26th April 2006 - Updates

'A' group, 10 strong, left from Redhill led by Pete B with Brian, Bob, Frank C, Frank H, Ed S, Ray D, Grant, Steve and newly retired Nigel Cornwell. A quick cut through the back streets of Redhill led to lanes through Leigh, Norwood Hill and Charlwood, heading for Ifield. A following wind put us ahead of schedule so a diversion through Rusper was in order before arriving at The Gate. Bob left us to seek out a Wetherspoons and the rest sat down for a hearty if slightly pricey lunch. After lunch it was back into the lanes to enjoy both the scenery and the weather and return via Parkgate. Ray departed to keep an appointment at B&Q and the remaining eight continued through Dawes Green and Trumpets Hill before cutting back through Betchworth and Brockham to Denbies for tea and then home.

A very good turnout at Walton with a lot of happy memories of our oldest member Ron Beams, whose death last Saturday just four months short of his one-hundredth birthday, occupied much of the conversation. Several of us saw him a few days earlier in hospital and althougfh he knew his time was pretty near, he was most upbeat and contented. We will remember him.

On a more cheerfull note; In perfect weather, no wind and sunshine now and then, Roger led 'C' group en route for The Castle Grove at Chobham, via the towpath to Thames Street, Weybridge where we waited for the following group to catch up. Lynda, Allan, Bill, Fuzz and one or two others had experienced an altercation with a dog, which Allan took it on to himself to restore the poor mutt to its owner, if possible. Tom. Dave, Dennis, Mark, Ron, another Bill and his lady wife made up the ride (I`ve missed some out but my doctor says it`s `age related`). Sorry. The pub`s in a bit if a state being `refurbished` with only one bar open, but eight of us enjoyed eating in the garden. Seven of us finished up at my place for tea so I`ll have to get in some more cake!
Albert

26th April 2006

Hello Wayfarers

All will share my great sadness to learn that our revered doyen Wayfarer and friend Ron Beams died peacefully on Saturday after being admitted to hospital for a recurring complaint and deciding that he did not wish to receive further surgery. He missed centurian status by less than four months. How lucky we Wayfarers were to have him in our midst most Wednesdays and how surely we will miss him. We offer our condolences to his son and daughter and their families in the loss of so eminent a head of family. Ron's funeral at Randall's Park Crematorium at 10.15 am on Monday week 8th May 2006 should be well attended.

Pete's 'A' group ride (to Ifield) report expected imminently, but I've got to go to Wimbledon Theatre with Lynda and friends, so will send on separately.

Hello Brian. On a pleasant, mild morning (a few pairs of shorts on view!) I led 'B' group of Angie, David, recumbent Ed, Johns M and S, Les, Norman, Ray H and Robin south from Redhill to Turners Hill (the four-letter word loved by cyclists), via Outwood, Smallfields, the eastern edge of Copthorne then Crawley Down to the only hill of the morning. We were made very welcome at the pub (forgot the name!) but it is on the right hand side as you head south on the B2028 beyond TH. After a delicious lunch Ray left to make his own way home, the rest of us headed back to TH crossroads where we turned left onto the B2110, shortly forking right to enjoy a long freewheel before turning onto a minor road which led to the western edge of Copthorne. We kept off the main roads as long as possible but eventually had to join the B2036 to Horley, where we left Ed at the railway station. We passed through Horley and Meath Green, checked the teddy bears were in residence, and then proceeded along Lonesome Lane. Soon John M had a rear puncture, but with 6 observers/opinion givers/helpers? and one puncture all was soon well - except when he came to inflate with a CO2 inflator when the cartridges supplied didn't fit the inflator! Back to the old-fashioned pump. We then had an uneventful ride to Reigate Garden Centre, after which we broke up into several groups to head in different directions.
Terry

And the previous week: From Dorking seven of us, Angie Launder, David Aylett, Terry Lowe, Norman Goody, Ray Harrison, Cliff Whitfield and I headed south. Ray (didn't feel like it) and Cliff (hasn't been out for some time) soon turned back. Five remaining rode to Lambs Green, The Lamb Inn, via Newdigate and Rusper for lunch. Comments re the lunch venue ranged from "We came here on Sunday" to "Never been here before". On to tea at Dover's Green, Sand Cross Lane Garden Centre via Charlwood, Norwood Hill, Meath Green Lane, Lonesome Lane. Weather good.
Les Johnston

Hi Brian, Thanks for regular updates of the Wayfarers, nice to feel still in touch. Linda and I will be in the UK from May 23rd thro June 4th and may be able to join up with you guys for coffee on those Wednesdays if you could please let me know where you will be meeting. Best wishes to you'll Bob (rides list forwarded to Florida)

I have paid seven deposits to Arun Sands B&B for our Littlehampton 07-08Jun06 tour.

