of leader we made our way out to Cobham Day Centre for 11s. Then made our way via Effingham, etc back to Leatherhead and good old Wetherspoons for lunch.
Returned, I must say I felt a bit wobbly after a large glass of red wine, round the back streets of Ashstead and Epsom and home. Had a goodish ride (30 miles for me), a lovely day and thanks to my companions.
Angie x

Shattered Editor going Sou'West

Thanks Frank for what you call a moderately brisk pace. I know you were trying to avoid the hills but on your superb Pearson Fixed Steed its amazing how you go up hill so well with one gear. I think we will have to create a Super A Group meeting the stragglers at lunch. Being under the weather I struggled on the back for most of the day, along with Pete M, causing me to secretly feel inside that we should re-name you for the day by putting a "B" in front of your leader status. I must thank Graham publicly for waiting in Guildford for the stragglers. The flat route was already proving challenging with more to come.
Equally I must congratulate Ray for falling in a ditch in such a way that you came out unharmed and smelling of stings and scratches only, you must be so strong and as we all know superbly fit. I look forward to returning to my normal self soon or join the "B" or "C" group until rejuvenated. My thanks to Toni for gently nursing over Little Switzerland and Hedley to Walton on the Hill. I too did 51mls on the day but it seemed more like 81, which I guess is the age of Ray!

Lost Padlock

On the visit to Addlestone I left my vintage cable lock on the wall outside did anybody pick it up?
From Pete Mitchell

'A' Group

Temporarily lost at Woodbridge Guildford

Part 2

I knew there would be a fair bit of standing water offroad so I stuck to the tarmac for my 11ml. ride to Kingston for elevenses. The weather was warm for February and there was a good turnout. Ron was down to lead but probably failed to get the change of venue. Harold took over followed by Beryl, Dave. Bill, Mark and your scribe. All went well until we entered Richmond Park where we experienced some pretty grotty mud most of which was unrideable. Beryl upbraided Harold who apologised abjectly but we still needed to get through and turned up at The Rose and Crown at Kew with dirty shoes. A very nice establishment near the river but rather in need of a change of both staff and prices, We made our way to Hampton Court for tea via Teddington and Bushy Park. Both Harold and myself suffered falls and I fear he is pretty bruised, For me it's to be expected anyway. I had a call from Harold re my welfare when I got home at 5.30 having covered 39miles. I will take the car to Leatherhead. Guess I'm getting too old!------------------------------Albert

Thanks, Albert

Yes, Ron did fail to learn of the venue change and went to Claygate (along with about five others such as Geoff, Pat & Bill and John H).

I've sent them a print-out of Wayfarers News (Part 1) along with their Sou'Wester, as compensation.

Brian

Feb 7

Hi Brian-- It is 9.30 Tuesday morning 06Feb07 and I`ve just had a call from Vic who was hit from behind by a woman motorist last evening and although he says no bones are broken he is some considerable pain and wanted me to let everyone know he will be out of commission for some time. At the moment he is at his cousin`s home in Addlestone phone 01932 844207. He was here at my place with Bill for tea and left around 6.30. See you at Cobham----------------------------Albert

Thanks, Albert I've spoken to Vic, who is fairly upbeat, albeit fairly uncomfortable and won't be out for a while. He has organised a wheelchair. BS

Cobham hosted another good turn-out, including Tom Fish, who seems a lot better than a few weeks back. A birthday card went round for Derek Robinson, our latest octog, not seen for several months. We hope our card encourages Derek to get on his bike in the Spring. Again, Wednesday was a fantastic day then, lo-and-behold, Thursday morning a heavy overnight fall of snow has brought everything to a standstill.

Suffering from a non-avian respiratory problem, I was intent on a modest target for lunch. A bright but very cold morning meant a muddled departure from Cobham. Groups 'A' (Graham, Bob, Brian, Ed, Irene, Jen, John, Julian, Mick, Mike, Pete B, Pete M, Steve) and 'B' headed off in the same direction and we overtook them in Plough Lane. After Ockham (where Julian fell on black ice), Hungry Hill and Burnt Common we used the A3 path to Jacobs Well. For a change the northern half of Guildford including Stoughton barracks was next before the turn was made towards Wood Street and the Royal Oak. They were fully booked but obligingly erected folding table and chairs on the oche. Lunch became a protracted affair with several meals (2 courses for Mike M!). Due to the overcrowding we had lost Brian and Bob to the White Hart and next Jen and Mike M headed for home. The way back was via Fox Corner Mayford and Pyrford to Wisley where we met up with the soon-off 'B' group. By now we were down to 4 but there was still time for a detour to Chatley Heath Tower. Hope I havent forgotten anyone! Graham Ray's picture of a group labelled midweekers is at http://midweekwayfarers.blogspot.com/

