Lady Cyclists

 Last December, prompted by Neil, I was lucky enough to find a copy of 'Wheeling - A New and Exciting Game For Cyclists'  The write-up is here and it attracted a bit of interest.  The most important observation was the comment from Brian Bent, who thought that he might be able to make a replacement for the missing figurine.

The game was quite a success, and we played it at Christmas.  Maggs was appalled at the competitive impulse between my sister and myself, but we've been far worse at Monopoly.

Anyway, a couple of days ago, Brian turned up at my house with a little box in his hand.  He had made several replacement figurines, and they were of excellent quality.

Which did Brian make?

In fact, Brian was able to improve on a couple of the originals.  If you look at the picture, you will see that the right hand cyclist has no down tube.  That's an original, and it hasn't broken off, as the paint is intact.  Doing the castings Brian found that, unless great care was taken, small details would not be faithfully rendered.  In Jacques of London's workshop in 1896 it looks as if throughput was more important than artistry, and two of the three originals have no down-tube. The third is complete, as are all of Brian's.

Here's one of Brian's castings.  The flash has to be trimmed off, it has to be painted and mounted before it is ready to use.  There is a high level of skill involved throughout.

So I am in the very happy position of not only having a set of 'Wheeling', but one with a complete set of beautiful figurines, some better than new.

Thank you, Brian.  You will be the first to be invited to the forthcoming 'Wheeling' championship, to be held when the nights are drawing in and real cycling is less attractive.

Mark

A rookie sub leader’s perspective

As to Southwater, rookie sub-leader’s view.

Services offered: It’s been on my to do list for some time to be on the front of a Wednesday ride, rather than tagging on behind but still being involved with the “W” word made it a bit awkward to fit in a recce. However, I had a Monday and Tuesday free in the preceding week and Janice needed plus one sub-leader, so I offered my services, although not being of the hoped for gender!

Reconnaissance: I met Janice and Frances by Denbies (ironically on the Sunday because Monday’s weather looked iffy!) and we proceeded In to Dorking, so that Janice could show her Garmin the starting point. Then on to the first loaded GPX section to Rusper, stopping at Tanhouse for coffee and cake (rude not to).

After a fly-by of The Star Inn at Rusper, to be déjà vued from a different direction the following Wednesday, we switched to the main GPX of the (possible) whole route and essentially just followed it. There were no major roadworks or road surface issues to plan circumventions for, so quite straightforward, which was good but I was glad to be shown the slightly fiddly cut through at the roundabout after Broadbridge Heath.

We had lunch outside at Southwater Country Park cafe, which was nice but decided that it might be too small on a wet or possibly holiday busy day but more significantly, didn’t serve beer. Back into the village and I held Janice’s bike while she canvassed a couple of pubs, the Tipsy Fox getting the unanimous vote, then we sat nav’ed our way home.

The actual ride: Started at the Christian Centre in Dorking, I was pleased not to encounter any lightning bolts and had a nice filter coffee and slab of bread pudding, which was put to good use soon after. Lots of people wished me well as a newbie, which was nice and my group were also very supportive as we set off a little after the church bell tolled.

Left down the High Street, right up and over Cotmandene, short section of quite busy A24, then down Chart Lane. It soon became apparent that the day’s bonus feature was a nice headwind – great for me as my bike position is more air brake than aero, but we pressed on undeterred. I was aware that my back wheel was getting quite a lot of attention.

I was happy with navigating from the GPX (using a Wahoo Elemnt) but the recce definitely helped avoid the need to be constantly staring at it and made it possible to enjoy the very nice route. Thanks to Mike and Steve D for being official GPS backups.

One thing that caused an issue was keeping an eye on the flock. Being a bit stiff of neck, if I look round too far or too long I’m heading into oncoming traffic when I eyes front again but the group helped a lot by shouting out when we were losing people and of course the back marker, thanks Simon.

There were a couple of mechanicals outbound caused by new bike supply delays and someone having to use an old and somewhat clapped out bike for now. Dr Simon administered first ais and we made it to the excellent lunch venue (well done whoever chose it 😊)

One of the hardest things on these rides is getting going again after the meal but we did and enjoyed the return journey, apart from a short section of the A29 and a puncture, and got to a closed Denbies at about 4.30, I have to say that I’ve never felt the place was very welcoming at the best of times. We raided the shop instead and had a sugary picnic on the benches outside to end the ride.

I enjoyed the day and will definitely sub again. Thanks Nigel V, Simon L, Mike R, Richard B, Steve D and Neil W for good company and support.

