Contents:

Selected items transcribed from the original printed copy:

Editorial

Watch out for slippery patches on the roads, wet leaves, mud, gravel washed off banks, can all be hazardous, especially on bends and down hill.  This may seem obvious but, its easy to forget about, the Woking Wayfarers unfortunatley had three down, Eds thanks to the excellent teamwork and help of this groups members, and the helpful motorist.

A few days later Eds' slid sideways off round a bend, and had thence a few spokes to mend !  Removing the Block is hard, but interesting.

We all enjoy the countrylanes and the associated scenery, if the M25 is widened to 14 lanes at a cost of £2.8 billion, much land will gobbled up.  For example Ockham and Wisley Commons will be affected, housing in areas such as Byfleet, and acording to FoE up to 26 Sites of Special Scientific Interest.  Nitrogen dioxide pollution levels will increase with increased traffic fumes.  Cycling in gas masks ! Why should we ! If you would like further information.
1)  See the Surrey Wildlife Trust info in this issue.
2)  Join the above or Friends of the Earth, Membership Services, 56 - 58 Alma Street, Luton, LU1 2PL. 0582 482297
3)  Ask Ed !

If you wish to contact your MP on this issue:-  House of Commons, LONDON, SW1A OAA.

At this point Ed nearly got on his soap box, but decided against boring you all.  Phew !

The date for articles etc for the next issue, now would be nice, but I guess by the end of November would be more realistic.
Thank you all,

Ed.

Stop Press   Ladies Weekend Reunion

West Surrey District Association Committee 1991/1992

RIDE LEADERS
 

HARDRIDERS	Roger Philo	Tel. 0483 233381
INTERMEDIATES	Marguerite Statham	Tel. 0483 763289
WAYFARERS SOUTH	Keith Parfitt	Tel. 0483 60776
WOKING WAYFARERS	David Nightingale	Tel. 0483 725674
MID-WEEK WAYFARERS	George Alesbury	Tel. 0932 843285
JUNIOR GROUP	Sally	Tel. 0483 503743
FARNHAM	Anne Neale	Tel. 0252 716818
STAINES, CHERTSEY, EGHAM	Nick & Terry Boorman	Tel. 0784 450088

MAGAZINE  Mr David Nightingale, 11, Waverley Ct., Woking, Surrey.  Tel. 0483 725674

CLUBROOM EVENTS  Ring Keith Parfitt for details of all the goings on !  This clubroom is for everyone to enjoy whatever group you ride with.

West Surrey Junior Cyclists

Keith initially promised to take two boys out for a Saturday morning ride, but found that this was swiftly followed by a request for a regular monthly outing for the boys and their friends. Keith, being Keith, Shanghaied a couple of mums and dads to join in - and WSJC was born.

The rides follow an organised route and encompasses both off road and road rides, giving the children the thrill of rough riding along bridleways, woods and paths, but also the valuable experience of learning to cope with traffic.  Each child needs to have a roadworthy bike, have passed a proficiency test, and wear a safety helmet.  There is always a good number of adults present to ensure safety, although this often means the children have to frequently wait for a puffed out mum to catch up.  The aforesaid mother is always grateful for the well-earned stop at Wheeler's Rest cafe, where the children can be seen tucking in to such eclectic fare as hot rice-pudding with jam, ice-cream (even on the most overcast day), cake, bacon sandwich or baked beans on toast.

The ride traditionally meets at West Clandon village hall one Saturday a month.  The group sets off at 9.30 and returns at 12.30.  It is astounding how little one notices the surrounding countryside when one is driving or being driven from A to B - to have the leisure to discover picturesque parts of our near neighbourhood has been a joy.

The aim of West Surrey Junior Cyclists is give these future CTC members the confidence, interest and ability in cycling, safely.  We hope too that this group will expand and divide into neighbourhood based branches organising rides for each locality, as demand increases.  If there are any concerned mums out there who would like to set up a local group, please do contact Keith who will be delighted to offer advice.

Sally Olszewski

The Road to the Isles (Part 3)

Your Clubroom    Oct 14   Nov 11  and  Dec 9

OCT 14th - We all have an opportunity to learn more about the Sky At Night, by observing through a telescope, providing the weather is kind, then a short talk - by Rory.

NOV 11th  This is your chance to show some of your slides, and/or prints, so we can organise the evening give me a ring if you can bring any slides/prints.

DEC 9th  A social evening at the clubroom, with an opportunity to observe the eclipse of the moon later in the evening.  Details nearer the date from Rory.

