On the Beach at Elmer, Middleton
"The West Surrey Cyclist" - April - June 1997 |
Previous magazine . Next magazine |
Being made President came as a very pleasant surprise to me. I then realised that the office called for a little restraint on my part; an attempt to behave in a manner more suited to my age. This did not come easily but I tried - honestly!
The DA enjoys having many varied personalities amongst its members, often with varying opinions on how the DA and its activities should be run. As a result the DA benefits from this wide range of ideas though, unfortunately, they have at times led to clashes between members.
I have occasionally had to attempt to 'smooth troubled waters' and persuade people that though a certain way of doing things may be just right for them, it is not necessarily right for others. Often, in fact usually, it has been possible to compromise and come up with a solution for the general good.
Whilst we all support the DA and its activities, put forward ideas and are willing to allow for other points of view, the DA can only prosper.
The strength of the West Surrey lies in the variety of its runs and events and the enthusiasm and friendship amongst its members.
I count myself to be very fortunate to have so many good friends with whom I can enjoy the countryside, their companionship and, of course, just riding a bike.
I trust that you feel the same way - so let's make sure that we all 'pull together' and keep things that way.
Harold Coleman
The ride began at Clayton Windmills in Sussex (OS Landranger - map 198, Grd ref 303134). These two windmills are known as Jack and Jill. Jack is a black tower mill which ended work in the 1920's and has been converted into a private house. Jill is a smaller mill which was built in 1821 and was removed from its original location in Dyke Rd, Brighton by a team of oxen in 1850. It has been restored and is still able to grind corn.
Leaving the car in the car park, we cycled up a gentle climb to join the South Downs Way and after 2 miles reached Ditchling Beacon (248m). Continuing along SDW to Black Cap (206m), the view along this stretch was fantastic, looking North across the Sussex Weald. Below us were the villages of Westmeston and Plumpton.
We gradually descended into Lewes and negotiated our way through to cross over the A27T via a bridge. Following a muddy track we came out at the village of Kingston near Lewes. This is where the going became tough. We had to climb a steep chalk track to join with the South Downs Way again. The chalk clay was wet and sticky, even with our knobbly tyres we could not gain enough traction to ride up. We dismounted and pushed the bikes to the top, stopping every few yards to turn around and take in the view. At the top we sat for a while near a small clump of gorse bushes and had our picnic lunch. While we ate the peace and tranquillity was only slightly broken by a solitary horse rider and a couple out walking their dog.
Following the SDW signs we end up on the B2123. This road did seem to be rather busy with traffic as we glided down hill into Falmer. Over the A27T, straight on at a mini-roundabout, then we turned right into Mill Street then left into Ridge Road. We followed this narrow road for almost a mile forking left to reach a farm named St Marys.
Passing the farm house we turned right then followed a track for about 1½ miles which led us past Streathill Farm and back onto the ridge route between Ditchling Beacon and Black Cap. Turning left towards Ditchling Beacon, we retraced back to Clayton Windmills.
Trip Distance approx 18 miles. 95 percent off road.
P N
Four members of our very own Hardriders group are off to Majorca on
March 14th for a two week training camp.
They are Clive Richardson, Geoff Smith, Bob Hannington and Peter Norris.
Well known ex-Motorola rider Sean Yates will also be there.
Watch for a report on their trip in the Mag's next issue.
| Date: Sunday April 27, 1997 | Venue: Woking. |
What's happening? The 9th Woking Bikeathon. Last year the event attracted 2100 riders and raised £75,000 for Leukaemia Research.
What's a Bikeathon? A 26 mile bike ride (with a 13 mile, half Bikeathon thrown in for absolute beginners).
What would you like us to do?
Well, conscious of the fact that there are many bike owners who rarely turn a wheel, and that as an organisation the CTC needs to encourage more people to become regular cyclists, we see this as a great opportunity to encourage your friends, neighbours, work colleagues, and other club members to come along and take part in a well-organised and well-established fun day out. Become a cycle-buddy for the day to someone who might be tempted to take part with a bit of gentle persuasion.
Use this opportunity to introduce them to the delights of the new Surrey Cycleway (the routes were researched by local CTC members) and explore some of the county's delightful rural lanes. At the same time, swell the numbers on your local rides by grabbing some new recruits. Carry some copies of your runs lists in your back pocket and dish them out on the day. The CTC and Surrey County Council are happy to support the event.
For those of you who think that 13 or 26 miles isn't far enough, we are designing two longer routes of 52 and 104 miles, using the same start and finish point. All routes will be waymarked, all entrants receive a free T-shirt and commemorative medal. Refreshments stops will be provided, and entry fees are remarkably low. As a bonus, the start is only five minutes from Woking railway station, so you can use the train to get to there.
