Strava vs Komoot

Stephen Hickey has drawn my attention to an article by Paul Norman (dated 21st April) and featured on Pearson Cycles' website:

Strava vs Komoot

This is quite a hot topic for conversation amongst members including some who are also thinking of purchasing a Garmin or other device and several who already use the basic features of RideWithGPS and a few who subscribe to RwGPS ($50 p.a.) to use its advanced features.

Note that these are not the only products out there. My advice is to see how far you can get with the basic free feature set on any product before committing to a subscription. For navigation consider how you will attach your phone to the handlebars and how to keep it dry if it is not a waterproof model. All products require quite a commitment to learning how to use them to get the best from them.

~ Tim

Invitation to Join the B Group Ride, 28th April.

I have given myself the rare treat of leading the B Group on 28th April. You are cordially invited to join this ride. Steph, Tony Hooker and Tony Hopkins have kindly offered to be sub-leaders.

Elevenses will be at the Pheasantry cafe, Bushy Park, and lunch at the Watermans Arms, Eton. Tea, for those following the full route, will be at the Cowey Sale cafe, Walton Bridge.

The route to lunch is flat, 17miles, with a few gravel paths, and passes through Hanworth, Feltham, Stanwell Moor, Horton, and Datchet. After lunch there is one climb - from Old Windsor up Crimp Hill, (but with the descent of Tite Hill to Egham soon after). Thereafter the route passes through Staines and Laleham, following the Thames, in two stretches, to Walton on Thames. (16miles).

I'll be doing another recce of the route on Monday - with co-leaders if they wish, and will then put the route on the blog (in Garmin .gpx) or Ride with GPS if requested, for those wanting to follow the course on the day.

Unfortunately the Waterman's Arms pub doesn't take bookings for outdoor tables, but the landlady has assured me that there should be plenty of spaces from midday on Wednesday. Likely gaps in groups arriving should make it easier. We have also been requested, if possible, to use smart-phones to order food and drink from the menu. (There is also a very large beer-garden at the JD Wetherspoons, The King and Castle, just over the bridge in Windsor, should there be insufficient outdoor tables).

I'm aware that some riders may wish to avoid Crimp Hill, so if you could let me know, arrangements will be made for one group to follow a flatter route through Runnymede.

Please respond to:- gedlawrenson150@gmail.com if you want to join this ride. Deadline:- 6.00pm on Monday. 

Whilst Covid-19 restrictions are easing it is still vital as a club we ride in groups of six or less, keep in our groups during the day, and follow social distancing guidelines at all times. See our guidelines. There's a slight chance we may bump into the A Group around Bedfont - on their way to Burnham Beeches, so don't get caught-up with the greyhounds!

I'll email the groups and starting times on Tuesday, and look forward to riding with you on Wednesday.

B Group - 21st April, to Tanhouse Farm

Pete with beer and climbing legs

Twenty-two jolly Wayfarers met at Layla’s café in Effingham (a new elevenses venue for us) and we were made very welcome.

After consuming coffee and cake we had a reasonably hilly ride over Ranmore and up to Abinger Hatch, then a very scenic route via Friday Street around the south side of Leith Hill towards Coldharbour. Then a very quick decent down Broomehall Lane to Ockley, then on to Capel, Rusper and Tanhouse Farm for lunch, interrupted by two noisy donkeys.
Bless them!!

John, Pete Foster, Paula, Clive

Paula and Clive

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you all for joining me on my ride, so nice to see you all. A big thanks to David, Jennie and Christina for sub leading.

Pete B

______________________________________________

Jennie J wrote:

Stunning weather, can highly recommend the café, made most welcome by the owner, an excellent place to start. Four started, all slightly apprehensive about the hills, which proved unnecessary, as everyone coped very well. I haven’t cycled with Terry for a while, but my god, can he climb! If we didn’t have Covid I would have shaken his hand. At the end of Broomehall, we stopped to chat about the place where Oliver Reed lived, we continued onto Tanhouse where we caught up with Sue and Steve Foster, great to see them.

