A group from Fairoaks

Tomorrow's flight will be heading northeast. Due to the uncertain forecast I have decided that Henley is a bit too optimistic and so lunch will be at The Cricketers, Littlewick Green.

Please be ready for departure at 1100 hrs. The nicest parts of the route are just before lunch and it would be a shame to have to cut them out.

Tea will probably be in Addlestone.

Hilly 50 Sat 8 Sept 2018

Well Guys & Gals, a somewhat disappointing turnout to say the least, 7 riders in all despite 16 pre-registered on what turned out to be a very pleasant day. Photo below shows our intrepid hierarchy at the finish. It was Tim & Paul's first Hilly 50 and they felt if not elated achieved & proud, well done.
Steve Duffin from MWW "A" group did a splendid ride arriving home first. Son of Paul Denis James did a very spectacular ride, starting half an hour after everyone else and arriving atop Box Hill just after Steve, having gone wrong twice while trying to find his way around the one way system in Dorking.
Thank you to Maggie James for splendid help in the signing on along with the ever reliable and evergreen Terry Lowe. Special thanks go to Dave Vine for not only riding and finishing but also for marking the corner at Log Bottom lane. Apparently that road and the whole of the course was clean and clear and much more pleasant than when we normally run it in March.
I feel deflated about the turnout, especially when there were hundreds of cyclists going up Box Hill all morning. My initial assessment is that Sept is not the time to run this event with the racing season still in full swing and so many sportive s going on.
With a kind donation of £10 given by some admirers of Tim & Paul we have so far £69 including one donation from Gavin Hughes of KPRC who said he would ride but could not make it prior to the Frank Cubis Memorial 50 TT on the Bentley course Sunday morning. If anyone feels inclined to make a donation please pass on to Mike Morley or make cheque payable to St. Raphael's Hospice.

Maggie James took a very good photo at the start which I suggest she post's herself. Meanwhile here is mine!

Ripley Bike Jumble

Autumn Cycle Jumble at Ripley Village Hall:  9 - 12pm Saturday 15th September

Entry 9am £1...…..early birds 7am £5 !

If one should wish to sell at the Jumble - please contact John Lattimore 01932 247614  j.lattimore@sky.com

 HELP

Does anybody speak Garminese?

 Number 2 son recently visited for his brother's wedding. He brought with him his lycra and Garmin because he wanted to cycle up the real Boxhill to compare with the virtual one he was familiar with on his Zwift. When packing for his return, he went to the bike shed to recover his Garmin and very generously gave it to me.

Since then, I have been puzzling what to do with it.

At lunch on a recent C&M ride I consulted an expert to glean a few flashes of insight. Unfortunately, he only spoke Serbo-Croat or some dialect called Garminese. I am therefore groping around to find out how to use this infernal gadget, before it goes under the hammer. 

I realise that I am testing to the limit, if not abusing, the patience and indulgence of readers of the MWW blog, to seek enlightenment. So many leaders now seem to have these tablets on their handlebars.

To come to the point: is there any Samaritan out there who can enlighten one in a state of invincible ignorance, who still lives in the age of Ordinance Survey and faltering memory. Please point me in the right direction. What must I do to make this benighted artifact realise that I live in England and not America - or the stone age?

Jeff

Robin’s Funeral and Celebration of his life

Richard has sent us this invitation to Robin's funeral. Note that the Commital ceremony at the crematorium which follows the church service is for family and close friends only and that we will be welcome at the venue for the wake from 4:15.

Tim,

The arrangements for Robin’s funeral are below. I would be grateful if you would ensure that as many club members and wider friends are aware of the arrangements. Anyone who cannot make the funeral service will be most welcome at the reception.

It would be very helpful if you were able to provide me with an estimate - even a rough one - on Monday of those likely to attend the wake so that we can help the sailing club with the catering arrangements.

With thanks and best wishes,

Richard

Richard Murphy


Robin Johnson’s Funeral and Celebration of his life

Friday 14th September 2018

3pm: St Nicholas Church, Chiswick Mall, London W4 2PJ – Arrivals for Service at 3:15pm.

4:40pm: Mortlake Crematorium, Townmead Road, TW9 4EN - Committal  (family and close friends)

5:15pm: London Corinthians Sailing Club, Linden House, 60 Upper Mall, London, W6 9TA (N.B. the club will welcome those not attending the Committal from 4:15)

If anyone has any photographs, or notable memories of Robin reflecting his spirit, proficiencies, and/or humour please send them to me

Richard Murphy - r.s.d.murphy@gmail.com

or Robin’s nephew

Oliver Johnson - oliver.johnson@hotmail.co.uk


As Richard has requested please let me know if you intend to come to the wake so that they can plan the catering.