Olleh returning Hub

April 19th 2006 - "B" Group

Better late than never, here is last week's 'B' group report - it didn't appear on the weblog. (It wasn't received for the Blog! But here it is now - Lisa)

After a brief committee meeting at Leatherhead, Norman led Gill, Jon, Les, Terry, Ray H and Phil M past Fetcham Mill Pond onto Lower Road through Bookham to Effingham. There we headed south along Beech Avenue to descend Whitedown, turning right onto the not so busy A25. Through Abinger Hammer (too late to see the clock strike) and Gomshall to turn off the main road and head for the Prince of Wales at Shere. Until quite recently a fillum was being made in Shere (and Godalming) but the makers and all their paraphernalia have now left. I understand one or two shopkeepers did quite handsomely out of their visit.
The PoW has been refurbished since we were last there, the food was fine. After lunch Phil and Ray left to go their own ways, I led southwards, then via Hoe Lane and Abinger Common to the foot of Leith Hill, pausing to admire the view south (we could barely see the South Downs). For a change we turned into Logmore Lane (the last time we went this way we were caught in a heavy thunderstorm with nowhere to shelter) - and enjoyed the views looking east, before arriving at Westcott, then back on the A25 to the outskirts of Dorking to Denbies where there was still plenty of chocolate cake. A nice day's ride - fortunately the forecast showers didn't materialise.
Terry

Ron Beams - 99 and out

Sadly Ron Beams died in hospital on Saturday 22nd April.

Unfortunately he didn't quite make the 100, but 99 was a good age, and I believe that he had the health and mobility to make the most of those years, enjoying life until the very end - rather than retiring from life and gently fading away as so many have the misfortune to do.

The funeral is planned for Monday 8th May at 10:15am at Randall's Park Crematorium, Leatherhead.

At this time I have no information with regard to flowers or donations, but will update this post with anything that I do find out.

Also keep an eye out here for details of his recumbents. As specialist machines it is not easy to find a buyer for them, but if anyone knows of anyone interested, then please let me or Brian know.

Lisa

April 19th Rides

C Group - April 19th

Not much sun but otherwise good weather as Ron led us out of Leatherhead en route for The Anchor at Bookham (one of my favourite watering holes). A good turnout with Bill, Roger, Harold, John C, Dennis, Lynda, Beryl, Carol, Fuzz. That makes eleven with Ron and me. Being Ron, whose knowledge of the offroad is extensive, not to say unrivalled, I was pretty soon lost on some tracks of Bookham Common which were unfamiliar. Upon returning to the tarmac, Ron declared his intention to make another detour to include a bit more of offroad. He gave us an alternative route whereby we could remain on the road, so off went three of us; me John and Harold. I got as far as Fetcham before backtracking a bit and getting on Lower Road and finally getting my pint. Earlier Harold had gone with Lynda to the bike shop in Leatherhead to get her bike fixed (freewheel packed up). We did not travel far as the bird flies, but not being a bird it took me one hour and 50 mins ride time. I rode back to Leatherhead with John and Harold since Harold and I had left our cars there.
If you read this Ron, thanks for a good ride Albert

New Wayfarer Blogger - Mike Morley

Thanks to the help from Lisa and Pete, I managed after some effort to register. For future Bloggers do not be put off if your first choice of user name is rejected. I chose a number of names but my first choices etc. etc were rejected, I assumed already in use but 24hrs later I got accepted morleymike which was my second choice, even though at the time, it was rejected.

I am definitely looking forward to swapping notes with Brian Starey, especially after his trip to the twin cities of Buda & Pest.

Today I did elevens's to Leatherhead solo but ducked out, after 10mls with the "A" group ably led by Frank on fixed, to go home for Lunch but ending up with Dave Aylett and Angie at Weatherspoons in Leatherhead. Got home 2.30pm and finished one corner of landscaping my garden.

