Club Runs Diary - 2011
Sunday 11th December
Club Run Route
Despite a dead cert' forecast for rain there were still 9 keen riders at the P.H. this morning: Steve, PaulB, AndyB, Tim, Graham, MartinW, Matt were joined by Simon & Ed - both inspired after last weeks newcomer ride to come back for more suffering ! We agreed to head straight towards the oncoming bad weather so as to be able to U-turn & head back keeping ahead of the rain. It was a most cunning plan that worked out perfectly.
Steadily out through Shurlock Row, Hurst to Winnersh, followed by a left at Sindlesham, through Barkham & onto Finchampstead. It was just starting to drizzle as we reached Eversley Cross but we figured we could push our luck a little more. Heading west to Bramshill revealed brighter skies & even a rare glimpse of the sun. We paused at Arborfield Cross as the group had split - not helped by Ed's chain coming off. A sharp right turn before Hurst took us back through the lanes to Shurlock row & the Walthams. The keenest amongst us picked up the pace for the final gallop to the P.H. (honours to Andy) whilst the remainder returned more sedately.
Home & dry after 43 miles at 16.4 mph
T.C.B.
Sunday 4th December
Well who'd have thought it? It was possibly the dullest greyest coldest day of the year... and yet we had the biggest turnout in recent history! Tim, Jim, Pete, Dave, IanC, Andy, John of Essex, Steve, PaulB & Graham... along with newcomers Nick, Seb, Martin, Steven, Ed, Mark & Simon.
So when do we get going then ...
Keeping such a large diverse group all together at a steady pace was now the challenge ahead. It actually went very well... until just a short distance from the finish...
Off we rolled, around the Dean, down to Cookham & on over the bridge. The right turn up Hedsor and the climb ahead was tougher than expected (it's ages since we have been up there) & certainly knocked the wind out of some our sails. From Cliveden it was an easy run down through Taplow followed by a wind-assisted trek across Dorney Common. On leaving Eton we negotiated Datchet & arrived at Old Windsor to face the next official climb - Crimp Hill.
After a regroup at the top we took a jaunt around the Windsor Great Park. The traffic-free roads were also relatively pedestrian-free too - either it was too chilly or folks were off doing Christmas shopping (Ed: give me a good bike ride any day!)
Exiting the park at Cheapside, we started the final throws of the ride back to Maidenhead.
At Moss End there was a sharp left turn after the brow of a hill. Jim stopped to wait for Tim who was waiting for Ed, who in the blink of an eye must have gone straight on. Tracks we retraced but there was no sign of him - fortunately he followed his Garmin safely back to the PH. Meanwhile the remaining group decided (for reasons unknown to mankind) to go in completely the wrong direction. They then went round in an unnecessary loop & way out of their way before finally making it back to the PH... where Tim & Ed had been waiting for a good 20 minutes or more!
Well done to the new riders - a tougher initiation for some but everyone made it round successfully.
Club Run Route
41 miles at 15.8 mph (or add another 6 to those that got lost!)
T.C.B.
Sunday 27th November
On a sunny but breezy Autumnal day, 6 riders showed at the Pond House. Messrs Andy B, Steve G, Mark M, Ian C, Aman and Graham. The consensus was that a 'shorter' than usual ride was in order because of the wind, but we should take in a few climbs. The wind was coming from the West and so we sensibly decided to set out in that direction towards Twyford with Andy B and Steve G on the front.
Steve had been suffering from a cold so as we approached Twyford he decided to turn for home as the rest of the group headed into Sonning and then on onwards and upwards to Dunsden Green. There was a short stop to regroup at the top of the climb by the phone box at Dunsden before heading towards Stoke Row. A short climb coming through Sonning Common village on the B481 Peppard Road and Aman came off the back and surged up the climb taking everyone by surprise for the day's Polka dot jersey.
At Stoke Row there was brief talk of heading further North as it was such a nice day. However, common sense prevailed and we decided not to spoil it and turned south again to Henley. With the wind now behind us, and the road heading downhill, the pace quickened as we sped into Henley in what seemed no time at all. Double red lights allowed everyone to re-group comfortably before heading over Henley Bridge and then onto Wargrave.
A quick lay-by stop on this narrow section to allow an ambulance with siren sounding and blue lights flashing go past and then straight through Wargrave and over the A4 back into Twyford. Ian C carried straight on at Twyford lights heading home to Bracknell as the others turned East for the dust up back to Maidenhead.
51 miles at 16.2 mph
I.C.
Sunday 30th October
RIDERS: MikeM, Pete, AndyB, IanC, Steve, Tim
WEATHER: Mild, grey, breezy, occasional light drizzle
ROUTE: Cookham, Marlow, Frieth, Turville, Christmas Common, Pyrton, Ewelme, Nuffield, Stoke Row, Playhatch, Sonning, Twyford, Walthams.
CAFE STOP: none
INCIDENTS: 2 x Punctures & 1 x near crash on Playhatch descent !
Today's route
Approx. 65 miles at 16.8 mph
T.C.B.
Sunday 25th September
A rare sight at the club run this morning as the full contingent of the regular road racers decided to turn up and lead a ride into the hills and beyond - destination cafe. Leaving in glorious sunshine at precisely 10:01 where Sykesy, Chairman Mike, MartinP, Brasso, Toddy, PeteC, Millsy, IanC & newbie Aman.
