B Group - 21st September

FAIROAKS - WOOD ST VILLAGE - OCKHAM BITES

I decided to have lunch at Wood Street because I had led a C+M ride to that area earlier this year sooooo, route already in my head!  The whole day was enhanced by the return of yet another summer type day. 

First of all I must say thank you to Ray Wren for bringing his daughter Anna on today's ride.   It was a pleasure having your company Anna :)

Twenty plus B's made their way to the Basingstoke canal at Woking, following it to Brookwood, so serene and peaceful (very few dogs and pedestrians) and the folks we did meet were all very affable :)  Past the Brookwood cemetery, through Pirbright to Wood St via the A324, Cobbett Hill Road and Frog Grove Lane to the Royal Oak.  Do other leaders know that if you take at least ten cyclists to the pub you will receive a free lunch??   Maybe you do?! :)

Whilst eating it was decided that we would have tea at Ockham Bites so after a very satisfying 'al fresco' lunch we started our return via the bridle path to Applegarth Avenue, Southway and Egerton Road; onto a cycle/pedestrian path, into Guildford University.   Our exit was onto Walnut Tree Close, through the gap in the buildings opposite the station, across the bridge over the Wey.  Keeping left we had just a few more streets to negotiate before entering Stoke Park in Nightingales Road.  Through the park, across the A25 to join the River Wey to cross Clay Lane and to that 'not so pleasant' ride along the cycle path of the A3 to tea and cakes and lots of chats before departing for routes various!

Many thanks to corner markers and to Terry for back marking and to Tim for his photos.  Always a nice surprise when they appear on the blog!!

AND - of course - thanks to everybody for their company!!

Pam :) :)

Elevenses at the Aerodrome

B Group at the Royal Oak

Map of Pam's ride (12.4 miles a.m., 12.7 miles p.m.)

I was unable to record the afternoon route due to a technical failure, not for the first time. So I am grateful to both Ray Wren and Tony Hopkins for sending me their data. So the above is probably more accurate than usual.

~ Tim

21 September - A Group from Fairoaks Airport

For the last summer ride before the autumnal equinox I thought we ought to have a longer ride. So I planned a trip to Lands End. The more well known place of that name was rather too far so I settled on the Lands End pub in Charvil near Reading.

My arrival at Fairoaks was delayed by a visitation and the need to exchange tubes at the side of the road in Esher. As I worked I kept an eye open for passing Wayfarers to carry my apologies to Fairoaks but I saw none. But beware the all-seeing eye of Strava - I now know who passed as my back was turned!

Arriving at Fairoaks just before eleven there was a goodly crowd sitting in the sun. By ten past eleven the show was on the road and we headed along familiar roads through Windlesham, Ascot, Winkfield Row and Warfield before heading onto roads new to me.

On quiet country lanes we passed north of Binfield, south of Hurst and round the edge of the new houses in the Reading suburb of Woodley to arrive at the pub just on one o'clock.

After lunch we surveyed the adjacent ford with its 15 inches of fast flowing water. No-one volunteered to try it so we settled on just a photo.

Thanks to Geoff for the photo and for backmarking

The alternative obstacle course involved a gravely carpark, narrow bridge, even narrower gap in barriers, a bumpy muddy field, lifting the bikes over a gate or stile and another bridge. But finally we were heading east again through Hurst and Shurlock Row before the five mile blast down The Drift.

Windsor Great Park, Prune Hill, Thorpe and Chertsey brought us to Dockett Eddy Lane and a quiet ride past Shepperton Lock before tea at Gino's by Walton Bridge.

Thanks to all for a good 52 mile ride with a well matched group.

A photo taken a few years ago

The news about the declining health of Eric Ashford (posted in this blog on September 5th) set Mark Roy to rummaging about in his photo collection to produce this wonderful photo. Eric is kneeling behind Mark with a mug of tea in his hand.

Mark has added that this photo was taken by Ernie Barnard around 1980, probably in someone's garden, back in the days when elevenses was hosted by club members.

An invitation from a Wayfarers artist ...

