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Louise Gagnon writes…..

What a joy it was to ride the usual Wednesday Midweek Wayfarers G3 ride in such glorious sunshine (cool shades were a must) and replace the traditional pub lunch by a delicious BBQ hosted by Neil and Elaine Eason as well as Laurie Mutch.  Chris Williamson did a super job in leading 15 of us though the spectacular Farnham area countryside before returning to Neil’s place just in time as this latter was turning over the last Pirbright’s own butcher sausage on his massive gas BBQ.

The banter and humour were at an all-time high throughout the ride, probably fuelled by the constant mileage countdown by a few of our hungry riders of how far we were from sinking our teeth into juicy beef burgers: 7 miles to go, 4 miles to go, etc.

A fantastic and very inviting spread of food so kindly prepared by our 3 hosts awaited and we had a wonderful afternoon of [more] banter and camaraderie in the sunny back garden.

Laurie had done great work in trying to rally as many G3s: of course quite a few were away on the day but we were fortunate to see a few familiar faces, such as Jane Gillbe, William Boothby and Lee Hereward.

And so a very warm thank you Neil, Elaine and Laurie for organising this very successful event, proof positive that riding with our Club is so much more than just merely “piling on the miles”!

As usual, here are a few pics of the day:

What we had all been dreaming of for 47 miles.

Brian King (on the right) trying to look away from the tempting BBQ food being prepared as John Child and Keith Ricketts look on.

Derek Ridyard, Gill Ridyard and Maggie Daffarn enjoying the feast while trying their best to stay out of the sun.

Laurie Mutch (standing centre) doing great work catering for the hungry crowds. L to R: Alec Mackenzie, Chris Williamson, Lee Hereward, Laurie Mutch and Keith Stainer. Notice Phil Gasson in the background, probably going back for seconds which is entirely legit.

“Maggie, are you happy to be away from all this contractor dust?” “Oh yes I am!”

Our 3 wonderful hosts who made this such a memorable event: Laurie Mutch, Elaine and Neil Eason. Thank you all!

An excellent route, a visit to a place of interest, wall-to-wall sunshine and an excellent tea place.

Many thanks, Hilary

We have received the following request from Susan Keywood, the CTC Cycling Development Officer for Surrey and Hampshire, who is looking for people to help set up a club in the Ash area, would any of our members who live in that direction like to help?:

About me
My role is to set up community cycle clubs in the Blackwater Valley, as part of a funded project and Ash is one of my target areas. I have started to offer taster rides in Ash, to engage with residents and weigh up the interest. Well the interest is definitely present, so the next step is find people to lead the club, lead the rides, etc. As mentioned I have funds to help with start-up costs, for equipment, training people, etc.

However, a cycle club needs people to run it, so I am keen to reach out to experienced cyclists who might live locally, who might like to help build a club, coach others to do so, take locals on leisurely and fun rides, etc.

Wanted – Experienced cyclists for NEW leisure cycle club in Ash.

Set up by CTC, the club offers fun, leisurely, social cycling that is good for health and wellbeing.

Rides should be local, off road, on quiet roads – short routes at a slow pace.

This club wants to get people back on bikes and offer family rides too!

In return – I can offer training in leading rides, bike maintenance and much more.

Interested – please contact Susan on:

T: 01483 238 306

M: 077 17 696 672

E: susna.keywood@ctc.org.uk

 

Susan Keywood

Cycling Development Officer, Hampshire and Surrey

CTC, the national cycling charity