Breaking one of the golden rules of "The Club Run", we headed north with the wind on our backs, literally throwing caution to the wind! Groupo Compacto pootled past the turkeys at Copas at Cookham Dean counting their days and down Quarrywood into Marlow for the steady climb at Platts. A slight mechanical from a fully blinged out Toddy halfway up as he unshipped his chain broke the group up, so we reassembled at the top with "sportive type" mutterings of the pitfalls of mixing compact chainsets and Q rings.
Up to Lane & Wheeler End for the drop to the A40 at West Wycombe the group took a very scenic detour through The City (anything but!) and Radnage for the tasty little climb to the top of Bledlow Ridge. With the hills done it and shouts of "where's this cafe!" it was a case of setting a nice steady pace out to the stop at Wilstone via Risborough, Owlswick, Weston Turville and Aston Clinton.
A table bagged outside in the sunshine but a noticeable ever increasing breeze kept the rounds of drinks to two! Scores on the doors were 10/10 for the Panini and fruit cake but a paltry 0/10 for the dreadful cups of milky gunk masquerading as caffe latte - poor show!! Martin was of course much more civilised opting for the pots of tea. Other highlights of the stop included a quick catch up of the Road Race World Championships on Andy's iphone
The route back required the Chilterns to be climbed, so what better way than via Dancers End and The Crong, which brought us out at St Leonards for a great section of quiet lanes back to Hyde Heath. The final valley to cross was the Misbourne at Chalfont St Giles and the quieter climb up School Lane.
Nearly home, a mechanical at Beaconsfield at the back of the group saw Millsy, Brasso & Aman detached - never to regain contact, which was a shame as the ride had been pretty much incident free. The wind was up now and on the nose of the group - Toddy remonstrating about the effort required - and he wasn't even on the front!
Today's route
79.95 miles at 16.5 mph and 1100m of climbs
C.M.
Sunday 28th August
Seven loyal volunteers out today: Tim, Jim, Massimo, Andy, Pete, Paul & Dave. The ride was shorter than usual as shown on the route map below:
Today's route
Just 40 miles at 17 mph
T.C.B.
Sunday 14th August
With the Olympic Test Race Event in progress as well as the Python Road Race near Windsor, our numbers were low today - Pete, MartinP, Matt, Dave, Tim, & 2 new recruits: Massimo from Windsor & Neil from Binfield. Our route-leader had not appeared as expected so we headed off on an unplanned ride into the Chilterns. The ride turned out to be shorter & brisker than usual... so here's a report to match!
First off out through Cookham & Bourne End. Up to Flackwell Heath soon dropping down again to Wycombe Marsh & out to West Wycombe. Left at Piddington, up the climb up to Wheelers End with a regroup at the top.
After Stokenchurch & Christmas Common it was the usual eyeballs-out dash down Pishill.
Finally through Henley, Wargrave & Twyford where we split to take our respective routes home.
48 miles at 17.3 mph
Sunday 17th July
With the Tour de France leaving the Pyrenees today for flatter terrain we decided we'd follow suit - leaving behind the Chilterns for the mid-Berkshire plains. As the first of many rain showers started falling, Tom-Tom-Tim (Ed: probably should be Garmin) led out 6 others in a westerly direction - through the Waltham's & skirting around Hurst via the lanes. We briefly encountered Alan but he promptly turned the opposite direction claiming his ride was at an end. In fact Graham too was only out for a short ride with us so we were soon down to 6. By Sindlesham the rain had stopped, so as we rode up past Bearwood College it was time to remove jackets (for the softies actually wearing them).
Stuck at traffic lights near Finchampstead we were able to admire an old maroon coloured "Bristol" car - superb condition, with chrome glistening in the ... DOH!... rain again. Lights-to-green & we were off - except Dave who literally got his knickers in a twist. We waited for him to catch up only to hear of how he managed to get his shorts somehow tangled over his saddle as he pulled away at the lights!
Right at Eversley Cross along green & quiet lanes, through Stratfield Saye and on towards Silchester. It was all going so well ... PSSSHHHH!! It was a loud & rapid puncture on MarkM's front wheel. True to past form it took 2 spare tubes to fix his problem (though to be fair this time it did genuinely seem to be a faulty new tube rather than the lever-pinch-repairs of previous incidents).
Ready to roll again and another shower. Mark actually had a big gash in his tyre wall so we decided that quickest route home would be the most sensible option. The wind now behind us helped significantly - too much so at one point as we almost missed a wet sharp left turn & nearly all came a cropper.
After Beech Hill we raced up the climb over the A33. Some legs were starting to feel tired now, but MikeK (only on his 2nd ride with us) was keeping up well & enjoying the outing. Arborfield Cross, Wokingham, Hurst & Twyford came & went before the pace picked up on the return route via the Waltham's. We slowed to regroup but Derrick was keen to push on at the front taking us steadily back to the A4. Mark (not Renshaw) shot to the front at great speed with Tim, Steve & Derrick chasing. It was a great lead-out & Tim jumped ahead for the finish, only to conk out at the bottom of the final incline. No matter - there was sufficient gap for him to dwindle to the PH first.
55 miles at 17 mph
T.C.B.
Sunday 3rd July - Newcomers Ride
The first Sunday of the month, so another chance for potential newcomers to ride out & experience the joys of an easy Thames Velo club run. A big welcome to first-timers Lewis, Jim, John & Ann. Also out today were Graham, PeteC, IanC, Dave, Steve, Matt, Alex & Tim.
Just 2 minutes down the road into Maidenhead we pulled up to sort out a flat rear tyre on Matt's bike. Steve had been on the front & somehow carried on ahead on his own believing that we had all turned off in a different direction! Soon on the move again we reached Taplow station ... and there was Steve looking a bit bemused!
