A Group 16th November

A proper November day today, with a damp chill in the air, but Pete B led us at a brisk pace that kept the cold at bay. Circuitously from elevenses at Claygate to lunch at Wetherspoons, Woking, then back by canal and river to tea at the Walled Garden, Sunbury.

31.2 miles at a moving average of 8.8mph and 1,397 calories, which should have just about covered my bumper slice of cake at tea.

Mark

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With Summer (both proper and Indian) well behind us, some 18 A's, led by Pete B (with Graham Hill kindly offering to cover the rear), set off from Claygate on a chilly and misty morning. Following the B's for a while before taking Stokesheath Road and Sandy Lane through Fairmile to Knipp Hill and Water Lane. Across the Tilt to Downside where the leader delayed the pack for a while with a puncture. Down Pointers Lane to negotiate Junction 10 of the M25 and follow the A3 to the Wisley footbridge.

Past Pyrford Lock and Newark Priory to take Papercourt Lane towards Send and then through Cartbridge to Old Woking. Here a diversion on a, new to most, signposted route through Woking Park took us into the town, albeit on the wrong side of the railway, which required carrying bikes through the pedestrian underpass before lunch was taken at the H G Wells. Here we were joined by 2 more who had missed the start. Then, with no sign of the temperatures improving, it was along the Basingstoke Canal, which was looking most Autumnal, to New Haw. Up through Woodham and Row Town to Addlestone and over the railway to the backroads of Weybridge.

Crossing Walton Bridge it was clear that preparations are now well underway for its replacement. Then, turning right into Penny Lane, a never seen before view of the Shepperton Marina before rejoining Fordbridge Road to the Walled Garden in Lower Sunbury for teas and large slices of cake followed by returns home under still leaden skies.

PeteB

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Maps for Summer rides

For anyone who is curious I have now added some historic maps for B Group and Easy Rider routes which were ridden in July, August and September.

For Easy Riders they are:

• 6th July           Cobham - Basingstoke Canal - Walton (Phil M)
• 27th July         Leatherhead - Brockham - Leatherhead (John C)
• 10th August    Walton - Teddington Lock - Hampton Court (Lynda)
• 31st August     Molesey - Osterley Park - GU Canal - Richmond (Phil M)

For B Group:

• 3rd August       Cobham - Woking - Shepperton Lock (Pam)
• 24th August     Shepperton - Isleworth - Richmond Park (Gill)
• 7th September  Cobham - Chobham - Walton (John G)

Also, for 5th October, Cobham - White Down - Leith Hill (Peter T), I have inserted a second map, produced on the GPS Visualizer web site, which uses colour coding to illustrate the altitude along the route. Very pretty for any route with a few decent hills!


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Click on any of the links (the date) to see what's been added.

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Easy Riders, 9 November 2011

Sandy Bayliss
How long before Sandy gets the Easy Riders into wet suits and running shorts?

Caught on camera

For the record, one taken a week ago, after a couple of miles in the Basingstoke Canal
(The water tasted a bit off)

Easy Riders - 9th November, 2011

Easy Riders route from Shepperton to Chessington via Hampton Court

 

(Trail of cup-cake crumbs followed by Ron)

B Group - 9th November

B Group ride led by Gill

27.7 miles from Shepperton Greeno to the Riverside Barn Arts Centre in Walton

Despite the dull start, there was a big turnout at Shepperton and as leader of B Group, I set off with 21 riders. Our destination was the Fox and Castle pub at Old Windsor by way of the Thames towpath from Laleham to Lammas Park in Staines, Wraysbury and Datchet.

Depending on the time we reached Datchet, I had choices to make about the best route which would allow us to arrive at the pub at 1.00 p.m. Fortunately, with a good pace being maintained, I was able to stick to my original plan and we headed on to Eton where we were able to see well-dressed scholars in their tails walking around the school buildings. Crossing the river into Windsor, we encountered our first and only hill of the day as we climbed up to the entrance to the Castle. After this it was downhill to the road parallel to the Long Walk, on to a cycle path crossing the Long Walk and leading us straight to the big roundabout at Old Windsor. By using the path we were able to miss the queue of traffic at the roadworks and after crossing at the lights we were soon into the back streets which led us to the Fox and Castle pretty much spot on 1.00 p.m.

