Club Runs Diary - January to June 2009
Sunday 28th June
With the temperature already rising twelve riders gathered at the Pond House. They were Cathi Foale,Tim Brass,Martin Lambert,Martin Porter,Dave Lambourne,Alan Church,Pete Clifton,John Nicholls,Derwent Jeffery,James Benning,Nick Silva and Mike Mills. We set off through the Walthams towards Twyford where we got caught at the traffic lights - as usual! Once under way again we made our way to the Wee Waif on the A4 and crossed over to head for Sonning.
With the first climb of the day beckoning we crossed the Reading road and started up Playhatch with Nick leading the way closely followed by Martin P. and Pete. We regrouped at the top before turning left past the church and across the Caversham Road by the closed Bird in Hand pub. At Gallowstree Corner we turned left and then after about half a mile we turned right up the lane to come out opposite the Maharajah's Well in Stoke Row. Dave,Tim and Alan turned for home at this point and the rest of the ride turned left up the hill and then left again for Checkendon.
Soon after we rode through Woodcote and were looking forward to the fast descent to South Stoke, but were dismayed to find gravel strewn all over the road. It wasn't long before Pete hit a large stone and had to pull up very carefully on the descent to fix a flat front tyre! Once on the move again we headed towards Benson at which point John said "Oh good a lovely cup of tea"! This hadn't been part of the plan,but Mike didn't want to disappoint him and the idea of tea and a piece of cake(thanks to Cathi's generosity) won the day! We found two tables in the shade and tucked in to our refreshments.
All too soon we were back on the road and retracing out route with Nick,Martin P. and Cathi opening up a gap before we got to the right turn towards Pangbourne and Goring. We decided to climb a different hill and so turned left at Goring after nearly missing the turning - going too fast! After about 100 metres there was a sudden halt called as Cathi took avoiding action after nearly hitting the wheel in front and before Pete knew what was happening he was sprawled on the road! After he picked himself up and the pain subsided we checked hime for injuries and found numerous signs of gravel rash down his left hand side. Somebody proferred a water bottle and washed the cuts and scrapes whilst Pete was more concerned about the damage to his recently bought bike! The left STI was scratched,the bar tape was ripped and the pedal was also marked, but not the frame. Cathi was mortified at having knocked Pete off and needed reassurance that "These things happen" in cycling!
Pete gingerly got back on his bike and we started up the hill towards Woodcote. Mike changed the route slightly to miss out a hill and make it a bit easier for the bruised and battered Pete by missing out Checkendon and Stoke Row. We didn't descend Playhatch as a few riders got over excited and opened up a gap before missing two turnings! This meant we had to come down the hill from Caversham Park Village onto the Henley Road and right for Sonning. Back across the A4,where James left us and into Twyford we came across riders taking part in the Chiltern 100 sportif and what a motley crew they were!
Right to Ruscombe and all of a sudden Pete got his second wind and the pace went up noticeably until we reached Waltham St. Laurence where Martin P.,Martin L. and Nick turned for home. As we reached White Waltham Derwent peeled off towards Windsor and the remaining quartet carried on to come back onto the A4. Mike was on the front waiting for any sign of a sprint and when John and Pete came past he jumped on their wheels,but they sat up and the sprint was over with Mike first into the car park of the Pond House.
Distance covered was 60 miles at an average of 17.6 m.p.h.
M.M.
Sunday 21st June
A respectable group of nine riders turned up on this pleasantly cool morning - Derwent, Ian, Ruth, Cathi, Abe, Dean, David Lambourne, Jim Alexander, and new potential recruit Andy (enticed to the Pond House by an unknown Velo member on a recent sportive). In the absence of run-governors Mike and Tim, we selected hill size medium and headed out towards Amersham. Along the A4, up Berry Hill and past Cliveden - it wasn't long before the sounds of whirring chains and steady chatter were musically shattered as choirmaster Jim led the throng in a couple of lines to open up the lungs.
We threaded our way north of Burnham Beeches, past Hedgerley and Fulmer, up to Gerrard's Cross, and north through the Chalfonts. To Ruth's disappointment, 'left at the pub' didn't bring us up sharp at the bar of the White Hart in St Giles, but instead onto Botterell's Lane and a gentle undulation to the A355, then up Coleshill. A rapid descent of Gore Hill meant that the next choral effort only got as far as '2 men went to mow' before Amersham Tescos came up on the radar and Station Road reared its ugly head.
After a quick conference in top Amersham, we piled off on the usual route through Hyde Heath and Great Missenden, at which point David headed for home (ultimately beating the main group's mileage total by 2!). The rest of us headed up the valley towards Chequers, but after a couple of miles took a sharp left and headed up the steep and gravel-strewn Hotley Bottom Lane - not the actual intended route, but worth it in retrospect for the fab name and the largest, bounciest ginger hair ever to sit astride 2 wheels that passed us going downhill at quite a rate of knots. This brought us onto Hanging's Lane towards Denner's Hill, and then to Hampden Road, from where a cracking 20mph+ pace was sustained by all through High Wycombe to Wooburn Green. The group dispersed one by one as we went back to the PH via Cookham.