To see when Liz will be in the gallery click here:

Golden Beeches Weekend

Golden Beeches 2016 – 21st - 23rd October

A great weekend of cycling in the Chilterens

Lead ride of varoius distances on Saturday and Sunday

Overnight accomadation available

Organised by South Bucks CTC

based at St Leonards Parish Hall, Tring HP23 6NW

Please contact John Capell (01494 715636) or e-mail: john.capell@btinternet.com

South Bucks CTC info page.

Ripley Bike Jumble

This Saturday, 17th September, The Ripley Bike Jumble will be at the Ripley Village Hall.

It is fully booked by stall holders. Entry between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m. costs £5 and after that, £1

There will be another bike jumble, 5th November, at the Epilepsy Centre, Chalfont St Peter's, Bucks.

~ Pam

A Group - 14 September

On a very sunny day 21 of us set off for the White Hart in Tongham, this included two new riders Stephen and Matt plus we had Brian who normally rides with the B's.

My intention was that we would have as flat a ride as possible giving us a chance to keep up a good average. It didn't work out too badly. We left Shepperton at about 11.20 as I had trouble contacting the pub to pass on the pre ordered lunches.

We arrived at 1.00 though this may be disputed by Ged as he though I was a minute out (yer).

Unfortunately the usual method of pay for the meal and drink was not in operation, so some meals were paid for on leaving. There was a problem with a couple of orders so not as good as I had hoped, never mind: live and learn.

After lunch we happy band set off for tea at Ripley passing through Seale, Puttenham and Guildford, we took the route to Ripley via Trodds Lane giving us a sweep down to tea at Pinnocks in Ripley.

Many thanks to all the fellow riders, to Colin for back marking yet again many thanks, and to all the corner markers that kept the ride going at a decent pace.

Route here: http://www.strava.com/routes/5916793


~ Geoff

B Group - 14th September

What a gorgeous day!  Still a bit hot for comfort if any effort was required, but certainly far better than yesterday's heatwave!  A group of 14 (including new rider, Nick Hutchings) set off from the Greeno in Shepperton heading to Windsor for lunch.  Our route was out through Chertsey, through the pretty village of Thorpe to Thorpe Green where we turned off on to the offroad section which cuts across to the road from Virginia Water to Egham.  On cycle paths from here to Egham, we passed the magnificent building of Great Fosters.  The barriers were down at the level crossing in Egham but fortunately we didn't have to wait long.  A climb halfway up Middle Hill brought us to Parsonage Road and a series of right and left corners which were kindly marked by a team of willing volunteers, as we cut across to Englefield Green and did a loop round Egham Wick to the Savill Gardens.  We entered Windsor Great Park via the Gardens and were soon flying downhill to Rangers' Gate and across on the path which brought us into the back of Windsor.  We were now in Sustrans Route 4 territory and the markers took us straight to The Vansittart Arms for lunch, arriving spot on 1p.m., with Tim and Nick slightly after due to Nick having had a puncture in the Park.

We had lunch in the garden which fortunately had a nice lot of shade and although there was rather a wait after the first batch of orders came out, we were all finished in time for a 2.15 p.m. departure.  Still following Route 4, we headed into Windsor along by the river where there were some stunning floral displays and a holiday atmosphere with people enjoying this lovely day.  Tea was to be at Shepperton Lock, so the route back was pretty straightforward through Datchet, Wraysbury, Staines where we joined the towpath at Lammas Park, and full circle back to Chertsey Bridge, down Dockett Eddy Lane and so to the Lock.  This was our first visit this year!!  All except Steph stopped for tea (she had indulged in a gorgeous looking dessert at lunchtime!) and no-one seemed to be in a rush to leave as we enjoyed the pleasant surroundings and watched the comings and goings of boats through the Lock.  Thanks to back-marker Pam and to all the corner-markers.

Gill

With guests at the Vansittart Arms

Serious Tea drinking at Shepperton Lock

Easy Riders - 7th September

As it was nice weather and forecast was good, I decided on a longer ride.  I had an old route from when I went with the original B group to Send some years ago. We were 7 who left Cobham after coffee.
After the British Legion we turned left down to The Plough pub, then right towards Ockley, The Mucky Duck. Straight over to Ockham then right towards Ripley. Took a right down the high street to Tanners Road and left after The Seven Stars down Papercourt Lane. Followed to Send High Street,passing some buildings, one use to be called the Crack factory.  Took a right turn to The New Inn on the corner. Had a nice lunch sitting in the garden by the Wey Navigation.

