A Group Ride Wed 18 April

Wednesday’s ride from Walton will be to the Dog and Partridge at Yateley (www.dogandpartridgeyateley.co.uk) reputedly the last home of the Monster Raving Loony Party. 

Mostly on road, but if it stays dry we will return through Woking on the canal towpath. No significant hills. The roads may be dry but the potholes will be deep, so take care in the group.

About 24 miles to lunch, tea at Walton Bridge.

Prompt start please.

Sad News re Ken Williams

I have just heard the following sad news from Brian Powney of Kingston Phoenix.

"It is with a heavy heart, that I report the sad news that Ken Williams peacefully passed away yesterday afternoon at The Royal Marsden Hospital.

Most of you will know that Ken had been ill for a while and faced this battle as he did life.  He was with family and friends to the end and he will be sorely missed by many.

Further news will be issued in due course when the family are ready.

God bless Ken."

Amen to that.

Topeak v neck cycle rack

Hello does anyone use this type of rack and do you have any problems with it, I was thinking of purchasing one to use on my bike that does not have the fittings for a standard rack.
Any observations would be greatly appreciated

Geoff

The Varsity Ride 9th May - Advance Notice

Last Summer, Simon led us on a very enjoyable ride to Oxford.  This year, as is fitting, we'll visit the other Blue.  The format is the same; ride out and train back, or stay over and ride back, as you choose.

Here's the route - some London streets, some riverside path and some quiet roads.  Elevenses will be at the Island Cafe, Flat Iron Square SE1 0AB in Southwark.  This is close to Waterloo and London Bridge stations, for those that wish to take a train to the start.  The Island Cafe is on CS7, and there will be a led ride up the Cycle Superhighway from North Cheam, for those that wish to ride all the way.  0900 at North Cheam.

The terrain is pretty straightforward, so we should be there between five and six.  Trains back are fairly frequent, but ticket prices vary greatly, so it's worth checking.  Here are some examples:

Further details will be published a few days before the start, or have a word, if you've got any questions.

Mark

Ray Dare prosecution

The van driver who collided with Ray has been charged with causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving, according to this BBC news article.

A Group 11th April - The Hilly Over 50

Things didn't look all that great at Tanhouse Farm.  The cloud was well down, not all that far above the trees and certainly obscuring the hills.  But, hope springs eternal, and there was one great advantage over some recent rides.  It wasn't actually raining.  Everything was soaking, there was standing water in every hollow, but it wasn't actually raining.

So a dozen As set off for the hills, going over Coldharbour as a substitute for the Ranmore climb of the normal route.  There are good views to the South East on this route, but we couldn't see them, and went down again to turn into Logmore Lane and join the normal Hilly 50 route.  Logmore Lane was in peak condition - mud, gravel, standing water, bits of tree, so we took it steady and were all safely down without mishap.

A mile or so along the A25, including Coast Hill, then left into Sheephouse Lane, said to be the steepest hill in Surrey.  The top bit is certainly steep, but we all got up without difficulty, even if some of us were puffing a bit.

Prettily through Friday Street, over to Holmbury St Mary and then up past the Mullard Space Research Lab.  It was much brighter, with touches of sunshine, giving rise to what turned out to be false optimism for the afternoon.

We arrived at the Bull's Head in good time, and they had reserved tables for us and served us promptly.  Mike Morley joined us here, to ride the second half on his mountain bike.  Just after two we were ready to start on Pitch Hill, with full tummies, which may not have been the best plan.

A couple of punctures in quick succession delayed us a little at this point, but it was all tidied up after a short wait, with Ged and Alan taking a short cut to meet us at White Down and Neil nobly sorting himself out and meeting us at Box Hill.

So, Hoe Lane, Raikes Lane and Whitedown and we were almost there.  Janice floated the idea of riding back up Ranmore after we had descended, as we had not done it on the way out.  Everyone agreed that this was a very good idea, and quite correct.  But nobody wanted to do it.

So, up Box Hill, steadily rather than spectacularly, and it was time for tea.

