Club Runs Diary - July to December 2008
Sunday 28th December
The Magnificent Seven gathered at the Pond House on cold and windy morning with Mike's computer showing four degrees centigrade in the shade! The brave or foolish riders were Dave Lambourne, Alan Church, Per Porter, Pete Clifton, John Nicholls, Paul Redman and Mike Mills. Sense prevailed and we opted for "Dave Lambourne's Wet Weather Route" as the thought of going up into the Chilterns and shivering our B***s off did not appeal! Also Paul's bad throat had reappeared and Dave was threatening to "Only ride for an hour or so". We followed the usual route out through the Walthams and Hurst to Winnersh and Arborfield Cross where Dave reluctantly turned for home.
Not long after the cold weather got the better of John's bladder and he called for a Nature Break, but Mike suggested we carried on for a short distance until we had cycled past the houses in case the locals objected to us watering the undergrowth! Round towards Risely and down the narrow lanes near the Wellington Country Park brought us back to the bridge over the Blackwater River bridge. This time Mike made sure John wasn't leading and that we would have the joy of ascending "Dave's Low Gear and Spin Hill", which was more than enough to split the ride! As we rejoined the busy road back towards Arborfield the expected rise in pace,thankfully,did not happen! At the roundabout near the REME Barracks we said goodbye to Paul as he turned for home and the Famous Five carried on back to a little,but steepish hill, before turning left towards Sindlesham and Winnersh. As we waited at the lights Per drew some Plonker of a Sunday Morning's attention to the fact that his bonnet was slightly open and wasn't even thanked - probably because the driver was on his B****y mobile!!!
On through Hurst and Twyford to the lanes back through the Walthams and finally on to the A4 at Maidenhead Thicket. The sprint up Punt Hill was a three man effort with Per jumping off the front to leave Mike and then Pete in his wake! As we gathered in the car park to catch our breath Tony Geraghty(an ex Thames Velo member) stopped for a chat and to exchange Season's Greetings. He regaled us with tales of the Middle East's appalling driving where there are new car wrecks by the side of the road every day - and we think we have bad drivers here!
The distance covered was 40 miles at an average speed of 16 mph.
M.M.
Sunday 21st December
Eight riders gathered at the Pond House for the penultimate ride of 2008. They were Abe Sharp, Mike Mills, Alan Church, Dave Lambourne, Jeremy Monk, Pete Clifton, John Nicholls and Robert Majewski. We set out through the Walthams where we spotted Nick Silva going the opposite way - he was an early starter due to family commitments. At Waltham St.Lawrence we turned left and then right at the small hump back bridge and on past Wood's Yard. We passed through Hurst and then forked right past the golf course and on to Woodley where we had an interesting encounter with a Sunday Driver who tried to overtake on a bend as we approached a roundabout to turn right and he suffered the wrath of Coach Lambourne! Over the A4 and down into Sonning and across the Reading road for the ascent of Playhatch where the planned club run pace vanished and it was Devil Take the Hindmost! Still the four fastest had to wait and when we went straight on instead of turning left they had to play catchup - which didn't take long.
Dave announced he was going to leave us at Binfield Heath, but Mike persuaded him to stay as we heading into Henley via the steep (according to Dave) hill down to Harpsden - which, as we all know, is not one of Dave's favourite geographical features! We diced with the throngs of Sunday Morning Drivers who seemed oblivious to us cyclists (what's new!) through the centre of Henley and at the traffic lights Dave and Abe turned right for home and the rest headed on for Marlow.
John suddenly felt the urge to raise the speed and abetted by Robert we got to the turning at Mill End in no time! We started the long,gentle ascent through Hambledon, Skirmett to Fingest where John's legendary lack of sense of direction or a wish to suffer had him asking if we were turning left to climb Windmill Hill to Ibstone! Not a chance as between still tired legs and family plans Mike had not planned to include that climb - much to every one's relief! After a nature break just past Frieth, we headed on to the top of the descent down in to Marlow where John and Mike came to the front for a dice to see who could be the first to Quoiting Square - John won! We decided that the longer, but flatter route back through Well End, Bourne End to Cookham was preferable, but some ont forgot to tell John and Pete that it wasn't a race as the pace went up noticeably and didn't drop until we had to stop for the lights at Cookham Bridge - thankfully! Into the usual head wind back across the Switchback to Furze Platt where Jeremy left us for home and the rest finished the ride back to the Pond House.