Terry and Pete

Steve, Sue and Jennie

Bob and Tim

After lunch, onto Denbies, where we stopped for tea, where if you want to sit at a table you now need to book, otherwise it’s the grass. Great day and company. A huge thanks to Pete for a great route.

______________________________________________

David J wrote:

Yes, a really good and challenging ride Pete, really enjoyed by my group. After lunch, we rode some well-known roads, Church Lane/Hoggspudding Lane by Newdigate church, and towards Denbies via Roothill Lane. From here we somewhat dispersed and made our way home. Well done Pete for the route and a truly great day!

Photo finish for David's team at Tanhouse Farm

Three geezers from Team 4

_____________________________________________

For Christina's group Helen wrote:

Lady's smocks, cowslips and bluebells...our B group ride to Tanhouse via Coldharbour, and Ockley was delightful with spring flowers flourishing in the woods and hedgerows along so much of the route. Inder joined our Wednesday ride for the first time, and I have not been out with the Bs for nearly a year, so we had a little correspondence beforehand about whether we felt quite up to it; but the weather was lovely, Steph was leading us and Brenda to coffee at Effingham from North Cheam, and Pete's route sounded lovely, so away we went. Coffee meetup was lively and social, nice catch ups with old friends not seen for a while.

Christina lead us out from coffee and we were all straight up the hill towards White Down. I'd heard that this was a terrifyingly difficult hill and drop and it's true, it's not easy up, but we did ok. Steph is a very kind and patient back marker... The drop is steep in places, but my brakes didn't squeal much and it was most enjoyable☺

Next was up to Abinger Common, such a pretty village. Christina lead three of us up to Friday Street , while Steph and I took photos at the well and cruised round the flat(ter) approach to chilly Coldharbour, enjoying some pretty outlooks along the way. There were still quite a lot of daffodils along sunny banks, (the ones in my garden finished ages ago!), including lots, a fabulous display, just outside Christ Church, where we rejoined the group. Here we visited the very well cared-for grave of the famous 20th century Polish poet and writer Marian Hemar and his wife Caja, who was the Columbia Films golden goddess. They settled in the area and made it their home after WW2, when Poland of course was behind the Iron Curtain.

 We enjoyed the longer and mostly more gentle ride down towards Ockley; the south facing slopes had many woodland bluebells in flower; halfway down a couple had parked their car and were taking photos. Generally from here the roads were a little busier, but most of our route to lunch was quiet traffic wise. We were very hungry by Tanhouse, where we arrived at about 1.30, and enjoyed their delicious lunch.

It was agreed not to stop at Denbies for tea. We all set off  towards Brockham. Inder and I headed along the carriageway from there, cutting through Pixham with Steph. Christina and Brenda went via the ZigZag while the rest of us headed up to Leatherhead, then back over Ashtead and Epsom Commons. Very tired over the last few miles, but so pleased and satisfied with our enjoyable day out.

Many thanks Christina for leading and Steph backmarking, and to all our group for kindness, support, fun and encouragement over the day.

Stephen, Christina, Brenda, Steph, Helen and Inder

______________________________________________ 

 

Invitation to Join the 'A' Group Ride on Weds 28 April

The 'A' Group ride  on 28 April will start from Molesey Lock (near Hampton Court Bridge).   Coffee shops and stalls abound in the vicinity (don't overlook Molesey Boat Club a bit further along the towpath) and the route begins 'very conveniently' as you'll see!

We're heading north west for a change, and co-leaders Frances, Hans and Mike have very kindly agreed to help me whisk you to lunch at the Fox and Pheasant, Stoke Poges ( https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/buckinghamshire/fox-pheasant/ - NB, there is an order and pay app you can download before setting off).

After lunch there will be a mini-tour of Burnham Beeches before we head back to tea at Shepperton or Walton.

