Staines on Thames

What a conundrum this conjures up! I had no idea that the fathers of Staines had decided to insult the Thames in this way as I remarked during tea with the "A" group at Sheperton! If I may speak as it were on behalf of "Old Father Thames" I have never been so insulted in my life by any suggestion that I am stained, either on my surface or on my bottom! What would Barbara say if I suggested that her underwear had "Staines"?
Graham retorted by saying that Irene has some wonderful pictures in her abode (in Staines) of Staines in all it's pristinen glory in the old days when it was referred to as just plain "Staines"!

Christmas Lunch

 For those who like to plan ahead, there are 67 cycling days to Xmas. In anticipation, Pam and Irene are arranging the MWW Xmas lunch. Details are:

For the A Group:

Date:     12 December, after ride from Dorking.
Venue:    Cap in Hand, Hook.
Cost:     £7.25 for main course and drink. Starter £2 and dessert £2.
Orders with £3 non-refundable deposit should be placed with Pam.

For the B Group:

Date:     19 December, after ride  from Leatherhead.
Venue:    The King's Tun, Kingston.
Cost:     £8.25 for main course and drink. Starter £2 and dessert £2.
Orders with £3 non-refundable deposit should be placed with Irene.

Should demand exceed capacity, the earlier you pay, the higher you are on the list. Hopefully nobody will be disappointed.

The reason for the difference in cost is that Wetherspoons does not have a uniform Xmas tariff, so different outlets have differing prices. All enquiries to the company please.

Jeff

P.S. Here is a link to the Cap in Hand Xmas menu  -  and the  Booking Form
       Here is a link to the Kings Tun Xmas menu -  and the  Booking Form

If you download the Booking Form, you can print off and complete the individual menu choice of Starter, Main Meal and Dessert to give to Pam or Irene with your deposit. Copies will be available for those still innocent of the www. Please make sure that you click on the correct link as the prices differ!

Phoenix Reborn

I could have sworn that Mike was there

Where's Mad Hatter Mike the Wayward Wayfarer!

Well here I am back home after a splendid day out doing the BEC & Catford Hill Climbs except that due to my waywardness I missed out on Yorks Hill. Having regrouped at the Cock we then set off via Braestead to do Hogtrough Hill and this time I thought that I would not get left behind and set off to be first at the top (I had been last up White Lane (BEC) in the morning. Having got to the top no one was in sight so I assumed we turn left and carried on at a slow pace not wanting to get cold. This is where I became even more wayward, I went past the Titsey turn and carried on slowly. Then I stopped and waited and no one came so I retraced my steps. Then I realised my mistake so chased on to Titsey Hill and Purley Cross towards Oaks Park. I tried to call Mark several times on mobile but traffic noise was horrendous so in the end I went home to smoke my pipe as I had no idea of Mark's address. No doubt more cakes for the rest & apologies to Maggie that I missed the treat!

Another French pic

Not so much 'pomme frite a l'epaule', more a case of 'Iphiclides Podalirius a la Francoise'
(Scarce Swallowtail butterfly - not seen in the UK - thanks Vic).

Ron Powney

Doreen has let me know that Ron has had an operation and is in hospital recovering:

"Ron had his quadruple heart bypass operation last Thursday (September 13) in the Royal Brompton Hospital. He is progressing well now after having fluid drained from his left lung a couple of days ago. He can breathe more comfortably and deeply now, so will be able to start exercising gently.

He can have visitors. All wards have a no-visiting time around mid-day, so phone me first to find out about this and also to find out which ward he is on. He has been moved about quite a lot. My number is: 020 8644 4400. I'm sure he will welcome visitors, also when he's home of course, though he won't be home for several days yet. I'll keep you posted."

 

Doreen

Gill's photos from our tour of Normandy...

... are now available here, or via the link in the main article on the Tour of Sarthe - in the footsteps of William the Conqueror.