Distance covered was 44 miles at an average of just over 15 mph.
M.M.
Sunday 7th December
Despite the temperature hovering just above freezing and frost on the roads there were eight brave souls gathered at the Pond House. They were Ruth Martin, Martin Porter, Alan Church, Pete Clifton, John Nicholls, Mike Mills, Daniel and another new face, James from Wargrave who had seen our web site and decided to join us for a ride.
We decided that we would ride Dave's Wet Weather Route and add on the loop to Mortimer as it's flat and the thought of the Chilterns sent even more shivers down our spines! Out through the Walthams towards Twyford and then just before Ruscombe we turned left over the railway and on to Hurst. The pace was sedate as it should be at this time of year as there were some tired legs, well Mike's anyway due to slaving away at work and not enough miles after his enforced rest from cycling!! The small rise up to Arborfield Cross split the ride, but we soon regrouped and crossed the Blackwater River with just a hint of fear as the road over the bridge was just waiting to catch us out!
Turning right we headed on for Mortimer until Pete stopped to try and find out why he got a nasty noise from his rear brake every time he pulled on the lever! He mumbled something about the caliper not working, but it sounded like a need for some new blocks to me! By now the cold was taxing more than a few bladders and as we stopped at some traffic lights for what seemed forever, there were suggestions of watering the undergrowth, but modesty prevailed until we reached the lanes near Riseley where a food and pee sessions ensued! On the return leg John's legendary lack of sense of direction and inability to remember routes were demonstrated when he turned left back towards Arborfield Cross instead of the climb where Dave Lambourne has us spinning up the hill in bottom gear - maybe not such a bad thing after all! Back through Winnersh and along the lanes in Hurst to the Twyford Road where Martin decided to head for home when signs for Windsor/Ascot appeared and as John was still at the front we took another detour! Fortunately Mike knew where we were as more than a few seemed to have no idea how close to Maidenhead we were!
As Martin left us we turned left into Howe Farm Lane and then down the little twisting hill by St.Mary's Church and it suddenly dawned on the lost where we were when they spotted the traffic lights we had waited at several hours earlier. As we turned on to the A4 you could sense the tired legs as no one really appeared to want to try and sprint up Punt Hill and back into the car park of the Pond House!
The distance covered was about 50 miles(Mike's computer battery went flat).
M.M.
Sunday 16th November
MikeI, Tim, John ,IanC, Alan, Ruth, Henry, Martin, Dave, Chris, Per, Pete & MikeM turned out on what started as a pleasant day. Off towards Cookham, Loudwater, Wycombe and the Hughenden Valley we sped with the group stretching out as we climbed to the top of Hampden Hill. Chris was seen to be struggling in a big way so I relieved Tim of his "tail end charlie" role and 'encouraged' Chris up the hill. He at one pont asked how much further, so I blatantly lied and said "oh, just a few more k". After a few stops to breath we eventually made it to the top where the others had waited. He thanked me for the help and said he would have turned back if he knew how much further it was to the summit :-)
At this point the group split as Mike had a cafe in mind and so the Dave, Chris, Per, MikeM & Pete turned for home. It was at this point that the weather deteriorated and by the time we got to Butlers Cross it was drizzle - and by Aston Clinton it was pouring down. We got to Wilstone to dry out and consume coffee and cake.
Suitably refreshed (but not exactly dry!) we headed for Drayton Beachaump and the climb of Hastoe Hill. We regrouped at the top with a comedy moment provided by Ian whereby a corner wasn't quite negotiated and a large grassy embankment provided a soft (but wet) landing.
Onwards, with the rain refusing to abate to The Lee, South Heath, Great Missenden and Holmer Green and Penn Bottom. Back through Beaconsfield, Holtspur, Littleworth and Burnham where john turned for home and Alan called "puncture". Once fixed the group didn't quite re-group but we were all heading for our respective homes at this stage anyway.
My stats for the day read 80 miles averaging somewhere in the 16's.