The total distance is about 45 miles and the route is flattish by 'A' standards, with only about 850 ft of climbing (and some of that is footbridges)!   Quite a few cycle paths are involved, but virtually everything is well surfaced, and the remainder will not present any problems, so you needn't bring your gravel bike!

We'll be riding and keeping in groups of six and respecting Covid-19 restrictions and guidance.

If you'd like to sign up please e-mail me at cycledave23@gmail.com by Monday evening.

You can find the route at https://www.strava.com/routes/2819111915196439596 or I can send you the .gpx with your confirmation.

Dave

FORTHCOMING ATTRACTIONS (!)

Weds 12 May - 'A' Group ride planned from Shepperton to Velolife Bike Cafe, Warren Row (nr Henley) and back to  Addlestone/Walton, about 50 miles round trip.   Volunteer co-leaders needed, so please let me know if you could help.   Optional recce ride to be arranged.

A Tribute to Mike Morley from St. Raphael's Hospice.

This kind tribute to Mike Morley appeared in the recent edition of The Raphaelite, the newsletter of St. Raphael's Hospice. Lets hope many of us are able to ride the Hilly 50 this year - the new Paul James's edition, or the original version, and support a worthy cause dear to Mike's heart.

A Group to Puttenham, 21 April

What a lovely day for a ride in a 4x5.   Twenty riders gathered in various places around Bookham at various times, the leaders having to round up their flocks for the ride to Puttenham, with two different route options.  It was nice to see John Bassett, who came to elevenses to say hello and then returned home.  First off was Neil Warland's group, who chose the off-road route using the old Saxon drove road along the top of the Downs to Guildford, with a bit more off-road along the Christmaspie trail after lunch:

Great Bookham has a few things in its favour as a start location, riders visiting this for the first time may try Claire's cafe up from the loos, but it is not a cafe to repeat visit if you like good coffee, whereas the bakery down on the High Street does great coffee and Portuguese tarts. At 10:25 I went in search of two missing members of the group, they had chosen Claire's, and we set off a few minutes later. The weather was so much better than forecast earlier, and stayed surprisingly good through the day. I set a keen pace up Green Dene, then we had the offroad section. It was paths like this that led me last October to get my current bike with wider tyres, I can't say it was smooth, but it must have been a rougher ride for others. Exiting the trail at Newlands Corner was a wonderful view. We visited the memorial telling of the gift of Pewley Down lands by Friary brewery, next time we see their beer on tap we should get one and thank them. After Farncombe rail crossing we climbed the understated Farncombe Hill, ( really, only 10%!?). Then looking over the spires of Charterhouse I recounted something of their most famous pupil Lord Liverpool, Disraeli dissed Liverpool's Prime Ministership as 'Arch-mediocrity', but without his effective leadership, Abba could not later write "My, my - at Waterloo, Napoleon did surrender". Dave B. added one essential fact about Charterhouse - it was where Genesis got together. Nice lanes and views to Puttenham, especially Cuttmill Lake, the Good Intent service was again good and prompt, more great touring lanes getting close back to Ripley. Thanks Simon for a great route.

Cuttmill Lake

Newlands Corner

Second off was Ged's group, who chose the on-road option:

The road group five soon became four after Sebastian departed after Shere, leaving me in the company of Frances, Fiona and Janice to tackle the road route. We were forced to stop at the Farncombe level crossing, giving me the chance to mention the 10% Farncombe Hill ahead: at the top we caught our breath and agreed it felt steeper! A missed right turn at Hurtmore - on the way to Shackleford, was soon corrected, proving that two Garmin's were better than one! The sunny Good Intent garden was reached at 12.20pm for an early lunch. Frances and Fiona pressed-on at tea, leaving two for tea, shortly joined by Neil's group. After tea - and proving we were not just roadies, Janice and I crossed the bone-dry Prince's Coverts to Claygate on the way home.

