Wednesday 16th October Addlestone to Dorney

When I put myself down for Addlestone my first thought was to join Tony Hopkins' ride to the Palmers Arms on the Wednesday of the free wheel. He led a fab route crossing the Thames west of the usual Eton Bridge. I was also lucky in reccying with Carolyn who knows the area well and having Ray (a member of friends of Windsor Great Park) as sub leader and Tim Gibbons who would never get lost in Windsor Park, as I feared I might. Good to see Tony Hooker out and also new man Rob, and also Pam now back in the saddle and all the rest of those for whom Addlestone was not too far. The A s were in Costa but the B s were more than happy with the Golden Cafe where we had table service and a full English breakfast for those that needed it. We were in two groups of 9 a piece and the first group led by Steph received last minute advice from Pam who had been severely delayed coming into Addlestone. Following her advice we noted the tail end of a traffic queue at the end of Crouch Oak Lane and did a neat triangle by Green Lane and the cyclepath along the A road to avoid it. We were soon at the lovely toilets at Virginia Water. There was some discussion here but the day was warm and the foot traffic was much less than at weekends so we rolled through. A beautiful ride through passing the totem pole, the village, polo grounds and statue of Queen on horseback to exit the Rangers Gate. Soon we were at our second toilet stop, reccied by Carolyn, inside the Leisure centre where the toilets are placed to the left as you enter so very convenient and available to the general public. Sustrans route 4 is well known to many and we all noted the high levels of water in the Thames. Lunch was prompt and tasty, the second group following quickly on our heels. Return was direct via Datchet and Eton Bridge, before Staines Bridge I missed Mullens way and that shorter cut would have got us ahead of the train at the level crossing. The new cyclepath by the river at Runnymede got us almost to the crossing point over the watermeads to Egham. A quick look at the greenery outside the new Shepperton Studios and into Halliford Garden Centre for tea. Ray's report We set off with overcast skies and the threat of rain, plus having been warned by Pam about the amount of traffic on the beginning of the route, a sense of foreboding. At the junction Crouch Oak Lane and Chertsey Road, we found that the road Pam had found traffic bound was now clear, so we forgot about using the Green Lane alternative and proceeded on the original course to Roakers Avenue. Here I made my first mistake of the day and missed the route through to Eastworth Road and demonstrated why you should always do a recce. A quick U turn and back down a path put us back on track. Through the back of Chertsey and then another blunder and U turn at the roundabout at Chisley Green Road where I missed the path to Cowley Avenue. From then on, I was on familiar roads and no more mishaps. We then proceeded passed Virginia Water railway station and onto the car park at Virginia Water Lake. Here we carried out a quick look to see if there were any, “No Cycling” signs in evidence as the parks web site states that cycling is not permitted south of the lake. Since none were found, we proceeded through the park to Rangers Gate taking in the great views and scenery. We bypassed Windsor using Bolton Road and crossed the Thames using the cycle path along side of the Royal Windsor Way main road. Then down to the off-road paths and roads to Dorney. The Palmers Arms once again proved very efficient and provided our preordered food quickly and good seating, next to the window. Brilliant. By the time we left the sun had come out and we enjoyed a sunny autumn afternoon ride back to Upper Halliford. If only all rides could be the same! Back to Eton using the path along side of the railway, across Eton Bridge, then through Datchet, Old Windsor, and Egham where Pam left us. Then into Staines and along one of the worst roads for potholes in the area, Staines Road, then on to Laleham, Shepperton and into Squires in Upper Halliford for tea. On reaching Squires, we were waiting for the second half of the group to appear only to discover that Tony Hopkins had a puncture that delayed their arrival. Eventually they arrived and we enjoyed our tea with brilliant sunshine coming through the window that made us think it was spring rather than autumn. A big thank you to Geoff, sub sub leader and Bernard who was back marker. Plus of course Sabina, Pam, Gill, the two Tonys, Ian and Rob whose company was much appreciated. On the way to Dorney photo on wotsapp.

Ian Appleton

Ian was a lovely guy, a great cyclist who virtually carried his home on his bike. Also a very experienced mountaineer.

Ian is in the middle in the photo.

Tony..

Ian Appleton has died

In Normandy (2012)

Pam has passed on the sad news from Ian's daughter Gill Appleton that Ian passed away in his sleep on Saturday morning, (12th October).

Many will remember Ian as both a regular rider with us and as a very enthusiastic participant with us on many cycle tours in this country and in Europe. Less well known was that Ian was an extremely experienced mountaineer and very well respected in that community too.