Mike Inder
Sunday 9th November
9 in the line up on this windy day: John, Dave, Alan, IanC, Ruth, Jez, Sean, Andy & Tim. Out through the Walthams, Sherlock Row & Hurst to Winnersh, with a left turn to Barkham. As we dropped down on route to Arborfield Cross we lost John - disaster! He had slowed & turned to look behind for stragglers, only to hit a diagonal-slotted drain. Taking a tumble he bent his front wheel. After some brute force readjustment the wheel was able to rotate again. John retraced his steps & managed to ride home OK. During this time there was one minutes silence for Remembrance Day. (No jokes about wheel meet again please!)
On reaching Beech Hill we stopped again. Dave, Jez, Ruth & Andy did a U-turn leaving the remaining 4 to continue on & circumnavigate Silchester. Alan was not feeling too well & urged us to go on without him - but we stuck together through to Monk Sherbourne. As we turned up through Sherbourne St John we at last got a helping boost from the wind. The pace picked up & Alan was riding better.
Before we knew it we were at Shinfield. Ian called a halt at the Fuel Station to buy a snack - a timely move as it was just starting to pour with rain & Sean had a soft front tyre. By the time it was fixed the rain had conveniently eased off. Back through Winnersh, the Walthams & homeward bound.
Approx 59 miles at 17mph.
TCB
Sunday 2nd November
A "bakers dozen" out for a roasting today: Nick, IanC, AndyF, Dave, John, Chris, Henry, Dan (1st timer), Tim, Sean, Robert & A.N.Other (possibly Derwent but I can't remember!). Finally as we were about to leave, Alan turned up in his car "I'll be 5 minutes" he called [he'd been up to Hillingdon to the bike show & was running late]. We waited, during which time Dave gave an overdue lecture on safe group riding...(keeping a steady line, signaling, communicating etc...)
Our route took us out through Cookham, BourneEnd then up to Flackwell Heath. Soon after reaching the top Dave veered off up a side road without any mention to anyone (what was that lecture about ?) The group fractured & stuttered to a halt - he finally returned having apparently offered advice to an errant driver. As a treat we headed down to HighWycombe via SkiSlope Hill - not a good idea on such wet leafy roads, but we all made it down safely, only to have to negotiate a flood at the bottom.
Instead of the usual route up Hughenden Valley we took a left turn up Naphill. Dave turned back for home. We ascended into cloud & it suddenly became rather cool & damp. Nick needed to head back soon for a cinema visit so we decided to cut the planned route short, however the weather improved again as we dropped down making our way across to Bledlow. A wrong turn took us towards Longwick before turning in a Chinnor direction to get back on track.
Andy led the assault up to Stokenchurch only to be passed by Tim after a long chase. After a regroup we headed over to Christmas Common & charged down Pishill. Robert slowed & stopped with a puncture but got left behind by everyone else in the haste. After a short while he was missed & Ian led a search party - finding him 1Km back up the hill.
Next - Henley to Wargrave, (where Dan slipped his chain) then up through the lanes to Holly Cross & down to Knowle Hill. Sean pulled up, it was his turn for a puncture now. As usual the pace picked up for the final race back. Two broke away, Tim leading Andy in the final stretch. A large black Jag' pulled out in front of them at the final roundabout taking the wind out of their sails. Only Andy could get going again reaching the PH first.
56 miles at 16.8 mph.
TCB
Sunday 26th October
A bit of a horrid day weatherwise, so the mega mile trip to Surrey was postponed. This didn't deter one brave soul who happily pitched up at 8am in Windsor! Alan you are true hardcore:
Sunday 19th October
Top marks for today's turn out - 14 in all: John, Per, Dave, Martin, Ruth, Sean, Tim, Derwent, Alan, AndyS, AndyF & chums - Al & Chris, & new recruit, Chris.
A flatter route was planned, but with enthusiasm abounding we decided to head for the hills.
Tim & Per led out through the Waltham's to Twyford, although we'd hardly started when we encountered a closed road. Fortunately we could squeeze through on the sidepath. Sonning Eye was congested & forced a split into 3 groups - coming back together after Per led the climb up Play Hatch. Left turn at Binfield Heath into another closed road (which we ignored again!) & on up to Stoke Row. Dave reminded us of the value of notifying local councils about bumps & potholes, via RBWM Report a Pothole...before leading a group of 5 on a shorter route home.