Help to give the cause of cycling in Surrey a big push and raise some much needed money for Leukaemia Research in 1997, by putting Sunday April 27 on your 1997 calendar as Bikeathon day. For a really rewarding day, why not offer to help with the organisation of the event? Call Steve Swithin at the CTC on 01483 417217 for details.
For an entry form, contact John Stafford-Smith on 01932 340013
Mercian Cycles is one of the few places where bicycle frames are built on the open hearth, rather than by hand-held torches. At Mercian, the builders use a combination of air and natural gas in these open hearths. They believe the advantage of using this method is the decreased possibility of over-heating the tubing. When using the open hearth technique flux is used to help the brazing material flow more easily inside the lug. Although flux is very helpful in getting the brazing to flow, it can also be harmful if too much is used.
In building a frame on the open hearth method Mercian Builders use pins to maintain the frame alignment. Before a frame is pinned, the Builders set it up on a primitive jig. They call this step "building the frame on the board". It is constructed so that its adjustable fittings will accommodate more frame sizes, with built in variables such as top tube length, angles and bottom bracket height. All Mercian frames are built with sifbronze, the most common braze in England. The builders prefer the sifbronze to silver solder since they find that the bronze flows nicely and works particularly well in the open hearth.
My frame was built in Reynolds 531DB and was built from start to finish by the same builder.
After the frame and forks have been completely brazed they are allowed to cool. Next the small holes that have been drilled to release heat are filled with small pieces of steel. Mercian believes this step is important because it keeps the water out when riding and if the frame and forks go to be chrome plated, it will keep acid out of these parts also.
The painting is done at the rear of the frame shop, where spray booths and baking ovens are set up. Their secret method of stove enamelling is guarded as they believe that they have developed an unmatched combination of beauty and resistance to chipping.
After brazing each frame is sand blasted. The frame then receives a base undercoat which is air dried. My frame colour is to be painted pearl white and lugs lined in red. It is given a white undercoat before it receives the top coat. The frame is then stove enamalled and inspected. It is given a coat of special clear varnish. Putting on the coat of clear varnish is the last and probably the most difficult step in the entire process. The clear varnish is very difficult to handle because the painter can not see it as it is applied.
My custom build frame was built to my specifications using my vital statistics such as height, leg length, inside leg and length of arms and trunk.
The lugs are stamped steel with fancy lugs (with intricate hand cut lug work) and a long spear point lug welded on to the bottom bracket to make it an extremely rigid and distinctive frame. The crown on my sloping forks is engraved with CTC (Cafe to Cafe) and both the seat stay tops are engraved with Clive (who would want to steal my bicycle with Clive engraved on a 26" frame!)
The engraving was done by a local jeweller in Derby. The frame has a 73 degree head angle and a 73 degree seat angle and 48mm fork rake. Clearance for 700c wheels and mudguards is provided. Campagnolo drop-outs with mudguard eyes. Campagnolo down tube lever bosses, cable tunnels on the bottom bracket, 3 cable guides on the top tube. Bottle cage bosses on the down tube together with cantilever brake bosses. Chromed on the chain stays and front and rear dropouts and gothic lettering transfers.
To summarise, this frame is one of a kind, built to my individual specifications. It was painted to the colour of my choice and provided with fancy cut lugs which was necessary to build this unique frame.
