SUNDAY 15TH APRIL 2018

UPPER HALLIFORD - TAPLOW - EGHAM
I was early at elevenses but several others were there well before me!  Bob, Bill, Tony, Graham and Dave already seated.  Alan, Simon, Maureen and Ed were parking their bikes as I arrived!  Terry was next, then Vic, followed by Mick Furnival-Adams who had come all the way from Cambridgeshire to join us - well done, it was great to see you Mick.

Bob, Bill and Maureen didn't join the ride and Alan peeled off at Horton.  We started off by going over the 'bumps' at Charlton, on through Laleham, to Staines, avoiding the bridge by taking the river route to Wraysbury.  After Horton it was Datchet to Windsor, then Eton Wick via Eton Bridge and the bridle path.  After Dorney we crossed the A4, taking Station Approach, up the hill and turned into the High Street, reaching the pub, Oak and Saw at 1pm !!

A couple of us parked our bikes in the garden where I saw David with wheel out to repair a puncture?!  Once done David left for home whilst the rest of us enjoyed our lunches.  Soup was very good and most of the others enjoyed a starter of Cajun Chicken and salad.  It was only after I had made a reservation that I was offered a Sunday menu to look at which did not include sandwiches - but nobody seemed to mind.

Photos taken and we were on our way not much after two.  We all fancied tea at Walton Lock but that plan was scuppered because of 'rain later'!

We returned via the Jubilee river to Dorney, then a ride along the Thames to Windsor, leaving the river to take route four into Windsor Great Park.  Graham peeled off after Dorney and Tony left us at Windsor.  Each had reason to get home asap.

It had already started raining as we exited the Park at Bishopsgate where we stopped to don rain jackets.   It was here we decided to have tea at the Golden Café in Egham, arriving 3.55 - turned out it closed at 4...but we still had our coffee and cake!  Thanks to the congenial staff. 
From here, (still raining), Vic and Terry, went in one direction, Mick followed Ed, Simon and myself into Staines where he continued to Shepperton and we three to the station - where I left Ed and Simon.

Thanks to all for joining me, and being patient with me when I missed a couple of turns!!  Thank you Simon for back marking and Tony for his photo.

Cheers Pam :) :)

Joint Ride with South Bucks CTC

The annual joint ride with South Bucks CTC will be hosted by us this Year.

 

Please make sure this date is in your diary and that we have a good turnout to support this ride.

Below is an extract from South Bucks CTC Beech Leaf magazine.

 Tony..

(Joint Ride with SW London CTC: Advance notice, Sunday 13th May

The SW London group have offered to lead a joint ride with us. We will meet at

Sainsbury’s Cobham cafe at about 10.15, aiming to set off by 11.00.

There will be two rides on offer, shorter and longer, both going to Ripley village hall,

which they have booked for our lunch venue. We then return via a slightly shorter

route possibly via Pains Hill park, which has a cafe. The terrain is undulating, but no

big hills.

There is a time restriction on the Sainsbury’s car park, but there seems to be free

parking at Pains Hill Park, which is only about half a mile away.

Everyone is welcome, but please let either me (Robert) or John Cappell know if you

intend to come, as they would like an idea of numbers by about the end of April.

If you want to go, but do not have transport, please contact either John or myself,

as we may be able to offer/arrange a lift.

I see this as a chance to explore an area we don’t go to very often

because the ride there is not particularly pleasant.)

Sunday April 8 2018

This was a day mostly of drizzle and rain with plenty of standing water by mid-afternoon.

Ahead of me at Stoke D'Abernon were Bob, Ed and Vic and some time later Alan put in an appearance. After a lengthy stop, Vic's route took us (without Bob) back through Cobham, past Notre Dame school and up Seven Hills road. By the time we reached the A317 roundabout we were down to three as Alan "disappeared". A right before  the station saw us descend into Weybridge and along the side of the Navigation.