The remaining 9 headed through Checkenden then dropped down into Goring. We were now on the 2008 "Tour of Britain" route (the Monday stage) taking us through Streatley with the inevitable struggle up the Cat2 climb. Martin took to the front halfway up, slowed, then dropped into his lower triple ring & took the KOM title. It was exposed & windy on the top of the hills & all were pleased to reach the Living Rain Forest for a beverage/cake break. Martin went back for 2nd helpings & then got his camera out.
As soon as we set off again, Tim pulled up with a rear soft tyre. A quick tube change, ably abetted by Al & John, & we were off again. A different route took us back to Goring then North to Stoke Row. It was a long drag up Catsbrain hill, made worse by a strong side wind. As we regrouped at the top, a disabled lady in an electric buggy stopped for a chat - she was heading down the hill - lets hope her brakes were good!
Checkenden > StokeRow > ShepherdsGreen > Henley. Legs were now tired as we rode the days last climb up to Cockpole Green turning down to Knowl Hill & onto the A4. Andy raised the pace & along with John, Tim & Martin the 4 broke clear. Then there was 3...& with 300m to go Tim took to the front to claim 1st place.
64 miles at 17.1mph average.
TCB
Sunday 12th October
With regular riders blighted with injury, colds & broken bikes, the numbers were down today - just 5 - Pete, Robert, John, Martin & Tim: Martin nearly didn't make it as his wife had hidden his cycle shoes (take the hint!) & the weather was hardly inviting - moderate thick fog, although Martin, still gasping from his dash to the PH was sure it was "going to be a lovely day - just give it an hour or so..."
Our route took us down to Taplow, across Dorney Common, Eton & Datchet to Old Windsor. Robert led the charge up Crimp Hill with Tim on his wheel but he ran out of steam at the start of the final steep dig & was overtaken. After a brief stop at the top (where John suggested we go back downhill & home) it was onwards passing the Saville Gardens, Royal Holloway & Virginia Water. On approaching Chertsey we turned back in a homewards direction much to Pete's relief - the undulating roads were taking their toll. There was still no sun & only the mereist hint of any brightness - "crisp shadows & sunshine by midday" Martin boldly proclaimed. Tim was doubtful & so bet 1xGel at 10 to 12 against. (That was actually the time - 10 minutes to 12 - not the betting odds!) Windlesham>Sunninghill>Woodside, with a welcome break in the shade of the Great Park autumnal trees - yes "shade" - the sun had appeared at last & the temperature had shot up.
Along through Winkfield Row & then round the lanes near Warfield. This was especially pleasant - quiet countryside, nice views, no traffic & no planes. For a short while it felt like we were miles & miles from anywhere. On reaching the A330 there was a high speed dash down to the Drift Rd roundabout, then it was straight back to Maidenhead & home in time to watch Paris-Tours.
Approx 50 miles at 18mph.
TCB
Sunday 5th October
Just two brave (or foolish!) riders met at the Pond House with the rain seeming to be here for the day! They were Mike Mills and a new guy called Chris who had met Derwent Jeffery in Windsor Great Park. Having just bought a new Specialized Roubaix bike and checking the Thames Velo site he decided to try the beginner's ride and what a wet one to start with! We splashed around through the Walthams and then Shurlock Row, Hurst and back again retracing our wheel tracks after riding down Broadcommon Road and back past the duck pond. I think the ducks were drier than we were! Back at the Pond House I advised Chris on some cycle clothing as he didn't have any bibtights and his shorts were too small, so he was riding in running shorts and suffering from a lack of an insert! He said that he would be back for more next week.
Distance covered was 28 miles at a sedate 15.1mph average.
Sunday 28th September
Fourteen gathered outside the Pond House with the sun shining and hardly any wind, but what would turn out to be a eventful ride! They were Per Porter, John Nicholls, Pete Clifton, Abe Sharp, Derwent Jeffery, Graham Giggs, Dave Lambourne, Mike Mills, Alan Church, Andy Fowkes, Robert Majewski, Sean, Brian and Andy.
Anthony put in a brief appearance to say hello as he is still bikeless after breaking his frame! We set out through Cookham, Bourne End and Wooburn Green with Andy Fowkes and Mike on the front until we went down past High Wycombe rugby club when someone finally took over! Heading north out of High Wycombe up the Hughenden Valley the ride broke up a little as the better climbers left the not so fast riders to ascend at their own pace. A nature break and regroup at the top before the fast descent towards Chequers where Mike gave Gordon Brown (the PM) the time honoured salute!
