A Group 6 June: Cobham - Rudgwick - Denbies

What a gorgeous day for a ride.  It was either the weather or the free refreshments that attracted a large group of us to Cobham.  Or possibly the compelling rides on offer.  Our refreshments were paid for out of a most generous gift to the Wayfarers from a Royal British Legion member, Ted Cole - Thank you!

A sizeable A group left promptly and headed for the hills, destination Rudgwick.   It was great to see Trevor back out with us after a very lengthy absence after his nasty accident (well - are there any nice accidents?).   Jennie was pleased to learn that there were only two hills to climb, but unfortunately they took most of the morning.   Our route took us through Ockham to Hungry Hill and Staple Lane, the first climb.   After Shere we engineered a near miss with Peaslake, opting instead for the very quiet Lawbrook Lane, which delivered us to the summit of Pitch Hill in a gentle but relentless climb.

  

Dave B punctured around here so we had a pleasant wait in the woodlands [on Surrey's second highest road: Barhatch road] while a small group of domestiques attended to it (or maybe just watched Dave fix it himself?).    All the hard work of the climb was undone in a few moments down Barhatch Road and we were a few miles north of lunch.   But first there was the Downs Link to visit.  Only perhaps a mile, nothing to match Dave's off-road extravaganza last week, but it was enough to give us a taste of the varied assortment of stony, muddy, and nettly cycling on offer.    Soon we were at the King's Head, where it took a while to take orders and serve us, but everyone seemed happy to relax in the sunshine.

After lunch we took familiar routes back through Okewoodhill and Weare Street to Newdigate and Denbies.  I'm sorry I had to abandon the group to get their own tea, but I had to dash home as we had last-minute tickets to see Beating Retreat at Horseguards parade, a military musical extravaganza with in excess of 300 army musicians and, even better, more than 30 trombones!

It's a pleasure to lead such a great bunch of cyclists.   Experienced riders who mark corners and a reliable back marker (thank you Mike R) make the job of leading that much easier, and I think makes for a better ride for the whole group.   Thank you all.

Author: Simon L

B Group - 6th June

Thanks to Ted Cole for the refreshments that we enjoyed at elevenses.

21 riders cycled to lunch at the Woodman in Woodmansterne.

The route to lunch took us through Leatherhead, Headley, Walton-on-the-Hill, Epsom Downs and Banstead.

The Woodman which is set in lovely surroundings made for a good meal at reasonable prices and good service.

After lunch 13 cyclists made it to Liz's house in Hampton Court for a delicious tea in her lovely garden where we also viewed her amazing art works (thanks Liz).

Thanks to John for back marking and all those who helped to make the ride run smoothly.

Great day, lovely weather

Approximately 30 miles

Regards,

Tony

 ~ Tim

Author: Tim C

Free teas and coffees at Cobham, 6th June.

There will be free teas and coffees at Elevenses at Cobham, courtesy of a donation made by George Cole - a member of the Royal British Legion. (See the Wayfarers blog dated Monday 7th May for background).
There was a low turnout at Cobham the previous Wednesday when this donation was presented, so it would be nice that a full complement of Wayfarers could acknowledge this kind gesture when being served with our teas and coffees.

Author: Ged Lawrenson

Birthday Ride with David Jackson

Birthday ride

On July 8th 2018 to celebrate David becoming a septuagenarian, I think that is someone that likes sevens, we are doing a ride starting and finishing at The Weir public house, Walton on Thames. About 40 miles including Box Hill. Start at 10;00 am, a drink at the end of it.

Great if you could join us.

Jennie Jackson.

Author: Tim C

Mallorcan Meanderings

Robert Graves' Raleigh

As a newcomer to cycling in Mallorca, I have been able to benefit from the experience of others.  For the visit that I have just made Dave Jackson loaned me a very handy map, called simply Bike Mallorca.

The thing about this map is that it categorises roads by the amount of traffic on them, which, when you think about it, is something most cyclists want to know.  So I was able to take another look at the classic route along the Tramuntana in the light of this additional information.  As I was staying in Deia I rode my new route as two half-day rides, but it would be easy enough to do it as a good day's ride, going right across the top of the island.  If you were staying in Port de Pollensa one of the bike shuttle companies could take you to the start, and then it's a ride home.  It's 88 miles and in several parts you could ride for half an hour without seeing a car, or anything much else, for that matter.  It also raises the prospect of a tour around the island, which would be three good days, by my reckoning ...

My bike for the trip was the same as last time, well prepared by Marc at Deia Bike Rental.  Di2, Ultegra and decently light at 7 kilos, it was a very good machine for the sunny roads of Mallorca.

Marc told me that the cycling season was drawing to a close, as it was getting warmer and summer visitors were starting to arrive.  Much less cycling between now and September, when it starts again.

Hotel San Lorenzo, Palma

Next time we'll probably take a tandem over.  The logistical issues don't look insurmountable, and I think we'd have a very good time.  Couple of other things to tuck in first, but it's good to plan ahead.

Mark

Author: Mark G

1 Comment:

Simon L 05 June 2018 at 23:12 BST

7 kilos? My wheels weigh that much ...

A Group 6 June

This Wednesday the As will be going to West Sussex; the King's Head at Rudgwick to be exact.  We will visit the second-highest road in Surrey, and have a little taster session on the Downs Link, in case anyone is considering using it to get to Newhaven for the Dieppe Raid.

The afternoon will be less hilly, with tea at Denbies.

Author: Simon L

Robin Johnson

Firstly very sad news about Donald Clarke. Secondly I had a quick call with Robin this afternoon, he was being visited by his cousin from Reading at the time. He wishes to be remembered to all and really appreciates that we are thinking of him.

Author: mike morley