Tim

timcourt50@gmail.com

B Ride to Abinger Hatch (maps and photo)

At the Abinger Hatch

OS 1:25,000 showing the Fox Way excursion - Steph's Hungry Hill Bypass:

~ Tim

B ride to Abinger Hatch

15 set off after lunch orders had been taken.  One of my favourite routes up Hungry Hill was varied with an off road bridleway running parallel.  Pheasants are being bred in huge enclosures in the wooded areas and those that had escaped the glorious twelth ran ahead of us in flocks looking for an escape.  Up Staple Lane, down to Shere. Rejoining the A25 through Gomshall and Abinger before turning right up Feldway Road and then Water Lane to the Abinger Hatch pub.  They have had their kitchen refurbished and would do well to rethink their "toasted bagel" fillings.  I think only one person was brave enough to take the corned beef and sauerkraut option and a couple of people had difficulty seeing anything appetising.  However it was a good location for a descent turning past the old well and down Hollow Lane.  A quick cut across the A25 and we were soon on a woodland path which led to Route 22.  A beautiful route on a warm sunny afternoon running down the valley to Westcott.  Then to Leatherhead, Fetcham and tea at Stoke D'Ab.  Thank you to all who joined me , cornered, and helped map read in the woodland to get us on R22.  And to Tim for back marking and commiserations for suffering the only injury of the day - a wasp/bee sting to the inside of his cheek.  No lasting damage as cake was enjoyed at T!

A Group to Warnham

After collecting the lunch orders and phoning in 21 of us set out, the temperature cool and only a light breeze, ideal weather.
As leader I was not aware of the travelling conditions behind me but try as the group could to leave gaps in the peloton there were still a number of drivers who took chances, thankfully no problems ensued.
As mentioned before, our outward journey covered many of the routes south to get us to Warnham.

Arriving at The Greets Inn just after 1.00 we were soon sitting down with our drinks, and it was not to long before the food started to arrive, each group of items ordered came out as a batch so it was easy to identify the owners, there were I think three orders that were not quite right, not bad for such a large group.

Setting out on the return route ( I was going to write  'leg' but I am sure there would be a comment from some wit, though they may still make a comment on the above wording)
We soon had our first problem the road was being tarmacked but after asking if we could pass we were instructed to use the pavement, much to the annoyance of another worker further along, we did get away with taking some of his tar, HeHe.

After circumnavigating Horsham we turned into Rusper Road and unfortunately Liz came off her bike and cut her knee, luckily not too badly.
We soon had our first climb up Wimblands Hill passing the Frog and Nightgown, an interesting pub worth a look in, check that they are open first.

We got that over with then through Lambs Green and up Langhurst Lane into Orltons Lane ending up in Partridge Lane.
Charlwood Lane, Russ Hill, Rectory Lane then a climb on Norwood Hill Road. (I did say flattish ride)

We soon came across the second Road Closed sign and with a quick suggestion from Neil we set off along Bunce Road and a quick down hill to Brockham and tea in the Village tea rooms, yet again a warm welcome.

A big thank you to all of you who joined me on the flattish ride, to Dave Vine for back marking and to the many corner and junction markers who made the ride go so smoothly.

Geoff

Swains lane hill climb

I'm sure there are a few amongst us who would like a bash at this.
http://www.urbanhillclimb.com

Tony.

Folders to the Fens

Maggie and I have been talking about going to Ely for years.  Charming medieval city, beautiful cathedral, good restaurants; but somehow we have never managed to fit it in.  Over the last couple of days we seized what may be the last days of summer for a little tour in the Fens, and we had a great time.

We took a mid-morning train from East Croydon to Cambridge.  It takes about an hour and forty minutes, basically slow to London and fast after.  Perhaps surprisingly, we took our Bromptons, which may not be the most obvious touring choice, but they worked very well.  The luggage system is simple and robust, they are fuss-free on any train and the hotels just treated them as luggage, so no problems parking them overnight.  

For our ride we mainly stuck to NCN 11, which is a good route.  We diverted slightly a couple of times, mainly for views, and the Bromptons coped well enough with the few short gravel sections.  The surface was mostly good (better than Surrey), and the traffic light or non-existent.

Ely was exactly as our friends had said it was.  We visited the Cathedral, lodged comfortably and ate well.  One of the highlights of this part of the journey was the swarms of dragonflies as we crossed Wicken Fen.  I have never seen so many.

Next morning we set off for King's Lynn.  There was a steady North wind across the fens, so it was a much harder day.  The Brompton's gearing system gives a good range, and it can climb anything, but it's six speeds, so the gaps between the gears are large.  That's not ideal for a headwind, where you really want to vary the gearing up and down slightly as the wind changes.  We settled for a medium gear; I used 72" pretty much all the way.

