25th June Northwesters Tri-Vets

As in 2022, Brockham is a tad too far for some of us. So a Tri-Vets heading west,

as of 2022 was planned. I set the limit to 10 participants and that number was 

soon reached. It was a 10 o’clock start  from the Ferry cafe and we were off

 more or less on time. 

Chertsey Bridge to Staines had soon come and gone and on the Wraysbury road

 we had our first drink stop from bike water bottles. The going was fairly good 

except for a constant headwind, through Eton and then a cross headwind across

 Dorney common made hard going. But we were soon at our first stop at Dorney

 Court GC.and the coffee was most welcome, needless to say some had cake 

and the chatter did slow its consumption, nevertheless the half hour stop turned 

into ¾ of an hour.

But we were soon on our way though Bray and past the Fat Duck, after crossing

 the A308, Harvest Hill road was closed, but we managed the short section by

 using the footpath. White Waltham came and went, and past the Beehive pub,

 and old C&M lunch stop.

 

At Waltham St Lawrence we turned left heading through Shurlock Row and  

  ontoHurst and past the Green Man Pub, one of Vic’s favourites as they did

 a child's Sunday roast which came with an ice cream for pudding. Then 

 the obligatory photo outside the Castle pub CTC plaque at Hurst. Then the 

short ride to lunch.

The Cafe and outside seating areas were virtually empty, so no queues for food

 and we all sat outside in the shade. Food service was reasonably quick and we 

managed to depart in good time. More lovely very quiet country lanes, apart from

 bird song,  saw the miles fly by and we were soon at Beenhams heath and 

heading down to Paley street, Touchen End and the edge of Fifield, (for those

 who remember, the giant heads have gone),  through Dedworth and our tea 

stop at Windsor riverside. 

 

Sitting in the sun with ice creams, it was hard to get going again, but on we went,

 Old Windsor,  and across Egham Meads, Thorpe and the traffic of Chertsey to 

our final stop at the 3 Horse Shoes pub Shepperton for re-hydration and for their

 little momentos of the day, our 100K done, as all cycled to the start and home 

again, everyone did well over 100K. Thank you all for joining the Tri-Vets ride 

and a special thank you to Simon for back marking

 

Those who joined the ride were, Tony, Simon, Pete B, Pam, Liz, Ray Y, Carolyn,

 Lillian, Jenny and Steph. I think I will plan a different route for 2028.

 

 Tony..

B Group ride the 2nd July from Cobham

 I will be leading a B group ride from Cobham next Wednesday to the Wheatsheaf 

 at Virginia Water for lunch with tea at Walton Marina. 25 miles to lunch and 13 

miles to tea, a total of 38 miles with 1,342 ft of undulations.

Please let me know if you wish to join the ride.

WhatsApp direct or email tonyiahopkins@gmail.com

 

We will cycle through Windsor great park and past the Totem Poll 

Tony.. 

B Ride Report 25th June

We expected fewer numbers to sign up for the ride, given a few other cycling events this week and so it turned out to be, with just the 9 riders at the most welcoming Elevenses venue Egham Manor Farm day centre.

So 2 small groups led by Francis and Tim G left on time, 10 mins apart.

In part cloud and sun, we quickly headed southwards towards Thorpe, Lyne and Ottershaw on pretty busy roads. It wasn’t that busy when we recce’d the route the previous Monday. Soon we reached the outskirts of Pryford and the familiar roads of Ripley and West Horsley and the Barley Mow pub. We arrived pretty much altogether and the kitchen were super-efficient with serving us their special Thai dishes and also traditional british fayre.

FixieDave decided to head home after lunch, knowing it’s best not to push too hard on the road to recovery, having cycled to Elevenses as well. The rest of us headed to Effingham and Ranmore Common and after tackling a couple of irritating hills, we soon arrived at Café Barbera in Stoke D’Abernon to rest our limbs and enjoy a good cuppa or gelato.

My thanks to the other 8 who came out, Tim G, Bernard, Sabina, Julie, Dave F, Stephen H, FixieDave and Chris H. Unflappable sub-leading by Tim G and diligent back-marking by Bernard, Dave F and Julie.