~ Tim

In Normandy (2013)

with Brian and Terry (2012), photo by Pam

Invitation to join the A ride on 16th August

You are invited to join the A ride on Wednesday, going from Costa Coffee in Station Road, Addlestone (not the DC) and going to The Tilly Shilling, Farnbourgh, a J D Weatherspoons pub so no need to pre-order. About 18 miles before lunch and another 20 after lunch to the tea stop at Shepperton Lock.
 
Quite a lot of trails, track and canal, otherwise it's on road.
 
Please email me at d.jackson49@aol.co.uk by 18.00 hrs on Monday 14th if you wish to join the ride, then groups and timings information will be sent out on Tuesday along with the RideWithGPS route.

Looking forward to seeing you on Wednesday morning.

Yours

Jennie J

B group ride from Addleston Golden Cafe - Wed 16th Oct

Join Steph and Ray for an autumnal wheel through Windsor Great Park followed by a beautiful bit of R4 into Dorney. The Palmers Arms was quite busy last Wednesday so would appreciate pre orders . Wrap or Ciabattas Sausage & Caramelised Red Onion Ciabatta £6.25 Falafel Wrap with mixed salad, red onion and mint yoghurt £5.95 Chicken Schnitzel Ciabatta with mayo £8.50 Crispy Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato Ciabatta £6.95 Fish Burger with mixed leaf salad and tartar sauce £8.95 Roast Fillet of Beef Ciabatta with horseradish £9.95 Quesadilla – cheese, roasted peppers, onions, tomatoes & Guacamole £8.50 Bar Snacks & Sides Bar Snacks & Sides Garlic Bread £3.25 Snack Sausages in sweet chili sauce £4.95 Falafel Bites £4.95 Triple Cooked Chunky Chips £4.95 or Fries £3.95 The main meals menu is online if you wish to select something different. If you wish to ride contact Steph with your lunch preference. 07909774234 ps the bacon is very crispy, all ciabattas and wraps come with a lovely fresh salad.

B group ride and Freewheel competition 9th Oct

Francis starts with ….

After many days of on-off torrential rain, we were blessed with a dry and sunny day, perfect for the annual Freewheel Competition. All 3 groups had different routes of varying length to Root Hill all arriving at 11.15-11.30 am for the start. After the presentation on Brockham Green, there were different routes to the Plough pub in Leigh, for a staggered arrival.

My first group of Diane, Gill, Pete and Sue had the longest route to Root Hill via Punchbowl Lane and Park Gate. As we waited our turn for FixieDave’s push-off, we busied ourselves with how to be streamlined and fearless if one of us was going to win. Alas, after an exhilarating freewheel down the hill, especially the sharp corner manned by Steward Mick, and avoiding a car and van and debris on the road, none of us managed to get anyway near the eventual winners. It was nonetheless, an enjoyable and fun competition to have participated. Terry was the furthest any B rider got to the end, so congrats to him (must be the many years of experience!)

PS: being scolded by competitive Gill for getting in the way!

We then all rode the short distance to Brockham Green for the presentations by Sue F. 

Ged won the men’s competition, with Steve as runner-up. Janice won the ladies’ competition with Sue C as runner-up. Thank you to Ed for the superb hand-crafted winners trophies.

My group had the shortest ride of 4 miles to the Plough and so we arrived relatively early to be served promptly with good lunches and drinks. At this time, the sun made an appearance and so in good spirits we headed out on our 15 mile ride to the Old Clunker café in Dorking, via Norwood Hill and Newdigate.

En route on Burnt Oak Lane, Pete spotted Cudworth Manor, a Grade II listed moated manor, complete with geese on sentry duty by the gate. Thick hedges prevented a decent photo of the manor but its moat was just visible. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cudworth_Manor

After Pete’s history lesson, we made our way steadily to the café for a rest and a cuppa. Thanks to all my group for their convivial company and to Pete for back-marking.

My thanks as always to Tim G and John A for supporting me as co-leaders and their respective back-markers.

To Terry, Tony, FixieDave and Mick for organising the FWC so well and for keeping us safe.

John continues with….

The middle group of Arwyn, Mick, Linda and Julie had intended to set off in good time but we had a couple of delays, including a missed turn over Cotmandene and a decision not to go off road over Dorking golf course. Therefore the leader cut off a couple of miles and we were the first to arrive at the top of Root Hill.

A fairly mediocre run down the hill for our group saw us ready to set off on a pleasant ride to lunch. After lunch outdoors (perhaps the last of the year) we set off for the spin to Dorking. A very pleasant autumn day out on our bikes.

Tim G finally ends with …

 
After a short ride up and over Cotmandene to Root Hill by my group of Colin, Tony, Ian, Paul, Grant and Terry, we met with our fellow cyclists to take part in the annual freewheel competition. Ably assisted by the event organisers we descended down hoping to take advantage of whatever momentum the hill could provide. As we gathered at Brockham Green it was disappointing to note that no B group members were successful in gaining a podium position. Congratulations to those that did!