Component specification in 1983:
| Campag Record headset | 48/34 rings |
| Stronglight 651/B/B | Mafac brake levers |
| Campag seat pin (round) | Black grab on handlebars |
| Suntour Cyclone Front gear | Suntour Cyclone Rear gear |
| Cinelli 1. handlebars | 10cm 1A stem |
| Campag Strada pedals | Maillard B-26 Freewheel block |
| Sedis silver chain | Super Champion rims |
| Campag Record large flange hubs | |
| Silver ESGE mudguards | Brooks 17 saddle |
The frame was renovated in Spring 1994:
Braze in new right hand chain stay
Retrack rear ends to 135 degree and retrack frame
Braze tunnels underneath bottom bracket shell
Drill and tap under rear brake bridge (for mudguard fitting)
Braze in boss in mudguard bridge (for mudguard fitting)
Braze on pump peg above bottom bracket shell
Remove tunnels on top of bottom bracket
Main finish - ice blue pearl
Lugs lined - silver
Fit white Mercian gothic transfers
As advised by Chris Avery, components updated during Spring 94, plus true and strong wheels travelling 3 weeks in New Zealand and 15,000 miles touring to date with no problems (built by Chris - a highly recommended wheelbuilder):
| Campag crankset | 48/36 Campag rings | |
| Shimano sealed bottom bracket | Shimano cantilever 'M' brakes | |
| Shimano 600 hubs | Shimano brake levers 105 | |
| Campag oval seat pillar | ||
| Shimano front derailleur 6401 | ) SIS 6401 | |
| Shimano rear derailleur 6401 | ) Shifting levers | |
| Cinelli handlebars 42cm | ||
| Zefal HPX pump | 11cm 1A stem | |
| Shimano 525 pedals | Cateye Mitty computer | |
| Shimano HG90 8 cassette sprockets | ||
| San Marco Rolls saddle | Sedis R80 chain | |
| Rims Module 3A | Silver ESGE mudguards | |
In the rural areas locals can be seen with huge loads upon their bikes. Their faces are full of concentration as they struggle to keep their bikes upright under the load. Today we passed cyclists with their machine stacked high with wool bales. Yesterday we saw three blokes struggling along the highway with an incredible load of bricks piled in flax baskets and secured to the rear carriers. The bricks were piled and lashed with rope so high that from behind the rider was only visible from the neck up!
After a hotel breakfast of fried rice and egg with a glass of tea, we followed Highway 25 for six miles east to Batang where we turned south on a road signposted to Bandar. We began to climb after one mile.
This route took us through small country villages, past terraced rice paddies and over streams. We saw a couple of wood mills where the timber was being sawn from tree trunks by long handsaws pulled to and thro by one man each end. Field workers were out under the strong sun planting, weeding and turning the soil. Ploughs powered by water buffalo were frequently seen. As we climbed, the streams became clearer and the air crisper.
Stopping at the village of Bandar for iced Fanta, we were offered a seat in the store. After five minutes there was a crowd of curious locals gathered around us. The store-keeper's wife spoke one or two words of English so between us we managed to tell the audience of our travels. The rural people on the whole are more easily warmed to, they seem more gentle and friendly.
After Bandar the way became much more hilly. We noticed gloomy grey clouds coming our way and could hear thunder echoing through the hills. Between the villages of Raban and Bawang we pulled up at what we thought was a post office. We sat outside the building under shelter to eat lunch and were soon joined by two men. Sure enough the rain arrived and it really pelted down. One of the men invited us into the building. Inside it was like a village hall. On the wall at one end of the hall were two portraits. I have no idea of the identities of the portraits but they looked like two grand fellows.
We were grateful for shelter out of the torrential rain. The two men kept us company but could not say much due to the language barrier. With the map and phrase book we tried to tell them of our journey. We stayed in the hall for about half an hour until the rain eased, then thanking our minders we cycled off into the drizzle.
We guess that we climbed up to approx' 1500 metres today. The summit of Mt Perahu could be seen during the latter half of our journey. It peaks at 2565 metres.
Amusing to see at some major intersections in this country, dummy policemen. Statues of policemen standing on corners. At first glance they seem real and no doubt help to ensure that road users behave themselves. (Maybe a few of these mounted in the middle of England's roundabouts would be an idea)
While passing through a country village today, a group of young children tried to be helpful by pushing us from behind. That was fine for a few yards until some cheeky ones tried to pull while the others pushed. I had to use a nasty tone to get them to leave us alone.
Gill had her bottom smacked again today whilst passing a couple of blokes who were standing by the roadside.
The hotel room in Magelang cost us 1000 Rupiah with no fan and a communal bathroom. This town is situated in a valley, flanked on the West by MT Sumbing and on the East by MT Merbabu (3142m) and MT Merapi (3142m). The overcast sky during our stay here afforded us no prolonged views of the surrounding mountains. This was a pity, from the hotel balcony one could easily tell that on a clear day the view would be splendid.
Indonesia has its share of paupers and beggars, often to be found dawdling outside food houses, near bus stations and on busy intersections where traffic has to wait at traffic lights.
The village of Borobudur contains several places to stay. It is also home of one of the greatest Buddhist relics of South East Asia. On our map it is stated that this is the largest Buddhist stupa in the world. It ranks as Indonesia's most famous attraction.
This impressive monument, constructed sometime between 750 and 850 AD is built in the form of a massive symmetrical stupa. It starts on a base of 200 sq metres and forms a terraced pyramid-like structure. Six square terraces are topped by three circular ones, with four stairways leading up through carved gateways to the top.
For centuries Borobudur lay buried under volcanic ash until 1815 when the site was cleared.
