"The West Surrey Cyclist" - October - December 1991 |
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There are lots of exciting things happening. If you feel you would like to ride that little bit further than the Wayfarers, then never fear the Intermediates are here ! Keith Parfitt is leading them, so please contact him if you have any questions and / or would like to lend some help. They will not be starting in the same town each week so make sure you read your runs list. The aim is to give people from other areas within the D.A. a chance to ride from somewhere more local to them and also to increase the variety of the rides.
The CLUBROOM is for all of US to use from wherever we live in the D.A. It gives us all a chance to get together socially and enjoy the events arranged. These are listed on the runs list, so why not come along ! If you have any ideas or wish to talk about what goes on then just ask Keith Parfitt.
The WAYFARERS have changed, remember they no longer start at the same town every week. These towns are all on major railway routes to allow you to get to the start or go car assisted if you do not wish to cycle to them. I would like to wish Keith Parfitt and David Pinkess every success with this new arrangement, if you would like to help them, I'm sure that they will be pleased to hear from you. ( I have unvolunteered to lead this group as in my opinion I had some missgivings re the changes. )
Would you like to assist with important rights work in your area ? This is something very important to us all going on behind the scenes. Keith Parfitt is very busy doing this work for us and would be glad of some assistance.
AGM
17 TH NOVEMBER 1991 2 PM PIRBRIGHT VILLAGE HALL
BE THERE ITS YOUR CHANCE TO HAVE YOUR SAY !
MAGAZINE final submission date for articles 29.11.91
Thank you to all those people who have submitted articles in this issue.
| HARDRIDERS | Mr Roger Philo | Tel. 0483 233381 |
| INTERMEDIATES | Mr Keith Parfitt | Tel. 0483 60776 |
| WAYFARERS | Mr David Pinkess | Tel. 0483 724093 |
| replaces | ||
| GENERAL | Mr Roger Philo | Tel. 0483 233381 |
| WOKING WAYFARERS | Mr David Pinkess | Tel. 0483 724093 |
Sue Hamilton, the organizer of the week-end, steered us into a cafe just outside Totton Station for refreshments. This over, we made our way to Eling where we had a most interesting visit to a Tide Mill. This is one of the few Tide Mills still operating in the country, and as it is owned by the New Forest Council and managed by Eling Tide Mill Trust, its future, fortunately, seems secure. I was sorry I had no room to bring away a bag of the wholemeal flour they were milling.
Back in the saddle again, this time by by-ways to Beaulieu. On the way we made several stops to watch the ponies and donkeys with their foals. It was debatable who caused the greatest hazard on the roads - the ponies and donkeys, or eight cyclists stopping to admire them. Yes, the relatively car-free roads were bliss. On reaching Beaulieu we had a picnic lunch by the river, at least Sue told us it was a river, but the tide being out it looked more like a muddy lake. I do not know where the time went, but before long we found ourselves in a cafe for tea. Just as we were about to leave Beaulieu it started to rain, so we set off prepared for wet weather. It was a most gentle rain that seemed to enhance the bird song and the lovely forest smells. I was so pleased to be back in the New Forest again.
By late afternoon we arrived just outside Lymington at our Hotel for the night. The rain had really got going by now. I found lying on the bed watching T.V. with a cup of tea a pleasing and novel experience. Later we all walked a few hundred yards to a pub for our evening meal. I am sure we all enjoyed the evening, good food and wine taken with pleasant company takes some beating.
Next morning after a hearty breakfast we set off, taking a look at Lymington before leaving. Next stop Sway for coffee in an up-market Hotel - must have a galaxy of stars! Then another leisurely ride to Brockenhurst, where we were lucky to find a most interesting Craft Fair. We stayed there until cream-tea time in yet another grand hotel. Time had unfortunately caught up with us, and so to Brockenhurst Station. Gill got off at Totton where she was met by Hamish. The rest of us travelled on to Woking.
We had ridden about forty miles and had had an excellent trouble free week-end. How wise we had been to attend to the maintenance of our cycles!!
Our thanks to Sue for taking so much trouble to have everything so well organized, and also to Marguerite for seeing we did not fall by the wayside.
Marion Houlton
A chance meeting with an old friend, Bill Stickley, led to my joining with him and George Porter at the elevenses venues of the South West London D.A. " Midweek Wayfarers", whenever they came into our area on their Wednesday runs. As the average number of riders who supported them was somewhere between twenty and thirty we did feel a bit outnumbered, but nevertheless thoroughly enjoyed meeting them. Most were of similar vintage to ourselves so the pace was about right. The only problem being that as they had cycled from Sutton before meeting us, it was not possible to get them very far into our territory before they wished to turn back and head for home. The "GOOD INTENT" at Puttenham being the furthest with myself as leader.
