Ray Dare’s Funeral Arrangements

As you are aware, Ray Dare, one of our most illustrious members died just over 2 weeks ago.

His funeral is now set for Monday 14^th August at 1.15pm, at Randalls Park Crematorium, Leatherhead, KT22 0AG. There will be a wake afterwards at Leatherhead Golf Club, Kingston Road, KT22 0EE.

In order to judge likely numbers attending could you please complete the short confirmation by using the following link, by next Sunday 6^th August at the latest:-

Please click here if you wish to attend.

Further details will be announced as they are finalised.

Neil on his way home

Hello everyone have just this minute had a phone call from Neil, all is well a few aches and pains (not saddle sore) has stayed over night with his sister near Oxford and soon to catch a train home.
Thanks to everyone for their good wishes and hoping to see us soon

Geoff Gregory

The B's Wednesday 2nd August

Cobham - Pirbright - Addlestone

Wet Wet Wet 

A fraction under 17 miles coffee to lunch saw the first of the retirees (out of 20 starters) as we made our way from Cobham to Pirbright. These were roads we have all travelled on before but not necessarily on the same ride or in the same order. Past Wisley airfield avoiding the Oak Processionary Moth (we were after all in our own procession) and on to Ripley, Cartbridge and Old Woking. The wind was very blustery – a sure indication of rain to come - and it did.

Through the Pyle Hill estate, past Worplesdon Station, Fox Corner and on to the White Hart – impressively quick service for the 17 of us – however looking out of the window ensured a marked reluctance to leave.

There was no group photo – after all no one would have wanted to stand in the pouring rain!

A straw poll suggested the right thing to do was to reduce the afternoon’s distance to 11 miles more or less in a straight line down the canal to Addlestone. No one wanted to do my already cut down route via Rowtown so Vic took us the alternative flat route. My idea of the garden centre at Crockford Bridge for tea was also amended which was why we (the 7 who remained) ended up at the Golden Cafe instead.

My thanks to Tony Hooker for being the TEC and to all who marked the corners. “Autumnal” is the only kind word to describe the day!

Peter T

Ray Dare’s Funeral Arrangements

As you are aware, Ray Dare, one of our most illustrious members died just 2 weeks ago.

His funeral is now set for Monday 14^th August at 1.15pm, at Randalls Park Crematorium, Leatherhead, KT22 0AG. There will be a wake afterwards at Leatherhead Golf Club.

In order to judge likely numbers attending could you please complete the short confirmation by using the following link, by next Sunday 6^th August at the latest:-

 Please click here if you wish to attend.

Further details will be announced as they are finalised.

A Ride – 2 August – Ride Report

Welcome to the first ride of the 2017 autumn season. The weather forecast was dire, but 16 brave riders left Cobham with me, destination Dunsfold. My first objective, to descend Combe Lane in the dry was missed, and thereafter it got steadily wetter. We briefly lost, but shortly regained, two riders, reminding me always to ask a rider to mark every turn.

Arriving at the Sun Inn, thoroughly soaked, we were quickly served with pre-ordered meals, eaten in front of a blazing log fire, proof that winter is closing in. 

On leaving the pub the rain had become torrential and most sensible folk decided to ride to Godalming or Guildford to catch trains. In keeping with the CTC tradition that all rides must include a tea stop I continued on my planned return route. Ken came with me as far as Ewhurst, where he left to ride home directly via Combe Lane. I reached Dorking before deciding that enough was enough and taking tea on the train. And then the real rain started ……….

Thanks to everyone for turning out on such a rotten day, to Brian and Ken for route advice on my unrehearsed short cut to lunch, Mark for the photos and for Ged for back marking on a demanding ride.

Not forgetting Neil, absent today on his LEL adventure; many congratulations on an undertaking few of us would have attempted.

Ride sats 22miles to lunch, 12.25mph, 1,500 ft climbing, 992 cals,  about 1 inch of rain and no punctures.

A Group 2nd August

Dave had arranged a very good ride for us today, with an excellent pub.  However, torrential rain after lunch led to various parties scuttling for trains.  The map is the Guildford group; there were others.

Despite the weather, everyone enjoyed the adventure.

Mark

Shepperton Greeno Centre

After collecting dozens of signatures from everyone at the RBL I pedalled around to the Greeno Centre to deliver our card and a box of chocolates for the staff.

Pat the manager (on the right) with Vanessa

This morning we were trying to remember how many years we had been going to the Greeno. Pat said that she had been working there for 22 years and that we were already going there when she started work.

Pat and Vanessa both said how much they loved having us there and intimated that some of their regular ladies used to perk up considerably at the prospect of so many athletic young men turning up in their tight little shorts and body hugging lycra tops. They didn't mention it but I can well imagine that the men at the centre enjoyed our visits too, for similar reasons.

P.S. Please don't imagine that by riding to Shepperton I avoided getting rained on.

~ Tim

Crockford Bridge GC to Coxes Lock

John Bellamy sent me this yesterday:

"Thought that I should share this with all those who did not know but there is no through way for cyclists out of the Crockford Bridge Garden Centre car park to go around Addlestone as the way is barred by a heavy gate. I tried the pedestrian entrance nearer the bridge but there is a notice informing all that, because of so much "vandalism", much of the pathway is restricted. A point is specifically made that cycling on the pathway is "Illegal" - this word was in red in order to stand out and be noticed by all us unruly cyclists.

I thought that the countryside was being opened up.

Regards

John

B Ride 2 August Cobham to Pirbright

Nothing too dramatic in the morning or afternoon on the way to and from The White Hart - all tarmac. I was disappointed not to be able to include either the airfield - access has been severely restricted together with the health threat posed by the Oak Processionary Moth or Brookwood Heath - too much mud and sand!

Peter T