Lunch at Downham Market ... Maggie had never tried Greggs before ... but we were soon fuelled and on our way again, coming in to King's Lynn mid afternoon.  We had wondered about arranging to meet Irene, but our timetable was a bit uncertain, so we'll sort something out on our next visit.

We know King's Lynn quite well; the Medieval and Hanseatic parts are quite charming, the modern town rather less so, but we had an enjoyable evening and an easy trip home this morning - three hours door to door.

We're already talking about our next trip ...

Mark

We'd 5th September B ride

Lunch at Abinger Hatch.  T at Stoke d'Ab Garden centre.  Some off road bridleway east of Hungry Hill.  Anyone who knows the off road round the back from Shere to Abinger please attend as I didn't have time to recce it, just saves a mile of A25.

Viva Aviva!

Hi all, I am sure many of us consider bike insurance an important part of our home insurance and after some research I am happy to recommend Aviva. What I really liked about their policy is that you don't have to list your bikes or how many bikes you have.  You only need to advise them of the value of your most expensive bike. The premium was very competitive and for those of you who use Quidco or Top Cashback you can often get an additional  £50-70 back.  .... feel free to ask me if you would like more info!  Mike

A Group ride 5th September

After much riding back and forth I have finally decided on a pub and directions, I must first say a big thank you to Ken Day and his son Paul for looking at the route and offering alternative suggestions but after careful thought I have decided that I would go with my first idea of having a flatish ride.

My route will take us over many of the roads we often travel to get south, going through Leatherhead, Brockham, Rusper and finishing at Warnham.
The route out will have one section of rough stuff on Coach Road, Betchworth Golf Club. There is that awful section  of tarmac through the trees to Rusper. On the return leg Bush Lane off of the Rusper Road leading through to Wimland Road.
There will be some fast down gradients and for me some slow up gradients.

We shall be stopping for lunch at The Greets Inn, Friday Street. As with many pubs they have asked us to pre order.
The menu can be found on their website www.thegreetsinn.co.uk. I will have a copy of it with me but if you would have a look it may save some time.

I hope to have tea at Brockham Village Hall if not Denbies

See you all on Wednesday

Geoff

A Group ride....19 September. Advance notice.

I’m intending to lead the ride on 19 September to lovely Chichester from Walton. 55+ miles over the north and South Downs. Lots of train ticket bargains e.g. £5 to Clapham after 8pm (I’ve booked mine). Plenty of time to explore the cathedral and sample a pint or two in Wetherspoons across the road. If we make good time we could add some mileage by heading out to the Witterings for a paddle in the sea. Lunch stop and route closer to the date.

B Group - 29th August

Overnight rain which was gradually moving eastwards with fine weather behind it, was still coming down at 9.00 a.m. for some and must have deterred a few from coming out to play.  However, despite these conditions, a fair number turned up at Leatherhead Day Centre and the weather did improve.  Indeed the sun was even trying to come out as B Group set off with a total of 16 riders, including newcomer Stephen, at approx. 11.30 a.m.  We headed straight to the path alongside the Dorking Road but soon turned off to go through the farm & came out on the path again, opposite Mickleham.  Taking the Mickleham Road, we rejoined the Dorking Road, crossed over via the underpass and continued to Deepdene Station where we re-crossed and headed up to the A25 roundabout.  After yet another crossing to the cycle path on the A25, we turned due south and straight up Punchbowl Lane.  Steep climbs are usually rewarded with good downhill runs and this one took us to Blackbrook Road.  We continued south to the Red Lane turn-off and another, lesser climb!  Now came the really enjoyable bit as we travelled due east along pleasant, flat, country lanes to the Tapners Road junction.  Turning left and heading northwards, we completed the square by going westwards on to Wellhouse Road, from which a right and a left brought us out on to Middle Street with the Brockham Cricket Club just up ahead at about 12.45 p.m.

Tables and chairs had been put out in the sunshine by Simon and were already being occupied by early arrivals.  We soon joined them & brought out our BYO picnic lunches. Tea & coffee were on offer in the clubhouse, also two cakes and a quiche kindly provided by Geoff and Carolyn.  After last year's rain, this year's picnic in the sun was a great success and much enjoyed - thank you to Simon and others involved. Thank you too to Frances and Mike B for more nice cakey things.

We are also very grateful for the donation given to the club by Ted Cole in May to remember his late brother George. The fee for the hire of the Cricket Club pavillion was met from his kind gift.

