Caption to follow...
Believe it or not, Team Columbia do the same after a ride!!!!Monday, 6 July 2009
Strange attachments in my inbox
These have been sent from France, in the absence of captions I invite you to supply your own...
Caption to follow...
Believe it or not, Team Columbia do the same after a ride!!!!
Caption to follow...Believe it or not, Team Columbia do the same after a ride!!!!
Weekend Rides 11-12th July 2009
The results for the first attempt at using the blog to sort out who was doing which weekend run was mixed. A few who already had accounts left comments as to what they were doing and why they couldn't make it. Some opened a Google account to allow them to comment and did so. Some managed to comment without setting up a google account and one commented by email.
I have set up the blog now do that you can comment without signing-in to Google, just look at the blog and comment by hitting the comment link to the right of the 'Posted by...'. Type your comment in the box provided and then where it says 'Comment as: select profile', choose 'Name/URL' from the drop down menu, type in your name and then hit the 'Post comment' button. I have chosen the 'Moderate Comments' option which means that I need to check and pass each comment before I allow it to be published, I will update the site at the end of each day so keep it current.
I know it seems a bit complicated but once you have done it once or twice it will become second nature!
Steve
Saturday 11th July
Cyclosportive Ride No3. Organ & Dragon, Ewell at 9.00.
Caroline Harrison (Ride Leader)
or
Club run to Clandon. Organ & Dragon, Ewell at 9.00.
Barry Gregory (Ride Leader)
Sunday 12th July
Westerham. Cheam Station South Side 9.00/Merstham Station 9.45. 50 miles.
Bob Green (Ride Leader)
Tuesday 14th July
Bastille Day Ride. Ellens Green 8.30 prompt please. 75 miles, lunch at the Hollist Arms Lodsworth 13.30.
Mick Ayliffe (Ride Leader), Steve Edgar
Mick & Sheila's for drinks 19.00.
I have set up the blog now do that you can comment without signing-in to Google, just look at the blog and comment by hitting the comment link to the right of the 'Posted by...'. Type your comment in the box provided and then where it says 'Comment as: select profile', choose 'Name/URL' from the drop down menu, type in your name and then hit the 'Post comment' button. I have chosen the 'Moderate Comments' option which means that I need to check and pass each comment before I allow it to be published, I will update the site at the end of each day so keep it current.
I know it seems a bit complicated but once you have done it once or twice it will become second nature!
Steve
Saturday 11th July
Cyclosportive Ride No3. Organ & Dragon, Ewell at 9.00.
Caroline Harrison (Ride Leader)
or
Club run to Clandon. Organ & Dragon, Ewell at 9.00.
Barry Gregory (Ride Leader)
Sunday 12th July
Westerham. Cheam Station South Side 9.00/Merstham Station 9.45. 50 miles.
Bob Green (Ride Leader)
Tuesday 14th July
Bastille Day Ride. Ellens Green 8.30 prompt please. 75 miles, lunch at the Hollist Arms Lodsworth 13.30.
Mick Ayliffe (Ride Leader), Steve Edgar
Mick & Sheila's for drinks 19.00.
Sunday, 5 July 2009
St Ybard Charade 2009
Sunday 4th July 2009
As Rob Potter left for home yesterday evening Chris Devereux arrived. He joined us for the excellent barbecued duck in the garden. There was then an interlude to watch the Tour de France highlights programme on TV. Then it was back to the table for cheese, more wine and a French tart and you all know how we like a French tart on a Saturday night. And so to bed.
Up betimes (about 8 o'clock that is) and the usual disagreements about whether we needed bread or not. Out on the treaders by 0945 for an 0900 prompt start. Denbo and Pelvic Paul decided to stay at home to devote the day to this evening's spag bol, which had to be the best we'd ever tasted just like all the previous years. The rest of us, we were seven, set off via Lubersac to St-Yrieix-la-Perche in the direction of Limoges to the north-west. The distance is about 25 miles and they must be about the most deserted 25 miles of pure French countryside around. Up and down all the time, but virtually habitation- and traffic-free, for today alas, very very hot. The expectation was that we would split and the back group would short-cut to Pompadour. In the end we kept in contact and all arrived at St Yrieix together about 11.30. Our usual bakery was open and had no objection to us setting up camp in the street outside using their furniture. Coffees, teas and exotic fruit tarts were purveyed by a charming middle-aged lady who was much taken by Norman's Time machine, she had an Orbea herself. Then it was out into the midday sun for the hilly ride through St-Segur-le-Chateau and on to Pompadour for salads and rose wine in the shade taken at our bistro next to the mis-labelled public loos for which the town is justly famous. Pompadour is also known as an equestrian centre and as we left we watched a horse race from the raised terrace. Not exactly Le Derby d'Epsom but notable for being the first time we had ever seen horses on the track there. The slopes after lunch were more gentle but still, by the time we approached Vigeois, Norman and the two Micks had had enough. So they missed out on the last 20kms and four hard climbs to Vigeois Lake and headed back along the top road for home just in time to watch Mark Cavendish win the day's tour stage on TV. The four big-hitters returned an hour later, plunged in the pool and were entertained by the last 5 hours of the chefs' spag bol preparations. The product of their disagreeable labours was enjoyed by all and washed down with copius amounts of red wine freshly decanted into old wine bottles from a plastic container of industrial dimensions. With very smelly cheeses to follow. It had been a good day en velo pour les Rosbifs.