Here we were given a warm welcome, food and service were good and despite the large numbers (19 of us at this stage) we were on the road again at 2.10 p.m. By now the sun was out and it was a lovely, bright afternoon. Our route was a familiar one - Runnymede, across the Meads to Egham, Thorpe, Pentonhook, Ferry Lane (a bit muddy on the new footpath at the end) Chertsey, Shepperton and Walton. Tea was at the Riverhouse Barn but with the shorter days now, most people opted to keep going to try and get home in the light. Four of us, however, did partake of tea and had a very interesting conversation about the sayings on the rims of £2 coins! Thank you, Alan! Most enlightening! Thanks, also, to Irene and Pam for being back-markers and for 'challenging me with options' for the route chosen when out doing the recce last Sunday. 

Gill Finlay

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A Group, 9 November

Shepperton - Wood Street Village - Cobham

A Group 9th November

Unseasonably mild again today, and Rob led us at a Summer's pace. 35.18 miles from elevenses at Shepperton to tea at Cobham; lunch at the Royal Oak, Wood Street. 1,576 calories; home by moonlight.

Mark

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Today’s ‘A’ ride was officially declared Hill free – and not just because Graham was otherwise engaged. Meandering between the Thames and Wey valleys, a substantial number of calories was saved by not exercising the digit in frequent gear changes.

Thus it was that a goodly number of riders set out across Walton Bridge, from the surrounds of which woodland had been cleared, prompting speculation about a new bridge?? We proceeded along a variety of streets which all seemed to be named ‘Oatlands’, before crossing into St George’s Ave and into Brooklands. After Byfleet, a stretch of off road took us along a short length of the Wey Navigation, after which we picked up the B382 to bring us to Old Woking. Out into the country at last, we passed Worplesdon Station and Fox Corner en route to the Royal Oak in Wood Street village.

Shortly before our arrival, Geoffrey had the misfortune to snap his chain, but matters were soon rectified with the assistance of Dave and a powerlink. The landlord at the pub had regrettably recently been taken ill, understandably creating some confusion behind the bar, resulting in a bit of a wait for the food. Nevertheless, we were soon on our way, passing through North Guildford, before picking up the A3 cycle path and Tithebarns Lane before arriving at Sainsburys at Cobham for tea, with the added bonus of an unimpeded view of the A3 in all its glory.

The cycling gods clearly had it in for Geoffrey today as on departure from tea, a flat front tyre was discovered. Despite being a not particularly long ride, it was lights on all round for the last leg home. I covered 61 miles overall.

Rob

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Brockham Bonfire Remains 6 Nov 11

After Jeffs mww photo of the large bonfire on Wednesday I did a warm up ride before the SWLDA AGM and you can see the church was almost in peril and my tyres were starting to melt. Daniel who was at the AGM was at the bonfire and the fireworks were most spectacular!

note this is a test transmission I am having problems bloging via Picasa this is direct from the blog. Thanks Jeff for your help.

Sub needed for A Group Weybridge 30 November

Dear All,

Following Ed's tumble, even with an inflatable boot, I would not expect him to be back in the saddle by the end of November.

As he was going to lead a ride from Weybridge DC on 30 November, may I ask if somebody familiar with that neck of the woods would like to volunteer to take his place to lead the A group? These opportunities don't often crop up so I suggest that you seize the chance asap! Lines are open now.