A Trip to Sarthe with Frank and Françoise

A TRIP TO SARTHE IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR

(28^th August to 8^th September 2012)

Sixteen Francophile cyclists who enjoy French culture and cuisine crossed the Channel via Portsmouth, on the evening of Tuesday 28th August 2012 to be met by Frank, Francoise, Marcel (Francoise's brother) and Brigitte in Ouistreham, Normandy, in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Following a flat route, Marcel led the group through the port along a cycle path besides River Orne. After a few miles we stopped to view the famous Pegasus Bridge, and the house (now a cafe) that was the first building in France to be liberated by the allies during the Second World War. We continued on the "voie verte" crossing the city of Caen.  From there we travelled through the plains of Normandy, against a strong headwind, to reach our first destination - Falaise - by lunchtime. We lunched in a small brasserie on a typical Menu du Jour or "Menu ouvrier". After lunch we visited the Falaise Castle where William the Conqueror was born. We then continued our way to our overnight stay at the "Hotel du Faisan Doré", in Fontenai-sur-Orne. In our quest for gastronomy, Mme Coiffard, the lady-chef at La Table de Catherine, had prepared our first group dinner.

Next morning we set off early as we had to ride 40 miles in the morning to reach one of the highlights of the tour: Le Musée du Vélo at La Fresnaye-sur-Chedouet in Sarthe. A few hills had to be climbed to reach some 375 m. The dense Forêt d’Ecouves crossed on the way was a sharp and agreeable contrast to the flat and windy roads of Day One. "Musée du Vélo", also known as "Musée de la Grande Echapée" (ie. Tour de France) retraces the history of the Tour from its inception. Bikes used from the first Tour de France to the latest one are exhibited. We were lead through the Museum by its enthusiastic and knowledgeable owner who showed us his entire collection of bikes and artefacts. Cycling through the Forest of Perseigne, we circumnavigated Alencon to reach les "Alpes Mancelles" where some challenging hills had to be climbed. These were soon forgotten when we reached the charming village of Saint-Léonard-des-Bois where everyone enjoyed a beer in "La Cave à Bière", an unusual beer kellar for France, with views on a mini canyon. Liz, who could not join us on Day One had no difficulty in finding “La Cave” and was waving to us as she spotted the group descending fast into Saint-Léonard.  Half a mile away, a restored mansion - Le Domaine du Gasseau - was our exclusive abode for the night. The group elegantly filled the smart dining hall where the only clue to Le Gasseau initial purpose was represented on the impressive fireplace by the engravings of two shapely-naked ladies. Next morning, the owner of the hotel revealed that Le Gasseau had been built in 1941 by the Germans and during the last war, it was used as a b..., in other words a house of ill-repute.

After a typical French breakfast of croissants and bread just coming out of the local baker’s oven, we set off through the Forest of Sillé to the village of Loué where Françoise and Marcel were brought up. The village and rural area around Loué is now famous all over France for its free range organic chickens. Most of the group stayed in wooden chalets by River Vègre for five nights whilst a few chose to stay at Hotel Ricordeau, a 19^th century coach-house. Dinner on the first evening was at Hotel Ricordeau which has continuously offered fine cuisine through the years; the group had an aperitif in the garden sampling "Rillettes", (a local potted pork which used to be the staple diet in all the surrounding farms) before sitting down in the Empire private room, to an excellent gourmet dinner, the main course being "Poulet de Loué"!

The following afternoon, a group of five riders was led by Marcel to Malicorne, a pleasant village situated by the Sarthe River. Frank, Brian, Terry, Tim enjoyed a fast ride and a well-deserved beer at a local cafe. The rest of the group had a more relaxing time visiting the garden of Manoir de la Massonière, just a two miles’ ride from Loué where a version of "English Tea" was served as a reminder that the restorer of the Manoir is English born. Then it was time for an “al-fresco aperitif” offered by Gerald and Marcel and served on the banks of River Vègre which flows at the bottom of Brigitte & Marcel’s garden. This was followed by a barbecue dinner at the chalets.

Sunday saw the group riding through the Forest of Charnie to Sainte-Suzanne in Mayenne, a fortified village that William the Conqueror - supposedly - was unable to capture. For lunch, we rode a short distance to a reconstructed medieval fort at La Ferté-Clairbois where, dressed in costumes, we were served a medieval style lunch whilst listening to period songs and lute playing. We were then entertained with an excellent show of jousting, sword fighting, archery and horsemanship.

On Monday it was an early start (8:00 am) as we headed for Le Mans and cycled on 7 kms of the smooth tarmac of the famous “24 Hours” motor racing track. We enjoyed a very typical French lunch in the dining hall for elite apprentices (La Maison des Compagnons du Devoir) before visiting, with a lively English-speaking guide, Cité Plantagenêt, Le Mans old medieval quarters, and its famous cathedral. Both are often used as back-drop for films. Henri II (Plantagenet), son of William the Conqueror was born there.

