Club Runs Diary - 2010
Sunday 18th July 2010
7-up today: Dave, Pete, Alan, Jim, Mike, Tony & Tim. Mike was supposed to be sportiving (but had skived off) & so Tim had carefully perused the maps to workout a new route.
Strangely, Dave took to the front immediately leading down hill & off through Maidenhead (apparently some kind of flash-back to his bygone days racing tactics). Up through Taplow with Dave now off the back (apparently some kind of flash-back to his bygone days racing tactics). A left turn took us down through Hedgerley - Pete's birth place. In true Tour-de-France fashion he cycled on ahead of the Peloton to be greeted by family & friends (sorry, not true, just made that bit up).
The route through Gerrards Cross & onwards was marred by the appallingly poor state of the roads & it was good to get beyond Chalfont St Giles. From Coleshill we dropped down, then up into Amersham where the new-route (mystery-tour) began. Aiming for Chesham we promptly took a wrong turn - although this took us away from the quiet roads, the resulting fast drop down the A416 was acceptable. Chesham roads were also in a bad state of disrepair but we were soon heading away from the town along the Chiltern Vale. After Cholesbury we paused to reassess directions (& out came the map) & did so again at St Leonards (& out came the map). After a few more wrong turns we reached way-point Wendover.
Butlers Cross was a good point to choose the route back - Jim shouted "left" as Tim got a text message requesting parental-taxi-duties "pls don't B L8" .. & so left it was - up and past Chequers then up to the top of the Hughenden Valley. Down is usually good, but a head wind meant tired legs did not recover so well. Duracell-Jim left everyone behind on the road into Wycombe, after which we slowed the pace for the usual meander through to Bourne End, Cookham & homewards.
Approx. 60 miles at 16.2 mph
T.C.B.
Sunday 11th July 2010
The dark clouds were being blown away and the sun was emerging as nine riders gathered at the Pond House. They were Jim Alexander, Andy Brown, Tim Brass, Ian Carswell, Alan Church, Dave Lambourne, Mike Mills, Tony Geraghty and newby Paul. We started out through the Walthams to Twyford where Dave stopped at the traffic lights to remove various bits from his shoe! On to the A4 where by some miracle there was no traffic and we all got across to take the Sonning road! Through the village and at the Reading road it was straight on up Playhatch. Tony and Andy led the way with the rest following on.
We turned left at the top and then had to take a detour when we got to the junction by the Bird in Hand as the road ahead was shut! Fortunately a quick left then right got us back on the road to Gallowstree Corner where we turned left then right after about half a mile down the lane that leads to Stoke Row. After a brief stop for Alan to mend a puncture and for Dave to turn back we turned left and headed on to a right turn by Nuffield golf course and then next left down a narrow lane to Park Corner where we turned left again to Cookley Green. Yet another left took us to the top of Sliding Hill which saw Tony take the lead as we gratefully descended, instead of struggling up, at speed in to Ewelme where we turned right by the duck pond.
Ian spotted the coffee shop was open, but no one seemed to hear his suggestion of a quick refreshment stop! On up Firebrass Hill to the junction with the Benson/Watlington road where we had a brief stop to regroup and then right to Watlington where we turned left through the town. Alan took the lead and unknown to those on the front there were a couple off the back who were far enough back by the time we got to the A40 to have to guess that a right turn was needed! Tony,of course,led up "Stokenchurch Hill" with Tim in close attendence and the rest followed on. After a brief stop with Jim reminding people to "Look Behind Occasionally" we turned right at the top towards Christmas Common.
At the top of Pishill we turned left and so began the usual dash down the Stonor Valley. Tony and Andy took the lead with Tim and Mike just behind, but as the hill flattened out Mike was passed by Alan and Paul as he ran out of gears - one of the pleasures of a compact chainset! As we got to the small roundabout just before Henley we stopped at the shop on the right to buy some much needed refreshments before carrying on through the town and over the river to turn right for Wargrave. Through the village and on to cross back over the A4 to Twyford where Ian turned for home and we retraced our route to the Walthams where Tim and Paul turned off and then at Woodlands Park a very weary Jim left us. The remaining four turned right at the A4 and again didn't feel like a sprint up Punt Hill!
Scores on the doors: 62 miles at 16.7 mph
M.M.
P.S. A quick "Chapeau" to all those riding the Etape next Sunday!
Sunday 4th July 2010
Nine riders gathered at the Pond House for a ride in ,hopefully, sunny weather. They were Andy Brown, Ian Carswell, Steve Green, Derwent Jeffery, Martin Lambert, Dave Lambourne, Mike Mills, Tony Geraghty and prospective new member Nick. We opted for the extended wet weather route as Mike was still suffering from a virus and hadn't ridden in the last month. After last weeks false start we made sure everyone was together as we set out through the Walthams to Hurst. As we crossed the A329 at Winnersh Derwent called it a day and headed for home. Tony and Mike were finally relieved from riding on the front just after Arborfield Cross by Ian and Martin!