Many thanks,

Jeff

£19 short change

At the risk of many wayfarers making false claims (as if they would) on one of their forgetful fellow cyclist's someone kindly bought a raffle ticket with a £20 note. Thelma from the Royal British Legion phoned me last night to say when she returned with £19 change the gentleman had gone! I jokingly said he probably thought keep the change anyway. I said I would try and identify the person in the meantime and suggested that she keep the change until Dec 7th when hopefully the lucky person will have remembered! I plan to be in Nottingham that day for a seasonal reunion ride with my old racing club Long Eaton Paragon now Long Eaton Velo amalgamated with Long Eaton CC, so will be unable to make any false claim! An eleven digit phone number given for the ticket does not seem to work! Hopefully this note will help to identify! Please mention to any of your fellow Wayfarers that may not have a computer.

Wayfarers B Group - 2nd November 2011

Cobham - Merrow for lunch - Leatherhead for tea

A large group of 20 plus riders set off from Cobham towards Ockham, then via Guileshill Lane, through a farm track to bring us out at Tithebarns Lane.

We continued southerly to West Clandon and on to the A25 for a short stretch before arriving at our lunch destination, the Horse and Groom in Merrow. Nice pub and grub although the staff found our presence in number a little overwhelming.

A steady climb (not ideal directly after lunch) found the group on the North Downs Way and eventually on Combe Lane heading towards Effingham via Dirtham Lane.

Proceeding through Great Bookham and Fetcham we arrived at Annie's in Leatherhead for tea and cakes where we were joined by several of the A group.

My thanks to the ever dependable Terry as ' sheep dog' and Tim who has kindly downloaded the route map.

Mileage from Cobham to Leatherhead: 22.25 miles

- Liz

November 2nd, EasyRiders

Mike's ride with the Easy Riders from Cobham to Send Marsh and back
(Track recorded by Ron)

The Easy Riders head back to afternoon tea in Chessington

Easy Riders - November 2nd 2011

There was a good turnout at Cobham RBL on a dry sunny, but breezy November morning. I found myself with a dozen Easy Riders, some new faces among the regulars. We set out towards Ockham via Plough Lane, past The Black Swan and the boarded up Hautboy. At the end of Ockham Lane a right turn took us along to Guileshill Lane, steep hill and then the compensating run down to Ockham Road North. Right turn here and ignoring Hungry Hill for a change we rode on to take Grove Heath Lane up to the old Portsmouth Road at Send. Left here and past The Jovial Sailor, then right into Sendmarsh Road to reach our lunch stop The Saddlers Arms.

There has been a change of management since we last visited, but in a brief recce last week I found a friendly landlord who seemed pleased at the idea of a visit from a group of cyclists. He said he would note date and time in his diary and reserve tables in the hope that the weather would be kind to us on the day. He was as good as his word and we enjoyed pleasant lunch during which we were joined by Fuzz who had elected to find his own way by a flatter route.

Lunch over we headed along Polesden Lane towards Ripley, still in sunshine but from time to time having to face a strong southerly wind. We retraced our route to The Black Swan crossroads at Ockham and then parted company. I headed for home in Effingham, one party making for tea at The Prince’s Centre Chessington, others making their separate ways home.

Mike Withers

A Group 2 November

Mark's Autumbulation
Cobham - Betchworth - Leatherhead

Birthday cake and tea at Cobham, thanks to Mike Morley

A Group 2nd November - The Autumn Amble

A Baker's Dozen left Cobham for today's ride - quite bright, and unseasonably mild. We had all chosen longs and long sleeves, but we've had cooler days in Summer.

Prettily over Downside and Bookham Common to start - it's been a great Autumn for leaf colours - then a jink through Leatherhead and our first hill of the day. We went up via Downs Lane to the top of Givons Grove, then on through Tyrrell's Wood to Tot Hill. It's part of the KPRC Hilly 12 course, and it's a fair pull. Graham left us here, on his way to visit the injured Ed. The rest of us had our reward - a fine descent down Lodge Bottom Lane under golden arches of trees, re-grouping at the corner for our next climb, Box Hill.