Onwards in unison via Dorney, across the common, through Eton & onto Datchet. Derrick, sleepy after his night-shift at work, joined us for a while as we followed the road parallel to the M4.
After Langley High Street we turned north towards Fulmer. A massive film set construction was visible at Pinewood, rumour has it as being part of the next vampire epic. Our route took us round the north of Burnham Beeches eventually passing Odds Farm Park. There had been a number of comments about how flat today's ride had been, but we must have climbed a little since we were soon dropping down Hawks Hill into Cookham.
A simple matter then of wending our way back to the PH.
A mere 30 miles at 15 mph
T.C.B.
Sunday 26th June
With a sunny, hot day in prospect, ten riders gathered at the Pond House for a trip up in to the Chilterns, but fewer hills than last week! They were Tim Brass, Andy Brown, Ian Carswell, Pete Clifton, Steve Green, Dave Lambourne, Mike Mills, Joanne, Oli and newbie Michael.
Down Punt Hill and left into Wootten Way and then right to pick up the road to White Waltham where we turned right up Bottle Lane by the cricket pitch and onto the A4. Left and then immediately right awayfrom Knowl Hill and through Warren Row before turning left into Kentons Lane. Needless to say Dave insisted on taking up the rear position down the hill to the Wargrave Road just to make sure everyone was safe!
At Henley we turned left just after the bridge and round to the Reading Road for a short distance before turning right at the roundabout towards Harpsden. We caught up with a cyclist making a phone call whilst riding along which prompted Tim to mimic him before we rode past him. As we had to let Dave catch up, the rider we had just passed decided to retake the lead until we got to the sharp little hill where most of us passed him again.
Right to Sonning Common and then straight over to start the long drag up to Stoke Row where we stopped to watch the LVRC National Road Race champs go past. Dave turned for home and we carried on to Nuffield and turned right by the golf course and then left for Park Corner. At Cookley Green we turned left to descend Sliding Hill to Ewelme and apart from meeting a car at high speed by Swyncombe Church all hopefully enjoyed the gravity assisted plunge.
At Ewelme we turned right to go past the church and then up the last little bit of Firebrass Hill, but not before Tim remembered the cafe at the bottom - too late, we didn't stop! At the B4009 we turned left and then right towards Britwell Baldwin and the left at Jim's Corner (Cuxham) to join the road race circuit by the cottages at the bottom of Clare Hill. For some reason this stretch of road always makes someone suggest 'Through and Off' and this time it was Tim! We nearly missed the right turn for Great Milton but not quite and normal riding was resumed with Jelly Baby Pete trying to keep up with Andy!
Right on to the A329 and then right again on to the A40 before a stop at a garage for a water top up and to let a few catch their breath. As we got to the bottom of Stokenchurch Hill Andy hit the front (as usual) and Tim followed with Ian and Mike M. latching on to ride all together up to the top, with the rest of the ride going at their own pace. Right at the top to Christmas Common and then left down Pishill for the race to the Henley Road and on to a strategically placed ice cream van by the river that proved irresistible!
Back over the bridge and right for Wargrave where Joanne and Ian turned for home whilst the rest of us turned left at the lights and up the little hill past the school to the A4. Tim and Oli left us and we rode at a easy pace before we came to a stretch of road near The Bird in Hand which had been resurfaced with those lovely chippings. We had to follow the car tracks to avoid the mounds of chippings pushed to the side of the road or risk losing control of the front wheel. Soon we were back on the older road surface and wearing out mitts trying to get off anything stuck to our tyres! Yet again the traffic prevented a sprint up Punt Hill which was just as well as Andy would have won anyway!
70 miles at an average speed of 16.4mph
M.M.
Sunday 19th June
On a cloudy but dry Sunday morning eight riders gathered at the Pond House to head up into the Chilterns. They were Jim Alexander, Ian Carswell, Mike Mills, Steve Green, Paul Redman, Joanne, Dave Lambourne(temporarily) and Oli. As we left Maidenhead via Furze Platt we had an idiot in a Range Rover beeping his horn in a pointless attempt to get past what was an orderly group - P***t! When we got to Cookham Dave left for a Father's Day lunch and the rest of us headed on to Bourne End and then Marlow.
We turned up Platts Hill for the long drag to Fingest with Paul leading the charge! Jim and Oli adopted a sensible pace for the climb and rejoined us just short of Frieth. At Fingest we turned right for Turville and then left up Windmill Hill with various groans of trepidation and Steve having trouble getting into a low gear. After admiring the view and getting our breath back we rode on to Stokenchurch and then turned left off the A40 to drop down in to Radnage. Almost before we had finished the descent into Radnage we were climbing up the other side along Spriggs Holly Lane with Paul trying to take a left turn that had him off the front of the ride for a change!
A mile or so further on we turned right off of Chinor Hill to climb up to Bledlow Ridge for the fast descent of "Rubbish Dump Hill" with Paul,Steve and Mike leading the way. Left at the bottom onto the B4009 to Kingston Blout where we turned left for the long,steep climb to come out on the A40 near the top of Stokenchurch Hill. Oli left us to head home as we turned right and dropped down Stokenchurch Hill and left back onto the B4009 for Watlington. At the T-junction we turned right towards Ewelme where we admired the old church in the village before riding on to climb Sliding Hill. As we neared the top near Swyncombe Church we spotted Mark Merriman and two friends talking to some walkers.
