B Group Ride Report - 17th December '25

 John A writes :

Thank you to everyone who joined our (almost) Winter Solstice ride and especially to the subbies - Steph, Stephen, Tim G and Francis. Without subbies our Midweek Wayfarers would not exist as we know it - thank you.

Stephen H writes :

The first group of Stephen, Gill, Liz and Ray departed the brand new, and very welcoming and comfortable Elleray Centre on a chilly and overcast  but, happily, dry morning. The ride (morning only, as the shortest day was almost upon us) was a very pleasant 19 miles to Epsom. Having crossed the Thames at Teddington we looped round Richmond Park (though, to our relief, without the steepest hills) before cutting through Kingston and Tolworth, past the Horton Country Park and into Epsom for lunch at the Assembly Rooms (packed with Christmas shoppers).  

Rescuers in action !

All went well until a couple of miles before Epsom, where Gill’s e-bike was struck by the Puncture Fairly, who wasn’t in a Christmassy mood.  Attempts to reflate the tyre were abortive but executing a tube change on a heavy and unfamiliar e-bike proved quite a challenge.  The group was soon joined by Tim G’s second group and after some discussion Mick and Fixie Dave gallantly volunteered to tackle the change while the others continued for the final couple of miles. They eventually succeeded, despite a recalcitrant wheel and problems with the gears, and were eventually able to get to a bike shop - ‘Fudge & Sons’ - in Epsom.  After repairs, Steph very kindly accompanied Gill to Hampton Court. Final score:  Puncture Fairy 1, Wayfarers 3.

TimG writes :

The early morning mist and fog fortunately cleared to give us a dry but chilly ride today. Nevertheless our expectations were raised by the warm welcome we received at the newly opened Elleray Centre in Teddington. A welcome addition to our current meet-up venues.

Five of set out from Teddington, over the river and on to cycle a lap of Richmond Park where a walker kindly volunteered to take a group photo. Onward via Kingston, Berrylands, Tolworth and West Ewell we hit upon Stephen’s group at Horton wrestling with a puncture. As these matters are always best left to the experts Mick and Fixie stayed on to help while the rest of us headed on to Epsom. Fortunately the problem was eventually solved.

Team TG in Richmond Park

The ‘Assembly Rooms’ is famed for its local popularity and this was particularly evident today as we all competed to find places to sit in what proved to be a very busy and crowded pub.

Mindful of the lack of daylight hours at this time of year the plan was to make our own way home after a relatively successful winter ride in fine conditions. Thanks again to everyone who contributed to make today’s ride an enjoyable experience.

Steph W writes :

A jolly gathering at the new Elleray Hall with excellent catering, a couple of us took the sausage rolls for lunch in case Wetherspoons was too busy.

Steph, Francis, Lillian, Karl, Ian Williamson and Martina set off in the 4th (???) group.  At the Sheen gate Martina departed for Chiswick (too much dancing Martina), Ian left us on the approach to Kingston, Lillian on the outskirts of Ewell and Francis for lunch at the Old Moat.  Not deterred by these defections Karl and I wheeled gratefully down towards Wetherspoons after the ins and outs of the circuitous route. But no - we had missed out the last important meander and had overtaken the group in front of us !!!

All who wanted it got a seat and a drink.  I was fortunate to get an afternoon ride to Hampton Court with Gill .  We parted, she for Shepperton and me on the river path to Kingston then up Dark Hill to complete a portion of the park that had been omitted from the morning route.

A great day out.  Thanks to all.