Club Runs Diary - July to December 2007
Sunday 30th December
Last Club Run of 2007!
Just the four of us met at The Pond House under blue skies and bright sunshine (where was everyone?!) The sleek looking, compact group comprised of Per Porter, Mark Nathan, rock star Jim Morrison (or was it Jeremy Monk?!) and Andy Fowkes. After waiting ten minutes for any potential late appearances we were off. Pishill was to be the destination and as for details of the route taken - I haven't a clue!
The pace was fairly sharp from the off with the two rock stars on the front. After 20 mins or so Per suddenly decided he had to go and wash his hair and trim his beard for New Years Eve! We were gobsmacked! So, Per was off and we were left as a trio. We soldiered on sharing the work at the front. At some point Mark suggested a coffee on our return trip through
So, over the river and out the other side of
On arrival in Henley Jeremy declined the coffee as he had to get home to wash his hair in preparation for an upcoming gig! Mark and myself found a likely looking establishment overlooking the river and promptly installed ourselves. The quality of the coffee was good and (amazingly) we resisted the temptation for cakes!
Onwards again, and, on nearing Maidenhead Mark suggested another small loop as the day was so beautiful. I think on winter days like this it would be rude not to! Route details are vague but we cycled up hill's, cycled down hill's and went through villages! All too soon we were back on familiar (for me anyway) roads and back at The Pond House.
It was lovely to be back on the bike and it never ceases to please me how damn nice everyone is in this club! Cheers and have a fantastic New Year!
Distance: 70.9km
Average Speed: 27.3 km/hr
AF
Some details in this report may not be 100% accurate. Per may have - in fact - had the cold from hell and that could've been the reason for him turning back early.
Sunday 23rd December
Only two brave or some might say foolhardy riders turned up at The Pond House. With the fog and cold keeping all the fair weather or sensible riders indoors it was just Abraham Sharp and Mike Mills on the ride. We set off along Courthouse Road half expecting to meet Dave Lambourne, but due to a cold he too was missing! The fog was quite thick across the Switchback, but this didn't seem to slow Abraham down and Mike had to remind him about long, steady miles at this time of year. We went out through Cookham, Bourne End and on to Marlow with ice starting to form on our gloves! Turning right up Platt's Hill the pace slowed to a more sensible pace - Mike's legs would not go any faster! Half way up the hill we had to stop to investigate a rattle which turned out to be Mike's computer bracket coming loose and because neither of us had a screw driver the unit went into a back pocket. The roads down to Frieth and Fingest were wet and muddy due to farmers vehicles using them so care was needed. At Mill End we turned right for Henley and then on towards Reading, until we turned left for Sonning. We then headed for Woodley and then Hurst where we turned right down the quiet lane to bring us out by the fish pond. From there we made our way back through Shurlock Row and the Walthams to The Pond House. After a very brief stop we headed for home to try and warm up with hot tea and cake.
We covered 44 miles at an average of 17.1 mph.
M.M.
Sunday 16th December
Six at The Pond House for what promised to be a cold, but sunny ride! They were Elaina, Mike, Dave, John, Derwent and Paul. After Dave said he thought it was too cold to ride up into the Chilterns we set off on the "Wet Weather Course", as Dave calls it!
We headed out through the Walthams and on through Hurst and Winnersh towards Arborfield Cross where we headed down the lane to the narrow bridge over the Blackwater River. We added in the extra loop to Mortimer by turning right through Spencer's Wood and then left down Lamb's Lane and over the A33.
Having gone down a hill we of course had to struggle up the other side to go through Mortimer. From there we headed for Burghfield and then followed the signs for Spencer's Wood to complete the extra loop, but not before re-crossing the A33 where Mike made it across before the traffic held up the rest.
Unlike last time the wind was in our faces and slowed us down. We looped round the back of Wellington Country Park and came back to Arborfield Cross and on to Winnersh where we crossed the A329 and over the M4 to Hurst. Turning down the lane to go past the farms and over the Wokingham road was cleaner the a couple of weeks previously after the farmer had left what seemed like half of the field on the road. Hurst and Shurlock Row came and went and finally we arrived back at The Pond House looking weary due to the pace rising markedly after we turned back on to the A4. Dave decided to hit the front in a brave, but vain attempt to reach the Pond House first! Paul and Mike were on his wheel and over took him with Paul in the lead and Mike just behind after hesitating at the roundabout as a Mercedes tried to pull out - or that was the excuse for not catching him!
The distance covered was 56.35 miles at an average of 16.3mph in 3hrs.27mins.
Sunday 9th December
Six brave souls huddled under the smoker's lean-too out side the Pond House waiting for the rain to abate! They were Martin Porter,Mike Mills,John Nicholls,Tom Woolgar,Dave Lambourne and Abe Sharp. For the second week running we decided to do Dave's Wet Weather route, but this time without the extra loop through Mortimer. As this route is now well known to all but the newbies in the club and John Nicholls( he can't remember routes) I will spare you the details and keep this report very brief! The rain held off after the first few miles and stayed that way for most of the ride.
