Ken Day

I have received the very sad news that Ken Day died yesterday, at home with his family.   Ken was a regular rider with the Wayfarers over many years and perhaps even longer riding with the Cheam and Morden, often with his son Paul.   He was a very accomplished racer and rider and a captivating story-teller, having toured in some of the world’s most inhospitable places, including Iran and the Himalayas.   Despite his many achievements in cycling and at work (chemical engineering in oil refineries) he remained a quiet, humble man, but his natural enthusiasm could be sparked by a question on a topic that interested him.   I remember a lengthy and animated discussion resulting from a simple question “what does octane mean?”

In the last few years Ken’s health suffered, first with untreatable prostate cancer and later with Parkinson’s disease and diabetes.   He also suffered a complicated ankle injury when a driver drove into him while he was cycling.  Despite all this he was determined to keep cycling as long as possible, riding an e-bike for the last few years until his doctors told him very clearly that he must give up cycling.

Cycling in Ladakh, in the Himalayas

Many in the club will have fond memories of riding and conversing with Ken and he will be very much missed.  We send our condolences to his wife Maggie and their family.

Funeral details are not yet known but will be posted later.

Report for the B Group Guildford ride

Francis reports about his day with Team 1:

The beauty about Tim's circular Guildford route was that it was possible to visit previously out of the way towns and quaint villages such as Tilford, The Sands and Elstead, and the added bonus of lunch at the picturesque Barley Mow pub at Tilford and its two ancient pack horse bridges and the Tilford Oak.

sculpture by artist Daren Greenhow (2015)

Steph's photo of the ancient Tilford Oak

As it was a Tim C ride, we had a variety of off-road terrain ranging from soft sand, gravel, firm wooded paths, all a joy to ride under mostly shaded paths such as Cleygate Copse, Green Lane East and Christmas Pie trail. 

Post lunch, we noticed the sudden rise in temperatures but thankfully we had a short 12 miles back to Guildford via the historic village of Farncombe. 

It was well worth coming out to Guildford to enjoy Tim's route and the excellent pub in Tilford.

My thanks to my group of Paul J, Mick A, Steph and back-marker Stephen H for your fun company and support.

~ Francis

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Tim reports about his day with Team 2: 

We understood when we did our recce that the café staff in the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre were looking forward to our visit. And despite the forecast of high temperatures over 30°C the turnout from A and B groups was good. Ian joined us for Elevenses but sadly, due to serious issues with Sonia’s car, he had to ride back to Cobham to get it fixed.

My second group was away slightly ahead of time and, as planned, intercepted John outside the station. There was some conversion in the peloton about how awful it is cycling in the Guildford Town centre, prompted in part by the closure of our favourite route from the station to the theatre. So I was pleased to lead the team, Julie, John and Chris, out through the University and onto a sequence of high quality cycling routes taking us away from the town and into the suburbs.

"A woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle"

 

The sculpture suggests that a fish might have some use for a bicycle after all.

At the edge of suburbia we turned off Applegarth Avenue into a narrow path, passed through a gateway and ventured into the woodland shrubbery which lines the Chrismas Pie Trail and were soon brushing through the nettles, negotiating the tree roots, small mounds of horse dung, and other micro-undulations in Broadstreet Common, through to Broad Street where we passed The Royal Oak in Wood Street Green. This pub used to be a popular destination for us but sadly it closed down in March, 2025.

Crossing under the railway line after Cleygate Copse

 

Just after Flexford and near Wanborough Station we passed through Christmaspie. We kept our eyes peeled but there didn’t seem to be anything there and we were unable to verify that it is an actual place. But small hamlets like this one are entitled to their own sense of place. This is one of several on the southern border of the Parish of Normandy; to learn more about the local history of this locality it is illuminating to read a short article by a local historian, Jack Kinder. The content is possibly more pastry than filling and you may be none the wiser, but thank goodness for historians who work to preserve local knowledge like this in their communities.

Where were we?

Oh yes!

More than once, when we thought that stretches of tarmac would continue all the way to lunch we would find ourselves back on the rough stuff for most of the way to Tongham.

John had some anxiety about how we would get from the north to the south side of the Hogs Back but just beyond the Hogs Back brewery we moved onto the footpath, passed under the A31, and took a couple of very tight hairpins on the narrow path to drop down into Sandy Cross and towards the land of the golf courses.

Some scenic cruising through rather majestic forest brought us closer to our lunches but we had to stop for team photos on one of the ancient packhorse bridges in Tilford, the West Bridge. The two bridges were built by Cistercian monks of nearby Waverley Abbey in the 13th Century and each spans a different arm of the River Wey. Perhaps they were built to provide the monks with easier routes to The Barley Mow, as indeed they did for us.

Crossing the West Bridge, Tilford

Seven of us had preordered our lunches and we were pleased to enjoy warm hospitality, friendly service and good food when we arrived. And we were glad to be eating inside where it was cool and breezy. John was able to buy himself a chocolate dessert from the Little Latte café next to the pub.

