Aug 1st

21 Wayfarers started at North Cheam on Wednesday

Alberts 90th

Thankyou, Albert, for the tea and cakes at Cobham - good luck for the future.

August 1st A Group

Today I led the A team cycle ride from Cobham.
There were quite a few of us, not least people who seemed to share the same name. There were two Johns (B and S), Two Mike’s (M and R), two Franks (C and H), two Steve’s (C and H – although the author of this masterpiece prefers to be known as Stephen) there might even have been two Pete’s if B had turned up but it was only M. Additionally there were a number of people who just rejoiced in their own name: Bob, Ray, Vic, Ian, Ed and Tony.
We went over the usual back routes via Ockham and on down to East Clandon . At the end of that, there is a climb up to the top and across to Shere. When you get near the top, there is a pretty good view behind you over to London . We did not take advantage of this since we were too challenged by the climb. Going down the other side gives you a nice rest as well as a good bit of speed.
We then joined the A248 through Albury before joining the A3001 and ambling along to Godalming where The Jack Phillips (a Wetherspoons public house let it be said) happened to await our arrival.
For our return trip we retraced our tracks for a bit and then went along the A3000 to Guildford, skirting the main part of the town and then going round to Burpham and along the edge of the A3 to Ripley and on to Ockham Bites for final refreshments before heading for home.

I trust this is helpful.
Yours hopefully Stephen

More Dieppe Raid Photos (max 3@time?)

Right. Two Raiders capturing local Filly

Below. Two more raiders in a happy mood

More of the Dieppe Raid

Above the organising raiders/shirts. Above Near aV1 Doodle Bug Site.

Below, Morley with the Dieppe Tandem Girls (&boys), they were very fast and hard to keep up with.

See next issue of "Sou'Wester" for more details. Above are some pictures of some of the raiders, more in a social mood than a cycling one. Maybe Pete will put some cycling photos in.

B Group July 25

25.07.07. GROUP B

Cliff, Norman, Stephanie, Liz, Mick M, Les, Neville, Bernard, and Robin.
We set out from Dorking High Street westwards to the Reigate Road then south into Punch Bowl Lane. Straight on through Newdigate to Rusper, left into East Lane. Through Ifield then north to Charlwood and The Greyhound for lunch.
Good food, the Allday Breakfast was just that. Still in dry conditions but a little cooler we went NW up Stan Hill, and right to Northwood Hill, left to Leigh, Dawesgreen, Bunce Common, and Brockham where some light rain caused us to don jackets, whereupon luck was with us and it dried up. Coach Road over the golf course, A 24, Pixham Lane, London Road through Michelham, to Leatherhead. Somewhere Norman had gone missing on route and managed to find us at Annies for tea.
See you at Chobham.
Robin

C Group July 25th

Good turnout at Claygate. Weather sunny but rather windy. Lunch was to be someplace near the North Downs with tea at Epsom, so with around ten miles under my belt I chickened out and opted for a trip to The Old Plough at Stoke d`Abernon with Dave and Dennis leading. It all started rather badly as we left the day centre and a lady driver leaving at the same time came from behind and gave me a nudge towards the tarmac (not again). I was quite surprised at Dennis` knowledge of the offroad routes, but when we got as far as Cobham I decided to leg it for home as the bruises were developing rather. Now taking my usual medicine; see you at Cobham ---------- Albert

Thanks 2 'B' Group for my ride 25 July

Having arrived at Dorking with a slow puncture it was rapaired with help from Tony. Thanks also to Irene for the tea and biscuits which were almost as sweet as her!

In my enthusiasm to talk to Pete Mitchell, whom I had not seen for ages I missed the 'A' Group, I hope you all had a good ride. Thanks to the 'B' Group for inviting me to ride with them, it made pleasant change (one rider was overheard to say, we didn't invite you, you latched onto us). Well that's what friends and fellow cyclist's are for.

Thanks to Robin we had some good map reading practice and ended up at the Hungry Horse pub at Charlwood where I struggled thru an 'All day Breakfast' one of the most potent parts being the baked beans, they were very fast acting and gave me de Vind all the way home. Just as well it wasn't Vindaloo. On the return leg I went off road up the chalk path from the bottom of the Zig Zag, to try and consume some of the pile of chips, doorstep granary bread, mushroom, burger, 2 eggs, 2 sausages, rashers of bacon, tomato and Beans.... all for £5.95. It all came on an oval plate that needed a table to itself.

A Group July 25th

Fourteen riders set off from Dorking en route to one of our favourite haunts, the Blue Ship at the Haven, which lies the other side of Rudgwick. The peloton consisted of Ed, Ray, Graham, Irene, Frank H, Toni, Geoff, John B, John S, John M, Vic, Pete B, Ian and Rob. The day started off dry, something to celebrate in itself, and being a pretty flat ride, a good pace was maintained as we passed through Newdigate, where Pete left us to attend to a barbecue, then Capel, where John M returned home. Weare Street was its usual traffic free self, and without mishap we passed through Ellen's Green and Rudgwick before arriving at the Blue Ship where the food and cask conditioned ales were up to their usual standard.

A light drizzle started after lunch (why does it always rain when I lead?), the ensuing display of eye catching rainwear drawing admiring (?) glances from passers by. Just beyond Ewhurst on the way back, we somehow lost Irene, Ian, Vic and Ray, while Toni attended to a rear wheel puncture. Frank and John S pressed on, while the rest of us waited while Toni fixed his second rear wheel puncture complete with cut outer tyre. John B and Geoff went their separate ways, so Graham, Ed, Toni and I pressed on to Leatherhead, forgoing tea in view of the weather. I heard later courtesy of John S that he and Frank met up with those we had lost earlier at Dorking for tea.

I covered 66 miles in all.

Rob

London Freewheel Ride

Dear Cyclists,

We were delighted by the popularity and success of the ride from Kingston to the Tour de France prologue and we hope that you enjoyed it too.

Kingston Cycling Campaign are organising another ride to a big London cycling celebration on Sunday September 23rd - the London FREEWHEEL ride.

Transport for London are celebrating a Europe-wide "In town without my car" event by making traffic-free a 14 km route in central London, allowing thousands of riders to take over the streets and enjoy the capital's most iconic sights including the London Eye, Victoria Embankment, Westminster and St Paul's Cathedral and the Mall.