After a brief stop at Cookley Green we turned left and then right to get to the top of Pishill and the usual speedy descent through Stonor,Middle Assendon and Lower Assendon to the Henley road. As we entered Henley we made a pitstop for cold water and for Redders and Joanne to consume some Mars bars before crossing the river and turning right for Wargrave. At the traffic lights in the village Joanne,Paul and Ian headed for home whilst Jim,Steve and Mike turned left up the hill to join the A4 and a steady ride towards Maidenhead.
Just after the Burchetts Green roundabout Jim, who had managed the whole ride after a long layoff, told Mike and Steve to ride on without him as he would soon be turning off. The pace rose as Steve and Mike rode the last couple of miles and as they got to the bottom of Punt Hill the sprint was stopped, thankfully, by traffic turning on to the A4 at the roundabout!
Distance covered was 65 miles at an average speed of 15.5mph - must have been all those hills!
M.M.
Sunday 29th May
With their AS-levels almost behind them Matt & Alex joined us for their first club ride on a mild & blustery day. Jim, Tim, Mark, Steve, Ian, Dave, Jo & Paul completed the line up as we headed off through Cookham Dean. On crossing the Cookham bridge we met Alan who just couldn't resist staying with us for a while. It was Steve who set the pace up the hill to Flackwell Heath - until Mark & Paul took the lead dropping everyone else with ease. We were soon whizzing down "ski-slope" hill & despite Tim's shouts of caution there was a price to pay... Matt broke a spoke, his rear wheel now snagging on the brake blocks. A brief stop & quick use of a spoke key got him going again.
High Wycombe was its usual dull busy state but we soon got through West Wycombe & turned left at Piddington. It was good to get onto a quiet road despite it being quite a long drag upwards. The top was a good time for a breather. Dave said the Pub next to us was a good one but despite holding the clubs purse strings he didn't offer to buy a round
Alan turned left for home at the next "T" whilst the rest of us took a right to Stokenchurch. We paused over the M40 to tweak Matts wheel again & then made our way over to Christmas Common. Left to Northend & then down to Stonor. Tim threw down the gauntlet & the pace shot up - Steve, Paul, Tim & Ian taking off at the front - Paul having a few more Kcal than Tim as we reached the dual carriageway junction.
After a regroup Steve led off into Henley but there was no ice-cream stop at the van today. We all got through the Wargrave lights by the skin of our teeth & were soon at the Twyford crossroads. Jim instinctively turned left & then had to catch up cos everyone else went straight on! Onwards steadily to Binfield, where we got Matt & his buckled wheel home safely. (Thames Velo looks after its newcomers).
Another rider (on an Audax ride) stopped to ask directions... he was a mere 500+ Km into his ride having just ridden to somewhere like Taunton & back !! Finally it was just a matter of heading up Howe Lane & back into Maidenhead - Tim & Ian turning off right along the Drift Rd to Windsor & Bracknell respectively.
Distance covered was 55 miles at an average speed of 16.6mph.
TCB
Sunday 15th May
Eight riders left the Pond House on a cool and windy morning to head out to the Chilterns after a quick detour to Coach Lambourne's house for club members to sign a Get Well card for Paul Buckley after his crash at "Spillingdon"! Back on the road again out through Cookham,Bourne End and Wooburn Green with some orderly two by two riding. Left under the M40 past High Wycombe rugby club and into the narrow lane to ride over the River Wye and join the A40 into High Wycombe. After the big collection of roundabouts we turned right after the flyover, where Jim left us and headed for the Hughenden Valley.
We took the long climb at a slower than usual pace due to prospective new member Hughen(hope that's spelt right) feeling the pace after a long lay off from cycling. At the top Dave,Alan and Hughen left for home and the rest of us dropped down the hill and on past Chequers. Down the hill to Butler's Cross and straight on to turn left then right on the Aylesbury road to the left turn by a garage. We followed the road towards Thame until we turned left at Haddenham to start on the homeward leg of the ride. Shortly after turning we noticed that the garden centre had a sign saying "Cafe now open" and without further ado we stopped for coffee and cake!
As we left the cafe a light rain began to fall and it was rain tops on. We turned left on to the Wycombe/Risborough road and a quick blast down to West Wycombe/High Wycombe and back via Wooburn Green,Bourne End to Cookham where Pete and Ian carried straight on.
Distance covered was 56 miles at an average speed of 16.5mph.
M.M.
Sunday 1st May
Ian and Georgie.
11 out today ... but only 10 pairs of wheels - our newcomers ride yielded a pleasant surprise - a tandem! ... riding as stoker was Georgina, with Dad (IanL) as Steersman. Our route took us through Maidenhead along the A4,veering off left at the railway bridge up through Taplow. A slight pause whilst PeteW stopped to look for his missing pump, & then onwards to Littleworth Common. We worked our way round the north of Burnham Beaches on familiar roads until Tim realised he'd misdirected everyone. No problem PeteC was in his "home" territory & soon got us back on track. The roads back round south of the Beeches were mostly delightful - lush foliage, green trees & bright sun breaking through onto some good surfaced roads ...annoyingly this was all too frequently ruined by rather too many grotty potholes.
Back down to the A4 again, Steve turned for home (his tub-clad racing wheels were getting dusty) as the rest of us passed through Dorney, over the Common & into Eton. At the traffic lights Dave got off his bike to wrestle open an energy bar. The lights changed, we all turned left... except Dave who was still fighting the wrapper. We waited for a 2nd light-change then went back to find him... but it turned out that he'd taken a right instead ! While we were regrouping PeteC hit an obstacle & came a cropper - grazing his left leg & hand - nothing too serious - just some red blood on his nice white bar-tape.