Enjoyed all your company and support on a fine day out.

Francis

MWW June 25th A Group ride to VeloLife, Warren Row

We had 7 riders, plus myself as Ride Leader and Dave Ward as backmarking leaving Egham to head to Velolife at 10.30am. 1 group this week as other riders headed to Dieppe.

The weather forecast was glorious and despite some cloud cover it did not disappoint.

It was a route travelled before , up Tite Hill, through Windsor Park, Warfield, Hare Hatch to Velolife. We arrived just after noon to a quiet cafe where we sat under the vines.

The return was very pleasant heading through Paley Street, Fifield where Dave W said goodbye. Peter                                                                                         stepped in as backmarker. Thanks guys.

We then headed through Dorney , Eton Wick, Datchet on to Staines and Shepperton.  Janice, Richard and Peter turned off to head for Walton, whilst myself, Dave B and Fiona enjoyed the beautiful Sunbury Garden Cafe for cake and icecream around 3pm.

Needless to say everyone made the ride easy to lead with help when I take the inevitable wrong turn!😂

Welcome back to Fiona and a shout out also to Dave Vine, who also did a recce but unfortunately was poorly so could not ride. Get better soon Dave.

The photos say it all, sunshine, good company and cake - whats not to like.🌞

Cycle Maintenance Course

 We are organising a cycle maintenance course, covering brakes and chains on Monday 21st July in Bushy Park, meeting at 10.30hrs at the Pheasantry Cafe.

If you would like to register for attendance please email me at d.jackson49@aol.co.uk

Jennie 

New authors for this Wayfarers blog

We've signed up 30 of the previous Wayfarers Blog authors, with 16 pending invitations awaiting your confirmation. If you don't wish to be an author anymore just let your invitation from Google lapse.

If you are intending to post stuff to the blog again please respond to your invitation. When you respond to the Google invitation you may be told that your invite has expired. In this case just let me know so that we can issue a new invitation for you.

Later next week we intend to invite new authors who have expressed interest.

~ Tim 

Invitation to B Group Ride 25th June 2025

Elevenses will be at the Egham Manor Farm Day Centre, Manor Farm Ln, Egham TW20 9HR.

The ride will be 39.6 miles in total and 1,762 ft of climb, ending in Cobham via West Horsley and The Barley Mow. No pre-order is necessary.

If you would like to join the ride, please Email me directly before 6pm Monday evening. The first group will leave Elevenses at 10.30am, second group at 10.45am and the last group at 11am.

Look forward to seeing you on Wednesday.

Francis

A BIG THANK YOU!

 

I am sure you would all like to join me in sending a huge vote of thanks to Mick A for masterminding such a wonderful event on Wednesday. His meticulous attention to detail and planning of the event were carried out with military precision. This 'behind the scenes work' was probably not evident to most of us who turned up, enjoyed a lovely ride and socialised with folks we hadn't seen for a while. And that is the mark of a good event I think; it all appears effortless.  Very well done Mick!

I would also like to say a big thank you to Jennie J who found such a fabulous venue. To quote Arnie, ''we will be back!'' Jennie also headed up the catering operation and along with her amazing team filled 200 rolls and provided a wonderful selection of cakes at tea time. 

Finally, very well done to all  the riders. With temperatures in the 30's it was a real achievement for nearly everyone to complete their chosen distances. 