Freewheelers will also be able to take part in the Freewheel Festival - an event at St James's Park open to all participants and their family and friends. Highlights of the festival will include: a Hovis picnic, BMX, mountain and trial bike stunts, cycling acrobatics, and a cycling circus along with children's activities and information on cycling in London.

We shall be taking a ride from Kingston to join the celebration. If you would like to come too or would like to know more about it, please let me know.
There is a website www.londonfreewheel.com
Kind Regards John

Editor Thanks 'B' Group

Having punctured on the way to Dorking (thanks Toni d'Italia for helping repair), I missed the 'A' Group departing from 11's as I was talking to Pete Mitchell. Hope you had a nice day guy's and thanks also to Irene for my tea and biscuits on the park bench, while repairing my tube, they were almost as sweet as you!

I must also thank the 'B' Group for inviting me to ride with them (someone was overheard saying you were not invited, you latched onto us), well isn't that what friends and fellow cyclists are for. It was good to follow Robin and his wayward band for a change, exellent lesson in map reading. The choice of lunch stop was amazing, the Hungry Horse Pub at Charlwood. There I had an all day breakfast, it was enormous. I think the baked beans must have been fast acting! As I left the pub I became wind assisted. Now I know why they call it an 'All Day Breakfast' I am still suffering from de Vind, heaven knows what would have happend if I had chosen the Vindaloo!! I left the group to make their way to tea at Leatherhead, while I tried to ride off the chips, 2 sausages, burger, bacon, 2 eggs, tomato and mushroom pluse wholemeal doorstep bread and butter, by riding up the chalk track from the bottom of the switchback to the top of Box Hill. My saddle was very hot at the top.

Now to try and finish off the editorial for the next Sou'Wester by tonight.

Visit to Ledbury

From Steve Bott, Ledbury. This year a slightly larger group (Beatie, Carol, Liz, Lynda, Norman & Terry) stayed at Munsley Acre guest house, some four miles out of ledbury, coming up by train on the Wednesday. On the Thursday I took them to Upton-on-Severn for lunch, where we sat outside the pub looking down on the river. TV news yesterday showed those tables standing in floodwater, five metres above normal. The pics show the group at Clenchers Mill ford where I fell off, breaking my leg, three years ago and at Castlemorton common at the S end of the Malverns. Friday was wet, so a shortish ride to a garden centre for lunch and back to Ledbury for a look around the town. Later the group and six Ledbury cyclists came to my place for a buffet meal, the Wayfarers having to ride back to the GH in the dark and rain - this year they didn't get lost!. The other pic was taken last year on the Malvern hills. Best wishes to all wayfarers ............... Steve bott

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

B Group July 18th

7 riders: Judy, Liz, Cliff, Bernard, John-G, & Robin, led by Norman, left Addlestone bound for Chobham. The route was via Crouch Rd (alongside the Day Centre) across the staggered crossroad into Green Lane. Left around twin roundabouts into Holloway Hilland, left into Stonehill Rd. Right into Accomodation Rd, left at Longcross Rd and left at Staple Hill, left into Windsor Rd to the Four Horseshoes pub for lunch.
After lunch, left into Red Lion Rd, staight on to Gracious Pond Rd, through woods to Stone Hill Rd (where we passed the Easyriders going in the opposite direction), left down to Chertsey Rd, back to Addlestone and Weybridge, continued on to and under Walton bridge, along the towpath for tea at Hampton Court.
Robin and John went their seperate ways, the rest of us back to N. Cheam.
The weather was dry and sunny after elevenses and I was surprised to learn that part of Surrey had heavy rain during the afternoon.
See you at Dorking,
Norman

Me & 'Er Meander

Sunday 15 July 2007 dawned bright and breezy and Bob Starey turned up at my place topless to ride with me to Brockham for an 11 o'clock start, what a hairy chest he's got. When we got there the organisers had published the start as 12 noon! Meanwhile Irene bless her cotton socks, soon to become soaked cotton socks, had turned up at 10 o'clock believing that was the start time. Irene had been expecting other friends to join her but in the end she rode alone looking like a flower pot man in her waterproofs and flower pot mans hat on return. Thank you Irene for brightening our day, you were the only CTC member that rode.
Colin & Shirley turned up at the start to show support and help some of the very young starters set their saddle heights to something more rideable than the very low positions that mums & dads preferred before they proceeded on to another event they were assisting with. David and Dawn also turned up to lend their support complete with Tandem after their morning Downland ride.

We had a total of 16 riders mainly local families from Brockham and 2 from Reigate. The excessive amount of paperwork produced in anticipation of a massive response was an over estimate on my part. Only one family returned to collect their certificate and they only completed the 5 mile section if that? Slightly disappointing but hopefully most enjoyed it. It's perhaps not surprising that few returned due to a very heavy rain and hail storm that enveloped the green around 2.30pm. Within minutes the seat Bob, Irene & I sat on was awash with water. Bob and Irene donned their waterproofs and I along with Brian sheltered under the church Litch Gate only to have to hang onto the wall as the water rose to ankle level. It was great to see Brian turn up and support the event which he had created. Although the event was supposed to finish at 5pm, we abandoned it at 3.30pm as no more riders had turned up since the 12 noon rush, we were soaked and wanted to punish ourselves further by riding back up Pebble Hill, which we did creating one long tailback of cars as we rode away from the torrential stream still running down the gutter. Bob flew ahead and Brian returned to Banstead via Walton Le Hill having waited at the top of Pebble Hill for me. I had, had a bad night Saturday with some food poisoning and was feeling grim all day.

Doreen from the village fete committee obtained a box of Surrey Cycle Maps, which were abandoned under the flooded garden seat soaked. I have said to her that if they are found I will retrieve them but so far no response! Sorry Lord for such a waste (and SCC rate payers) but you sent the rain in the first place!

Bob has some wonderful photos on his camera of the rain, if I can get them blogged I will, meanwhile my offering is above. Note the box of maps under the seat b4 rain.

