West Surrey racing across America

An example of the wide range of cycling activities enjoyed by our members is shown by the variety of organised rides, from a gentle pedal down the Basingstoke canal towpath to the energetic All Day Sunday riders.  A further and even more extreme example is provided by Tim and Debbie Richards, regular riders with the Midweek Wayfarers, who on 1st November start their challenge to race across America within a team.

The website to look at is www.racetheworldcycling.com from which you will see that this is a true race between two teams.  Each team must have at least three riders on the road at any one time, and the time is recorded at the end of each stage as the third rider crosses the line.  A day’s riding for the team will be between 200 and 300 kms.  Midweek Wayfarers in particular may wish to follow Tim and Debbie’s progress by looking at the website 1st November, and 14th November, when they are scheduled to finish in Miami; they are in team Deman.

At a slightly more leisurely pace, but in a remarkable feat of endurance, another Midweek Wayfarer rider, John Gilbe, completed the  Paris-Brest-Paris, the true classic long distance event covering 1200 kms, in well under the maximum permitted time of 90 hours; well done John.

Club Clothing – price reductions and last chance to order

My note of 14th October advised that I had been able to negotiate very favourable prices with our clothing supplier, as well as a wider range of products.  I gave the maximum price for each garment, but advised that the I might well be able to offer cheaper prices if good orders were obtained.
The orders I have received to date have enabled me to make certain reductions.  I have also been able to expand the range of products even further, specifically by the inclusion of:-
Cycling shorts without shoulder straps (previously only bib shorts were offered)
Winter weight bibtights
I have obtained samples of various products, and everyone who has seen them has agreed that the quality is excellent; the winter jerseys and winter bibtights are particularly good.  In the case of these two particular products, if I receive 2 more orders for each, then the price will drop further.
The full range of products, and revised prices, are set out below:-
Jerseys
Short sleeve £31.50 (previously £34.50)
Long sleeve  £33.60 (previously £37.00)
Winter weight long sleeve £43.50 (unchanged at present)
Ladies pro-cut  –  short sleeve £47.50, long sleeve £52.00 (both unchanged)
Wind jacket (another product where I obtained a sample, and has been well received; I have obtained 8 orders already)  £42.00 (previously £47.50)
Shorts
Without shoulder straps – new product – £40.50
Bib shorts  £42.00 (previously £43.50)
Full length  £50.50 (unchanged)
Winter fabric, full length  £58 (new product)
Gilet £42.50 (unchanged)
Softshell jacket (75 (unchanged)
I would remind you that in order to encourage club identity the committee have agreed to provide some subsidy from club funds.  These, together with the discounts that I have obtained from the supplier, make these products, in my opinion, truly excellent value.
I have extended the date for final orders, so if you now wish to place an order, please do so by Sunday 8th November by the latest.  Please e-mail me, quoting precise product and size (I certainly recommend that you look at the Owayo website first,  https://www.owayo.co.uk/cycling.htm, for sizing and full product spec).
John Murdoch

new coffee shop

Milk Churn 2There is a new recommended coffee shop near Rudgwick – The Milk Churn, just to the north of Rudgwick along Lynwick Street, which links the northern part of Church Street, Rudgwick to the A281

The postcode for SatNav is RH12 3DH, website milkchurn.co.uk

Club Clothing – update

I have already received orders for Club clothing, so it is likely that in many cases I will be able to offer lower prices than the maximum prices shown in the previous post; I will update as appropriate.

I can now also offer another product, being:-

Winter Bib tights Maximum Price £61

Made from a warm and durable fabric, hence suitable for winter, chamois padding incorporated in seat, ankle zippers with reflective piping

For more details of clothing look at the Club Clothing page

Pictures – now and the 1920s – re Grade 3 ride 14/10/15

You may recall that this morning we stopped to regroup just after reaching the Bath Road at Hare Hatch, outside this pub:

Horse_and_Groom_Hare_Hatch_photoc

This is how it looked in the 1920s, a sketch by Charles G Harper in the April 1922 C.T.C. Gazette:

Horse_and_Groom_Hare_Hatch_drwgr

It hasn’t changed that much, but the Bath Road certainly has:

maidenhead_thicket_drwgr

– Another sketch by Charles G Harper in the January 1922 C.T.C. Gazette.