Steadily upwards at first, having agreed that there was to be no racing, as it was not part of the ethos of the Amble. Ray engaged a young lady in conversation - she was a triathlete in training, and they discussed racing and mutual friends. Then, with a smile and a twinkle in his eye, Ray got out of the saddle and left her. Well, you couldn't let him go by himself ... I'd say he had a three minute lead over her by the top, but then, Ray's not in training.

We all gathered at the viewpoint and Jeff Cartier-Tollerman recorded our achievements, then on to Pebble Combe Hill for another glorious swoop down. Best speed of the day here, at just over 40mph, and ten minutes later we were in the Red Lion at Betchworth. Tables were reserved for us and we all ate well.

After lunch we began the second half of the Amble - no big hills, and no high speeds. There were lots of deer out at Wonham Manor and plenty of Autumn colours. We headed South through Leigh, then back North at Shellwood Cross to go to Brockham to see the bonfire. It's said to be the biggest in England, and this year's is certainly impressively large. Then West to take a look at the last part of the Free Wheel course before heading to Leatherhead and tea at Annies.

Coming up the High Street it looked as if our luck had changed - the B Group had beaten us to it and had probably eaten all of the cakes. But, in the event, it wasn't so bad - Annie managed to find something for us, so all ended well.

34.56 miles, 2,020 feet of ascent and a rolling average of 9.7 mph - the Autumn Amble.

Mark

Ed Sharp - injured

Ed has broken his ankle see C&M Blog

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A Group 2nd November - The Autumn Amble

Next Wednesday's ride will follow Paul Kelly's well received model - a couple of hills before lunch for sport; a decent pub and a gentler route to tea. Finish by 1530 so that we're all home in the light.

Mark

Wednesday, 26 October

Freewheel Competition

The Gentlemen

The Winning Ladies

Also Rans

Free wheel competition

Despite the dismal forecast (which , sadly, proved accurate) about thirty cyclists arrived at the refurbished Dorking Christian Centre for 11s, after which most joined either the As or Bs to ride to Root Hill, scene of this year's fwc.

Pete B pushed me off (downhill !) first, but I hadn't got far before Mark shot by. Soon Geoff Pyke passed me and looked like a possible contender. By the time I found Mark and put a stake in the ground, most others had finished far short, so I retraced my tyremarks on the very wet road to find Robin wobbling to a halt just short of the Tanners Brook bridge, but having just beaten Geoff.

Liz just beat Pam, we then rode on to our reserved tables at The Royal Oak, Brockham for a VERY welcome lunch.

Ed had made the customary unique winners'awards, thanks Ed, the runners-up each won a tube.

After lunch the outlook didn't seem very promising so a short ride back to Leatherhead was favourite, either Annie's or JDW.

Post-event notes :

Mark and Robin both had Gatorskin tyres but Mark admitted to Cherry Blossom Treatment - a lesson for some of us ?

Liz didn't admit to CBT - did she or didn't she ?

Terry

Free Wheel Competition

Modest mileage at modest pace today; 13.09 miles at a rolling average of 7.2 mph.

But that's not the point - it was all about the Free Wheel Competition, so that's what the graph and map show. The chart has rounded it up to 1.2 miles - more accurately, the distance was 1.16 miles.

Good fun in the rain - thanks to Terry for organising the event, and to Ed for making the shields.

Mark

Easy Riders - October 19th 2011

Group at Richmond Lock

Alison and I left Hampton for the ride meeting at the King's Centre, Chessington. On the way from Long Ditton we went under the Kingston Bypass, cycling up a muddy bank around a horse that was blocking the entrance to the tunnel which was really wet, smelly and muddy. I decided not to bring the riders back through here and changed my planned route for leading the group assisted by Alan who knew the route to the A3 underpass between Hook and Tolworth.