Over the narrow bridge at the Blackwater River and then right towards Three Mile Cross, but then a left through the industrial estate and over a very pot holed road! Left to the top of Elm Hill which we all took the descent of at reasonable pace - even Dave managed to let go of his brakes and stay with us!!! It must have been too exciting for him as he turned for home! As we climbed up the hill to Mortimer Mike tried to change down to the inner ring and failed! This,coupled with being off the bike due to illness, made for a slower than normal ascent - even with Steve kindly waiting to give a tow up to where the ride was leisurely eating their energy bars!
The Magnificent Seven set off again and rode the loop round to Spencer's Wood where we found that the roundabout we usually cross the A33 had been moved a few hundred yards south!!! This meant us having to ride up to and round the roundabout above junction 12 of the M4 and then back to where we could turn left to get back on the route! At Risely we turned left and left again to take us back through the lanes to retrace our route over the Blackwater River and up Bungler's Hill.
Dropping down the other side we turned left onto the A327 and shortly afterwards Tony had the only puncture of the ride. He was soon back on his shiny new Pinarello Dogma and leading the way to Arborfield Cross! Back over the rolling road to Winnersh, Hurst and Shurlock Row where Martin and Ian left us. As Mike and Steve were both very tired we took it easy all the way back to the Pond House
Stats: 54 miles at 15.7 mph
M.M.
Sunday 27th June 2010
Martin, Phil, Pete, Alan, Dave, Tim, Derwent, Tony, Andy, Tim turned out this scorching summers day. Early conversations centred on the subject of back problems - amongst us many were suffering or had recently suffered problems. So, did anyone know the collective term for a group of blokes with backache? After some thought during the ride we came up with a "stoop"...
Having agreed on a flatter route "along the A4 & turn off to Hare Hatch" we set of into total chaos. Three set off & were soon out of sight whilst the remainder were trapped by a mass of oncoming traffic. Once we were all away, some thought it appropriate to go the wrong way in order to look for those who had previously gone the right way! We all looped round the roundabouts & doubled back again & again until eventually meeting up at an A4 laybay. Well all except Martin who had unfortunately vanished without trace & was not seen again until the LVRC race at Hillingdon 3 days later!
Finally .. we were off properly through Hurst and Winnersh, with a regroup just after the Arborfield Cross roundabout. Derwent turned back, followed a few miles later by Dave & Alan.
The pace picked up a little as we headed out through Beech Hill, Bramley to Sherbourne St John. After Pamber End we passed the ruined yet sturdy walls of Silchester. Tony had hurt his back clearing the rubble after his garden wall fell down .. shouldda taken some advice from the Romans!
We then just retraced our steps through Beech Hill, with a slight detour to stop at the garage in Shinfield for refreshments. The heat was taking its toll so the pace slowed over the last miles back to the PH.
Approx 58 miles at 16.5 mph
T.C.B.
Sunday 13th June 2010
Half a dozen good eggs out today for a scrambling: Jim, Pete, Dave, Mark, Tim & first-timer Phil. Steadily out through Walthamshire, Hurst, Twyford, Sonning & up the hill at Playhatch. We then hit the first of 2 sections of newly gritted road. This first one was very bad with excessive loose grit. Immediately Dave & Pete turned back as both were only out for shorter rides, the remainder rode on cautiously for 2km. Relief at reaching the end soon vanished when at Gallowstree Common we hit a 2nd patch, albeit not as bad as the first. Passing the usual right turn for Stoke Row, we continued almost to the A4070 before taking the right turn into Park Lane. This was a new road to us all & turned out to be most pleasant. Right turn at Checkenden followed by a left onto the Chiltern Cycle Trail. The tree-lined roads gave way to sweeping open fields with some great views of Oxfordshire. On reaching the main road near Wallingford there was a unanimous call for a pit stop at the Waterside Café.
Refreshed, we returned to the bikes only to find that Mark had a flat tyre. The fix was quite quick until the tight fitting tyre pinched the inner tube. Sure enough it would not inflate. A little more care meant a 2nd tube was fitted successfully. We followed the signs to Ewelme then up to Britwell Salome. It was a long time since we had climbed up Britwell Hill... it was soon obvious why! From Christmas Common we headed through North End, dropping down to Stonor & on to Henley.
Left at the lights in Wargrave then round the lanes & up Crazies Hill, then A4 & back to the PH.
Approx 55 miles at a sedate pace.
T.C.B.
