Friday Night Ride to the Coast 28th September

Yes! another wondrous ride in prospect. We leave Hyde Park Corner at midnight, and travel via Chelsea, Clapham Common (where a small diversion will be made to the shrubbery) Tooting, Mitcham, Wallington, Chipstead, Lower Kingswood, down Reigate Hill to....Reigate. Then on through the mists of Lonesome Lane to Meath and Horley where we stop chez Tourist Tony for a light snack.

And then via the ostrich farm and Turners Hill, Ardingly, Wivelsfield and Ditchling to the famous Greenhouses. Coffee, and up the Beacon where we will marvel at the sunrise. Then down to the sea!

All this can be yours - but you have to pre-register. So send me an e-mail with your name, telephone number and CTC or LCC number if you have one. CTC rules mean that we need a next-of-kin number as well, although we've now done 12 rides without incident (and all but one without rain).

Simon
simon@cyclingswlondon.org.uk

Author: Lisa

Mike Morley

Just to confirm my acceptance of the invitation to blog on the DA site. Editor Sou'Wester

Author: mike morley

May-June 2007 Sou'Wester

EDITOR'S NOTE

Well my first copy seemed to go down well and thank you those who made compliments. Many events have taken place since the last issue particularly the very successful Hilly 50 with more about that below. Vic White continues to progress after his accident and has also contributed an interesting article by a cyclist about his outdoor interest. Thank you Vic. I would encourage more to think laterally in this way but do still encourage more profiles or updates or write-ups on mega or particularly memorable rides. The second half of Ann Bath’s Mersey 24 is an example. How about one of those weeks training rides in Majorca, to encourage others or a CTC tour. Get your thinking caps on and keep writing to make our Sou'Wester more enjoyable.

Mike


District Association Barn Dance

The Barn Dance, previously the DA main fund raising event, rapidly being overtaken by the Hilly 50 km, was attended by 103 members and friends who had a very enjoyable evening dancing to the tunes of Carol Hewson & the BJM Trio and fantastic food was provided by Bernie’s Kitchen. It has always been our main social event of the year and thanks to all the organisers and helpers, particularly Jen and Simon Mitchell, long may it continue.
A special presentation was made to Clive Oxx in recognition of his fantastic achievement of compiling 49 Personal Profiles of members during his 10 years as Sou’Wester editor, a feat unlikely to be surpassed in the future. For posterity’s sake Pete Mitchell, Simon and Lisa produced a professionally bound book, which overwhelmed Clive who will treasure this for ever. He plans to get it signed by as many profile subjects as he can.


Hilly 50 km
Ed Sharp writes. It was a success. When I was young in the Feltham RC having had dismal results at 10 and 25 mile TT, I knew I would never be mentioned in Cycling Weekly but now being organiser of this event, not only has my name been mentioned but also my photo, address and phone number! Will I be the next David Duffield?
I have competed in this event a few times using my light bike but had to walk up two hills. It took a long time and was Hell!
Simon Warren, Cycling Weekly reporter, said he wished he had a carbon fibre bike for the event instead of 10kg chunk of steel. Our editor, Mike Morley, rode a mountain bike. Think again Mike.
My thanks go to Simon, Jen, Jake, Brian Starey and computer experts Graham Hill and Lisa Colombo for their help and support.
(Ed is very modest in his account of this event, indeed it was a resounding success bearing in mind that when he and Cheam & Morden Section took over the organisation, the entry was down to some 20 riders. Three years ago it was around 50 riders, last year 100 or so and this year 153, quite a number going under two hours. If you carry on at this rate Ed you will need more Deputies. Historically, this event was started over 20 years ago by Sid Richardson, I am informed. Then it was shorter and flatter. Stuart Downie from the then Family Section (Downlanders), took over and increased it to 50 km with some rough stuff and a sharp 1:4 addition. At that time it was on the DATC calendar and almost impossible to go under two hours. At its peak then, it attracted some 35 to 40 riders. It was in those days that Ed and I first rode the event and the muddy bit was not good. So from little beginnings and small acorns, this event looks like maturing into a fully grown and strong oak tree. Finally I must mention again that amazing man ‘Octogenarian Ray Dare’ who went round in 2 hr 40 mins, just 15 mins slower than Simon Mitchell on an MTB, whose sister, Jake, and wife, Jen, also completed the event after all their organisation at the start. Needless to say the phenomenal veteran Gary Dodd was well under two hours. As Ed says there was lots more in Cycling Weekly. I suspect Simon Legg has also pushed this event to good effect through very effective publicity. Editor)