Dave and Pete Clifton had threatened to leave us at the top of the next descent and probably wished they had stuck to their original plan of an early finish. Per sat on Mike's wheel down the hill then came past with Pete right behind him and then the group went straight on at Butler's Cross. Briefly onto the Aylesbury road before turning left for Haddenham, Stone and into Thame where disaster struck!
As we were passing a line of parked cars Abe, Graham and Pete suddenly crashed for some mystifying reason and those behind had to take evasive action to avoid joining them! Fortunately the speed was not too high, but high enough for Graham to snap his front forks when he hit Abe's back! Once every one was up off the tarmac and safely on the pavement we checked for any less obvious bike damage and injuries.
There were mainly cuts and scrapes - bruises and general soreness would follow later. After a number of calls to several people it was decided that the best way for Graham to get home was to get the train from Thame to High Wycombe where Abe would pick him up once he got home to collect his car. The rest of the ride would head back through Princes Risborough to High Wycombe as it was a slightly flatter and faster route. As it turned out Graham managed to get a lift and so we decided to add a few more miles on by turning right onto the A40 at West Wycombe and then left up the climb to Wheelers End and then left for Lane End.
Down Platt's Hill and left for Bourne End where Dave suffered an attack of the cramps so we waited in a layby as Alan did a suicidal u-turn in front of a car as he went back to see where Dave was. John also went to find Dave and the ride continued through to Cookham where the Windsor Mob went straight on and we headed along the high street where Dave said for everyone to carry on as was going to stop for a rest before heading straight home instead of the debrief in the pub car park! This was a mistake as he couldn't ride when he got back on his bike and he had to call Betty to come and rescue him.
Distance covered was 66 miles at an average of nearly 18 mph.
Sunday 14th September
Per Porter, Derwent Jeffery, Tim Brass, Mike Mills, John Nicholls, Dave Lambourne and Robert Majewski set off from The Pond House with, for a change, the sun shining and the promise of some decent weather! Out through Cookham, Bourne End and onto Marlow for the climb up to the Chilterns and beyond. Dave and Mike stayed at the back to make sure nobody fell off the back of the group or that was their excuse! At Fingest we turned right for the ascent of Windmill Hill and Mike had to assure John that this was the easiest climb of the hills around! We regrouped at the top and admired the scenery and watered the undergrowth whilst basking in the early morning sun - it were grand!
Whilst we stood around a car pulled up and the driver asked if he was any where near the M4 or Legoland! Trying to stifle our amusement we gave him directions to Marlow and Tim suggested he ask again to make sure he didn't get lost again. All too soon it was onwards and upwards to Stokenchurch where we turned left onto the A40 for a short while until we turned left for Christmas Common.
When we reached the top of Pishill there were groans when Mike announced we were heading on to Cookley Green rather than down the hill. Dave and Per went to the front and the speed went up as we used the gentle gradient to the turning right for the narrow lane to go left to Nuffield and the Maharajah's Well. Mike then led the ride down the hill towards Checkendon and there were a few hairy moments on the dusty/gravelly bend at the bottom before the climb to the village itself. Once more we stopped to regroup and grab some sun before the dip at Rotherfield Peppard that is marked 16% on both sides. John and Mike led the group up the ascent as some of the younger riders slowed when gravity took hold! Tim called "Easy" to wait for Dave, but it was not needed as he was right behind and nearly had to do an emergency stop at the bottom of the hill into Sonning Common to avoid the car waiting to overtake us! On through Binfield Heath and Mike hit the front for the charge down Playhatch with Per sitting on his wheel and the rest not far behind.
Just after we crossed the Henley/Reading Road a car cut Dave up and when we stopped at the lights at Sonning Bridge Dave gave the driver a piece of his mind and got more than a few expletives back from both driver and passenger! It was quite a spectacle and quite a few walkers looked round at the sound of the furious exchange taking place. Normality returned and we crossed the A4 into Twyford and Ruscombe without further incident! As we went through the Walthams Tim, Derwent and Per peeled off for home. Robert, Mike, Dave and John had to get off and walk under the railway bridge due to road works and our failure to take the detour! As we turned on to the A4 John led the way at a pace that suggested he didn't want the usual sprint, but when we neared the roundabout at the bottom of Punt Hill Dave could no longer resist the urge and led out the sprint! He glanced round and saw Mike and Robert coming past, but could not respond. With gritted teeth and determination Mike held Robert at bay to win the sprint to the top of the hill and was first into the car park.