Those starting the ride were Alison, Beryl, Gillian, Lynda, Sonia, David, Norman, Malcolm, Ron, Tom, Alan W, Bill, and John H. From the underpass we took the most direct route through Surbiton to Kingston Bridge where Sonia left us. Over the bridge we turned right and headed down Broome Road passing the re-built Teddington Academy to Teddington Lock where we followed Twickenham Road past Pope's Grotto to the river bank at Twickenham. From here we followed the river all the way, crossing the foot of Richmond Bridge, to the London Apprentice at Isleworth arriving for lunch at 1.00 pm after a 13 mile ride.

We had an excellent lunch overlooking the river before we returned to Richmond Bridge and this time crossing the river and turning right into Petersham Road and getting back onto the river down River Lane. We followed the tow path to Ham House where we went down the back roads to Teddington Lock. At this point the group split with four deciding to go directly to Kingston and the main group heading on over the river and through Teddington and Bushy Park to Hampton Court. Here David and Alison, who had to go to a meeting in London for 5.00 pm, left the group who went to have tea at '5 on the Bridge'.

I clocked 28.5 miles but the main group would have done 30+ miles all in all an interesting and relaxing day.

David S

WEDNESDAY 19th OCTOBER 'B' Group

Irene led 14 riders to Mayford via Ottershaw, past Fairoakes airport into Chobham, past the Grove public house, into Barrs Lane then a right up Anchor Hill, Knaphill. A left at the traffic lights led us to Blackhorse Road, left again at Saunders Lane, and so to Mayford.

Another day when the weather remained kind to us - at least until tea! Some what cooler than of late but only to be expected.

It seems that B group have not been to the Mayford Arms before, so it was good to hear that they were all delighted at the good value and the pleasant service from the staff.

Our route to 3s's was along New Lane, past Sutton Green golf course to Jacobs Well, onto the cycle path alongside the A3 and then we threadled our way to Hungry Hill and so into Cobham for tea at Sainsburys. Only four of us stopped to quench our thirsts (and a chat) for the skies had suddenly become very heavy with dark clouds! It did rain whilst we were inside but Irene and I reached home - still dry - but not with out the occasional threat of a soaking!

I do hope our new member Malcolm enjoyed his morning (he left us after lunch), for I'm sure his intention was to join the A group but before he had time to eat his bread pudding the A group had left!!

Irene tells me that I must say that she was grateful to me for being 'tail end Charlie' and to thank all who were on her ride. It was a very nice day........thank you Irene:)

OH!...and thank you Tim for blogging the days course.

I clocked 43 miles, door to door!

From Pam on behalf of Irene!!

A Group 19 October

Addlestone - Farnborough - Ripley

Royalists and Republicans ready to split for lunch at Farnborough

Some may remember the Imperial Arms as the Alma Inn, renamed when Empress Eugénie, widow of Napoléon III, bought Farnborough House ca. 1880

Lunch at the PoW and tea at Watson's

This, I am reliably informed, is a record of a previous visit to the Prince of Wales, taken by Ray a decade ago

A Group 19th October

Crisp Autumn sunshine for Ed and Vic's double-header from Addlestone to lunch at Farnborough, tea at Watson's, Ripley.

31.5 miles at a rolling average of 11.0 mph, 1,036 feet of ascent and 1,411 calories.

Mark

Ed has asked me to prepare something from the rear for today's A ride and its two leaders, Ed and Vic. Around 20 headed along Green Lane for a quick tour of St Peter's Hospital. Emerging on Holloway Hill we continued to Burrowhill and beyond. A quiet detour just before the M3 brought us to Lightwater; there Ambleside Avenue was preferred to the main road. The long downhill from the top took us past the home of darts, Lakeside, and offroading over two railway lines, one dual carriageway and the Blackwater got us to lunch in Farnborough North. Here we divided between the Imperial Arms and the cheaper Prince Of Wales. The way back went up Tunnel Hill and down into Pirbright. At the top of Brookwood cemetery, we turned surprisingly left but a right along Blackhorse Lane had us heading back towards Mayford. Sadly we had to ignore the intriguing hand painted sign “Yum Yum's Cafe Now Open” pointing towards Worplesdon station. Old Woking then Tannery/Papercourt Lane led on to Watson's Ripley where the doughnuts had been baked much earlier in the day. Sunny but cool, and dry though roads from Cobham to Esher told a different tale.