After a leisurely lunch in the Golden Cafe Addlestone and with no prospect of improvement, we headed home. Just 32 miles for me and further proof there's no such thing as cycling waterproofs.

Sunday the 8th April

Due to staff shortages, holidays etc this Sundays ride from Stoke D'Abernon will be led by Vic and the lunch destination has changed to Wetherspoons Camberley.

Many thanks to Vic for standing in at late notice.

Tony..

Sunday 1 April - Polesden Lacey & Send Marsh

With many C & M regulars away for Easter it was up to Bob, Jeff, Vic and I to fly the flag at elevenses at Polesden Lacey.   Jeff had a recalcitrant fence post to do battle with at home, and Bob was undecided, so it was left to Vic and I to continue to lunch at the Saddlers Arms, studiously avoiding any unsurfaced tracks!   Even for Easter Sunday it was a cold, dank and grey morning, so we made good time to the pub, where the welcome was friendly as usual, and lingered over lunch rather than the ride.  Although it did brighten slightly after lunch there was still no temptation to dawdle and it was straight home with no tea stop.  About 42 miles on the clock for me.   Thanks to all for your company.

Dave W

Sunday 1 April 2018

To avoid any potential overlap with Tony's ride next Sunday, and in view of the somewhat uncertain weather forecast for the Easter weekend (!), I am completely changing the direction of this Sunday's ride completely and, after elevenses at Polesden Lacey we will be heading, provisionally, for the Saddlers Arms at Send.   Any off-tarmac highly unlikely!

Do not be too disappointed, the Wasps Green ride will be resurrected later in the programme!

Dave (W)

Sunday March 25th

Ten rode away from Stoke d'Abernon - destination Guildford. Thanks to dry conditions we were able to use the tracks to Downside then continued westish to Ripley passing the 'exclusive apartments' in what was The Hautboy at Ockham. Lady Harberton must be laughing. A quiet stretch to Send ended by joining the Send Road but we soon left that to head for Jacobs Well. Shortly after the railway bridge in Saltbox Road we turned onto the bridleway which led to Stoughton. A short diversion was made to briefly view the CTC/Cycling UK office (see Tony's photo) before proceding to the almost empty Rowbarge. Hope that isn't a bad sign, but it was busier durintg the week Traditional Sunday roasts aren't served here but normal pub grub is, and very nice it was too.

My original plan had been to use the towpath after lunch but when doing my recce I found trees were being pollarded and other 'works' taking place which made the towpath unrideable. Perhaps we can use that route in the summer  Fortunately there is a cycle path from The Rowbarge over the A3 and alongside the A25 to the junction with London Road. A short stretch of busy road then we turned into Waylea Avenue and via various residential roads in Burpham we soon arrived at the start of the cycle track alongside the A3, from where it was a short distance to Pinnocks at Ripley.

A pleasant rainless, sunless, hillless ride, thanks all for company and backmarkers (assorted).

Two points: Lilian, Pam, David W, Vic, Graham, Ed, Ged, SimonTony Hopkins, Terry.

One point: Maureen, Jeff, Donald, Alan.

Terry

CTC HQ

Terry took us on a detour to view this CTC HQ. Pretty unspectacular.

DON'T FORGET....

....to change your clocks on Saturday March 24th or you might miss the 1100 depart from Stoke d'Abernon or lunch at The Rowbarge, Guildford.

Terry

Muddy Lane Wisley

I don’t know if anyone else is keeping tags on this saga which started way back in 2013

http://www.elmbridgecycle.org/node/195

After digging further I turned up this (on the Woking Cycle Users Group website).

Regarding Muddy Lane, we have received confirmation that the public inquiry regarding Surrey County Council requesting a map modification order to change Muddy Lane to a bridleway will be held on 22 May 2018 at the Council Chamber, Woking Borough Council, Civic Offices, Gloucester Square, Woking, Surrey, GU21 6YL starting at 10 a.m.

If we wish to be called as witnesses, we'll need to contact the Surrey County Council Countryside Access Officers.