Good fare at The Barley Mow 

 

We walked across the old Packhorse Bridge (the East Bridge) then down a short track to the river to have a good look at the ancient structure, which in a major project was recently rebuilt after sustaining major damage from a vehicle crash in 2017. And of course, more team photos were required.

Beautifully restored after serious damage in 2017

Up the hill from the old bridge we turned into Whitmead Lane for a stretch along part of the Medieval Waverly trail. With the soft surface, loose gravel and occasional tree roots this was difficult riding but it’s a lovely and shady way to go. We regrouped for the faster ride on the Farnham Road, through Elstead, turning off up Shackleford Lane for some sustained climbing, up to Shackleford Heath then past Charterhouse School and through Farncombe.

It’s a shame that our favourite Route 22 into Guildford is closed around the Shalford Water Works so we had to divert along the A281 before regaining Route 22 in Shalford Park.

We skipped the opportunity to take Tea at Frida’s in order to catch our various trains.

I have to thank the eight people who signed up to join Francis and myself on this adventure. The prospect of the Met. Office advising an Amber warning for today threatened the possibility of our ride going ahead and not all of us can cope with a challenging bike ride when it is this hot.

It is always enjoyable to spin off into a different orbit beyond our home territory. So thanks to everyone for coming along for the ride and making the most of our sunny day. And a big thank you to Francis for leading his team today.

~ Tim C

Easy Riders, 5 August

It was a long  time ago, whilst  chatting with our C riders at Chobham when I said that I wouldn't mind leading to Ripley. 

(Just a short ride...)

I was reminded of this last week, hence I did just that...lead this lovely group to Ripley.

The route zig zagged a little to add some interest!!

We crossed The Mole, along the  track to Downside, across to Plough Lane, turned left...then another left at the crossroads. 

After several more rights and lefts (or was it lefts and rights), we were at Send where the road was closed! We chanced it, no problem!

I stopped at Send Manor for a few moments just to let everyone know that this 17th century, Grade 2 listed property is for sale!!! A consortium was mentioned...then we rode on  to our lunch venue, the Seven Stars,  where we were well looked after.

This is a bike friendly pub with specific bike parking.

Regrettably, I didn't take any photos - a real shame 😏

Terry had joined us as far as Effingham and Bill was at the pub when we arrived at 13.15

Helen, Frank, Colin, Ann and John, Sandy and John, Martina, Maureen and Tony.

After lunch we went our seperate ways. Tony and myself home via West Byfleet and I believe t'others via Cobham?

My thanks to everyone for your enjoyable company.

Pam😊

_________________

Savills asking price for Send Manor is £1,495,000

Of interest to cyclists struggling on the hills?

(Photos from Savills website)

Tim C
 

 

Do Join the 'A' Group Ride from Guildford on Weds 12 August

On Wednesday, we'll be riding from the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford to the Holly Bush Inn, Headley (Hampshire), and back to the Watts Gallery, Compton for tea and/or Guildford for a train home

There is a main route option (very similar to last year's, but with no cornfields involved!).  As it looks as if it may be very hot, I've also come up with a slightly shorter, and much less hilly 'lite' option which avoids the long climb from Thursley to Hindhead (with its long unshaded section).   We'll decide which route to use on the day.

Other details and booking by 'Spond.   If you have problems accepting the invitation or sending your menu choice by 'Spond, then send me a private WhatsApp instead.

Invitation to the B Group Guildford ride on 12th August

You are cordially invited to join Francis and myself for the annual train-assisted Guildford ride, meeting at the Yvonne Arnaud Centre for Elevenses and riding to The Barley Mow in Tilford for Lunch. As usual this will be a chance to explore some unfamiliar but lovely terrain.

During a recce I found that our usual route (cycling and walking) from the station to the theatre was closed and that may still be the case.

I recommend riding a bike with robust touring or 'gravel' tyres due to some parts of the route which are a bit soft and complicated, other parts are rough, there are occasional tree roots, mounds of horse poo, and other bumps to negotiate.

It is essential that we pre-order our lunches as the pub is often very popular on an unpredictable basis and they don't have a very big kitchen.

(click to enlarge)

During our recce we noticed that a 10% service charge was added in the bill. 

There is a separate Pizza shop at the pub. I am not clear whether pizzas can be pre-ordered but I believe that they can be delivered to our table wherever we decide to sit. If the weather is hot it is very pleasant sitting inside where it is cool and breezy.

 

(click to enlarge)

Due to ride departure times which will allow most of us to catch trains after 9:30, and the several stretches on unpaved tracks, our route offers fewer miles than usual, but for the most part they are high quality miles.

Departure times are expected to be 11:00 and 11:10

    Morning: Guildford to Tilford: 14.3 miles, ride time: 2 - 2¼ hrs (estimate)
    Afternoon: Tilford to Guildford: 12 miles, ride time: 1 hr 40 mins (estimate)

This is the route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55520435 

For anyone wanting afternoon tea after the ride, if your train timetable permits, we can visit Frida's Coffee House in Fays Passage.