Wayfarers Anniversary Lunch
As reported on the blogsite but not available to all, the following is worth repeating: 7th March was a fantastic day with so many riders at Cobham for elevenses. The lunch at Prezzo in Cheam was attended by 53 members and was excellent value for £9, two courses and coffee including gratuity. The calorific value was enormous. I would like to put the editor’s name on record, in thanking Brian, as was done at the lunch today by others, specifically Mike Withers for organising such a fantastic event.
The whole ambience of the day was great, especially with such fantastic weather and such wonderful company. The rides in advance were also great and I can specifically thank Steve Cox for organizing such a tantalizing and circuitous roundabout route to get from Cobham to Cheam via Hampton Court and Kingston for the ‘A’ ride.
Thanks also to Bob, Brian’s kid brother, for suggesting a nightcap in the local wine bar (for that is what it turned out to be - I got home to Walton on the Hill at 7:30pm), the final cause of delay at the wine bar was Lynda still trying to sell her T shirt printing. She rode by on the pavement around 5:30 pm, having seen us in there at around 4:00 pm, on first arrival. We bought her a lemonade to ensure she did not dehydrate on the way home, while we continued with another 95% alcohol free beer. We met a very interesting retired policeman who was emigrating to Cyprus. He is starting up a coarse fishing business for trout, bream and American Bass, which apparently is delicious and is all caught on inland rivers and lakes. The ‘We’ consisted of a small number of reprobates who shall be nameless but much to his credit included our very worthy DA secretary who retired early like the policeman to go home before dark.
For those that can and have not looked more pictures are on the ‘Blog’ thanks to that very competent and monumental cyclist admired by us all Ray Dare.
I must repeat a fantastic day out and thanks again Brian for putting it on in style.

Cheam & Morden Annual Lunch
The annual Cheam and Morden lunch took place as usual at the Hand in Hand pub, Box Hill on 11th February attended by 40 riders from all Sections of the DA. The food was good although it took a while to serve everyone. As always the occasion was a good opportunity for members to meet and chat followed by an easy downhill cruise home for most riders.

CTC Successful Initiative
Members, do not be afraid to use the new CTC tools to flag up potholes and blocked off-road trails. The pothole campaign has produced an enormous response and apparently shows Surrey CC to be the worst in the UK. There is a link on the CTC website www.ctc.org.uk or go to:
www.fillthathole.org.uk or
www.clearthattrail.org.uk
It is easy to use and prompts you what to do as you proceed. It also gives you a grid reference when you have located your pothole and reports back that it has been flagged up by the local county council. Be careful to mark the correct spot on the map. You are encouraged to keep an eye on progress when next on the route and if after say three to four weeks it is not fixed then report back. If you do not have a computer ask a friend who has, to log it for you, especially if it is really bad and highly dangerous as many are. Even motorists are apparently applauding this tool where potholes are wrecking their tyres and wheels but not as in cyclists’ case threatening their lives in extremis. Remember if you wreck a wheel you can claim on the council responsible.

KPRC Saturday Morning Rides
Two rides take place every Saturday, an offroad and onroad starting 10am at Horton Country Park, Epsom. They are sociable moderate rides with a tea stop and returning around 1:00pm, the idea being to attract busy people who maybe ride alone but would welcome company on their rides. More details contact Jake Dodd.

Summer rides for Beginners
Similarly the Beginners Section is planning a series of Monday evening summer rides, starting from Manor Park Sutton at 6:50pm for 7:00pm prompt start. The distance will be approximately 10 miles out and back (20 miles) to such places as Biggin Hill, Box Hill, Hampton Court and other interesting summer night spots in the coming months. More details will appear in the next issue about these two hour rides.