Distance covered was 51 miles at an average speed of 17.5 mph
Sunday 7th September
'Twas indeed a dull grey old day, but with an optimistic forecast it was soon brightened up by the presence of Ruth, Alan, IanC, Dave, John, Abe, Tim, Sean & new guys Henry & Steve (who has apparently been out with us once before).
A steady start (out through Taplow & Cliveden, passing north of Burnham Beeches) gave Abe ample chance to recall wonderous tales of his recent Trans-Europe Motorcycle trip: Encounters with corrupt, cash-grabbing Russian police sounded feasible, but not too sure about the bare-hand wrestling of vodka-crazed wild black bears...
For a change we dropped down through Hedgerley, then up to Gerrards X & on in a Chalfont direction. Alan hit a stone on the descent to the A355 so we had a break to fix his front puncture. Meanwhile (so I was told ) Henry took a cigarette break. This of course would normally be a no-no amongst our group of lung-busting dope-free wanna-be's, but as he spent the rest of the ride on the front dragging us all along, then we will look forward to his next trip out with us.
We followed our usual route over Coleshill, Amersham & Hyde Heath dropping down to Great Missenden. Instead of brightening up, the weather had turned to steady rain. Several stopped to don rain jackets as we passed through the Hampden Bottom Valley & the general mood was to cut the ride short. By the time we reached the lower reaches of the Hughenden Valley it was dry again. Wycombe > Wooburn Green > Bourne End & then just as we neared Maidenhead a few extra miles were thrown in - Up through Cookham Dean to the top of Quarry Wood & then looping back to the PH.
53 miles at 16.5mph approx
TCB
Sunday 31st August
Only two brave or foolhardy riders started the club run after a lengthy wait for a break in the rain. They were Dave Lambourne and Mike Mills and unfortunately Alan Church arrived, but did not see Mike under the smoker's shelter and rode off before Mike could attract his attention! He didn't miss a great deal as the brave duo splashed the lanes to Hurst and back again to cover thirty wet miles in two hours! Hopefully a few more Fine Weather Riders will brave the British Autumn weather - only joking!
Sunday 24th August
John Nicholls, Nick Silva, Jeremy Monk, Dave Lambourne and Mike Mills gathered in the drizzle outside The Pond House for what threatened to be a wet ride! We set out along the A4 and due to the bridge near to White Waltham being closed, we waited until we got to Bottle Lane before turning south. As you probably guessed we were following Dave's Wet Weather Route! Mike and John led all the way and we passed through Hurst, where the sun came out and crossed the A329 at Winnersh. At this point Dave felt brave enough to suggest taking rain tops off, so we stopped by Sainsburys and peeled off soggy jackets! At Arborfield Cross we took the lane to Wellington Country Park and Risely and looped back the way we had come. Jeremy had left us as he was not feeling well - hopefully nothing too serious. Back through Winnersh and through the lanes of Hurst and on through the Walthams where we had to take a detour around the closed bridge and back on to the A4 for a sedate mile or so to The Pond House - What no sprint! After the debrief Nick headed off for some extra miles as he is riding the Test Valley Tour sportif next Sunday.
We covered was 43 miles at an average of 16.9 mph
Sunday 17th August
The sun was shining today & for once there was a full compliment of Thames Velo jersey's on show - all we needed was the team photographer...
Per, John, Robert, Alan, Dave & Tim were ready to ride but the start was delayed due to banter about GB's Cycling success in the Olympics...& the fact that no-one had planned a route!
Out through Walthamshire in a 2x2x2 formation - each pair taking turns on the front. Sonning Eye was clear after recent road closures & we were soon chasing Robert up Play Hatch hill. Left at Binfield Green, through Sonning Common & then up to Stoke Row - steadily at first until Robert let loose again.
The top was a chance to regroup & agree on the next part of the journey. At Nuffield we encountered a variety of riders partaking in a sportive, & followed them through Park Corner. Once back on the main road we slotted into Team Pursuit formation & upped the pace. Boy did we look impressive, shooting past all these other riders. After a few miles the sportivers took a left turn & we took a right - phew! What a relief to sit up & take it easy - it's tough trying to cool !