Well done all,

With best wishes

Sue F

Norwesters trip to Westminster, 11th June 2025

On the 11^th of June, seven of us met at the Pheasantry, Bushy Park, with 6 of us ready for a ride into the capital. Arwyn couldn’t join us for the ride. We set off on a familiar course via Kingston Bridge, along through Canbury Gardens before entering Richmond Park via Ham Gate. We followed our normal route, across the park and exited via Sheen Gate. We made our way down towards the river and used the cycle path along Clifton Avenue to cross the Thames at Chiswick Bridge. We followed the tow path until entering Hammersmith where we entered some devious routes that took us past a number of road intersections and cycle paths that took us through Kensington and up to Palace Green where we were confronted by a barrier across the road that was raised to let us pass. With Regents Park on our right and many Embassies on our left, we cycled up to Mount Walk which was our gateway to the park itself. Through Regents Park, we saw the Round Pond and the Albert Memorial before crossing the road, where we entered Hyde Park. At the end of Hyde Park, we were confronted by an elaborate and confusing route around Hyde Park Corner before cycling along with Buckingham Palace on our right and Green Park to our left. On to Constitution Hill where we stopped for some photos. After a quick break, we were off down The Mall before turning right into Horse Guards Road. At Horse Guards Parade we saw the preparations for Trooping of the Colours that was happening at the weekend. On reaching Birdcage Walk, we entered several smaller roads with infuriating traffic lights which took an age to get through. We also passed several sights including Westminster Abbey before taking us down towards the Thames and onto Vauxhall Bridge Road. Across the Thames and around another complex set of cycle paths before cycling along the Nine Elms Lane towards Battersea Park and our lunch stop for the day.

Lunch was at the Pear Tree Café that was good but a little pricey compared to our more rural pubs. The price you pay for a day out in London! But the service was good and friendly.

After lunch we followed the A3220 to Clapham Common before going through a number of side roads to avoid the traffic. Just before Wimbledon we said goodbye to Helen and Dawn who found a short cut down the Wandle Trail and home. We then went through Wimbledon and avoiding the hill found a small path that runs parallel to the railway that took us to Raynes Park Station, New Malden Station and beyond. At Elm Road we ran out of paths, but it was easy as we were close to Norbiton station with a downhill run to Kingston. Unfortunately, it was too late for tea at Dish but the café next door, Five At The Bridge was still open, so we indulged in tea, coffee and cake before departing for home.

I would like to thank my co-conspirators, namely, Dawn, Helen, Gill F, Pam and Liz for their company and good humour.

Ray Y

Shoreham Century A Ride

Twenty-five of us signed up, and everyone arrived bright and early at Tanhouse. Fortunately the gloomy, chilly weather did nothing to dampen our spirits, as we confidently expected wonderful warm sunshine in Shoreham.

We had three groups led by Peter S, and jointly by Neil C and Andy C.

  

My group had an enjoyable ride down and Neil W demonstrated his eye for a good photo-op by Slaugham Lake.

        

The headwind strengthened as we approached Shoreham, but we arrived at the Swiss Cottage comfortably around 12.45 where we met up with the speedier A’s. The sun was shining, we were sheltered from the wind so we elected to sit in the garden.  Word had got out about the attractions of the 3-course Seniors menu, but unfortunately the staff struggled to cope; made worse by their practice of serving customers in inverse order of arrival. Other groups seemed to have fared better, but we took well over an hour and a half, mostly spent waiting.   

Another one who Jumped the Queue

Our spirits were not dimmed, so a visit to the shore was essential, and later the lure of Partridge Green Magnums proved irresistible. For which many thanks for Dave F’s generosity.

Spirits raised, challenged only by the nagging wind, which refused to behave as tailwinds normally do, we headed to Horsham, thankfully arriving with 10 minutes to spare before the Leisure Centre’s 5pm café curfew.

One rider chose the train from Horsham but, with only Old Holbrook to conquer, we were refreshed and well placed for the final run into Leatherhead. Most riders dispersed on the way, but two of us were impressed to meet up with the stalwarts of the faster riders outside ‘spoons, who had sacrificed their evenings to welcome us back.

Many thanks to Peter S, Andy C and Neil C for leading their groups, and to Sue F for back marking my group all day. Not forgetting everyone for their excellent spirits.

More reports doubtless to follow, but this is the proof that we were all there.

         

     

 

 

 

 

June 25th - Velolife Warren Row via Egham

 

Save the date (before Dieppe Raid) 

Flat ride to Velolife.

Start Egham - Manor Farm Lane DC

Finish - Shepperton/Walton

Circa 50 miles 

(excluding your trip to Egham so 60+ miles min) 

2 sub leaders in place

Sign up by 6pm on Monday 23rd June - no pre orders necessary

Francespstewart@gmail.com

Tri-Vets 2025 event

The Tri-Vets event will be held on the 18th of June. 