We spent a couple of hours at the stupa and then carried on towards Yogyakarta. On the way we passed through the town of Muntilan which is home to dozens of stone carvers. All along both sides of the road were marvellous sculptures of various figures. The town echoed of the hammer and chisels chipping away at rock. We stopped and watched these craftsmen at work.
Yogyakarta is a large bustly town with many western tourists. We have found a comfortable hotel and will stay here for maybe two days to rest up.
To Be Continued ......
THURSLEY. |
Ordnance Survey Landranger Map 186; Grd Ref 902397 |
It was once an important place for the Wealden iron industry and several disused hammer ponds can still be seen nearby. These ponds were used to provide power to drive mechanical hammers and bellows in the forges.
Thursley is also the birthplace of the celebrated architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens, who at only nineteen years of age converted a row of local cottages into a single dwelling now known as The Corner.
In St Michaels churchyard there is the grave of a sailor who was murdered on Hindhead Heath in 1786 by three men he had gone to help. Although the villagers at the time never knew the sailor's name, they gave him a full burial and erected an inscribed stone over his grave.
| WINNER : | Last issue's competition was won by Tony Howarth who lives near Chester. Congratulations Tony. A drink bottle and cage (colour of your choice) is yours. |
Thanks to everybody who entered. Unfortunately there is only one winner. It could be you this time, have a go at this issue's competition.
ANSWER THE QUESTION BELOW. WRITE YOUR ANSWER ON THE BACK OF A
POSTCARD OR ENVELOPE AND SEND IT TO:
THE ED, WEST SURREY CYCLIST,
13 HEATHCOTE RD,
ASH, HANTS, GU12 5BH
QUESTION: In the sketch on page 18 (next below), in what village is the signpost situated?
ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED BEFORE MAY 10th.
What on earth was I doing out on my bike in this condition?
I was on my way to lead the Hardriders.
The night before, Gill and I were with friends and needless to say, the bottle and a bit of wine I consumed was now taking its toll.
My head ached in rhythm to the cadence on my bike. I knew I was going to be late for the start, especially as I yet had to tackle Wanborough Hill. Gill raced on ahead to warn those at the start of my impending late arrival.
I finally got there ten minutes late. My fellow Hardriders, Harold Coleman, Geoff Smith and Peter Callaghan seemed to find my condition amusing. They set off for elevenses of their own accord as I was not really in a fit state to lead them.
I was contemplating heading for home but Gill encouraged me to carry on with the day's ride and take a more direct route to Haslemere. As we set off, Clive Richardson turned up and joined us. It was thanks to Clive, with his firm hand on my back, who pushed me up every hill between Godalming and Haslemere, that I made it alive.
In Darnleys Coffee Shop I sat with my friends while they enjoyed their refreshments. I tried not to look at the food, so as to keep my nausea under control.
"I shouldn't be here", I thought to myself before losing control over my stomach and rushing to the loo.
Once outside again we all mounted our bikes, bound for lunch at South Warnborough. I sucked in the cool air, I was feeling better. The sun broke through the clouds and I felt suddenly rejuvenated. I was strong and fit to lead once more. I took my place at the head of the group and set the pace. As each mile passed I felt fitter and healthier.
If it had not have been for Clive's helping hand up those hills in the morning, I surely would have gone home to bed.
Thanks Clive.
P H
 |
ZEFAL SWITCH PUMP
Made in France.