2006 Awards
The following winners received their trophies at the Barn Dance on 31st March:.

Photographs:
Person (male)       Simon Mitchell
Person (female)     Pete Mitchell
Action              Jonathan Spearman-Oxx
Scenery/Landscape   Grant Pyke
Building/Buildings  Jen Mitchell
Humorous or funny   Simon Mitchell
Most interesting or ambitious ride:
Only one entry was received and the panel decided
that,although an interesting description of a
holiday, it did not fit the bill of an ambitious
ride and no prize was awarded.

Attendance on Rides: (points)
Beginners              Tony Hooker (45)
Downland               Angie Launder (79)
Cheam & Morden         Ed Sharp (92)
Wayfarers              Ed Sharp (100)
Inter Section          Ed Sharp (192)
followed by            Norman Goody (173)
Punctures:             Richard Delamere (2)
Mileages:
Male: Pete Mitchell    12,905 miles
Female: Ann Bath        9,535 miles
(A full list was published in Mch/Apl 2007 issue)
DATC Points            Phil Lintott

Vic White on one of his other interests
As I approached forty, I thought it time I took up some less strenuous pursuits in preparation for old age. I joined the Southern Veteran-Cycle Club and the Alpine Garden Society. Both can be as gentle as you like, but I was to find that the AGS had a hidden agenda. All very well to stay at home and try to grow things, but there is a faction that scorns such things and goes out looking for plants in outlandish places. I soon fell in with this lot, and have been with them to mountain ranges on every continent except Antarctica; anything that might grow there can be seen in more comfortable places, such as Tierra del Fuego. I haven’t taken a bike on any of these trips it’s a long way between caf駸 in Siberia. I have seen a globetrotter on a heavily laden ATB slogging up a mountain pass in the Zagros Mountains of Iran, but I doubt he was there to pick flowers. My lot always travel in all-terrain vehicles, especially the legendary Ural truck, which goes anywhere it wants to. If you think searching for mountain flowers seems a bit tame, they are usually found among other life forms, such as snow leopards and lammergeiers, which aren’t so obliging when you want to photograph them, but are worth seeing anyway. We often get zoologists and ornithologists come with us, so that it’s more like a trip with David Attenborough than with Christine Walkden, although she was with us in Bulgaria.
After one of these trips, cycling seems quite tame for a while. However, I do have a project going which combines both lives. In the CITES Red Book, which lists endangered species, I found about thirty plants which used to be hereabouts but may now be locally extinct. I went looking and found about ten within riding distance of home. There’s one at Happy Valley, Coulsdon, another on Banstead Downs, yet others at West End, Oxshott, Chobham and Wood Street. A bit further out I have found things at Harefield, Amersham and Wendover. The latter has a Gentian which comes out in October, so you have to get a move on if you want to get there and back in daylight. Fortunately, I have already done that one and got back safely with the pictures, so I don’t have to do it again. Part way up Whitedown the road is crossed by the North Down’s Way, so if you need an excuse to get off and walk, you can say you are looking for Bee Orchids, which sometimes appear there. Be warned, only a botanist can get away with that one! I continue to look for the other rarities, although I think I shall pass on Thlaspi perfoliatum, which used to thrive at West Drayton Station when they had horsedrawn cabs; there’s a connection, and it’s not very savoury. On our Wednesday rides we often pass places where I have found fossils, but that’s another story. Just remember that when you watch Natural History programmes on TV some poor geek probably spent hours wallowing in something nasty to bring you those images, so that you don’t have to.

Beginners Launch
Annually since 1996 the Beginners have invited a local VIP to launch the summer season (although rides take place every week throughout the year). On 31st March we welcomed Helen Young, former BBC lead weather presenter and now Sutton's Ambassador for School Travel Plans. The announcement in the local papers brought out three more new riders, all of whom were impressed with the peaceful scenic route to tea at Ashtead and equally enjoyable gentle homeward ride. A donation was given to Helen's special charity, Guillain Barré syndrome (www.gbs.org.uk). We thank her for her enthusiasm and her time and look forward to her joining us again, probably with her children.

