Author: Tim C
Thursday, 28 February 2013
Easy Riders - 27th February
A Group 27 February
Author: Jeff
A Group 27th Feb
Author: Brian
Walton Bridge
Work in progress not much difference from the last photo's but work goes on! Took these pics on way back from Addelston with Grant Pike.
Just a further note to say I picked up some Sou'Westers left on table so if anyone short let me know. Also had call from Toni de I who somehow did not make it to 11's but in the end I gather did 70 miles so well done Toni. Also talked to Don who was out for first time this year after some Heart investigations. I'm sure we all wish him well and good progress!
Author: mike morley
Wednesday, 27 February 2013
B Group 27 February
The air was cool but the roads were dry as about a dozen of us used the backstreets and footbridge over the M25 to Ottershaw, then a quieter route via Foxhills, Stonehill and Gracious Pond Roads to Burrowhill. Windlesham Road led to Valley End (a few brave crocuses were trying hard) then within earshot of the M3 to Chertsey Road and Longcross Road. Soon we turned into Kitsmead Lane and forked left into Wellington Avenue which led to lunch at Callow Hill - that four-letter word providing the sting in the tail to the morning's ride.
Soon after we arrived at The Rose and Olive Branch Bernard joined us and we were all soon enjoying delicious lunches.
After lunch the sun appeared. We set off northish to shortly fly down Prune Hill then followed the 'normal' route via Thorpe Lea, Penton Marina, approach to Laleham Golf Course, Ferry Lane (reasonably dry) to join the B375 to Shepperton and tea for five at Cafe Mocha D, after which we went our separate ways. About 24 miles, both on my computer and the website. Thanks to tec Irene.
Terry
Author: Terry
A Group 27th February
Author: Mark G
Monday, 25 February 2013
Addlestone Weds 27th
Author: Brian
Sunday, 24 February 2013
The Gospel Pass
Yesterday, I rode 'The Gospel Pass', which is a long-standing and classic Audax ride. It's always held at this time of the year, and, at 150kms, is fairly long for an early season event. If you add in the Gospel Pass itself, the highest road pass in Wales, you have the makings of a proper adventure.
The ride starts at Chepstow, so I took my lodgings at the Castle View, where they made me a good breakfast before I walked across the road to sign in at the castle itself. There was a large field of more than 100 riders, many more than is normal in our part of the world. But everything was well organised and by 0800 we were climbing up to a hilly spit of land that has great views over the Severn and Wye, heading for the first control at Monmouth.
The weather was very cold - it probably didn't get much above freezing all day, and was well below it most of the time - but it was a dry cold, so really quite bearable if you wrapped up. The weather had given me some puzzlement with the choice of bike, too. My Pearson Carbon Audax is excellent for this type of ride, as you would expect, but it's light, and a little flighty, so it might be a bit of a handful if conditions turned bad. On the other hand my Croix de Fer is robust and capable and is fitted with snow tyres. In the end the Croix de Fer got it, and I regretted my choice all of the fifty hilly miles to Hay on Wye. Although there was ice in the ditches, and icicles in the hedgerows in places, the road surface was clear and dry and a lighter bike would have rolled easier.
Leaving the Hay control and beginning to climb the pass itself I began to change my opinion. The more I climbed, the more the road gathered strips of snow and bands of ice. Nothing to really bother about, but I was beginning to be able to ride where others chose to walk. Hmm.
Just before the summit the organiser, Nic Peregrin, appeared, warning that there was a large amount of ice on the far side and that riders should walk down. 'Don't worry about the time', he said 'just get down safely'. It's not often that your hear Audax timekeepers telling you not to worry about the time...
Over the top and down the other side, keeping a weather eye out for the ice. Nothing much for the first couple of miles, no worse than the ascent, but as the road left the open moorland it went into a deep cutting. Almost immediately it was covered with ice, for a distance of a couple of hundred yards. It seemed that the trees on the top of the bank provided enough shelter to let the ice form.
I stopped and took a look at it, and decided that, with a bit of care, I should be able to ride it with the snow tyres. Being careful to do nothing sudden I got across it with little difficulty, to the tarmac beyond. Round the corner, and here was another stretch of ice, and so on for the next five miles or so, until lower altitudes turned the ice first to slush, and then to water.
Having learned the trick of passing the first patch of ice, this suited me quite well, and I was able to progress steadily, not at great pace, but very much more quickly than my fellow riders who were walking across the ice in cleats. You could almost feel them willing me to fall off ...
On to the control at Abergavenny, which should have been in a pub, the 'Farmers Arms', but had been moved at short notice to a nearby cafe, as the rugby was on the telly and the pub was packed with people watching Wales win. The cafe owner could hardly believe her luck - a hundred hungry cyclists, when everyone else was watching the rugby. Well.
Twenty-odd miles to go now, with another big hill in the way, but again I was rewarded with expansive views, this time over the Severn Estuary. From the top, a fast blast down to the final control at the 'Three Tuns', Chepstow; in time, and ready for supper.