At Brian’s suggestion (yes, we do take note of good suggestions), a picnic dinner was organised by Gerald, Marcel’s Anglophile friend, who loves Fish & Chips and English beer – and possibly the only French man to be stopped by the French Customs whilst returning from England with a large suitcase full of English food. On Monday night though, local charcuterie purchased directly from a local pig farmer/butcher, watered down with a few bottles of Jasnières (white wine from Southern Sarthe) were the order of the day.

Tuesday was an easy day with a ride to Solesmes. We visited the Abbey, built beside River Sarthe, and listened to Gregorian prayers chanted by some of the 55 monks who live in the Abbey.

On Wednesday, we had to leave the quiet rural village of Loué and Sarthe. We were off early - again - for a fairly long and at times arduous stage via Villaine-la-Juhel to the attractive spa town of Bagnoles de l'Orne. The luxury at Hotel du Béryl was a fine contrast to the rustic chalets of Loué and ensured a very comfortable night to all after the extremely good diner served at this hotel which overlooks a lake.

From Bagnoles, we had to face the longest and hardest day of the tour yet to reach Bayeux. The terrain was undulating and we completed 63 hard miles via a “beastly” hill, the top of which being dominated by military radars.

Friday morning, we admired the impressive Bayeux Tapestry that is nearly 1000 years’ old and viewed the events leading up to the Norman invasion of England in 1066. Most of the group would have been happy to spend longer in the Museum but we were scheduled to head for Ouistreham in the afternoon.

The route to Ouistreham was fairly uninteresting and had to be livened up by an ice-cream stop at Arromanches. However from Bernières-sur-Mer, we managed to cycle right along the seafront on a sunny afternoon. Not far from our destination, Françoise spotted a large terraced cafe where we all stopped for afternoon tea/beer - almost basking in the Normandy sun!

After dinner, Frank, Françoise, Brigitte and Marcel (the latter relieved and proud to have led an English group without any problems, to and back from his small country village of Loué) waved “Farewell” at the Ferry terminal to the 17 cyclists who, regardless of the road difficulties, had been such pleasant companions, on 700 kms of French roads for the last ten days (750 kms for the hard riders who went to Malicorne).

The success of any tour depends as much on the organisation as on the participants and we congratulate everyone for making such an excellent group. It has been a pleasure to organise this holiday for you and we have enjoyed your company both on the roads and during the numerous breaks and meals.

F & F

Statistics:

The group:

From the UK: Julian & Avril, on tandem Gill, Lynda, Liz, Pam, Sandy Bernard, Brian, Ian, Robin, Terry, Tim Cliff & Maureen, Dave & Jane

From France: Marcel & Brigitte, Gerald Frank & Francoise

Personal Best:  

1. Marcel - for leading an English group over so many miles of mostly traffic-free roads, at times through lovely forests, getting everyone motivated over the long and arduous hills. Marcel showed us his intimate knowledge of both Normandy and Sarthe small road network. We are grateful for Marcel’s leadership which got us to the right place at the right time! 
2. Sandy and Avril - Longest distance cycled in one day: 63 miles or 108 kms – Bagnoles to Bayeux 
3. Sandy - Highest climb - 375 m in Forêt d’Ecouves (Day 2 – Fontenai-s-Orne to Saint-Leonard):

Highest overall mileage (including the miles on the English side)

Pamela – 948 kms 

Terry – 948 kms plus Malicorne fast run of 54 kms

Maps and Profiles – Courtesy of Tim – Many thanks, Tim, for sorting out the elevation graphs which prove how well we all did and sharing your photos with us.

Punctures: 1

Photos: Tim, Pam, Frank & Francoise. More contributions are expected.

Please click on the following for maps and photos:

• All maps of our routes and, for the hilly days, the altitude profiles
• A selection of photos from various contributors
• Gill's photos - added 19/09/2012
• Pam's photos - added 27/09/2012 
• If it starts to rain click here for more photos

The above maps and photos are displayed in Google+. Unfortunately I haven't found a way to extend the time interval for the slideshow so it is probably best to click the photos or maps to move through them. Captions are displayed in the right hand panel, if the panel is left open. In the side panel, if you click on "Photo details" there should be a little google map for most of the photos to indicate where they were taken. It is possible to download individual photos.

Marks Mystery Ride

Well not really but in my case after the foot tunnel from Greenwich it became a mystery. My mistake taking a last photo across the river as you all dissapeard with no back marker for protection (my fault). So where is the above found while trying to track you all down?