Graham

Wayfarers free wheel competition

Wayfarers fwc

The Wayfarers fwc (free wheel competition) is held annually about this time and this year will be held. Wed 26 October (as publicised in The Sou’Wester).

A few thoughts before the event.

In ideal conditions of no wind (but tail wind would obviously help), the smaller personal frontal area the better, less wind resistance means you travel quicker and consequently further.

So – any forward-facing hemispherical protuberances eg caused by consumption of vast quantities of alcoholic beverages could create a disturbance to the airflow around you, thus affecting your distance travelled so either get rid of them or, probably easier, try and smoothly blend them in.

Owners of a large proboscis should keep ‘eyes front’ – unless there is a side wind, in which case try to turn the head 90o (to reduce area exposed to the wind).

Any helmetless follicly challenged person could take advantage of the situation by a light application of Cherry Blossom (or similar) light tan polish.

Conversely, anyone with excessive facial follicles should seriously consider appearing clean shaven for the event (and hopefully remaining so) – if an award winner proof of identity will be required.

Polish (or, at least, clean), front forks and head tube.

Ensure the lever of qr wheels is horizontal.

On the day – head down, tyre pressures up, one eye looking for pot-holes, one eye looking for tractors, one eye analysing the road ahead and selecting the optimum route, think thin (unless it’s a tailwind), cranks horizontal – and – good luck.

See you at the bottom of the hill.

Terry

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P.S. re FWC

By the way, please remember, don't forget: No pedalling!

Time of DA AGM. Correction to page 78 of Oct/Nov issue of Cycle

DA AGM - Date, Time, Place and Corrigendum

12.30pm

CTC AGMs are like busses - they all seem to come at the same time.

I'm sure that you all have the DA AGM indelibly marked in your diaries for 12.30pm on Sunday, 6 November, at Breech Lane Community Centre, Walton on the Hill.

Those who aspire to enter Mastermind with CTC AGMs as their specialist subject, will no doubt have noted with horror the incorrect time of 14.00 hours (no fault of the CTC) recorded on page 78 of the October/November issue of Cycle. The correct details were published in the Sept/Oct issue of the Sou'Wester.

There will be a short Cheam & Morden ride on that day, which will lead to Walton on the Hill for the AGM at 12.30pm, possibly to be followed by a bracing sasparillo at the Chequers.

Everybody will be welcome.

Jeff

B Group - October 12th 2011

13 set off under cloudy skies but with a following wind, from Hersham, though some were intending to return home as the ride was to Wimbledon Common via Surbiton and New Malden.

After the long, but relatively easy, climb up Copse Hill we were down to 11. Five decided to lunch in a pub by the Common and the rest went onto the Windmill Cafe. The sun made an unscheduled appearance and it was pleasant sitting outside the cafe.

Later, those in the pub decided to go home and the remainder continued across Wimbledon, Putney and Barnes Commons to the Thames Path at Mortlake. Rowers were out in force on the River which was very high and almost covered the path by Richmond half-tide lock after we crossed over at Kew. Four finished up at Pembroke Lodge cafe, passing on the way up Richmond Hill the shop specialising in electric bikes. Food for thought for those of us with waning energy.

Tim Court kindly provides the memory-map of the route, which was 23 miles from Hersham to Richmond Park. Most of us will therefore have done rather more for the whole day.

Harry Cole

Easy Riders - October 12th 2011

After the AGM I led Beryl, Lynda, Sandy, Jillian, Ron, Bill, Norman, Tom, John, we left Hersham & we went onto Molesey, then past Hampton Court through Thames Ditton to the Old Swan pub.

We had lunch there & some of us sat outside & the others sat inside.

Then after lunch some made their way home & there were six of us left & we made our way along to Thames Ditton past St Mary's church then we made our way under the tunnel which was damp & smelly.