Ripley roaders

Next came Dave Vine's group with more off-road, and a bonus bit of off-road that Ged's on-road group were very lucky to escape:

We left around 5 minutes late, and the climb up Green Dene warmed us up. After that initial exertion your route along the Downs was almost entirely downhill. Even those of us who are off-road sceptics, including me, could agree that it was a nice change from busy roads, and the view from Pewley Down was superb. The final descent around Guildford Castle gives one the feeling of following an ancient trading route.

I can't say the later climbs through Farncombe and up Suffield Lane were welcome but we were in Puttenham just after 1pm, which I think was on-schedule. All our food arrived quickly, except my sandwich which disappeared into a black hole somewhere between the pre-payment and the kitchen. Eventually it emerged, but I fear we delayed your group's departure as I saw that you were obliged to while away the time with coffees in the sunshine.

After lunch we struggled with lactic acid and the gradient of Wanborough Hill and soon appreciated why our morning progress had been so easy, as the lively NE wind set in. No matter, we plugged on. Denied access to Chitty's Common by a huge truck delivering building materials we took local advice and rode a boardwalk across the common. A photo would have been nice, but I think we were all concerned not to fall off into the alligator swamp below.

After that excitement it was just a case of hiding from the headwind as much as possible. Nobody fancied tea by the busy Ripley High Street, though the Bakery was tempting for some, so we parted company for home.

Thanks to Sue and Gina for their company. Neil backmarked when he wasn't up front keeping the wind off me, when Dave took over. Finally, Jackie couldn't be with us today, but hopefully will next week.

Pewley Down

... but I had saved the cream of the riders for my own group: Pete B, Alan, Brian and David F tackled the off-road route, which was so dry that it was a bit lumpy in places.   We had to stop once or twice to make sure no bits had shaken loose, from us or the bikes.  Gently downhill all the way from the top of Combe Lane to Pewley Down - ah, we could imagine how the Saxon shepherds would have followed ye olde lambs frolicking on the way to market.   Then a vertiginous drop past the castle into Guildford - maybe they just rolled the sheep down that bit?   We were almost at lunch, but I know how keen the A group are, so the route didn't take the first signposted turn to Puttenham, nor the second.  A meandering route, in the vertical direction as well as the horizontal, allowed us to work up an appetite for lunch.   As we arrived we just saw Ged's group disappearing up the slope away from the pub.

The Good Intent seem to have it all worked out well.  Lunch was swiftly served, and we were thinking about going, but there was a problem.  Dave's group were being entertained by a story from Neil C.   In order to preserve a polite distance from them on the road, we ordered some coffees.   Drank them.   The story was still ongoing, but it finished shortly after that; nobody was in a hurry it seems, and it was a lovely day for sitting in the garden in the sunshine.   Suddenly! Just as we left a fierce headwind sprang up, and we had to battle with it all the way home.  After our lunch we were riding powerfully and we were soon overtaking lorries and cars as we climbed up the steep slope over the Hogs Back.  (The traffic was stationary.)   We luckily avoided Dave's detour into the alligator swamp, as the delivery truck was just leaving, and headed back to Ripley, arriving just in time to place our last orders before they closed for tea.   

Newlands Corner

Pewley Down

Thank you to our co-leaders for their help in making a successful day, and to Brian who back-marked for our group, something which he said was easy with a small group, but it is still reassuring.  Also to Mark who showed us the drove road route in December(!) 2016.

The Return of Wayfarers Group Rides: Don't Delay - Have your Say.

 A Framework for the return of normal Wayfarers rides was posted on the blog on 12th April.

Do you want to return to riding in large groups, or stick to smaller groups now running? Your views will shape how Wayfarers rides are run in the future.

If you haven't already done so please respond by Monday 26th April.

Invitation to the A group ride on April 21

You are cordially invited to join the A group ride to probably the best pub in Puttenham, the Good Intent, on April 21st.   The exceptionally dry weather has opened up the chance to revisit the scenic High Level Route discovered by Mark Gladwyn several years ago along the North Downs Way to Guildford.  This has some off-road, but Don't Panic!!!   a) it's not that scary, and b) for the off-road hesitant, there is an on-road alternative group.