Distance covered was 42.5 miles at an average speed of 16.6mph and the ride time was 2hr.25mins.
Sunday 2nd December
Just three brave souls met at The Pond House for what promised to be a wet and windy ride! They were Elaina Franklin, Mike Mills and Dave Lambourne.
After waiting until 10.10am for any others to turn up we decided that they must be fair weather riders and so we set off on the "Wet Weather Course", as Dave Calls it! Into the wind and the occasional drizzle as we headed out through the Walthams we took it in turns to ride two at the front and one behind for a bit of shelter.
Mike had looked at the map and found out where we had gone wrong two weeks previously on this same route and was sure he had the directions right this time! The pace was quite slow as the wind was making any progress hard work and at times quite dangerous when the gusts had us fighting to keep going in a straight line. On through Hurst and Winnersh towards Arborfield Cross where we headed down the lane to the narrow bridge over the Blackwater River. Dave had suggested that we miss out the extra loop to Mortimer, but Mike said it was only a couple of miles more and as the weather was OK we turned right through Spencer's Wood and then left down Lamb's Lane and over the A33.
Having gone down a hill we of course had to struggle up the other side into the wind to go through Mortimer. From there we headed for Burghfield and then followed the signs for Spencer's Wood to complete the extra loop, but not before re-crossing the A33 where Dave held up his hand to stop the traffic - they were so amazed by this that they actually let us cross! Just after the roundabout there is a drag uphill and Dave regaled us with a tale of his 100 mile time trial that finished just after this climb and his second place!
By this time the wind was finally at our backs and the pace rose quite noticeably,for a while. We looped round the back of Wellington Country Park and came back to Arborfield Cross and on to Winnersh where we crossed the A329 and over the M4 to Hurst. Turning down the lane to go past the farms and over the Wokingham road was cleaner the a couple of days previously after the farmer had left what seemed like half of the field on the road - it took ages to wash the mud off!
Hurst and Shurlock Row came and went and finally we arrived back at The Pond House looking weary and rather splattered with dirt that had come off the tyres, but still wondering where all the others had got to!
The distance covered was 56 miles at an average of 14.6 mph after 3hrs. 50 mins.
MM
Sunday 25th November
Per Porter, Martin Porter, John Nicholls, Derwent Jeffery, Michael Mills, Ian Daniels, Pete Clifton, Tim Brass and Dave Lambourne gathered at The Pond House for a dry, but chilly ride.
We headed down the hill into Maidenhead and after the bridge over the Thames we turned sharp left. The hill just after the paper mill soon had people grabbing a lower gear and breathing rapidly. The flat at the end of this road gave way to the climb up the last part of Berry Hill and also saw Dave start to struggle a bit. Not long after, having ridden past Clifton, we came to a T-junction and Mike asked John which way to turn for Beaconsfield - not a good idea! He said right and we should have gone left - must be all the time he spends with Pete Clifton! Having added a few extra miles we got to Beaconsfield on the A40 and shortly afterwards turned right for Holtspur.
Dave and Tim left us there as tiredness and home commitments called! On a descent we had an idiot in a Smart car try to pass us and having run out of space decided to sit in amongst the ride! As luck would have it we were just about to turn left under the railway and begin the climb to Forty's Green. At the top we met a Chelsea Tractor turning down the hill as we wanted to turn right at the top! Out through Penn and as we went down a nice, fast descent disaster struck as the gremlins grabbed Ian's chain and threw it off the chain ring! Unfortunately this put a kink in the chain and until John saved the day with a screwdriver, it looked like Ian was in for a long walk!
Most of the ride had already climbed the hill on the other side of the valley and had to go back after Pete told them what had happened. After deciding that Ian could ride his bike back to Beaconsfield where his wife would rescue him, we turned round and climbed the narrow lane for the second time! Pete decided to go home as well as he was suffering from an upset stomach. We made our way to Princes Risborough and took the Wycombe road where Mike had planned to take the ride up Bledlow Ridge, but (un)fortunately the road was closed! After the small hill the pace suddenly increased as Derwent found himself on the front and this seemed to inspire him to put the hammer down! Soon the Famous Five were holding 25 - 30 mph all the way to West Wycombe where we briefly stopped for food, to get our breath back and reflect on Dave's advice of "Take it steady for the rest of the ride"! High Wycombe was soon left behind and we headed back through Wooburn Green as if the devil was chasing us - what happened to steady club runs?
At Cookham John and the Ascot duo took the river road and Derwent and Mike headed for Maidenhead.
Distance covered was 51 miles at an average speed of 16.6 mph in just over three hours.
Sunday 18th November
Dave Lambourne, Derwent Jeffery, John Nichols, Elaina, Alan and Mike Mills set off from The Pond House under threatening, grey skies and wondered how long before the rain that was forecast arrived!
Out through White Waltham and Shurlock Row to Hurst with John and Mike on the front at a steady pace - just as coach Lamborne instructed! Across the A329 at Winnersh and on to Arborfield Cross, where the ride regrouped and headed straight on down the small hill and on to the hump back bridge over the Blackwater River.
