April 23rd Train Assisted

Picture by Vic White

Train Assisted Ride Farnham April 23rd Thirteen early birds met at Farnham station on a cold wet morning. The leader harboured secret hopes that no-one else would turn up and he could go home , but duty called, and it all turned out for the best. The party voted for a coffee break at The Maltings, which is not the cheapest of venues but magically the rain stopped and the sun put in an appearance as we left down West Street to Crondall Lane and the Land of Promise beyond. Through Dippenhall, Well and Long Sutton to Bidden and the source of the River Whitewater, a favourite trout Stream hereabouts. The bye-way from here was unrideable, so we carried on by road to Upton Grey to reach Greywell. This is where the Basingstoke Canal ends for all practical purposes. We inspected the tunnel entrance, King Johns Castle and a very wide ford, our last sight of the Whitewater on this ride. A puncture earlier on necessitated a short cut to lunch at The Bell in Odiham. Here we caught up with four late risers and one who had caught the wrong train and finished up in Basingstoke, making the party eighteen strong for a bargain fish and chip lunch with good beer. After inspecting the village stocks and Plague House we set out again through Hillside and Roke Lane ,past Crondall to Redfields Garden Centre for tea. The sting came after tea when the way led through Ewshot, a noticeable climb. Despite the leader waiting at the top, some riders took the short way to Farnham down the A287 and were in the return train while the rest were still sampling the delights of Dora’s Green and Dippenhall on what had turned into a perfect Spring day for a country ride. From Vic White

A Group at Redhill

A Very Wet Start from Redhill

B Group April 30th

I was the sub for Liz who must have predicted the rotten weather about a month ago. And what a day! Even before Cheam I'd had a puncture (back wheel of course) which I'd mended in the rain. It rained really hard all the way to Redhill and we were all pretty wet by the time we got there. (By the way I've never heard anyone say they enjoyed going to Redhill, so why do we go there?). Undeterred "We few, we happy few, we band of brothers" viz Stephanie, Les, Terry, Cliff, Norman and yours truly set off northwards. Various events transpired. First the hills - several of them really quite steep, one was 25% as they say nowadays, 1 in 4 as we used to say. Then there was the wet bit. It was marked on the London Cycle map as a yellow road and the surface wasn't too bad, BUT the puddles were enormous. At one point it was a pond from side to to side.It was rather disconcerting not knowing whether there was a pot-hole or a brick below the surface. Next there was the navigation cock-up which added a couple of miles. So 19 miles after Redhill and 29,000 feet of ascent we got to lunch in Crystal Palace. The menu was pretty limited but the landlord was friendly and hospitable. We managed to lose Terry and Cliff almost immediately after lunch. So the remaining few went back towards Cheam. My day didn't improve on the way home, my chain came off and it completely buggered the derailleur so I had to walk the last 4 miles!
Regards Bernard

C Group April 30th

I cannot remember when we had such abysmal weather. It rained almost without a break and was as cold as charity. In the event we had a good turnout at Teddington plus a fresh face name of Rob. Tom and Phil were there but did not come on the wet outing. With Roger leading there was Lynda, Bill, Beryl, Charles, Ron, Rob, Fuzz, Harold, Dennis and me en route for lunch at The Running Mare at Cobham. Through Bushy Park to cross Hampton Court bridge then a right turn at the crossing lights through East Molesey. I`m afraid I lost track after this but we were still on tarmac under a rail bridge and then in Fairmile Lane. At this point we were rather split up and there was just myself and Harold who had a spot of bother with his chain bcoming jammed at the rear mech and then his brake fouling the rim on the rear wheel. We both got cracking to fix thimgs when Dennis arrived and helped. The main group had then come to find us and we continued on our wet way to the pub, where they had a couple of bars with welcoming fires and good service. Tea was to be at Claygate but as the rain was still belting down and I was feeling in need of something more stimulating, I said farewell and made for home --------- Albert