Apologies for the absence of pictures. This is due to being on French dial-up only but the scientific team is working on the problem as we speak. Wondrous images may still come your way but Gawd know how! Night, night.
As Rob Potter left for home yesterday evening Chris Devereux arrived. He joined us for the excellent barbecued duck in the garden. There was then an interlude to watch the Tour de France highlights programme on TV. Then it was back to the table for cheese, more wine and a French tart and you all know how we like a French tart on a Saturday night. And so to bed.
Up betimes (about 8 o'clock that is) and the usual disagreements about whether we needed bread or not. Out on the treaders by 0945 for an 0900 prompt start. Denbo and Pelvic Paul decided to stay at home to devote the day to this evening's spag bol, which had to be the best we'd ever tasted just like all the previous years. The rest of us, we were seven, set off via Lubersac to St-Yrieix-la-Perche in the direction of Limoges to the north-west. The distance is about 25 miles and they must be about the most deserted 25 miles of pure French countryside around. Up and down all the time, but virtually habitation- and traffic-free, for today alas, very very hot. The expectation was that we would split and the back group would short-cut to Pompadour. In the end we kept in contact and all arrived at St Yrieix together about 11.30. Our usual bakery was open and had no objection to us setting up camp in the street outside using their furniture. Coffees, teas and exotic fruit tarts were purveyed by a charming middle-aged lady who was much taken by Norman's Time machine, she had an Orbea herself. Then it was out into the midday sun for the hilly ride through St-Segur-le-Chateau and on to Pompadour for salads and rose wine in the shade taken at our bistro next to the mis-labelled public loos for which the town is justly famous. Pompadour is also known as an equestrian centre and as we left we watched a horse race from the raised terrace. Not exactly Le Derby d'Epsom but notable for being the first time we had ever seen horses on the track there. The slopes after lunch were more gentle but still, by the time we approached Vigeois, Norman and the two Micks had had enough. So they missed out on the last 20kms and four hard climbs to Vigeois Lake and headed back along the top road for home just in time to watch Mark Cavendish win the day's tour stage on TV. The four big-hitters returned an hour later, plunged in the pool and were entertained by the last 5 hours of the chefs' spag bol preparations. The product of their disagreeable labours was enjoyed by all and washed down with copius amounts of red wine freshly decanted into old wine bottles from a plastic container of industrial dimensions. With very smelly cheeses to follow. It had been a good day en velo pour les Rosbifs.
Apologies for the absence of pictures. This is due to being on French dial-up only but the scientific team is working on the problem as we speak. Wondrous images may still come your way but Gawd know how! Night, night.
St Ybard Charade 2009
Saturday 3rd July 2009.
So here we are again up in the over-heated attic with a half-drunk pint of Paul’s St Ybard 2009 ale at our side trying to remember how we reported all this rubbish last year. In a flurry of expletives, Dave Elliot has just given up on trying to download today’s pictures. Apparently an essential piece of apparatus is not available to us despite explicit instructions having been given to our host to purchase one. Card reader is its name. There is a conflagration in the garden which indicates that the incineration of bits of duck is about to begin. Barbecue is its name. Ill-temper emanates from the kitchen where the first procedural disagreements of the year between our two chefs, Paul and Denbo, have just begun. It’s great to be back.
Today we had a welcome guest on our ride, Rob, dad of the lovely Emma Potter. He made the one hour drove north from his place in Laborie to arrive here about 9.30 just as we were finishing breakfast. This meal had required two trips into the village by eight blokes because the first expeditionary party had failed to bring back butter and jam to go on the bread. Stupid boys! The discipline imparted by Rob’s arrival resulted in our departure on today’s bike ride at the unearthly hour of 10.20; previously unheard of organisation.