This ride is usually the one that Dave calls the wet weather ride, but as yet the rain held off! A long delay occured at the junction where we normally turn left towards Wellington Country Park because of tree fellers. This time we were turning right to add on a loop through Mortimer. After a nature break and donning our rain capes we seemed to take the wrong road and instead of a bridge over the A33 we were forced to ride in to the wind and rain until we reached another small lane. This meant crossing another cattle grid to get away from the roaring traffic, but was worth it! This lane brought back to Risely and we were able to rejoin the usual route.
As we rode over the Blackwater bridge we met a van and John was nervous of the wet and possibly slippery road, but fortunately nothing untoward happened! Back to Arborfield Cross and Winnersh where as usual we got a red light. At Hurst we turned sharp right to ride along the narrow lanes that brought us back past the duck pond and The Green Man pub. At the T-junction we turned left towards Twyford and a sprint ensued when Dave mistook Mike's going to the front as challenge - there's life in the old dog yet! Back past Jeremy's house with the ride taking it easy as Alan was suffering a bit. As we got to the cricket pitch in White Waltham we turned left up the lane to the A4 where we had to wait, as usual, for the traffic. Mike stayed with Alan as we rode the last couple of miles back to The Pond House and the finish of the ride, which for the most part had not suffered too much from the rain.
Distance covered was 47 miles at an average of 15.4 mph.
Sunday 11th November
Martin Porter, Mark Nathan, Anthony Snyman, Mike Mills, Dave Lambourne and Alan braved the weather and gathered at the Pond House on what promised to be a soggy ride.
As it turned out the rain held off and there was even some sunshine on the odd occasion! We set off through the Walthams and turned left up the little climb just after the cricket pitch and into a cold, north westerly wind. As we neared Hurst, Dave told eveyone to get into bottom gear and spin up past The Castle pub, which we all did.
We turned right up the lane past Hurst golf club and on to Woodley where we had an argument with a Sunday morning driver. You know the kind - needs all the road and doesn't know the Highway Code. Dave and Mike told him in no uncertain terms, but as he was getting a well deserved ear bashing from his obviously more intelligent other half, he chose to ignore them! Just after we crossed the A4 the ride pulled up and observed a two minute silence as it was Armistice Day.
Down through Sonning and over a swollen River Thames we had another session of riding in bottom gear and spun our way up Playhatch. Left at the top to go round past the church and cross the road at The Bird in Hand. Just after that we had the first puncture of the day as Dave's front tyre made a loud PHHHT! After what seemed like ages standing in a chilly wind, we set off again and passed through Gallowstree Corner and here the ride split for a while until the front three realised something was amiss and turned around.
Back at the junction we discovered that Dave's tyre had gone down again and that there was a nasty split in the side wall. Fortunately for Dave, Martin had a tyre boot/patch and after another chilly stop Dave decided to head for home rather than risk going on. Alan went with him in and with "hope you don't get any more punctures" ringing in our ears we set off towards Stoke Row.
Further on down this same lane we met a van going the other way and although he pulled over Mark managed to ride into a hole at the side of the road and promptly fell off - only his pride was dented! As we neared the Maharajah's Well we realised that Anthony was off the back and so Mike turned round to see where he was. He said he was fine, but it soon became obvious that a combination of two weeks off the bike and riding in just summer gear, apart from belatedly donning arm warmers, had caused him to "Hit the Wall" big time!
No sooner had we left Stoke Row and started the climb to Nuffield than Martin got a puncture and this too was caused by a split in the side wall! So much for Continental 4 Seasons and their reinforced side walls! Puncture mended, we headed on through Cookley Green and at the top of Pishill we stopped and had a nature break and then a change of route was agreed upon. Instead of descending Pishill and returning through Henley and Wargrave, we followed the road through Christmas Common and turned right on to the A40.
Stokenchurch and West Wycombe came and went and just after High Wycombe Anthony left us for the short distance to his house, but not before one of his cleats broke! Mark, Martin and Mike took the narrow lane through to Loudwater and the pace rose noticeably! At Cookham Mark and Martin followed the river road to the A4 and on to Windsor and Mike turned right for the ride into the wind across the Switchback - it never seems to be a tail wind!
The distance covered was 54 miles and an average of 15.6 mph.
MM
Sunday 4th November
Today was definitely a day to be enjoying the outdoors - cool air, no wind, bright sun, pale blue sky, vivid green fields, long shadows & the rich colours of the autumn leaves - & it certainly bought out the riders:
Today’s Thomson’s Directory reads: (in alphabetical order for once)
Abe (first timer), Alan, Dave, Derwent, Elaina, Jason, John, MikeM, Paul, Per, Pete, Steve, Tim, Tom.