Happy Cycling to all. New Blogger, Mike Morley

12 April 2006 C ride

In the best weather we have enjoyed recently, Lynda led around 17 of us from Hersham en route for The Toby Carvery at Ewell. There was Carol, Christine and Anita with Lynda followed by Mark, Bill, Roger, Dave, Ron, Harold, Fuzz, me and quite a few more (I guess you can fill them in Lynda?). We took the right exit at the roundabout at the bottom of Lammas Lane up the Westend Road, then left through the golf course to Claygate. After Claygate to Hook and then the many residential roads of Cheam where I would be lost without a leader who seems to know it like the back of her hand. Harold had already set me up a pint when I arrived at the bar (thanks mate!). The food was good but I`m glad I had a sandwich instead of the enormous helpings served up at the carvery.
Most of the others went on to Epsom for tea but Harold and I returned by the same route to Hersham having had tea at Claygate. By the time I arrived home I had clocked over 30 miles.

Have a Happy Easter-- Albert

Message from Nottingham exile

Another short message from Nottingham exile. Still not much on the cycle front, domestic and household affairs still predominate, not to mention the weather but I have had a couple of forays locally and realised how rusty one can get. My big news is that I have had the cataract Op. and everthing is clear now, with the bonus that the new lens inserted enables normal vision without glasses, which I find very strange after 80+ years of wearing them. Didn't realise Mark R had been suffering ill health but very glad he's recovered and now putting in the miles. Hope Mike W will soon be doing the same. Note that the group has been keeping up the runs attendance in spite of weather conditions, would like to be with them. I felt very nostalgic on reading the article in Cycling featuring the group. Some time soon I shall make contact with the Nottingham group I hope.

Geoff A.

Lunch at Horsham

A Group April 12th

Vic, Frank C, Pete M, Recumbent Ed, Graham, Irene, Frank H, Bob, John, John S, Mike & Gino all followed first time leader Steve Cox who decided that we should all earn our lunch by Tackling Leith Hill when we came out from 11s at Dorking. It was a challenge but we manfully (and wonderfully) managed it except for Gino who felt that he needed to turn back. Another challenge was on the rather dangerous Tanhurst Lane descent to Forest Green before reaching Horsham's Wetherspoon public house in the centre of town. After a good lunch we returned via Rusper and Brockham to the Dorking Leisure Centre for a tea stop before heading for home.
60 miles - mild & comfortable weather.

April 5th (More!)

What a buzzing throng greeted founder member Bill Stead as he made a rare appearance, looking great, at Cobham yesterday. We also welcomed several visitors, including Pete's crew Owen, keeping up the Barnard family tradition. I had to break in to the jollity to announce that a mooted change of venue next week (12Apr06) is off and that 'C' group should meet at Hersham as programmed.
You may be encouraged that our early birds 21Jun06 ride will be less ambitious than suggested, a more modest 70 miles being preferred by most would-be participants, so note the early start in your diary.
Bob Lees from Florida has spotted BBC's "Test the Nation" search for a team of 40 cyclists to take part in their 28May06 live show. If you are interested, ask me for details straightaway.
I shall be visiting Budapest, Vienna and Salzburg bikeless with Saga and as a consequence no Wayfarers News emails will be circulated until 27Apr06. By visiting http://midweekwayfarers.blogspot.com/ you can continue to keep in touch. Leaders reports for 12th and 19th April should be addressed to Pete Mitchell (pete@kprc.org.uk) for Pete to paste directly on our web log, for everyone to see.
Another link, http://www.halfpricetraintickets.co.uk/downloadvoucher.asp offers 50% off SW Trains journeys. I have downloaded a voucher for travel between Surbiton and Fleet on 24May06 for our train-assisted venture with Vic to Silchester. Trains outward leave Surbiton at 09:00 and 09:30 but their capacity for taking bikes remains unclear.
Yesterday, 'A' group was 21 strong, including a record five lady riders, when Ed led us off from Cobham, but leaving tarmac meant we lost visitor Gino early on and Norman when we caught up with 'B' group. Our route was similar to that taken by Mike and 'B' group as far as Park Lane Reigate, where we headed east past Wanham, Flanchford Mill, Woodhatch and Meadvale to Redhill, The Swan providing an excellent lunch venue. Some made their separate ways home whilst the main group, still 14 strong, repaired to Denbies for tea. Thanks, Ed, for a fine outing in the sun and for my tea. Brian