Wisley c 1970 (no M25 or A3 Ripley bypass!)

Sunday March 18 2018

I made the survey ride on Wednesday - 55+ miles door to door. Plenty of utilities spending the last of their budgets in Kingston, Capel, Beare Green and Leatherhead. Quite a bit of run-off where one doesn't need it and offroad wasn't a good idea - worse than previous Wednesday.  I twice came to a complete standstill (on New Road and in Horton Park).

I didn't make a booking as Sunday's forecast is dire (overnight snow, chill factor of -7). If you're out and about, I doubt I'll be joining you but if there's an improvement I'll tried to reach the Vineries.

Sunday the 11th (Mothers Day)

I arrived at 11's just behind Graham and Alan. No Dave, he had said prior that he had other commitments (MD).

In dribs and drabs the throng swelled to a good number but not all were going to continue on the ride. Graham, Ed, Lillian, Pam, Vic Tony to lunch. David Vine,Terry, Bob, Richard, Don, Maureen, Bill to 11's

I had planned a nice 27 miles route to lunch with only on real hill, Callow Hill, somewhere at this point Richard took his leave, and the nice decent of Crimp Hill, then on through Windsor to Fifield and up through Braywick park. As we got into Maidenhead, around 22 miles, there was a group decision to change the lunch venue to the Bear pub.

As usual with Wetherspoons the service and food were quick and good. Setting off and onto a short stretch of the Jubilee river and into a headwind across Dorney common. On reaching Datchet Ed and Lillian decided to take the train from here.

We carried on heading towards Horton, Pam and I opted for 3's at Liquid Leisure but Graham and Vic headed off home. On leaving 3's Pam turned for Wraysbury and I continued East. At Cranford the rain started so a brief stop to don water proofs, it turned out to be a light shower and I got home virtually dry. Nice ride without full winter kit. We had occasional sunshine, a pleasant day on the bike.

Tony..

Sunday the 11th

This coming Sunday,  the 11th, is Mothers day and pubs are packed. So I have changed the lunch venue to Flowerland GC Bourne End.

Tony..

Sunday 4th March - Woodham & Staines

A bright and, thankfully, snow-free morning saw Bill S, Tony Hopkins, Graham, Pam, Vic, Terry and me meet at the Bourne Valley Garden Centre for elevenses.  It was excellent to see Vic restored to cycling so quickly after his recent cataract op, and in fine fettle!   All but Bill and Terry continued to lunch.  I had changed the lunch venue to Staines Wetherspoons as the forecast threatened afternoon rain, so we took a shortish and not especially inspiring route, although there were a few short, sharp climbs designed to reactivate corpuscles torpid after the recent cold snap!  It began to rain just as we reached our lunch stop where Ed joined us having ridden direct.  The rain didn't amount to much in the end but it stayed overcast and threatening, so we lingered over lunch.  When we did finally get going some headed direct to Upper Halliford for tea, while Vic and I peeled off at Laleham to follow the river homewards.  Thanks to all for your company.

Dave (W)

Sunday 4th March

Unfortunately, Sunday looks like being damp for at least part of the day, although it is difficult to tell which part(s) because the forecast keeps changing!  In view of this, and to give us an easier transition back into cycling following the end of the Second Ice Age(!), I will be changing the lunch stop, probably to Staines Wetherspoons.   Elevenses will still be at the Bourne Valley Garden Centre.   Fear not, the ride to the Tilly Shilling will be resurrected in due course!