Cyclism leisurely evening rides
The eleventh season will run from May until August. Details: Shirley Quemby 020 8642 3720.

Our Sections:
Beginners rides are short and easy paced for new and returning cyclists of any age (children must be accompanied). Experienced members ensure that no one is left behind.
Cheam & Morden rides range from about 50 miles to over 70 and are graded as shown overleaf. The rides return home in late afternoon.
Downland rides are up to 30 miles at an easy pace from the coffee meeting places listed. Lunch can be a picnic, or purchased at the destination shown. Home by early afternoon, our days are more social than for the hardened rider. Some members add a further 25 to 35 miles to their day’s outing by riding from Banstead with the option of returning home for lunch. For details of times and meeting places before coffee phone Angela Launder.
Midweek Wayfarers usually all meet at ‘elevenses’, dividing into three groups ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’, each led by a leader nominated for that day. Sometimes ‘C’ group stay closer to home, using a separate 11s venue when ‘A’ and ‘B’ groups go further afield. Each first Wednesday all three groups get together at our ‘home’ venue at Royal British Legion Hall, Cobham, Surrey. ‘A’ and ‘B’ rides average about 45 miles.

Author: Lisa

March-April 2007 Profile

Mersey Roads 24 hour 2005, continued

I’d decided to have my usual cereal at around 7 am and changed my shorts but kept long thin leggings on. Steve said I did seem to have a bit of a low patch during the night and seemed to spend too long choosing what to take with me, but strangely I didn’t really notice it, I had started getting rather a sore behind, but I’d expected that, and it was foremost in my mind. Then it was off back to the 12 mile Quina Brook circuit and Steve said I seemed to really pick up after breakfast - it was as if I’d started a new day of cycling, most strange! I felt really good on these circuits and was managing nearly 16 mph. I realised I’d had far too much time off the bike to get anywhere near 368, but the main thing was that I was so enjoying the experience and the whole atmosphere of the event.
Amazingly, maybe due to spinning light gears as much as possible, my legs didn’t feel too bad, and I didn’t have any back ache. Getting cramp in the 100 taught me a huge lesson about not pushing heavy gears.
But at about 21 hours I started to get a very painful left hand and found it difficult to keep it on the drops. Still, considering I didn’t have any other major problems I felt I’d been pretty lucky in my first attempt. I seemed to keep going round the Quina Brook circuit, what I didn’t realise till later was that we had to wait for a huge slow load to go before going to the finishing circuit. Then off we were sent - and I knew the finish was in sight! Amazingly we seemed to have a lovely tail wind to the finishing circuit, just what was needed as a final morale booster. The organisers were amazing as first the start had to be moved due to roadworks, then they had the slow load to contend with, then the finishing circuit had to be changed to a shorter one at the very last minute. It was a bit hilly with quite narrow roads in places, but just the thing to keep you on your guard and I found the concentrating on the twists and turns made the time go quickly. I couldn’t believe that I felt better and stronger than on the finishing circuit of a “12”.
The support and cheers were fantastic - but at one hour to go I’d run out of food and drink and didn’t have an emergency gel, but in the end couldn’t be bothered to stop, then my time was up, and there was Steve who had miraculously worked out which time-keeper I’d stop at!
I was over the moon and it confirmed what many had said - that it is the best event on the time trial calendar. I just felt very privileged to be part of it and indebted to all the marshals and others as their encouragement helped me achieve what I did. Back to headquarters and confirmed so quickly that I’d done 342 miles. Later I studied my heart rate graph and splits and realised I’d had over two hours off the bike - much more than I’d planned, I was very surprised how the minutes here and there added up. So next year will be very different, probably much harder!
So it was my turn to sleep in the back of the car going home, out like a light for about 5 hours. Home at 9 pm then slept well again and off to work Monday with a big smile on my face! The buzz and feeling of achievement stayed with me for at least 2 weeks.
Then after a few days off the bike and eating loads, the following weekend we went on a three day, 180 mile tour carrying tent and sleeping gear, so I was delighted at my fast recovery. Putting in the extra miles in preparation just made me realise how much I love all aspects of cycling - whether it’s leisure cycling, touring, racing, even just cycling to work or the shops.
I really would recommend anyone having a go at the 24 hour as it really is such an amazing event. For the modest entry cost you are so well supported with food and drink if you want it, free food at Lynn’s all night café, the priceless cheers and smiles all night long, and to cap it all a medal and 24 hour Mersey embossed individual photo.
So roll on 2006, when I really will try and do over 368 miles! Anyone who would like any more information or encouragement please contact me.
Ann Bath