C Group July 18th

After the blustery weather of yesterday it was great to see some sun and almost no wind at elevenses at The Eileen Tozer centre in Addlestone. Harold was leading with the intention of lunch at The Castle Grove Chobham.
We had a good turnout with Harold S., Bill, Fuzz, Dave, Roger, Mark, Dennis and me. We went along Church Road, over the motorway bridge then left up Ongar Hill. I was rather intrigued with Harold`s choice of route but somewhat dismayed when he turned left to the fast downhill at Rowtown to pass the Bourne Valley garden Centre after which a short but almost vertical climb arrives one in New Haw. We got on to Woodham Lane with a reasonable marked cyclepath, as far as the six crossroads near Woking. The traffic was not very heavy and we turned there towards Chobham. A pretty heavy shower meant a stop to cape-up, but a little way further on there appeared to have been no rain. We enjoyed a good lunch after which the intention was to have tea at Shepperton. Dave, Mark, Bill, Roger and Dennis took up my invite to come home for tea at my place. I made it just under 10 miles to lunch and six back via Stonehill Road. Thanks Harold, nice ride (unlike your goodself I had lots of gears!) ------------ Albert

A Group July 18th

Bob, Tony, Pete B, Frank C, Vic, Graham, Frank H, John B, Ed, Ray D, Stephen & Ian - fresh from his end to end & looking very fit. Heading out through Egham a sudden very heavy shower took us by surprise, but it soon passed & Sun & Cloud continued for the rest of the day.
Lunch was taken at The Pineaple Pub at Dorney - huge multi filled sandwiches caused several improvised doggy bags to appear! Frank was rather surprised to find his allday breakfast also appear as a sandwich. The Jubilee River cycle route, a path into Eton Wick and we were back in Windsor, a brief halt to study The Windsor Eye here for its summer visit; on cycle routes into Windsor Park for a look at the splendid view, a chat with the Park Wardens revealed that park policy was for groups no bigger than six was in order. Two fast riders overtook us but seemed somewhat shocked when Frank Wooshed past them on the descent into Egham on his fixed machine feet a blurr!.
Tea and cake provided by Pam at her home was much appreciated, she looked and sounded as wonderful as ever but still not quite fully recovered from her mishap. A good day out 65 steady miles at a comfortable pace.
Fom Pete M

Robin Johnson

To SW Midweek Wayfarers

Thank you all, for the lovely get well card and all your kind thoughts.
I am now fine, but with a small forehead scar. Regret not sending this earlier, but the card arrived during the last two weeks when I was cycling in Slovakia. The Tetra Mountain area is beautiful average hill 700 meters climb two to three times per day.
See you soon
Robin.

C Group

After a twelve mile ride to Kingston I thought I`d better have a go with Ron in the lead. The lunch pub was to be The Gander at Sutton with tea someplace at Epsom which in the event I did not make having become lost in dense woods looking for tyre marks in muddy puddles. We had a good turnout apart from Ron and me there was Fuzz, Les, John C., Mark, Roger, Bill H., Harold (on fixed) and a few more. Soon after we started off Fuzz had gear trouble and pulled a wheel (spanner job). Ron waited while Mark went to see if he was OK. Ron is a great trail finder and I managed most of his offroad efforts where he waited for me to catch up. In the end it was Harold who found me and offered me tea at his home but although tempted I felt my remaining steam would be better used getting home... I left the dear lad when I knew where I was on the Kingston bypass and got home via Esher and Hersham having covered over 36 miles.
A large whisky /mac was all it needed to put me right. ---------------------------- Albert

Geoff Clark

At Kingston on Wednesday Geoff Clark celebrated his 80th Birthday with tea & cakes all round - thankyou Geoff

July 11 A-B Groups

Both start times, 08:00 (newsletter) and 08:30 (website and actual), Seemed inappropriate as we reached Tesco Hookwood via Headley and Leigh at 10:15.
Francoise and Cliff had disappeared early on with separate mechanical problems; Deanne and Grant went no further. After a leisurely breakfast (for many), the rest (Ed, Bernard with friend Will, Brian N, Frank H, Graham, John B, John G, John S, Mike M, Richard, Rob, Toni, Phil L ) carried on.
At the A217/A23 junction I deviated onto NCN21 and then went by road to Tinsley Green, Turners Hill, and the Cat Inn at West Hoathly - a route discussed at 11s. The others ignored my shouts and loyally followed onto the dual carriageway. Later they took in the sights of Crawley including its larger supermarkets; the exact route, a mystery even to the leader. The difference in our routes was around thirty minutes. CTC East Sussex riders arrived from various directions and disappeared into the pub. Eventually all of the Midweekers joined them.
We set off back to Turners Hill and then rode to Effingham Park. In Downlands Lane we found ourselves behind an exceptional load which unintentionally was hedgerow trimming and adding large branches to its load; those nearest also enduring a mini dust storm! After Outwood there was the long uphill drag to Bletchingley and then flatter roads lead to Merstham and Fannie's for leisurely tea and cakes.
Around 70 miles for me on a day that got better and better.
Graham Hill

John Hammond update June 2007

Although I got to Molesey at the end of May, I missed out on Cobham on June 6 when I discovered, after buying my train ticket at Wimbledon, that buses had replaced trains on the line from Surbiton via Cobham! I could have gone to Esher and cycled from there, but it was colder than I expected with a strong NE wind so instead I left the station and cycled via Raynes Park to Norbiton and back, but was sorry to have missed seeing everybody.
Have of course been out on the bike every day but the increasing ravages of arthritis everywhere mean that I have to be sensible and ensure that I don't cycle too far and then find it difficult to get back home again. Yesterday I went to Hampton Court and back - far enough, but I hate to admit it!!
Hope to see everybody soon.

Regards
John

P.S. "Only" 184 miles now to complete my 100,000 since age 65!!
Not important, just a target which keeps me going despite all the obstacles!