Pic of Littlehampton

Rides April 5th

On an absolutely perfect day for cycling, about 13 strong 'B' group set off from Cobham and made our way through Downside and across Bookham Common where we were passed by 'A' group on a similar route. Somehow we lost Norman and Terry. We waited a while and tried phoning but to no avail so we continued along the beautiful lane to West Humble then Pixham and the A25 path to Brockham. We proceded at a gentle pace through Betchworth and Trumpets Hill to The Skimmington Castle. This is an unusual pub located on the Greensand Way and accessible only along a track. We were underwhelmed by the welcome but the beer was good and the service OK considering that it was quite busy. Some of us sat outside in brilliant sunshine. Others enjoyed the snug interior and open fire etc. Fortunately Terry and Norman knew our destination and arrived soon after us having dealt with Norman's puncture. Ray opted to make his own way home and the rest of us headed along Flanchford Lane and Roothill Lane back through Pixham to Leatherhead where we had tea at Annies. Thereafter we went our separate ways after enjoying the best weather of the year so far. Mike & Mary
Conditions could not have been better; sunny, no wind to speak of and a good turnout from Cobham with John leading en route for The New Inn at Send. There was Allan, Roger, Dave, Beryl, Fuzz, Mark and Dennis plus quite a few more including Bernard (travelling light) who I believed was a refugee from either A or B group! Up Plough Lane, turning right at The Mucky Duck arriving on the A3 cycle-path and over the footbridge to Wisley. A pretty fair run brought us out of Ferry Lane into the Pyrford Road and Warren Lane. After Pyrford Lock bridge (the one with one-way and traffic lights) we took a right turn before The Seven Stars, which brought us into Send with about half a mile to go to lunch, which we ate outside. The intention was to return to Cobham for tea, but I took a chance along the Wey Navigation Canal which was not such a good idea as most of the track was muddy and deeply rutted in places and required a spot of walking. I came back to the road at the aforementioned bridge at Pyrford Lock. Thanks John. A very nice ride. Albert
All together at Leatherhead Fairfield Day Centre next week - I shall be thinking of you as I wait in Heathrow departure lounge. Olleh resting Hub.

March 29th Rides

Hello Wayfarers and friends

At Shepperton yesterday we welcomed recuperating Ken, Nev and Fuzz, although the latter found it tough going and was last seen heading off home – OK I hope. Confucius at large yesterday led us to believe Hersham Day Centre was closed and I spoke of an alternative venue for Wednesday week.
Derek rang today to say that he had visited and found the problem sorted (a ceiling panel re-fixed). Hersham would be more than disappointed to lose 'C' group's 12Apr06 visit so it is best that we forget the Kingston swap and revert to the published venue, HERSHAM. I will repeat this at Cobham next week.

Irene is now in her new home and loving it. The family gathered to Help her move and the neighbours have made her welcome. Her address should read Colnebridge Close, not as I mistakenly listed.

I asked around about reviving our "early birds" ride on the longest day and it will take place on 21Jun06, with Pete M leading, from N Cheam at 07:00, Leatherhead Station at 07:30 and breakfast at The Lynd Cross Horsham around 09:00. Tradition has it that we then plummet south for a south Sussex lunch, with the round trip likely to be 100-120 miles. I have ordered 12 breakfasts and won't need them all.

Some messages follow: Hi Brian. Thanks for all the reports! Once or twice I have had need to use the internet so have read them all! I shall be back home on Thursday {today - welcome home Pam} - unbelievable - seems an awful long time since riding out with the club. It's been very hot here for the last week or so which has led to less riding and more relaxing!!! Hope to be at elevenses next week, but I may have to join our more mature members after reading the ride reports!! Regards to all, ttfn Pam

Dear Brian, Mike has asked me to let you know that he is currently "relaxing", c/o Royal Surrey Hospital Guildford. He's having eating problems and been admitted for tests and observation, so will be out of action for a bit. Pat Withers {thanks, Pat - please pass on our best wishes}

Vic led fifteen 'A' group, Pete M, Pete B, Bob, Ray, Graham, Grant, Irene, John M, Steve, Frank C, Brian, Frank H, Ed and visitor Don on our annual pilgrimage to Hampshire - North Farnborough to be precise - where we split between pubs to avoid overcrowding. This must have been Hub's ninth or tenth visit and I still doubt if I could find my way without a good leader, but we all got there somehow. 13 stopped at threatened Ripley Day Centre and were delighted to be treated to tea and biscuits by our leader – thanks Vic. Steve reckoned he rode 70 miles.