This attractive pump comes in the colours Red/Black or Yellow/Black. It has a nifty feature Zefal call their patented Easy Slide System. This enables the pump to be used on either presta or schrader valves simply by locating the slide mechanism to the required hole. The pump is telescopic and at full stretch opens to 550mm - when compact it is 250mm. It comes with clips to attach it to the frame. The clips are fastened to bottle cage bosses and the pump can then sit neatly adjacent to the bottle cage. The pump snaps snugly into the clips and is held securely. For good measure a rubber bungee is stretched over one clip to ensure that the pump stays put when the going gets tough. When time comes to replace the valve rubbers, it is only a matter of sliding off a plastic cover for access and then providing you can obtain them, the rubbers can be easily replaced. Zefal claim that a pressure of 100psi can be reached with this pump. It's true, I got up to 100psi but it was really hard work. Up to 80psi was relatively easy, the other 20psi was a strain. A thumb-lock clamps the pump onto the valve. The valve connection was good, no leaks. The pump felt comfortable to use with its "soft touch" handle. I was rather impressed with its performance overall. Another neat feature of this pump is the "mud protector", a rubber plug which inserts into the valve hole of the pump to keep mud and water out when it is not in use. P. N. |
 |
BUDDY MICRO 2
Made in Taiwan
A double action pump, 340mm when stretched, 240mm compact. An ergonomic handle does make a difference to pumping comfort. A knob at the end of the handle can be swivelled to fit your palm. (see fig 2) An easy to read pressure gauge is built into the pump body. On test I got up to 50 psi without too much difficulty but from then on extra effort was required to keep the pump from popping off the tube valve. Even with the thumb-lock clamp on, the connection was not secure enough. I actually broke into a sweat to reach 95 psi and gave up. Use this pump regularly and you will end up with bulging arm muscles! Presta or schrader valves are catered for. To use one or the other, the valve connector must be dismantled and the correct sequence selected. (fig 1) The instructions tell you to unscrew the cap slightly to easily insert the tube valve into the pump. (fig 3) Tighten the cap if the connection leaks while pumping and flip the thumb-lock down. Despite doing this, the connection still leaked when 50 psi was reached. (fig 4) A single piece mounting bracket neatly sits under the bottle cage and holds the pump firmly enough. This pump is sufficient for tyres that only need to be pumped up to 45-50 psi. |
 |
AVENIR AIR MAX
Made in Taiwan
Avenir claims that pressure of 150 psi is obtainable! I have no reason to doubt this, as on test I reached 110 psi relatively easily. I pumped no further because I can't think of many cyclists who need to obtain 150 psi. I must say I was impressed with how quickly 110 psi was reached. The two way action of this pump is certainly efficient. The barrel is of aluminium with the bottom end of the pump in plastic and the palm handle in rubber. Comfort whilst pumping was good although if you have sweaty palms (like me) than a concentrated effort is required to keep a good grip on the handle. A plastic cage mount clip comes with the pump. The pump snap fits in one end and is secured by a rubber strap at the other. If the strap is not fastened the pump is not secure and will surely fall out at the first pot hole. A neat fitting cap presses over the valve rubber hole to keep water and dirt from entering the pump. An interesting design in that this pump clamps on to the tube valve by means of a twist action. With this "Twistlock" (TM) system you simply twist the handle and a good leak free connection is obtained. The built in pressure gauge starts reading at 30 psi and ends reading 120 psi in 10 psi increments. |
| 74 Claydon Road
Woking Surrey 23/1/97 |
Dear Ed
With reference to page 21 of the Jan/Feb/Mar issue of the DA Magazine it was the MID-WEEK Wayfarers enjoyable Christmas lunch!!
With reference the picture you are mistaken about it being "a certain member taking part in the West Surrey Freewheeling Competition". It is a picture of Chris Avery coming down Dunley Hill after a well known DA Christmas lunch, circa 92/3, I think! Chris will remember the year, as will his friend Colin. They were both lucky they didn't really end up with wooden legs!
ALSO
My son, David, uses a "self-push" wheelchair which new costs in the region of £1400. David's present chair is falling apart, has a piece missing and is held together with a bungee Strap!
On April 27th I shall set off on a 100 mile sponsored cycle ride to raise money. If anyone would like to sponsor me, please let me know.
Many thanks. Marguerite Statham 01483 763289
Thanks for your letter Marguerite. Have a free tube. Let me know what size you would like.
John Pugh won a tube for his letter in the last issue.
CYCLISTS'
TOURING CLUBALSO A 25 mile circular ride with coffee at Savill Gardens, Englefield Green
OR Continue on for a 45 mile "all day" ride
Sadly, many present members of the West Surrey DA did not know Denis because, owing to ill health, he had not ridden with the DA for some ten years.
Denis was a delighful man who was a very special friend to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He was a gifted artist with a great love for life, his family, his friends and the countryside; all of which was combined with an impish sense of humour.
It was typical of Denis's determination that he insisted on attending the DA Annual Dinner in November, although he had only just been released from hospital and looked frail.
He will be very much missed by all those who were fortunate enough to have known him.
Harold Coleman
Harold Coleman and Geoff Smith negotiate a rather large puddle.
For those who do not know; The Happy Eater at Betchworth is now closed. The Hardriders discovered this on a cold winter's morning in January when turning up there for elevenses. Never mind, we carried on to Safeways at Reigate.
Rumour has it that Roger Philo (our honourable runs secretary) is getting a new touring bike. Now it is not my place to spread gossip but can anyone confirm or deny this. If it is true, then how about writing in and giving us some more info' on this new bike of yours, Roger.
A 1947 sketch by the late Denis Gray (see p.31).
Newark Mill (near Ripley) burnt down in the sixties.
. Previous magazine . . Index to magazines . . Next magazine . . W. Surrey DA History & Archives home page .
Web page by Chris Jeggo. Last revised: 26 September 2006.