Sunday 30th May 2010
Six riders met at the Pond House under cloudy skies with the odd blue patch visible. They were Jim Alexander, Tim Brass, Ian Carswell, Alan Church, Martin Lambert and Mike Mills. We set off along Courthouse Road towards Cookham, Bourne End and Marlow where we turned up the long gradual climb of "Platt's Hill" with Jim voluteering to be Tailend Charlie! We gathered at the top and after a nature break and some food we were off through Frieth and just before Fingest we turned right up the hill towards Wheeler End. Crossing over the Stokenchurch Road we passed through Wheeler End and dropped down the hill to the A40 at Piddington where we turned left up the hill for a short distance until we took a right that was just as steep,but had no traffic - it was also the wrong turning!
At the top of the hill we rejoined the A40 until the correct right turn was reached and then followed the lane up some more short hills until we emerged in Radnage. Dropping down the steep hill into the village we turned right on to the road that leads back to the bottom of the hill that goes up on to Bledlow Ridge. You could almost hear the sighs of relief when we went straight on instead of turning left! This narrow lane brought us on to the Aylesbury road where we turned right as if to head back to West Wycombe and some of the ride wished we had after we turned left for the drag up through Walter's Ash! Left at the top past the Royal Air Force base and on to Loosely Row and the fast descent back to the Aylesbury road where we turned right for Princes Risborough. Then left on to the B4444 and after a few miles left again on to the B4049 towards Watlington with Martin on the front.
At Chinnor we stopped at the Co-op for food and water before reaching the bottom of Stokenchurch Hill where Alan won the battle to bring up the rear! Tim and Martin lead the way with Mike then Ian making up the middle of the group. We turned right off of the A40 and meandered through the wood until we dropped down Windmill Hill into Fingest. Back past Frieth to the top of Platt's Hill with Mike leading the ride into Marlow where we turned left and headed back through Bourne End to Cookham where Ian and Martin left us. Into the wind across The Switchback and up the little drag to the red lights at Furze Platt - just what you don't need! Jim left us as we turned left on to the A4 and into the car park of the Pond House.
Distance covered was 59 miles at an average speed of 16 mph - must have been all those hills!
M.M.
Sunday 23rd May 2010
Eight riders gathered at the Pond House with the sun shining and a clear blue sky for what promised to be a hot ride weather wise! They were Jim Alexander, Martin Lambert, Mike Mills, Andy Brown, Tim Brass, Dave Lambourne, Pete Clifton and Alan Church.
After threading our way through the heavy traffic heading into Maidenhead we turned left just after crossing the Thames and up the hill into Taplow. On through to the A40 where we turned left then right at the first roundabout at the top of Holtspur Hill. At the bottom of the hill we turned left under the railway arch up towards Forties Green and on to Penn Street where we met up with the Willesden CC and after a little banter Dave and Alan turned for home. Just after that we dropped down to the A404 and then a right to take us in the direction of Great Missenden. The pace was quite sedate as we rolled past Chequers and down the hill to Butler's Cross.
Straight across and on towards Haddenham and Stone with a brief stop for Andy to cure a rattle that turned out to be a broken bottle cage. Back on the road we got to Thame and had to wait a while for Pete as he was suffering with back pains. After stretching for a while we headed for Chinnor and stopped at the garage/supermarket for water and a nature break.
Back on the bikes we headed for the climb up to Stokenchurch on the A40 and the ride split as riders rode the hill at their own pace. Tim and Martin were waiting in the shade at the top for the rest of us to appear - not sure who got there first! We followed the A40 through Stokenchurch and on to High Wycombe where we took the lane past the rugby club and then turned right at the roundabout under the M40. On through Wooburn Green to Cookham where Jim and Mike turned right for Maidenhead and the other four followed the river road and home.
Distance covered was 64 miles at an average speed of 16.6 mph
MM
Sunday 16th May 2010
With a mixture of fine rain falling and threatening skies seven riders gathered at the Pond House. They were Per Porter, Mike Mills, Alan Church, Dave Lambourne, Martin Porter, Ian Carswell and newcomer Rolf Boanderson.
We decided to play it safe and took the wet weather route out through the Walthams to Ruscombe and then Hurst. When we got to Winnersh Dave turned back as he had furniture to move! On past Nirvana and up the small climb to Arborfield Cross and down the other side to Swallowfield and over the Blackwater River bridge. We turned right and headed for Mortimer, where a sick Alan left us and round in a big loop to Three Mile Cross where we found that the roundabout at the A33 had been moved and we had make our way across the road works on foot!!!!! Back on the bikes we climbed away from Three Mile Cross and back to Risely and the narrow lanes to retrace our route until we got to Bungler's Hill. On to the A327 for Arborfield Cross and Winnersh with Rolf leading the way. Through the lanes of Hurst and then the Walthams where the Ascot crew left Mike to trundle home to the Pond House.