Mike Morley - Mr Hilly 50

I thought that we did well, and that the Hilly 50 served nicely as a little adventure at a rather dead part of the season.  My thanks to Ged for back marking, to Hans for stepping in while Ged was managing puncture repairs, to the corner markers for keeping us on track and to all of you for your company and enthusiasm on an unpromising day.

Oh yes, Spring.  Next week.  Apparently.

Mark

'B' Group Weds 11 April 2018 - Shamley Green

It was not a promising start at all, and given the murky, dank conditions, you could easily have you thought yourself in November rather than April!   I cheered myself up by riding from Walton to Leatherhead and then catching the hourly train to Holmwood from where it was only a short ride to elevenses.  It didn't save that many miles but it made me feel much better and saved me re-riding a boring bit I'd already done on the recce ride!   All credit to the 'B's', we mustered five at elevenses.  Tony d'Italia decided not to continue to lunch but Mike Morley asked to join us as far as Ewhurst, and, just as we were setting off, Brian Bent appeared and also joined us.   Given the giant puddles and waterlogged roads I decided to shorten the planned route and, from Capel, we fittingly took 'B' roads the whole way!  Mainly the traffic was very quiet until Cranleigh, and some of the surfaces were excellent!

We waited a while for our food at The Red Lion owing to the presence of another large group, but, when it did come, it went down well and was good value.  We set off again at about 2.00 pm, pausing only for Brian to tighten a loose crank on the tortuous climb up to Blackheath.   At the turn for Combe Bottom Brian decided to head for Dorking, leaving four of us.   It had gradually brightened after elevenses but now we were riding back into the cloud and gloom!   The others left me at East Horsley and we went our separate ways home.   About 50 miles in all for me, even with the train assist, and a good two Leith Hills' worth of climbing!   Many thanks to all for your company!

David W

'B' Group Weds 11 April 2018

Wednesday's 'B' ride from Tanhurst Farm will take us about 16 miles via Weare St and Walliswood to The Red Lion at Shamley Green.   No tough climbs or off-road sections on the ride to lunch but the afternoon's ride will involve the ascent of Combe Bottom and the track across Bookham Common to Downside.  Tea at Effingham or Stoke d'Abernon.

The Red Lion would like us to pre-order so I will be asking for lunch choices at elevenses.  Please see http://www.redlionshamleygreen.com/ and http://www.redlionshamleygreen.com/copy-of-main-menu-2 .

David W(ard)

A Group - 11th April. The Hilly Over 50

Back in January, when spring was just around the corner, we talked about doing the Hilly 50 course, which used to be a regular for the Wayfarers.  Spring failed to arrive so that didn't happen.  However, it's April now, and spring is just around the corner ...

Starting at Tanhouse Farm we won't do the proper Hilly 50 route, but this one is pretty close, and includes all of the best bits.  Lunch at the Bull's Head, Ewhurst and tea on Box Hill.  Expect a steep and mucky ride.

Mark

ps:  you don't have to be 'Over 50' to ride, but you'll fit in better if you are.

Brian Nixon has died

Though most of our current generation of riders won't have known Brian we have received this message from Joy Nixon, his daughter:

Sadly Dad passed away on 27th of March in Epsom Hospital. His celebratory service is next Thurs 12th April at Epsom Methodist Church KT18 5AQ at 2.30pm. It would be lovely to see you if you are able to make it. 

Also if you could let The Wayfarers know as well, we would be very grateful.I did try and get on the website yesterday but as I am not a member was unable to leave a message.