It must have been the coldest day so far this winter but we had a good turnout at Cobham RBL. With Mark in the lead then me, Roger, Harold, Bill, John C plus another John, Fuzz, followed by the ladies, Lynda, Carol and Dianne with a welcome back to our 'C' group of Beryl we set off for our lunch venue to The Half Moon at Ripley. Up Plough Lane (accent on the `up`) we crossed over to the Ockham Road at The Black Swan. After passing Ockham we took a left up Guilshill Lane. That`s the one with a bit of a climb where oncoming cars usually stop for one to get by. Then there`s this bit of a quick drop to a left turn where one can usually encounter loose shingle in the middle of the road and attempt to avoid it by picking a careful line by some pretty ghastly potholes. On this ocassion the area was flooded for about 25 yards with a large amouint of frozen slush where not only me but Mark took a purler. It was mainly bruising for both of us and he rang me to see how I was after reaching home. We then joined Rose Lane over the A3 into Ripley and a decent lunch and pint. As the others were going back over the A3 to Ripley for tea I took a route home down Newark Lane . At least we were a day early and avoided this snow!!!----------------Albert

Derek Robinson rang this evening to say how delighted he was by our special card and that he hoped to challenge Mrs Robinson's ban on bike riding before too long.

Afasic are organising a charity bike ride during national bike week and we wondered if you might be able to publicise this to your membership for us. Starting Sunday 17th June to Saturday 23rd June 2007 from Great Yarmouth in Norfolk, right across the country to Barmouth in North Wales. Access details via our website: http://www.afasic.org.uk/how1.htm Thanks. Mark Thompson

Olleh icy Hub

Hi Julian

Just to let you know and to encourage others to keep trying, you can blog through Google. I see Julian you can still get into the SWLDA blogg, so try typing into a new post and see what happens. Sorry for this trivia to the rest of you but don't be frightened, it does work even if it is a bit of a blogger. Mike M.

Checking

Checking I can still get into the blog....Julian

Midweekers 'elevenses' 7th Feb

Thank you Lisa

Thank you Lisa for the invitation to blog. I've got this far—let's hope it's solved the rest of the problems I had............Julian

Now Blogging thru Google

Just a test to see if it works. The transfer to google as Lisa said is fairly straitforward ( assuming this has worked). As Lisa says try to create a post in the old way and it does ask you to transfer using you old user name and password, which you repeat twice and then you have to give your current e-mail address and then you create a google account ( which I didn't have before) and as Lisa say's it should be useful to have. Happy blogging. Mike M.

13th Sept 2006

Brian,
Ride completed on Wednesday 13th September 2006.

Participants, some departing sooner than others, were as follows :

Yours Truly, John Gould, Toni D Italia, Fuzz Edwards, Harold Fifield, John Stead, Brian Stead, Brian Nixon, Robin Johnson, Mark Roy, Frank Cubis, Judy, Julian, Brian Starey, Ed Campbell, Roger Mitchell, Vic White, Bob Starey, Ed Sharp, Ray Harrison, Norman Goody, Nigel, Steve, Lynda Barrow, Helga, Mike Pontin, Mary Pontin, Margaret Squirrell, Bill Squirrell, Liz Scrivens, Terry Lowe, Dave Davis, Pete Mitchell, Tony Hooker, Pete Barnard, Rob Maskell, John Aitken.

As there were 37 riders and it would appear that CTC rules only allow 20 riders per leader, Frank Cubis kindly accepted my suggestion that he became a Sub Leader. On the run to Hammersmith Bridge Frank decided to take his section on a different route to mine. We eventually met up at Hammersmith bridge enabling the ride to continue as planned.

My planning and execution was as follows:

Richmond Park Café to Richmond Gate via the cycle track.
Circumnavigation of the one way system into part of the old town and on to the Thames Path via the rear of Kew Gardens.
We exited the Thames Path at Mortlake to circumnavigate the rough section of path then on to Barnes.
Barnes to Hammersmith bridge via the Thames Path then under the bridge and up to street level.
Crossed the bridge via the footpath (walking was required).
Down the slope to the Thames Path then a left turn to follow a network of back-streets thus circumnavigating the Hammersmith one way system and on to Barons Court.
Crossing Talgarth Road at Barons Court and following a network of back-streets to emerge at Kensington Olympia via the North End Road junction.
Kensington Olympia to Kensington High Street and a left turn into Melbury Road.
Then right into Abbotsbury Road and left into Holland Park.
Using the Holland Park Gate to enter on foot Holland Park itself (Strictly restricted to walking, unfortunately, because of Park Rules).

