The Bicycle Icycle ~ it’s this Sunday !!!

Bicycle Icycle 2013

Bicycle Icycle 2013

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Yes folks, it’s time for the Icycle. With a route spawned from the delightful Tour of the Greensand (run alongside the Tour of the Hills each August) and adapted to start from Godalming, with a few more hills and miles added to boost up the fun, it’s hard to resist the lure of the Icycle. And this year, the intrepid cyclists of West Surrey have the opportunity to ride it as it should be ridden – in the deep, dank chill of mid-February. And it’s on St Valentine’s Day no less, so how could your divine ‘other half’ possibly resist the opportunity of cycling by your side – what could be more romantic!

A massive turnout is expected, especially since the forecast is now predicting rain for a good part of the day. Let’s see if we can beat recent records and get into double figures.

I’ve decided to offer some splendid alternative entertainment this year in the Conservatory Cinema, in the form of a late breakfast and a showing of ‘Jour de Fête‘, a Jacques Tati classic. I myself will be grappling with my ancient film projector since I have no intention of riding in the predicted conditions.  So don’t be a stay-at-home, come along for coffee, croissants, home made marmalade and a good film, and enjoy the additional pleasure of remaining warm, while our brave and foolhardy compatriots test their mettle against the Surrey Hills. We’ll welcome them back and warm them up at around 2 o’clock.

Whether planning to ride or remain chez moi, it would be helpful to know in advance if you’re planning on coming – and I need to know how many crossants to get!

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Annual Dinner, Final Reminder

This is a final reminder that the Annual Dinner takes place on Saturday 5th March, at the Princess Royal in Runfold, near Farnham.  I am pleased to say that we already have over 50 attendees, but there is plenty of space for more.  If you would like to come along, please e-mail me (johnmatsouthview@btinternet.com) with your menu choices by Saturday 20th February at the latest.  Any later, and although I will try to fit you in, I cannot guarantee it. 
I would stress that this is very much a social occasion for all, not just regular riders, but most certainly also for partners.  There will entertainment laid on to suit the nature of the occasion, as well as the presentation of the awards.
John

Opportunity to enter the London Nightrider event

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The Jigsaw Trust is proposing to enter 10 riders for the London Nightrider event taking place on 4/5 June, with options of 100km or 60km routes.

The Jigsaw School is based Cranleigh and is independent day school for children and young people with an autism spectrum disorder.

Taking in over 50 of London’s famous landmarks, Nightrider™ London is a truly unique way to explore the capital. While London sleeps, 2500 cyclists will raise more than £1 million in one night for hundreds of charities. Highlights include Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Royal Opera House and the London Eye. Full support, back up and regular break stops are provided throughout the night and a well-earned breakfast and medal at the finish.

There will be one start point in 2016 which will be Lee Valley VeloPark. You will be able to choose from a 100km or 60km route. Both routes are circular and you will finish back at Lee Valley VeloPark.

Places are filling up so if you would like to participate and would like more details please contact:

Yvette Copping  (YvetteCopping@jigsawtrust.co.uk)

Community & Events Fundraiser

Jigsaw Trust, Jigsaw School, Jigsaw+, Café on the Park

Direct Line: 01483 279674

 

 

 

Snowdrops in Mud

And so it came to pass that he who hates the cold – your scribe no less – found on waking that it was not cold; plus he needed to ride because he hadn’t since those heady, warm pre-Xmas days (how memories of rain soaked rides fade!); plus, the ride began at Godalming Station – oh joy!

Present at Godalming were Clive, Nick, Martin and Heidi, and Chris B.

It wasn’t much of a day for photographs, but it turned out to be a great day for chatting – well I thought so anyway – so there was plenty of that. It must have been a good day for hills too, although Clive was somewhat co-erced into climbing the dreaded Bexley Hill, because there was no one present who wasn’t up for it – there definitely must have been something in the air today. By gum, what a grovel, but, oh, what sweet satisfaction on reaching the top! Coffee at Café Verdi never tasted better. To say Paul and Don looked better too would not be true, but it was good to meet up with them in Midhurst anyway!

We headed east to round Petworth by the south, then headed northwards via Little Bognor to climb Bedham Common (well done, Paul, on your fixie!) and so reach Wisborough Green for lunch at Luigi’s Old Mill Café.

The ride home took the usual lanes, with nothing of note to report about the ride generally other than the fact that Clive succeeded in getting a few suckers to muddy their feet in search of snowdrops. Yes, they were there in force and looked… well, just as snowdrops usually look: very nice, but perhaps not quite compensation enough for getting our shoes all covered in *&%$. A lovely day however – great route, great company and n’eer a shiver in sight.

For full details of the route: https://www.strava.com/activities/477501131

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