An expedition into West Sussex

By on 26 March, 2016   /   Blog posts  

It was a happy band of six Grade 2 cyclists and five bicycles (work out the maths!) who travelled by train on Wednesday to Liphook, where we were greeted by a reception party of a further four cyclists. After the initial climb out of Liphook, we enjoyed an easy ride along quiet lanes to coffee at the Maple Ridge garden centre.

It was after this relaxing interlude that the real adventure started, for this was no ordinary West Surrey CTC route but a trademark Chris Juden route, incorporating stony and rutted bridleways and even a vast, open field! For the more intrepid among us, such routes are a real bonus but for those who prefer a nice stretch of tarmac, it was perhaps a tad too bumpy. Our efforts were amply repaid though with glorious views all around. This rather unconventional route delivered us to the cosy interior of the Royal Oak pub, which nestles against the South Downs and evidently attracts lots of ramblers.

The sun made some brief appearances during the afternoon, which together with the sight of lambs in the fields and an abundance of wild flowers in the verges gave a definite feel of springtime to the ride. We were also treated to a couple of forays into local history with visits to a Norman church and an ancient barrow, which looked pretty much like any other mound of earth with the result that nobody appeared to have any qualms about trampling on the dead!

The unrivalled stars of the day though were Brian and Helen on their newly-adapted, turbo-charged tandem! They put the rest of us to shame as they whirred their way past us up all the steepest hills. I suspect that this type of device might just catch on with others among us who would be happy to have a helping hand on some of the more challenging climbs.

From start to finish it was an excellent day’s outing, confirming my view that we should try and include more such “away” days in our runs list.          

   

  

  
Report written by Hilary Stephenson

Photos taken by Chris Juden

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The Beryl Burton Story

By on 16 March, 2016   /   latest news  

I went to see Maxine Peake’s play ‘Beryl’ at the Rose Theatre, Kingston last night.  West Yorkshire Playhouse’s production of the story of the best woman cyclist ever was very well done.  Some of you may have heard the radio play of it on the BBC a couple of years ago, but it’s much better on the stage.  A most enjoyable evening – recommended!  It’s got a few more days to run – till this Saturday.

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WMW Group 3 Ride ~ 16 March 2016

By on 16 March, 2016   /   Blog posts  

What, no rain and no frost? It must be spring! It is and we all know what that means – cold easterly winds; and we were not to be disappointed. Nevertheless, it wasn’t too bad, and as the day wore on, it became sunnier, but not much warmer. Certainly more riders had crawled out of their burrows than on the past two or more rides and here they all are at the bus stop on Pirbright Green – well, the thees and fours anyway; the ones and twos were allowed another half hour in bed so we didn’t see them.

The threes quickly overtook the fours – Mr Murdoch was re-named Mr Puncture for the day, although they still somehow beat us to coffee in Odiham – must have taken a shorter route. The route is only glorious for the last section; unfortunately there are things called connurbations between Pirbright and Odiham and they have to be passed through: never mind, close your eyes and think of England (or the Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough, if you prefer – you see a lot of it!).

The coffee stop in Odiham, the ‘Next Door at the George’ – it looked like the Bel and the Dragon to me – with no fewer than two blue plaques on the outside, is a very pleasant place to take a mid-morning break; and it really was a mid-morning break today, since we had to cycle a lot further than usual to get to it. The place was buzzing; nevertheless, a large young man with a Scottish accent took our order before we even had time to sit down and make ourselves comfortable – now that’s service! I had a delicous cuppacino and toasted tea cake and still got change from a fiver – 30p!

After that we enjoyed a most enjoyable twelve or so miles south to Churt, along comparatively quiet country lanes – they are seldom very quiet in this part of the world. There were a few ups and downs but nothing that stopped the surge of energy being put into a multitude of cranks by the fourteen of us; oh yes, the Spring sap is beginning to rise!

Luncheon was taken at the Crossways in Churt, who told us they weren’t informed that we were coming; they didn’t seem unhappy though and served us quickly and efficiently, mainly with sandwiches. Neil and a.n.other bought baskets of chips and passed them round – how very civilized! And very good they were too! Thanks!

As always happens after lunch, it wasn’t long – well immediately on this occasion – that people start peeling off bound for home; this time Marion left first heading back to Haslemere, and not long after, once we had passed through Tilford, having done a stretch along the dreary Rushmoor straight at a speed of over 22mph, I noticed with surprise, we lost Ian and Brian who were headed for Godalming. I should have been with them but they had cycled to Pirbright and I hadn’t, so I had to see this ride through to the bitter end.

Once over the bridge at Tilford, I noticed that it’s uphill all the way to the top of the Hog’s Back, although we crossed opposite Tongham, so it didn’t involve a big climb at the end, but I, for one, was looking forward to something a bit flatter; and indeed the final stretches to Pirbright are thankfully fairly flat but we did have to fight the wind all the way.

Thanks, John, for the ride, the route, and for not getting upset with all the people who didn’t keep behind you all the time. Riders out today were: Marion Davison, John Child, Neil Eason, Brian East, Phil Gasson, Pete Hathaway, Russell Johnson, Alec MacKenzie, Ian Pickering, John Pletts, Keith Rickards, Keith Stainer, Chris Williamson and Mark Waters.

The route may be viewed below and if you want to see it in more detail, then click on this link: https://www.strava.com/activities/518600034

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Wednesday Ride postponed

By on 8 March, 2016   /   latest news  
The weather forecast for tomorrow is still promising heavy rain, high winds, and even the possibility of snow on higher ground.
I have therefore decided to postpone the ride by a day, to Thursday 10th March, all other details to remain the same.  I appreciate that it will not suit all, some plan their weeks to make sure they can cycle on Wednesday but cannot manage Thursdays, but I really feel that there will not be too much disappointment at missing out on the wind and the rain.
I shall be at the start (I may be a touch late, commitments for first thing in the morning, so please just wait for me) and will lead the 3’s and the 4’s; it is a relatively flat ride, so that should be fine.  At the moment I do not have definite ride leaders for the 1’s and 2’s, but please feel confident in turning up, I will try to arrange something suitable on the day.  At the very least you should be meeting up with friends and be able to go on a social ride together, not an organised West Surrey one, so it might be more important for you to bring a map (or GPS).
John
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Tomorrow’s Ride, 9th March

By on 8 March, 2016   /   latest news  
The weather forecast for tomorrow is currently dire, heavy rain for most if not all of the day, and high winds.  I cannot believe that there will be much demand for a ride, and would not want to require leaders to turn up in such conditions.  Of course, riders may wish to go out on their own, and there is also the possibility of postponing the rides for a day, to Thursday.  I should be able to lead the 4’s that day, at this stage I cannot guarantee any further ride leaders.
Of course, the forecast might change, I will monitor the situation, and will post a further note, with a decision and update, late this evening or first thing Wednesday.  Please make sure you look for this before heading out (in the rain).
John
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