In Holland Park we were treated to the delights of the floral displays and viewed The Third Lord Holland's Statue (MDCCLXXIII to MDCCCXL or as my daughter Olivia translated it - 1773 to 1840. How did the Romans progress without sensible mathematics.) Then we walked around the beautiful Japanese garden. We continued through more magnificent gardens, viewed the ruins of Holland House. Saw the Ice House and Orangery. Saw water features and lawns and eventually came to the Café where we stopped for a restful lunch.
Exiting the park we crossed Holland Walk and entered Duchess of Bedford Walk and into Holland Street turning left into Hornton Street and then a right into Sheffield Terrace. We then crossed over Kensington Church Street and wiggled to make a right into Palace Gardens Terrace and continued on to reach the lower end of Church Street. Here we turned left on to a path, just past Vicarage Gate, which led us to Kensington Palace (Home of the Duke and Duchess of Kent and the late Diana Princess of Wales and other Royals).

Here we entered Kensington Gardens to view the magnificent Kensington Palace with the statue of William III at its entrance. We were treated to a view of the spectacular wrought iron gates in front of the façade of the Palace. Continuing straight on we were able to cycle a short distance past The Round Pond and a short walk to the right brought us to the view of the Albert Memorial, relatively newly refurbished. Opposite we viewed the Albert Hall.

On exiting the park we turned left on to a cycle track which we followed just short of the Bayswater Road. Here we turned left and once again had to walk a short distance to view the spectacular Italian Fountains and The Jenner Statue; he being the discoverer of vaccination.

We walked back to the cycle track and crossed into Hyde Park soon turning left to cross the Bayswater Road using a conveniently situated pedestrian crossing. Using a network of small roads we crossed Edgware Road at the Beirut Express restaurant to enter George Street and continued on to Manchester Street, Marylebone High Street and via Weymouth Street to make a left into Upper Wimpole Street and on to Devonshire Street and then to cross the Marylebone Road. We soon exited this busy road turning left into Regents Park where we followed the outer circle round to Gloucester Gate and followed the roads to Primrose Hill. We had to walk due again to park restrictions to reach the summit of the hill where we were treated to a spectacular panoramic view of the city encompassing St Paul's Cathedral, The BT Tower, Cannery Warf, The Ferris Wheel to name but a few of the sights to see.

We returned to Regents Park to continue the circuit using the outer circle to view the Regents Park Mosque and exited the park at Park Square East. Crossing once again the busy Marylebone road we entered Portland place where we turned right into Cavendish Street and followed basically the same route we had taken to travel from Hyde Park. This circumnavigated a mish-mash of difficult one way streets entirely unsuitable for cyclists.

On re entry of Hyde Park we took the right hand direction to circulate via the serpentine.

The ride took longer than I expected so by popular request it was truncated at the Serpentine Restaurant where the remaining riders took refreshments. Frank kindly led most of the remaining riders from this point and I returned home early for once.

Thanks go to back-markers / helpers; John Gould, Norman Goody, Pete Barnard and Sub leader Frank Cubis.
Hope everyone had a good day and see you soon.

Kind regards,
John Scott

Early Birds

The earlier start of 7am attracted Frank H, Grant, Tony, Norman, Julian, David A, John, Ed & Angie to the start at North Cheam. A devious and pleasant route across Ashtead common found us at Leatherhead Station to meet Ray D, Brian S, John M, Rob & Terry. Lanes and more lanes all the way to Horsham accompanied by the sound of birds and the merry twittering of Angie. (How quiet it seemed after breakfast!) To ensure the group kept together a very complicated twisty network of minor roads made keeping with the leader highly desirable. Barns Green, Billingshurst, Wisborough Green, Kirdford, Dunsfold all passed gently by. 58miles covered and lunch at The Compasses at Lakers Green was reached to sighs of relief! A shorter hillier way to Abinger Post Office, An Open sign so in we went anticipating tea and cakes only to be informed much to our disapointment that closing time was imminent (3:45!) so onward to the Leasure Centre for a well earned rest. Total 86miles comfortably warm with a strong tail wind after lunch.

Silchester/Calleva II

More Pics, hope of interest.
Ray

Silchester/Calleva

It's never too late to learn.
Ray