Dave (W)

Sunday 25th February

Having thawed out and refreshed themselves at The Vineries, Lilian, Maureen, Ed, Alan and Bob promptly went home/in search of lunch leaving Dave, Jeff and I to pedal off to occupy the booked table for eight at The Plough, Leigh. We passed the string of shops in Effingham, noting the long since closed Post Office has now become The Coffee Cup (open on Sundays). Proceeding up Beech Avenue (High Barn Lane apparently closed but don't know about bikes) we soon turned left at the crossroads heading into the wind to cross Ranmore, forked left passing Ranmore Church, for a roughish descent. Crossing under the A24 we used the cycle track to Pixham Lane then had to briefly join the A25. We enjoyed a few minutes' peace and quiet by using the Old Reigate Road, then straight through Brockham and Strood Green to arrive at The Plough just before 1300 to our table for three, having revised our requirements en route. Jeff went straight home, Dave and I went in for warmth and refreshments, then returned home.

Terry

Sunday 25th February

Elevenses unchanged but lunch is booked at The Plough, Leigh.

Terry

18 February 2018, West End - Epsom

Irene's last ride with Cheam and Morden? I don't believe it!

I bet she will soon get tired of the windy potato and turnip fields of Norfolk and come racing back for some sunny CTCSWLondon cycling. Good luck Irene and hope to see you soon!

What on earth are they looking at?

That's better

Sunday February 18

The Year Of The Dog started in spring like conditions and for once I had company on the way to 11s when I joined JB at the Assembly Rooms (Surbiton). Of our route all I'll say is the Edward VIII letterbox in Littleworth Road.

At a much expanded Garsons Farm the clamour at the doors abated when they swung open just after 1030. We numbered a dozen with Tony and Don in mufti. I'd less than 48 hours to prepare and Friday's mini survey revealed that off-road wouldn't be an option so "the road not taken" approach it would be.

We left the Portsmouth Road (and much younger, much fitter cyclists) at Fairmile and wiggled via Ashcroft Park and Knipp Hill to Little Heath and the Diggers' signboard. Next came Chelsea and the long drag up and beside Yehudi. We crossed beside Fetcham's pond to the waterworks. On my survey I'd entered the one-way system but thought better of it today so up the High Street and an illegal right into Linden Road saw us over the motorway into Ashtead. The A24 was crossed into Ashtead Park and later recrossed into Castle Road (foreknowledge of town centre roadworks). Thus we descended beside the railway to the Assembly Rooms (Epsom) where Terry and Bob were waiting.

After an extended lunch Ed peeled off in West Ewell and the last six continued to Chessington South railway station and the A3 Travellers' site. In Long Ditton (the unused tea stop) we went our various ways. Home at 3 and only 30 miles.

As Wednesday is Redhill, this was Irene's final ride after 20+ years' regular attendance. We wish her well; with everything crossed the King's Lynn move should be this coming Friday.  

Tony Is Unwell

Unless he makes an miraculous recovery, he won't be leading tomorrow(18/02). As some will know, I made a quick recce yesterday - less than 30 miles door-to-door so if you want to build up your mileage, there'll be plenty of time before 11s and/or after tea.

11s and lunch are unchanged. On the way back we'll be passing Squires Long Ditton (where I'm hoping to leave you) but note: it's less than six miles from lunch. Roads and bumpy tarmac so you shouldn't get too muddy.  

Sunday, 11 February 2018

The Cheam and Morden New Year Lunch

 Our warmest appreciation to the man who made it happen, Steve, showing what he is made of, while the lady behind the throne, Ann, entertains the guests.

 The two Tadworth Fat Boys, Pete Beyer and Pete Foster plus Terry, sunning themselves beside an ice-free Walton pond, before being swept up and away by Steve's North Cheam peloton.

 A select elevenses chez Ann and Steve, with tea, coffee and amuse-bouches, followed by:

a mind-numbing selection of highly spiritual and therapeutic beverages, concocted by Ann from a portfolio of arcane recipes, in her secret distillery. Warmly fortified, the flock set off for the Angel. Tony has ably illustrated the whole congregation at table.

 

Putting it all together.

More from the Annual lunch

It would be nice to see more of these members on Sunday rides.

Very well attended annual lunch

A big thank you to Steve for organising.