I meandered around Canary Wharf and along the Thames Path to St Katherin's Dock and over Tower Bridge where I photographed the Shard. My eventual route home was via Route 3 Clapham Common and then Wandle from Wimbledon to Morden Park to then get a call from Jeff to say you were all still in St. James Park by this time it was gone 4pm. An enjoyable day must pay a call on the "Hornyman" and look around.

 

London Ride, 12 September

The London Ride

 Horse Guards Parade

© Copyright David Hawgood and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence. 

A pot-pourri of images of Mark's excellent and intricate London Ride. Somehow he took us to the heights without our realising (well hardly) that we were climbing. I really should have snapped Admiralty Parade, The Cabinet Office and the back of No 10 - I was too busy admiring. At Vauxhall Bridge Rd, Pete, Tim and I were stranded by a red light. Pete hared off home while Tim and I crossed Vauxhall Bridge, where we were spooked.  Tim decided to consult his Garmin, while I sped off down S. Lambeth Rd to Stockwell Stn to pick up the CS7 Super Highway. However, with  no sign of a herd of mamils in sight by Balham, I diverted to Tooting Bec Common to head for home. Our thanks to Mark for an exciting day in London, with big city traffic managed effortlessy by all - the pedestrians are much more dangerous! Apologies to Mike for not realising that part of the lizard's tail had dropped off inside the tunnel!

Jeff

The London Ride 12th September

Well, that was quite a day out.  More than thirty of us left North Cheam this morning, taking a complicated route to Greenwich, home via the City and St James' Park.  Only 39.9 miles from North Cheam to Morden Hall, at a stately moving average of 7.7 mph.  

We started off along the London Road, but soon left it for Lloyd Park, then taking back-roads and paths along the Wandle Trail to Croydon.  Crossing under the dual carriageway it was more quiet roads to Crystal Palace Park, where we ascended the day's hill in fine fashion.  Along the top of Sydenham Hill and then a short run downhill to the Horniman Museum, for coffee, cake and views.

Busier roads, briefly, until we turned up to Blythe Hill.  Here we had an amusing incident where we lost a few riders, who had missed the corner marker, and flew on, pursued by the back marker.  Minutes later, they reappeared going the other way, and missed the turn again ...  The rest of us waited at the top of the hill taking in the views over Canary Wharf while they caught up and then it was down again to Ladywell Park and the interesting spiral bridge over the railway.  Some rode, some walked.

Serpentine but easy riding from here to Greenwich, and soon we began to see cranes along the river and then, suddenly, the Thames itself.  We gathered under the bowsprit of the Cutty Sark before heading to Wetherspoons for lunch.

Fed and watered we returned to the Cutty Sark for the next stage.  One or two had left - Pete B had a broken spoke, for example - but the rest of us crossed the Thames by the Foot Tunnel, some in the new lifts and some by the stairs.  Ten or twelve bikes per lift, which is impressive of itself, and I'd guess that a couple of dozen of us passed through the tunnel.

Through Millwall  (which is much prettier than it was) to Canary Wharf, where we did a short tour of the Banking Quarter and rode part of the route of the Canary Wharf road race held earlier in the year.  Then Limehouse and the C3 Superhighway that took us easily into the City.  On this part of the ride we began to get some of the problems that we have had in the past, as there are bicycle traffic lights on the Superhighway that change too quickly to get the whole group through.  The only solution we have so far found is to wait, which is fine, but it does slow things down rather.

A couple more left as we entered the City, but we were still a large group.  No problems along Eastcheap, and Cannon Street was closed to cars by emergency road works, giving an easy run to the wily cyclists.  Past St Pauls and then Fleet Street, where we got a completely different London experience.  It was really busy and we struggled to thread our way to the Royal Courts of Justice.  Here we nipped into Bell Yard, immediately traffic free, and at the corner some were delighted to note that we were, quite literally, in Carey Street.

Lincolns Inn Fields, Bow Street and then Covent Garden for acrobats and loos.  Here we had a brief council o' war.  It was getting on - about four o'clock - and we clearly weren't going  to get to Morden Hall by four thirty. The upshot was that some, individually and severally, began their rides home, and some agreed to take their tea in London.

So it was round Trafalgar Square and under Admiralty Arch to St James Park for tea, then homewards down Horse Guards.  (We had to miss out the Mall as it it still being cleared up after the Olympics and Paralympics). 