There are details of how to book your place, including a link to an online registration form, on our website.

Click here for full details

This event is generally very popular with our CTC SWL members and for our guest riders from other clubs. Places are limited so please sign up soon 🙂.

~ Mick Arber

 

Author: Tim C

A jaunt into the Surrey Hills for the B's

A total of 19 keen and enthusiastic cyclists signed up for our jaunt into the Surrey Hills on Wednesday 4th June, including leaders Paula, Sue F and Julie. A few decided against before the start, a few more turned back before lunch, Sue managed to lose the whole of her group before tea, and one got a puncture, missed the start but caught up at lunch. Those who persevered with the ride (some of them battery assisted) had a very pleasant journey up hills (quite a few), down dales (many with splendid views) and along leafy railway tracks and wooded ridges.Lunch was at Smithbrook Kilns, near Cranleigh, a lovely old Brickworks converted to small business units including Beyond Bikes and Bricks cafe where we enjoyed lovely fresh sandwiches, soup and cake, served amazingly quickly in a quiet and pretty setting. Tea was back at Cobham where we bumped into the remains of our friends from the A ride, who's absent friends had eaten all the cakes.  The rain held off until after 5pm and the sun even shone a bit. 

Ride Report A group to Godalming 4th June

 19 riders started at Cobham and left in 3 groups for a ride to Godalming. First away leading his group was Andy with Simon, Dave F, Dave V, Dave W, Richard and Neil W. This is what he reported:-

Over three months off riding with the mid-weeks, but today, I happily returned sub-leading Steve's slower group from Cobham to Godalming. A somewhat cooler feeling day with a blustery south-west wind, we made steady progress up Shere Lane & were overtaken by Clive's moderate group just before Shere.

"Are you going across the ford?" asks Dave W who together with Neil W did so in the literal sense!

Photo Courtesy of Simon

Photo courtesy of Simon

Photo By Andy

At the top of Farley Heath, Steve's quicker group overtook us & we continued along familiar lanes including the brutal Alldens Hill but were rewarded with a fantastic view at the top. Some may recall a café being in this location & a quick google search reveals a new site in roughly the same location undergoing renovation https://www.hilltop-kitchen.co.uk/ Fast decent to the Jack Phillips in Godalming. Jack was the senior wireless operator on the Titanic & was born at 11 Farncombe Street in 1887. Wetherspoons' quick service meant we we away within the hour towards Wonersh, Blackheath & the climb of Coombe Lane.

With a tail wind we were drinking tea at Gails in Cobham in no time & were reunited with (the remainder) of Clive & Steve's groups. Your correspondent was there long enough to see the "B" groups arrive too, but wasn't able to avoid the rain for the journey home.Thanks to Steve for the route & everyone else for their company.

Well I wish I had been in Andy's group. I don't think they are 'slow' at all. I just think they are too busy enjoying themselves! Incidentally the carpet in Weatherspoons Godalming was designed similar to the carpet used in the Titanic, so have a look next time you are there.

Clive was next away with Brian,Karl, Peter and Guy. They managed to find a place to take a picture of the horse sculpture after Alldens Hill. It is just behind Karl's left shoulder.

Finally I left with Frances, Janice, Patrick, Simon W, Hans and Ged. Frances left us at Effingham Junction as she wasn't riding, but joined us for coffee. I have to say the recce on Sunday was sunny, but today was overcast and cool. However there was some climbing and so we kept warm. We last did this ride 2 years previously, but it was remembered. Brookwell Lane the private road which leads to Godalming through Thorncombe Street and Munstead is a particularly neat way of riding quiet roads to lunch. The ride transports you back to a time when traffic was limited to a horse and cart. We arrived at Wetherspoons and enjoyed our lunch, although some of the wraps did not have much filling. Hans and Janice had to buy some chips to fuel up a bit more, which was disappointing.

The return was a steep climb up Combe Lane and back through Chalk Lane to East Horsley followed by a fast descent to Cobham for tea. Thankfully no bike problems and we avoided the rain which came on the way home.

Thanks to Andy and Clive for leading groups so well. Thanks to Ged and Janice for back marking and to you all for your company.

Steve D.