We had a short ride planned but everyone seemed keen to make the most of the day. We agreed to do a few more miles at a steady pace & off we went…
Cookham, BourneEnd & Loudwater came & went effortlessly & we were soon safely through HighWycombe. Then came a surprise – we rode all the way up the Hughenden Valley climb at a steady pace – all arriving at the top in one big group. [except that is for Paul who can’t do hills slowly !]
After a break we headed down the other side but before passing Chequers, Pete had a sudden rear blow out (no curry jokes please) from a nasty cut in the tyre sidewall. With a new tube & a tyre patch fitted, we set off again. Four got left behind – looking for Elaina’s mobile phone. No sign of it in the undergrowth, & despite calling it from another phone we could not hear it ringing. We decided she must have picked up a 2nd banana before leaving home & inadvertently left the mobile behind! Good idea really cos banana-talk has a lower tariff than Orange!
It was a speedy drop down to Butlers Cross, turning left & making our way through to Chinnor & beyond. Time to introduce the new recruits to the joy of the climb up to Stokenchurch. Tim led Per & Paul up the first half, then Per took the lead. The 3 stayed neck & neck to the top with Tim just finding the winning gear over the last 150m.
After a regroup we headed down to LaneEnd, Frieth & down into Marlow. Votes for a ride up the Quarry Wood zig-zag were few, so it was back via BourneEnd. For the first time on today’s ride, “steady” was abandoned & the pace picked up a little. We split into 3 groups for the final few miles from Cookham. Back at the PH all riders were accounted for & we enthused about the days ride – it had been a good one.
54 miles PH to PH at 16.7 mph.
TCB
Sunday 28th October
Mike Mills, Per Porter, Derwent Jeffery, Tim Brass, Jeremy Monk, Alan and Helena gathered under threatening skies outside the Pond House for what was to prove a wet and windy ride. After Tim fixed a puncture in the pub car park we set off through the Walthams and up Butcher/Bottle Lane to the A4 and right towards Crazies Hill and Cockpole Green.
Alan appeared to be struggling and soon had to turn back as he wasn't feeling 100%. Tim volunteered to go with him to make sure he got home safely. The rest continued down the hill from Cockpole Green and on to the Wargrave/Henley Road. After turning right at the lights we made our way towards the Stonor Valley where Mike had a small surprise for the ride in the shape of a new climb! The turning for the climb is just after the junction on the left and takes you up Bix Hill, which was wet and slippery,due to the leaves and rain. Per and Jeremy led the way with Mike not far behind.
At the top we turned right and after a wrong turn we descended a steep and bumpy lane back to the Stonor Valley. The wind was at our backs as we started up Pishill, but didn't seem to help once the road steepened! Per led the way, closely followed by Mike and Jeremy with Derwent and Helena not too far behind. At this point the drizzle turned to rain and on went the rain capes as we turned left towards Cookley Green. Jeremy managed to drop his glasses from the back of his helmet, but fortunately Mike saw them fall and Jeremy picked them up after a car nearly ran them over. Back through Nuffield and Stoke Row we splashed until we turned left by the Bird in Hand and at the cross roads we turned left for Binfield Heath. The wind seemed to be blowing up Playhatch as the ride descended to the Reading road and on towards Sonning. Here, Mike sprang another small variation and the ride turned right for Woodley. Per didn't realise you could cut through to Hurst from Woodley, but now he does! As we approached Shurlock Row, Jeremy turned for home saying he felt tired - I don't know, these youngsters have no stamina!
Not long after Tim and Derwent turned right to head for Windsor and home with Mike and Helena the only riders to get back to the Pond House.
We covered 50 miles in just over three hours at an average of 15.6mph
Sunday 14th October
After the stellar feats of the previous Sunday, this run report will be brief and will feature no grinning line-ups!
As riders gathered at the Pond House, the great question was 'where haven't we been recently??'. After some thought, and considering a request from Dave for a 3 hour ride and general wind-down post-season, Per opted for an ad-hoc route towards Chertsey. Clipping in and rolling down the A4 were John, Martin, PeteC, Mark Nathan, Derwent, Alan (a new face) and ever smiling Paul.
The riders made their way to Dorney and Eton Wick, turned left into Datchet and through Old Windsor, opting for Dog Kennel hill to clear the lungs a bit. Paul and Martin put in a dig - both know the hill and Paul thought Per was breathing down his neck (at least that was the excuse). They were so eager that they didn't stop until Englefield Green, where the group recaught them and made a right towards the (closed) Savill Gardens. Failing to lose Mark at the petrol station on the A30, near where he used to rent a bloody great mansion, the Velo turned left through Virginia Water, and thence onto OS map 176 (West London)!
Skirting Chertsey, we turned for Gracious Pond, and the pace went up along the lane. Riders were busy enjoying the autumn colour and discussing club dinners on the back and when they looked up there was a 250m gap to the leaders! Per bridged the gap just before the leaders missed the right turn thereby saving them having to turn round and come back! A quick refreshment stop was called, and very enjoyable it was too, as temperatures hit about 18 degrees (not bad for October). John was impatient to get going again, so we carried on into Windlesham, over the A30 and up into Ascot on the now beautifully resurfaced B3020, down Sunninghill High St and left/right into Cheapside, passing Golden Gates before dropping down to the edge of the park towards the Peanut roundabout, where Derwent peeled off. The return along the Drift Road was hopefully uneventful, and Alan's determination got him home safe.