At Vauxhall Cross our back marker disappeared in heavy traffic.  We were unable to find him and eventually concluded that he had fallen prey to shadowy agencies, so there was no option but to press on.  CS7 Superhighway took us efficiently to Colliers Wood - the same traffic lights problem, but less so now as the group was much smaller, and finally the Wandle Trail to Morden Hall where we arrived at about five thirty.  

Farewells from the happy band of heroes and heroines, then the last few miles home - quite a few, still, for some.

Special thanks to Terry and Jeff for acting as back markers, and to Peter and Colin for being excellent greyhounds, marking corners as we went along.  Thanks too to the Wayfarers, for being such good company and for their skilful riding in a fascinating, but very busy, city.

Mark

Tour of Britain

Official Website

If you are following the Tour of Britain, this link gives you all the details:

http://www.tourofbritain.com/

Jeff

The London Ride 12th September - No Mystery!

I've been talking this over with Brian, our Rides Secretary, and we have agreed that giving people more information about the ride is probably more sensible than keeping it a secret.  So here's the outline of the ride that I'll be leading on 12th September.  It will be a London Ride, just as we have done for the last couple of years.  People seem to have enjoyed these rides, and we very rarely visit the Capital.

We will start, as usual, from North Cheam at 0930.  Much of the route is NCN Cycleways - quiet streets or paths - and there is only one hill, up to Crystal Palace through the park.  Not steep, and no traffic.  Naturally, as this is a London ride, some parts will be busy, but we'll take it steadily and I'm sure it will be fine.

Elevenses will be at the Horniman Museum on Streatham Hill, and lunch will be at the Gate Clock, a Wetherspoons in Greenwich.  I plan a slightly extended lunch break, so that people have time to look around if they want.  After lunch we will cross the Thames by the Greenwich Foot Tunnel, pass through Canary Wharf, which people liked last year, through the City to St Pauls and Covent Garden.  Then down the Mall and Birdcage Walk to Westminster Abbey, over Vauxhall Bridge to the Oval and the Superhighway back to the Wandle Trail at Colliers Wood.  This will take us the last couple of miles to Morden Hall Park for tea.  I expect to be there by 1630.

We'll need to be in single file for much of the ride, and if the group is large I'll divide it up with a second leader to make life easier - we can see how that goes.  There will be a back marker and a rider will wait at each major junction.

For those who want to, it is possible to cover part of the route by public transport.  The Horniman Museum is a mile or so from Crystal Palace station and about six miles from Clapham Junction; Morden Hall Park is close to Wimbledon so 'train assists' to begin or end the day are easy.  And adventurers can cross the Thames by boat rather than through the Tunnel - about £4, less with a Freedom Pass. (The Tunnel is free, of course.)

I'll bring some printed copies of this note to Cobham next Wednesday, but it would also help if people could pass the information on to Wayfarers who don't use the Internet.

Mark

Ed's ride to Godalming

Lovely ride from Effingham to Godalming.  What a pretty traffic free High Street, old buildings, some dated 1666.   Arrived a little damp for lunch as a heavy shower forced us under cover.  Lovely lunch, lovely company.  Drizzle continued after lunch persuading Pat, Pete and John to head for the train, the remainder headed for Wetherspoons in Leatherhead where the cheesecake with fruit coulis was very tasty.   Thank you Ed for a lovely day.

Petersfield train supported ride

Train supported group at Petersfield, suitably refreshed, about to explore Hampshire lanes, top picture.

Lower picture awaiting further suitable refreshments at The Cricketers, Kingsley.

Thanks to Brian for a well-organised, enjoyable ride in unfamiliar territory.

Go West young man! A ride 29 August

I'm leading next week from Vineries Garden Centre, Effingham and given the opportunity of a westerly start point, I'll be going further west to Farnham to one of the best pubs in Surrey - and one of the most difficult to find!

Ride to lunch will be a little further than normal at 25 miles, but with only one hill of note as we go over the Downs via Coombe Lane, then rolling roads to lunch and then similarly after lunch to West Horsley for "4's" - total 45 miles 11's to tea.

I'd like to start from the Vineries no later than 11:10, please.