Tucking in to the C&M annual lunch

Sunday 11/02/18 Ride Details

Message from Steve

Sunday’s ride will be a short ride starting from North Cheam A24/A2043 Crossroads at 9. Alternative pick-up at the pond on Walton-on-the-hill about 10.15, getting to 52 Whitehorse Drive at 11.

The lunch at The Angel Thames Ditton is booked to be served at 1.15.

Ed's ride to the Bear Maidenhead

A very cold day to be on the bike but none the less a good group gathered at Squires Upper Haliford.

Dave cycled to 11's only as he has had a touch of the flu (takes a lot to keep Dave off the bike), Bob, Irene, Pam, Graham were enjoying a warming beverage when I arrived. Soon followed by Vic, Ed, Liz, Gill and Ray.

Leaving 11's we noticed Alan's bike, he had only just arrived having gone to Bourne Valley GC by mistake, oops.

So off to lunch were Ed, Pam, Liz, Gill, Irene, Graham, Vic and me. As usual in a Wetherspoons food was soon being consumed and warming us through.

A quick group photo outside and off back via the Jubilee river to Datchet and past Liquid leisure with the group turning right for Wraysbury and me heading towards Horton and home. At Poyle the rain started but was only a very light shower, so home in the daylight and dry, 53 very cold but sometimes sunny miles.

Thank all for a very pleasant but cold day on the bike and many thanks to Ed for leading.

Sunday the 4th of Feb

This Sunday, the 4th, Ed is leading and the lunch venue has changed to the Bear at Maidenhead, 11's is still Squires at Upper Haliford.

Tony..

Sunday January 28th

Unfortunately David W is unwell (hope you are better soon, D) and unable to lead to Skimmington Castle. Both they and the revived/refurbished Fox Revived were fully booked and couldn't serve us until 1800 so I opted to go to The Plough, Leigh for a 1230 lunch.

For 11s only at Polesden Lacey were Irene, Pam, Graham, Brian and Richard. Ian and Penny, Lilian, Vic, Jeff and Ed followed me down Bagden Hill, passing another entrance to PL and Tanners Hatch where there used to be a sign 'Beware Adders'. The sign disappeared years ago - perhaps the adders couldn't multiply ? After tunnelling under the A24 we used the cycle path then Pixham Lane and briefly the A25 before turning off to Brockham. To meet our deadline the most direct route - Wheelers Lane, Wellhouse Lane, Snowerhill Road and Tapner's Road was required and we were soon sitting comfortably in The Plough. As usual the food was very good (they do sandwiches on Sundays) and whilst waiting Vic fascinated us with tales of his working life experiences. After a quick drink Jeff left to participate in the avian census.

After lunch I chose a slightly roundabout route to Dorking whilst Vic, with the longest journey home, opted for a direct route. Lilian, Ed and I stopped in Dorking for refreshments at Gorgeous Gertie's (wonderful beetroot and chocolate cake), I rode home and hopefully L and E arrived home before it was really dark.

Thanks to  all for company also the Clerk of the Weather for a dry day.

Terry

T H I S S U N D A Y S R I D E

Dave ward has been in touch and is very unwell so will not be leading this Sunday. I suggest we meet at 11's as planned and decide on an alternative ride. Dave has not booked the pub. Anyone with an alternative route to hand please step forward.

Please pass on to anyone relevant.

Tony..

Iran cycle tour October 2017

Here are a few photos from my cycle tour with Spiceroads in Iran. We started in Shiraz and cycled north to Tehran via Isfahan. Unfortunately, due to illness I didn't do much cycling.

Persepolis

                                                                        Persepolis

HALLIFORD - WOODSIDE - SHEPPERTON

The ride that didn't  happen due to the heavy rain mixed with snow and hail.   Nevertheless - there was a few of us at Squires, Tony, Alan, Dave and Bill.  I really wasn't sure about going but I was encouraged to go to Squires when I knew that Tony, at least one other from our group would be there.   And when has Dave not made it to an elevenses??  Bill and Alan were already there when I arrived, in fact, they were all there before me.  We chatted, drank coffee, ate buns and shortbread - all before Richard joined us!    