After Christmas Common Dave, Per & Alan turned for home via Northend, whilst the others meandered on towards Stokenchurch. The sharp drop down Kingston Blount was a reminder of why we rarely climb up it. We now turned to face a strong headwind & so all took turns on the front until reaching Watlington. Heading south we started up a slight incline. Robert was pushing on at a good pace & it was all Tim & John could do to hold his wheel. Maybe we should have issued a warning about the road ahead: Too late! the climb through Howe Woods came into view - "that's me finished" called John as he dropped back. Soon afterwards Robert blew & fell back behind John, leaving Tim to take the points.
A brisk run followed to Nettlebed, Shepherds Green & down to Henley. Left at the lights in Wargrave & then quick left again to take in the tranquil lanes up to Holly Cross. After a brief pause we headed down to the A4 with a tired dash to the PH.
59 miles at 18.0mph
TCB
Sunday 10th August
The Berkshire weather forecast was infinitely better than that in Beijing for the Women's Road Race (well done Nicole!) & 11 turned out for this weeks ride. Dave, John, Martin, Jez, IanC, Per, Nick, Tim, Robert & Andy (who rode with us once before but has taken a year to get over the experience!). Alan arrived on a deflated rear tyre with a damaged leaking valve - so a tube change was needed before we'd even set off. Contrary to the days plans, Nick was needing long hilly miles of training so he headed off on his own.
As usual at this time of year we try & catch up with the Python Road race near Windsor, so our ride was to be local & short. Our route took us out through Cookham Dean & Bourne End, with a turn towards Wooburn Green. The first drag of the day was up the hill up in direction of Beaconsfield. Robert led the way with Per & Tim close on his wheel. We stopped on the motorway bridge to regroup.
"where are we?" Martin asked. Per pointed to the nearby road sign, "that's the A40" & then pointed to the motorway "& that's the M40".
"& this is the over40" replied Tim, waving his arm in the direction of the older members of the group. [Get it ? Over 40's over 40 - Vet's on a bridge - ha ha ha! ]
{Ed's Note: If that's humour then I'll eat my new carbon frame...}
At the A40 we turned back through Hedsor & down to Taplow. There was a nasty side wind through Dorney & across the Common, Eton providing some respite. After a longer than expected pause at the Datchet railway crossing, we continued on to Old Windsor & climbed up Crimp Hill.
We were behind schedule so needed a quick route through Windsor Great Park. Per advised that previously closed park roads were now open to cyclists, so we cut across the "Long Walk" near the scaffolding-clad "Copper Horse" & were soon on the main road at Forest Gate. A quick loop round the "peanut" roundabout took us down to the end of the Drift Rd, & not a moment too soon - the race came by immediately in several groups. It was cool & starting to rain so we rode on intent on reaching Hawthorne Hill to view the race again. Alas we were too slow, the lead car appeared and the riders came storming towards us. A quick U-turn & we headed up to the finish-line, where we were able to take up our VIP vantage point amongst the massed media & spectators (& his dog).
With a successful race over, & black clouds looming we hurried off into the wind along the Drift Rd. Most of the group headed towards the PH, others turned off to make their respective ways home.
45 miles at 17.4mph
TCB
Sunday 3rd August
Tim Brass, Ian Carswell, Alan Church, Pete Clifton, Cathi Foale, Derwent Jeffery, David Lambourne, Colin McIntosh, Ruth Martin, Jeremy Monk, John Nicholls, Per Porter.
The guys welcomed newcomer Cathi Foale on her first ride with us, and Ruth Martin on her third ride.
Anthony turned up motorised with his camera to take some pics of us on the road.
With Mike out of action with shingles, David was volunteered to devise a route, which went well, apart from turning left at a T junction, instead of right, causing David to wonder why several villages seemed to have moved their location. However, once sorted out, and the villages put back in their rightful location, and a slight detour, the group ended back on route.
So the twelve set off to White Waltham, where at the airfield all smiled for Anthony taking pics. The group continued up Bottle Lane to Knowl Hill and via the lanes, down Carrie's Hill to Henley. Here, the dozen turned on to the Reading road and then right towards Harpsden Heights, heaving themselves up the short steep hill at the end of the valley. Ian's chain snapped with Ian giving a demonstration of how to ride a bike sideways on a steep hill; he was lucky to stay on. Calamity - no-one had a chain tool. John tried to mend it using ingenious methods, only known to the experienced, but alas it could not be fixed. Ian elected to make his way down to a pub he knew, stating the pub poured a good pint. We became concerned at how many of these good pints Ian would consume before being picked up.