Gill led 'B' group of nine - Judy, Angie, Norman, Terry, Les, Ray, Robin and Mike - heading off from the Greeno to Chertsey and from there out via Stonehill Road to Gracious Pond Road. We crossed the A383 at Burrowhill to do a loop through Valley End, rejoining the A383 and following it across Chobham Common to Sunningdale. It was here, at the bottom of a steep hill, that the chain on Judy's bike jammed, causing a temporary halt while bicycle doctors Les, Norman, Terry and Mike sorted it out. All went well after that - the sun was out and the scenery was lovely as we skirted Windsor Great Park still on the A383 before turning off to the village of Woodside for lunch at the Duke of Edinburgh pub. Having phoned ahead, tables were reserved for us and we were welcomed in by friendly staff. There was a good choice on the menu, meals were served with little waiting and all looked excellent. A dark cloud loomed overhead as we came out, but fortunately came to nothing. Our return route took us into Windsor Great Park via the gate on the A332 - just before reaching the gate we were overtaken by 4 or 5 police on motorcycles, followed by two police vehicles, which caused a bit of a stir! It was a lovely ride across the park to Bishops Gate, then via Englefield Green, down Tite Hill to Egham and back on the flat past Thorpe, Laleham Golf Course, to Chertsey and finally Shepperton for tea at the Bakery. Here we found 'C' Group just departing and telling us they had eaten all the cream cakes! Thanks to everyone for their support on my first ride as a leader and to Irene for suggesting the route and helping with checking it out. Cheers, Gill

Brian et al, I must congratulate Gill, she is an excellent leader and we had a very enjoyable ride with great "Duke of Edinburgh" food. My thanks also to Angie for an excellent route back to Sutton. I think next week I will have to revert to our 'A' ride as the pace and distance yesterday was hard to keep up. Sixty four miles round trip to Sutton to sort the daughters dog out and 16mls return Walton le Hill/Sutton making 80mls in total. I waskn....rd. Defector Mike M.

I led 'C' group in a round trip from and to Shepperton. The starters were: Albert (left us shortly after lunch at Engelfield Green), Beryl, Bill, David A, Dennis (miraculously appearing and disappearing at various points of the ride), Fuzz (briefly), Geoff (left us at Thorpe), Harold, John C, John S, Ken, Lynda, Mark, Roger and myself. We cycled to Chertsey, and shortly after crossing Chertsey Bridge, turned off-road onto Ferry Lane, over the M3 and through Laleham Golf Course, Laleham Reach and Penton Hook Marina.
We turned right onto Staines Road and then immediately left going through Thorpe, and continuing on towards Virginia Water. Just before Virginia Water Station, we turned left towards Trumps Green, and via Crown Road, Harpesford Avenue and Wellington Road, entered the Wentworth Estate and Championship Golf Course. We passed the magnificent fountain and Club House, and emerged, via Pinewood Road, at the Wheatsheaf pub on the A30. Stillbefore 12:30, we decided not to stop and eat, but entered Windsor Great Park and cycled another couple of miles via the Totem Pole and Saville Gardens to the Sun Public House on Wick Lane. In the warm sunshine, the majority of the party lunched outside, out of the wind in the walled garden. After lunch, we cycled through Englefield Green, free-wheeled down Tite Hill to Egham, and on into Staines. We took the Thames towpath from Staines to Laleham, and the B376 over the M3 to Shepperton. Most had tea at the bakery in Shepperton High Street. As we left the bakery a few minutes before 4 p.m. we met 'B' Group arriving for their tea. Lynda clocked a total of 46 miles from Cheam.
Regards John Gould