C Group

Having read Marks report I realise my effort got the pub name wrong! All the same the beer was OK. I failed to find shelter after we parted at the Seven Stars but soon dried off when the rain stopped.-----------------------Albert

Pictures from Mark Roy

C Group July 4th

Our leader decided to take us to New Inn at send our group included Mark Roy, Albert, Roger, Pat and Bill, Mike, Harold, Dennis and John. We met riders from group B at Ockham one of them had puncture. However as we just reached the bridge over A3 the rain came down and we had to get our waterproofs but it stopped very quickly and we reached the Pub still in rain gear After lunch on our way back Albert left us at Seven stars pub and the rain came down again we took shelter under trees near Ripley but it stayed dry till we reached Cobham Day centre.
From Mark Roy

Pam's Progress

Yesterday I collected my 'friend' (bike) from Windsor, no hustle and then took it on to Addlestone for new bars and tape. Seems to be the only damage, so that is good news! Zimmer frame was returned to Wexham Park hospital and the loo frame has already been taken away - walking stick only now. But, I must confess that sitting in the car and maybe the walking did take it's toll on me! After a nights rest I feel as good as new again! I now understand why physio said not to travel in car to Kent!
Pam

A Group June 27th

The excitement for A group started after we left the Redhill Methodist Church and headed out on the national cycle route towards Horley and Gatwick. There were eight of us: Brian N, Frank H, John B, Ed, Pete M, Will, Julian and myself. The terrain was pretty smooth for the most part with odd bits of off-road thrown in for additional pleasure. Very few are really bumpy but there was a short stretch with some rather large pot holes. When we were coming into Horley we turned left at the first traffic lights and headed down a main road before turning left again onto one of the Surrey cycle ways. Again, there was a little bit of off-road included but very little really. At the end of a stretch, having just passed under the M23, we turned away from the cycle way and took a right turn, heading down a country lane towards Burstow. Off again to the right and down Church Road we passed the 12^th Century Burstow Church before hitting (fortunately not literally) another main road where we turned left and headed towards Crawley . Soon after a left at the roundabout we again turned right through Tinsley Green and then left before coming into Crawley proper, mostly by using cycle tracks alongside the main road. In Crawley we once again sampled the delights of ‘The Jubilee Oak’ which also happens to be a member of the Wetherspoons chain of pubs. It was about 15 miles on the outward journey. The return journey was fairly direct, going as we did via Ifield (including crossing a bridge rather than negotiating a busy roundabout), Charlwood, Leigh and Brockham before six of the eight of us sampled the delights of Dorking Halls for tea and then making our various ways home. Getting to Dorking from Crawley was about 13 miles. All in all, an enjoyable day seems to have been had by all.

Stephen Cox

C Group June 27th

I (Lynda) lead 14 from Claygate for the 'C' group ride: Liz, Carole, Anita, Pat, Sonia, Dennis, John, Harold, Roger, Ron, Dave, Fuzz and Mark.
We made our way up Claygate hill, when Ron passed me and said to slow down as the ladies were going too fast!
A short wait at the top, then we proceeded to Hook, then the back roads of Chessington to Ewell, where we took the bike path along near Nescott college. We then went thro' the alleyways to Epsom, round the roundabout at Ashley Rd., and continued to the back of Epsom hospital up Wilmerhatch. We then took a right turn by the garden centre and went through Ashtead Pk. A right turn at the High St. took us to Barnett Wood Rd., where we stopped for lunch at The Woodman. The weather stayed dry, although cloudy. After a nice lunch we went back over Ashtead Common to Epsom and had tea at Longmead Day Centre.
It did rain when we were inside but it stopped when we were ready to leave. What luck! We went our separate ways home and I got back without getting wet. A good day out don't listen to the weather forecast.
Lynda

June 27th B Group

Well fellow midweekers its strange what fate has in store for you, and little did I know as I settled into an extremely nice slice of coffee cake and a cuppa at Redhill DC this morning. People were very friendly and seemed pleased to see me out again after my return from France. Anyways there was the usual talk of the forthcoming rides. Some of which appeared directed to me. "Pourquoi ?" I thought, and having not read or seen the June issue of the Sou'wester........ being away an all that !!!! it soon dawned on me. To say that I was a tad under prepared would have a been a mild understatement.

Opps! and big apologies to Brian S. who had kindly noted my mild interest to lead in the spring when previously asked. Never happen I thought i'm not really a cyclist with all ex pros to do the job.

Well with very little time and quick chat with young Norman my original intentions back in the spring of a ride towards KENT was put together. Edenbridge was deemed to far due to the very uncertain weather forecast for the afternoon. So East Grinsted it was with Wiremill as the stop, an old haunt of mine when it was a disco/nightclub back in the early 70s. The loop back was easy via Bletchingly and Fannies Farm for the teastop. JOB DONE !! Who needs maps.

Feeling sort of pleased I headed 7 keen riders Norman, Les, Bernard, Cliff Tony'D, John and myself out of Redhill towards the old hospital, just follow the signs..... Several back turns later and still in Redhill with a vote of no confidence rapidly building, I was getting the distinct feeling this was not going to be as easy as I had thought. Well thankfully Norman saved the day and acted as my navigator. He wasn't to know of course that I'm slightly deaf with a mind prone to wandering.

Thankfully... give or take the odd missed turn we all made it to the Wiremill for lunch. The route B roads via Outwood, and Newchapel, to Felbridge was very pleasent and undulating. Much talk amongst the peleton of a previous night's visit by some riders to the Sound of Music got my mind wandering "the hills are alive" more of that later.

Fully fed and watered... (thumbs up to the Wiremill for reasonable priced food served in pleasent surroundings and no long waits). I headed the peleton out for the return leg. Reasonably fine weather prompted thought by me that things were looking up, slightly ahead of schedule and no puntures. BANG! wrong. Tony quickly put paid to that. But then gave a fine demonstration of tube/tyre change 5 mins excellent stuff.

So we rolled out, a minor change of route... well, after all the others, water off the proverable ducks back! saw us heading towards Lingfield. This diversion via Crowhurst was to lead us back across the A22 into Bletchingly via the infamous North face of Tilburstow Hill. Well a ride with Nigel C without a hill?
Up though Bletchingly then left and down Little Common Lane gave revenge.
Bernard desending like a blade (Pam watch out when your back you have competion!!) The final assent of Muckridge Lane to Fannies brought crys of "Da ja vaux" and proved Tony... soft rear tyre is a serious power climber. So then it was my turn for teas all round, but as Cliff said we can't be bought the truth will out.
Well I award myself 5/10 for effort with a big thankyou to Norm for helping save the day and my fellow B riders for putting up with me. I do promise next time ..................

Cheers Nigel C

A couple of past pictures from Mark Roy

Pam at home

Hi Mike, thanks for all 'get well' etc.messages. Tony did ring me yesterday but didn't talk for long as I had visitors all day. Not complaining cos I was given my dinner and have another meal left here for to-day, lucky me Huh!!

