I just spoke to John Mason's son Steve - they hope to transfer him to St Thomas's or St George's soon for specialist treatment when a bed is available. He'll probably be there for 2/3 days then come home.
“A” ride report by Frank Cubis
Leaving the Eileen Tozer Centre at Addlestone at 11-25 the ride was advertised as being possibly a little brisk, but 16 riders took up the challenge in warm sunshine with Gerrards Cross as the destination. They were, Graham, Pam, Jen, Vic, Frank H, Steve, Rob, Pete, Bob, Grant, John, Nigel, Ray, Ed, and Steve Hillier making his first ride with the Midweekers. Taking the direct route to Chertsey Bridge we turned left along Thames Side to Laleham and to Staines Town then along More Lane passing under the A30 then north along the cycle path by the M25 to Stanwell. We crossed the M25 via the roundabout at junction 14 with ease, into Poyle and Colnbrook to cross the A4 at Brands Hill, we crossed the Slough arm of the Grand Union canal with long boats moored as far as could be seen, into South Bucks. It was a left and right at Shreding Green, straight over the Uxbridge/Slough road past Pinewood Film Studios and crossed the Alder Bourne ford near Fulmer (only about an inch of water) along Hawkswood Lane and up the only hill of the ride, but still tuff, to lunch at The French Horn pub opposite Gerrards Cross Common. They had no problem with our numbers, eating outside in the garden, food was good and reasonably priced.
Dragging them away from lunch we rode south, through the village of Fulmer and Wexham, past Wexham Hospital to cross the Bath Road just slightly east of Slough town centre riding towards Datchet, we crossed the level crossing at Datchet Station and rode East of Home Park to Old Windsor, it was along this stretch towards Runnymede that Pam was our lead out man with the whole group strung out in single file hanging on to Staines. We had tea in the precinct at Staines at the Bakers Oven, and still in sunshine sat outside. From there we made our individual ways home. It was a pleasure to lead a group of professional midweekers.
FrankLeader Ed - Weather Sunny
On Ride: Ed, Pam, Rob, Pete M, Ray, Nigel, Bob, Vic, John, Frank H, Pete B, Mike, Steve, Frank P.
Pam led us out via St. Georges, Weybridge. Vic said Cliff Richard lived here (Lets all go on a Summer Holiday) on to Addlestone, Chertsey Boatyard, Thorpe village, Egham across meads to Windsor. Wetherspoons could not cater for all so some of us repaired to The Watermans Arms. On departing Pete M. left us at Eton to start his Easter Tour. On to Datchet, Wraysbury, Staines by river side to Chertsey, Weybridge along river to Walton for tea. Afterwards Bob led some home via Esher, I chose to go via Molsey, Hampton Court with Rob and Frank H.
March 14th at Caterham found Bob, Brian, Pete B, Ray, John, Mike, Mike M, Ed, Stephen, Ian ready to hit the road in Kent. A & B groups coincided at first causing some confusion but at the top of Woldingham we managed to go our separate ways. Dropping down to the Pilgrims Way Mike Morley disgraced himself by turning to early taking a few others with him! He duly offered himself for pump punishment at lunch and promised to behave in future. The Crown at Knockholt provided good service and value as always giving us the energy to tackle an afternoon of hills – many steep – Cudham, Biggin & Shirley Hills delivered us to tea at the Pond Tea Rooms at Shirley Hills where tea and cakes in the sun followed by a walk round the lovely gardens resplendant in spring colour.
Hello Wayfarers and friends
Having agreed to swap with Frank to lead this week, the dreaded lurgi
got me over the weekend and I am grateful to Irene for volunteering at short
notice to take over 'A' ride leading - subsequently 'B' leader Robin reported
similar lurgi symptoms and Irene manfully (to coin a phrase) took on the
combined 'A' and 'B' rides - with memorable success, in that all three groups
coincidentally lunched together for the first time in my recollection.
Thanks again, Irene.
A second-hand account from Graham: Both designated leaders had previously
gone sick on a wet day to start with but rapidly improving. After a brief
council of war, the combined A & B group was led out by Irene; Pete M, Pete
B, Les, Toni D'I, Ed S, Gill, John B, Ray, Norman and finally Terry
following on behind. From Shepperton the route via Chertsey, a muddy
Penton Hook, Thorpe Park, and Trumps Green before the dash down Staple Hill
into Burrowhill and The Red Lion arriving well before 1pm. Rather unexpectedly
'C' group were already there - talk about tortoise and hare as we were first
away from Greeno. The direct route back to Shepperton saw us devouring doughnuts,
carrot cake, and apple pies in Holts Bakery (scheduled to close at the end of
the month; may reopen?!).
Best wishes for speedy recovery to our stricken leaders and others in
similar straits. Many thanks from Irene to Terry for his excellent back
marking. Graham
With a pretty grim weather forecast, wet roads and lowering skies, the
turnout at Shepperton was good. With Roger leading and with no intention of
even trying to go offroad, Beryl, Harold, Bill, Phil M., Mark and me, we set
off for The Red Lion at Chobham without a drop of rain and almost no wind
through Lower Shepperton,then over Chertsey Bridge. In Chertsey we took a bit
of a diversion down Free Prae Road, Highfield Road and Station Road, over the
level crossing and along the Guildford Road for our first hard climb up
Holloway Hill. Stonehills Road was less demanding on my ancient legs and before
entering Chobham we made a short detour right which brought us into Red Lion
Road and our destination of the same name. During a pleasant lunch we were
joined by A and B group. They say `great minds think alike`. By this time the
sun was well and truly out. Apart from Harold and Mark who had a fair ride in
front of them, the rest did me the honour of coming to my place for tea. A
very nice ride Roger------------------------------------Albert
All together at Bradbury Active Aid Centre Grange Road Kingston next
week -
hoping for a grand turn-out!