I counted fourteen of us when we started off from Shepperton with John G leading. The weather was warmer than of late with a fair bit of sun and although some rain was forecast we had it dry all day. Apart from a couple of newcomers there was Mark, Dennis, Beryl, Lynda, Harold, Roger, Bill, the other John and me. Apologies to the other three {but see the leader's report}! - doctor tells me my complaint is `age related`. Anyway we pressed on to Saville Gardens and the Sun pub via Chertsey Meads, Staines Lane, Norlands Road, along Coldharbour Lane and turned left at The Red Lion, Thorpe, passing The Rose and Crown on Thorpe Green to Virginia Water where, at the traffic lights a decision was made to take the scenic route left under the railway bridge and a right turn into Wentworth estate. We emerged opposite the Wheatsheaf and entered the park where we skirted the lake for a fair way before arriving at our destination and a welcome pint. After that I made my way to have tea with my daughter and granddaughter at Englefield Green, being nearby. It was a well thought out ride but I expect a more direct route was used for their return. I clocked 25miles. Albert

Cobham next week - au revoir - Hub

Not a pretty sight

Here's what kept me away from today's ride. 'Catastrophic hub failure' as the bike shop put it. Luckily!? the hub is less than nine months old and still under guarantee.
Julian

March 22nd (more)

Thanks for stepping in Mark with a pretty full coverage of our ride. I`ve been flogging away at this computor today and it`s been playing up somewhat. I can provide some fill-in to your report however. Since it was my intention to send in a report, I asked the young lady her name and it is Toni and she was having a day off work (remember that stuff we had to do long ago to keep body and soul together?). Another thing was the weather which improved no end when that wretched wind subsided. The pub by the way was The Royal Oak, a very well appointed establishment with obliging staff and good food. The beer was`nt bad either. I found the last bit of offroad before lunch rather off-putting but on the whole most enjoyable.Thanks Harold. It was good to see Fuzz who made the course in style. By the time I reached home I had clocked over 41mls. Fortunately I keep a good stock of the right stuff for medicinal purposes so I am almost back to normal (whatever that is) Albert

led group of six, Angie, Terry, Les, defector Rob and Phil M from Douglas Brunton Day Centre, down Burntwood Lane to the exciting competition with traffic round Caterham roundabout and along the valley to the former Slines New Road, up Lunghurst to Woldingham, pausing to let Phil catch up. Towards Westerham, down Rectory Lane cross the Pilgrims Way, down Clackets Lane, across the A25 by the Grasshopper, up to Limpsfield Chart, then down Crockham Hill to Edenbridge where we lunched at the friendly King and Queen pub. We lost Phil during the descent, he had warned us not to wait if he was too slow. After lunch, we returned via Crowhurst, Tandridge Tilburstow Hill, Bletchingley and Merstham to tea at Fanny's Farm. Au revoir Norman

Hi Brian, Great to read that Mark Roy is on the road back his old self. The bike and fellow riders and their encouragement should be the best cure. Bob Lees

Heard on the ride

He was too modest to mention this, but no-one on the A ride who was privileged to be within earshot on the road from the Jubilee Oak to Charlwood will readily forget Brian's spirited, full volume rendition into a stiff head wind of Sir Hubert Pym's all-time classic "I want to say hello". An encore at Denbies was postponed for the sake of the glass roof, but Brian is taking bookings for next year's barn dance and Bob is arranging a minidisc version.
Julian

March 22nd Rides

We had a good turnout of 'A' and 'B' groups at Caterham yesterday, plus on a rare appearance there, Phil M and of course local Eric. We welcomed Will Almond back after a long absence and we hope he will be riding with us regularly. Julian told me that Bernard's progress is ahead of target and we are all delighted about this. I saw Ken Preece yesterday and he is again taking mild rides with our local Probus group.

Bob led 'A' group along the North Downs Way to White Hill, which we descended with care to join Sustrans route 21 through the wildlife parks, Redhill, Horley and Gatwick Airport to Crawley, where we again so soon sought out the Jubilee Oak for a prolonged respite. We returned via Charlwood, Leigh and Brockham to tea at Denbighs, from where Jen had to find her way alone back to Caterham - car assistance gone awry! Meanwhile, after going well on my blue Pearson bike, I ground to a sudden halt on a sharp incline at Ashtead, where I was glad of the assistance of Ed and Will in diagnosing and correcting the front mech wrench.

I had been very tempted to defect, as did Rob, to 'B' group, Norman's declared destination being Edenbridge, a favourite of mine. If I hear any more, you'll hear too!