This problem, together with the fact that they did not arrange for all of their runs to come in our direction, resulted in our deciding to set up our own Group, arranging our schedule such that we still met with them whenever their runs were coming to a suitable meeting place for elevenses.
So, on the 25th July 1984 we produced our first runs list. A very simple affair with runs starting at 9.45 every Wednesday from Mimbridge Nursery which was roughly a midpoint between George at Sunninghill, Bill at Jacobs Well and myself at Weybridge.
Bill was so very keen to build up numbers and believed that example was the best way of achieving this. He rarely missed a run and very quickly our numbers grew to average 8 to 9, but it took a long time to get it up to 10, even for short periods. This did not blunt Bills enthusiasm and by sensible use of his car during recent years he maintained his very regular support to within a few days of going into hospital.
He loved Pubs with Public Bars, especially those which provided Mild Ale and quietly used his influence from time to time to ensure we diverted on course which take us to a venue of his choice, never late and sometimes perhaps just a wee bit early.
We will miss his company and his down to earth anecdotes from a working life spent with fast motor cars and his vast background of cycling experiences from both the racing and touring sides. Never a man for the light hearted quip but a good friend to us Midweek riders who can only hope that his example will arouse a desire in any other members who can get out on Wednesday, to join with us as and when they can. Why not give it a try and, like Bill, you too might keep it up until your eightieth birthday.
George Alesbury.
His two loves were snooker and beer!
He was timekeeper for many open events on the Bath road but West Surrey members will remember him for officiating at our hill climb and speed-judging events, usually partnered with his close friend, George Porter, over a number of years.
In the 70's Bill invited me to join him on several tours so, with our bikes stowed in the boot of his car, he introduced me to fabulous Derbyshire attractions like Haddon Hall and Chatsworth House; to remote and little known dams and reservoirs in the Welsh mountains; the Wye Valley and the Yorkshire Moors.
Although I could never describe Bill as being a bundle of fun he was, nevertheless, a most interesting and informative companion to tour with. He had a remarkable flair for nosing out overnight accommodation. A swift study of the map and he was off into a maze of lanes and always seemed to find the ideal places. It was never in a town or village but usually in an isolated farmhouse in the back of beyond where there was a welcome and good honest food.
In spite of his involvement in the racing scene, in his younger days he was a regular supporter of Charlotteville club runs and it was not until later that he became more interested in the touring side of the game.
He was often on the long series of joint rides we had with the Kentish Wheelers and in more recent years he frequently turned out with George Alesbury's mid-week rides and for a long time supported the West Surrey's Thursday evening runs.
But, on a lighter note, although most of us knew him well, one thing continues to puzzle me. As dyed in the wool cyclist in all other respects, why did he never wear shorts - always long trousers and brown walking shoes?
Finally, perhaps his best known remark on club rides was " Its gone twelve - we're losing good drinking time ! "
Bill Inder
| Starters | |
| Melon Fans with a Raspberry Coulis | |
| Mushroom Pate and Melba Toast | |
| Lettuce Soup | |
| Prawn and Spinach Roulade | |
| Citrus Chicken Salad | |
| Main course | |
| Traditional Roast Turkey with all the trimmings | |
| Roast Lamb | |
| Braised Pheasants in Madeira | |
| Salmon Steaks with Lemon and Horseradish Sauce | |
| Spicy Beef Casserole | |
| Mushroom Stroganoff | |
| Sweets | |
| Chestnut Souffle | |
| Homemade Christmas Pudding | |
| Lemon Charlotte Royale | |
| Chocolate Orgy Cake | |
| Individual Apricot Dacquoise |
Followed by coffee and mince pies.
A selection of wines and beers is also available (not included in lunch price).
