B Group - 13th June (map and photo)

It should have been 3.85 miles to the pub from Tanhouse Farm but oh no, Terry had other ideas.

~ Tim

STOLEN WAYFARERS BIKE

Van Nicholas model Yukon frame size 50cm Serial No. S1402134

Stolen on 3rd June between 12.30 and 13.30 in Kingston across the road from TK Max John Lewis side. Police and Bike Register informed.

Please contact Cliff or Maureen if you come across any information regarding this bike.

B Group 13th June

Contrary to the current SouWester programme, since Henfold has not yet re-opened, elevenses will be at Tanhouse Farm OS187 GR 199407. I have a slightly circuitous route to The Lamb at Lamb's Green for lunch with  tea at the new Southdown cafe at Brockham.

Terry

Beryl Dare and Ray's Bike & Bits

I set off on Sunday morning to join C&M at Ripley but got lost, so instead I called in to see Beryl. She was very pleased to see me and looked well and clearly coming to terms over Ray. It's almost a year now. She said that the van driver has been prosecuted for driving without due care but no reason or explanation given for what he did. He is being sentenced in the Crown Court.

Beryl would love to get rid of all Ray's bikes etc that are in the garage and bike shed. They are of course quite old and of a small size. I will post some photos below which I took on Sunday. I did explain to Beryl that price expectation should be very low and I am not sure of the best way to dispose. Anyone however is more than welcome to have a look at them and all the bits, like tyres, tubulars, lights, seat bags, pumps, MTB bar end extensions, wheels mudguards, tools, you name it Ray had it. If anyone is interested and to save Beryl being overwhelmed if she doesn't know you let me know and we can visit her. Her family in Sothampton have taken two of the better bikes.
Yesterday we disposed of lots of feed bottles from KPRC etc that were hanging in a large plastic bag.

Beryl showed me a framed picture collage which will be presented to her at Jake/Garry

BBQ on Sat 23 June while many of us will be on the Dieppe Raid.

Don Clarke - funeral details

Pam has forwarded these details:

The funeral will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday 27th June at the Woking Crematorium, Hermitage Rd, Woking GU21 8TJ.

This will be followed by a wake at The Cricketers in Horsell Birch, Woking GU21 4XB.

Lena Clarke has requested that we indicate how many cyclists she should expect so please let me know as soon as possible, by email (timcourt50@gmail.com), if you intend to come.

Thank you

Tim

Shoreham Century - Wednesday 13 June

Midsummer is almost upon us, so it’s time for the Shoreham Century, the Wayfarers traditional outing to the seaside.

We will be following Mark Gladwyn’s now classic, not too hilly, route, starting 08.45 sharp for those meeting at North Cheam, heading via Epsom Downs, the highest point of the day, to Tanhouse Farm – Note Change of 11’s Stop.

At Tanhouse we regroup leaving 10.45 sharp for Shoreham (30 miles) arriving, headwinds etc permitting, around 13.15. Roadworks in Wineham which we will have to walk. One short section of gravel (less than ½ mile) which should not give anyone problems.

Lunch at the Bridge Inn (www.thebridgeinnshoreham.co.uk) overlooking the estuary, or wherever you fancy in Shoreham.

I will lead the group back, but some may prefer to return by train from Shoreham, Horsham, or Dorking.

First tea stop in Horsham (22 miles) hopefully around 16.30 at the Pavilions in the Park (which is actually the sports centre) Hurst Road, RH12 2DF, near the Station, as previous years. (www.thepavilionsinthepark.co.uk).

Second “tea” stop in Leatherhead Weatherspoon’s (19 miles) where refreshments are not limited to tea.

Which adds up to about 70 miles from Tanhouse + your ride to/from home.

Pray for dry weather, and I look forward to seeing you next Wednesday.

Any questions, or if anyone wants a GPX of the route, or volunteer to back mark, please email (d.vine207@btinternet.com).

Dave

A Cautionary Tale

When I rebuilt my Dawes Super Galaxy I re-used as many parts as possible.   Possibly one too many.   I reused the chainset, including the old chain which was a bit too short (4 links too short).  I thought "well I won't use the bigger cogs and all will be OK".   Then we went on the C&M Easter Tour, and there were hills.   I managed to use the bigger cogs and all seemed OK, for a while.   After the Easter Tour I had to replace the chain - fair enough.  It all still worked ok.  A month later on my first day in Scotland, I had to replace the cassette as it was skipping gears.  And I soon realised that the pulley wheels on the rear derailleur were worn, so they got changed.   When I returned I started having problems with the chain slipping off the big chainring, especially when I was pushing hard - starting out at a junction in traffic, that sort of thing.  Awkward.   Could the chainring be worn after only a couple of years?    See the photo for the answer.   Cost of doing it my way: about £75.   Cost of a new chain:  much less.  Don't try this at home.

10 Weird and Wonderful Derailleurs

Mike M has found this interesting article in the Guardian - it's a good read for a wet afternoon.  And, although derailleurs are obviously inherently interesting, the point the author misses is that Shimano's STI was the big break-through ...

