Beginners Section filmed for BBC's "Britain in a day"

On Saturday the beginers ride from Nonsuch park, Cheam cycled to Bushy Park and as part of the BBC's "Britain in a day" I filmed the group along the route. You can see the film on you tube at www.youtube.com/davidofhampton. There is the possibility that parts of it may be included in the film to be made of the day which is due to be completed by the BBC at the end of December for release later next year. watch this space!!

David

Author: Lisa

DA AGM - 6 November 2011

Author: Jeff

HOW DID THAT HAPPEN

I should not have braked going down Pebblecombe Hill but long since lost my nerve and maxed out at 34 mph on Sunday. But the rear brake blocks did their thing to my rim blowing the tyre, and the rim locked itself against the brake calliper. Angie said I was lucky not to end up in the road but I put staying upright down to my skill and 70 years of experience. I still do not understand why modern alloy rims don't last forever like they did in the good old days. I now do less miles than ever and this is the second rim that has let me down.

Luckily Dawn, resting from the tandem, passed by shortly afterwards intending to join us at Henfold for coffee and loaded me and my wheels into the car. We were joined by Deanna from Dorking and by Janice and Ken up from Rustington, no they didn't cycle, Janice has many months to wait before her arm repairs, and Terry no doubt planning pain for others on Wednesday.

David A

Author: Lisa

1 Comment:

Jeff 27 October 2011 at 10:58 BST

David,
You were very lucky to get away with that, particularly on Pebble Hill! Even more fortunate that is was the rear wheel.

Was the problem the thinning of the alloy or was the brake block rubbing against the tyre, which then exploded and destroyed the rim?

Jeff

Time of DA AGM. Correction to page 78 of Oct/Nov issue of Cycle

DA AGM - Date, Time, Place and Corrigendum

12.30pm

CTC AGMs are like busses - they all seem to come at the same time.

I'm sure that you all have the DA AGM indelibly marked in your diaries for 12.30pm on Sunday, 6 November, at Breech Lane Community Centre, Walton on the Hill.

Those who aspire to enter Mastermind with CTC AGMs as their specialist subject, will no doubt have noted with horror the incorrect time of 14.00 hours (no fault of the CTC) recorded on page 78 of the October/November issue of Cycle. The correct details were published in the Sept/Oct issue of the Sou'Wester.

There will be a short Cheam & Morden ride on that day, which will lead to Walton on the Hill for the AGM at 12.30pm, possibly to be followed by a bracing sasparillo at the Chequers.

Everybody will be welcome.

Jeff

Author: Jeff

Surrey Police & Cyclist's

Having read the Blog below I was cycling through Walton on the Hill today and introduced myself to our new NSO Kamran Yacoub who has taken over from PC Ed Ferris. It is worth noting that a new number for non-emergency incidents is now working! Instead of 999 you can call 101 which may be more appropriate for motoring/cycling incidents.
I asked Kamran if he had heard about the controversy over the recent notice issued by Mole Valley and he had not. He has however agreed to acquaint himself of the situation with Inspector Terri Poulton.
I have given him my name, address and telephone number and he has said he will visit me next week when he is on duty in the village to update! If anyone has a view and would like to send it to me I will be happy to open up a dialogue with Surrey Police. The outcry from Cycling Weekly is clear but I would say the best way forward if at all possible is to have a grown up dialogue between cyclist, motorists and the police and if a better understanding can be engendered then maybe some good can come out of the local officers genuine concern!

Author: mike morley

Surrey Police Declare War on Cyclists

Dear All,

Adam Fields has sent me a link to the following news item in Cycling Weekly, which you may have seen or heard about. I have copied the article below.

Am I alone in thinking that this represents a bone-headed, disproportionate and mis-directed abuse of police power? At what level was it conceived?

What do you think?

Should we be responding individually and as South West London CTC, to the Surrey Police Authority and to Surrey County Council? This seriously mis-judged and mis-begotten police campaign should not go unanswered!

I thought that the government was trying to get people out of their cars and onto bikes, not the other way round.

If you look at the 'comments', there is an apology from Inspector Terri Poulton, Neighbourhood Inspector for Mole Valley (Sept 16 at 15.19) for the wording of the leaflet, produced by a local officer. Officer? Did we meet him recently at Brockham?