Tuesdays Offroad ride 29 Apr

Toni with his tank from last week

Our rides sec and honourable ex-fireman in confrontational mood before the Blue Bells. You must be having a laugh!!! Actually we had a very expensive one pint lunch at the White Bear

"A" Group to Jack Fairman Horley

Motly windswept crew after lunch, Toni is gritting his teeth before departure into the rain and storms

Yours truly resting bike against wakeing tree looking down the Zig Zag and across to the gathering storm clouds over Ranmore

Printing of Sou'Wester T Shirts for Dieppe

Lynda Barrow says:

"I have booked t-shirts in to be printed this Friday. Maybe, a last request on the blog if anyone wants a garment printed with our name 'Sou'Westers'."
Please make contact with Lynda direct ( Direct Line "T" shirt printing service)

More Photo's of Vic's away day

Odiham spendid church opposite the Bell Inn where we had lunch

Rob trying to get his leg over like he has never done b4 and ruining my picture of a picturesque cottage

Sou@Wester Editors 1st Grandchild

I know this may come as a surprise being so old but finaly I got one. Millie born 12.13 BST 24 April 08, 5lb 10oz to Vanessa and Wes. Everyone doing fine and I am on a high (which is why I am awake so late). These photos mainly for the ladies benefit.

Vic's Train (Car) assisted to Odiham

More of lunch the first arrivals

Dare he catch the Plague, standing outside the Pest House (4 that is what he is)

Limo time on the return to Farnham. Splinter group

The splinter group had cocked it up in travelling by car, we arrived one hour late. Not as bad as Pam who got on the wrong train and ended up in Basingstoke. What a laugh. Thanks Vic for a splendid tour.

'A' Group 23rd April

Farnham Station

En route White/Black Water

Lunch stop

C Group 23 April

Not too promising weatherwise; damp and not too warm after yesterdays sunshine but after a bit the sun came out and the latter part of our ride was quite pleasant. From Walton, John C. led around twelve of us to The Rose and Crown at Thorpe Green. There was Beryl, Bill, Roger, Mark, Dennis, Ron, Fuzz and yours truly plus Bernard, Pat and (forgotten his name!) who usually go out with B group. Crossing Walton bridge we made for lower Shepperton and over Chertsey bridge then left to Addlestone Moor with a spot of offroad and cyclepath to Clay Corner. Crossing over to Eastworth Road we carried on almost to Highfield Road and took a left turn which turned out tot be impassible, so we returned to our original route and up the Thorpe Road with a left turn under the motorway to our lunch spot. Tea was to be at Shepperton but in the event eight of us had tea at my place where good old Fuzz did the washing up once again! You are welcome any time old chum --------- Albert

B Group April 16th

14 riders left Weybridge - destination Wood Street Village, Christine, Judy, Bernard. Cliff, David V, John G, John M, Les, Mick, Neville, Reg, Roger, & Terry, led by Norman. Route through Brooklands, Byfleet, Old Woking, Worplesden up Frog Lane to Wood St Village.
The intended lunch stop was the Royal Oak but It was reserved customers only. Mick and Neville made an early departure, the rest of us rode on towards Guildford where we stopped at the first pub The Hare and Hounds where we were welcomed, by the Landlord Who Rearranged the tables while we locked the bikes. We all enjoyed a Variety of meals. After lunch homeward via Jacobs Well, Send to tea at Cobham. then back home via personal preferred routes.
Norman

C Group April 16th

Picture from Albert

Good turnout at Weybridge. Weather dry and not so cold as of late. Stephanie led around ten of us en route for The Four Horseshoes at Chobham; Mark, Bill, Fuzz, Harold, Beryl, Allan, Phil, Ron, Roger and myself through Weybridge car park, then past St. James church to the Quadrant, then along the old road by the canal, through Poet`s Corner into Addlestone where we crossed the level crossing,then left up Garfield Road to Crockford Park Road with the lights in our favour we entered Liberty Lane at the end of which we took the footbridge over the M25 to Hare Hill to Ottershaw. After passing the cricket common we went left at Foxhills and a good downhill on Stonehills Road. Then it was a right turn down Gracious Pond Road into Red Lion Road, then crossing over the main road and arriving at our lunch stop. (see attachment). The food was excellent and there was nothing wrong with the beer. As the return route was to pass near my place I invited one and all to tea. In the event they arrived before me as I lost them on a spot of offroad near Fairoaks airfield and landed up at the end of Martyr`s Lane with quite a bit of climbing to do before reaching the old homestead. Happily they did not have long to await my arrival and Dennis was there also. There were ten of us crammed into the dining room. Stephanie helped serve up the tea and cake so we managed with just eight chairs! Both she and Fuzz insisted on washing up and I enjoyed the company. Let`s hope we can do it more often ----- Albert