For a picturesque route back we went back to Ripley and turned right up towards the Jovial Sailor, then took a left to go round the farms towards Cobham. Then went up Church Road towards Leatherhead. We dropped down to Ashtead Common and took a new route that Colin took on a Saturday afternoon ride. It comes out about 100 yds from The Cricketers pub at Stamford Green. We then went down Manor Green Road to a new coffee shop I've found called Chads. I recommend it. 

After coffee/ice cream/cake we went through Ewell Court park to Nonsuch. I stopped off at Cheam park to meet my daughter and granddaughter in the sand pit.

Our ride was around 50 miles; and a lovely day out.

Thanks to Maureen, my back marker.

~ Lynda

A Group ride 14 Sept

We shall be heading out of Shepperton and heading towards Tongham for lunch at The White Hart. Our route will take us over some of the way Simon took us the other week: in short, Chertsey, Chobham, Fox Corner, Willey Green, Normandy then Tongham.

To save time the pub has asked us to pre-order so I have added a photo of the sandwich menu: I will have the full menu with me on Wednesday.

After lunch we will head to Ripley for tea via Seale, Puttenham, Compton, Guildford and just to build up an appetite we shall ride up Trodds Lane to finally swoop down to Ripley.
Let's hope the weather is kind to us and I look forward to your company.


~ Geoff

Secretary has new a email address

Please note that I have a new email address. See "ABOUT US"/"Contact us" on our website for details.

The old address will stop working today or very soon.

Thanks

Tim

Tri-Vets Badge & Bar

I expect that as with those like me that paid for badge, mine came in post this morning and It's pleasing to see effectively the winged wheel and CTC on the badge. As for the 2016 Bar, well what a fiddle to fit it to the badge. Tip make sure you set your stall out on a nice wide flat surface in case the link drops off and on the kitchen floor as mine did! Almost lost but eventually found and fitted, it's a three handed job!

A Group Sept 7th

This was a day for trying to link up some of the bits we normally miss but I often use en route to elevenses as varied as Cobham, Redhill and Caterham. Sixteen of us set off from Cobham to Sandy Lane and then round the country edge of the Crown Estate on Stokesheath Road to Rushett Lane. We turned onto Epsom Common at the Stew Ponds and then after a brief stop at a  Coal Post ( remembering the days when even England didnt have a single market!) continued to Ashtead on a finely surfaced track across the common. From here we crossed Ashtead Park and then climbed Farm Lane to Walton Road. A further long climb up Hurst Road brought us to Walton. We had to suffer a short stretch of the A217 to reach Chipstead Lane and then took Rectory Lane to reach the High Road and down past the site of Fanny's Farm to Gatton Bottom. From Rocky Lane we took the bridleway through Gatton Park - not a great surface but fine views. Here Hans punctured but swiftly retubed and soon we were all together again below Wray Common from whence it was only ten minutes to lunch at the Skimmington Castle where we were joined by Dave Vine.

Amazingly ( to me) none of the assembled company had ever heard of the pub, let alone visited it. We should certainly return as service was very prompt, the baguettes were excellent and in this era of pub closures it is amazing to find one that doesn't even need a sign at the end of the access road to attract custom.

After lunch we headed for Betchworth and then skirted south along Gadbrook Road and Red Hill to North Holmwood and Dorking. The long drag of Ranmore Road brought a few moans but Ray showed us how to do it at 90.  We looped round via Hogden lane to Bookham and the final climb brought us to Polesden Lacey. By now we were down to seven with several having left to be home early and another four leaving us at Effingham. 39.6 miles from Cobham.

B Group - 7th September

Map of Helene's lovely sunny ride from Cobham to Brockham (15 miles) and to Tea at Bike Beans (9.35 miles).