3 hours at about 17mph. (Computer battery flat again)
Sunday 7th October - Fannys Ride
A bumper crop of 14 riders turned out for a long ride at 8am in Windsor. In attendance were Paul, Mike's I & M, Ian, Stuart, Derwent, Jason, Tim, Graham, Gordon, Mark, Martin, Guy and John.
Ian was in true form, cobbling the tourists nearby to take photos of us all prior to the off and then we were away ... the weather was good and the mood upbeat, with a few reservations about how the distance and terrain would affect some.
The route took us out towards Old Windsor with the first climb at Crimp Hill and then onwards to Englefield Green. The traffic was light but the sun refused to fight it's way through the misty conditions. A bit of tricky navigating around Ottershaw to avoid the busier roads saw the first comedy moment of the day when Martin found it difficult to indicate right and stay on his bike at the same time. Perhaps the old cycling proficiency tests should be brought back after all!
Safely back on familiar roads through Old Woking and Pyrford, we took a comfort break only to be chastised for alleged littering from a passing motorist. Chairman Mike was swift to reassure said complainant that it was in fact only a banana skin that had been hurled over yonder hedge and then discussed at lengths the littering of roads/paths/ etc. ... (continued page 94) ...
Onwards to Ripley, over the A3 and the long draggy section to West Horsley - with Jason and Mike I on the front setting a steady pace. Then it was onto one of the more testing climbs through Effingham Forest to Crocknorth and the fog of Ranmore Common! All were safely over with the young pups (and Tim!) fighting it out up ahead.
Then it was Gordon and Mike on the front, with the former owning up to some "cramming" miles in during the week to be in good shape for the day.
The descent to Westhumble was swift and soon enough we were at the first bend of Zig Zag Lane, leading to the top of Box Hill. Again, the lightweights (and Ian!) were at the head of the game and it was noticeably busier with lots of other cyclists at the ever popular cafe at the top. We had bigger fish to fry, so with not much to see in the pea soup, pressed on.
However, just short of the Dorking Road, Stuart called "puncture!" and we all pulled over to allow repairs to be carried out. An over exuberant pump action (ooh-err-missus!) from Ian managed to completely shear off the first inner-tubes valve, so we all got a little colder until the second tube was successfully replaced.
By now most of the mutterings within the group related to hot cups of tea and cakes - so we pushed on through Walton, then Chipstead Valley to the stop at Fanny's.
It was still a bit too cold to contemplate an outdoor spot, so we were guided to some indoor tables near the heater by Fanny herself, with the only provisio that we would be trespassing on the resident Robin's territory and to leave a few crumbs for the fella.
The place is quite unique and the abundance of homemade produce makes you want to sample almost everything. Truly a tea-shop to top all tea-shops!!
The next section was a new one to the club (and also the navigator!) which looped around Redhill and Reigate to take us through some great lanes around Leigh, where eventually the sun make an appearance.
Some of the roads refused to make themselves known but a few reassuring shouts from some locals ensured that we were on the right track back towards Dorking and then Westhumble for the Chapel Lane climb.
Ian went ahead on this one to take some more photos of us all pretending that the 20%'er was a complete breeze and that the 23 sprocket wasn't needed at all!!
The Chapel Lane Climb (click on each image for a larger in-yer-face version)
The route from West Horsley pretty much backtracked our outward route, but with the false flats now in our favour the pace was on the up. Mindful of some tired legs though, we eased off when we got to Old Woking, Addlestone and Chertsey, where a wrong turn quickly identified took us to our last stop (photo-call Ian!) at the Thames at Chertsey Bridge.
Back on the bikes we pushed on for the last section along to Laleham, Staines and Wraysbury where the pace was notched up a bit. At Datchet the group split up as riders made their way home. The total distance for the day was 90 miles Windsor-Fannys-Windsor, though most did more with Paul topping 125 miles as he had to get back to Bracknell.
Sunday 30th September
As summer officially ended, the morning chill arrived: It was on with arm & leg warmers as Steve, John, Dave, Per, Derwent, Pete, Martin, MikeM & Tim set off for another Sunday saunter.
Over the Maidenhead bridge & immediately left passing Taplow & Cliveden Courts. Up & over the A40, then downhill around Beaconsfield.
Under a long echo-ing railway bridge (too short to be called a tunnel), & up a gritty tree-lined hill. The trickle of water flowing downhill got strangely heavier as we went up – seemed like a burst pipe at the top as we turned by Knotty Green. Up to Penn Street & on towards Holmer Green.
The descent down to Little Missenden presented a few problems – masses of loose grit & loadsa big potholes too. Half way down Steve punctured – front wheel. It did not take long to fix & we were on our way again – for all of 200m, by which time Steve’s tyre was flat again! Another tube quickly fitted…but this one would not even inflate! 3rd time lucky & we were on our way again.