I have found a most convenient start point at the conveniences, Great Bookham, with at least three cafes nearby, recommended by the B group after their ride on 31 March.  (I'll add cafe details after the recce).   Tea is at Ripley.

We have been asked to pre-order food from the menu here.  Please let me know by Monday 6pm if you would like to join the ride, your meal choice, and which ride option (main or alternative) you would prefer.

The biggest hill on the route is the ascent of Green Dene to the top of Combe Lane, so it's not very hilly, but it's not flat either.  From the top of Combe Lane, the off-road route follows the North Downs Way to Guildford.  This is hard-packed mud, dry, mostly smooth, and fairly level or gently downhill, and takes you to Newlands Corner and then on to Pewley Down above Guildford before rejoining tarmac for a steep descent into Guildford - good brakes essential.  There are a few muddy puddles to ride around and tree roots to avoid, so you need to leave gaps to see what's coming, but it's a wide track and there is no rush.

The on-road route follows roads and rejoins the off-road route at Shalford, for a few undulations via Shackleford to lunch.

After lunch, there is again a short off-road option along the lovely Christmaspie trail, flat and easy riding, while the on-road alternative does a slightly longer loop to rejoin at Wood Street before heading to Ripley.

Routes and mileages: main (with off-road sections): 35 miles, 1470 feet of ascent.  Alternative (all on road): 37.3 miles, 1580 feet of ascent.

B Group ride on 21st April

Pete Beyer invites you to join his ride from Effingham next Wednesday.

The intention is for the groups to meet in The Street at Effingham. To get there, if you have approached it from Bookham, turn left at the roundabout a little way beyond the entrance to the Vineries and ride up past the Sir Douglas Haig pub. There are a couple of places you can get coffee (The Coffee Bar and The Bakery).

The plan is go up onto Ranmore, down White Down, climb to Abinger Hatch, then Friday Street, Leith Hill, and on towards Coldharbour, then down to Ockley. Round the south side of Capel, along to Rusper then turn north to Tanhouse Farm for lunch.

After lunch turn into Church Lane/Hoggspudding Lane by Newdigate church, and head towards Denbies via Roothill Lane.

Hopefully we shall arrive at Denbies in time for tea.

The majority of the climbing is before lunch, 19 miles, after lunch just 9 miles to Tea.

If you want to preview the route or download it for your navigation gizmo this is it:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35678828

As Pete is currently without internet access please email David Jackson at d.jackson49@aol.co.uk by 18.00 hrs. on Monday 19th April if you wish to join the ride. He will send out details of your groups of 6 and start times on Tuesday.

David has phoned The Vineries to ask if they will be open to serve morning tea/coffee; they are open on a takeaway basis so that you can sit outside and drink it. This may appeal to some because The Vineries has toilets. However do remember that this is NOT the start point for the ride so allow plenty of extra time to get to the start for your scheduled departure.

Please observe the current Covid riding rules here, especially around keeping to your groups of 6.

Old Moat Garden Centre Cafe

Unfortunately the cafe is closed for the time being. There was a fire in late February and at present the repairs are not complete and so they have been unable to reopen the cafe.

A Group ride 14th April

This week the sun was out and the prospect of going further afield attracted 22 riders split into four groups. Elevenses was held for the first time at the Six Bells, Newdigate who are offering a cyclists menu from 9-12.  From there a devious route to Warnham took us up Broomehall Road to Leith Hill, down Tanhurst Lane and then Lyefield/Somersbury Lanes to Ellens Green before turning east to Warnham. Back via Rusper and Partridge Lane. About 38 miles from Newdigate to Denbies. 

Reports as follows:

First off was Janice's group:

Hans, Fiona, Dave B, Mike R and Patrick were already at the Six Bells tucking into their cyclists coffee and muffin when I arrived a little later than needed. I quickly caught up with a coffee and very good croissant and then it was straight on the bike to head for the hills.