A Group April 16th

Irene's estimated 13 A riders turned out to be 19 (Irene, Bionic Bob(welcome back), Dave, Ed, Frank, Geoff, Graham. Johns B & S, Mike, Neil, Pam, Pete M, Ray, Rob, Simon (newcomer, out for the morning), Steve, Toni, and Wilf). Unusually we headed up Woburn Hill, across the Meads, and then over the level crossing by Chertsey station. Along Guildford Road strange sounds could be heard emanating from Irene's rear end. A committee promptly formed on the cyclepath to investigate - the cause, an inner tube peeking out betwixt rim and tyre. Fortunately it didn't explode and after reseating we were soon heading up Holloway Hill. We caught and past the C group just before the Gracious Pond turn-off. Burrowhill, Valley End and the back (Church) road in Windlesham enabled us to reach The Bee where tables had been reserved. Most were content with sandwiches but among hearty repasts were ham and eggs(Frank), croque-monsieur(Ed) and the special (spicy fish in tortillas - John B). The pub was a first for most, and no complaints! After lunch we crossed the A30 into Sunninghill and by Larch Avenue and the B383 entered the Great Park at Cheapside. From Bishopsgate it was down Tite Hill into Egham and a lengthy halt at the Pooley Green crossing. Thorpe was followed by the Penton Hook offroad. An impromptu photo shoot near Chertsey Abbey detached 5 riders who detoured (unnecessarily) to Shepperton Lock before rejoining at Watsons in the High Street. A shade over 30 miles from 11s to tea on a cloudy, blustery but not unpleasant day. Leader Irene

"A" Group leader Irene

An excellent ride by a lovely leader (not at all Grumpy). Above after lunch and top, Tea at Sheperton our leader and very efficient sweeper. Sorry about the indoor quality but you can see who is the good looking one!

The Jura at Easter

Midweek 9 April

Where is this?

A late photo of part of the bunch at lunch.

Bob at home 3 weeks after his second hip replacement.

Apology to Andy Coxhill for referring to Rasay Warden as Tartan Socks, obviously I can't tell the difference. All I know is one is inclined to Grumpy.

B Group April 9th

B Ride Report for Wednesday 9th April 2008.
About a dozen of us left Henfold Lakes in a generally Easterly direction for Newdigate, Charlwood and Horley, then thru' Haroldslea Farm to lunch at the Plough in Smallfield. After lunch we turned North/ North-West for Merstham, tea at Fanny's Farm, and home.
The area covered by the ride was new to me. I had not got round to cycling the route in advance, but had done my reconnaissance by car 2 days previously. In a car, you don't notice the hills, and the route was hillier than expected; and there were complaints from the troops.
There were no punctures to report. However, Wayfarers' newcomer, David from Wimbledon, who hopes to come out with us regularly, had gear trouble after lunch, but managed well with the reduced range.
John Gould

'A' Group lunch at Cranleigh

Tartan Socks Mileage

If I can help in anyway. I did a miserable 43 mls from W on the H. Pam said at Denbies she had done, I think 50+ mls and that when she got home it would be about 73mls. So Graham from these figures you can interpolate what you like. And when you have done that you can perculate and then you can attempt to placate Grumpy whoever that delightful person might be!