Hi Brian, I was told by the leader to send a report of 'C' group ride, which was my first full ride since I suffered my bout of depression, and I am glad to say that I am out of this nasty ailment. Those with experience of this disease know what it is like, but those who don't know, I can explain what it is like; outwardly a person looks healthy and normal but inside is all empty and lost, no desire to do anything, meet anybody, eat anything, loss of sleep, no desire to look at, let alone ride a bicycle, in fact no desire to live. Fortunately I am feeling ok now. Back to the ride - from Teddington, Harold led our group of Albert, Ron, Beryl, John, Roger, Mike, Bill, Lynda, Fuzz, Dave, Dennis and the other young lady I did not get the name of and so can only describe her as very good looking and attractive, strong cyclist always behind the leader. Our route was very interesting, back alleyways to the banks of River Crane towards Twickenham Rugby stadium then on the tow path of Duke of Northumberland river to Isleworth where we stopped for lunch, then back towards Richmond, through the park at Marble Hill and eventually crossed Richmond Bridge. We then followed the towpath to Teddington Lock and over the lock to Bushey Park where our leader departed and with Albert also gone we intended to have tea at Hampton Court but somehow I lost the plot and came home without completing the ride and without tea. That is my story, Mark Roy {thanks for your revealing insight, Mark}

All groups are back together again next week at Shepperton, where Gill makes her debut as 'B' leader, so I guess there will be defections galore to be on her ride.

See you there. Slowing Hub.

Test post

This is a test posting, but while I'm at it - thanks to Graham for last Wednesday's enjoyable ride.
Julian

Wayfarers Rides March 15th

Graham writes: Apologies for the delay but you may have spotted my running nose. It's still running so I'll be brief. A dozen of us 'A' group headed off between the Wey (river) and Wey (navigation) - a new route to most. It features caravans aplenty, a quarry and two large stiles either side of a railway embankment - reasons enough to find an alternative next time. After New Haw came Byfleet, Muddy Lane, and Pyrford lock. We paused outside the Seven Stars where Steve punctured, before heading along Papercourt Lane to Send, Old Woking and Mayford. After the briefest of visits to Brookwood Cemetery it was downhill to the Cricketers Pirbright for a promptly served lunch. Bob and Mike appeared having been delayed at the start. The route back was Fox Corner, Worplesdon and Jacob's Well, to the A3 where we almost hauled in 'B' group before they turned off up Potters Lane. Ockham Bites was our tea stop. The Ides of March had been a fine day to be out on the bike.

Hello Brian I led 'B' group of Gill, Judy, Bernard (briefly), Cliff, Jon, Les, Norman, Ray H and Robin through Weybridge and Brooklands to Byfleet where we joined the Wey Navigation towpath heading north, crossing via the footbridge to join the Basingstoke Canal towpath. We stayed on the towpath for 8 miles, very scenic and peaceful it was too, noting the local wildlife (many appeared to be sleeping) with just the occasional traffic noise mostly in the Woking area. Leaving the towpath at Hermitage Bridge (west of St. Johns) we rode to The Bird in Hand at Mayford via Blackhorse Road and Saunders Lane. The ride so far had been dry and cloudy but during lunch the sun came out and stayed out. Great! The east wind was still quite cool, though. Ray H left us after lunch when we headed for Ripley via the lanes and cycle track alongside the A3. I left the group and headed for home when we reached Cobham. Terry

Only seven of us 'C' group left Weybridge with my promise of leading to The Nags Head at Sunninghill. There was me, Bill, Allan, Mark, Roger, Harold and Dennis. Mark said he might peel off early, which he did. We turned right off Church Road, through Minorca Road to Portmore Park Road and on to the cycle path to Addlestone. From Prairie Road we took a right turn up Green Lane, thence up Holloway Hill and the next hill past Fan Court, but at the first motorway bridge it was decided, due to the passage of time, to make for a nearer venue, The Crown Grove at Chobham. Bill and Dennis had sandwiches and the rest of us enjoyed the experience of the new enlarged `No Smoking` bar for lunch. An easy ride back through Stonehills and all six of us had tea at my place. Addlestone day centre is closed all this week. I'm not sorry, as it's great having some company off the road! Incidentally weather-wise it was spot-on. All the best Albert

Bob recommends good tyres for his ride next week from Caterham, as bridleways and tracks through country parks will feature prominently.

See you there. Hub.