I’m not sure that it was a help having the ascent of Leith Hill via Broome Hall Road in my recent memory from the recce, knowing exactly what was coming. However, we all agreed that the advert for e bike hire was extremely well placed!

With clear sunny weather the views were spectacular and we stopped for a photo at the top of Tanhurst Lane. The descent wasn’t too bad, the road having cleared and dried a bit even since the recce. Just the potholes to watch out for.

Lovely roads and just the roadworks requiring bikes to be carried on the grass verge and we were soon at the Sussex Oak. Hans had a devious plan and ordered 10 minutes after the rest of us but was served his hot food 20 minutes before us. Never mind, he had to put up with our comments and drooling as he happily got stuck in.

Leaving the pub we were straight into what felt like a fierce headwind but we decided not to stop at Denbies. Patrick had a birthday to celebrate (and cake to eat) and Mike had a 6.15 booking in his 3rd pub of the day.

A lovely route, enjoyed by all. Thanks for your company and especially to Mike for sub-navigating and Dave for back marking. 

Frances was off next with her team seen here at lunch. Geoffrey's bike needed a little attention before the ride and he joined us for coffee just after Frances left and then rejoined them for lunch.

Next off was Dave:

My team assembled punctually in the Six Bells garden in glorious sunshine ready for the scheduled start. However, due to some coffee and cake orders being diverted to the later group, and poor Geoff not even getting his cake, we were on our way about 5 mins late, conscious of Brian's Hares on our tail. We were all quite hot huffing and puffing our way bravely up Broom Hall lane, tempted by the E bike adverts strategically placed there. We paused briefly on Coldharbour lane  to catch our breath, admire the views and and take some water before beginning the careful decent of Tanhurst lane. Could have been even more eventful as your truly discovered his front wheel  quick release  was undone and stopped to make good. Only ever happened to me twice, both times on Leith Hill. Must be sending me a subliminal message. We then enjoyed the run to lunch, progress a bit disrupted by the "Road Closed"  tarmac crew who were definitely not there on the Recce. There was much excitement at having a pub garden lunch with a few enjoying the first pint of cask beer in many months. Happy Days! The pub was working hard to feed and water a full garden of guests resulting in the Lunch stop being  five or ten mins  over the hour. By that time the sun had gone, the wind had picked up and we were starting to feel much cooler. Langhurst Lane hills soon warmed us up. After Rusper it was largely downhill via the very scenic Partridge Lane route Brian had chosen. However for sub group leaders the increasing northerly headwind was not quite so appreciated. Unfortunately my phone and power bank decided to give up the ghost before we reached Dorking (it lasted the whole ride last Friday -but with only 1 pit- stop. Note to self for future rides.  Geoff kindly gave advanced warning of upcoming turns on his still functioning Garmin. We made one further unscheduled comfort stop before arriving at Denbies around 4 pm (just ahead of Brian's hares) . Half the group decided to head for tea and myself, Gina and Geoff needed to head off home. Our sub - group pace was a reasonable  12.5 mph against the 13.5 to 14.5 pace set by the quicker sub groups. My group unanimously enjoyed the outing and join me in offering many thanks to Brian for a great route and extremely well organised pub garden pit stops. 

 

Finally my group left about twenty minutes after Dave. It was mostly uneventful except for the tarmac crew at Rowhook so I don't have a lot to add. No yellow advance warning signs on the recce - and I had checked the roadworks map - but that's for Surrey and Rowhook is in Sussex you silly so and so! Just as well we weren't 20 minutes later when they would have got the bit with no verge! 

 

We enjoyed the beer and lunch but but now the pressure on the kitchen was telling and we didn't get our food until after 2.15. We finally left at about 2.50 concious of what we thought was the 4.30 Denbies deadline. We pushed hard after crossing the railway and made it back just after 4 to find that Denbies had closed early - the only negative thing in a very good day. My thanks to my riders and to Janice, Frances and Dave for their efforts and company on the recce.