A Group April 9th

11s at Henfold Lakes - Picture from Terry

In sunny if somewhat chilly conditions there were around 30 Souwesters at Henfold Lakes - a vast improvement on C&M's zero last Sunday. Eventually 16 A Riders(Graham, Ed, Geoff, Grant, Ian, Irene, Johns S&B, Mike, Pam, Pete M, Ray, Rob, Steve, Toni, Wilf) headed towards Newdigate where due to a misunderstanding we lost Ian (loose bag). Pete M had an unhappy day, firstly unshipping his chain in Capel and secondly unlocking his cassette locknut before Ellen's Green. The resultant delays put us onto a revised course via the B2128 into Cranleigh where surprisingly Ian rejoined. We turned east and into the Little Park Thatch for a one o'clock lunch. The sunworshippers were in the majority enjoying the mainly warm garden. As usual service was generous and prompt, well almost! John B had to rush an oversized porkchop; unnecessarily as it turned when Geoff struggled to remove half a mudguard. By now it was two-thirty so a shortcut was needed. The virgins were in for a nasty surprise - the watery and potholed Tanhurst Lane. I'll mention no names but clearly there is potential for a walking section should we choose to start one. In contrast speeds in the high 30s were common on the long downhill into Dorking where a very leisurely tea was taken at Denbies. We went our various ways around half four; no idea of the miles as my speedo died on the way to Henfold. Graham Hill

C Group April 9th

Great weather and a good turnout at East Molesey. John Hammond came out for elevenses looking pretty fit as did several others from other sections. It`s a fairly small venue but coped very well with our lot. Lynda led around eighteen of us, most of whose names I know; Roger Bill, Fuzz, Beryl, Ron, Mark, Dennis,Helga, Pat, Phil, Harold, Alan and Reg (first time I`ve met him) and two or three more for lunch at Woodies in New Malden. We took the river route from Hampton Court bridge to Kingston, then through Kingston to Worcester Park. After a bit more urban riding, mostly on cycle paths we arrived at Woodies which Mark tells me is a kind of clubhouse for the L.S.E. sports club. It sports a large clock on the roof which claims it is 8.45. The food was good and prompt and Roger treated me to a pint. The only fly in the ointment was the public address system which drowned any conversation by announcing the number of the next order! The intention was to have tea at Nonsuch Park so I opted to make a beeline for home and Alan accompanied me as far as Kingston market from where I was back on familiar territory. So it was over the bridge and back down the river road via Hampton Court to home. Just over 30 miles and a good ride. Thanks Lynda-----------------Albert

B Group April 2nd

B Ride Wednesday 2nd April 2008.
Consisting of , Pam, Christen, Les, Norman , Terry, John M, Cliff, Ian, Reg, Liz, Godfrey, Harold, Irene, John G, Robin, And apologies for the two forgotten.
Onto the Portsmouth Road and the cycle track towards Guildford . After going over the M25
Left into Old Lane next right to Ockham and left to West Horsley along by the railway to East Horsley to the Guildford Road, left 1Km right up steep hill ( some love em ), to Crocknorth Road. Across Ranmore Common, Down to the Kings Arms West Street Dorking, Very accommodating good menu and food.
Out along the back streets to the Mickleham bypass. Round the back of Leatherhead via the Recreation and Nature reserve area, right on the Cobham Road , wiggled through Fetcham
across Bookham Common to Cobham. A pity we had a constant drizzle all afternoon so finished with early teas, a damp and cheerful six at Watson's. Cheers Robin.