After Datchet we headed into Windsor - up the hill by the Castle with the bunting still flying high. It was heaving with sightseers - perhaps boosted by the Royal Wedding, so we quickly got out of their way & headed out of town. The run through the Great Park was held steady by PaulT (recovering from Swiss mountain training) until PaulB upped the pace & charged up the long drag. Last to arrive was Alan, but he just rolled on by & we chased to catch him up. MartinL departed at the "peanut" roundabout whilst the dwindling remainder headed down onto the drift road. For once the wind was with us & we were soon back at White Waltham. There was little appetite for a sprint - not least due to the headwind on the A4. Tim pushed ahead & only PaulB jumped onto his wheel... & then very kindly took over at the front. He too soon wilted in the wind allowing Tim to pip him to the pub.
Approx 48 miles at 16 mph
TCB
Sunday 24th April
Nine Easter Eggs out today hoping not to melt in the continued hot spell.
Where to go ? "To the hills!". "How about Benson?" said Ian C. most heads nodded agreeably but John and Dave seemed less enthusiastic at the thought. Too late! - Tim led off with haste and we were soon speeding through the newly surfaced roads of Walthamshire. Pete took a turn at the front (despite a heavy gym session on Saturday) before AndyB took up his preferred place as lead rider. At the Playhatch roundabout we went left then right, up through the Caversham Park estate. Andy and Derek kept the pace high as we climbed, and so we needed the first of several re-groups at the top.
From Emmer Green it was onwards to Gallows Common with a left and right along Park lane to Checkendon. After a splash through a couple of deep puddles (the area must have been hit by thunder storms) it was a slow gravel-strewn left turn onto the official cycle route. The tree-lined descent at Well Place soon opened out into delightful views all around as we ambled down to Crowmarsh Gifford. We chose to give Benson a miss and headed on to the cafe in Ewelme. Alan and Derek declined any sustenance but the rest of us tucked into some rather yummie cakes. Dave had 2 large flapjacks (which must have been why he could not get up the hills afterwards!)
Suitably refreshed, we headed to Watlington and up through Howe Wood to Cookley Green - the climb proved a bit of a struggle - sun, mad dogs, Englishmen etc.
The descent of Pishill was not much easier either ! Andy pressed the turbocharger button and rocketed to the fore at frightening speed. Derek and Tim chased him down, then the 3 pushed on hard. Tim the victor, as we reached the A4130.
After Henley we deliberately split into faster and slower groups - the fast 'uns wanting a few extra miles. Warren Row, Shottesbrooke, Paley Street, Drift Rd - psssss - Phil got the only puncture of the day... Fifield and home.
Approx 55 miles at 16.5 mph
TCB
Sunday 10th April
The sun was shining as eleven riders gathered at the Pond House for what turned out to be a glorious day weather wise. They were Tim Brass, Ian Carswell, Pete Clifton, Steve Green, Martin Lambert, Dave Lambourne, Mickael Metayer, Mike Mills, Martin Porter, Per Porter and Nick Silva. We set off for the Chilterns to get "a few hills in" to test the legs now that the season is upon us.
Out through Cookham, Bourne End towards Marlow with a quick right to Winchbottom just before the Marlow bypass. Per decided that as he had been off the bike for a long time to turn for home on his brand new white Canyon Ultimate CF (I think) - very light! Up the long and winding road (without Paul McCartney singing) the ride went up the hill under the bypass and then regrouped at the top. Dave brought up the rear as he was suffering with asthma and decided to make his own way home as we set off for the fast descent past Marlow Bottom.
Needless to say when those on the front got to the roundabout they went straight on instead of turning right towards Marlow! After a loud shout from Mike they turned around to follow those that had turned right - apart from Pete who left us to go home. On into Marlow and right at Quoting Square for the long climb up "Platt's Hill" with Tim and Martin leading the way. Someone remarked that Mickael would soon chase them down and almost before the words were spoken there was a flash of blue as he shot past as if we were standing still - this lad needs to be racing and soon!
After stopping to gather our collective breaths we rode on to Fingest to climb "Windmill Hill" amidst groans and gears crashing in an effort to get a low gear away from the junction. We stopped at the top to admire the fantastic view before carrying on to Stokenchurch and right onto the A40 which we followed until the left turn for Radnage. The dip and short climb that followed had Mickael's chain jumping off the chainring for the first of several times and after a brief glimpse Martin Porter diagnosed the need for a new chain and probably rings + cassette - sounds expensive!
The descent to Radnage was steep and all too short before the next hill appeared. A left turn on to Spriggs Holly Lane soon had low gears engaged as we climbed out of the valley with motorists getting in the way near the top. Once the gradient levelled off and we had regrouped we rode on towards Chinnor Hill and then a right turn up to Bledlow Ridge before a left to the long descent of "Rubbish Dump Hill". As the road was clear as we passed the entrance to the dump Mike threw caution to the wind and went past everyone to lead all the way down to the bottom.
We turned left towards Chinnor where we stopped to see if the cafe was open but unfortunately it was closed - Mr Porter was visibly disappointed. We had to settle for a stop at the local Co-op supermarket where we were the target of bemused shoppers as we bought drinks. Back on the bikes we carried on to Watlington at a raised pace - all thanks to Tim. Right at the T-junction towards Benson which had Martin P. saying we could have gone to the cafe there.
Left for the drop down Firebrass Hill into Ewelme and left again past the church for the long drag to the bottom of Sliding Hill where we struggled up the steep climb to Cookley Green. After catching our breaths we turned left towards the top of Pishill. As we turned right we all changed on to the big ring for the race down Pishill to the Henley road and despite it being down hill all the way it proved ,as usual, to be hard work - thanks again Tim!