After a while, we said goodbye and left,  homeward bound.  Thanks all, I'm really pleased I made the effort, Pam :) :)   

14 January 2018

About 15 gathered at Leatherhead Wetherspoons for a convivial elevenses on yet another rather gloomy morning.  Only half set off towards lunch at The Wellhouse on a short but rather hilly route via Headley Court and Walton-on-the-Hill.   With our lunch destination literally in sight I gave the tantalising option of a right turn and a detour to 'enjoy' some more climbs in the delightful lanes of Mugswell, Upper Gatton and Chipstead before lunch, and to their credit, Graham, Mike, Terry and Lillian were game enough to join me in this folly!   We were eventually rewarded by a brilliant descent of White Hill to reunite us with the others at the pub, and Mike Morley then joined us too.   Lunch service was pretty good really, given that the pub gradually became very full, and the menu seemed to offer something for everyone, an increasingly rare thing on a Sunday!   We left the pub (and Graham nursing a puncture) shortly before 2.00 pm, and riders gradually peeled off en route leaving four of us by Tattenham Corner and just me by Horton Park!    A good effort all round for this time of year with over 700 metres of climbing so well done all and thanks for your company!

Sunday January 7 2018

Aided by a brisk and chilly northeaster and on roads thick with cyclists I was an early arrival at Addlestone's Golden Cafe. Soon there were a baker's dozen though five (Bill, Bob, Caroline, Joe and Stephanie) would go no further.

Within 100 yards of our start the Xmas Eve newcomers (Ian and Penny) were fortunate to join making ten. Liberty Lane took us over the M25 and past the Bourne Valley to Woodham Lock. Pyrfords Green and Village came next and I stretched by turning right at The Seven Stars to Send Marsh. Three more rights after The Jovial Sailor brought us to Sussex Farm and that bouncy concrete road to Jury Farm. The final climb up Ripley Lane split the bunch but the leaders reached The William IV by 1230.

We sat cramped round the table prepared for 6 to 8 with the diners outscored the soupers 6 to 4.There was much discussion: Where next? The concensus was home so just three continued to Ockham and Martyr's Green. My final companions departed at Chilbrook Lane and I was left to struggle on occasionally at sub ten speed!

Home just after three and 45 miles door to door. We'd been lucky with temperatures above zero all day and in bright sun so the copious run-off had presented no real problems.

At lunch : Graham Brian Ed Irene Lillian Pam Terry Vic Ian and Penny

John Mason's funeral

John’s daughter, June Wolf, has been in touch with Terry today to provide these details for John's funeral:

His funeral will take place at Clandon Wood Burial Ground and Nature Reserve, Epsom Road, West Clandon, GU4 7FN on Friday, 12th January at 12 o’clock.

We are warmly invited to join his family for refreshments at The Queens Head, The Street, East Clandon, GU4 7RY.

For any donations in memory of John she suggests:
       https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/info/20014/make-a-donation

~ Tim

Post-Christmas Lunch Sunday, 11 Feb 2018

A 2-course Sunday lunch organized by CTC CHEAM AND MORDEN in a private function room at The Angel Inn, Thames Ditton KT7 0AU.

Cost £11.50 for two courses - Main course Sunday roast with vegetables (or vegetarian option), plus dessert.

All are welcome. Pre-booking is essential.

For further details contact Steve Gordon, Ann Bath or Pam Jones

New Year's Day 2018

Only the 2nd day but the 4th blog of the year! I mostly mention "regulars" though in truth we were in the minority both on the ride and at Ed's. Irene, Pam and Tony were at Roehampton Gate. Ed, Lillian, Terry and myself rode on from there to lunch.

As usual Ed and I split the leadership; both legs involved significant detours. The ride from Ewell went via Tolworth thanks to a burst water main near St Johns Church Old Malden (still dribbling later in the day, with ice warnings following  DV's accident?). A closed level crossing in Elm Road forced me into the imprompu tour of New Malden town centre.