Jeff

Surrey Police go after inconsiderate cyclists

• Thursday, 15 September 2011
• Simon Richardson
• 44 Comments

Surrey Police are targeting inconsiderate cyclists in the Box Hill area as the roads become ever more popular for riding.

In the last two days the Police have been handing out leaflets to cyclists that read:

CARELESS & INCONSIDERATE RIDING: If a person rides a cycle, on a road, without due care and attention, or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road, is guilty of an offence. [sic] £1,000 FINE

A Police spokesperson said that this action was taken due to "quite a lot of anti-social cycling in the area." When asked to confirm what anti-social cycling was they said it applied to those who were riding more than two abreast, or in big groups, and causing cars to slow down.

Rule 66 of the Highway Code states: never ride more than two abreast, and ride in single file on narrow or busy roads and when riding round bends.

Cycling in groups is not restricted in any way.

The move comes months after PS Simon Cox, Mole Valley Sergeant, contacted several cycling and triathlon clubs in the South East warning them of anti-social and inconsiderate riding.

Part of the letter sent to the clubs reads; 'We have also had increased reports ..... about groups of cyclists blocking roads by cycling in "pelotons". In addition, we have had complaints regarding the inappropriate speed of some cyclists in the narrow and winding lanes around the Surrey Hills.'

It goes on to say that there has been one very serious collision near Box Hill involving a cyclist. Nowhere does it say that any cyclists have committed an offence.

The letter closes by saying; 'Please could I ask you to ensure that your club riders are aware of the complaints we are receiving, to ensure that they do not become subject to complaints themselves.'

Cycling Weekly will be investigating this further over the coming weeks.

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Author: Jeff

CTC South Bucks Golden Beeches Weekend

A traditional annual event frequented by Sou'Westers. This year it takes place on 22-23 October based at St. Leonards nr. Tring. For full details and booking form go to www.southbuckscycling.org.uk/events/golden.beeches Alternatively contact Cilla Gosnell (01949 863679) or Audrey Hughes (01296 696229) or e-mail: golden.beeches@southbuckscycling.org.uk
Failing all else you can e-mail mike.morley5@btinternet.com and I can forward booking forms and programe to you. Booking fee is £3 per day. There is also a slide show and meals that can be booked.

Author: mike morley

from charles

http://lcc.org.uk/events/ride-with-jenny-jones-wednesday-31st-august-morden-tube-10-00am

Author: Pete

Birthday Rides Framlingham

My eighth and perhaps the best B-R certianly an excellent venue at Framlingham Colledge with excellent food and well organised. I heard few if any complaints not even from me!

A triple design Birthday Cake not your double clanger or compact!

Twin sisters enjoying the sun sea & fresh air on Southwold pier, not to mention the plague of lady birds!

CTC CEO at the church service with tricycle bound hound.

Birthday Rides for 2012 are expected to be at Ellesmere in Shropshire - the Long Mynd and all that Jazz. A bit more hilly than the undulating Suffolk lanes.

Author: mike morley

Friday Night Ride to the Coast 15 July 2011

Just to let our members know that Simon Legg is still alive and kicking and is getting more and more incredible support for the "Fridays" Last night I did my first FNRttC this year and as I rode to the start I passed a familiar sight.
Approaching midnight I progressed to Constitution Arch in readiness for around 100 enthusiastic cyclists to depart. It is quite amazing how Simon gets everyone assembled ready to move of at an opportune traffic light change so we can merge into the hectic Friday night traffic. Off we proceed via Sloan Square, Chelsea Bridge and out over Clapham common toward Mitcham and into the countryside at Chipstead, destination Brighton via Turners Hill & Ditchling Beacon. For those that have not yet ventured onto one of these surreal rides it should be tried at least once.
The halfway point is well catered for and especially so last night by the Horley Scout Group. Plenty of fresh sandwiches and home made cake with lots of hot tea.
Last night the ascent of Ditchling Beacon was particularly challenging, horizontal rain and cloud covered top, no evidence of the Full Moon and sunrise that we often see and much different from the majority of the ride.
See all the rides and write ups on FRNttC and get ready for the big one Friday 2nd September "The Martlets Ride" in aid of the hospice. If you can't ride and feel inclined maybe you would like to sponsor someone or simply send a donation.