Distance covered was 56.5 miles at an average of 17.3 mph
MM
Sunday 18th April 2010
Perhaps it was the NAT / volcanic ash flight restrictions preventing the return to the UK of the ThamesVelo Professional Racing Squad - or perhaps it was more likely due to local Sportives - but either way the numbers were right down today - just five riders on the start-line: Pete, Jim, Derwent, MartinL and Tim.
Keen to show off some new routes he had been shown earlier in the week, Tim led the way.
Burchetts Green, Hare Hatch, Twyford and on to Play Hatch. Up through the housing estate to Emma Green then via Kidmore End to Stoke Row. Checkenden, Woodcote and then a steady drop to Goring Heath followed by a right turn down Path Hill. In full flight Derwent pulled up thinking he had a puncture - this turned out to be a false alarm. Meanwhile Jim and Martin has shot on ahead along the valley beside the Thames into Whitchurch.
All together again in time for the sting-of-the-day - the climb up Whitchurch hill. Relief came in the form of the drop down to Goring, but this did mean another climb - this time the steady quiet lane up passing Elvendon Priory. Back over familiar roads to Stoke Row where we paused to discuss the preferred route back. Jim was notably tune-less today and so we opted for the steadiest route. Down through Sonning Common to Play Hatch and home via Twyford and the Walthams.
56 miles at 16.2 mph
NOTE: NO RIDE next Sunday 25th April. This is the club race day up at the Great Milton Circuit. Details elsewhere on this website.
TCB
Sunday 11th April
Nine riders out today to enjoy the eventual arrival of springtime weather - Jim, Per, Paul T, IanC, Alan, Pete, Martin, Derwent & Tim. Route-Master Mills was absent so after a little deliberation we decided to head east for a change. Out through Taplow, Fulmer to Gerrards Cross with little to report except for the seemingly growing number of potholes. Most were safely avoided but a few were hit only for drinks-bottles to be catapulted out. Steadily on through the Chalfonts, and after a brief pause at Hogmoor Woods to "water" the bluebells it was down to, then across, the A355.
At Amersham we took the steeper option - Tim went to the front, slipped his chain and was then straight off the back. After a breather at the top we pushed on through Hyde Heath, Great Missenden and into the Hampden Valley. A spell of through-n-off followed (loose and erratic at first but then settling into a better rhythm) which took us to the left turn to Cadsden. Down again, through Askett and onto the B4009 to Chinnor. More potholes, with Per losing his bottle (i.e. bidon, not his courage). He could only retrieve the empty remains as it was obliterated by a following car. Jim was making light work of it all so topped up Per's other bidon with his surplus.
From Chinnor it was up the hill towards Radnage. A number of sportive riders were descending, one on foot. We offered assistance until it became apparent his bars had snapped off the top of his front forks in a crash. Nothing we could do but to head onwards and upwards.
At West Wycombe we hit the Sunday traffic and just made our way back steadily through Loudwater and Bourne End. We split after the bridge in Cookham - 6 heading in a Maidenhead bridge direction and the other 3 to the PH.
64 miles at 16 mph
TCB
Sunday 4th April
Easter and some sportifs reduced the number of riders to six at the Pond House. They were Per Porter, John Nicholls, Mike Mills, James Long, Derwent Jeffery and newby Ian. We set off for the Chilterns through Cookham (with a resurfaced high street - Hurray!) where Per left us - he'd just returned from Scotland the night before, Bourne End, Wooburn Green and High Wycombe.
As we climbed the Hughendon Valley Ian started to struggle a little as he was carrying a little excess weight and had hardly ridden since October,but didn't show it on the flat! Past Chequers where you could hear Gordon Brown sobbing and onto the fast descent to Butler's Cross. Straight across and the long rolling drag up towards Thame proved a little too much for one or two riders so we cut off to the left and came out on the road to Princes Risborough. Then a right to take us to Chinnor where we stopped at a shop for some food and drink before riding on to ride up Stokenchurch Hill on the A40.
James and Mike led the way with John next and Derwent and Ian bringing up the rear. As we regrouped at the top of the climb Tim Brass and his wife pulled up for a chat after a pub lunch - sounded like a good idea! We followed the A40 back to High Wycombe and the retraced our route to Cookham where Derwent,John and Ian followed the river road whilst James and Mike turned right and battled into the wind across The Switchback.
Distance covered was 62 miles.
M.M.
Sunday 21st March
Fifteen riders gathered at the Pond House for a ride up into the Chilterns on a sunny,but windy day. They were Jim Alexander, Tim Brass, Ian Carswell, Alan Church, Pete Clifton, Derwent Jeffery, Suzanne Leser, Mike Mills, Chris Porter, Martin Porter, Per Porter, Paul Redman, Abe Sharp, Anthony Snyman and Mike. Out through Cookham and Bourne End with Pete managing to dodge the pot holes and stay on his bike this week! On to Marlow and a right turn at Quoting Square to start the long climb up "Platt's Hill" where the ride split as the better climbers rode away until we regrouped at the top and a Nature Break plus food was had!
