Here's this week's (late!) reports and stuff.......

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RIDE REPORT

Epsom Explorer 09/11/08

12 riders at the library although the start was delayed whilst a
puncture was fixed. One rider was still waiting for someone so 11 set
off towards Oaks Park, getting delayed on the way behind marching
Cadets out for Remembrance Day. The other 2 caught us up at the park.

The useful bridleway behind NESCOT was a little bit muddy and managed
to claim two punctures before the end. Trying to shelter from the wind
was pointless and one rider chose to leave us at this point. Another
light shower caught up with us before we hit Epsom town centre just
before 1pm for lunch. Instead of seeking out the Cricketers which
would have involved muddy paths, we opted for the cheap and cheerful
town centre Wetherspoons.

The afternoon route took in Nonsuch Park and although the sun came
out, it didn't last long.

No pix today. Thanks to Jill & Phil for leading.

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THE SOUTH LONDON CYCLISTS FORUM

Things have gone fairly quiet on the forum. Whilst it's not solely for
the use of PHC, we do make up the majority of the 76 registered
members. I know some read it without signing up but it needs more
activity if it's going to work. A lot of people wanted an outlet for
social chatting and I've done my best to throw in several subjects to
stimulate discussion.

If things don't pick up then I won't renew the URL when it expires and
the forum will disappear. If that's the sort of thing you like, please
try and use it to keep it alive.

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CYCLISTS SPECIAL

I'm working on something interesting for next year - I'm trying to
charter a train! The idea is to take 300 cyclists from London to
Bristol for a days riding (the Bristol to Bath railway path would be
the most obvious route) and then back in the evening. It would depart
from Paddington and bikes would be carried in old style brake vans or
goods wagons. The train may or may not be a steam train. You'd be
buying into a big cyclists get-together on a train with no other
passengers, just cyclists.

It's early days and I need to put together a poll to properly gauge
interest but in the meantime, can I get some expressions of interest?
I reckon it'd cost £40 - £60 per ticket against a standard fare of
£137. Who'd want to go? Email me to say - no pressure, I just need to
know if the idea is worth pursuing .

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NEXT WEEK

We're going to heading up the Waterlink Way, that wonderful series of
parks and river paths from South Norwood Country Park to Greenwich.
Lunch will be at Surrey Docks on the waterside. It's a brilliant,
mostly flat route that provides the most direct route to Greenwich.
It's one that everyone should try. 9:30 depart from the library.

Mark
PHC Co-ordinator
07711 688189

http://www.pollardshillcyclists.org.uk
http://www.southlondoncyclists.org.uk