Then along to Clayton Road, down toward the King's Centre where we had tea & cake at half price, some of us bought home made jams.

Then we all made our way home & we all had a nice day.

Roger (M)

A Group 12th October

After an exhilarating AGM we left Hersham to arrive at Weatherspoons Walton-on-Thames at approx 12:30 pm - a 2.41 miles ride as registered on Mark's 'I' Phone.

There must have been something like 25 of us being served quite rapidly for us to eat leisurely and leave before 2:00 pm,

I was not sure of the easiest way to get to the Wey Navigation Canal (my intention being to commence this near Weybridge) but whilst at lunch Tony with his Android phone was able to show how easy it would be to avoid the Walton town centre and go direct on minor roads to the River Thames tow path and go on from Walton bridge by roads to Weybridge. Such is the wonder of technology that we had already discovered our distance covered and route both communicated via satellite. However it will, I am sure, be a long time before we can discard maps and that was indicated by Ian who was concerned if left behind would be lost in getting to 3's without a map. In the event with Mark having kindly agreed to be back marker this should not be the case.

I apologise for not having names of all the Wayfarerers but will continue to name as appropriate, however there were 20 plus of us leaving Weatherspoons.

Whilst on the Thames tow path I thought how nice it would be for us all to continue on a sailing boat but I have only been on the helm with 6 aboard and that was on the Norfolk Broads some 50 years ago.

So at Walton bridge we were soon on the road alongside the river heading for Weybridge but at a point about a mile from Weybridge centre Vic supposedly advised that by turning off right on a lesser road we would avoid the town centre and arrive at the point I was aiming for namely a minor road parallel to the A307 about half a mile west of Weybridge centre, this was not the case and with what appeared to be tacking as on a sailing boat we arrived some how at the Wey Navigation further down than intended at New Haw.

It was always doubtful that we would arrive early for tea at my home as previously arranged and once again used technology to let my wife, Beryl, know there would be about 20 arriving by 4pm, hoping this would not inconvenience any one too much.

It seemed so relaxing to be off road in what appeared to be perfect conditions as we progressed to Pyrford Lock. Irene understandably living at Staines would not be wanting to be riding in the dark if she continued on to Fetcham where I live, so she left us when we arrived at Wisley having left Pyrford Lock (Pam later phoned to say she had joined Irene which I was glad of despite I'm sure we all missed them at tea, they had tea together at Ockham Bites).

We crossed the A3 on the Bridge linking us with the disused airfield previously used by Vickers. Vic took off at this point whilst the rest of us I think skirted the airfield on road developing into a sometimes muddy track through the woods. We met the road near Ockham Bites and went right to the Black Swan, Martys Green and right again then over the M25 and right to Downside to cross Bookham Common, initially tarmac under M25 and and railway line then off road into the woods to fork left at the Fetcham/Bookham junction thereon to Fetcham.

On arrival at my home we found Vic already there having crossed the airfield rather that skirting it, pilot error?

Beryl had prepared a well organised reception with tea and cakes which I am sure all enjoyed, for which she received well earned thanks.

Hope every one got home before lights being necessary.

Ray

Photos of Pete

Pete the chilly tourist

Weatherproof Pete

Tourist Pete

Waterproof Pete

Mountaineer Pete

Overheating Pete

MWW AGM

No photos from me today I'm sure Jeff or someone will post. What I really want to say is well done to Jeff for your excellent stint as Rides sec for the last 3 years. You have really done an excellent job and I think the encouragement of new rides leaders is very much down to you also having found a number of new leaders during your tenure. I hope that others who have access to this blog will post a comment to Jeff also and may I also reiterate don't be shy if you would like to have a go at leading a ride you will be encouraged by all you lead!
Brian Greenwood is to be congratulated for taking over the reins from Jeff and no doubt all will agree he is an admirable replacement!
The proposal by Ray to award posthumously the Arthur Jessop Shield to Pete Mitchell was unanimously accepted by all and I feel very appropriate.