Abe left us as we set off to Fingest and Turville for the steep,narrow hill up to North End where Paul got the first puncture of the day - serves him right for climbing so quickly!! Anthony had a close call with a Chelsea Tractor coming down the hill and had to ride off the road into a bush!!!! As we got to Christmas Common Anthony turned for home and unfortunately those that had not listened to Mike or had forgotten we were heading for Watlington had to turn round and come back! Martin and Mike M led the charge down the fast descent into Watlington with Derwent getting a slow puncture just as he was about to take the lead. Fortunately he was able to stop without incident and after Jim had worked his magic we were off again and onto the race circuit at Great Milton.
A rather more sedate speed was kept to as no one suggested any "Through and Off" and before long we had cycled through Little Hazely and were on the A329 to the A40 junction. Martin needed to stop at the garage in Postcombe for drinking water and one or two riders bought food before we were off again. At the junction with the B3009 we turned left towards Chinor where our old friend "Rubbish Dump Hill" awaited! Somehow Mike M found himself at the front yet again as we passed under the railway bridge but it wasn't long before Paul and his domestique Martin were disappearing into the distance with Mike right behind!
We all gathered at the top in various states of exhaustion and heavy breathing before turning left towards West Wycombe and almost immediately Suzanne punctured - trusty Jim was soon on the case!! As we neared the 16 % descent the speed went up in expectation,but two cars infiltrated the ride and those behind had to back off,except for Per who overtook the car that dared to pass him - Bravo,Chapeau!!! The traffic at West Wycombe caused a split in the ride and just as we were catching up Derwent had his second puncture - Greedy!
All together again we headed back through Loudwater,Wooburn Green,Bourne End and as we got to Cookham the Windsor/Ascot riders left for home. Paul,Jim,Alan and Mike M. rode into the wind across the Switchback and up the little hill to Furze Platt. Back at the Pond House we had a brief chat before heading our various ways home.
Distance covered was 62 miles at an average speed of 16mph.
On the Garmin player here (thanks Chris)
M.M.
Sunday 14th March
Eleven riders gathered at The Pond House on a sunny but windy Sunday morning. They were Jim Alexander, Ian Carswell, Alan Church, Pete Clifton, Dave Lambourne, Mark Merriman, Mike Mills, Deb Parkinson, Chris Porter, Anthony Snyman and David (sorry I didn't hear a surname). We headed into the wind as we made our through the potholed Cookham High Street and onto Bourne End where despite frantic arm waving Pete managed to ride into a hole and fall off!
After a brief wait to make sure Pete was OK we carried on to Marlow where to the surprise and relief of some we went past "Platt's Hill" and followed the Henley Road. The sharp hill away from Marlow had a few people struggling and before long Anthony called it a day. We got to SAS College when we had to stop for Dave to adjust his wheel magnet before the fast descent past the Danesfield Hotel. Through Mill End and on to Henley where we turned right at the bridge and rode up the High Street to start the long climb past Henley College. As we reached the top Chris had the first puncture of the day. We waited in the sunshine and discussed the gargoyles (or not) on the gate house across the road!
Near Shepherd's Green, where Dave left us, we turned right and made our way through Nettlebed to the left turn by the golf course at Nuffield. Then right past Nuffield church and down three hills to turn left on to the Swan's Way to just before Ipsden where we turned left up a narrow lane to climb Garson's Hill and then on to Checkendon via some rather rustic lanes!
From Checkendon we went past the Maharajah's Well and on to Sonning and across the A4 to Twyford where Deb and Ian left for home. Jim left us at Woodland's Park and as we headed back to the A4 the wind was still in our faces! Mark and Mike beat the traffic at the roundabout,but the rest had to wait for the traffic. Mike sat on Mark's wheel in preparation for the sprint up Punt Hill but Mark punctured and Mike was torn between stopping and the sprint - the sprint won (sorry Mark). Mind you Pete was the only rider near enough to sprint but even after a car blocked Mike's way a little extra effort was all that was needed!
Distance covered was 53.5 miles at an average of 15mph(all those hills into the wind)!
Relive the ride through the wizardry of Chris' satnav here: http://connect.garmin.com/player/26983329
M.M.
Sunday 7th March
A cold yet bright and sunny morning welcomed 11 riders at the usual rendezvous: Per, Pete, Jim, Suzanne, Dave, Derwent, Alan, Tim and 3 new faces — Ashwin, Dave and Michael. No route had been planned so with a general consensus we headed to the hills. Out through Cookham Dean and down the Quarry Wood zig zag into Marlow (a town besieged by dithering Sunday drivers) followed by the climb up to Frieth. Pete, Per and Michael led the way up but Michael sprinted and forgot to stop at the top returning after a while as we all regrouped.