B Group to Forest Green - 14th April

One of us after all (thanks to Pam for sending this)

On the way down to Ryka’s with Sue and Anne, Sue mentioned that the route referenced in my invitation didn’t seem to go to The Parrot. I had a mild panic but was pleased to learn when I saw John just before he departed with his first group that I had given the correct route to the three sub-leaders but that in my plan I had simply omitted the turn off Ockley Road into Horsham Road where The Parrot is situated. Phew!

Panic over, we took off down towards Brockham via the Coach Road, commencing our circular ride up Root Hill, then Parkgate, Newdigate, Capel and Ockley, and across Stane Street to Forest Green. After commencing our new post-lockdown season with two fairly challenging rides I thought that the least I could do was ease into the day with a morning of gentle undulations. So it was, and although the season has yet to spring into its full verdant leafiness there was the lovely Surrey countryside rolling by with lots of little roadside flowers to enjoy, including I believe a few bluebells, though probably the naughty Spanish sort and not our own more modest English ones. 

For lunch I chose The Parrot because it was halfway around the course I had planned, thinking then of Tea in Ashtead. Since many of us would have a longish ride down to Ryka’s I thought that 15.5 miles to lunch was about right, allowing also that the last group wouldn’t be leaving Ryka’s until 11:20.

However, in correspondence with Chris, the Manager, when I made the booking it was clear that they would be very pleased to have us all to lunch and we received a warm welcome. We parked on the lawn around the back and sat out in the sun on their spacious patio, venturing indoors only to use the amenities.

The menu didn’t have sandwiches and not many light bites but most of us were happy to dive into the main menu for what was a most satisfying lunch. (note to self: must go again). Ann Bath left us after lunch to go home and see Steve to make sure he wasn’t laid low by his second vaccination.

Brenda, Stephen, Ann, Tim C, Anne, Sue F

Dave, Steph, Tony, Martin, Grant

Tim G, Christina, Colin, Jackie, Simon

John, Pete, Sue C, Terry

Pete, Terry, John, Clive, Sue, Yasmine

Yasmine, Clive, John, Terry Sue

Goats cheese quiche and Anne W

A pudding fit for a a leader

After lunch we had a bit of climbing to do so departed from the Parroty paradise of wholesome refreshment for the climb up to Holmbury St Mary, and at Sutton Abinger, up some more to Abinger Common. Balchins Lane and NCN Route 22 took us into Dorking and at Ryka’s our group decided to take the easy option with a Tea stop in Leatherhead. At Westhumble one of our first-time riders, Stephen Morris left us to catch the train home for which he had a return ticket. Along the Mickleham bypass path we had turned to cross the old bridge over the Mole to pass the Norbury Park Farm which I see is also home to a Surrey Wildlife Trust office. As the three remaining people in our team assembled on the bridge for a photo shoot Brian Bent emerged from the farm road. He had been pottering around on his bike and was heading down to Denbies. That was a nice surprise.

Anne, Sue and Brenda with a surprise appearance from Brian

 

Charlie and Ginger was closed so Brenda, Sue, Anne and myself decided to brave the cold and sit outside the Amici Café for coffee and hot chocolate. During lockdown, if anything was open at all in Leatherhead it was this modest little café with its very genial and hospitable proprietor so we were pleased to stop there again before the final leg home.

Brenda, Anne and Sue

 

It was a pleasure to welcome two new people to the Wayfarers, Stephen Morris and Anne Walker, both experienced cyclists who took the day’s riding in their stride. And we should mention Clive Janes who came riding with us for the first time last week and, without explanation, came back again yesterday for more. Welcome back to Martin Gandy who hasn't been out with us for ages. From A Group we had two guest riders, Jackie Townsend and Simon Lambourn who enjoyed their day out with us, a little respite from their usual hard-core rides I imagine.