C Group April 2nd

Instead of the forecast for dry and mild weather we got quite a bit of drizzle and continous overcast skies. However the turnout at Cobham was good and spirits were high as Phil led around twelve of us up Plough Lane en route for the Victoria pub at Woodham. We took a right up the old A25 now called Pointers Road and is in line with the M25, and terminates just before the Wisley interchange and becomes a sea of mud. Having crossed the aforesaid interchange we now found ourselves on Wisley Common. We started out with Dennis, Charles, Lynda, Mark, Roger, John C., Fuzz, Pat, Bill (A), Harold and me, but after a lot of walking through mud and unmarked ways we got rather split up. We did cross the motorway a couple of times and conditions got better near West Byfleet when we crossed Parvis Road and rode through Dartnell Park. Arriving on the towpath of the Basingstoke canal with a fairly decent surface we continued in the direction of Woodham after a decent spot of tarmac. The lunch and beer went down well and the intention was to have tea at Shepperton. I took a shortcut opposite the pub down Woodham Park Road followed by Harold but the others took the main road along Woodham Lane. Harold had a spot of bother with his bike so he came home with me to use my tools. On arrival Dennis was outside having taken a wrong turning so we had tea and I drove Harold back to his car at Cobham. Busy day, what-------------------------Albert

A Group April 2nd

“A” Group Report Wed 2nd April Frank Cubis

15 left Cobham at 11-10 for an advertised briskish ride to Godalming, the group included John S, Steve, John D B, Geff, Pete, Grant, Editor Mike, Ray, Vic, Toni, Frank H, Rob, Neil & Ed.
All went well through Pointers Green, Martyr’s Green, Ockham, to Burnt Common, but riding along the shared cycle and pedestrian path towards Clay Lane near Burpham Vic took a nasty tumble which resulted in a head wound. An ambulance was called and attended, fortunately it wasn’t a hospital visit as he was treated by the medics in the vehicle and they allowed him to continue (but I think reluctantly). His bike was undamaged and he wisely called it a day and with thanks to Ray Dare as chaperone rode home. I phoned when home and they had had lunch on the way and rode home with no ill effects.
By this time of course I abandoned my original route to Wyke, Wanborough and over the Hog’s Back to Puttenham then dropping down to Godalming. I chose the more direct route through Guildford along the Old Portsmouth Road direct to Wetherspoons. The service was good, as usual. Then it was the same route back to Ripley and on to Ockham Bites for 2-45’s, by now the drizzle had started in earnest and after refreshments bade my farewell, although the drizzle did stop by Esher. My total mileage 69 miles.
Grant was todays puncture victim.

Final scenes of the Scenic Drizzle Route-Box Hill

The Zig - one handed while riding.

Reduced speed due to mist and something that rhymes with it after a pint of chocolate beer at W'Spoons (again one handed while in motion - what its like to be young again)

At the top, still mist but this time standing still.

White Down & St Barnabas

More scenic route home. Again in reverse order. (remmember to blog photo's last first, first last-otherwise they come out in reverse order. Dog-Bot unfriendly)

3. One handed while riding up White Down. Zoom in for a technical shot.

2. More one handed W.D.

1. On Ranmore "The Church of the North Downs Way" so called.

More of the Scenic route home. ABINGER

Photo 1. Abinger Hall?

Photo 2. Abinger Clock.

Scenic Route Home from Godalming

I decided to take the lonesome ride home today in order to avoid the A3 and any further misshap. I phone Vic tonight and he is OK but sore and hopes to make his holiday this friday to Crete!

Pictures in revers order cover the first part of my journey home, much of it in heavy drizzle.

3. Marthers Church in the mist.

2. Albury Church (or something like it)

1. Gomshall Mill.

80th Birthday on Monday

Congratulations to Bill Matthews on your 80th on monday

A few of the free wheelers

A & B Groups March 26th

A and B groups had a joint ride from 11s at Dorking to Roothill for the belated 2007 freewheel contest. Thanks to Frank pushing me off I (Terry) set off first and in the dry, windfree conditions had a good run. Assisted by Ed and Norman, Frank pushed the rest off, who, with few exceptions, had an uneventful run. At one point Mike Morley was runner up but claimed a re-run due to 'being baulked by a tractor'. (Did anyone else see a tractor?). Generous to a fault, we allowed him a re-run, when he slightly improved his r-u position. Meanwhile Liz had established her place as 'Best Lady'. By now it was lunch time so we adjourned to the two pubs at Brockham where Ed presented his traditional beautifully turned wooden awards to Liz and Terry and Mike Morley received a Fahrrad-Schlauch Race 28 S 52mm Sclaverand Presta Französisch as runner-up. The group from the Dukes Head were ready sooner than us in the Royal Oak so set off for Denbies via Newdigate and the golf course. Having decided 3s at Newdigate Ya-Ya's was a no-no we also headed for Denbies, having to don waterproofs en route. After tea the rain had stopped - I reached home dry but I doubt if everyone else did !
Terry Lowe