Turning left at Lane End triggered Per's memories of planning mid—80's global cycle expeditions (Russia, Himalayas etc) in the local Chinese restaurant. Our destination today was not so ambitious — Stokenchurch, Christmas Common, and then a pause: Per needed to realign his handlebars after failing to bunnyhop one of the many cavernous potholes. Meanwhile Derwent had decided to take a shorter route home — his winter sabbatical away from cycling taking its toll.
Our Club—Coach personally demonstrated the importance of nutrition by forgetting to bring anything to eat — Jim generously donated a rather tasty looking cookie — and then we were off again for a blast down Pishill. The exception here was Pete who punctured soon after the initial steep section. Tim, Per and Michael raced onwards unaware of the delay, fortunately the sun was warm during the ensuing wait.
Once we were all back together we negotiated the bridge and lights in Henley and took the road south, with a turn up to Cockpole Green. Unfortunately Ashwin vanished — one minute he was with us, then the next was nowhere to be seen despite his Hi—Viz top. Dave waited at the turn and Tim went back to search. Finally from there it was a drop down to the A4 and then a case of working a cold headwind back to the Pond House.
Miles: 50 at 16 mph at a rough guess.
Tim Brass
Sunday 21st February
Only four riders braved the showers to gather at the Pond House for a splash round "Dave Lambourne's Wet Weather Route". They were Daniel Olver, Mike Mills, Dave Lambourne and Michael who has just moved to Marlow. With a gentle shower keeping us nicely cool we headed out through the Walthams to Ruscombe where we came across the first diversion due to the Wokingham half marathon and had to turn back and pick up the A321 at Twyford.
We turned right to go past the Elephant and Castle pub and then rejoined the usual route past Dinton Pastures to the lights at Winnersh. On past Nirvana and up the nasty little drag to Arborfield Cross where we took the Swallowfield Road. Over the Blackwater River bridge and on to the T—junction where we turned right which led us to the Basingstoke Road and then left to Risely followed by a double left into Part Lane. Fortunately the mud and puddles had all but gone since we last used this bridlepath(road)! Then right to take us back over the narrow Blackwater River bridge.
Up Bungler's Hill Michael led the way with a slight pause while Dave caught up. Down the hill to the A327 where we turned left back towards Arborfield Cross and the undulating road back to Winnersh. On to Twyford and Ruscombe where Mike M. lost his rear light down the bumpy hill to go under the railway and despite retrieving the bits the light was broken and is now in the bin — DOH!
Back through the Walthams where Daniel left us at Woodlands Park and the remaining three carried on to the A4 where we turned right. Dave led the way until the bottom of Punt Hill where Mike M. tried to jump away,but was passed by Michael.
Distance covered was 40 miles at an average speed of 16 mph.
Sunday 7th February
Sixteen riders gathered at the Pond House with less than promising weather for the Newbies Ride. They were Jim Alexander, Tim Brass, Andy Brown, Ian Carswell, Alan Church, Pete Clifton, Dave Lambourne, Suzane Leser, Mike Mills, Mark Merriman, John Nicholls, Per Porter, Andy Sykes, Paul Todd with new riders Mark and Tad. To add a little distance and vary the ride we headed to Pinkney's Green and the right on to the old Henley Road and then left over the speed bumps through Burchetts Green.
At the A4 we turned right and then left down Scarlett's Lane to Ruscombe and having dodged a few large potholes we crossed over the railway and down the hill past Stanlake Park. The turn into Hinton Road still needed caution thanks to the holes and there are a few more further on just before Church Hill in Hurst. Across the A329 at Winnersh with the last few riders just beating the lights before the went red again! Left at the roundabout towards Barkham and right at the next one to take us past the Arborfield Garrison and on to the A327.
After a few miles and into Hampshire we turned right near Eversley and then right for Bramshill. The road undulated past Bramshill plantation and then more than a few of us had to grab a lower gear for the hill that brought us up to a junction and a short stop due to traffic. Right at the next roundabout and straight on at the next towards Risely where we turned right and then right again for Swallowfield. A few riders wanted to turn left to Arborfield Cross to avoid Bungler's Hill but Jim and Mike carried straight on and before long we on the climb with Jim gracefully making his way to the rear of the ride! Per called for a nature break at the top of the hill and everyone was happy to oblige!