Please support it more.  New ideas and help with running the evenings would be appreciated.

Keith Parfitt 0483 60776

D.A. Dinner - 28th November at the New YMCA Guildford

An ideal opportunity for members and friends to get together, and a fitting venue for presenting cups, medals and certificates.  Let the committee know as soon as possible, come along and make it a success.

I'm Sorry, I Don't Want to be a Hardrider

I yield to no one in my love of cycling.  It gives me great contentment and satisfaction, enabling me to enjoy all that is around me at a human speed.  It covers more ground than walking but not so fast as to deprive one of sensing the smells, sounds and sights of the country.  Or even the town:  urban riding round the back streets of Dockland or Dalston is not without excitement, occasionally of the wrong kind.  But cycling is to me a means to an end and not an end in itself.  That is what is so good about the new 'West Surrey Cyclist'.  It has, for the first time, made me react to the D.A.  It contains interesting articles on a wide variety of cycle related subjects;that is a refreshing change from the lists of racing results and incestuous gossip concerning people that I don't know that fill the pages of other club magazines.

Who, you may now ask, is this critic of the establishment ?

My c.v would include a lifetime of pleasure cycling:  the ownership of more cycles than I care to count but including two Dawes 'Super Galaxy's, a Raleigh 'Randonneur' and 'Royale'; four Moulton A.M's; three A.T.B's ; five old Moultons and a Rogers tricycle.  When friends look askance at this and ask why, since one can only ride one machine at a time I reply 'Would you play golf with one club, would you not need a variety of clubs for different situations ?'  (For the benefit of the criminal inclination they are secured with chain formerly used to hold the 'Ark Royal' and we have a very alert dog.)

You may also ask 'How dare this neddy criticise that which he has not experienced?'  I have you know; mostly the 'Mid Week Wayfarers'.  I do not criticise them.  They are a delightful, civilised and interesting group of people whose company I enjoy.  Especially at lunch!  They have shown me back tracks and byways in the area that I have not seen before in over 20 years residence in Guildford.  There could not be a better leader than George Alesbury whilst the niceness and enthusiasm of lady members is illustrated by the writings of Marguerite Statham in the last issue.  But even they go from the meeting point to elevenses, then on to the the lunch spot and so on.  Excelsior.  They have no time to stop and look at points of interest.  I see a watermill, but we do not stop.  A view but we do not stop.  Except once.  We went to view Field Marshall Montgomery's simple grave.  I found it very moving.  That is my kind of cycling.  A means to an end, not an end in itself.

With like minded friends I have assisted in the publication of a modest little cycling book - 'Quiet Wind Assisted Cycle Routes between B.R. Stations'  To our surprised delight the first printing has sold out; we have had it reprinted and now are working on an expanded and enlarged second edition.  There has been a feature in the upmarket 'Country Living' magazine, a review in the 'Solicitors Journal'; two judges and numbers of solicitors have bought copies.  So I shall develop this kind of cycling with one or two kindred spirits.  Example, Next month we are going on another ride on the 'red roads', even more the 'green lanes' of Milton Keynes.  Our first visit earlier in the year was a delight.  We stopped and looked at the many interesting architectural and planning experiments in that remarkable city.  We looked at the Japanese School; at Hawaian war canoe racing on a lake and at a minature railway which was running with a delightful steam engine at the head.  We did 18 slow miles and absorbed a great deal.  Railways, canals and industrial history are other interests which are very much part of my cycling .

In the July issue of the magazine it is said that 'the D.A. is about to turn the corner'.  More initiatives like the magazine, properly developed, could certainly help.  I would not want to suggest that publication of 'The West Surrey Cyclist' will bring members rushing to join the D.A.  One of the great heresies of our time is a mistaken belief that because there is a problem there is a solution.  It would perhaps be an advantage if each issue carried a definitive, reliable and comprehensive programmne of events for the next three months.  Distribution too seems a bit uncertain.  Perhaps prepaid subscriptions ?  Perhaps a review copy sent to local newspapers ?

Anyway, congratulations on a 'good read'.  I hope it goes from strength to strength

R.E.Kilsby.  Guildford.  September '92.