Tickets will be available from group leaders from October
| START TIME | 9.00 | 9.15 | 9.30 |
| 25.0% | 37.5% | 37.5% |
| RIDE TYPE TO:- | COFFEE | COFFEE+LUNCH | C,L+TEA |
| 50% | 19% | 31% |
| SPEED IN MPH | 8 | 10 | 12 | 15 | ? |
| 6.25% | 31.00% | 37.50% | 19% | 6.25% |
| DISTANCE IN MILES | 15 | 25 | 20 | 30 | 40 | 50 | 60 | 70 |
| 6.25% | 6.25% | 6.25% | 12.50% | 12.50% | 31.25% | 18.75% | 6.25% |
( Taken from the lowest value given where more than one )
FAVOURITE PLACES ( Given as a percentage of the total
named)
| Wheelers Rest | 28% |
| Savill Gardens | 16% |
| Dunley Hill | 12% |
| New Barn Newlands Corner | 8% |
| Old Mill Farnham | 8% |
| Gomshall Mill | 4% |
| H.E. Hogs Back | 4% |
| Joy Adams | 4% |
| The Beehive | 4% |
| White Watham | 4% |
| Baynards | 4% |
| Clockhouse Abinger Hammer | 4% |
MONTHLY SPECIAL RIDE 25% ( Of those asked said yes)
( The Editor did not recieve replys back from all those approached, however the replies were from a broad range of riders new to old and give an indication of their preferences. More surveys will be held in future as a helpful guide to trends ! )
15th July, 1991
Yesterday I went to the Isle of Wight with the Woking Wayfarers. I had really been looking forward to going and when we arrived at Ryde the sun was shining and everything was pointing to a perfect day.
However I was almost immediately dropped and twenty minutes later I was in tears. I could no longer stand the pressure of trying to keep up. From then on I knew I had spoilt the rest of the day for everyone else. I suggested that I rode on my own but they insisted they weren't in a hurry !
In the train on the way home, it was all I could do to hold the tears back again. They were saying that on a normal days ride they reckoned to average 14 mph. Three of them were planning to ride the Tour of the Hills. I realised that I no longer belonged to the Woking Wayfarers.
I have done 3094.6 miles since November 90 and am capable of managing 50 miles a day but not at the speed of the Woking Wayfarers.
One of the men had been trying to persuade his wife to come out but she felt that she wouldn't be able to keep up. I'm not surprised if she's expected to ride at an average of 14mph.
Who are we supposed to ride with ? Where is the West Surrey D.A. Group that caters for people like us ?
I asked these people why they didn't ride with the General Section and one replied by saying that he didn't think he was fit enough! O.K. chaps ride with the Wayfarers but don't spoil the enjoyment of the true Wayfarers who average 8-10mph with plenty of stops.
Yours faithfully,
Marguerite A Statham
----------
The Woking Wayfarers have slowed down. On Sunday 25th I thoroughly enjoyed Helen's ride.
Yours sincerely
Marguerite A Statham
------------
Ed's reply.
I was sorry to read the first letter and pleased to read the second. The world is in such a rush, that to slow down and go on a pleasant social ride seems quite sensible, rather than a quasi-Wincanton Classic. The club must provide for slower more relaxed cycling, especially as it must service the needs of beginers if it is to survive. Perhaps with the reformation of the Intermediates the faster Wayfarers will find them more suitable for their needs, Leaving the Wayfarers to return to a more appropriate speed.
Ed.
| 2nd | Cycled with the Woking Wayfarers. |
| 5th | Cycled with the mid-week Wayfarers. |
| 6th/7th | Harry and I took the bikes to the Isle of Wight. |
| 8th/9th | Sent Harry home and joined 7 others on the Ladies weekend. |
| 12th | Train assisted ride to Petersfield with the mid-week Wayfarers. |
| 15th | Church Picnic Bike Ride. |
| 16th | Cycled with the Woking Wayfarers. |
| 18th | Train assisted to Grassington in Yorkshire. |
| 19th | Afternoon ride to Parcevall Hall to visit the Gardens. |
| 20th | All day ride around Arncliffe, Malham and Cracoe. |
| 21st | Train assisted to York - visited the city centre and the Minster. |
| 22nd | York Rally - went on the 'D' a.m. ride. Went around the exhibitors stands. Caught the train to Birmingham. |
| 23rd | Rode the Bike Events ride from Birmingham to Oxford - 69 miles. Visited the Juden's. Came home. |
| 24th | Rest !!!! |
| 26th | Cycled with the mid-week Wayfarers. |
| 27th | Led a Woking Ramblers walk. |
| 30th | Cycled with Woking Wayfarers. |
The majority of Wayfarers prefer to ride a short distance to the start. If the start is in a town it's a place that all local people know and can find, and it's easier for the few who might arrive by train. If the same town is used every week the new ( and old ! ) members come from around that town so there is always someone going back after coffee or at the end of each day to accompany new members and those who came " car assisted ".
Short morning only rides from the same place seem to be increasingly popular and should be encouraged rather than criticised. Eventually one or two of these people might stay out all day.
I shall be putting the following proposal to the A.G.M.