Total 48 miles at an average of 17.1 mph.
A.S.
Sunday 14th June
With the sun shining and the prospect of a glorious day's riding twelve of us gathered at the Pond House. There was Jim Alexander(Hurray),Per Porter,Ian Carswell,John Nicholls,Pete Clifton,Mike Mills,Dave Lambourne,Alan Church,John Newport,Cathi Foales,Keith and Chris(apologies if I get any names wrong). We set off through the Walthams to do "Dave Lambourne's Wet Weather Route" plus the extra loop out through Mortimer. I know it wasn't wet,but a shorter and slightly faster ride was on the agenda! We saw quite a few Sunday charity riders on the Limb Support fund raiser cycling through the lanes and wished them well.
As we got to Hurst John and Mike finally managed to get off the front and usher the others through to do some work! Across the A329 at Winnersh where, as usual, we had to wait for ages. Then on to Arborfield Cross after the draggy rise where John remarked how much he disliked the way it seemed to get harder at the end. We got across the roundabout more or less together and then had to wait for Dave as he was convinced we had dropped someone - no Dave you were the Lantern Rouge! Over the little bridge that spams the Blackwater River and on to the T-Junction where we turned right for Swallowfield. From there we turned left and headed for Mortimer and then a big loop back to the A33 where we had to wait and regroup as the traffic was heavy and not inclined to give way to us mere cyclists!! Up the hill at Three Mile Cross Mike had a little dig, but waited at the top for the others who didn't have as many miles in their legs as his did!
Back on the DLWW route we headed through Grazeley and down the pot holed lanes back to the little bridge and on to Farley Hill where Mike again lead the way with a comment that it was "only a little slope"! Several remarks about carrying far less weight than others were heard and Mike thought to himself that it was their fault and not his that they were heavier than needs be! Back to Arborfiled Cross and then to Winnersh where Dave said he would make his own way home as his back was and legs were painful. On through Hurst and then the Walthams where we saw Dave taking a rest by the side of the road. This must have surprised Pete as he managed to unship his chain and had to stop the get it back on! Just after Shurlock Row Per,John Newport and Ian left us as we turned left into Smewins Lane and then Jim left us at Woodlands Park. Turning on to the A4 Alan made the mistake of going on the front as we prepared for the sprint up Punt Hill! With the ride massing behind him we picked up the pace and then John went past with Pete right behind him. Mike jumped past a slightly bemused Alan and the trio were slightly baulked at the mini roundabout by a car, but not for long! With the bit between his teeth John must have thought it was his day, but Mike came past him to claim the honours!!!!
Distance covered was 55 miles at an average speed of 17.2 mph
M.M.
Sunday 22nd March
With the sun shining and the promise of good weather all day twelve riders gathered at the Pond House. They were Paul Redman (welcome back), his girlfriend Joanne, Debby, Amanda, Pete Clifton, John Nicholls, Daniel Olver, Dave Lambourne, Mike Mills, Derwent Jeffery, Alan Church and Dean. With the Chilterns beckoning we set off through Cookham, Bourne End and then into Marlow.
Turning right at Quoting Square we ahd a brief pause as Dave managed to drop his chain in his haste to find a lower gear for Platt's Hill! As ever the better climbers led the way up the hill and as usual they had to wait at the top for the ride to regroup. This was longer than usual as someone had a puncture and fortunately Dean volunteered to fix it - well he is a mechanic! On through Frieth to Fingest and with Windmill Hill ahead Amanda and Dave turned for home. Redders led the way again up the hill with Pete Clifton not too far behind - amazing what a new bike does for you! As we passed through Stokenchurch Debby and Dean left us to head for home and not long after Derwent did the same.
We turned left off the A40 just after leaving Stokenchurch to drop down into Radnage and then up Spriggs Holly Lane to get up onto Bledlow Ridge. The look of relief on some rider's faces as they realised we were going down Rubbish Dump Hill instead of up it was a picture! At the bottom we turned left to ride into the wind in the direction of Watlington and the long climb up to Christmas Common. The steep part at the beginning of the climb took it's toll on some of ride as they rode at their own speed and of course who was leading the way - yes it was Redders! Heaven help us when he is back to full fitness!!!! Mike was a distant second to Paul and Pete was not too far behind - there's no stopping him! At the top of Pishill we turned left and the usual charge down the hill was lead by Paul, Pete, Mike and Alan.
