A G M

Don,t forget the AGM this thur at club room. I will be there to dish out tickets for dinner , so bring your forms and cheque book. 8pm sharp. Jake

Jan 14th Winter Warmer

Very good turnout today 9 mountain bikers lead by Simon on a very, very muddy route that came out in fetcham with a short road ride to Stoke D'Abernon garden centre. Grant lead 8 roadies on the usual route but was highjacked by Andy Avis who took them up Hungry hill arriving shattered but happy! for an elongated coffee break with the others.

Nat Champ 100 Medal 2005

Ann collecting her age-related medal, won in the National Championship 100 TT in 2005, at Champions Night last weekend.










Also close-up views of the medal:

First Winter Warmer of the New Year

Saturday 7th January started most uninspiring from a cycling point of view. This was to be my first attendance on the Saturday rides and we woke up to sleety snow. Despite the weather, Pete & I went to the start point - now I know exactly where it is to pinpoint it on the website! Five of us hardy souls were at the car park: us two, Jake and Rachel & Dave. Florence had texted to say she was late as she'd forgotten her seat pack and gone back for the spares. Discretion being the better part of valour the destination was modified to be Stoke D'Abernon garden centre and directions were texted back to Florence.

The ride wasn't too unpleasant, although the cold does sap the energy rather a lot. Florence found the garden centre relatively easily but finding where we hide the bikes was the hard part! Inside wasn't especially warm, but it felt cosy to those of us that hadn't just got out of warm cars - and they do toasted sandwiches as well as my favourite mars-bar-cake.

All in all I think we were all agreed that we enjoyed the jaunt and that the incentive to get out with a group of friends was enough to get us out in the (very) fresh air instead of the easy option of vegetating inside all day away from the weather.

Lisa

Rollers at the Clubroom

After a lapse of nearly twenty years, competition rollers appeared at the Worcester Park clubroom and were given the run through by Simon and Jackie. The verdict seemed to be that it is hard work however short a burst. The long term plan is a possibility of hosting and taking part in next winter's Roller League.

Re: New Years Eve Ride

A really good mornings ride.
Thanks to Si for planning and leading the ride helped by Andy and Paul.
Thanks also for the good company on route provided by Jen and Brian. Looking forward to my next opportunity to join you all which will be mid feb.

New Years Eve ride

The last day of 2005 gave Phoenix members and friends another excuse to pass round the mulled wine at the start of their Saturday ride.

The roadies set off towards Oxshott and Esher, while the off-road alternative crossed Horton Country Park hoping to emerge into Chessington via the ancient Castle Hill but just missing!

Onward through Barwell Court and over the A3 via a surprisingly wide bridge considering the road status. Onto Claygate Common and Birchwood Lane (a muddy track!) circling round to Arbrook Common where we got severely bogged down trying to follow the electric pylons.

Once across the A244 the pylon route improves dramatically and becomes a lofty, undulating and sandy track. Ideal off-roading and good practise, especially for Joe B on his cyclo-cross bike.

A special commendation here to Brian Starey, our guest from the Clarencourt CC, who engaged himself wholeheartedly into our somewhat adventurous and inevitably muddy explorations. He was rewarded however, with a new route, thanks to Andy & Paul Day's local knowledge across West End Common offering fine views of the River Mole before a rapid descent, still off-road to Garsons Farm for 11s.

For anyone who hasn't tried it, off-roading is a fine way to enjoy your cycling through Winter.
Keep fit, have fun and escape the worst of the cutting winds and drizzling rain.

As Simon & Jen are going to Derby this coming Saturday to the CTT prize presentation, an off-road alternative is in doubt, but this is an opportunity for someone to take the reins and drive the off-road machine forward.