OVER THE NEXT 5 - 10 YEARS A WAYFARERS GROUP SHOULD START UP IN ALL THE MAJOR TOWNS. ALL THE WAYFARERS LEADERS SHOULD GET TOGETHER TO TALK ABOUT THEIR RUNS SO THAT IF POSSIBLE THEY CAN MEET UP AT COFFEE AT LEAST ONCE EVERY 3 MONTHS.I firmly believe that with the traffic conditions we have on the roads today and with people having so many other commitments it is the only way to attract and encourage new members from all corners of our D.A.IF ANY OF THESE WAYFARERS WANT MORE ADVANCED RIDING THEY CAN PROGRESS TO THE INTERMEDIATE OR GENERAL GROUP WHICH SHOULD BOTH CONTINUE TO MEET AT DIFFERENT POINTS AROUND THE D.A.
ALL GROUPS SHOULD ARRANGE TO MEET AT TEA AT LEAST ONCE EVERY THREE MONTHS.
I am only interested in building and developing our D.A. not in fragmenting it.
Marguerite A Statham
ED. The Ed believes in freedom of speach and is happy to print anyones point of view if they submit it in writing.
On July 6th John Widley, George Porter and I arrived at the Bowens Country House in Fownhope and gradually met the other 17 people who had come from all over the country. Later we got to know each other better as we enjoyed the informality of a Bar-b-que.
On Sunday we toured north of Hereford and in the afternoon we visited the waterworks museum at Broomy Hill.
On Monday it rained all morning but we caped up and made the most of it in the Pub at Ross on Wye and managed to dry out. During the afternoon we found a cream tea place that is ' out of this world'. There were 18 of us and we couldn't manage to finish the cream! Later that afternoon while taking a photograph, I knelt on an ants nest. 3 weeks later I still have bite marks !!
Tuesday was our day off so I cycled into Hereford.
On Wednesday we visited Treago which is a British Heritage fortified house ( or mini castle) now owned by Sir Richard and Lady Mynors who used to live in Mayford Green ! On the outside window ledge of one of the towers was a Falcon's nest with two young that we could see through the window.
Thursday's information said " a twiddle along lanes ....a few hills along the way make for some good views " which we all managed with lunch in Ledbury.
Friday's ride was the longest of the week but we were told that " we should be well up to it " Personally I was feeling shattered but determined. We cycled along some more lovely quiet lanes - hardly any traffic until we met a coach that filled the road. We pushed our bikes into the hedge and found a gap amongst the stinging nettles for ourselves and the coach eased past about 4" from my knees. Later we almost had a pile up when someone suddenly stopped to look at a baby hedgehog !
All in all I found the cycling hard. I know all about " undulating hills ", but everyone was so friendly and helpful that for me goes down as one of the best holidays I have ever had.
-------
The total distance for the week was 212.79 miles !!
-------
The following week I was on the Isle of Wight with the Woking Wayfarers. We " sailed" to Ryde and visited Carisbroke and Cowes.
Marguerite Statham 28/7/91
| D. PINKESS | 138 | C. HARRIS | 53 | |
| R. RICHARDSON | 118 | R. CAVE | 42 | |
| R. PHILO | 106 | R. BODY | 39 | |
| H. PINKESS | 101 | R. BANKS | 37 | |
| P. BROWN | 76 | P. HAMILTON | 34 | |
| B. BARTHOLOMEW | 74 | R. FENNER | 30 | |
| D. NIGHTINGALE | 74 | N. SHEA | 30 | |
| K. BOLINGBROKE | 68 | J. CORDERY | 28 | |
| C. AVERY | 67 | C. JEGGO | 23 | |
| M. STATHAM | 66 | L. HOULTON | 22 | |
| G. DAVIES | 64 | T. CASSELL | 22 | |
| C. RICHARDSON | 63 | A. DAWES | 22 | |
| A. DARLING | 59 | B. DAWES | 22 | |
| R. HUXTABLE | 56 | R. HANNINGTON | 20 | |
| S. HAMILTON | 19 | |||
| (Footnote by webpage transcriber - the above
figures must be for the D.A. year up to 1 Sept 91.
The final results for that year's Attendance Competition were: David Pinkess 154, Roger Philo 142 and Roy Richardson 124.) |
||||
RIDERS OUT
| DATE | ALL DAY | TOTAL RIDERS | |||
| JUNE | 9 | 8 | 17 | ||
| 16 | 1 | 8 | |||
| 23 | 4 | 12 | |||
| 30 | 6 | 14 | |||
| JULY | 7 | 6 | 30 | ||
| 14 | 7 | 7 | |||
| 21 | 8 | 18 | |||
| 28 | 6 | 16 | |||
| AUG | 4 | 9 | 22 | ||
| 11 | 11 | 11 | |||
| 18 | 3 | 13 | |||
| 25 | 9 | 17 | |||
| SEPT | 1 | 9 | 19 |
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Web page by Chris Jeggo. Last revised: 9 March 2006.