Only Denbo stayed at base camp and he was charged with a shopping list for the local Supermarket. This was quite a momentous day as it signalled Paul Martin’s return to riding a road bike following his horrendous crash of September last year. In hot weather we climbed out of St Ybard and along the ridge before plunging down into the Vezere valley at Comborn and climbing out to Estivaux. Then it was along the road to Perpezac le Noir for beers and coffees and a rest. Another daunting 10 kms saw at us at the lake at Vigeios for an al fresco luncheon and a post-prandial kip in the shade of the trees. It had to be done; at 3 o’clock we returned up the climb out of the Vezere and back to St Ybard. We’d done 36 miles at a pedestrian pace in hot weather and we’d stayed together all day. Well done to Paul, Norman and Mick Sutton; we have seen too little of them this year so far. Dave and Martin availed themselves of the new hydrotherapy facility as soon as we got back. Rob returned south. It was good to have shared the day with him. Quote of the day? “Who should we appoint as wine connoisseur for this trip?” “Denbo? He’s always whining!”
So here we are again up in the over-heated attic with a half-drunk pint of Paul’s St Ybard 2009 ale at our side trying to remember how we reported all this rubbish last year. In a flurry of expletives, Dave Elliot has just given up on trying to download today’s pictures. Apparently an essential piece of apparatus is not available to us despite explicit instructions having been given to our host to purchase one. Card reader is its name. There is a conflagration in the garden which indicates that the incineration of bits of duck is about to begin. Barbecue is its name. Ill-temper emanates from the kitchen where the first procedural disagreements of the year between our two chefs, Paul and Denbo, have just begun. It’s great to be back.
Today we had a welcome guest on our ride, Rob, dad of the lovely Emma Potter. He made the one hour drove north from his place in Laborie to arrive here about 9.30 just as we were finishing breakfast. This meal had required two trips into the village by eight blokes because the first expeditionary party had failed to bring back butter and jam to go on the bread. Stupid boys! The discipline imparted by Rob’s arrival resulted in our departure on today’s bike ride at the unearthly hour of 10.20; previously unheard of organisation.
Only Denbo stayed at base camp and he was charged with a shopping list for the local Supermarket. This was quite a momentous day as it signalled Paul Martin’s return to riding a road bike following his horrendous crash of September last year. In hot weather we climbed out of St Ybard and along the ridge before plunging down into the Vezere valley at Comborn and climbing out to Estivaux. Then it was along the road to Perpezac le Noir for beers and coffees and a rest. Another daunting 10 kms saw at us at the lake at Vigeios for an al fresco luncheon and a post-prandial kip in the shade of the trees. It had to be done; at 3 o’clock we returned up the climb out of the Vezere and back to St Ybard. We’d done 36 miles at a pedestrian pace in hot weather and we’d stayed together all day. Well done to Paul, Norman and Mick Sutton; we have seen too little of them this year so far. Dave and Martin availed themselves of the new hydrotherapy facility as soon as we got back. Rob returned south. It was good to have shared the day with him. Quote of the day? “Who should we appoint as wine connoisseur for this trip?” “Denbo? He’s always whining!”
Wednesday, 1 July 2009
Weekend Rides 4-5th July 2009 Test
An experiment to see if we can clarify who is going out on which ride at the weekend. There are a variety of ways of getting the info onto the blog, the best way would be to 'comment' and people can simply read the comments on the friday before the ride (I am normally in on a friday night to check the site).
Lets give it a try and see what happens, you can send any suggestions to me for improving the service. I think it will help to assess who can lead the rides, if we need a fast group as well, if there are any beginners out etc...
Steve
Saturday 4th July
Henfold Hill Lake. Organ & Dragon, Ewell at 9.00am.
Steve Edgar, Andrew Adams, Mark B
Sunday 5th July
MTB Ride. Cheam Station South Side 9.00am. 45 miles.
Rob Starey (Ride Leader)
Lets give it a try and see what happens, you can send any suggestions to me for improving the service. I think it will help to assess who can lead the rides, if we need a fast group as well, if there are any beginners out etc...
Steve
Saturday 4th July
Henfold Hill Lake. Organ & Dragon, Ewell at 9.00am.
Steve Edgar, Andrew Adams, Mark B
Sunday 5th July
MTB Ride. Cheam Station South Side 9.00am. 45 miles.
Rob Starey (Ride Leader)
Summer Lightning
A local legendWednesday Night Mountain Bike Ride took place a day early. A couple of guys I used to work with were going out to Leith Hill after work so I tagged along. We basically just mucked about for 2-3 hours riding what looked good and trying Leith Hill's 'Summer Lightning' trail. The trail was good but there is just so much variety on the hill that it never disappoints. A beer in The Star in Dorking rounded off a good night. Thanks for the guidance Neil and well done Jon.
Monday, 29 June 2009
Guildford-Brighton-Guildford
Guildford StationI nervously met up with Caroline, Mick, Trevor, Bob, Paul and Keith to start the Guilford-Brighton-Guildford. Nervous because there had been reports of herculean sportif riding, racing, and continental trips whereas I had just ridden the odd mountain bike ride and club run. I was also nervous because I was going to do the trip on a single-speed and wasn't sure if I would be holding people up. The saving grace was the distance, around 85 miles - 60 ish of which would be off-road, surely no one would want to start too quickly.