Over the Thames and a right towards Wargrave where we turned left up Kentons Lane after Martin P. had to reassemble his front mudguard before climbing the 10% climb. Nick left us just before we dropped down to turn left on to the A4 towards Maidenhead and the pace was moderate until Martin P. left us at Bottle Lane and we passed the Burchett's Green roundabout.
Then there was a noticeable quickening with Mickael and Tim leading the way until Mickael turned for home at the Thicket roundabout. Tim was still on the front with Mike M. right behind and as we reached the bottom of Punt Hill Mike sprinted past Tim to be first into the car park.
Distance covered, 66.5 miles at an average of 17 mph.
M.M.
Sunday 20th March
Eight riders gathered at the Pond House with the sun shining and a trip up in to the Chilterns planned. They were Martin Porter, Mike Mills, Mickael Metayer, Dave Lambourne, Steve Green, Pete Clifton, Alan Church and Ian Carswell
Out through Furze Platt to Cookham and then Bourne End in a nice orderly fashion or until car drivers made us single up! We were soon entering Marlow and turning up Platt's Hill with every one still all together, but not for long! Steve was the first to go off the front closely followed by Martin and Mickael. Mike and Ian were next until Ian pulled away on his new bike leaving Mike in his wake! At the top of the long hill we regrouped once the stragglers caught up. Pete decided to leave as he had been off his bike for a long time after a cold.
We carried on to Fingest where Dave left before we turned up the steep Windmill Hill that caused more than a few grunts of exertion and crashing of gears! Once we had recovered at the top of the climb we headed on to Stokenchurch without Alan as he also decided to head back for home. Left on to the A40 the fast descent of Aston Hill to cross the B4009, we continued to follow the A40 until we came onto the Great Milton race circuit at Tetsworth. Left at the corner onto the A329 and into the usual headwind with Mickael leading the way.
At the roundabout in Stadhampton we turned left to carry on the circuit, but at a reduced speed because not everyone could stay with Mickael - not many could! (About time you started racing then! - Ed.) Left at the cottage at the bottom of Clare Hill and again Martin and Mickael led the way until we all (well most of us), gratefully free wheeled down the other side to the T-junction at the A40. From here we were retracing our route along the A40 and up a long drag that caught Steve out by it's deceptive length!
Back to Aston Hill for the long climb up towards the television mast and surprise, surprise Martin and Mickael led the way again, with the other three riders following in their wheel tracks. We turned right to head back to Windmill Hill for a fast descent into Fingest, then Frieth and a race down Platt's Hill with Mickael a long way in front. Once the other four caught up, Martin suggested a cafe stop as he was in need of cake and caffeine to restore his energy levels.
Steve & Mickael gracefully declined, so Martin, Ian and Mike went to the cafe in Higginson Park by the Thames and enjoyed coffee, cake and sunshine before getting back on their bikes.
The traffic in Marlow was its usual Sunday busy self, so we had to pick our way slowly up the high street to the monument and turn right for Bourne End, over the Thames into Cookham where Mike was the only one to turn right for Maidenhead.
Distance covered was 64 miles at an average of 16.4 mph.
M.M.
Sunday 13th March
Eight maybe brave riders turned up at the Pond House in various states of dampness after a passing shower dropped it's moisture! They were Andy Brown, Paul Buckley, Ian Carswell, Alan Church, Darius Granisz, David Lambourne, Mickael Metayer and Mike Mills.
As the weather was somewhat dubious we decided on the wet weather route with the extra loop round Silchester. The drizzle disappeared as we headed out through the Walthams where we had to stop for Ian to tighten his bars as they decided to move - too much power? With that fixed we headed on towards Ruscombe where we turned left over the railway and down the hill to turn right into Hinton Road and then into School Road. Left on to Winnersh where we crossed the A329 at the lights by Sainsburys. The little hill up to Arborfield Cross split the ride a bit but we regrouped on the descent away from the roundabout and headed on to Swallowfield and over the Blackwater River bridge.
At the T- junction near Risely we turned right to add on the extra loop to Silchester and this is where Dave turned for home. Not long after we turned left and left again out of Lamb Lane and then down Ash Hill over the A33. At Grazely we turned left up the hill to Silchester and Alan decided to head for home even though he wasn't sure of the directions - hope he got home OK!
Predictably the pace rose as we rode on and then with a bit of luck (for us) Andy had the only puncture of the ride! On to Three Mile Cross where we had to take the longer route back to Ash Hill because of the new roundabout that has replaced the old one which now makes it necessary to go up to the M4 junction!
Again the pace rose and Ian and Mike were trying to hang on to the faster riders down the lanes to Ash Hill where the lead quartet rode away. Back together we headed down the hill to Risely and then left and left again with Paul Buckley eaising the pace even more. Along this lane Ian turned for home and the rest of us headed back over the bridge to ride up Bungler's Hill - with Mike feeling the strain even more!
At the top Mickael stopped to inspect his bike and found that the bottom bracket was coming out of the frame on the drive side! This meant that from there on he had to stop every couple of miles to bang it back in to stop the left crank hitting the frame - not good! The pace dropped noticeably as Mickael limped on and after Hurst the three "Fast Guys" left Mike and Mickael to put in a few fast miles. At the A4 Mickael headed straight on and Mike Mills turned right for the short journey home.
Distance covered was 57 miles and the average, with the necessary slowed pace, was 16 mph.
M.M.
Sunday 6th March
Twelve riders gathered under unusually sunny skies at the Pond House for the monthly Newcomer's Ride. They were Tim Brass, Andy Brown, Paul Buckley, Alan Church, Steve Green, Dave Lambourne, Mark Merriman, Mickael Metayer, Mike Mills, John Nicholls, Martin Porter, Paul Todd and Mike.
