Cheam & Morden Lunch

Cheam & Morden Post Christmas Lunch

12:30 on Sunday 27th January 2008

At Horton Park Golf & Country Club, Hook Rd, Epsom

Cost £10 for two courses.

Author: Pete

Clive Oxx Celestial Chair

During an enforced visit to Clive's House yesterday to try and finalise the format of the Carol Service I was treated to the most rewarding ride. This all came about because I missed the "Wayfarers" ride to Cobham for the following reasons.

Pete what are the rules about punctures? (Answer read the rules on the DA www. which state: "1 point per puncture suffered on a Section Ride or a Section Tour"). I see you have already put mine on the chart, thanks. Actually to be honest the slow puncture probably manifested itself out on the off road Tuesday ride with Bob & Will. I had the flat in my garage Wed morning and when I came to fix it, it proved problematic. I swapped the slick green off road tyre to a winter knobbly (but tubeless) and the beading was so tight it took a little while to fix.

Then I just checked my e-mail before leaving having agreed to meet you at Walton only to find that the Vicar had sent me late Tue night the order of service for the Carol Service, which had got some grave errors in it and needed me to make urgent contact with Clive Oxx, by the time I had got this underway but still not sorted it was 11:40 and still bucketing down, so having missed Cobham which was my main aim and not sure how long you would be at Walton I abandoned the idea of going out on the Midweek Wayfarer's ride.

Found an old cheese white sandwich in the fridge that Barbara had bought back with her from Royal Marsden on Monday (I hate that cotton wool sliced white bread) and ate that for lunch. It was even cheaper than Wetherspoons! By this time the weather was brightening up and I set off for Clive’s to sort the Carol Service out. There I was treated to a ride on his new Chair Lift and very therapeutic too. It’s like a slow ride up to heaven and quite complicated for doddering old people like Clive and I. It could be a right hand-trapper but quite safe as you strap yourself in with an inertial car style seat belt. I guess that it’s needed in case you inadvertently accelerate into outer space.

Having agreed how we should revise the Carol Service I set off home via Bob Starey’s, to check if he had been out, only to find that he had stayed at home (his hip is getting worse) but he did mention that Stephen Cox had managed to get back on the road an old bike after having his shed broken into and both his best bikes stolen. What rotten, lousy luck. Beware, the thieves unscrewed all the lock and padlock from the shed door to gain access. Make sure your locks are bolted on and welded or firmly fixed on the inside, preferably with half round heads on the outside and no screw driver slot. Finally got home at 18:30hrs and 19.7mls.

Mike M.

P.S. Sorry no photo but in event insatiable demand can be arranged.

Author: mike morley

Sustrans Vote

You can vote £50 million for cycling today! Here are the basic details:

The Big Lottery Fund has selected four projects that are eligible for £50M of lottery money. One project will get the lot and this will be decided by public vote.

The Sustrans entry called "Connect2" will provide critical cycle route links nationwide. More info on www.sustransconnect2.org.uk

Right now you can see info about the projects and vote Connect2 on line at :www.thepeoples50million.org.uk

You need to register first and then you will receive a validation email with a link that will enable you to vote. Only one vote can be made per email address.

Online voting ends at noon on Monday 10th.

Alternatively you can vote by phone.There will be several ITV 1 programmes presenting the projects. The one presenting Connect2 will be on Tuesday 4th December at 11pm. Telephone numbers for voting will be broadcast. One vote per phone..

Phone voting commences at 9am Friday 7th December.

So spread the word! A big vote from cyclists will win the £50M and will also send an important message about the demand for better cycle facilities.

Michael Pontin

Sustrans Liaison Ranger

Author: Pete

Cyclists' Carol Service

Author: mike morley

Carol Service St. Peter's Walton on Hill 9 Dec.07

To the SWLDA and all CTC groups in and around the area.

You are all welcome to the above. If you cannot come please spread the news.

The service starts at 2:30pm and the festive refreshments afterwards can finish in time for your departure in the light!! (just about).

There is always the train to assist back into London if you wish from Tadworth, 20mins walk from the Church or 5mins by bike.

Author: mike morley

Golden Beeches Weekend

To add to Pete's write up on the Weekend organised by S.W. Bucks DA, here are some photo's. See also other photo on MITWOK Blog. I like the one of Pete taking a photo of me taking a photo of him at coffee. Look closely in the background. One is of the main gate to Chequers and the other some of the medium Sunday ride group before lunch lead by Jill Kieren.

Author: mike morley

Golden Beeches Weekend

The Golden Beeches weekend was organised by South Bucks DA on 27th & 28th October 2007 . 9 SWLDA riders this year an increase from 2 in 2005. After the sunshine the previous week Saturday was dull and drizzly but mild, Short, medium & long groups were on offer so we settled for Medium Long led by three South Bucks riders. A pleasant off road allong the disused railway took us to Thame for 11s at the’Natural’ café in the high street. Onward via lanes and drizzle to prebooked lunch at THE BELL pub at Waddesdon. Regrouping with others as we continued through Eythrope Park & the climb past Chequers to the village hall the event HQ for tea and cake. A relaxing time to chat & complete a challenging quiz followed by food at 5pm (Mexican Casserole plus three varieties of crumble & custard!) Later a very enjoyable slide show by John Ashford entitled ‘McCaig’s folly to The Butt of Lewis’ reminded us of the remoteness of Western Scotland. Sunday after tea & cake at the hall into a drizzle steadily turning to rain we followed leafy undulating lanes to Cholesbury village hall for more tea and cakes. Back via Great Missenden more cycle routes brought us back to the hall for late lunch at 2pm (Chorizo Sausage, Chick Peas, Peppers & Potatoes) . A few short speeches of thanks & we all went our separate ways. Fom Pete Mitchell

Author: Pete