We set off and made our way to Bramley to pick up a friend of mine, Chris, who had done a bit of mountain biking and prepared meticulously by playing golf in Mallorca for a week with his mates. The Downs Link was dry and dusty but mercifully the tree lined route provided a cool avenue to cycle down on what was one of the hottest days of the year. Not too technical, it allowed for riding two abreast most of the time and was more like a road club run. A stop at Southwater outdoor centre for coffee was well timed and we pressed on towards Bramber.
There's always one!
At Bramber we crossed over from the Downs Link to a track alongside the estuary and down to Shoreham. Back onto tarmac for the run into Brighton Chris had puncture, which was ironic after the eight of us had done so much off-road without any problems. As we came into Hove we came across the finish of the 'Capital to Coast' sponsored ride which I hadn't realised was on.
Could be Italy...
Trevor made a dash for the station just in case there was a problem with the trains while we made a dash for a beer. Turning up at the Alfresco Restaurant we obviously impressed because we got a whole section to ourselves!!? After beer, water, pasta and coffee we split up with Caroline and Mick heading for the station, Keith deciding on a different route home and Paul, Bob, Chris and myself deciding to retrace our steps.
The ride back seemed quicker but that was upset when, after stopping to help a family mend a puncture, my rear hub started to ride roughly and sounded like it was going to fall to bits. With the hill approaching I played safe and ran up it (walking more like...), Chris took the honour's by riding all the way up and we all got into Bramley to drop Chris off feeling a mixture of relief, pride and disbelief that we had ridden so far off-road.
The last few miles on the road into Guildford and we said goodbye at the station, a good day and a testing one - whose up for next year?
Steve
Also available in green
We set off and made our way to Bramley to pick up a friend of mine, Chris, who had done a bit of mountain biking and prepared meticulously by playing golf in Mallorca for a week with his mates. The Downs Link was dry and dusty but mercifully the tree lined route provided a cool avenue to cycle down on what was one of the hottest days of the year. Not too technical, it allowed for riding two abreast most of the time and was more like a road club run. A stop at Southwater outdoor centre for coffee was well timed and we pressed on towards Bramber.
There's always one!At Bramber we crossed over from the Downs Link to a track alongside the estuary and down to Shoreham. Back onto tarmac for the run into Brighton Chris had puncture, which was ironic after the eight of us had done so much off-road without any problems. As we came into Hove we came across the finish of the 'Capital to Coast' sponsored ride which I hadn't realised was on.
Could be Italy...Trevor made a dash for the station just in case there was a problem with the trains while we made a dash for a beer. Turning up at the Alfresco Restaurant we obviously impressed because we got a whole section to ourselves!!? After beer, water, pasta and coffee we split up with Caroline and Mick heading for the station, Keith deciding on a different route home and Paul, Bob, Chris and myself deciding to retrace our steps.
The ride back seemed quicker but that was upset when, after stopping to help a family mend a puncture, my rear hub started to ride roughly and sounded like it was going to fall to bits. With the hill approaching I played safe and ran up it (walking more like...), Chris took the honour's by riding all the way up and we all got into Bramley to drop Chris off feeling a mixture of relief, pride and disbelief that we had ridden so far off-road.
The last few miles on the road into Guildford and we said goodbye at the station, a good day and a testing one - whose up for next year?
Steve
Also available in greenSaturday, 27 June 2009
A Fine Body of Men! IoW 2009.
When the troopship's on the tide, my boys, when the troopship's on the tide!
It's special train for Atkins when there's fightin' to be done! 
We'll wait for extry rations if you treat us rational.Wednesday, 24 June 2009
Who will win the Tour de France?
Well, our first ever poll 'Who will win the Giro?' only got five votes but one person guessed right. Can you guess who will win the Tour? Look at the list on the right and cast your vote (let me know if I have left your favourite out). I'm going for Andy Schleck - it'll be good to have a new winner.
Steve
Steve
Monday, 22 June 2009
Isle of Wight Tour
Parked at Southsea. Across on car ferry to Fishbourne. Weather warmish to start with, but warmed up later, still cloudy with the occasional sunny spell. Wind from the West.
Clock wise around the Island via St John's, Seaview, Bembridge. A quick stop at Bembridge to see the old windmill, which for some strange reason I'd never noticed before on previous eight or nine times past it in previous years.
Then on to Yaverton, Sandown, Lake, Wroxall, Ventnor, Niton, Blackgang Chine, Brightstone, Calbourne (latter slightly unplanned, but nobody noticed!). Lunch at Shalfleet then back into the lanes passing the old Newport town hall. Over to Carisbrooke, on to Newport and then the last climb of the day to Haven Street and a stop for Ice Cream :-) at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. :-) :-)
After train spotting a brisk three miles back to the ferry terminal.
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