Presidents Notes

2.  With this in mind may I ask you all to do your very best to come along to the AGM on November 15th, at the YOUTH CLUB HALL, ELSTEAD, at 2pm.  You will be given every opportunity to fashion the future policy for the DA.  A number of members have made it known to me that they are not too happy with certain aspects of organisation and would like to see some changes made.  Fine, why not put forward your proposals for inclusion in the AGENDA or, better still, consider standing for membership of the committee.  You need just two members to propose and second you, together with the good will of your friends at the meeting.  The permitted maximum number of Committee Members is reasonably elastic and every effort will be made to include applicants holding constructive ideas for our future activities.  Remember, in this life we usually get what we work for and little comes to those who simply observe the action.  Anything can be changed if a sufficient number of members so desire.  Don't let the Elstead venue put you off, if I can ride back to Weybridge after the meeting, most of you should get home safely, but do remember to bring your lights.

3.  Congratulations to Chris Jeggo for exposing the fallacies of MICRO DRIVE Systems.  Laboratory tests of aircraft control system chains indicated a rapid rise in friction ( wear ) as the number of sprocket teeth was reduced below 20.  It was also shown that chain malalignment of more than 0.25 inches over a length of 20 inches caused further friction ( wear) to occur.  If science is to be believed, we would be better served by our gear systems if sprocket and chain wheel sizes are provided to give a normal steady pedalling ratio using a rear sprocket of 17 teeth or larger.  For higher gears smaller sprockets can be used as their times of use are restricted.  Also, more attention should be given to selecting the gears which give best alignment of front and back sprockets.  Too often I find myself riding behind members using the smallest chainwheel in combination with the smallest sprocket on the block, the poor old chain running at maximum malalignment.  Modern gear systems stand up to much abuse, but why increase the friction and wear more than is necessary ?

4.  As one who, during times of pressure with work and family life, kept in touch with the DA through the Thursday Night rides which, for me, were introduced in the early 1950's by the Esher Group of the Kingston Section ( The DA at that time consisted of two sections, Woking and Kingston ).  These evening runs give an excellent opportunity for members to keep in contact with the DA and it encourages them to join in at weekends as and when possible.  If you live not too far from Chertsey why not give it a try.  I did and it made me many friends over my forty years or so of involvement.

5.  It seems that the committee wishes to re-introduce the Annual Dinner this year, to take place on the last Saturday in November at the YMCA Guildford.  For many years this was a very popular event with regular attendance of 70 or more.  Why not come along ?  I'm sure you would find it most enjoyable.

A Wet Breakfast

I do have vivid memories of foul, wet weather as I left home at 5 am heading for Pirbright Green, our prearranged meeting point.  As usual I was early (!!!!) but at approximately 5.25 am a wet David Pinkess arrived - Helen, having set out had already returned home, as she is famous for hating rain.  5.28 am and Bob and Isabel having seen Helen's retreat, appeared followed by Geoff ( who had been up until 1 am re-building a wheel) and Carol.  Jeremy had phoned on the previous evening to say that he was unable to come as his new Dawes Super Galaxy - a replacement for a previous accident insurance claim - had been stolen.  He must have been (almost) relieved when he saw the weather on the Sunday morning.  He was also able to have an unexpected "lie - in" as he would have had to leave home at 4.30 am !

So, two short already, the remaining six decided to "go for it" to breakfast and re-assess afterwards.  Just beyond Vokes Isabel got a puncture, so while some of us 'sheltered' under dripping trees the men - what gallant heroes ! - fixed the tube in the half light.  On again to the Hogs Back where David decided that a warm dry cosy day with Helen would be much more attractive.  So he peeled off, while Geoff adjusted Carol's gears.  If it had been 7 o'clock at this point I would have been very tempted to have my breakfast at the Happy Eater.  However it was much too early so on we went through Seale and Elstead, until we stopped at the top of a hill at Hyde Farm near Pitch Place, where Carol took off her glasses to wipe them as she was having difficulty seeing where she was going, the glasses crashed onto the road so Carol now couldn't see anything !! ( well enough to get by !)  She decided to grope the remainder of the way to breakfast which was much nearer than going home !

Up and up and up we pushed until triumphantly, at approximately 7.45 am, we had reached the H.E at Hindhead.  Five drenched cyclists sat down and orderd five full English breakfasts, gallons of tea and a few orange juices.  The Ladies then headed for the loos where we were able to blow dry our hair and wet clothes.  The breakfast was really delicious and more than welcome.

An hour and a half later a decision had to be made.  Carol said that she was going to try and find her way home and Geoff said that he would escort her - did I detect a smile on his face ?  Bob said " I don't mind carrying on ", so Isabel, I think with a sense of loyalty to her husband, shrugged her shoulders and said, with a very straight face "O.K.".  Which left me, as it was my idea in the first place and I had volunteered to lead for the day, I had no choice but to carry on.  So I dutifully folded the map showing a route to Rowlands Castle thinking that I had now proved to myself that I really am totally mad !