Pete must have been on rocket fuel as he hit the front and was never headed all the way down the Stonor Valley! After a brief stop to catch breath and eat some energy bars we rode on into Henley and then turned right for Wargrave as Paul was at last feeling the pace and didn't want to climb Remenham Hill. After crossing the A4 we rode into Twyford and the quieter road back through the Walthams to avoid all the crazies speeding down the A4! Daniel left us at White Waltham and a steadier pace was adopted as we neared the A4 and the inevitable sprint. Alan lead the way with Mike sitting on his wheel as we neared the bottom of Punt Hill. Suddenly John went past and with memories of Tim succeeding with a longer sprint last week Mike made his move which was just as well as Pete and Paul were closing fast! With head down and top gear selected Mike managed to hold on up Punt Hill and win the sprint to be first into the car park.
Distance covered was 61.5 miles at an average speed of 16.5 mph. Not bad when you remember the hill we had climbed.
M.M.
Sunday 15th March
Thirteen riders met at the Pond House hoping for better weather than last week's downpour! They were Debby, Amanda, Per Porter, Martin Porter, Pete Clifton, John Nicholls, Derwent Jeffery, Mike Mills, Little Dean, Alan Church, Dave Lambourne, Daniel Olver and Tim Brass. Pete was riding a brand new carbon Giant TCR and Per's Time was the first bike in the club to sport 11 speed Campagnolo. Out through the Walthams to Twyford and across the A4 at the Wee Waif to Sonning where the traffic lights caught some of the ride out as they went red! Those that had got through stopped by the French Horn until the lights went green and the ride continued. As we reached the bottom of the Playhatch climb traffic at the roundabout split the ride again. When we reached the small green at the top of the hill Per left for home as he had a painful neck and was being cautious. We turned left and followed the road until we got to the Bird in Hand pub where we crossed over to head for Gallowstree Corner and the narrow lane up to the Maharajah's Well. At Nuffield golf course Dave reluctantly turned for home and the rest of us turned left and down the long, fast descent that would eventually bring us to Benson and the riverside cafe.
Sitting in glorious sunshine we drank tea and ate cake - especially Martin who ate two! All too soon it was back on the bikes and the return journey. Someone asked if we were going back the way we had come and up the long drag to Nuffield. Mike had other plans and you could hear the groans when Sliding Hill was mentioned! Those that did not know what was to come soon found out!! Tim and Dean lead the charge with Martin and Mike not too far behind. Pete's new bike worked wonders as he beat the rest up the climb - all he needs now is to learn left from right at junctions! Once we had all regrouped and got our collective breath back it was on to Pishill and the usual race downhill to the Henley road. Mike was cursing again at the compact ratios meant he was under geared and having tried to pass Martin several times only to fail because of the gearing and lack of leg power! The traffic through Henley was terrible and we took the right turn for Wargrave. As we got to Twyford Debby left for home and we continued through Ruscombe and the Walthams to the A4 roundabout where John had an arguement with a car driver who tried to get past - something of a recurring pattern with John (must be the yellow bike)! With the usual suspects hovering near the the front the ride steeled itself for the finishing sprint to the top of Punt Hill. Tim went for a long one with Dean, Mike and Pete right behind him. At the roundabout at the bottom of the hill Pete was blocked by a car wanting to use the bit of road he wanted - most inconsiderate! Mike didn't have the legs so it was Tim then Dean into the car park of the Pond House.
Distance covered was 55 miles at an average of 16.4 mph
M.M.
Sunday 8th March
Six brave souls met at the Pond House with the temperature barely above freezing. They were Mike Mills, Martin Porter, Pete Clifton, Dave Lambourne, Alan Church and new member James Benning. As the roads were still a bit icy in places we decided to stick to main roads as much as possible and to this end we set off along the A4 towards Twyford with Martin leading the way. Turning off the A4 we headed into Twford where we turned left at the lights on to the A321 and then right just before we got to Hurst. I think most of us had warmed up by now as we got to Winnersh and crossed the A329 near Sainsburys (Hurrah!!). The Sunday motorists's horns were working overtime and were rewarded with cheery waves from the ride! At the Arborfield Cross roundabout Dave muttered something about not wanting to take the usual road so we opted for the second exit onto the A327 or we would have, had Dave gone past it! Back on track we headed on until we reached the roundabout near the REME barracks where Pete did his usual trick of turning down the wrong road into a housing estate - as he did the last time we went that way!! We eventually came to Blackwater where we turned onto the A30 and headed East towards Camberley where the ride split a little on the hill as Mike had not been told that Dave had turned for home some time ago and was waiting for him to catch up. It was only when he caught Alan that he found out that Dave left the ride about 45 minutes beforehand! The other three riders had stopped on the top of the hill down into Bagshot. Soon after we turned left to follow signs for Ascot and then make our way back to Maidenhead. Martin stayed with us to get a few more miles in so we turned left at the golf driving range/Drift Road and on to Beenhams Heath where we saw Chairman Mike in a bunch of riders going the other way. James left us to head for home and the three of us went through White Waltham and turned back on to the A4. The pace was sedate and a sprint seemed unlikely,but Mike couldn't resist it and led the way up Punt Hill and back into the car park!