Author: Lisa

March-April 2007 Sou'Wester

NEW SOU’WESTER EDITOR

Mike Morley was appointed at the SWLDA AGM on 10th December, 2006 to replace Clive Oxx. The new editor and committee would like to thank Clive for all his hard work over the last nine years. Who is the new bloke on the block? That’s me and according to my wife Barbara she says you don’t know what the AGM have done, pointing out that I can neither spell, write, punctuate, nor be grammatically correct in any way. In fact she is convinced that I am the worst person she can think of to take on this role and she should know after 40 years of marriage. So now you know and Clive will be a hard act to follow. You will have to take me as you find me. All criticism and constructive comment will be most welcome but most of all I will need your help too, with profiles, articles, news, and reporting. So don’t be frightened e-mail, fax, write or phone and I will do my best to promote your ideas and cycling as a whole. (email the SWLDA site webmaster for Mike's contact details.)
Many of you will not know me as I have not been a very active member of the DA until retiring in 2005. I first joined CTC in 1956, Derby DA and then, after a lapse and moving to Banstead from the Midlands, I joined the SWLDA Family Section around 1987. I am also a member of the Surrey Road CC. Here is a mugshot that I used 18 months ago in an attempt to become a CTC Councillor, which clearly failed.

Nevertheless what you get is what you see. If interested a more detailed profile can follow but this newsletter is not about me but you the members. So get busy!

CAROL SERVICE AND 2006 AGM
The inaugural Carol Service at St. Peters Parish Church, Walton-on-the Hill took place following the AGM at Breech Lane Community centre on Sunday, 10th December, 2006. It was a great success attended by 49 CTC members and cycling friends. The Vicar, Reverend Margaret Marsh, officiated with a small choir and soloist, Julie Dupenois, sang beautifully. Festive refreshments followed with mulled wine, mince pies, stollen cake, tea, coffee and fruit juice, with plenty of conversation about renewing friendships. The theme was cyclists and walkers but few walkers were attracted, so for 2007, the plan is to attract more cyclists and lots of walkers. Start planning now to bring along your friends and in this day of ethnic and religious tolerance all are welcome. Don’t miss out on the mulled wine again. The bright idea of Pete B and Colin Q to combine the dates for the AGM and Carol Service worked well and will be repeated in 2007, so make a date in your diaries - Sunday, 9th December, 2007: 12:30 pm AGM, Carol Service 2:30 pm.

BARN DANCE
See list of DA events, Saturday, 31st March, 2007. This is our major annual social event and incorporates the DA annual prize presentation. Please come along and enjoy yourself and have some fun. This year we plan a slightly revised programme. Doors open at 6:00pm for dinner at 6:30pm. Awards will be at 9:00pm. So in between there will be lots of opportunity for dancing and prancing.

RIDING RED ROUTES!
Colin and Shirley Quemby and Bob Eberhard are assisting with the CRIM (Cycle Route Inspection Meeting) on the Kingston by pass and associated main roads. We hope that the improvements recommended by ourselves and the consultants will be built. Mayor Ken/TfL are keen for all roads to be usable by any cyclist who wishes to ride on or alongside them for short or long stretches. A CRIM for the A24 took place last Summer and those for the A23, A217 and A232 are to come.