Despite the fine weather we decided to use the "Dave Lambourne" wet weather route as Tim's knee was still playing up and he was on his new single speed bike, plus John was starting the second ride after a long lay off! A delay to the start of the ride was caused by a heated discussion about the suitability of using tubulars vs clinchers on organised sportives and was further enflamed when Steve turned up with his new carbon wheels shod with Tufo tubs!!!!
Much was made of this when it became obvious that Steve hadn't brought a spare tub in case of a a dreaded puncture! Brave? After this we finally got started and headed out of Maidenhead towards the Walthams where Nick Silva joined us.
Just as we got to White Waltham aerodrome Paul, who had started the debate on tubs, got the only puncture of the ride in his rear clincher tyre! After this was fixed we carried on through Waltham St.Lawrence to Ruscombe and turned left over the railway bridge and left at the roundabout. Right into Hinton Road and on to Hurst past the Green Man to the junction where it was left and then right into School Lane. Up the "Col de St.Nicholas" and on to the Winnersh road which has finally had some of the potholes removed - Hurrah!
Over the A329 at Winnersh where Alan turned for home. Past Nirvana and on to Arborfield Cross where we had to regroup after the little hill before the roundabout. Down the hill to Swallowfield and over the Blackwater River bridge to the left turn towards Risely where we turned left and left again down the lane to bring us back to the little bridge. As Bungler's Hill loomed you could hear gears being crunched in an effort to get an easier gear for the climb. At the top Dave reminded us that we should be changing the lead more often to give everyone an equal share of the work.
Down the hill to the A327 and left back towards Arborfield Cross for the slog up the rolling road to Nirvana and the traffic lights at Winnersh which (fortunately for Dave) were red and let him catch up! We turned sharp right off the Twyford Road down the farm lane and round to Hurst. Then right into Hinton road before turning left up the hill to Ruscombe where a sprint to the top occurred - didn't see who won!
Back over the railway and then the longer way back to Waltham St.Lawrence where Tim and Paul left us. Paul headed for home at Woodlands Park and the rest of us struggled on to the A4 and the usual sprint for home up Punt Hill. Again I was too far back to see the outcome, but it was Mickael that prevailed - I think!
M.M.
Sunday 27th February
Eight riders met at the Pond House in glorious sunshine. They were Tim Brass, Andy Brown, Paul Buckley, Steve Green, Dave Lambourne, Mike Mills, Andy Sykes and Mike who was out with us a few weeks ago.
We set off along Courthouse Road to Furze Platt and then Cookham with the wind in our faces and someone remarked that we would have a tail wind on the way back - WRONG! Over the Thames and on to Bourne End and Wooburn Green where Andy nearly shook his teeth out on a set of drain covers just before the green! Left under the M40 and past High Wycombe rugby club and then over the River Wye back to the A40. Through the town and towards the Hughenden Valley where, for a very brief moment, we rode as a group to the start of the climb.
Before long the usual suspects could not restrain themselves any longer and off the front they shot! We regrouped at the top and after a brief stop Dave, Tim (with a sore knee) and Andy Sykes (who had been out since 8 o'clock) turned for home. The rest of us dropped down the hill with just a hint of what was to come weatherwise!
Past Chequers and on down the hill to Butler's Cross. Straight across and on to the Aylesbury road then left (by the garage) towards Stone. With Andy Brown still on the front we headed up the long drag towards Thame until we turned left for Ford. Due to a technical error we missed the next right that would have led us to Ford and back on to the A40 and thanks to a large pot hole we had a forced stop as Mike stopped to pick up his bottle after it jumped out of the cage.
Mike M. decided that it was time to don a rain jacket as by now the drizzle was getting too heavy to ignore. Andy Brown said he didn't like rain jackets and carried on without one - he should have put it on! The slight detour brought us out near Princes Risborough and on to the road to West Wycombe. The small hill away from Princes Risborough was the last straw for Mike M. who is still trying to regain some semblance of fitness after more than two months off the bike!
Slowly but surely the Fast Four disappeared into the distance and to add insult to injury a rider on a slick shod mountain bike went past as well - DOH!!!!!!! At the A40 Mike M. saw the group waiting by the garage and so not to hold them up any more kept on cycling towards High Wycombe. Back through Wooburn Green, Bourne End to Cookham where Andy and Paul left us and upped the pace to try and get warm, but to no avail!
Steve, Mike M. and Mike splashed back across the Switchback to Furze Platt and the a left off Courthouse Road down All Saints Road to head for home and some hot drinks and food before a hot shower/bath and a welcoming armchair!
Distance covered was 52 miles and the average was 16mph.
M.M.
Sunday 20th February
After Saturday's rain it was a surprise to only have 8 turn up today, on what was forecast to be a fairly mild day. [Alas the Met Office got it wrong again - it was cold and grey! ]
Dave, Tim, MikeM, Steve, Derek, Mark, PaulT and Ian were today's team and we kept a good, steady pace through Cookham, BourneEnd into Marlow...shame it didn't continue after we turned to climb Platt's hill ! Steve upped the pace immediately with only Tim and Derek keeping up. Next Derek was on the front, then Tim took a turn to open the gap. Vvrrrooooooooooooooooooooooooooom! Mark shot to the fore having powered across the gap and left everyone floundering. Fresh from a weeks training in Spain he just kept on going and going and going at a blistering pace (and that's not a subtle reference to his bout of paella-de-la-servicios food poisoning!).