C Group March 26

Roger led a group of ten from Hersham in sunshine and somewhat milder weather than of late. There was Mark, Bill, Ron, Phil, John C., Beryl, Fuzz, Dennis and me. We stayed on Queens Road which was closed to through traffic at the Hersham end and arriving at Weybridge we turned left along St.Georges Avenue to Brooklands Road. Our intended venue was to be The Half Moon at Ripley so at the second roundabout we turned right through the Brooklands estate until joining Parvis Road to West Byfleet over the M25 with a short detour left on Highfield Road to bypass the traffic lights. All plain sailing after this. Along Pyrford Road then Warren Lane at the end of which theres a dodgy left turn which happily proved traffic-free, with just a couple of miles to go. The beer and food are always good at The Half Moon and today was no exception.. Tea was to be at Claygate but I made for home via Wisley, The Sanway (offroad and rather muddy) and Old Byfleet. There was a pretty heavy shower while we were at lunch which eased off later. I clocked just over 23 miles which is close to my limit, I guess. I enjoyed the ride, thanks Roger------------Albert

Easter Tour Colchester 08

Look out for all the news and photo's on the C&M Blog (or maybe more on the DA Blog). As a taster for those that did no go, you missed a very good Thai meal on Sunday night and the most unforgetable weather.

Who said she is all mine, Terry stole my starter and I ended up in the soup, lovely curry chicken soup. Wait untill Sally finds out!!!

C group - March19th

We were blessed with sunshine, light breeze if rather chilly at Shepperton. A good turnout was led by John C., plus Lynda, Beryl, Mark, Roger, Ron, Dennis, Fuzz and newcomer Charles plus me and a few I cant remember. We took the footpath behind the day centre and arrived at Walton bridge, then up New Zealand Avenue, the Halfway to Hersham. Up the dual carriageway to West End en route for The Old Plough at Stoke d'Abernon. This last bit was rather hilly to Fairmile Lane and the Stoke Road and while searching for my largest cog, the chain came off (lousy adjustment). Harold met us at the pub with some of his good photographs. Both he and Dennis bought me a beer but I managed a fairly sober ride home via Cobham and Byfleet with under 20 miles on the clock. Good ride John. --------- Albert

B Group March 19th

After the (in)formality of several group photos taken by Mike M., B Group made its departure from the Greeno Centre in Shepperton. There were seventeen of us: Judy, Liz, Pam - sporting a tan on her face and hands and probably elsewhere but being well rugged up for the chilly conditions that was all the evidence we could see of her three-month stay in Lanzarote - Les, Norman, Terry, John G., Harold, David, Ray, Nev, Phil, Mick, Cliff, Bernard, Richard (usually rides with Cheam-Morden) and me, Gill, the leader. The Rose and Crown at Woodside was our destination for lunch, the other side of Windsor Great Park. Our route out was through Chertsey, along Stonehill Road to Gracious Pond Road where we saw some lovely daffodils on a bank outside one of the larger houses out that way. At Burrowhill we crossed straight over the Chobham/Windsor Road and did a loop on a quiet back road through Valley End, seeing again a mass of daffodils on both sides of the road in one stretch, before joining the Chobham Road leading into Sunningdale. Crossing the A30 and then the A329 to come into Cheapside, the last lap saw us tackling several steep hills as we followed the edge of the Windsor Great Park. It was with relief that we reached the turn-off to Woodside - or am I speaking only for myself?! With the Duke of Edinburgh pub hosting a walking group and a funeral party, we were booked into the Rose and Crown. There was a table laid for us and the speed with which they took our orders was very impressive as it was already busy with other lunch customers. Food was very good and the Ladies Loos have to rate 5 stars! Ray, Phil, Nev and Mick left us on arriving at the pub, so we were a smaller group of 13 for the return trip. This was the easier part of the ride. We headed into Windsor Great Park coming out at Bishopsgate, down Tite Hill to Egham. The decision to take the back road to Staines was not a good one as we got caught not just at one, but two level crossings!! From Staines, with the wind behind us it was an easy ride following the Thames back to Chertsey Bridge. The river was flowing fast and at Laleham had flooded some of the grassy areas. Afternoon tea was at Shepperton Bakery where the special deal was tea/coffee and cake for £2.20. For those who had fruit cake, it looked as if we were getting a quarter of the cake, such was the generosity of the lady behind the counter! Nine of us stopped for tea and shortly afterwards we were joined by John, usually an A Group rider who had unfortunately got his weeks muddled up and gone to Dorking for Elevenses only to find no-one else there! Apart from a few spots of rain while on the towpath, it had stayed fine and been a good day for a ride. Thanks, Terry, for being back marker yet again.
Gill Finlay

