Sunday December 30 2007

As Irene doesn't do east of 11s, I was detailed to lead a famous five (Ann, Ed, Jake, Keith, Steve) through Surbiton, Thames Ditton, Hersham and Walton. At the Shepperton X-roads, we learnt by mobile phone that Nutty Lane was closed. This was confirmed by the sight of the fleeing Irene and Andy. So it was a return to last week's rendezous, The Orangery at Squires, Upper Halliford where Bob, Pete and Terry were in residence. Showing that there are new routes to explore, we went over the Shepperton ford and into the Sheepwalk where "Rex" Harrison was spotted coming the other way. Joining NCN 4 at Chertsey Mead, in time we emerge at the foot of St Anne's Hill. Lyne was next followed by the Lyne Road detour to Trumps Green. We headed alongside and over the M3 to Staple Hill before descending to the Red Lion at Burrowhill. According to an already present Pete Matthews, this did "roasts" only so we retreated to the more expansive and uncrowded Four Horseshoes. The afternoon was short and sweet. Gracious Pond, Stonehill and Foxhills roads lead to Ottershaw and onto Addlestone where some tarry in Tesco whilst others hurried on home. Around 40 miles.

December 23 2007

Recall if you can the opening scene in Lean’s Great Expectations with perhaps Ed reprising Finlay’s part. Well that sums up the day weatherwise. After being fortified by Ann’s Christmas fare on Kingston Bridge we headed off at 09:55(!) for Bushy Park entering at the Wick gate and leaving by the Hill gate; the deer were much in evidence despite the mist. After detouring to take in the Roy Close monument, the Lower Hampton Road was next and thence to the Orangery café in Upper Halliford. By now 14 was the number but some (Bob, Daphne, Petes C & M) were on Xmas duty and homeward bound. Our route lay across Walton Bridge when Ann (and so Steve) were in for a lengthy puncture repair. After Weybridge (NCN 4) and Addlestone via Poets’ Corner, a slow-moving M25 was crossed on Liberty Lane. Descending to Woodham and West Byfleet, in time the Seven Stars with prominent signs banning bikes from the garden (you have been warned!) was bypassed. The nearby Saddlers Arms witnessed our arrival around 13:15, much later than I’d intended. Despite crowds, there was a single table for all of us. With no takers for tea, a boarded-up Hautboy (a belated crumb of comfort for Lady Harberton?) was on the route to Cobham. We were still together on Fairoak Lane where most opted for a ride in the woods along New Road. Around 30 miles.

Sunday 16th December 2007

Today's rendezvous was Tescos at Hookwood where I was greeted with a puncture. After replacing the tube I headed upstairs to join the shortish queue in the cafe. No Bob and no papers either so I waited patiently for Steve, Grant, Ed, Pete, Daphne and Keith to appear followed shortly by Graham on his recent respray job (a blue Wester Ross).
Not a day to hang around (a very cold NE) but hang around we did after Pete suffered a puncture after 0 miles.
When we got going it was gone 12 but Steve still keen on Lingfield pushed on in bright sunshine.
The Hare and Hounds was crowded with diners, leaving late arrivals standing, or worse, outside in the smokers area.
I never caught sight of any food, everybody appeared to be finished so it wasn't long before tables became vacant. A short sit down in a comfy chair before we were moved on in preference of more diners.
Tea was taken by Steve, Ed and myself at a spacious (& empty) W'spoons at Redhill.
Wray Lane, A217, Tadworth, the Downs and home.
Daytime temperature with windchill..............-6 degrees (metcheck).

Connect 2 Vote

We believe that Sustrans' Connect2 campagn to obtain £50 million pound for critical cycle routes across the country is going well but we do need the votes.
If you want more info or to vote on line visit: www.itv.com/peoplesmillions
Fingers crossed!
Regards Mike Pontin.

Post Xmas Lunch

Cheam & Morden Post Christmas Lunch
12.30 on Sunday 27th January 2008
At Horton Park Golf & Country Club, Hook Rd, Epsom

Cost £10 for two courses.