Mark
Author: Mark G
Saturday, 23 February 2013
Annual Lunch - 6 March
We will meet at Cobham for elevenses as usual, and A/B/Easy Rider groups will have a morning-only ride ending at Cheam at lunchtime. We are booked at Prezzo at 12.30. It is worth checking the Prezzo site for special offers in the week before the lunch.
And just a reminder - if you haven't already paid your annual Wayfarers subscription, then I'll be happy to take £3 off you at any time!
Simon.
Thursday, 21 February 2013
A Ride – 20 February
Author: Tony
Easy Riders - 20th February
David Salmon's route from the Elleray Hall to Isleworth for lunch, then back to Kingston
Author: Tim C
Wednesday, 20 February 2013
B Ride - 20 February
Having been asked to lead a B ride , I had planned out a gentle ride through the lanes to Leatherhead, to be followed by a shorter but more strenuous run across to the newly discovered Silver Spoon at Tattenham Corner.
Alas it was not to be! Some 17 left Teddington and cut through Bushy Park to Hampton Court. Crossing the Mole via Summer Road and that sinking feeling of a rear wheel puncture. Offending flint removed and inner tube replaced it was swiftly on our way. One mile later and that sinking feeling again. Realizing this to be an 'I may be some time' moment I asked Terry if he would take the rest forward to Leatherhead with a view to catching up later, I stayed to tackle the problem with a spare tube kindly loaned by Bob. Search as I may I could not find the root cause of my woes. Eventually, by taking the tyre off and turning it inside out, I found a small thorn entered at an angle that couldn't be felt from the inside. Hurrah! Time to use Bob's tube and meet up with the rest. Except Bob's tube was of no use. Months of bobbing around in the bag had caused the seam to chaff and split (tip - always wrap your spare in an old flannel secured by one of those postie's red rubber bands). So I'm afraid it was straight home for me with a slow puncture and a few stops for use of the pump.
So, thanks to Terry for stepping into the breach and I hope the other 16 had a better day than I did. Still I was back in good time to watch the World Championships on the Red Button, so all was not lost.
Pete=
Author: Jeff
B Group 20 February
I then led, mostly the reverse of my route to Teddington ie Esher, A244 south until we could turn right into the peace and quiet of Sandy Lane and Fairmile Lane, turning left on the A245 to Leatherhead. Lunch was at Wetherspoons where Ray Dare joined us but sadly Pete didn't.
After lunch some went straight home but a group of us, led by Liz (thanks), went to Ashtead via Beaverbrook roundabout, B2033, Tumber Street and Ashtead Park to the newish Bike Beans cafe. By now we had developed thirsts and appetites which were well satisfied. Ray and I were last to leave, we saw the proprietor riding a modern version of the 'penny farthing' although wheel sizes were more in the ratio 2p/1p and it had pneumatic tyres and brake (elf and safety ?).
Terry
Author: Terry
A Group 20th February
Tony led us widdershins round Heathrow today, to the fabled Northern Shire of Buckingham. 29.5 miles from elevenses at Elleray Hall to tea at Upper Halliford; lunch at Horton. Rolling average 11mph and 1320 calories.
Almost sunny enough to eat outside, and home without lights.
Mark
Author: Mark G
Sunday, 17 February 2013
Midweek Wayfarers Forum/Message Board
Author: Lisa
Pub Register Information
Try submitting stuff, I am not sure what might work in terms of allowing everyone permission to edit - as there is scope for screwing the whole thing up - but this does give anyone permission to submit an entry. However anything that goes in as rubbish is not going to be difficult for me to remove.
If you want to contact me, most of you have my email address - if you don't, then I am lisa via the kprc website (I already get enough spam and don't want to spell out my email address here!).
Have fun.
Lisa
Author: Lisa
PUB REGISTER/Mark's comments
A separate linked blog seems a simple solution.
Author: Geoffrey Shields
1 Comment:
Lisa 17 February 2013 at 13:29 GMT
Interesting, Geoff.
If I do a search with that postcode in Google/Google Maps, it knows I am searching for London.
Does you browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, Safari or whatever) or your internet service provider think that you are based in Germany and hence is using that as the starting point for the search.
I had something like that recently that was trying to resolve a UK postcode in the US, but I forget exactly what it was or why.
Friday, 15 February 2013
Pub Register
Here's a cheap and cheerful suggestion. Why don't we just make another blog? They're free and it's easy. Have one called 'CTC Wayfarers Pubs for Lunch' or some such, and link it to our current blog. Same contributor list for making entries and anyone can read it. Dates are automatically generated and you can search it by pub name, village name or whatever you fancy.
Also, while I understand the attraction of OS Refs, postcodes have a lot going for them. You can Google them, and get a map and lots of info back, and your gps or iPhone will take you to a postcode but generally not to an OS Ref. Case for both, I think.
Try the one for the Dolphin and see what I mean.
While the technology catches up I will continue to research pubs on my bicycle.
Mark
Author: Mark G
pub register
- date of review/comment should be added - new management can work wonders
- post codes cover v large areas in the country and so OS refs are preferable
Author: Geoffrey Shields
Wayfarers' Guide to the Good Life
Any reports posted on the blog will sink out of sight before you can say: 'Mine's a pint, please'. Perhaps we might need to create a link to a Google Doc to which MWW/ C&M and Beginners all have access and editing rights - not just blog contributors. This would need the consent and cooperation of the blog owner. I have sketched a simple and very rough draft template of the information suggested by Geoffrey and Mark that might be included. I don't know if this is legible!
Others will know better than me if this would work or indeed if it is necessary! What do you think?
Jeff
Author: Jeff
Pubs for Lunch
The Dolphin, Betchworth
On Corner opposite Church - RH3 7DW
Old pub, extended and modernised, but retaining interesting features (and a nice fire). Good menu, frequently changed, with emphasis on local game. Youngs beers and a pleasant range of guest beers too. Some tables outside for a sunny day.
Mark Gladwyn
Author: Mark G
Thursday, 14 February 2013
Pubs for lunch
Charlwood, "Half Moon", next to the church, TQ 241 411.
Pros: very good value and interesting menu; good beers - I enjoyed Hobgblin; efficient service; quiet location.
Cons: architecturally prosaic (but not ugly) and limited outside area.
Recommended/
If this proposal meets with approval by members may I suggest that the ground rules are
- make you own entries listed by location ie village
- make supporting or contradicting comments on existing entries with full identity
- respect existing entries - no editing
Author: Geoffrey Shields
A Group 13th Feb
Ray
.
Author: Ray Dare
Wednesday, 13 February 2013
C Group Ride - 13 February
Lynda
Author: Jeff
B Group - 13 February
Eleven daffodils and a snowdrop in the shadow of St Peter's Newdigate |
Author: Jeff
B Group 13 February
About sixteen of us headed south on the cycle track into the slight wind (keeping the temperature even lower), turning into Pixham Lane where the As flashed by. Continuing east on the A25 we soon turned left into Old Reigate Road, over the footbridge (the original road bridge was washed away in the September 1960 something storm) and through the perpetual mud patch to rejoin the A25 briefly before turning right towards Brockham. A left turn took us to Betchworth then via Wonham Lane (deer safely grazing well away from the road) past the slowly refurbished Wonham Mill to Leigh and decision time - Norwood Hill ? yea or neigh? time decided neigh, so straight over the crossroads, left into Hogspudding Lane bringing us to The Six Bells (Les Six Cloches?) at Newdigate just before 1300.
Despite last night's warning from the landlady 'You might have to wait if there's a lot of you' we didn't and there was, lunch was enjoyed by all.
It was decided tea should be at Annie's so we returned (with a slight tailwind) via Henfold and (most of us) North Holmwood, Horsham Road, Vincent Lane (a new Lidl is coming), Chalkpit Lane, Parkway (sorry, didn't have enough cake to go round), Meadowbank and cycle track to Leatherhead. The As were just about to leave Annie's but there was some cake left so nobody went hungry. David discovered he had a split rear rim but hopefully made home safely. We left Annie's with plenty of daylight to come, but just as I was approaching Dorking it started to snow gently - at time of writing it has stopped.
Terry
Author: Terry
A Group 13th February
Author: Mark G
Tuesday, 12 February 2013
Belated 6 Feb Cobham

Great to see Hazel & Thelma visit us for 11's. They send Brian Starey their best regards and were pleased to see all the Wayfarers again!
Author: mike morley
Monday, 11 February 2013
B Group leader needed Weds at Leatherhead
Peter T has unfortunately come down with the flu and so we are looking for someone to lead the Bs on Weds. I am also similarly indisposed so cant be sure how I will feel on Weds.
I'll keep checking the blog but please also email any offers. Thanks.
Brian
Author: Brian
Exhibition now in final week
For details of the exhibition and venue please click on her invitation:
She will be at the gallery in person at these times:
Monday 4
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SET UP DAY
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|||
Tuesday 5
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11.30-2.30
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Philip
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2.30 -5.30
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Jen/Liz
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Wednesday 6
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11.30-2.30
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Jen
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2.30 -5.30
|
Philip
|
Thursday 7
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11.30-2.30
|
Liz
|
2.30 -5.30
|
Jen
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Friday 8
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11.30-2.30
|
Liz
|
2.30 -5.30
|
Jen
|
Saturday 9
|
11.30-2.30
|
Phil
|
2.30 -5.30
|
Phil
|
Sunday 10
|
11.30-2.30
|
Phil
|
2.30 -5.30
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Liz
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Monday 11
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CLOSED ALL DAY
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CLOSED ALL DAY
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||
Tuesday 12
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11.30-2.30
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Liz
|
2.30 -5.30
|
Jen/Phil
|
Wednesday 13
|
11.30-2.30
|
Liz
|
2.30 -5.30
|
Phil
|
Thursday 14
|
11.30-2.30
|
Liz
|
2.30 -5.30
|
Jen
|
Friday 15
|
11.30-2.30
|
Liz
|
2.30 -5.30
|
Jen
|
Saturday 16
|
11.30-2.30
|
Jen
|
2.30 -5.30
|
Philip
|
Sunday 17
|
11.30-2.30
|
Philip
|
2.30 -5.30
|
Jen/Liz
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Monday 18
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Author: Tim C