Please would you pass on my thanks to all the guys and gals who have sent me their best wishes including Lisa who took time out on her holiday to wish me well! I guess every body knows now that I have a fractured pelvis, but apart from the head injury, little else! I am not in pain, much to the surprise of the hospital staff for I was told that this particular fracture is a painful one. (The nurses tell me they are all going to take up cycling!!!) My thanks to the help I was given on the day, regrets for punctuating Pete Barnard's run with the incident, and I was so enjoying the ride!

My biggest frustration is that I have no recollection of what or how I finished up lying in the road. It would be great to see any of you if you should be passing this way - I have quite a few mugs and a tea pot! Cheers Pam :) :)

Mike, I forgot to say thank you for the get well card I received from the 'A' group. It had the names of all the riders out last Wednesday. (I believe it was sent via Ed)! Please may you add this to previous message - ta ever so. Cheers Pam :) :)

C Group - 20th June 2007

Mark Roy reporting, I got to the day centre at Weybridge about 10:30 only three people were there, Our leader Ron did not show up till 10:50 The other sections came thick and fast only three more people from our group.When we left Albert, Dennis, Fuzz decided to go home only three of us left Ron, Roger, and Mark. Our leader took us through Byfleet and then through the woods heading towards downside at Cobham. We got the Pub Cricketer at about 1:00 had our lunch and finished at Claygate tea. Not much of a report.

I am attaching couple of old time club members see how many you can recognize.
(Pictures to follow - there's only so much one can do from an internet cafe in France! Ed)

Mark

Pam Jones

She's back at home (Friday) and zimmering (hopefully for not too long). Graham

A Group - 20th June 2007

An 'A' group of 11 (Pam, Vic, Ray, Ed, Steve C, John B, Frank C, Toni, Mike M, and Graham - led by Pete B) set off from Weybridge in blustery but dry conditions. With a helpful wind we sped past Gracious Pond and over Chobham Common to enter the glorious Windsor Great Park at Blackness Gate. Leaving via the Ranger's Gate, the track across to Spital put us in the back streets of Windsor near to our destination (Wetherspoon's of course). It was good to see that the service and beer selection had returned to normal since our last visit.
Intending a tour of the Berkshire byways, we were heading West when there was a loud crash and Pam and John were on the deck. Help was at hand as a delighful young female PC pulled up behind us and almost immediately an ambulance going the opposite way also came to our aid. Unfortunately though, Pam suffered a nasty cut to her head and had to be taken away for further treatment.
Leaving her bike in the hands of the constabulary, the remainder took a slightly curtailed route via Woodside back into the Park to stop at the rebuilt and revamped Saville Gardens. Prices may have been revamped as well but the Gardener's Tea (ie a mug) at £1.10 was quite acceptable. From there, with a generally favourable wind, each made their way home.

(Update from Pam: 13 stitches and a cracked pelvis but she hopes to be out of hospital in a couple of days. We all wish her well and hope she back on the bike soon).

Pam Jones

After lunch and still in Windsor, Pam was involved in a collision with another 'A' group rider, falling to the ground. She was taken to Wexham Park Hospital Slough, from where she text messaged Mike Morley "Shall be in hospital two days. Fractured pelvis and thirteen staples in head. I only remember cycling then lying on the ground. Will be in touch when I get home. Ta-ta for now. Pam"

Best wishes Pam. We all hope your recovery is as speedy as possible and that you are soon back with us. Mike

From Julian

I'm sorry that I missed the early bird ride yesterday. I got to 
Leatherhead station 10-15 minutes too late--my fault for a slow
start and sluggish ride out. Never mind, I had a cup of coffee
in a cafe near the theatre, waited a bit for the traffic to
 subside and went home. Hope everyone had a good day.

Julian

AA Ride June 13th

Mornin! A couple of photos from the 'AA' run yesterday!! Gill, Irene and I took a ride out to Binfield to check out this pub for a future club ride! I met Irene in Staines then cycled to meet Gill at Walton Bridge . Back to Egham, via tow-path, Pooley Green and Egham Meads to the Magna Carta tea room for a much needed cuppa!!

Up the hill to Bishopsgate, through Windsor Park to exit on to the A322 then A3034 to Cabbage Hill where we turned off to Binfield. Our brown sandwiches came to us as huge 'white' doorsteps accompanied by salad and chips! Very filling!

Our return was via Maidens Green and Winkfield, back into the park, then a great whoosh down into Egham to have tea at my home. A most enjoyable day! Pam :) :)

Pictures of
Pub at Binfield
Gill +Irene
Irene+Pam

A local ride on June 17th

Dear All,

C'mon Ride the Tour of Kingston this Sunday 17th June to celebrate the 2^nd day of bike week and get ready for the Tour de France next month.
We will start at 10.30am from the Kingston Market Place and I shall be baking a bread pudding.
It will be a chance to meet the Committee and enjoy the bread pudding. It will be a gentle paced 20 mile ride which will end back at the Market Place.
There are two more rides in Bike Week. The Midweek Ride will be on Wednesday 20th and start at 7.30pm.
The ride on Sunday 24th will start at 10.30am as usual but return to Kingston to start again at 2pm.
All three rides will be easy paced and about 10-15 miles in length. As ever they will start from the Market Place.

Kind Regards
John Dunn

C Group June 13th

Our chief reporter Albert did not show up so the stand in Mark Roy is sending the report. It was good turn out at Elderly Hall Teddington Pete with a pile of Sou' Westers everybody snapped up the magazines, Bill and Margaret Squirrel on their tri tandem After our usual tea and cakes twelve of us left for our ride Ron leading through back roads we entered the Bushey park at Teddington gate and emerged at the Kingston gate back tracked and through Lansbury passing by Cliff Richard's house we finished up at Teddington lock. We saw a big fish floating upside down and Ron identified as Pike. From there we entered the Richmond park through Kingston gate towards Robin hood round about via perimeter path It was getting late for lunch we voted to cut across the park to Ham gate for lunch at New inn in Petersham and then tea at Bradbury house. It was a very enjoyable ride may be not many miles but good for elderly people. The riders at lunch were: Ron the leader, Mark, Bill, Dave, Harold Summer, Harold Fiffield, Pat and Bill, John, Roger and Fuzz.

