Sunday 29th May 2011

Six of us met at Ashtead Pond and rather more joined us for elevenses. Of those, ten stayed out for the ride ( Andy, Jeff, Terry, Ed, Frank and Francoise, Ray, Pete ( x2) and myself. Although there was rather more sun than forecast it was the blustery wind that was the defining feature of the ride to lunch. We set off along the A246, Blake’s Lane and up Staple Lane, and then via Shere and Little London to Farley Green. Here we took the right fork across the heath and then Stroud Lane to join the road to Cranleigh. The flatter and wider roads through Alfold to Loxwood were hard work against the wind and we all looked forward to a wind assisted return. The Onslow Arms was typically busy for a holiday weekend and there was quite a queue at the bar. My roast arrived fairly quickly but the barbeque was a different story. The queue was short but the wait was long as Terry and Francoise found by experience. Leaving the pub we followed the canal towpath to Drungewick Lane and then the direct route through Bucks Green and Ellens Green to Weare Street and Capel. When we arrived it was rather grey and we sat in the pews for tea. For me it was 54 miles for the day but probably close to 70 from N Cheam.

Brian

Author: Tartan Socks(long)

Sunday, 29 May

West Horsley - Loxwood - Capel

Welcome back Andy

I've got your number

On Drungewick Lane Canal Bridge

Author: Jeff

Sunday, 22 May

Old Windsor - What could possibly go wrong?

Route planned, food and drink ready, 11's venue identified, alarm set, what could go wrong? However well prepared you think you may be, something will get you! On this occasion, bike out and ready to go, put a few pounds of pressure in the tyres - bad idea. Presta valve broke off in track pump. Replace wheel. We're off. Fine until Esher roundabout going under A3, cranks lock and can't pedal. Halt and take refuge. What's wrong? No idea - cranks simply wont turn. Then I see: a link has snapped. Find chain tool, shorten chain, shorten ride, limp back home. I knew I should have replaced that chain! Not quite well enough prepared.

Grateful thanks to Lisa for letting me know that that a strong headwind had led to a change of lunch venue from Hurley to White Waltham. Sorry I wasn't able to share it!

Jeff

Author: Jeff

1 Comment:

Pete 22 May 2011 at 17:26 BST

At least you were remembered at lunch taken at White Waltham due to the strong blustery wind.

11s at Old Windsor

I am informed by Irene it is the Windsor Farm Shop as used in Feb

Author: Pete

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:

Lisa 19 May 2011 at 07:04 BST

RIP CTC - 133 years was a good age!

Sunday, 15 May

Gomshall - Godalming - Newland's Corner

Ed

Elevenses at Gomshall

Elevenses was at Jordans - Gomshalll not Chalfont - where on and off road came together. Then it was into the woods for the knobblies and onto the A25 for the skinnies. Ed led the tarmaceers via Albury and Blackheath to Bramley, then up (yes, definitely up) some narrow, leafy lanes across Munstead Heath, then down to lunch at the Jack Phillips, Godalming.

The return was along Meadrow past the ghost of the former CTC HQ, before heading for Chilworth. At Blacksmith Lane, I decided to sacrifice the climb to Newland's Corner as well as a few calories, and bade farewell to the group, to take the A25 for Dorking and home, my shorter route just breaking the 50 mile barrier.

Thanks to Ed for an enjoyable ride on a distinctly cool May day.

Jeff

Author: Jeff

Sunday, 8 May

Savill Gardens - Hurst - Shepperton Lock

Look what a day out with the Cheam & Morden can do!

Andrew (Before) - Tim - Andrew (After)

Author: Jeff