Author: mike morley

Tom Powell

I have been advised that Tom Powell died last week at the age of 91.

The funeral will be at 1215 on 1st July at the South London Crematorium (by Streatham Park Cemetery), Rowan Road, Streatham Vale. All are welcome.

Please would you pass the message on. Beryl Powell can be contacted on 020 8679 4872.

Pete Barnard

Author: Pete

Jean Carlo (nee Bury)

Jean died on Monday 13.06.11, not having recovered from a massive stroke the previous Friday. There is to be a short service at Langney Crematorium, near Eastbourne, on Thursday, 23.06.11 at 11.15. No flowers but donations can be made to Stroke Association via Heathfield Funeral Services, 1 Holmbrook, Hailsham Road, Heathfield, TN21 8AE.

Author: Pete

Dr. Bike to Note

Seen at St. Helier Hospital last friday a crude conversion in "Wood" to add a child's seat. Innovative no doubt I just hope that the black insulation tape is strong enough to hold and does not produce any electrifying results for rider and passenger. What would Shirley Quemby have to say if the modified bicycle appeared at Dr. Bike?

Author: mike morley

1 Comment:

Jeff 31 May 2011 at 01:20 BST

Shocking indeed! See this month's issue (June/July) of Cycling - Q&A pages 50&51. And if that seat post fails?

Toni & Godfrey's Demise

Having been shocked by the effects of poor Toni & Godfrey's miss hap I took these two pictures of what I believe are the 3 bollards very strategically placed on the Sutton Bypass cycle track as one approaches downhill from Cheam crossroads to Gander Green Lane while going to St. Helier Hospital last Friday.

Cyclists beware they appear to be designed to kill though no doubt the Highways Department will have a good explanation as to why they are there???? I believe that representatives of our DA are taking this matter up with Sutton Council as well they should. They do not appear to represent a separation zone or to serve any useful purpose!

Author: mike morley

Beginners Saturday Ride 21 May 11

News of Toni & Godfrey. Within a mile of the start of the all day ride to London last Saturday Toni came into contact with a bollard on the Sutton Bypass cycle track, came down heavily wrecked his Titanium Raleigh bike and his very expensive new glasses only to be followed by Godfrey who ended up dislocating his shoulder. Both ended up in Hospital Toni with 3 stitches under his eye. No serious harm has been done and both are recovering but will not be out on the bike for a while. Godfrey is waiting for an orthopaedic consultation in two weeks time and Toni will have his stitches out in 2 or 3 days both are feeling very sore. We wish them a speedy and full recovery.

Author: mike morley

The CTC Conversion to Charity - Outcome of Vote

The CTC - born 1878 - died 2011

Dear All,

At the CTC AGM last Saturday, the outcome of the vote on the changes to the CTC Memorandum and Articles of Association was a large majority in favour of the motion. This means that the CTC will be proceeding with arrangements to convert the CTC into a full charity.

Although the voting took place last Saturday at the AGM the CTC has not released the full voting figures. They have said only that over 11,000 members voted, of whom 88.3% supported conversion.

Of this 11,000 I understand from other sources that 5,439 voted for the motion and 4,184 left the Chairman to decide for them. The Chairman held 1,212 proxy votes against the motion. Votes + proxies in the room were 72 for and 73 against. Bottom line seems to be:

• For: 9,695
• Against: 1,285
• Abstentions: 206
  

This means that of an approximate membership of 62,000 (subject to amendment), 51,000 failed to vote - a turnout of about 18%.

Members across the country will now have to decide what their personal response is to this significant change to the CTC as a membership organisation for cyclists and what choices they have. I'm sure that we shall be considering those options.