Mark Roy

C Group June 13th

Wayfarer’s ‘C’ Group Ride, Wed., June 13^th, 2007

‘C’ group foregathered at Elleray Hall, Teddington and left at about 11am under Ron’s excellent leadership. There were initially some 11 riders, but their numbers and names varied as some took slightly different routes from the main body, and others just vanished along the way. Those at the start included: Ron (the aforesaid leader), Pat, Bill, Fuzz, Tom, Geoff, Allan, Mark, Roger, Harold and me. In sunny, humid weather, the route taken was roughly as follows: Bushey Park, Teddington, Teddington Lock, Ham, Kingston, Richmond Park, Ham Common (stopping here for lunch), Richmond Park, Kingston, stopping for tea at The Bradbury Centre. Total distance for the ride was about 12 miles. A very pleasant outing!

Report by Harold Somers

Final Raasay Report

As we left Raasay the promised winds arrived and we were blown up to the Quiraing where we suffered a thorough soaking. For the rest of the week it could have been more perfect - tailwinds most of the way and cool bright conditions. On Sunday and respecting the Sabbath, we walked from Tarbert to Rhenigidale YH and back - 11 miles and very lumpy (3000' of climbing).

For Irene's benefit, Callanish was next and on Tuesday's return to Berneray YH we met 42(!) cyclists excluding those who turned up after we reached the hostel. Cycling gently through the Uists meant Wednesday's stop was Howmore YH where I couldn't resist tidying up. Friday saw us depart from Barra at 07:00 hours on the 7+ hours cruise to Oban from whence we rode to Inveraray.
Our final stop was beside Loch Eck before boarding the first of several trains in Gourock. That's just over 300 miles.

From Graham Hill

Dieppe Raid June 10

Dieppe Raid June 10

The Wayfarers and friends under the Sou’Westers banner took part in the rides at Dieppe on a comfortable day for weather and pace.Ray, Carol, Norman, Terry, Pete M, Mike, Ed, Nigel, Lynda took on the 100k. Eric, Sonia, Debbie, Beatie, Katherine, Susie, Liz the 50k. Tony the 140k. Trophies collected for various catagories were taken by the group. Eric, Ray, The Ladies and the second largest UK contingent.

6th June 2007 - B Group

B Group's ride this week was to Shamley Green for lunch at The Bricklayers' Arms and back to Ripley for tea at Watsons Bakery - there were 14 of us - Judy, Liz, Toni, Terry, Norman, Harold, Robin, John G., Les, Cliff, John M. (thought a B ride might be a good one to start on after his recent stay in hospital, only to find it was a very hilly one, so hope he suffers no repercussions!), new(ish?) rider David S. and me, Gill, leading. It was a ride which had something for everyone - there were plenty of up's for those who like hills and some wonderful downhills, especially in the morning as we gradually made our way to the summit of White Down, followed by the secondary summit at the top of Raikes Hollow near Sutton Abinger, ending with a lovely long downhill into Shamley Green; there were pretty country roads and sunken lanes; there were busier, flatter roads; there were city roads through Guildford; there were opportunities for those who like going off-road and getting away from it all - bribery and corruption in the form of jelly snakes seemed to do the trick and quell the whingeing when we had to take to our feet along part of Rad Lane - other stretches were through Stoke Park in Guildford and through the Riverside Park Nature Reserve next to the A3 which even included a short stint along the R. Wey towpath. Even the weather was kind to us this week - what a difference a spot of sunshine makes to the day!

Cheers, Gill

6th June 2007 - C Group

It was a bit cool to start with at RBL Cobham but soon warmed up. We had a good turnout with Mark leading Lynda, Bill H., Bill and Pat M., Roger, Geoff, Ron, Fuzz, Alan, Mike, Dennis, Harold on fixed, me and sorry if I`ve missed you out to one of our favourite watering holes, The George IV at West Horsley. The route was up Plough Lane crossing at the Black Swan with some downhill, a right and left at the end before we started the long, steady climb to West Horsley. We enjoyed a good lunch and took the alternative route passing The Drift Golf Club to return to Cobham for tea at the day centre. The tea ladies generously gave us seconds before we made for our respective homes. Thanks Mark ----------------------------------- Albert

C Group May 30th

Good turnout at leatherhead in spite of the weather which was pretty dismal.````` . . It rained all the time and there was a lot of surface water. John led the ride ro `The Royal Oak at Brokham.In addition to me `n im there was Linda, Ron, Bill, Fuzz, Mark, Les, Roger and Mike. I am sure there were even more but cant recall their names.We used the cyclepath down the Mickleham bypass,, turning left down Pixham Lane. After a good lunch most decided to make for tea at Leatherhead via the golf course. conditions there were reported by those on the know as not being encouraging so four of us, Lynda, Roger and one other returned by the outbound route. I needed to walk up that last hilll upon entering Leatherhead and lost sight of Roger. Feeling like a wet rag I went straight to the Randalls Road carpark and re-embarked for home. I saw Harold before I left the pub (he had been to the Dorking elevenses). Dennis and Bill and Margaret Squirell saw us off at the start.
I`m still trying to get warm -----------------------------------------Albert

B Group May 30th

We set out from Dorking in bright sunshine. We being Carol, Liz, Stephanie, Terry, Cliff and yours truly. Norman's bottom bracket was painful so he called off as did Les who said his waterproof wasn't.

We went by undulating minor roads to Forest Green. By now we could hardly stand the heat but the Krugg at the Parrot cooled us down. We were all excited by tales of Cliff's bread-maker over lunch and we are all looking forward to his walnut bread which he promised next week.

Carol carelessly cycled over a piece of flint shortly after lunch, but we didn't mind because Terry mended it while the rest of us sun-bathed. However she was sharp-eyed enough to notice a tack in her other tyre which was 1mm in just waiting to get her.

The best moment of the day was Cliff being dislodged from his bike by a low-hanging bush and lying on his back imitating a two-year-old's tantrum!

Tea at the Vineyard where we met the A Group. They said that it was too hot for biking and so they had spent the entire day there.

