31 March: Delightful daffodils at Easter weekend

Delightful daffodils in Hampton Court gardens. Left to right: Colin, Sue, Shirley, Lynda, Caroline, Yasmin, Ken.

Sue and Caroline

 Suddenly, it seemed, everything was in blossom for our Saturday afternoon ride this weekend. Cherry trees, magnolia, hyacinths, anemones and lovely daffodils alongside the roads and pathways on our route, welcoming in the Easter weekend.

Yasmin and Lynda

 Unusually, our schedule did not include a destination this week.  After a brief discussion at the Mansion House, our group agreed to ride to Bushy Park for tea. 

Shortly after we set off, there was a heavy shower but we carried on regardless, following route 75 through Worcester Park, Old Malden, Berrylands and Kingston Market. The rain had eased off by this time so we enjoyed a pleasant tour through Bushy Park from the gate round the corner from Kingston bridge. The enclosed gardens overlooked by the Pheasantry café made a pleasant setting to enhance our enjoyment of tea and cake! We lingered chatting until shortly after 4 o'clock, then headed back via Hampton Court.  We couldn't resist stopping for a photo in the gardens at Hampton Court, where the daffs proliferated wonderfully in the spring sunshine. Home through Thames Ditton, Chessington and Ewell Court Park arriving back in Nonsuch Park at around 5.15.  Thanks to Helen for leading, Caroline for backmarking, and all for good company on a lovely spring afternoon ride!

24 March at Hampton Court bridge (south side)

A somewhat grey afternoon, but our brightly dressed cycling group enjoyed their ride to Five at the Bridge for tea. Lynda lead us via Surbiton (to deliver a newsletter ) through to Kingston centre, then along the river to Hampton Court.  We returned via Thames Ditton and Chessington, a favourite route home.  Thanks Lynda and all for a very pleasant afternoon ride and sociable tea.

Saturday rides whatever the weather...

You might have thought, after the heavy snowfalls, icy conditions and freezing weather last week, that the Mansion House meet-up might be cancelled last Saturday.  But that is not the case.


"Our CTC Beginners rides have been publicised so widely over so many years - and many times prospective riders have been assured there will definitely be someone at the Mansion -  it is really impossible ever to justify cancelling whatever the weather," commented Shirley, who cycles to Nonsuch Park with her husband Colin every weekend throughout the year, to ensure that anyone who wishes to enjoy a social, friendly leisure ride on a Saturday afternoon can do so. Their regular commitment is supported by a team of ride leaders - all volunteers - who take it in turn to lead the rides out.
Shirley's report of last weekend's ride follows.


Both Godfrey and Sue Bellamy were at the Mansion when we arrived this afternoon, followed by Brian Bent and Mo.   Our destination was agreed as the Lower Morden Lane garden centre, especially when Mo realised this would mean we did not have to cycle up Hillcross!   Colin led us via Green Lane (where a length of rough path is currently being resurfaced between the school and the stables where the tarmac'd  Merton stretch starts).  
After a very pleasant tea, we crossed the A24 into Elm Road West, thence through the roads named after trees to join Ridge Road.   This led us down to the Pyl Brook path and through to Henley Avenue.   From the Malden Road we turned into Netley Close and up the path in Cheam Park (parallel to the Malden Road), across the top of the Park (passing the trees newly planted by volunteers and Councillor Mary Burstow a few days ago) and down through the woods back to the Mansion House.   Mo was quite surprised that she suddenly knew where she was!


A pleasant afternoon, if a bit chilly at times.

Details about riding to David's funeral

Dear friends,

David's funeral will take place next Thursday, 15 February, at 4.40 pm at the North East Surrey Crematorium, Lower Morden Lane.    We suggest meeting by the Tesco/petrol station on the London Road (A24) opposite Langley Avenue where there is space for a dozen or more cyclists.   From here we will ride via the Hamptons to cross Green Lane and follow Pig Lane to the back entrance to the Crematorium.   There are no Sheffield stands so bring good locks!

We will see you outside Tesco/petrol station ready to leave at 4 pm.

If you cannot contact Colin or me, Lynda is the alternative.

We do not know if there is a wake or gathering planned for afterwards.

Shirley.

Bike Beans Café lease

Sue Bellamy found this piece of unwelcome news on Bike Beans' Facebook pages and has forwarded it to us:

"Over the Christmas period I have taken the very difficult decision not to personally renew the lease on Bike Beans Cycle Café which expires at the end of March 2018. Having thoroughly enjoyed & dedicated 6 fantastic years to 'fuelling the revolution' and building a fantastic community, I feel it's now time to move on and make way for "new blood".
My overwhelming desire is that Bike Beans Cycle Cafe continues under new ownership. I am already underway looking for a suitable successor, with this aim being supported by both the Landlord and the Club committee.

What does this mean for our customers & members?

Business as usual from the team & I until the end of March.

From April and beyond the aim is to find a successor to take our vibrant little business forward.

So if you or you know anyone that maybe seriously interested in ‘living the dream’ and taking on a well established, award winning Cycle Cafe with a strong reputation and following, as well as 200 Club members, then please contact me. Feel free to share .

jamie@bikebeans.co.uk
07941 535837

I look forward to this ‘great thing’ carrying on .... I better go and open up .... See you soon !

Jamie

2nd Feb.

Details for David Aylett's funeral

Dear Friends,

David's daughter, Karen, just over from Australia, has phoned us today to advise that the funeral will be  on Thursday, 15 February, at 4.40 pm at the  North East Surrey Crematorium in Lower Morden Lane.    I have been asked if there will be "a two-wheeled group cycling there".   Please ask Colin or me if you would like to join this.

Tributes sent to me in response to my email are being forwarded to Dawn and her family.

Shirley

David Aylett has died

We have just received the very sad news from Shirley that David Aylett has died.

Richard Aylett, David and Dawn's son phoned Shirley this morning to tell her that David passed away last night.

Over many years David has been such an enthusiastic participant in the life of the club and and we remember him with gratitude for many things but especially for being instrumental in the founding of the Saturday group some 20 years ago.

We extend our condolences to Dawn and to David's family.

~ Tim