~ Tim

Group A ride to East Sheen 4th April

It was a good turnout at Cobham despite the weather forecast for my first co led ride with Geoff.  15 of us set off and it was not long before I called upon my right hand man, Geoff to assist as I had slightly went off course, followed by a Garmin reset!  All riders were very patient and we headed to Esher, through Hersham, Weybridge and on to Richmond at a reasonable pace with a couple of minor adjustments! In through Richmond Park Gate where the wind and rain picked up so decided on a quick descent to Sheen Gate to arrive at the Pig and Whistle just before 1pm.  Lovely venue and lunch was very pleasant as we had pre ordered. We were able to finish lunch just after 2pm. We set off through Sheen Gate and over past the Ballet School to Ham Gate in wet and windy conditions. By this time, some riders were heading home, departing at Kingston.  The last few rode on through Bushy Park and by the time we arrived at the Riverside cafe at Walton we were down to four -  myself, David, John and Alan.  David led the charge back home via Molesey.
Overall I believe most riders will have done 40 + miles on a damp day and I thank everyone for their support - back markers, corner markers and to Geoff for his encouragement throughout.🚴🚴🚴

Tim Vine joins us today at 2 pm for Annual Summer Launch 2018

   

Yes, although we lead rides every Saturday throughout the year!

Come early to the Mansion for 2 pm on Saturday 7 April 2018. Tim Vine will be our celebrity to set us off on our afternoon rides. Do bring your friends!

The programme for our Leisurely Evening Rides is now being planned for May to July all starting at 7pm. Note the annual Wildlife Ride will take place on Monday 11 June accompanied as always by Dave Warburton, Borough Diversity Officer.

Midweek Wayfarers CTC: MAMIL - The Movie

Midweek Wayfarers CTC: MAMIL - The Movie



A decent review - to entice you https://www.heyuguys.com/mamil-review/

The First Bluebell of Spring

Weare Street, today.

Mark

Further update on Robin

Having read the post by Tim about the kind thought of Pam to call him, I thought that I should also visit Robin. I was late arriving at Cobham, not surprising as I had only left home at 10.15am. I took a leisurely mug of tea and biscuits and then set off on my own via Esher, Richmond Park, thinking of Frank as I rode through past all the deer and wondering when will we get the memorial park bench planned for Frank in the Park? Exiting at Roehampton Gate I found it a long drag to Putney Bridge and the what seemed to be miles down Fullham Rd to the hospital. By this time it was raining hard and I wondered was I mad and hoped that Robin would be awake. He is located in Ward 7 North and when I got there was surprised to see me. His brother and sister in law from Worthing were there and had traveled up by train that morning. I said that I was sorry to interrupt a family gathering but they were very kind and asked me to stay. Robin is quite poorly but asked me to convey thanks to all those that had sent him cards and best wishes. I told him that I had seen Lynda, Liz, Pam and Stephanie at Cobham and that they send their best regards. His sister in law said that she had no idea he had so many girl friends!
After half an hour around 2pm and orderly came to take Robin for a further procedure and it would take around 2 hours so I decided to say bye-bye and make my way home leaving Robin with his family. Robin did say that he doubts that he will be cycling again and I did say try and be positive. It seems that he has stomach cancer.
As I left the ward and went to the lift from the 7th floor a very charming slim lady asked me if I had visited Robin seeing that I was a cyclist with a feather in my hat!? Her name was Valerie Burns and I asked how she knew Robin? She said that she was the resident hospital Chaplain and had been so for 7 years. She is a fully qualified medical Dr. but was drawn to her current roll some years ago to help those that needed support and help. Robin had expressed a view to attend a church service over Easter and she arranged for Robin to do that in a wheel chair. It so happened that she is a cyclist herself, married with 4 children and she looked very fit.
So the moral of the story is you never know who you might meet when you visit a hospital and I must say that I am glad I made the effort.
It was not appropriate to take a photo of Robin but I have to say that there were some amazing sculptures at the entrance as I depict below. When I came out of the hospital it was raining hard and I did not fancy a long ride home into a strong headwind, so I headed West to Leicester Sq., a pint and F&C in Spoon's and then train home via the real Charing Cross to Tadworth. I have recently acquired an Oyster card which I have combined with my senior citizen travel card and the fare was £3.65, excellent value. Total mileage today 35 miles.

Above Mural at entrance to Robin's Ward.

Above Henry Moore "Recling Figure"

Could not see a Plaque for this one, any ideas?