It was just as well that I had co-opted three sub-leaders. After a quiet start to the bookings we ended up with 22 riders. Thank you very much to John A, Dave (fixed wheel/knobbly knees) and Tim Gibbons for delivering your teams to The Parrot and leading them home again. 

Thank you to everyone for your company and your enthusiasm. Thank you to our several photographers.

~ Tim

Postscript:

Brenda lubricating her other bike at home

A lovely day by the Thames: C group 14 April

We met for coffee yesterday at lovely Molesey Boat Club, with its roof level outdoor terrace and wonderful pastries - perfect for our gathering on such a bright and sunny morning. Nine set out from N Cheam in two groups; Kam with her niece, Antra on a new bike received for her 18th birthday a few weeks ago; Frank, Maureen, Dawn, Anne, Sandie, Godfrey and me. At Molesey we were pleased to see John Bellamy and Bernard, both joining us for their first outing of the season; Don, who greeted us but had another group to go to (such luxury after the winter indoors!); Ed and Gillian. Godfrey headed home after coffee, so we had two sixes for our ride to lunch along the river to Marble Hill Park. We took the Barge Walk to Kingston bridge then headed through Hampton Wick. The first group stayed with the Teddington Road; John B lead our second group along the much quieter lower road, until we rejoined the main route through to Twickenham at Manor Road, by Teddington Lock. At the end of Cross Deep we took the pedestrian crossing and entered Wharf Lane rejoin the river. The path took us to the gate of Marble Hill, where we were surprised to see the first group heading in our direction from the other end of the park! We decided to stop for our picnic at the children's playground just outside the park, as there were benches by the riverside, with a lovely view of Ham House across the water. There's also a cafe, with basic but reasonably clean toilets. After lunch John and Bernard headed for home. The rest of us continued to Richmond bridge, then up the hill to the park; a nice challenge after our easy ride of the morning! Gillian, Ed and I stopped for tea at Roehampton gate while the others steamed on home. North Cheamers completed about 26 miles. Thanks everyone for delightful company and a most enjoyable day out. Dawn is leading our ride from Leatherhead next week. Please contact Helen by Monday to book your place.

Notice of 2021 Annual General Meeting

An online virtual AGM will be held on Tuesday 11 May, 2021 to start at 10:00 a.m.

We hope that as many people as possible will participate and we will invite everyone to connect from 09:30 onwards to be sure that we are all ready for the meeting itself to start at 10:00.

We will also hold a practice meeting at 09:30 on Tuesday 4th May, an open session to allow everyone to check that they can connect and to sort out any technical issues that may arise. Many of us will be prompted to install the 'Teams' app on our PCs or other chosen device so consider doing this before the session. 

Please register your intention to attend the AGM by email to the Secretary. Please also advise whether you will join the Practice Meeting and advise what device you will use to connect, (e.g. Windows PC or Laptop, Apple Mac PC or Laptop, Apple iPad, iPhone, Android Tablet, Android Phone)

To everyone who registers we will send instructions on how to set up and use Microsoft 'Teams' with an internet browser or using the 'Teams' app which will need to be installed at the time of joining the meeting or beforehand.

The meetings will be hosted on Cycling UK's 'Teams' platform and supervised by Tom Page at CUK.

For each meeting a web link will be emailed to all participants shortly before the meeting.

Tim

Hon. Secretary

CTC South west London

The Original Hilly 50

Would anyone be interested in riding a "Group of 6 Hilly 50" on the original (Ryka's to Box Hill) on Saturday 1 May in memory of Mike Morley? All donations to St Raphael's welcome.

 

 

Mike on Box Hill - KPRC Hilly 12 mile TT 2010

As you are aware this year the normal Hilly 50 open event fell victim to lockdown rules against group riding and straying far from home. Paul James organised a DIY Local H50 from Carshalton which raised around £700 for St Raphael's. It would be a fitting memorial to Mike if we could get to £1,000.

Please let me know if you are interested in riding the Group of 6 Hilly 50 (d.vine207@btinternet.com). Further details when I have an idea of numbers.