In general fewer folk seem to be out and about these days; our numbers too were down so plenty of  seating as we turned up in our dribs and drabs. We set off around 1215. Under skies dull, overcast and hinting of rain, it was a variant of my standard tour of suburbia. Just a dozen (including a late arriving Ian) enjoyed the elaborate feast laid on by Ed, Maureen and Lillian. Plenty left as I departed under brightening skies around three.


 Christmas Eve

Ten got to Squires Stoke D'Abernon including two newcomers keen to join us; sadly there was no ride. The roll of honour reads: Alan, Bob, Ed, Graham, Irene, Pam, Simon, Vic plus tandemists Ian Houghton and Penny Church

John Mason

John

This is a photo taken on 9 June 2010 of John having lunch on an MWW ride at the Little Park Hatch at Cranleigh. Some may remember Toni d'Italia sitting on a freshly painted bench and having to strip as much as possible of the wet green paint from his clothes before he could comfortably take to the saddle after lunch. We remember John with great affection.
Jeff

John Mason

Terry informed me yesterday that John Mason died on Thursday 28th December.

John was suffering from Alzheimer's disease in recent years and had recently been moved from a home in Bookham, his home town, to a home in Westcott which was better suited to his needs.

John's wife Marguerite spoke to Terry yesterday to inform him and she will let him know when and where the funeral will take place.

Graham and Terry remember John as a regular with Cheam and Morden from about 2004 to 2010. Perhaps he rode with the Wayfarers too.

John (in blue), at Elevenses, Henfold Fisheries

John, after beating Peter and David in the 2006 Freewheel Competition

Spot some familiar faces ?

New Year''s Day ride and lunch at Ed''s

Margaret Squirrell

It is with much sadness that I announce the passing of  Margaret Squirrell. Margaret had a massive stroke in the early hours of Friday morning the 22nd and passed away in the early hours of Saturday the 29th.

We will keep you posted about funeral arrangements and anything else relevant as soon as we know.

Our deepest sympathy and thoughts are with Bill and the family,

A lovely lady, always had a smile and a joke.

Tony..

New Years Eve Ride

As it was new years eve the plan was for just 11's at the Golden cafe Adlestone. Dave, Done and Bob were already seated when I arrived. Graham, Irene and Pam, Alan and Vic arrived around 11 as did Terry and eventually Ray. Big discussion as to the possibility of going on to lunch somewhere and a split decision was reached. Dave, Don, Alan, Graham and Bob headed home, Vic and Terry opted for the Saddlers arms at Send and Pam, Irene, Ray and myself headed  for Windsor and the Windlesora for lunch with Pam leading.

 

 

A pleasent lunch and off home via Datchet where I left the other 3 and headed towards Poyle. Just as I reached Harmondsworth the heavens opened and it was torrential for the next 5 miles, like riding along a stream!  It eased off just before I reached home but by then water ingress was nearly total, Still it meant I reached my mileage goal. A Happy new year to all and safe cycling in 2018.

Tony..

Annual Mileages for 2017

Please Remember, don't Forget.

Now is the time to check your current mileage and decide how many miles you would like to add before the witching hour of 11.59.59pm on Sunday 31 December 2017. The qualifying period is unsurprisingly from 1 January to 31 December 2017. However modest your mileage may be, do not yourself be too modest, but please send it to me to populate our 2017 spreadsheet. 

There is a 'mileage' tab on the MWW blog page that reveals all. The column for 2017 is waiting for your mileage. It can be revealing to see the annual ebb and flow of our cycling dynamics. Not only that, but there is a gong to be won for the lady and gentleman (if any), reporting the greatest annual mileage, as well as the greatest increase over the previous year's reported mileage.

Please send your mileages to: jeff.tollerman@lineone.net and then check that I have successfully recorded your mileage on the spreadsheet. You cannot record it yourself .