Regards Bernard

A Group May 30th

'Never mind the weather, never mind the rain'!!!! How appropriate for to-day! Bob led nine A Group through the country lanes (I didn't notice any place names-sorry)! from Dorking to lunch at Horley. Not quite true, Tony D'I left us for home after a few miles whilst Mike M. Vic, Julian, Rob, Frank H. Steve and myself (Pam) continued on our sociable ride to Weatherspoons- surprised?! What a pleasant pub! The exterior is 'Art Deco' as is the interior with a really good ambience. Turns out it was a car showroom! The proprietors name was Jack Fairman - a grand name for a car dealer! We all sat around one table and there was lots of chat and laughter. Ian left early as he had to get home, but when we were ready to go the rain was lashing down, so we stayed a little longer before leaving for tea at Denbies. Our route took us along roads that skirted Reigate and via more lanes to the Coach Road through Betchworth golf course from Brockham.

Steve and Frank didn't stay for tea and Mike had peeled off well before Brockham. Several B Group riders arrived and had mostly left before Bob, Vic and I.

What a pleasure to ride home in the dry and the warmth of the sun after the days soakings! My mileage for the day was 70 and I have yet to go to Staines for a pint or two with my diving friends. Thanks Bob, a great day!

Report from Pam (on behalf of Bob)

Rasaay News May 30th

We woke up to no water – a burst water main, a problem that lasted all day. So we decided to take a leaf out of last Sunday’s C&M book and took the bus to Portree under leaden and liquid skies. Naturally we rode the bikes to the ferry and almost didn’t get wet. This was the second day of continuous rain so Grumpy has been grumpy. We’re winding down now and looking forward to 20-50 mph winds on our ride north to Uig on Saturday.

Rasaay Youth Hostel

From Graham & Grumpy?

A Day Out With C Group May 23rd

Pictures by Harold Fifield

Vic Whites Reports Apr 25 -May 16

Train-Assisted Ride 25th April 2007-05-24
These train-assisted rides are based on those devised for the V-CC camp held at Long Sutton, Hampshire. Constraints of train time-tables and country pub opening hours mean that we can only sample a small part of the country. So I have added a few notes on what we might have seen with more time at our disposal. Most of those present had arrived at Farnham Station by the 10:57 train or by car, except for John Bassett who did an heroic ride from Surbiton to arrive just in time for the depart at 11:00.
The café at The Maltings, foot of Firgrove Hill is the current best place for elevenses, but everyone was eager to get at the hills, so we left tealess by West Street and Crondall Lane through Dippenhall. At Well we turned south through Lower Froyle and Upper Froyle (which is lower) to cross the A31 at Mill Court. Through the old hopfields, of which only the windbreaks of Lombardy Poplars remain at Wyck, to East Worldham where the old hop kilns have been converted to dwellings. Also here is a church containing relics of Chaucer’s family - although their main memorial is elsewhere - the church at Ewelme, Oxfordshire. Down Blanket Street to cross the Selborne Road by the curious Round House and drop down to Upper Faringdon. Here we passed the Massey Folly, a tall red brick building near the church and through the picturesque village to our lunch stop, The Rose and Crown.
After lunch along Hall Lane for a quiet ride into Selborne, with no time to visit the church with its stained glass window dedicated to Gilbert White, or his museum which also contains relics of Captain Oates, of Antarctic fame. At the far end of the village we left by Honey Lane to reach Oakhanger, notable for its radomes and (for me) the rare plant Spiked Star of Bethlehem, which I had photographed on a recce just two weeks before, but which had disappeared when I tried to show it to our party. The road north has no name, and continues so after crossing the B3004 (Green Street) by a staggered junction. From here it’s a long climb to Binsted, where the church contains the grave and mementoes of Montgomery of Alamein. We had to arrive before 3 O’clock, closing time of The Vine, our teatime destination. This spared us the horrors of our usual teaplace out on the A325.
After tea we took a look at “Monty's" last residence, the mill on the Wey at Isington, then through Bentley, home of another famous soldier, Lord Baden-Powell, who instigated the illustrated history of the village, which stands beside the main street. The climb up to the outward route, Dippenhall Lane gave rise to remark directed at the leader who, on such occasions points out the beauty of the surroundings. A last climb up to Three Stiles led to a freewheel down to Farnham Station and a rest for everyone except the two who rode another 25 miles home at the end of a glorious day.

Star of Bethlehem

Ride on 16th May 2007 from Shepperton
From Shepperton we went into Chertsey to pick up yet another segment of the National Cycle Route 4 to the foot of St. Anns Hill. Along Ruxbury Road to Lyne, Trumps Green, Longcross, Chobham Common, Windlesham, UpDown Hill to the A30, a right and left to skirt South Ascot to Sunninghill, then King’s Road, Larch Avenue (opposite Ben, where old cycle dealers spend their declining years), past Sunningdale Park (where Civil Servants ditto) to Silwood Road and The Nags Head, with Harveys Sussex Ales on tap. After lunch, up Whitmore Lane to Blacknest Gate of Windsor Great Park, through the rhodendron plantation to Smiths Lawn and past the Guards Polo Club to Egham Wick Gate. From here to the A30, a short distance west to an off-road path to Bakeham Lane, Prune Hill, past Great Fosters to Thorpe Green. Thorpe Lane to Chertsey, Addlestone Moor, cycle path to Weybridge, Portmore Park Road to the Thames-side and the tea shack by Walton Bridge, after which we dispersed for home.

Vic

1955 Train Assisted

One from the past

1955 Train Assisted nostalgic Film

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyz5d3entBw - part 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGYngjxJP1I - part 2

A Group May 23rd

Wednesday May 23rd at Newlands Corner for 11s on a perfect morning found Pete B, Ray D, (Complete with a new hat!), Tony D, John B, Julian, Rob, Ian A, Ed Sharp, Pam, Vic, Stephen, Richard Hoskin, Brian N & Jackie Townsend on a day off from work. Slight rough stuff & quiet lanes past Winkworth Arboretum & Dunsfold to a very good welcome & quick service at The Compasses Pub at Lakers Green. Pete Barnard suffered a bad experience entering the garden he tripped & fell losing a whole Pint of cool beer! Mike Morley joined us having been lost in the tracks between Ranmore & Newlands. John Bassett cloaked himself in material as protection from the sun which drew the remark from Ed that he looked like an extra in Beau Gest! . On leaving lunch we were surprised to meet Jen coming in the opposite direction a quick U turn & she joined us albeit with a rumbling tummy to tea & carrot cake at Tanshurst Farm - Newdigate. A very pleasant experience sitting in the warm sun surrounded by joking clubmates before heading for home helped by a light tail wind.
From Pete Mitchell