Hostel Trip - July

Hostel Trip

Following our traditional meeting with the East Sussex DA at West Hoathly on Wednesday 9 July, I'm heading south to stay at Telscombe Youth Hostel, then on Thursday 10 staying at Truleigh Hill Youth Hostel, returning home on Friday 11.
If anyone is interested in coming, please let me know asap, tel 01372454934 or e-mail: lowest50@tiscali.co.uk. I have to pay a deposit when booking so would appreciate £20 a head please. Telscombe is a self-catering hostel but we'll be passing through Lewes en route so we can shop at Waitrose there, Truleigh Hill does cater.

Terry Lowe

'A' Group 19th March

We set out from Shepperton Day Centre in cold but bright conditions including Ed, Ian, Julian, Will, Rob, Pete M, Pete B, Vic, Stephen, Tony, Grant, Frank C, Mike, John S and me. The conditions were such that off road riding along tow paths should be pleasant so this is what we were soon doing when we arrived at Walton bridge. From there it was tow path nearly all the way to Weybridge however some decided to go on the parallel road and we re joined at Jessamy road. Here Will gave some guidance on bypassing the town to pick up the Wey Navigation. This was a much pleasanter route than going through the town and the Wey navigation was just a short distance down the road from the River Wey Town Lock.
It was approx. 4.5 miles of quiet riding to Pyrford Lock via Coxes lock, New Haw, cross A318, Under M25 where The Basingstoke canal joins, cross the A245, Murrays bridge and Dodd's bridge. From Pyrford lock throgh Pyrford Green, Village and Common B332 left and next right soon brought us to Woking and Weatherspoons near the Station for lunch. It was quite busy there and popular with working people including Steve of C&M who appeared to be enjoying his lunch break.
We left about 1:45 leaving by the One Way System on the Dorking/Guildford Road
for Send and then Ripley via Tannery Lane and thereon the A3 cycle path to the Ockham Bites. After tea Tony decided to do a lap around the Horsley area, I wonder how many went with him, as my total miles was a mere 37.
Ray

"A" Group.

RHS MM almost home Headly Court 47mls.

"A" Group Shepperton Start

Photo 3 Sheperton Start

Photo 1 Way Navigation.

Photo 2 New Haw Lock

"B" Group Shepperton & Pam new Merc.

Bike bits from Ian Burt

http://www.kingstonphoenix.blogspot.com/
Click this link for more information

From John Scott

We have recently bought a Carl Lewis exercise bike with heart and pulse monitors but have found that it is not right for Pat to ride. It is brand new - only used in total for 30 minutes. We would be very happy to give it away free of charge to anyone who wants it but they must provide the transport as we cannot deliver it to them.
Thanks, John Scott

Printing of Shirts for Dieppe Raid

Following message received from Lynda Barrow:

" I'm collecting tops for printing now, (already have 8). Maybe, it could be put on the blog, that I will be at the Barn Dance collecting tops for printing. This could be my last call, as I need to book them in and I would like them back sometime in May. "