We passed a pub with a sign “Sunday roast children” - we hope there was a “…welcome” word that was just obscured.
At Great Missenden we split – 4 turning for home – Dave, Derwent, Steve, & Pete (suffering a little after last weeks tumble). The Famous Five carried on with a spell of through-n-off up through the Hampden Bottom Valley. Left up & over Cadsden & down to Askett.
We all took turns on the front on the long stretch along the B4009 to Watlington. It was then up the hill in the direction of CookleyGreen. Per led off up the climb only to be caught by Tim – the 2 then yo-yo-ing for 1st place to the top. As we regrouped, Martin pointed out a flock of Red Kites circling in the adjacent field.
Off again for the usual breathless charge, all the way down Pishill. Half way down a fallow deer hopped across the road very close in front of us. A 2nd deer was just the other side of the hedgerow – it too was seemingly keen to follow it’s fellow fallow across the road – that would have led it to collide directly with us – at the last second it changed direction across the field. We safely trundled on.
After Henley, it was through Wargrave to Ruscombe, then the Waltham’s & finally back to the PH.
58 miles at 17.4 mph.
Sunday 16th September
On the start grid today: John, Pete, Per, Steve, Dave, Anthony, Dean (+ MTB), Tim & first-timer Tom from Maidenhead.
Only a short way down the road Anthony pulled up with a front wheel problem. With no spanners to hand we about-turned & headed off to Dave’s “bike shed” garage. After a tweak it was out through Cookham, BourneEnd & Loudwater towards High Wycombe. With Anthony safely home we made our way up to Lane End, where we saw a cavalcade of motorbikers going the other direction. After a nature-break en-route, it was down to Fingest, then a nice drop down through Hambledon (passing another group of bikers) to the main road by the Thames. The road into Henley was not a pleasure to ride – always fairly busy but the road surface quality was appalling – John took the lead & paced us through as quick as possible. Soon we were on the pleasant lower stages of the Pishill climb, ascending at a nice steady pace. Left turn & up the hill to Maidensgrove, Dean setting the early pace with Per leading up to the top.
After a well needed breather it was over the top with a nice fast descent to Watlington - Per maxing out at just under the 50mph. After a regroup it was round to Ewelme where the signs were out for “afternoon tea & cakes 2.30-5.00” – shame it was only 1.30 !
Just after the Crowmarsh Gifford roundabout it was left & up again along the official cycle route towards Ipsden. Legs were getting a bit tired now so we took another break at the top – good views all around.
Onwards again looking out for a left turn to Well Place - we took the first opportunity only to be scuppered after a few hundred metres – the road vanished & turned into dirt track. Dean went on ahead to search out tarmac but soon returned to no avail. After a U-turn we soon found the correct left turn & went on our way – it was only then that Tim remembered the > sign on the map. Before we could contemplate alternatives it was up, up, up again…with another stop/regroup at the top. We were low on water & munchies now & so were on the look out for a place to refuel. Through to Stoke Row, but the garage there was closed…as was the village shop. Downwards at last through the tree-lined (gravel-strewn) road to Gallowstree Common & onwards until we reached Emmer Green. There, like an oasis in the desert was a Budgens supermarket.
After stocking up on drinks & snacks we were off for the final push home.
Through the Sonning Eye to the Twyford roundabout & onto the A4. We settled into a spell of through-n-off at a brisk but steady pace for the final few miles. As we neared the finish, riders dropped off ‘till there was just 3 left – Tim leading the charge back to the PH.
Some 70 miles today at 16.0 mph
TCB.
Sunday 9th September
Nine riders gathered at The Pond House with the promise of a sunny Sunday morning! They were John Nicholls, Per Porter, Pete Clifton, Mark Nathan, Mike Mills, Tim Brass, Dave Lambourne, Jim Alexander and Tony Geraghty.
We set off through Furze Platt and on towards Cookham. At Bourne End we turned right and headed for High Wycombe via Wooburn Green and turned left under the M40 flyover. Through the usual roads we were pleasantly surprised when a motorist gave way at a roundabout - so much so that Jim lost all his energy and turned for home!
We left High Wycombe and turned right up the climb of the Hughenden Valley and Tony set a faster than usual pace. Tim responded, as did Per and Mike and the rest followed on behind. A nature break was called at the top before dropping down the other side and turning left to go past Chequers with the promise of a nice climb up to Dunsmore. With moans and the sound of gears crunching we started the climb and were soon waiting at the top for the slightly slower climbers amongst us.
Once regrouped Dave Lead the way, for a short time, down the descent and on to the surprise for those that had not read an O/S map - a double chevron hill (15%). On the descent Tony and Mike both tried to encourage Dave to relax and stop holding his bars as if he was trying to crush them! Left on to the A413 for Wendover and then the B4009 under the railway arch for Chinnor. As we neared the bottom of Rubbish Dump Hill you could almost hear the mental pleading, of those who realised where they were, not to turn left. Little did they realise that a harder climb awaited them in the shape of Watlington Hill! Again Tony took the lead at the start and the steepest part of the climb with Tim, Per and Mike not far behind - but not for long.