Back on the bikes we swooped down the hill back to the A327 and left to Arborfield Cross. As we headed back towards Sindlesham the pace increased as we rode the rolling road past Nirvana and we were almost glad that the lights were red at Winnersh. Sharp right into the lanes at Hurst and then over the A321 with newbie Mark suffering with a touch of cramp. At the duck pond in Hurst we turned right and then right again into Hinton Road and then left up the hill to Ruscombe with a few riders off the front as they stretched their climbing legs! Right back over the railway bridge and right again past the church and then left for Shurlock Row.
Just after we left Ruscombe and turned right Andy got the only puncture of the day, but as he went off the back there was confusion as to what was happening and it wasn't until the ride reached the railway bridge near Jeremy Monk's house that a halt was called and a few riders went back to help him. Tim was there and then Jim the Puncture King rode up and with a flourish whipped out his pump just as Andy was putting the tyre back on! In no time the wheel was back on and we were off to find the rest of the ride stopped with Dave talking to Jeremy's mum. Here again confusion set in as those at the front thought the rest had followed them,but as it turns out they had to chase until the traffic lights at the railway bridge just before the A4 - sorry! At the roundabout on to the A4 John beat the traffic and left the rest behind, but not far enough behind to let him reach the safety of the pub car park before he was swallowed up!
Distance covered was 47.5 miles at an average speed of 16 mph.
M.M.
Sunday 31st January
With the sun shining and a small snow shower twelve riders gathered at the Pond House. They were Jim Alexander, Ian Carswell, Alan Church, Suzane Leser, Mike Mills, Mark Merriman, John Nicholls, Martin Porter, Per Porter, Andy Sykes, Lyndsey(Suzane's friend) and Paul. After telling newbie Paul that he had had a lucky escape from getting a lecture from Coach Lambourne on the perils of riding in shorts and Martin showing us the lump in his bibtights(he said it was a bruise!) we set off for "Dave Lambourne's Wet Weather Course". Out through the Walthams towards Twyford on roads that seemed to be mainly ice free until we went under the railway arch just before Ruscombe where water was streaming across the road,but not a problem despite some anxious shouts! The small incline just after the bridge had some slush on it as well as ever increasing potholes! Left over the railway and left again at the roundabout to drop down past Stanlake Park where we met Nick Silva who turned round to join us. A careful right turn into Hinton Road over the gravel and potholes and on to Hurst where we turned left and then right into School Lane. More shouts of ICE at the bend just before the rise up to the church kept every one on their toes!
Down the other side more caution was needed as we approached the bend where there had been a flood due to melted snow. Back on the road past Dinton Pastures and on to Winnersh where we crossed the A329. At the roundabout just before Nirvana we turned left and headed towards Barkham and on to the A327 towards Eversley where we turned right and right again to Bramshill. Right at the first roundabout and straight on at the next towards Risely where we turned right and followed the road until reaching the right turn for Swallowfield. Up Bungler's Hill the ride split for a short while before dropping down at a slower(safer)pace than normal, to the A327 and left towards Arborfield Cross where we turned right. Loads of Sunday Drivers were intent on getting past us as we made our way past Nirvana to cross the A329 at Winnersh.
At Hurst we turned right past the church to cross the A321 by the duck pond and then left up the hill to Ruscombe. Caution was still needed down the hill towards the bridge as it was even worse in this direction! As we neared Waltham St.Lawrence Lyndsey got the only puncture of the ride and was hardly off the bike before "Mr.Puncture" had the wheel out and the new tube in! At the monument the "Windsor Crew" left us and at Woodlands Park Jim peeled off. As we turned on to the A4 Andy led the way until we reached,at a very sedate pace, the bottom of Punt Hill where the "No Sprint Truce" was forgotten and Mike hit the front to lead the way back into the Pond House car park!
Distance covered was 43.5 miles at an average speed of 15 mph.
M.M.
Sunday 24th January
With a somewhat greyer sky overhead and clouds everywhere thirteen riders gathered at the Pond House. They were Tim Brass,Ian Carswell,Alan Church,Dave Lambourne,Suzane Leser,James Long,Mark Merriman,Mike Mills,John Nicholls,Martin Porter,Per Porter,Andy Sykes and Paul Todd. We set off to do the "Dave Lambourne Wet Weather Route" through the Walthams to Ruscombe where we turned left over the railway bridge after waiting for a few riders who had got a little ahead of the ride!
Left at the roundabout and down the hill to a right turn into Hinton Road with calls of "Holes and Gravel" warning riders of the state of the junction! This was a regular feature of the ride and probably will be for the foreseeable future - unless there is a sudden miraculous improvement in road surfaces!!!! The traffic lights at the A329 Winnersh seemed to be on fast forward as we had hardly moved off when they went red again and we had to wait for the ride to regroup on the other side of the junction. At Arborfield Cross we had the spectacle of several riders circling the roundabout as they had got ahead of the ride and didn't know which exit to take - they should know this route by now! Over the slippery Blackwater River bridge and then a left towards Risely where we turned left and for a change went straight on to avoid the lane that was more like a bridlepath last week! This took us past the front of the Wellington Country Park and on to the A327 where we turned left to head back to Arborfield Cross.