Update on Toni de Italia

Dear friends and cycling colleagues of Toni & Bernard B.
I was horrified to see Bernard's Blog and the tragic accident caused by a careless driver not looking in his rear view mirror before opening his door! I visited Toni today and he is mending and typically of a very kind and considerate man he is reluctant to take action fearing that the man may have a family himself etc! Bernard I hope will be less conciliatory The man was vile and tried to suggest that the two riders collided with each other and caused the problem. The matter has been put in t#he hands of the CTC Solicitor. I understand that Bernard is not so meek and mild like I would not be and has asked the police to prosecute!
I too was involved in an accident in 1996 when a young lady, misjudging my speed wiped me up at Belmont. I was in X-Ray at St. Helier for 2.1/2hrs and not a single bone was broken!!??. It took six years to get a settlement via the CTC but know I have a severely arthritic right ankle which is now causing serious problems with my left ankle through over compensation and effort! Life is never the same again after a serious bike accident so I would encourage both Bernard and Toni to pursue this claim to the full!
Best regards, happy and safe cycling!

An update about Eric Ashford

Pam has received this message from Tony Ashford concerning the health of his father Eric. Eric is a veteran Sou'Wester and in recent years those of us who go to France for the Dieppe Raid have met him and his family in la Plage Hotel. If you know any of Eric's contemporaries who are no longer active in our club please pass this news on to them.

 

From: ashfordanthony@yahoo.de
Date: 05/09/2016 16:08
Subj: Eric Ashford
 

Hi Pam,

 

             As you probably know, my father Eric has been in declining health over the last few years. As things stand at present, the doctors think that his days are, putting it brutally, numbered. However I know that he would like his former fellow riders in the Sou' Westers to be informed of his condition, and later on, of his passing. I was wondering if I could ask you to give me the contact details of the members with whom he socialized so that I can do this. Alternatively,  maybe this email could be forwarded to all the members, and those that wish to contact me can do so, and I can take it from there.

 

             Sorry to trouble you with this, and for a pretty depressing email.

We still intend to come to Dieppe next June, so I hope to meet up with you and other Sou'Westers again.

Cheers

 

Tony

A Group 7th Sept

They promise a return of summer by Wednesday. The route will be a mixed bag of lanes, common, parkland ( possibly), and a few bits of unavoidable main road to join it all together. A bit lumpy in the middle of the morning ride and one long hill mid afternoon followed by a gentle climb to another  summit finish. Lunch at the Skimmington Castle on Reigate Heath. Potentially two offroad sections in the morning - one mostly smooth and I'll check it out on Weds en route to Cobham, the second we have done earlier this year but it was rougher than I remembered so by common consent only!!

1100 start please!

It could have been worse ...

... on Wednesday 31st August.

Tony Ditalia and I were cycling side by side along Bushey Road (which runs down the side of Sutton Bus Garage) on our way to Wayfarers when the driver of this car:

opened his door, just as Tony was passing. Tony stood no chance to swerve or brake, his front wheel hit the edge of the door and over he went. He in turn knocked me off too. That's him on the LHS of the photo, still on the road. He was in agony, it was several minutes before he managed to struggle to his feet.

The car driver was far from apologetic, he was aggressive saying, expletives omitted, that we had crashed into each other. As if! I think you can see his aggression on his face:

He, the driver, had already phoned for an ambulance by the time I picked myself up. I was quick to phone the police. So within a few minutes we had two police cars and an ambulance. There's a camera on the bus garage so I'm hopeful that it will show what happened. As you might imagine, we're keen to see the driver prosecuted.

Tony was still in considerable pain, I feel sure he must have fractured a rib or two. We were dealt with well at St Helier's hospital. Tony was hurt more badly than me. My elbow was my worst injury:

I spoke to Tony earlier today. He's still in pain when he moves and sleeping is difficult.

Test Blog for MJM with Photo upload

Well here goes the Blogs seem to be the same as before, much better than KPRC which I can't get on with so here we go. Sorry I don't have an appropriate bike photo right now but there is more to life than cycling so I went to the Nottinghill Carnival, what a nightmare never again, glad I did not take my bike.

Easy Riders - 31st August

We had our 11s at Kingston Bradbury Centre where several non riders go to meet up.

After cake and coffee, eight riders set off towards Ham along the river towards Teddington.  I then took a right turn after the bridge towards Twickenham.  Still by the river to Richmond bridge. Crossed over the main road to pick up the alley ways to Isleworth, where we enjoyed lunch sitting outside at The London Apprentice.

After lunch, several made their way home and 3 of us went to Ewell Court Park for tea.

Lynda