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/bike-blog/2018/jun/07/10-weird-and-wonderful-derailleurs-and-how-they-changed-cycling


Mark

A Group 6 June: Cobham - Rudgwick - Denbies

What a gorgeous day for a ride.  It was either the weather or the free refreshments that attracted a large group of us to Cobham.  Or possibly the compelling rides on offer.  Our refreshments were paid for out of a most generous gift to the Wayfarers from a Royal British Legion member, Ted Cole - Thank you!

A sizeable A group left promptly and headed for the hills, destination Rudgwick.   It was great to see Trevor back out with us after a very lengthy absence after his nasty accident (well - are there any nice accidents?).   Jennie was pleased to learn that there were only two hills to climb, but unfortunately they took most of the morning.   Our route took us through Ockham to Hungry Hill and Staple Lane, the first climb.   After Shere we engineered a near miss with Peaslake, opting instead for the very quiet Lawbrook Lane, which delivered us to the summit of Pitch Hill in a gentle but relentless climb.

  

Dave B punctured around here so we had a pleasant wait in the woodlands [on Surrey's second highest road: Barhatch road] while a small group of domestiques attended to it (or maybe just watched Dave fix it himself?).    All the hard work of the climb was undone in a few moments down Barhatch Road and we were a few miles north of lunch.   But first there was the Downs Link to visit.  Only perhaps a mile, nothing to match Dave's off-road extravaganza last week, but it was enough to give us a taste of the varied assortment of stony, muddy, and nettly cycling on offer.    Soon we were at the King's Head, where it took a while to take orders and serve us, but everyone seemed happy to relax in the sunshine.

After lunch we took familiar routes back through Okewoodhill and Weare Street to Newdigate and Denbies.  I'm sorry I had to abandon the group to get their own tea, but I had to dash home as we had last-minute tickets to see Beating Retreat at Horseguards parade, a military musical extravaganza with in excess of 300 army musicians and, even better, more than 30 trombones!

It's a pleasure to lead such a great bunch of cyclists.   Experienced riders who mark corners and a reliable back marker (thank you Mike R) make the job of leading that much easier, and I think makes for a better ride for the whole group.   Thank you all.

B Group - 6th June

Thanks to Ted Cole for the refreshments that we enjoyed at elevenses.

21 riders cycled to lunch at the Woodman in Woodmansterne.

The route to lunch took us through Leatherhead, Headley, Walton-on-the-Hill, Epsom Downs and Banstead.

The Woodman which is set in lovely surroundings made for a good meal at reasonable prices and good service.

After lunch 13 cyclists made it to Liz's house in Hampton Court for a delicious tea in her lovely garden where we also viewed her amazing art works (thanks Liz).

Thanks to John for back marking and all those who helped to make the ride run smoothly.

Great day, lovely weather

Approximately 30 miles

Regards,

Tony

 ~ Tim

Free teas and coffees at Cobham, 6th June.

There will be free teas and coffees at Elevenses at Cobham, courtesy of a donation made by George Cole - a member of the Royal British Legion. (See the Wayfarers blog dated Monday 7th May for background).
There was a low turnout at Cobham the previous Wednesday when this donation was presented, so it would be nice that a full complement of Wayfarers could acknowledge this kind gesture when being served with our teas and coffees.

Birthday Ride with David Jackson

Birthday ride

On July 8th 2018 to celebrate David becoming a septuagenarian, I think that is someone that likes sevens, we are doing a ride starting and finishing at The Weir public house, Walton on Thames. About 40 miles including Box Hill. Start at 10;00 am, a drink at the end of it.

Great if you could join us.

Jennie Jackson.

Mallorcan Meanderings

Robert Graves' Raleigh

As a newcomer to cycling in Mallorca, I have been able to benefit from the experience of others.  For the visit that I have just made Dave Jackson loaned me a very handy map, called simply Bike Mallorca.

The thing about this map is that it categorises roads by the amount of traffic on them, which, when you think about it, is something most cyclists want to know.  So I was able to take another look at the classic route along the Tramuntana in the light of this additional information.  As I was staying in Deia I rode my new route as two half-day rides, but it would be easy enough to do it as a good day's ride, going right across the top of the island.  If you were staying in Port de Pollensa one of the bike shuttle companies could take you to the start, and then it's a ride home.  It's 88 miles and in several parts you could ride for half an hour without seeing a car, or anything much else, for that matter.  It also raises the prospect of a tour around the island, which would be three good days, by my reckoning ...

My bike for the trip was the same as last time, well prepared by Marc at Deia Bike Rental.  Di2, Ultegra and decently light at 7 kilos, it was a very good machine for the sunny roads of Mallorca.

Marc told me that the cycling season was drawing to a close, as it was getting warmer and summer visitors were starting to arrive.  Much less cycling between now and September, when it starts again.

Hotel San Lorenzo, Palma

Next time we'll probably take a tandem over.  The logistical issues don't look insurmountable, and I think we'd have a very good time.  Couple of other things to tuck in first, but it's good to plan ahead.