So onwards to Sonning Common, and as newcomer Cathi was handling the ride well, David decided to add in a loop during which the wrong turning happened; however through Nettlebed and on to the Reading road, Sonning Common [see the route] and just before Playhatch Jeremy punctured. Cathi decided to leave us at that point and ride to Whitchurch, having found she had left her keys behind and needed a spare key before returning home. Jeremy's puncture repaired, down Playhatch Hill, carefully across the Sonning Bridge repairs to Twyford, and Dave punctured. On past Jeremy's house, where Jeremy turned off.
And so, towards the Pond House, no mishap, except Ruth de-railing her chain. Pete won the sprint for the Pond House, just beating John with David monitoring their performance.
Footnote: Tim returned early due to family commitments, Derwent and Colin left us at Nettlebed, Per left just after Twyford towards Ascot muttering something about his book !
53 miles at an average speed of 16mph
For those interested, THE ROUTE:
White Waltham, Knowl Hill, Henley, Harpsden Heights, Harpsden Bottom, Sonning Common, Stoke Row, Nuffield, Nettlebed, Highmoor Cross, Sonning Common, Rotherfield Peppard, Dunsden Green, Playhatch, Sonning, Twyford, White Waltham, Maidenhead.
Sunday 27th July
After a long absence through injury, it was Jim who arrived first at the PH. He probably wondered if we'd changed the start venue as no-one else had appeared as the clock struck 10 - finally Tim arrived followed by Pete, John, Dave, Alan & Jez all in quick succession. A route towards Wallingford was planned with a few modest climbs, but the consensus was for a flatter ride. At the risk of becoming repetitive we once again opted for a trip to Silchester.
We had barely reached Walthamshire when the inevitable happened - "OOOOHHHHH GIIIIVE MEE LAAAND, LOTS OF LAAAND & THE STARRRRY SKYS ABOVVE..." - you've guessed ! - Jim may still be recovering from achilles tendon trouble but his vocal chords are in fine fettle !! Welcome back !
With little wind to contend with we had soon passed Hurst, Arborfield Cross, Swallowfield, Beech Hill & took a brief stop in the shade of some trees - the early haze had cleared & the sun was beating down.
After Bramley it was down to "the Sherbournes", back up passing the remains of the Silchester fortress & then time for another stop as thirsts needed quenching. At Shinfield we pulled into the shade of a garage forecourt - the sun was scorching now but there was a fine selection of chilled drinks available in the shop.
Having passed Dinton Country Park we turned off along the lanes taking us through Sherlock Row to White Waltham. There on followed the usual run-in back to the PH. With a couple of miles to go Tim's rear gear cable snapped - now stuck in top gear there was little choice but to lead out the sprint...no-one came past - all were wilting in the heat.
After a brief chat at the PH we went our separate ways...back in time to see the final stage of Le Tour.
59 miles at 17.6mph
TCB
Sunday 6th July
Seven riders gathered outside the Pond House for what promised to be a wet ride and we were not disappointed! They were Mike Mills, Nick Silva(newly rejoined), Dave Lambourne, Ian Carswell, Jeremy Monk, Alan Church and Ruth - who was out for the first time with us.
As the weather was wet and getting wetter, Mike's planned ride out the other side of Aldershot was ditched in favour of Dave's "Wet Weather Route". In other words; out through the Walthams, Hurst, Winnersh, Arborfield Cross and a loop round Riseley and back.
The pace was relatively slow until we got back to Arborfield Cross where it went up to combat the cold, wet weather. At Hurst we didn't even bother with the lanes as hot showers and food was uppermost in people's thoughts and a chance to watch "The Tour". As we turned onto the A4, Dave raised the pace as we headed back to the Pond House. With Dave on the front, closely followed by Ian and Mike, we got to the bottom of Punt Hill. Dave's valiant effort was not enough as Mike went past and was first back to the car park! Alan and Ruth followed shortly behind as no one had warned Ruth of the sprint to come!
Distance covered was 39 miles at an average of 16.5 mph.
P.S. Let's hope for drier weather next week!