KPRC SATURDAY MORNING RIDES
Two rides take place every Saturday, an offroad and onroad starting 10:00 am at Horton Country Park, Epsom. They are sociable moderate rides with a tea stop and returning around 1:00 pm, the idea being to attract busy people who maybe ride alone but would welcome company on their rides. More details contact Jake Dodd.

SUMMER RIDES FOR BEGINNERS
Similarly the Beginners Section is planning a series of Monday evening summer rides, meeting at Manor Park, Throwley Way, Sutton at 6:50 pm for a 7:00 pm prompt start. The distance will be approximately 10 miles out and back (20 miles total) to such places as Biggin Hill, Box Hill, Hampton Court and other interesting summer night spots in the coming months. More details will appear in the next issue about these planned two hour rides.

SALFORDS CYCLE SHOP
Clive Oxx refers to the following publication and suggests this may be of interest to members with knowledge of the bicycle builder in question. Nostalgia publication, recently released by the Veteran-Cycle Club, Frederick H. Pratt & Son - Complete Cycle Engineers. This shop at Salfords on the main A23 road which many of us will have known, was sadly closed during last year. The 55 years history was written into a book by the V-CC’s ‘Media Watch’ reporter, Alvin Smith, and was funded by the John Pinkerton Memorial Publishing Fund. Fred’s wife Joan was the sister of the famous Claud Butler. There are many interesting aspects in this book that relate to our DA, the Redhill CC and KPRC according to Clive. For more details contact him on 020 8647 0766.

OLD BIKE FOR NEW HOME
Tom Powell has one bike surplus to requirements and is looking for a new home for what he describes as a bike in good condition. It is a “Wakefield” 25 inch frame, built in 1951 with Mafac brakes and 3 speed Sturmey Archer gears, Free to good home. To be collected from Streatham Vale. For more info call Tom.

MILEAGES FOR 2006:

Pete Mitchell    12,905
Frank Cubis      10,334
Ann Bath          9,535
Phil Lintott      8,336
Terry Lowe        7,706
Jake Dodd         7,504
Pat Matthews      7,181
Bill Matthews     7,119
Dennis Broughton  7,084
Norman Goody      6,608
Ed Sharp          6,000
Pam Jones         5,844
Toni D’Italia     5,628
Andrew Hewett     5,570
Eric Ashford      5,440
Irene North       5,412
Florence Hallet   4,854
Simon Mitchell    4,800
Colin Quemby      4,653
Grant Pyke        4,571
Lynda Barrow      4,462
Steve Gordon      4,395
Les Johnston      4,146
Chris O’Hearn     4,095
Ray Dare          4,010
Lisa Colombo      3,747
Julian Calder     3,681
Shirley Quemby    3,668
Rob Maskell       3,586
Toni Zeolla       3,358
Carole Dockett    3,287
Geoff Clarke      3,111
Richard Delamare  3,092
Liz Scrivens      2,815
Cliff Whitfield   2,755
Frank Powney      2,741
Ron Powney        2,451
Pete Barnard      2,430
Fuzz Edwards      2,384
Gill Finlay       2,152
Judy Margery      2,140
Clive Oxx         1,994
John Hammond      1,980
Deanna Bailey     1,664
Jen Mitchell      1,579
Doreen Powney     1,128

Compiled by Pete Mitchell. A ten year chart can be viewed on the DA website.

Author: Lisa

Sou'Westers Index

Index:
2007 March/April         Profile
2007 May/June
2007 July/August         Profile
2007 September/October   Profile

Hopefully I will get the text up and the links in place for most of this, tomorrow.

Reasoning:

It takes me a long time to sit down and sort out the update pages for the Sou'Wester every two months, when the paper sheet and electronic copy is delivered. I do not have the knowledge, nor the software I would like, to make this a quick and easy task. Also, most of the updates require me to be connected from home to my own ISP which means that after a tough day at work when I don't come home and turn the computer on - another day is lost in terms of timely updates.

I am constantly trying to learn, and looking for new ways of doing things to speed this up.
So today's plan is to change a few links, and to use the blog to post the Sou'Wester content as soon as it arrives (hopefully) and then take the time later to format it into the website proper.

Lisa

Author: Lisa