Mark

A Group 6 June

This Wednesday the As will be going to West Sussex; the King's Head at Rudgwick to be exact.  We will visit the second-highest road in Surrey, and have a little taster session on the Downs Link, in case anyone is considering using it to get to Newhaven for the Dieppe Raid.

The afternoon will be less hilly, with tea at Denbies.

Robin Johnson

Firstly very sad news about Donald Clarke. Secondly I had a quick call with Robin this afternoon, he was being visited by his cousin from Reading at the time. He wishes to be remembered to all and really appreciates that we are thinking of him.

A Group to Hedgerley - 30 May

This week’s A group ride left Weybridge with 16 riders and the hope that Tuesday’s torrential rain stayed away. Heading north via Chertsey and the Thames-side path towards Staines, once past Staines station, we picked up a path that runs alongside the reservoir, and popped us out a few miles later in Stanwell Moor. The path is clearly used sparsely as evidenced by its bumpy surface, muddy patches and overgrown bushes, but is an interesting alternative to the busy road on the other side of the reservoir.

Taking the cycle path underneath the M25 we quickly passed through Poyle and Colnbrook and crossed the A4 and headed up through Iver and into Langley Country Park. Here we briefly stopped for a look at the film set built in the park by nearby Pinewood Studios for the filming of "The Voyage of Dr. Doolittle" staring Robert Downey Jr. It was here that we also realised that we had lost one of our riders when he stopped off for a sneaky comfort break and the peloton moved on without him…silly boy should have told someone !! (Yes, that’s you Neil !!).

If you look carefully you can see piles of beer barrels,
such was our thirst

Quick progress was made on Black Park Road up through Fulmer and around Stoke Common to bring us to the White Horse at Hedgerley a few minutes after 1pm. Lunch was quickly ordered, but took longer to arrive, but was eventually worth the wait, and allowed our errant ride colleague to catch up and still enjoy a late lunch. We were later leaving for the return journey than was ideal at 2.20pm, however, a swift route through Stoke Poges and Slough quickly allowed us to pick up the Jubilee River path and then on through Upton Court Park into Wraysbury. A straight road through Staines, Laleham and Shepperton enabled us to arrive at our tea destination the Riverhouse Barn cafe in Walton bang on 4pm.   

42 miles were covered from 11’s to tea, with very little climbing to talk of…..if you forget the short but very steep hill immediately after lunch !! A mixture of off-road tracks, tow-paths, cycle routes, parkland and some gravel broke up the odd sections of road on the way out, but the return was almost entirely on road (almost…but not quite!).

Thanks to all those came along for the adventure, all who marked corners and to Steve Lloyd for back-marking.

~ Dave Bartholomew

B's to Dinton Pastures

I arrived early, around 9.55, to the Nibbles cafe Datchet and in dribs and drabs 15 assembled by train or bike. We never managed to set off until 11.15 as Grant arrived late having punctured.

The Sun never raised it's head and there was a slight chill in the air but just nice for cycling. Through Windsor , Clewer, Oakley Green, Stud Green, Waltham St Lawrence and the edge of Twyford and onto Hurst and a group photo outside the Castle Inn which has a CTC plaque mounted on the wall outside, see photo. We managed a good pace and arrived at Dinton dead on 1.00pm for lunch at the Dragonfly cafe. We all sat inside and the service was excellent and we managed to leave dead on 2.00pm.

Lots of nice country lanes for our journey back to Windsor Great park, by now the temperature has risen sufficiently to remove a layer of clothing. All enjoyed the decent of Crimp hill and onto tea at Windsor farm shop. Some had already headed home once we reached Old Windsor. Most had cake! And enjoyed a chat before heading different ways home. I lead few back to Datchet to catch a train back. I headed East through back roads home. A very pleasant day on the bike and 71 miles door to door.

Thank you all for your company and to Terry for back marking.

Tony..

 

 A good day out.

Easy Riders Weds 30 May 2018

A dull and dunk start but not actually raining, and Ed, Bernard P, Frank, Sandy, Brian, John B, Don and I set off for Brooklands via various paths and backwaters.  After pausing for a photo stop at the Concorde model which used to grace the main entrance to Heathrow we continued through Byfleet then took Muddy Lane (which was anything but).   Wet stinging nettles proved more of a difficulty than the various gates and barriers, but we were able to complete our passage without being intercepted by any local residents!  Emerging at Wisley church we were now just round the corner from The Anchor, our lunch stop.  Suitably refreshed, we crossed the canal and headed for West Byfleet, then picked up the towpath to Scotland Bridge.   We took back streets to New Haw, then bypassed Addlestone by taking the footbridge at Coxes Lock to end up at Weybridge then followed the river to Walton where we went our various ways.   By now, rather belatedly, the weather was starting to brighten up and it was becoming rather warm.  Better late than never!   Thanks all for your company and for enduring the nettles, and thanks to John B for back-marking!

CTC sign at Hurst

B's nearly at lunch.