Distance covered was 45 miles at an average of 16.9mph.
Sunday 1st March
There was a big turn out of sixteen for the club run this week as we were joined by a group from around the Maidenhead area. From Thames Velo there was Alan Church, James Benning, Tim Brass, Pete Clifton, Jason Haigh, David Lambourne, Mike MIlls, John Nicholls and Nick Silva. The visitors were Samantha, Amanda, John, Martin, Derick and Chris. Apologies if I have missed anyone, but there were lots of names to remember!
We decided to ride Dave's Wet Weather Route even if it was dry as this would give an opportunity for those that were only riding for a couple of hours to head for home when they wanted to. We set off out through the Walthams to Hurst and then crossed the A329 at Winnersh. At Arborfield Cross we had a brief pause for some riders to regroup and for Dave to have an impromtu chat! We carefully crossed the small humpedback bridge over the Blackwater River and at the next T-Junction that was signposted for Three Mile Cross we turned right. About a mile further on we turned left and then left again to bring us to the top of a descent into Mortimer. Dave, Tim and several of the visitors turned for home at the bottom of the hill, whilst the rest carried on in a big loop that brought us back to the A33 where we played Dodgems with some inconsiderate Sunday Drivers who couldn't or wouldn't give way at the roundabout! Up the hill from Three Mile Cross the ride split as one or two were starting to suffer (Hangover and lack of riding). Nick had a nasty moment as we passed a horse that suddenly stopped as we went past and it was a toss up if Nick ran into the horse or it kicked out - fortunately neither happened and we carried on! We were soon back on the route that the others had taken as we went back through the lanes. When we got to Fairly Hill you could hear the groans from the more tired riders in the group and we waited for Jason who had done very little riding and was suffering noticeably!
When we got back to Hurst we stopped at the village shop for food and drink - Coke and Eccles for Jason and Chris (still suffering with a hangover)! At a sedate pace we made our way back through the Walthams to the A4 roundabout where traffic split the ride. Those that made it past the cars and were aware of the sprint to come upped the pace with Mike catching the small group that had turned onto the A4 first and just managing to pass James, who was unaware of the customary charge, just before the top of Punt Hill and was first into the car park of the Pond House!
Distance covered was 55 miles at an average speed of 16 mph.
M.M.
Sunday 3rd January
With the mercury hovering just below zero degrees seven brave and some might say foolhardy riders gathered at the Pond House for the first club run of 2009. They were Mike Mills, Paul Redman, Joanne (Paul's gf), Ruth Martin, Pete Clifton, Alan Church and Henry Tapper.
Ruth had an eventful arrival at the pub as she turned into the car park she misjudged the angle and height of the kerb and had a low speed fall! Fortunately she only bruised her left hip and put a couple of marks on her Bianchi. Mike warned everyone to take it very easy and keep to a steady pace, especially once we got off the main roads. Almost immediately Henry went missing and despite Paul going back to look for him he was not to be found! We were following the route out through the Walthams,Hurst and on to Winnersh where Alan remarked that he hoped we wouldn't have a repeat of last week's set to when Per tried to inform a motorist of his partly open bonnet and got a surly reply for his trouble! No sooner had he said it than some loud mouthed woman was bellowing at us for being selfish!
Quite what she was on about we didn't know as we were riding single file - probably too many gin and tonics the night before! At Arborfield Cross we all took the second exit as per Mike's instructions,apart from Alan, who had to ride round the roundabout and chase after us - must have been the yellow wooly hat covering his ears that stopped the instructions getting through! After a couple of miles and just before crossing into Hampshire we turned left towards Finchampstead and up to the monument where Alan was having problems with his bibtights - it later transpired that he had them on the wrong way round! Down through Crowthorne and Honey Hill where we were going to to try and have a nature break at a local pub,but it was shut and so we went to the Arts and Crafts centre in Heathlands Road.
What a stroke of luck as it had a coffee shop and we were soon diving into cakes and various hot drinks after a visit to the loos! The owner must have taken pity on us as she appeared with a plate of mince pies for us and said she had more than enough to spare and would we like some - do fish live in water? With fuller stomachs and emptied bladder we set off for home with Paul and Joanne leaving us to head for home. As we left Wokingham Ruth and Pete raised the pace and we were soon approaching the Walthams again. The sprint along the A4 and up Punt Hill was unforthcoming as we were all to cold to bother, but at least this time Ruth managed to turn into the car park without incident!
Distance covered was 36 miles at an average of 15 mph.
M.M.