It was cold and damp at the top so we dithered not. Once Toddy had got his breath back and started talking again we whizzed down to Medmenham and into Henley on the ever-worsening potholed main road.
Next stop was the top of the hill at Crowsley Park after what seemed a very long upward incline through Harpsden. From Sonning Common we took the usual drop down to Play Hatch and over the bridge at Sonning Eye. Mike called "right" [at the next mini roundabout] "then quick left"...which translated into right? what left ? eh ?left or right ? left right ? You what ? no right then left, then what? left ? right ? yeah left? right ?
Needless to say the group split up leaving some very bemused motorists in their wake !
Back on track we navigated Woodley Green emerging by Dinton Pastures. Looping through the lanes in and around Hurst led us to Beenhams Heath then back via White Waltham.
Approx 50 miles at 16.6 mph
TCB
Sunday 6th February
The mild weather today made for a good opportunity to burn off some of those excess calories gained at the club's excellent annual dinner and prize giving last night. [ Ed: the chocolate fudge brownie was especially yummy!]
Up to do battle with the high winds were, Dave, Pete C, Tim, Darek, PaulB, John and first timer Peter from Windsor. As advertised on the website, this was the first ride of the month and so an easier route was planned. This was especially appreciated by John who had not ridden for nearly a year - apparently preferring the joys of property renovation!
And so it was - a twisty-turny meandering ride along the lanes south of Maidenhead - through The Walthams, Hare Hatch, Wall End - where Alan joined us, suddenly appearing out of nowhere. Hurst, Wokingham (where Alan vanished again !), Binfield and Warfield.
We stopped at the junction of the A330 with 30 miles on the clock. The choice: left turn and back to Maidenhead, or right turn to Windsor, Datchet, Dorney. The sapping wind had taken its toll and the ayes were to the left. A speedy descent to Birdhills golf club then back through White Waltham. With just a mile or so to go the pace picked up with a group of four racing together all the way to the PH.
A windy, but otherwise pleasantly steady 35 miles at 15.6 mph
TCB
Sunday 23rd January
An optimistic group turned up at the PH, albeit under pessimistic skies: Dave, IanC, IanL, Steve, Martin, PaulB, PaulT, Tim & 3 newcomers - Matt, Mike & Derek.
A fairly slow start out along the A4 to Knowl Hill, up through Warren Row then dropping down to the river & along into Henley. Left after the bridge, through Harpsden & up the first climb to Crowsley park. The next climb (up to Stoke Row) split the group a little more & so we stopped at the top for a bio break. A sinister trim figure in black emerged from the road ahead - eerily gliding towards us through the haunting mist - creaking trees all around as the winter wind chilled our shivering spines...
Fear not - it was Nick ! out on some secret early season training.
After a chat we were on our way again. Dave turned for home at Nuffield whilst the rest of us negotiated Park Corner. En route to Cookley Green, 2-a-breast riding caused an unnecessary traffic jam [pay attention & single-up guys!] where one driver got a rap on his wing for being too close to Tim. At Turville Heath we missed the left turn to Turville & headed off down hill to Stonor - the acceleration of the leaders was far too fast to consider a U-turn. As the hill leveled out, the road was wet & brown & smelly - definitely not mud ! Pooh !
Martin then shot off the front with PaulB & IanC & picked up the pace significantly. Tim & Steve jumped the gap & we powered on down to the Lower Assenden junction with the A4130...where strangely, there was that dark eerie figure again - gliding off into the distance...
On reaching Wargrave we got stuck at the lights for a few minutes before heading up Crazies Hill. Back down to Knowl Hill with a surprisingly slow ride along the A4...that was until Martin kicked into overdrive again. Eyeballs out now with PaulB leading & opening a gap. Martin again took to the front with Tim first out of the A404 roundabout. Alas our fun was thwarted as a large Horse Truck pulled in front at the next junction. It was too wide to safely pass and struggled to reach 26mph before hitting a queue of traffic. Race over, we weaved through the cars back to the PH.
No rain, no punctures & 44 miles at approx 16 mph
TCB
Sunday 16th January
Martin Porter, Ian Carswell, Nick Silva and Abe Sharp set off from the Pond House into the full force of a strong wind from the south-west. The discussion about where to head for had consisted of vague gesturing in the direction of the wind, and phrases like 'Silchester way - we'll just get blown home', so we found ourselves heading out via Hurst on the traditional wet-weather route.
Instead of turning left and left again after Swallowfield, we turned right, and our windy challenge did not abate as Nick and Martin led us steadily in the direction of Land's End! Fortunately, after passing through Beech Hill and Mortimer, we found a sign to Silchester off to the left, and this took us south and then east. Following the signs to Roman Silchester took us on a circuit of the impressive boundary wall of the ruins, with hints of more interesting things inside, and distant views towards the north. The route was turning out to be longer than ideal for a windy and showery January day, so we didn't stop to indulge any latent archaeological interests; even so, it had definitely been worth the long windward slog to enjoy this stretch of road.
Following signs for Stratfield Staye, we completed a loop back to Beech Hill, then retraced our original route to Swallowfield, from where we picked up the 'normal' wet weather route, heading back to Arborfield via Bunglers Hill. Ian left us here, and Nick headed off towards Bracknell at the traffic lights in Winnersh. The remaining pair headed back through Hurst and Shurlock Row, with Martin continuing towards Ascot and Abe turning off towards Maidenhead via White Waltham (and finding it hard not to stop at The Beehive for a quick Sunday roast).
Distance covered was 61 miles at an average speed of 15mph.
AS