Wednesday 12 October 2011

The Midweek Wayfarers' Annual General Meeting held in the Village Hall Hersham

Mark Gladwyn receives the Mark Roy Shield from Lynda Barrow for the greatest mileage increase over the previous year Pete Barnard in the Chair with Terry Lowe as Secretary

Beryl and Ray Dare entertain the A Group to tea

Apologies for a very dirty lens!

A Group 12th October

Yet another record fell to the Wayfarers today - the shortest ride from elevenses to lunch at 2.41 miles. Not that it was an early lunch; Ray judged the distance well in view of the AGM.

Fed and watered, we took an interesting route by river and canal to Fetcham, where Ray kindly invited us to tea at his house.

18.57 miles and 832 calories; not much climbing.

Mark

A Group - October 5th 2011

Despite monthly visits, South from Cobham still means virgin territory for some so I had no qualms about today's route; well maybe "wasn't it a bit lumpy?" First up was Bookham Common and its fast emerging service station. Then come Effingham Cross Roads and the long drag up to White Down where Bob went right and Ed decided his pace was fast enough. Continuing on a reverse Hilly 50 route meant Hoe Lane was on the ride and harder in this direction? After Peaslake busy with MTBers, I was amused that the next steep section is called Walking Bottom. Soon we were near the top of Pitch Hill. Rather than an immediate plunge into Ewhurst I opted for the even sheerer Horseblock Hollow which led directly to the Little Park Hatch lunch stop.

Amazingly Ed had arrived as had Mike and Toni, left behind at the start (oops! and my apologies). I counted seventeen of us. Naturally we were served gargantuan portions (the Rides Secretary failing to empty his plate even with assistance). Ewhurst was closed to traffic; not that we were going that way but it did add to traffic on the lanes. A police car on Lower Breache Lane passed with comment. Ignorance is bliss so it had to be a dry(ish) Tanhurst. Being delayed by JB's backward roll low down (merely a muddied top), I rely on others for the information that some walked higher up. From Coldharbour it was race to be first into Denbies where something was going on. Mike spent time in discussion with a lady of East European origin so knows all.

Overcast with a spit of rain on Leith Hill and a glimpse of sunshine after Denbies and just over 50 miles.

Graham

October 6th

Thoroughly enjoyed today. Ed and I never imagined we’d be “leading” a group of 30+ back across Ashtead Common to Horton but I like to think Pete would have enjoyed the sight.

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A Group 5 October

Cobham - Cranleigh - Dorking

Easy Riders - October 5th 2011

Easy riders - 5th October

It was drizzling first thing at home (Effingham), but by 10 o'clock it had stopped and the sun was trying to break through, so I got ready and set off for the short ride to Cobham. Fuzz was ready to lead what he said would be his last as a leader of an Easy Rider run. So it was that we set off, about a dozen of us, and after a dramatic U-turn in Cobham High Street, headed along Hogshill Lane towards Fairmile Common. From there he took us, by guesswork and clever map-reading, across Esher and Arbrook Commons. This was a ride through lovely wooded country, the ground littered with sweet chestnuts, and just the job for those like myself, who like a bit of off-road, a very "interesting" Fuzz-ride. We hardly touched a metalled road between Cobham and our lunch stop at The Swan Inn on the edge of Claygate. The service was prompt and the food tasty, and it was pleasantly warm enough to lunch in the open air.

After lunch a bit more bridle-path cycling until we reached Esher and then we were into the traffic of Emberbrook , Molesey and finally Hampton Court where we quickly made for a cafe that everyone but myself had been to before, what was it? "5 on the Bridge"? something like that, anyway the staff seemed to recognise the Easy Riders, the coffee was good Fuzz's tea a bit aneamic until an extra tea-bag was added, and the cake looked good. After that we all went our separate ways home. Thanks Fuzz, amost enjoyable ride.

Mike Withers

Pete Mitchell