At Christmas Common we turned left for North End and Turville Heath and the long, fast descent to Turville itself. Per and Tony both exceeded 40mph and several others as well if they had been brave enough to look at their computers on the descent! The ride passed through Fingest and Frieth with people thinking that all the climbing was over - they should know Mike better than that! Just after the descent towards Marlow we turned right for Marlow Common and when Pete caught up we set about the three climbs that we should have ridden two weeks before - if we hadn't taken a wrong turning! Down the hill on the Henley road Per and Tony both hit at least 44mph.
The easier option of back through Bourne End was chosen over the climb of Quarry Woods - cheers all round then! The pace went up again between Bourne End and Cookham - until the red light on the bridge stopped everyone. John, Mark, Pete and Tim followed the river road and the others crossed the Switchback to Furze Platt and finally the Pond House.
We covered 65 miles at an average of 17 mph.
Sunday 2nd September
A short report today for a short ride – but happily, no shortage of bums on bikes: John, Dave, Graham, Gordon, Tim, Anthony, Steve, Per, Paul, Gary & blast-from-the-past TonyG. Finally (10 minutes late) Pete arrived, U-turned, & we all headed off down through Maidenhead, over the bridge, then left up through Taplow & Littleworth Common.
Fulmer came & went & we were soon at Gerrards X. We turned back south at this point & made our way through Hedgerley Green. Once safely over the A355 it was over to Hawks Hill & down to Bourne End/Cookham - negotiating the closed road near the garden centre.
Finally, through Cookham Rise, Furze Platt & back to the PH. Approx 30 miles PH to PH, at 17.5 mph.
No time for any more miles or banter…It was straight off to Ian & Caroline’s pad for the Thames Velo Club BBQ… (& jolly good it was too!)
TCB.
Sunday 19th August
What with holidays, races, sportives & more bad weather it was no surprise to have a low turnout today - just 4 contenders - Tim, Jez, Dave & a first-time-welcome to Massimo (from Windsor). We agreed not stray too far afield & planned to cross paths with the Python Road Race.
Out through Dorney & across the common to Eton, then on through Datchet, Wraysbury & over
We skirted around the back of Egham, & up Brune Hill. Jez launched an early attack only to underestimate the distance to the top – Tim bided his time, caught up & passed – victory for experience versus youth! After a short pause we rode near the
Riding the reverse way round the course we soon saw the lead was less than 30 seconds at the next lap. We stopped at the top of Hawthorn Hill & this time round the race lead had changed – a new group on the front & a few chasing groupettes.
Passing the race 1 more time along the
Dave & Jez headed back to Maidenhead whilst Massimo & Tim headed to
Approx 40 miles at 16.9 mph
TCB.
Sunday 5th August
Blazing Saddles:
The Magnificent Seven turned out today to battle it out in the blistering desert heat - the sun was out with vengeance after the recent rains.
First Sunday of the month - so a short ride was scheduled – Dave & Anthony did not want too many miles anyway & Per was keen on some Post-Meridian armchair sport involving the Grand Prix. Along with John, Steve, Pete & Tim we all set off on a broadly similar course to the one of exactly a month ago: White
After Maidens Green we made our way leisurely along the lanes around Warfield, Tickleback Row & up the Billingbear hill to Carters Hill, pausing at the top for a breather. More lanes looped us around & back towards Hurst & West End & back to the Pond House.
29 miles at 17.5 mph average.
Part 2:
We parted ways now as some headed home whilst others set off for a few extra miles. John decided we should head to the top of Whiteleaf Hill to see if we could spot MikeM & PaulH on the Archer Sportive course. Speeding out through Cookham & Bourne End, Dave decided on a U-turn just before Loudwater. John, Pete & Tim carried on through a smoggy High Wycombe & to the foot of the
TCB.
Sunday 29th July
Ten riders gathered at The Pond House despite the weather forcast and were rewarded with a windy, but finally sunny ride. They were Per Porter, Martin Porter, Graham Giggs, Pete Clifton, Dave Lambourne, Derwent Jeffery, Mike Mills, John Nicholls, MTB Dean and Anthony.
We set out along
As John had seemed to want to climb Windmill Hill last week Mike took the ride up said hill, but John didn’t seem to appreciate the gesture! We regrouped at the top and headed on to Stokenchurch and along the A40 until the turning for Radnage. Dave, Derwent and Anthony turned for home at this point which left The Magnificent Seven to drop down through Radnage and climb up the steep
We started the descent of Chinnor Hill until the junction for Bledlow Ridge. After a mile or so we turned left into
Skirting round Thame we headed for
We decided to take the easier route home and were soon racing down the hill into West Wycombe and on to
Distance covered was 69 miles at an average of 17.25 mph for four hours.