To all those that I have not recently seen, may I wish you a positively memorable and enjoyable cycling New Year.

Jeff

Sunday December 17 2017

The forecast was morning dull, afternoon dire so it served no purpose by booking. But I was surprised by our number (10) at Squires Holloway Hill. A decision had been made: Wetherspoons Woking.

Eight set off on an obvious route : Stonehill Road, Philpot Lane, past the rebuilt but not reopened Plough to Horsell Rise then jostling with Christmas traffic in Woking town centre. Unsurprisingly our arrival time was an early noon.

The rain (as forecast) came around 1230 so the second vote was to miss tea and return via Maybury, Sheerwater and Scotland Bridge. Ed and I tarried, accepting an invite to tea at the White House (New Haw). Home in light and heavy rain after a desultory 40 miles. Happy thought: next Sunday's sunset is later.

2 points : GFH, Dave W, Ed, Irene, Pam, Terry, Tony, Vic
1 point  : Alan, Bob

Snowday, 10 December 2017

On Saturday night I fell asleep to a meteorological omen of an impending deluge and heavy snow. Vowing to ignore it, I awoke to the distant refrain of a carol from the Occident:

"Born a King on Twickenham's plain,

Cold I bring to freeze them again,

Rain forever, ceasing never,

Over them all to reign."

I opened the curtains and lo, the omen had come to pass. I closed the curtains, gave praise and fell into a deep, warm and blissful sleep.

Jeff

Sunday 10 December

Leader Simon overslept

near the feast of Stephen

When the snow lay round about

Not very deep or crisp or even

Brightly shone the morning light

Though the frost was cruel

Forgot to set the alarm last night

What a silly foo-el.

The assembled masses (after David had left)

David, Bob and Graham were waiting patiently at the Moat Garden centre near Epsom as I put on my warmest clothing and cycled at top speed against the wind to meet them.   When I arrived at 11.10, nearly melting, the assembled group had taken the sensible decision not to ride any further, so we sat and chatted for a bit and returned home.   I lingered a bit to cool down and was entertained by Epsom & Ewell Silver Band playing carols.   By this time it was snowing heavily - very Christmassy.

Epsom & Ewell Silver Band (with the building works behind)

ADDLESTONE - WINDLESHAM (then home!)

A mean dank day to start with; some what brighter in the afternoon.

I went to Staines to meet Alan and a new rider..neither appeared after 15 minutes so I continued to elevenses, calling  into  bike shop first.

Graham, Bob, Dave and Alan (yes..Alan) at one table and Bill and Margaret at another.  Then Tony (who had punctured on the way in)Terry and Vic arrived.

There was no rush to get going as the route was not much of a challenge. Five left with me for Windlesham, Dave, Graham, Tony, Vic and Terry who turned for home via Chobham after Staple Hill. 

Our route was via Holmwood Park, Accomodation Rd., Longcross, Staple Hill, Chestnut Lane to Valley End. We were all curious as to what stage the bridge was at in Woodlands Lane,...still no access but looks as though it will not be long before it opens. So onwards into Rygrove, Church Road, Updown Hill and into The Sun for lunch where we received the usual good service and food and was on our way just after 1.30.   It was decided not to stop for tea during our lunch time chatter!

We turned left onto Chertsey Lane, then right into Highams Lane to Burrowhill. From there it was the well used route to Green Lane, Addlestone.

I turned off for Chertsey whilst t'others continued homeward bound. 

My thanks to you chaps for coming out today,  to Tony for putting this on the blog..and Dave for the photo.

Cheers Pam

03/12/17 Pam's Ride - Windlesham

Capel Teas 2018

   
Credit to Terry for the following.


11/03, 30/03(Good Friday) 

 01/04(Easter Sunday), 02/04(Easter Monday) 

06/05, 07/05(May BH), 27/05, 28/05  

10/06

 01/07, 15/07, 29/07

26/08, 27/08  

 09/09, 23/09

07/10  

18/11, 25/11