Invitation to A Group ride 20th April

Our ride from Tanhouse Farm will follow much of the western section of the Tri-Vets 100 mile course - an ideal introduction/refresher for those aspiring to lead on June 15th. With only Mark and myself as leaders numbers will be restricted to 18 ( + Mark and I). 

It's a long morning ride, 29 miles to the Grantley Arms at Wonersh given the lack of a suitable earlier alternative. After lunch we continue to follow the Tri-Vets route to Ewhurst and then head back to Dorking via Abinger and Westcott. 

Tea is currently planned for the Old Clunker Cafe at Bikes Direct off Station Road, Dorking. 47 miles.

Please book your place by 6pm Monday. briangreenwood@yahoo.co.uk

The first group will probably leave about 1045 and the second about 11. 

Some may wish to catch the train to Dorking arriving 1014 which should allow for a very quick coffee and cake at Tanhouse  before 1100. I'm prepared to delay departure for 5 minutes or so but you take your chance on South Western Railway's timekeeping. I realise that others might want to cut for home after lunch via Ripley. If you plan to use either of these options please let me know so that I can balance the groups. Thanks.

Route here

Invitation to a B Group ride on 20th April

A cordial invitation to join next Wednesday’s ride out from Henfold Lakes, (RH5 4RW) traversing about 19ish Miles to The Pheasant at Buckland, (RH3 7BG) followed by about 12miles to tea/coffee at Leatherhead.

Route in Strava:

https://www.strava.com/routes/2935537425383138434

Or in RwGPS, including Cue sheet:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39083896

My Mobile =07952627346

Email = davey1828@gmail.com

Will be pleased to add your name to the ride list. 

Hopefully the Salisbury cyclists will have recuperated by Wednesday.

P.S. I should point out that there is a short sharp Hill just after the start of the ride, We just need to get it out of the way, so we can enjoy the rest of the ride.

Dave Cullen

Report for Easy Riders - 13th April

Mole Hall staff were pleased to see us as they had just installed a new coffee machine and wanted to give it a bit of a hammering. We were pleased that the weather was fine and to be graced by the presence of Tony Hooker for, I think, his first time with us. No route had been planned but we set off north to the Thames Path and rattled our way to Walton Bridge and then along the path by the Broad Water to Weybridge. We climbed up to Oatlands Park, crossed Queens Road to go through Burwood Park and down to Hersham. At the foot of Lammas Lane we crossed over to the Wayneflete Tower estate, rode down Moore Lane and made our way to Ye Olde Swan at Thames Ditton for lunch outside by the river on a fine sunny day.

 

John

Report for A group ride 13 April

 20 A group Wayfarers met at St Martins, Dorking where reasonable coffee and home made bread pudding were on offer. Always a good start!

The weather promised to be warmer than of late which enticed a couple to dig out their shorts. Very brave I thought, although the stiff headwind on the way out did much to help me warm up.

Frances’ group was off first and here’s her report.

The weather was warm and sunny at the start point, where we were the first group off, Neil, Dave F, John B, Dave V (backmarker), Geoff and Keith.

I had the added benefit of two elite riders, Neil and Dave V who had just completed 300KM at the weekend so what's a few more KM's - amazing their resilience. We headed out of Dorking high Street, mainly along country roads through Rusper, Warnham where Janice's group caught up with us at the railway crossing.  On to Christ’s Hospital to arrive 24 miles later at the Tipsy Fox in Southwater for lunch. The pub was very welcoming and nice food all served pretty efficiently despite low staff numbers. 

Our return was via Barns Green, Itchingfield, a short sprint on the A29 before the undulating calm of Weare Street, then familiar route back through Henfold, last climb of Punchbowl  and onwards to Denbies to reach it by 4pm.  Here we split up with most of the group deciding it was time to get home. Good decision but disappointing for Dave F as Denbies was shut and no doubt a nice cup of tea and cake after 25 miles helps!  

Needless to say, a lovely group, helpful in marking corners, backmarking, calling me back when overshot turns (just to keep them on their toes). Thanks all and chapeau to the elite riders who clocked in excess of 75 miles roundtrip. 

Next off was Steve W’s group of Nigel, Simon, Mike, Richard , Neil W and Steve D. This was to be Steve’s first sub-lead and he had help on hand if needed from within his group. 

All went well on the navigation front but I understand that Nigel had some mechanical issues which the group tried to help resolve. 

The group chose to dine outdoors in the sunshine at the Tipsy Fox and again at Denbies where they found that although the main cafe was shut, the farm shop was open for cold drinks and snacks.