Some specimen times for trains to Guildford:

• Wimbledon direct, 9:19 -> 10:09 (but miss out on reduced fare)
• Wimbledon direct, 9:49 -> 10:39 (probably no time for a cuppa before departures)
• Wimbledon, change at Woking, 9:36 -> 10:24 

• Surbiton direct, 9:28 -> 10:09 (but probably(?) miss out on reduced fare)
• Surbiton direct, 9:58 -> 10:39 (probably no time for a cuppa before rides depart)
• Surbiton, change at Woking, 9:30 -> 10:02
• Surbiton, change at Woking, 9:44 -> 10:24

Please confirm your intention to join the ride as soon as you can and please let me know what you'd like from the menus, pizza if you wish.

~ Tim and Francis 

A ride report: 5th August . Cobham - Rusper - Leatherhead

I'm not sure whether it was the forecast of cooler weather or the route but my guesstimate of numbers was on the low side with 22 signed up at one point though there were a couple of cancellations before we left Cobham.

My group left first (arriving last by some margin!) comprising Sue C, Jennie, Simon, Dave F and Geoffrey S.  Andy joined us at Bookham after Peter's group had passed us.  Clive's group also overtook before we reached the top of Whitedown. Here Geoffrey decided that the hills were too much and retired to make his own way home. We continued over Leith Hill and onwards to Rusper where we arrived shortly after 1pm just as the lunches were being served.

After an enjoyable ride back in cooler temperatures than recent weeks we had tea at Lucio's, managing to arrive in between B groups. 

My thanks to Clive and Peter for sub leading, Jennie for back marking, Andy for the photo and not least Dave F's tyre for not puncturing until after tea!

Peter's report: 

My group (Frances, Dave V, Dave W, Hans, Karl, Ged & Andy) left promptly at 10.45, after a 45 second rain shower - torrential in comparison to our new weather regime! Our only off road excursion was early in the ride, and, as a result of the dry weather, a bit tricky on road tyres. We caught group 1 here and, after passing/restarting, I noticed we had lost Andy to the first group. We got to lunch almost exactly 2 hours after starting and were greeted by the thickest sandwiches I have ever seen (as in height not intelligence!) Very nice. Dave W departed after lunch and the 6 of us cruised back to Leatherhead on a much flatter profile than the morning. Many thanks to Brian for his excellent route, my group for their company and, in particular, to Ged for backmarking.
 

 

 

 Clive's report:

My group was last off from Cobham and was made up of Steve D, Simon W, Patrick, Mike and with Dave B back marking. Brian had devised a lovely route through the Surrey lanes and we were blessed with great weather to show it off to its best advantage.  The route was generally uphill to Leith Hill via Critten Lane and Abinger Common. With most of the hills behind it was a relatively easy run in to lunch at the Star Inn at Rusper. We had overtaken the other two groups along the way so were first to arrive, but were soon to be joined by the others for our refreshments and refuel.
After lunch the only hill of note was Langhurst Lane so it was a fairly quick return to tea in Leatherhead via Brockham where we stopped for a photo by the church.

Upon arrival in Leatherhead we headed to Luccios but were beaten to it by some B’s so we had our tea and cake at Charlie and Ginger instead before heading home.
Thanks to Brian for organising and Dave B for back marking my group.

 

B Ride Report 5th August - Cobham - Leigh - Leatherhead

A good turnout of 21 riders, with most enjoying the warmth at the RBL and the free coffees and teas, courtesy of Geoff (Happy Birthday Geoff!).

We were blessed by about a minute of light rain as the first group of Steph, Chris McC, Nigel A, Sue F, Keith R and Alan C back-marking, under Pete By set out at 10.30am. followed 15 minutes later by Francis and his group of Brenda, Sabina, Bernard, Alan I, Mags with John A back-marking. 

The last group to leave were Tim C, Anne W, Linda, Julie, Paul J and Tim G back-marking, ably led by Mick A.

The morning section covered 21 miles in around three hours. The ascent to Ranmore Common brought the first beautiful views of the day, followed by the enjoyable descent to Denbies where most of the group shots were taken high up on the ridge.

The climb up Box Hill added a classic Surrey challenge to the morning. At the top, riders were again rewarded with expansive views across the South Downs. The weather remained cloudy and cool throughout the morning, which made the climbing so much more comfortable than it might have been earlier in the week.

After Box Hill, the route continued with a cruising descent into Betchworth, then wound along quiet country lanes to our lunch stop, the ever-welcoming The Plough pub. Lunch was served beneath two large gazebos out front, where the groups enjoyed delicious food and impressively quick service.

 

 

After lunch, the remainder of the ride was a gentler 10-mile flat stretch to tea in Leatherhead.

My thanks as always to my subbies, Pete By and Mick A for their diligent leadership, all our back-markers and of course to everyone who came on the ride. An enjoyable and rewarding day out.

~ Francis

Some 'Action' photos for Team Mick on the slopes of Mt Box: