Author: Tony
Sunday, 30 June 2019
Saturday, 29 June 2019
Friday, 28 June 2019
Easy Riders - 26th June
Author: Tim C
Thursday, 27 June 2019
Hysterical look back Dieppe & Sicily
On another scene I also watched "Operation Mince Meat" about the most successful deception by the British in WW2. Hitler was convinced that the first fight back after the retreat from Dunkirk would be for the allies to attack Sicily and that was correct. So the allies decided to concoct the most amazing deception. It involved the fabrication of a love affair with a fictitious soldier and a lover called "Pam" The dead body was delivered by submarine to Huelva off the coast of Spain with false document plans in a brief case to convince the Germans that the Allies would actually invade Greece. The deception was so convincing that Hitler authorised the rapid transfer of Panzer and army divisions away from Sicily. The deception worked and the allies managed to capture Sicily within 4 weeks and create the bridgehead of the fight back to end the second WW.
Ironically this reminds me of the Pam & Ian Appleton organised MWW tour of Sicily the year I broke my hip on the C&M Easter Tour to Bristol. I had already been on the Dieppe Raid that year when we hired a Gyte at Arduval. This was the second or third year I had organised this.
In order to avoid the hot weather in Sicily during August September Pam decided we should go in October and so we did. Unfortunately we chose the worst time in living memory. The first week was horrendous rain with all the roads like rivers. At one stage we followed our route with Robin Johnson generally in disagreement of what we were doing. Ian Appleton and he had different ideas on how to read a map. This was in the days before Garmin. We did follow a road closed sign to a bridge over a big river only to find that the substantial stone bridge had been washed away and that added some 20/30km back to Catania.
The final plan before returning home to LGW by BA was to surmount Mt. Etna! The crew apart from me who had to prove something took a coach to the Ski station before going up to the ski line. I felt the need to prove that my hip was improving so I rode my bike only to be overtaken by the marauding throng on the bus waving at my as I struggled on as they went by. I finally arrive at the Ski Lift, parked my bike and got on the lift. At the top I met Pam and others who had already gone up to the snow line in tracked Merc vehicles and back. It was clear that I could not do that as we had to get back to Catania! Anyway I raced back down half way hoping to meet the gang at an agreed, or so I thought cafe. I stopped had coffee and cake and no one arrived, so down I descended back to the Hostel where we were staying, only to realise over Dinner that night that I had left my bonk bag at the cafe. Next morning after a phone call the cafe had found my bag so it was half way again that morning back up Mt. Etna to prove yet again the madness of " Moaning Mad Hatter Morley"(MMHM!)
Author: mike morley
A group 26 June - to the Wild West
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Rotten Row - the place, not the cyclists |
Setting off promptly meant we were leaving Windsor Great Park by 11.25, heading via Fifield and Bray to Maidenhead and Cookham, where Ken punctured, but this was quickly fixed. After that it was less familiar routes: Winter Hill and down into Marlow, and then we stuck a toe into the Chilterns and the "big dipper" remembered by Janice and David Ward from past Cheam & Morden rides. Lovely countryside, however tummies were rumbling and lunch was calling from across the Thames, so nobody took up my generous offer of a bonus hill.
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Hambleden Lock |
50 miles and 1500 ft ascent from 11s to tea - for some it will have been an 85+ mile round trip. Thank you to everyone who helped make the ride go so smoothly, especially Dave Vine for back marking. It's a pleasure to ride with such a great bunch of experienced riders.
Author: Simon L
B Group - 26th June
Fantastic service and good food...and we were on our way again in plenty of time to have tea at Shepperton Lock...via Jubilee river, Windsor, Old Windsor, along through Runnymede, Egham, Thorpe, into Chertsey then over Chertsey bridge and on to the Lock. A fabulous day all due to our wonderful corner markers and back marker Peter.
Thank you 😊
I counted 20 folks at tea 😊 all enjoying the sun and chat.
Thank you all...happy cycling, Pam 😊😊
A great ride with Pam to The Pineapple and back to Shepperton Lock.
Welcome to Gemma, the tall person at the back |
Grant contemplates his BLT (Tony Hooker) |
Captured after avoiding the group photo |

Author: Tim C
Wednesday, 26 June 2019
Tuesday, 25 June 2019
Tri-Vets 2019 - finishers
17 Alan Imeson
74 Andy Bond
73 Ann Bath
67 Ann Keogh Godsall
82 Brian Bent
14 Brian Greenwood
25 Christina Berkley
22 Dave Vine
10 David Cullen
13 David Ferrett
80 Emily Seabrook
45 Gary Jacobs
28 Ged Lawrenson
37 Graham Seabrook
60 Guy Cowley
27 Hans Formella
78 Jacqui Pitman
3 Janice Dawes
69 Joanne Holden
7 John Austin
8 John Bassett
6 John Beer *
36 John Seabrook
59 Julie Rand
11 Ken Day
1 Mark Gladwyn
38 Martin Seabrook
20 Mike Morley
30 Mike Reynell
81 Neil McIntyre
66 Neil Warland *
47 Nigel Bassindale
71 Patrick Watmough
57 Pete Beyer *
68 Peter Holden
39 Peter Horsfield
55 Peter Sayer
54 Rob Seall
61 Roger Wheeldon
62 Ruth Mayorcas
56 Sarah Chapman
2 Simon Lambourn
12 Steve Duffin
42 Toni d'Italia
100 km
77 Angela Smith
87 Bob Pannell
5 Carolyn Beer
51 Geoff Gregory
44 Gill Holder
76 Jo Rifaat
75 Kaye Quinn *
41 Pam Jones
70 Paul Tuohy *
84 Peter Cornish
46 Peter Stratton
83 Peter Tiller
34 Ray Youlden
40 Sarah Irwin *
50 Stephanie Wyatt
48 Stephen Hickey
63 Sue Bellamy
26 Sue Chasty
35 Terry Lowe
9 Tim Court
16 Tim Gibbons
15 Tony Hooker
50 km
88 Ed Sharp
86 Francoise Humphrey
52 Frank Carter
19 Maggie James
23 Maureen Gallichan
18 Paul James
53 Sandy Bayliss
Author: Simon L
New Garmin
Author: Mark G
2 Comments:
Ged Lawrenson 25 June 2019 at 12:15 BST
Longer battery life a much-needed enhancement - pity Garmin can't retro-fit a battery-life extender to the earlier 820. Mine rarely lasts 8hours, even with optimised screen saver, and a power-pack is used to boost battery life - that still wasn't enough on the Tri-Vets. 830 will have to go on a long wish-list!
PaulKelly 26 June 2019 at 08:17 BST
I've long found with my even earlier 800 that navigating with map display on eats battery as it is continually redrawing. My solution was to set turn notifications on and ride with a data screen including "distance to next turn " and "off course" warnings. I found that gave plenty of battery for a century ride and the map pops up as a turn is approached.
Monday, 24 June 2019
Advice for B Group
I have been asked to pre-order. My apologies for this late request but I have a menu and I will ask you what sandwich you wish to order at Elevenses.
See you all at Walton on Wednesday,
Pam 💋🍔 @🍍
Author: Tim C
A new elevenses location for the A group, 26 June - Egham
I'm taking advantage of this north-westerly start point to go into areas we don't normally explore. We will be heading through Marlow and across the picturesque Hambleden Lock to get to lunch at The Flower Pot, Aston. It's not a very hilly ride (1700 ft of ascent). About 27 miles to lunch, and a fairly direct 23 back to tea at Notcutts, Laleham, with the option to get the train back from Windsor if you wish.
There is a bonus hill for those who want it: another 200 ft of climbing and an extra mile of cycling in gorgeous Chilterns lanes between Marlow and Hambleden Lock. We promise not to eat all the food at the pub. Contact me if you want the GPS track for it - the main group won't be going this way.
Author: Simon L
Sunday, 23 June 2019
Tri-Vets 100km - Team Tim
We also had a photographer, Peter Cornish accompanying us, sprinting ahead to ambush us with his camera. After our cuppa in Horley he went round the corner to another café to join Tony's group, in search of more photogenic subjects probably. We will look forward to seeing the results but if you visit Paul's Twitter feed https://twitter.com/Paultuohy and scroll down a little way you will see Peter's lovely photo of our club Mum and Dad. The next day Paul went to France with his wife Wendy and the pink tandem and you can see a few photos from their cycling holiday there.
We were pleased to be joined by Bob Pannell who registered for the event the day before but were most sad that Liz was feeling a bit wuzzy in the head and didn't want to risk riding, and that Paul James was suffering from sciatica after overdoing it on recent rides. However he went out in Maureen's group and had done over 100km by the time he arrived home. Both have pretty much come right and will be out this week.
~ Tim
Author: Tim C
2 Comments:
Terry 24 June 2019 at 14:57 BST
Many thanks to all who helped organise this delicious feast and great bike ride.
Terry 24 June 2019 at 14:58 BST
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Friday, 21 June 2019
Tri-Vets 100km - Team Tony
Our 100 Km ride went smoothly apart from a small delay by Thames water; we stopped for a morning tea break at Horley then on to a deliciously prepared lunch.
Thanks to Peter for back marking and for being a back-up navigator!
A big thank you to the organisers and catering staff from from us all.
Regards, Tony
Author: Tim C
Easy Riders - 19th June
Not a bad turnout considering that we lost a few usual riders to the Tri-Vets but otherwise not one of my best days as leader.
Regards
John
Author: Tim C
Thursday, 20 June 2019
Tri-Vets 2019 - badges and photos
Badges and date bars are available to those who completed 100k and are 'veterans' (over 50). They can be ordered from the Cycling UK website. For those who ordered on the day, I will do a group order and get the badges to you. They are expected to take about six weeks to arrive.
Photos: We would love to see and share your photos. Tim has organised a DropBox folder to collect them - just click on the link and it's very easy to add your photos. You don't need a DropBox account.
Author: Simon L
3 Comments:
Steph 20 June 2019 at 13:43 BST
I do think the ladies manning the kitchen deserve a bouquet. Is there a slush fund for that sort of thing?
Simon L 22 June 2019 at 17:37 BST
Funny you should mention that Steph. A bouquet for Liz appeared on Friday, and I believe Maggie also received one :-)
Steph 23 June 2019 at 06:05 BST
👍
Tri-Vets 100 Miles - A Well Balanced Group
Author: Mark G
CTC Tri-Vets 2019
Author: Mark G
Tuesday, 18 June 2019
Dieppe Raid
Thanks,
Terry
Author: Terry
Monday, 17 June 2019
Tri Vets - 100k Geoff Gregory as leader
Let's hope for an enjoyable ride, I'm looking forward to meeting you all.
Geoff
Author: Geoff Gregory
Tri-Vets ride 19 June - last minute info

Here are just a few additions to the main rider briefing information here.
Train Strike: Industrial action is planned on South Western Railway: however the main services south from Clapham Junction are run by Southern, and should be running normally every 30 mins.
Cake: Last time we were delighted that several riders arrived bearing food to add to the refreshments. It would help us to plan if you can let us know beforehand if you're bringing something. (email Simon or Mark).
Photos: We'd love to share your photos on the blog and possibly the website - maybe they will even get chosen for publication in Cycle magazine! Please take lots and feel free to share them using this dropbox link.
Author: Simon L
Sunday, 16 June 2019
LEJoG: Notes from a Large Island
Day 1
Set off 09.30, lunch, tea, arrived lands end hotel around 05.00 pm took M3 A30 past Stonehenge. Weather: sun, cloudy 15, light wind
Day 2
09.45 Start in mist, undulating but one 22% climb, lunch in Truro, finished St. Austell 4.30pm.
Day 3
Earlier start, 09.00 as we have 73 miles to do today, either climbing or descending 30 going down and sometimes getting to 3.9 going up. Coffee in Liskeard, lunch in Tavistock, Devon 40 miles. Did 42 mph over Dartmoor on one descent. Total climb for the day 7926ft, arrived in Exeter 7.00pm
Day 4
Later start, getting Jennie’s bike adjusted at the Bike Shed in Exeter, really helpful. No major climbs, a little undulating, but due to accidents on M5 really bad traffic around Bridgewater. I got a puncture, arrived 6.30pm.
Day 5
Again an earlier start as a long day today, coffee at Congresbury, over the Bristol Channel, then whilst making our way to Tintern abbey, the road was closed, and despite requests a worker refused to allow us to walk our bikes across the area, so we had to go back up the hill and the diversion added another 6 miles on the ride. Finally arrived at the hotel, just before 8.00pm.
Day 6
Slightly shorter day, rolling countryside all day, arrived at the hotel north of Shrewsbury at 6.30pm. Some slight showers during the day, basically used the A49.
Day 7
Again a 09.30 start, undulating until coffee at Whitchurch, including a 7 mile stretch on the A49, then a true ‘Wayfarer’ route across country to Taporley and lunch. After that more down than up, tea in Warrington, three further miles onto the hotel.
Day 8
We were lucky with the weather given the forecast - first 40 miles in the dry, to Garstang, then the rain came in and the temperature dropped to 12C for the 10 miles into Lancaster.
No problems through Preston, a helpful cycle lane marked out for much of the cross town. Lunch in Garstang was warm and welcoming.
Arrived at the hotel at 5.30pm shivering and soaked.
A short day today at 53 miles but long enough with the wet finish.
460 miles covered so far.
Day 9
Leaving Lancaster we stopped at Carnforth where David Lean filmed Brief Encounter. Then rolled on to a stop in Kendal for lunch and up and over Shap Fell, 1402 feet of climbing over 11 miles, then 6 miles of descent. Then due to a split tyre, off to Halfords for replacement before dinner.
Day 10
Left Penrith with new tyre on the front wheel, A6 to Carlisle, coffee in a wonderful cafe in Bank Street, then on to the border at Gretna. Lunch in Annan. Rolling terrain all day to Dumfries.
Day 11
Today’s route from Dumfries was to be another long ride, so started early, climbing up and over the pass at Beattock, unfortunately there was nothing around to be able to get some food until then. We went off course for a while and although the terrain was not difficult it caused an additional 20 or so miles to the trip, so by the time we arrived in East Kilbride we had done 90 miles.
Day 12
From East Kilbride through and round Glasgow on cycle route 7. Alongside a tributary of the Clyde, really lovely cycling to Bowling. Coffee in Dumbarton then a long stretch on the A82 beside Loch Lomond to Tarbet, poor road to cycle on. Last few miles uphill to Crianlarich.
Day 13
Rain showers this morning, again either climbing or descending, up and over the Glencoe mountain where the rain was torrential. However by the time we rolled into Fort William it had stopped, 54 miles
Day 14
Wonderful scenes alongside Lock Ness, rolling country, once we left the A82 at Drumnadrochit, a real sting, 15% climb for about half mile, but it seemed longer, cold head wind. Arrived at the hotel just outside Alness after 79 miles.
Day 15
Sunny this morning when we started, within an hour we were having showers and strong winds against us. Tea and food at Bonar Bridge then just a slog against the wind and rain along a single track road for nearly 50 miles to Tongue, only two places to stop and warm up and have something to eat and drink the whole way
Day 16
Very, very windy at the start of our last day, lots of climbing to Melvich and our first stop of the day, undulating to Thurso and then a very pleasant ride to the end at John O’Groats.
Finished!!!!

An epic journey.
~ David and Jennie Jackson
Author: Tim C
2 Comments:
Mark G 17 June 2019 at 10:38 BST
Well done, both. Great ride.
Neil C 17 June 2019 at 15:27 BST
Well done Team Jackson. Memories are made of this. Everyone should do do this ride at least once.
Saturday, 15 June 2019
Easy Riders - 12th June
Regards
John
Author: Tim C
Friday, 14 June 2019
Tri-Vets 2019 Start List
85 Geoffrey Shields
Author: Mark G
1 Comment:
Geoffrey Shields 15 June 2019 at 06:10 BST
Simon, I have emailed you re requested late entry. Geoffrey