West & Windy to Windsor

Wednesday the 4^th April

Not a great turnout at Cobham but with showers expected and the wind it was not suprising. 12 B group riders left Cobham headed for Windsor. Up towards Ockham and across Wisley airfield and mud heading towards West Byfleet, just as we got to Muddy lane Pam punctured, as she was not coming to lunch but headed home, she insisted that we continue without her as time was getting on. In stepped gentleman John Brooks who insisted that he stay and assist Pam, Bravo. Off the rest of us cycled through West Byefleet and into the rain, on through New Haw, Row Town, Ottershaw, Long Cross, Virginia Water to Englfield Green and into Windsor Great Park. As the wind and rain were still hounding us I shortened the ride and took the A332 direct into Windsor with, at this point, a following wind.

Into the pub at gone 2.00pm we were quickly served and lingered drying out. As is the way with British weather, while at lunch the rain had stopped but on leaving the pub it started again. Onto Datchet, Wraysbury, Staines, Laleham and Shepperton where Julian, Christina and Arwyn left us. Only Colin and I remained and we decided we would stop for tea at Squires Upper Haliford.

Tea, toasted teacakes and scones and a good chat. I phoned Pam to make sure she had got home okay and her gallant assistant had sorted her puncture and all was well.

Setting off for home in the rain towards Hampton where I left Colin to get home with the rain abated. 63 wet and windy miles but with a good cheery crowd. I have since received and email from Christina to say she punctured just after the group split.

I think I've started to develop webbed feet.

Tony..

MAMIL - The Movie

We had a word about this over lunch - here are the details.  Can't speak for the film, as I haven't seen it, but it should be fun.  A few Wayfarers have already signed up, you can get tickets here

Mark

An update from Robin

After emergency surgery a couple of weeks ago Robin remains very unwell in Charing Cross Hospital. Pam rang him up today for a chat and has asked me to post in this blog his thanks for all the calls and cards to wish him well. Despite the frustrations of being bed bound he is fairly cheerful and is enjoying conversation with anyone who turns up to visit him. He is missing his cycling very much.

Tim

A Little Easter Tour

I've just got back from Mallorca, where I've been lucky enough to be the guest of my son and daughter-in-law.  They go quite often, as it's a popular destination for cycling and triathlon training.  This was my first visit, and I thought it was great.  Temperature in the high teens or low twenties at this time of year, perfect cycling roads and lots of cycling facilities.

The big ride is the Tramuntana, which goes along the mountain range on the North side of the island.  The best way to do it is to take one of the several van shuttles that take you and your bike to one end and then ride to the other.  It's a good day, about 120kms, and with a lot of climbing.  Reminds me of Corsica more than anything - like the Alps, but in the sea.

As the place we were staying was half way along the range, I didn't take this option, but did it as two halves instead - better for an old man.  The ride in the picture is from our house to Sa Colabra - the Cobra - a famously steep and winding road.  56 miles out and back and 8,147ft of ascent, so a decent ride and ready for lunch on return.

My bike was hired, a handy little thing with decent light carbon, Di2 and Ultegra.  Not their top job - you could have a Pinarello if you wanted - but very suitable and not dear.

I've just booked some flights for the end of May ...

Mark

B group 4th of April

We will be heading to the Windlesora, Windsor for lunch. A few gentle hills and some nice views through Windsor Great park (where we must keep in groups of no more than 6, Park rules). About 24 miles to lunch and 13 to tea at Squires Upper Haliford. There will be a little bit of off road but on good tracks.

More deer's than the A ride

Tony..

A Group ride from Cobham on 4th April

The ride on Wednesday will be a co-lead ride with Frances as leader, this is part of our New Ride Leader initiative. Frances said she would jump at the opportunity to lead a ride. (I think that's what she said).

As with the previous co-lead ride with Mike R, we will be keeping it local and again visit The Pig and Whistle in East Sheen.

There will be the usual urban ups and downs, starting with the bumps to Esher
We will be collecting lunch orders before we leave Cobham to hopefully make the serving of lunches easier, please check their website for the menu. Tea will be taken at Walton.

Lets hope the weather will be kinder than last week.

Geoff