Jeff

Author: Jeff

1 Comment:

mike morley 19 May 2011 at 00:53 BST

Dear All,
By observation of the results posted by Jeff I am most dissapointed that the CTC Home page gives scant details of the vote. The claim that the vote was overwhelming for the change rings rather hollow when less than one fifth of members voted on such an important change, much less than those that voted in the petition to "Save the CTC" I personally feel that it is unforgivable that the CTC did not allow full access to members to fully ventilate the "NO Vote" point of view. Members should have been given equal exposure for both points of view. I reject the idea that it is like saying the Government should allow all oposition parties the use of the government data base to put their points of view to all voters. This is a members club and not a political party system. I sincerely hope that this result will not start to split the CTC into breakaway groups but I fear that this result will not bring about the resounding success that CTC Council & Management hope for. We will see in the fullnes of time the effect this will have in terms of membership and the financial effect and impact on membership cost.

IOW Randonnee 1st May 2011

Carolyn John & me en route. This year the route was anti-clockwise but Graham & Gill Holder were seen in a clockwise mode. I like people who are unconventional and do their own thing well done! Mark & Maggie did it in Tandem in around six hours so well done to them also. This was my first try and I hope to repeat it next year. It was great riding with John & Carolyn and I hope that next year young sister will make it also.
Having stayed with daughter Natalie in Cows I saw the Cunard Flagship QM2 leaving Southampton from my Red Funnel as I set off home to Walton via Redhill station but due to a track side fire my 3 hr journey took me 7hrs by train via Brighton!

Author: mike morley

New Baby

Pictures of Lorraine McDonnell's new baby, they were taken on 20th March soon after his birth. Lorraine was a regular rider with the beginners group on Saturday
From David Salmon

Author: Pete

Charity Vote - John Meudell resigns from CTC National Council

Dear All,

In the light of the voting papers that you will have just received, you may be interested to read the following letter of resignation from John Meudell, who represents members in SE England on the CTC National Council. I share his concerns.

Your District Committee opposes the proposed conversion of the CTC into a full charity. You can still oppose the conversion by voting against Motion 1 on the voting form. Do not forget to put your signature in box 2a (beneath your membership number) and put a X in the appropriate box for Motion 1 in section 3, headed Charity Vote - Direct your proxy how to vote. The other blank columns are for family members, who may wish to vote differently from you.

Don't forget to vote on Motions 2 - 9 on the back of the page - and don't throw it away!

Please contact me if you would like to discuss.

Comment to follow.

Jeff

Author: Jeff

1 Comment:

mike morley 05 April 2011 at 21:24 BST

I was somewhat shocked to hear that John Muedell had resigned and indeed somewhat dissapointed that yet another Councillor after Simon Legg and Greg Price had decided to resign. If I read between the lines of John Muedell's resignation letter correctly he is clearly fundamentally upset about the way CTC is run and I think that CTC members should seek to find out more about what is behind this as I will also try and do!

Certificate of Merit presented at Barn Dance

Finally a special award and as David Aylett said long overdue to Shirley Quemby for her unstinting services to the CTC and cycling in this DA and Sutton and district over many many years. This award is given by CTC HQ in recognition of outstanding contribution to promotion of cycling, the support of young and new cyclists in helping them become proficient in roadworthy awareness and cycling skills. Long may she and Collin her very supportive Husband continue with the good work.

Author: mike morley

All the Prize Winners Barn Dance 2011

Congratulations again to all the worthy winners for both the photography and and highest mileage.

Author: mike morley

Barn Dance Action 2

More of the high rate of giration and activity collage 2.

Author: mike morley

Barn Dance Action 1

Collage One more to come! Boring it may be but exiting it really was!

Author: mike morley

Gathering of the Clan

A great time was had by all. Congratulations to SIJEN for another great night, good food, good band, good company! Please keep it up the DA needs you both and all the great dancers!

Author: mike morley

Photographic Competition 2011

Well done to all the prize winners as previously announced by Pete and congratulations to all those that were highly recommended and appear in the Collage above. Even bigger congratulations to all that entered and maybe did not get recognition please keep trying and better luck next year!