Regards & Happy Riding,

Paul Kelly

Petersfield excursion - Aug 22nd

I'll admit that a week or so ago as I wrote the instructions for eight people to get to Petersfield from five different stations I wondered if all this was too complicated. So by the time John Austin, Terry and I had met at Guildford I was relieved not to have had any emergency calls from those on the Wimbledon/Surbiton route, especially given earlier reports of delays. Then I checked the phone to get a message that the pub had a power cut but could do sandwiches if that was OK. Was this an omen? We boarded the train to find the cycle spaces occupied by two enormous suitcases so two bikes were propped against them and John's fitted in on a "move as required" basis. Four of the others, rather than two, were already on the train having boarded at Woking but none had seen Peter C or Harry at Surbiton. We found them already seated ( as planned) at Heidi's patisserie in the square at Petersfield. Wednesdays are market days and a busy scene with music could be enjoyed by those with seats outside.

So far, so good. Nine of us set off up Bell Hill to Steep and then followed Mill Lane towards Hawkley. The direct lane to Hawkley was blocked by cones and a Road Closed sign but a quick check of the map confirmed that we were following Cottage Lane to the left around the slopes of Wheaten Hill. A further 200 yds and another Road Closed sign - this time with concrete blocks to keep out the motors. It had been some months since I checked the route! A trail of horse droppings suggested that larger steeds than bikes could continue and so we did. After signs of the road slipping down the hill we emerged past another barrier at which point the surface deteriorated! I had to convince the others that this was not off road and was mapped in yellow! On to Hawkley and then a steady climb to Newton Valance along lanes almost devoid of traffic. Now the climbing was over and a swift descent to Selborne followed. From here we took Honey Lane with its views of the "golf balls" of RAF Oakhanger, the "listening devices" being sufficiently sensitive that no trace is marked on the OS map. Our route took us north past these to the Cricketers at Kingsley for lunch where power had been restored.

After a short, busy stretch of the B3004 we crossed the A325 to find more quiet lanes taking us through Wishanger to Frensham Great Pond, enlivened with a colourful display of dinghy sails. A right turn at Millbridge led us past the Rural Life Centre to Tilford, then Whitmead Lane  and on to Elstead. Now we were on familiar territory and only a few miles more took us to the cafe at Farncombe Boat House, overrun with a summer school outing when we arrived.

After copious quantities of tea we went our separate ways, three to Guildford station, four along the A246 towards home and Terry and Richard heading home via Shalford.  32 miles from Petersfield to tea, 52 for me to home. A different format and a change of scene, little traffic and for me a very enjoyable ride in good company.

Wednesday 22 August B Ride

Our leader not wishing to be identified.

Lunch in the sunshine.

Lovely hair!

Our lunch pub at Chobham.

Tea at the Walled Garden.

 

Wednesday, 4 July - the Double B's

What a glorious day Wednesday was. Pam, her friend Brian, Gill and yours truly cycled to Bushey Park, where Graham met us and tried to lose us up various alleys ‘didn’t succeed’ to his house, where we left our bikes and walked back to Kingston town to see the time trials. We saw Tim and Adam opposite us. First class racing. As Bradley said: 'The cheering in Kingston was great', my ears are still ringing. Had a truly wonderful day, everyone was so happy. Sorry to Brian but it would have been quite a marathon to try and get to Cobham but thanks for thinking of us.

Irene

Neither A's nor swimmers. Aug 1

I had expected that some non swimming Bs might turn up at Cobham so was prepared to lead them if they did. In the end there weren't many and several went with the A's to watch the Olympic time trial. So it was a select band of Terry, son in law Paul, John Mason and myself who headed off for the countryside. We were told by one group of cyclists in Plough Lane that we were going the wrong way! We made our way to the canal at Woking via Wisley and Pyrford and then followed it all the way to Brookwood. The last stretch was new for all of us. Strangely at Brookwood the cycle path ends in steps  whereas the footpath on the other side of the canal has a ramp. Very odd! Did the builders mix the plans up? From there it was a short run  along the Cemetary Pales to Pirbright and the Royal Oak on the A324. Alas, no screen but by then we had figured out that a direct run back to Cobham should allow us to watch the end on the screen there. So we left just after 2 and rode briskly taking a fairly direct route along Goose Rye Road to Old Woking, then Send Marsh, Grove Heath Road and Ockham. By 3.15 we were on an almost deserted recreation ground in Cobham watching the screen and enjoying an ice cream in the sunshine. We got to see most of the Wiggins/Froome rides and were later joined by hundreds who had been at the roadside nearby. I say most, not because we missed their starts but because just as Brad crossed Kingston Bridge the screen went blank and the signal was lost. Frenetic work by the operators averted a public lynching with the picture being restored to loud acclaim less than a minute before the gold was won. A fine end to a pleasant day out.