The penetrating drizzle was now being blown parallel to the A3, as the 3 of us crossed the road before descending into Haslemere.  Here the story changes.  The rain stopped never to return (that day) and the sun shone from time to time, we cycled on, now really enjoying ourselves until we came to the very welcome tea shop close to Rowlands Castle station, where some cyclists from Bognor were already tucking into the goodies.

Refreshed again we continued on to Hayling Island using the cycle path to cross the bridge.  We arrive at Eastoke in the S.E. corner of the Island and had bought some sticks of rock for those five (now) unfortunate souls who had been unable to come with us !  We then had lunch in the Smugglers Cafe before riding along the coastal road to catch the ferry to Portsea Island.  The ferry did a detour to pick up a couple of people who had just moored their boat in the middle of Langstone harbour.  So we had an enjoyable 20 minute cruise in the sunshine.  We followed the road along the sea front through Southsea, eventually reaching Portsmouth Harbour, where we caught the 4.32 pm train for Woking.  The three of us had had a really good day out and during our 72.74 miles, we spotted 80 (at a guess) Canadian geese; 60 (another guess) rabbits in a field near Bedhampton Station, 3 foxes (before dawn) 14 mole hills and one frightened Moorhen running across the road in front of us.

Isabel, Bob and I have promised to show the other five the same route next June when the weather could be drier and the morning lighter.  Why don't you come with us ?

Marguerite Statham  28/8/92

New and Old Ideas

The Intermediates and the Hardriders will continue as before, meeting at various points over the DA and coming together for tea as often as possible.  Roger Philo will continue to lead the Hardriders.  While I shall be leading the Intermediates.

I shall be submitting a proposition to the AGM, which will? read something like the following :-
1)  Each Group to have a "get together" in October to select its leader for the following year.
2)  Each group to chose its own rides, but meeting up with other groups at tea as often as possible.

To achieve the above I would suggest that we go back to the 'old' system of putting the runs list together, where the Hardriders 'do' their rides first and arrange the tea places.

The list is then passed on to the Intermediates who choose rides to finish at the same tea place.  The Intermediates should also meet the Hardriders at the start at least once a month.

The list is then handed to all the Wayfarer Groups to 'do' their rides also finishing at the same tea place.  All Wayfarer Groups should meet the Intermediates at the start or Coffee at least once a month so that people get to know one another thus making it easier to transfer from one group to another.

What do you think ?  Give your constructive ideas to a committee member, or better still, bring them along to the AGM at Elstead on Sunday November 15th at 2pm.

See you there.
Marguerite Statham  31/8/92

The Social Intermediates

Ride with us and have some fun !!

Marguerite 0483 763289

A Wee Problem

Since you spoke to me this morning about articles for the magazine I have remembered about discussing with people the need to always be aware of good road manners, i.e. mostly giving access to passing vehicles, especially on winding parts of the route.  Personally my driving experience extends over many years, my cycling experience over just three.  As a driver I would be happy with two pairs riding abreast, with a good gap before the next pairs, lets say 3 or 4 places for cars to go into.  I would be happy for the pairs to be a normal half cycle length apart.  How do others feel???  It is the pressure on drivers we have to accomadate and in my view prevent the little old ladies from creeping up on us.  At a not too distant junction it would be very acceptable to me if the Min Of Tran made long distance cycling part of and prior to the driving licence for all those below an agreed age, this would at once create an awareness in hot-bloods of what we are about, improve the health of the nation, be environmentally a very good thing, get cycle paths in use with greater urgency and boost my shares in ( Dawes cycle manufactures ) if I had any !

Could say more but the brain says put the kettle on,

Regards Harry.

Dear Ed,

May I use your columns to thank all those who gave Sue and I assistance, or have phoned to offer sympathy and help, following our spill last Sunday.  The grazes are healing, the bruising is in glorious technicolour and Sue's collar bone will soon be knitted.  Our thank also to the anonymous driver who offered us seats in his car and then whisked us off to the hospital.

On a lighter note it may interest you to know that Adrian and I have recently returned from a weeks cycling in Brittany ( very lumpy ), where we captained tandems for visually impaired stokers.  It was a very interesting and rewarding week, and an activity I can recommend to all.

West Surrey CTC Attendance Scores

From 6/10/91 to 16/8/92  149 members have ridden with us,  many come out on one run only.

Program of Events for 1993

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Web page by Chris Jeggo.  Last revised:  21 March 2006.