As we approached Nirvana(no not a cafe) Mark suffered the only puncture of the day. It must be something about that area as Paul Redman punctured there last week - Ooerr!! Back through Winnersh and on to Hurst and right out of Hinton Road and then left towards Shurlock Row where we had to carefully traverse the bend that is in very urgent need of resurfacing(it has been reported to the council) - lots more shouts of "Holes"! At the left turn into Smewins Road the "Windsor/Ascot/Sunningdale Crew" left us and we continued to Woodlands Park where Paul headed for home. Back onto the A4 Tim lead the way up Punt Hill and was first back into the Pond House with the rest following on at their own speed!
Distance covered was 41 miles at 16.5 mph.
M.M.
Sunday 17th January
Eight riders gathered at the Pond House with a strange yellow disc in blue sky - something not seen for a long time!!!! They were Per Porter,Paul Todd,Mike Mills,Mark Merriman,Dave Lambourne,Paul Redman,Jim Alexander and Daniel Olver(welcome back). Due to the lack of miles caused by horrendous weather we set off on the wet weather route and were all to soon dodging pot holes deep enough to swallow a front wheel!!! Warning hands pointing out said faults were constantly in evidence as we passed through the Walthams and on towards Twyford! We turned left over the railway at Ruscombe and then left down the hill past the winery where we were joined by Nick Silva. Right into Hinton Road and on to Hurst where we encountered our first deep puddle which had everyone riding in the centre of the road. We crossed the A329 at Winnersh and not long after Sindlesham Paul got the only puncture of the day! We pulled up outside Nirvana(No not a bike shop!) and Jim went back to Paul with his trusty pump ready for action only to find that the gear hanger was almost falling off as well - OOOOOOOER!
Jim and Paul soon had the bike back on the road and we were off again. At the Arborfield Cross roundabout Paul Tood decided to follow two riders who were not with us and we had to wait until he realised his error and rejoined us! Just before the little bridge over the Blackwater River the road was almost awash with water streaming off the field and into the river. Round through Risely and the double left past the Wellington Park we found more large puddles and debris which caused someone to wonder if Mike had led us down a bridleway instead of a road - as if I would do that!
Back over the Blackwater River bridge with even more care than before and on to Bungler's Hill with Mike and Dave sliding off the back - not literally! Down the hill to the A327 and back to Arborfield Cross for the rolling road back past Nirvana and across the A329 at Winnersh. As we got to Hurst the front three,for some reason,went straight on towards Twyford instead of turning right to go back past The Castle pub. The rest of us waited at the junction until they realised their error and returned!
At the end of Hinton Road we turned right and then left to go back through Shurlock Row and White Waltham. Just before we got to Smewins Lane we spotted Martin Porter coming towards us and when he saw us he turned round to join us and tell of the icy escapades near Chairman Mike's house - sounded painful!! Nobody seemed too interested in the usual sprint up Punt Hill and so it was a rather sedate end to the ride!
Distance covered was 38.5 miles at an average of 15 mph.
Mike Mills
Sunday 3rd January
It was cold, penetratingly cold, as Sunday dawned clear and bright. Cold enough to disuade all but Jim Alexander, Mark Merriman, Martin and Per Porter (still no relation) from turning out. Of course there may have been others, but we left the Pond House at 10 sharp while feeling remained in fingers and toes. Speaking of which, Jim sported fingerless mitts - no wonder he can remove tyres with his bare hands!
Per suggested a Chertsey route that used almost exclusively two-lane tarmac and avoided descents, a tactic that worked out well and there were no fallers or punctures to spoil the fun. Via Eton Wick and Datchet we rode, over Runnymede and the Egham roundabout (Don't Stop!) into Egham. We were overtaken along the road by a couple of guys on disk wheels - wild. A couple of deft turns took the Velo on roads new within a few metres of the farm where the last Foot and Mouth outbreak, erm, broke out. Martin upped the pace into Chertsey, seemingly assisted by his pre-ride preparation - finishing off the Champagne from his New Year's festivities!
Turning left in Chertsey towards Ottershaw, we made the usual left onto Stonehill Road (crossing the Fanny's cafe route I think) thence onward to Chobham. Jim was looking a bit blue by now and definitely not singing, so we eased up a bit for Chickabiddy hill and the common into Sunningdale. From here, we rode past Per's house in Ascot (handy that) and up Station Hill towards Drift Road and home, Martin also peeling off along the way.
Distance covered: 42 miles at 16.8mph (just fast enough to keep warm!).
Per Porter