Author: mike morley

The Barn Dance

Action at the Barn Dance from Mark Gladwyn

Author: Pete

1 Comment:

Pete 27 March 2011 at 23:18 BST

Thanks to Jen and Simon for a very enjoyable evening

Tom Fish

The Funeral of Tom Fish is to be held on Wednesday 30th March at 11.40am
Hanworth Crematorium
Hounslow Road
Hanworth
TW13 5JH

Author: Pete

Tom Fish - Requiescat in Pace

Pete Barnard has been informed by Tom's son that he passed away on Friday. Details of his funeral will follow. All of his friends and fellow cyclists in this DA and the wider CTC family will hear this news with sadness. Tom was an avid supporter of the Birthday Rides and for many years it's oldest attendee. Born on St Patrick's day in 1914 he was just short of his 97th Birthday. Our condolences go to his family. Original Sou'Wester profile of Tom here.


---

Author: mike morley

DA Photographic Competition

Author: Pete

1 Comment:

mike morley 13 March 2011 at 23:06 GMT

Congratulations to all the winners especially Mark for winning three categories - Is that a record? Personally I think it is a shame that we put the winners on the blog before the Barn Dance takes place as it's a bit of an anti-climax on the night for our main social event! As for Ray it just goes to show that the older you get the more photogenic you become and that of course is not to take away any credit from the photographer - well done Jeff and to think you put it in as an afterthought at the last minute!

DA Photographic Competition

Author: Pete

Da Photographic Competition

Author: Pete

DA Barn Dance

Tickets Now Available

Author: Pete

1 Comment:

mike morley 21 January 2011 at 22:18 GMT

Whoops guys and gals this looks like the left hand does not know what the right hand is doing but I can assure you that the right hand did what the left hand asked,anyway the message is clear reserve the date and get your tickets!
Do not be tempted to photo-copy the picture of the ticket as all authentic tickets will be marked and maybe a prize will be given for the chosen one.

Photo Competition 2010 - Awarded at Barn Dance

Colin Quemby advises that judging will take place on Thursday evening 17 February. Any late entries can still be submitted providing they reach Pete Barnard or Colin Quemby beforehand.

Author: mike morley

DA Competition Rules

Author: Pete

Barn Dance & Photo Competition

Walton on the Hill Parish Church taken by Nokia Mobile phone at night with full moon 13 Jan.
A further reminder that you have until end January to get your pictures in to the photo judging panel direct to Colin Quemby. See rules on this blogsite. The award will take place at the Barn Dance.

BARN DANCE.
Don't forget to book your ticket for the DA annual Barn Dance & Prize presentation which will take place on Saturday 26 March at the Community Hall Banstead starting at 6.30pm. Contact your rides secretary or the organisers Simon & Jen Mitchell phone 020 8394 2665 or via email: siandjen@kprc.org.uk to reserve tickets. This very popular event is the main social activity of the year with lots of good food provided and a chance to dance with your favourite partner, shed some weight and socialise to your hearts content and congratulate the winners of our competitions. There is an unlimited option of liquid refreshments it's called BYOG (bring your own grog - milk shake or whatever!)

Author: mike morley

17 January, 2011

Outcome of CTC Vote on Charity Status

Start of the count in the Cotterell Room at Parklands, CTC HQ, Guildford

Monday, 17 January saw the count of the votes on the rerun of the proposal to convert the CTC into a full charity. The process took from about 9.30am to 6pm. Over 16,000 votes were cast, which is about 25% of the eligible membership. The outcome was:

Votes for the proposal: 12,502 (75.4% of votes cast)
Votes against: 4,085 (24.6% of votes cast)

Total votes cast: 16,587

Full details will appear on the CTC website.

Jeff

Author: Jeff

1 Comment:

mike morley 18 January 2011 at 22:52 GMT

Jeff. Well done for all your effort you faught an honourable and creditable campaign with dignity and fairness for what you passionately consider was right and I hope that your attendance at the count was considered by all that were there as truly representative of those 4000 plus CTC members that shared our view. It is clearly twice the number of votes cast against than was at the AGM and should not be ingnored by Council & Management as to the depth of feeling by members despite the larger margin now cast in favour.

Voting Motion 8 Charitable Trust

You have 9 days left to get your vote into the hands of the CTC HQ using the "Freepost" envelope and yellow form provided in the Dec/Jan issue of "Cycle". Do not waste your vote, make your decission put an X in the correct box of your choice. I posted mine this evening.

Author: mike morley