The afternoon ride was very straightforward - the usual route via the Golf Course, Pixham Lane, back to Leatherhead where traffic was heavy due to the closure of Young Street (road up to Bocketts).  We quickly escaped by going across on the path to the Fetcham Road, through Fetcham, up the hill (yes, another one!) with its glorious long downhill past the Yehudi Menuhin School, through Stoke D'Abernon, turning off to go via the Fairmile to the Portsmouth Road and so to the National Trust Cafe at Claremont where eight of us stopped for tea.  Thanks to Tim for back-marking and to all who came on the ride.

Gill Finlay

Panorama of lunching Wayfarers by Simon

 

Munching our way through the contents of our tuck boxes

Mmmm! Don't like the look of those black clouds

The new Stephen with Ian and Steph

Robin Johnson RIP

I am so glad that both Stephanie & Ian managed to take Robin's 85th Birthday card to him last week. It is however ironic that I was scrolling through my camera photo's yesterday only to see a photo of Robin enjoying lunch with the Wayfarers in March 2017.
I feel that it is entirely appropriate to publish Robin's picture enjoying a lovely lunch, something he has not done recently for some time.
May he rest in peace!

 

Double chocolate and zucchini cake

Hello, I was asked about the cake that I brought to the picnic and have attached the recipe.

Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread

I did not have to cook this year as my daughter Ruth offered and who would not take up that type of offer.
Many thanks to all those that ate and enjoyed it

Geoff

Robin Johnson has died

We have just received this sad news from Richard Murphy in an email which he sent yesterday but which I didn't pick up until this afternoon:

I am very sorry to tell you that Robin passed away this morning. His condition had declined fairly quickly over recent weeks. He died peacefully in Chiswick Nursing Centre.

He continued to have regular visits from family and friends and I know that he enjoyed these and that they were important to him.

I would be grateful if you would pass on this sad news to your colleagues in the cycling club.

I will let you know about the funeral arrangements once these are made.

Regards,

Richard

Richard Murphy
(Godson)

A group ride 29 August (picnic day at Brockham)

Important notes!

1. Remember that Simon is kindly transporting all our picnics from Leatherhead (Fairfield Centre) to Brockham cricket pavilion. As the Fairfield centre is right next to Sainsbury's, I will probably arrive a bit early and get my picnic there.
2. There are some off-road sections in this ride - but nothing that can't be done quite easily on a road bike.

It's only 6 miles (direct route) from Leatherhead to Brockham, so I've planned a tortuous S-shaped route through the Surrey hills so that we don't get there ridiculously early (but still allowing plenty of time for picnicking, don't worry).  We will start uphill towards Headley then down "Little Switzerland" (aka more mundanely Headley Lane) to Mickleham. Ignoring the temptation of Box Hill we will cross underneath the A24 to Westhumble then all the way up Chapel Lane (tough climb) to Polesden Lacey. I've copied Ged's off-road route from Poleseden Lacey to Ranmore Common Road (thanks Ged!), then through Dorking and via Punchbowl Lane, Tilehurst Lane and Strood Green to Brockham. After the picnic we're heading via Pixham Lane, past Denbies, up Box Hill, through Headley and finishing via the green and pleasant land of Ashtead Common and Horton Country Park (a route Simon which showed me last week - thanks Simon!). Tea will be at Horton Park Golf Club (but note they don't serve cakes - only sandwiches I'm afraid - so maybe save a bit of your picnic for teatime!).

B Group 22 August - Mr Morley's Nightmare (rev)

I was concerned to read of Mr Morley's embarrassment at not being able to get his shoe out of the pedal at Caterham.

To clarify the issue of the  shoe, criticised by MM, and on offer from the excellent Spa cycles.
 

I have used this leather shoe for commuting and leisure cycling for a quarter of a century, kept in condition by regular polishing.  I recently had to replace these shoes for no other reason than that the sole of the left shoe had worn down beyond the cleat, which made it slippery on walking on hard surfaces.  A new pair of cleats was obviously not the answer. One pair of shoes used pretty well daily for a quarter of a century. I was delighted to find the identical shoe still being made and available from Spa. How many really comfortable leather shoes used daily have you got that have lasted that long? And that you can still replace?

As for the solution to Mr Morley's problem, Shimano seems to have anticipated this in the design of their SPD pedals. No more than an alan key is needed to adjust the tightness of grip on the cleat. I know that MM has previously had difficulties with his foot coming out of the pedal. Might he now have over-tightened the adjustment screw? To be fair, however, the adjusting screw is inaccessible with the shoe in place, so brute force may be the only answer. Or did somebody maliciously use superglue? 

I do hope that he has by now been able to remove his shoe from his pedal. The problem however would seem to be with the cleat, not the shoe.

Let nobody be in any doubt about the excellence of the Exustar Stelvio touring shoe. If it is good enough for Chris Juden, it is good enough for me.

Jeff