B Group May 23rd

On a gloriously warm, sunny and virtually windless morning I led Gill, Bernard, Cliff, Nev and Norman from Newlands Corner east along the Drove Road to Combe Lane whence we plummeted down Combe Bottom to the A25. After crossing it we saw Deanne in the distance (towards Guildford) - she had left NC after us. Down Rectory Lane and either through or bypassing the ford brought us into Shere and then the climb south. After crossing the railway line we turned left and headed for Peaslake via Lawbrook Lane then cycled down Walking Bottom. Leaving Peaslake on Ewhurst Road we passed the elegant Duke of Kent school and soon arrived at Ewhurst. Here we paused for a few moments (while Cliff's legs recovered) and considered how fortunate we were to be far from the madding crowd's ignoble strife. Soon we arrived at The Punchbowl at Oakwood/Okewood Hill where a pint of draught Stowford Press worked wonders for Cliff. Deanne joined us briefly but had to get back to celebrate a friend's birthday. After a delicious lunch outside we headed east and soon joined Weare Street, sadly too late for the bluebells. Towards the end of WS we turned off and used the railway level crossing, getting a friendly toot from the driver of an Up Slow. A short off-road stretch led to the roundabout at Clark's Green, then on to Capel and Newdigate. A rather pot-holed Cudworth Lane led us past the well concealed (by foliage) moated Cudworth Manor, then left to Parkgate and Brockham, along Coach Road to Dorking and Denbies cakes. Norman had become aware of an intermittent bottom bracket? problem but decided to carry on gently via railway stations 'just in case'. Bernard had a rear puncture on the cycle track before reaching Leatherhead but a replacement tube was soon fitted. Rather worryingly the cause wasn't found but he reached home with no further problem. A great day out, I did 53 miles but I expect everyone else did much more.

I rang John Mason yesterday (Tuesday) - he has now been 'signed off' by his doctor and is back at work but must only do 'light duties' - the civilian equivalent of 'Excused Boots' perhaps (for the benefit of the ladies and our younger readers that is a military expression). He still has to go to Epsom Hospital and later St Thomas's for a check-up. He hopes to be able to get to 11s when there is one near home eg Cobham, Dorking or Leatherhead.

Terry

Rasaay News

The last 24 hours have been a haven of tranquillity as our young visitors departed for a night of character building under canvas at the north of the island. All were issued with compo rations but some may go hungry judging by the stuff left behind. In truth it's been pretty easy as they're public school chaps and chapesses.

We've restored the hostel (except naturally the dorms) to its normal state but it took quite a while. We've been walking most days and only managed short rides northwards to Brochel and southwards to Eyre. The "main" road features 11 arrows in 8 miles with winds averaging 20 mph and occasional spiteful showers so relaxing uses copious energy in short bursts. Hopefully the weather will improve, no doubt after the bank holiday.

Graham Hill

Rasaay Youth Hostel
Creachan Cottage, Raasay, Kyle

Ladies bike wanted

Bernard wants to buy a ladies frame bike. If you can help, please contact him via BernardBrindley@btinternet.com

D Group in Scotland

Ron & Doreen Powney turned up expectedly mid-afternoon. I thought they were coming next week. They're staying for the night. The weather has taken a nosedive after decent weather since our arrival.

Yesterday's D ride was Raasay-Glenbrittle camp site-Struan-Portree-Raasay.
Probably only short rides/walks for the next few days (until the end of the month?) as the forecast isn't promising.

Graham Hill
Rasaay Youth Hostel
Creachan Cottage, Raasay, Kyle
IV40 8NT

C Group May 16th

Good turnout at Shepperton. Weather fine and very little wind. Dennis kindly gave me his hip flask, the contents of which bucked me up no end after the ride. Dave led a ride the sort of which I find ideal, being on road at a gentle pace to The Castle Grove at Chobham.
Then there was Ron, Bill H., Fuzz, Harold, Mark (who has been reporting so well in my absence), Lynda, Liz, Roger, Bill and Pat M., Phil, also a cheery chap (not a member) who followed us and made himself known to Fuzz, the whole way over Chertsey bridge, up Holloway Hill and Stonehills Road. Lynda gave him the gen on our perigrinations for want of a better word when we arrived at the pub. We ate outside being such good weather but a brisk shower started up just as we left. No one seemed to know the tea venue and the sandwich group were not evident at the bus shelter. The rain had stopped by this time and I made a beeline for home to enjoy the contents of Dennis` hip flask!! I saw you at Shepperton Pete but I guess you went for the hardriders ----------------------------- Albert

B Group May 16th

Here is my ride report for yesterday

From Shepperton, Bernard, Christine, Cliff, Harold, Nev, Robin, and John cycled the off-road path over the M3 onto the Laleham Road and then the river path to Staines; continuing through Egham and Englefield Green into Windsor Park at Bishops Gate. In the Park, we turned South, passing Cumberland Gate and the Guards Polo Ground. Just before Blacknest Gate, we turned East and cycled along the southern shore of Virginia Water, emerging at the Wheatsheaf on the A30. We took a scenic ride thru the Wentworth Estate, arriving for lunch at the Stag and Hounds on Wellington Avenue just after 1 p.m. Despite being right on the edge of the Wentworth Estate (which reportedly has the most expensive housing in the South-East outside Central London), the Hare and Hounds is a very basic, simple and reasonably priced establishment with all the cooking being done by the lady publican herself. For this reason we did have to wait a bit for our jacket potatoes, but when they did come, they were delicious.
After lunch we cycled, via Longcross Road, Almners Road and Ruxbury Road, into Chertsey, and through Shepperton to tea at Lower Sunbury.

John Gould

A Group Picture

Taken by Harold at Cobham

John Mason - update

I saw John yesterday, he's on the mend. Next week he expects his doctor to 'sign him off', he also has to go to Epsom Hospital and later in the month to St. Thomas's. Hopefully after 'signing off' he will be able to drive and presumably go back to work but he doesn't know where/when cycling will feature.

Terry

Pams Day

Hi, made home 8pm, very wet and cold! Had to wait ages at Egham level crossing! Vic and I called into Denbies but food counter was closed so we sat outside and ate the fruit I had been carrying with me! Hope these photos may be of some use.
Ttfn from a tired old me!!! [really did enjoy the three days] Pam :)