Finally it was time for my group of Fiona, Hans, Andy, Richard, Patrick and Dave W to head south, straight into the wind (so I was glad to receive Andy and Patrick’s help on the front at times). We made good progress and soon passed Nigel’s mechanical but as he had plenty of helpers already we carried on. 

At Warnham railway crossing we had a brief chat in the sunshine with Frances’ group and then continued on to Southwater. The service at the Tipsy Fox was friendly but it was a shame that their chef hadn’t turned up which led to long delays in some of us receiving our food.

After lunch the sun was out, as were the bluebells and the wind was behind us making for a lovely ride through W Sussex on lanes we don’t often use. There were no hills of note but nevertheless the feet of elevation racked up and we were glad to arrive at Denbies where 4 of us stopped for coffee and a flapjack.

My thanks to Frances and Steve for joining me on the recce and then subleading and to all who came on the ride, making it a great day out. 

B Group Report - 13 April 2022

John's Report

Nine of us set off from Dorking in pleasant spring weather, the sort in which it was tricky to predict the need or not for long trousers or weather proof top. 

We cycled through lovely Surrey lanes to lunch in Outwood, where we were able to sit outside. 

Terry, Mark, Gill, Dave, John

Ken, Robert, Paul

After lunch Bletchingley proved to be a decisive point with our group going its various own ways home. Congratulations to Robert, the only one to follow the route through to Banstead, including the tough Hilltop Lane. Unfortunately he then picked up a mechanical problem in Coulsdon but managed a roadside repair to get home.

Welcome to new rider Dave, and thank you to everyone for joining the ride.

- John

Clive's Report

A modest number of Wayfarers signed up for this week’s challenge; 15. But Grant and new Wayfarer Dave Ellis turned up on the day at St Martin’s to make a total of 17 setting off in two groups to conquer the various hills on the way to Banstead. 

The first, Punchbowl (north face) came soon after setting off, quickly followed by a short sharp Root Hill. It was then plain sailing, more or less, through scenic Surrey countryside down to Parkgate and then along Collendean Lane with some fine views of the North Downs, looking all the better as the clouds were breaking up and revealing some blue skies.

After negotiating Horley we were soon out in the countryside again, then climbed Homecourt Hill to arrive in Outwood where we paused for the obligatory windmill photo. Outwood Windmill is Britain’s oldest working windmill and was built in 1665, one year before the Great Fire of London.

Paul J, Dave C, Steph, Anne, Grant, Christina, Tim

Lunch was also in Outwood, at The Bell Inn where we met up with the other group. It was very agreeable to be able to sit outside in the pub garden while we rested and refuelled.

It's a hard life

After lunch there were a few ups and downs until Bletchingley where we freewheeled down a long and sweeping descent from Little Common Lane to the foot of the aptly named Hilltop Lane. It was a hard grind, but one way or another everyone reached the top.

Photographic proof

Shortly after Hilltop Lane, Paul suggested we stop at St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Chaldon to look at the mural dating from around 1170. So, that’s what we did.

St. Peter and St. Paul's, Chaldon

The Mural depicting The Last Judgement,
The Harrowing of Hell and The Ladder of Salvation 

We carried on along Ditches Lane and a very enjoyable descent across Farthing Down to Coulsdon. Rectory Lane was the final climb of the day before arriving at Banstead and Pistachios for well earned tea and cake.

Brenda joined us for tea at Pistachios

I hope everyone thought the scenery, fine views and of course the company was worth the effort of the hills. 

Thanks to John for sub leading the first group. 

- Clive

Welcome to new Wayfarer Dave Ellis, hope to see you again soon, and congratulations to Anne Walker on one year of Wayfaring.

Report for the Easy Riders - 6th April

Only three riders met at North Cheam and between them thought that with the uncertain weather they were likely to be the only ones of our group to turn up at Cobham. That prompted the decision to go to "8 on the river" at Molesey Boat Club to sample their excellent coffee. I left home with the intention to go to Cobham and, by good fortune on the way, noticed the other three in the distance. I was a little confused when they turned off towards Thames Ditton where I caught them. I fell in line with their thinking.

After coffee we made our way through Bushy Park, Teddington, Twickenham and Isleworth with the intention of lunching at the London Apprentice but we had arrived there a bit early for lunch. It was then agreed to go through Brentford via Syon Park to Kew Bridge and take the Thames Path through Richmond to Kingston to a welcome at the Wych Elm for our enjoyable lunch. Good ride and good company - who needs a planned ride?

John