Sunday 22nd July
Jim, Tim, Pete, Paul x2, MikeM, Dave & Martin were at the PH for today’s saunter. AndyB arrived in his new B&Q team kit (painting & decorating T-shirt & jeans) & was just out to say a quick hello.
With the TdeF still causing excitement & controversy and the likes of Martin freshly home from the Etape, there was plenty to discuss & we were soon approaching the Hughenden Valley. A brief stop before the climb as another rider had joined us. He had set out for a ride with the High Wycombe but they left him behind & couldn’t be bothered to wait. We exchanged contact numbers & advised him to join a decent club like Thames Velo! He went his own way & we started up the hill. PaulH led up at good speed & just as the going was getting tough… he stopped and turned off right to make his own way home. That took the wind out of our sails - others stopped & dithered too & the rear guard caught up. Picking up the pace again Martin, Pete Tim & Mike chased to the top.
After a breather it was down to Chequers, Butlers Cross & Marsh. As we turned towards Haddenham & Thame there was a steady & persistent headwind that was wearing after a while.
At Chinnor we took the road towards Watlington but then at Mikes “left turn” command turned for the climb up to Stokenchurch. PaulR was on good form (having got some points in a race yesterday) & led up the hill at a good steady pace. He already had a red & white jersey on (not spotty enough for the KoM) but despite the incentive it was not sufficient – Tim caught up & passed him ¾ of the way up.
As we recovered, Mike complained of toothache (actually I think it was leg-ache after Paul’s pace on the climb), so we called in at the next garage for pain killers.
The sky was changing rapidly from sunny & blue, to cloudy & threateningly dark. We took the fast route back – straight down the A40 into HighWycombe. It was then the usual route through Loudwater, Wooburns, Bourn End & Cookham back to the PH.
Approx 61 miles at 16.7 mph.
TCB.
Sunday 15th July
Seven riders gathered at The Pond House under cloudy skies for a ride up into the Chilterns. They were: John Nichols, Pete Clifton, Jim Alexander, Derwent Jeffrey, Dave Lambourne, Ian Daniels and Mike Mills. We headed out through the Walthams at a pace that Jim said was too his liking so much so that he and Mike were on the front until we got to Twyford. At the lights a car tried to overtake even though the lights were at red and there were two cars waiting in front of us! Dave admonished the driver and when the passenger said we should not have been riding two abreast Jim told him to read the Highway Code!
On through Sonning and up Playhatch with Dave getting every one to ride in the easiest gear they had to improve their cadence and pedal like the Tour riders! We passed through Woodcote and down the long,narrow hill to South Stoke where Dave and Jim turned for home. The Famous Five made their way towards Benson, but much to John’s disgust not the café! Mind you he thought we were near Turville and going to climb the steep hill up above the windmill! Just as well Mike knew where we were! After a long drag up to Ewelme we turned right and headed along the lanes to Stadhampton on the Thames Velo race course. John must have been doing some secret training as he was taking long turns on the front at a pace that discouraged overtaking. Turning right onto the A40 we headed for that old friend of ours Stokenchurch Hill! The pace was still high as Mike and John took turns to pull the ride along. As we started the climb up to Stokenchurch Mike took the lead and was never headed, despite Ian trying to close the gap until the last couple of bends when Mike changed up a couple of gears and went away! Sheer bloody mindedness would not let Mike slow down – being first up the hill doesn’t happen too often! Sanity returned for a short while until John upped the pace again and we flew down the hill into
Mike and Ian carried on through Bourne End and then parted company at Cookham. Mike ploughed a lonely furrow into the wind across the Switchback and finally reached The Pond House.
66 miles at an average of 17.5mph for the 3.75hr. ride.
Sunday 8th Jul 2007
Eight riders gathered at the Pond House on what promised to be a sunny morning: Paul Redman, Andy Fowkes, John Nichols, Mike Mills, Martin Porter, Dave Lambourne, Ian Lowe and MTB Dean. After a brief discussion of where to go due to Dave having been stung by a wasp on the mouth and Mike being ill for nearly two weeks it was decided to ride what Dave called the “Winter Route”.
We set off through White Waltham and Shurlock Row and headed south through Hurst and Winnersh. At Arborfield Cross we headed down the hill and round to
Distance covered was 48 miles at an average of 17.2mph.
MM
Sunday 1st Jul 2007
With lousy weather forecast & many of the club recovering after Saturdays 4-up TT, it was no surprise that numbers were down today.
Just Tim, Jezz & Dave turned out & as promised, it was to be a short ride today … the fact that Jezz’s right pedal fell off before we even started was another reason not to go too far.
With pedal fixed, we set off to Paley Street & along the Drift Rd.
The clouds were dark & the rain came down…but not for long…after 10 minutes it cleared up & rained no more. After Cranbourne we made our way along the lanes around Warfield, Tickleback Row & Billingbear, exploring some roads new to us all. More lanes looped us around & back towards Hurst & West End. At WalthamStLawrence Jez veered off home as D&T headed back to the PH.
32 miles at 15.8 mph.
TCB.