On via Norwood Hill and Nalderswood we arrived at Leigh for lunch at the Plough. It was encouraging to see so many people enjoying an al fresco experience. The pub seemed busier than usual which meant our stay was a little longer than anticipated. Nevertheless we amused ourselves with convivial conversation until the food arrived.

Conscious of time we agreed to foreshortened the afternoon ride and make our way directly to Clunkers Cafe in Dorking where we joined a number of other B riders enjoying their afternoon refreshment.

Many thanks to all involved in making today’s freewheel experience a success and especially to Francis for compiling a varied selection of routes for us all to follow.

A good day had by all!

A group ride and freewheel competition 9 October

It was with some trepidation that I cycled to Dorking to lead the day’s ride as I hadn’t completed a recce. I’d set off to do so on Monday but as I’d approached Dorking light rain became heavy rain which became torrential. A river ran down Dorking High Street and gutters and downpipes were turned into waterfalls. Soaked through I sheltered until the rain stopped and then set off to recce the route. Within minutes there was torrential rain again and a black sky at which point I headed for home. 

Arriving in Dorking on Wednesday I realised I had a puncture. No problem I thought, with tubeless I just need to plug it. Unfortunately that highlighted an unfixable valve problem (but thanks to Steve D and Dave V for trying) and so, grabbing my helmet and gloves, it was a walk to Cogs bike repair shop for me. Dave E kindly agreed to take over my lead and I hoped to catch up in Brockham. 

Full marks to John at Cogs for dropping everything to get me back on the road. A new valve and also rim tape were needed and whilst I was there Steve D arrived to ask if I had the right helmet. The answer was no, in my haste I’d taken a helmet belonging to a lady in B group (my apologies). Steve kindly sorted out the swap.

At last I arrived at Roothill just in time to be the final person to start in the freewheel competition. Amazingly (as I’ve entered many times and never been close to the winners) I managed to stay upright as I crawled past Sue C’s flag, knocking her into 2nd place. Ged won the men’s competition and Steve D came second. I don’t have photos of the winners but here’s Neil W’s arty photo from Brockham.

The day was looking up and despite a gloomy forecast the sun was shining. 

My group consisting of Neil W, Dave E, Dave F, Clive and I set off for the Star Inn at Rusper. Andy C took Steve D, Ged, Peter S and Simon W at a faster pace. 

Still in sunshine we all sat outside at the Star Inn. The sandwiches were good for the price and although we had all cooled down we were grateful that the rain was holding off. 

To get some miles in on what was otherwise a short day we headed South where it was downhill all the way towards Horsham. At the new cycle/footbridge we were slowed down by several hundred school children in front of us but once free again we headed north east, past Strawberry Fields tea room and took a route suggested by Andy which avoided cycling on the busy dual carriageway (but substituted a muddy path instead). 

After that it was the steep climb up Wimlands Lane and lovely Surrey lanes, some of which were even downhill! Arriving in Leatherhead several of us stopped for final refreshments at Charlie & Ginger. 

A lovely day out in good company and decent enough weather. My thanks to Dave E for back marking my group and to Andy for his route suggestions and leading the second group. Also to all those involved in organising the freewheel competition, in particular to Ed for making the fantastic trophies. 

Teddington Lock Footbridge - closure this weekend

Picture by Brian Bent!

From Richmond Council:

To connect the new ramp to the main bridge structure and remove the temporary ramp, we will close Teddington Lock footbridges from 8pm on Friday 11th October until 6am on 14th October.

B Ride invitation 9th October and Freewheel Competition

It’s what you’ve been waiting for all year, the annual Freewheel Competition is finally here. There’s some articles on the Blog “search Freewheel” for advice on how to get a competitive edge on your rivals. (Tim C’s article 8^th Oct last year is particularly interesting J )

We shall head from Dorking to Root Hill in 3 ride routes of varying length for the start of the FWC at  11.15 am and after the presentations on Brockham Green, we shall head again in 3 ride routes to the Plough pub in Leigh to stagger our arrivals per the pub's requirement. No pre-ordering is required.

Post lunch, it's a 15 miles ride to the Old Clunker Café in Dorking for tea.

Please email me if you would like to join the ride, by close Monday evening. 

Thanks...Francis

A group ride 9 October (Freewheel competition)

It's Autumn and so I'm sure you're all excitedly looking forward to the annual freewheel competition which will follow elevenses in Dorking.

After the competition and presentations we'll have a short ride of approximately 10 miles to the Star Inn in Rusper. I've been asked to provide pre-orders so if you'd like to join me please let me have your choice from the good range of small lunches and sandwiches on the menu.

After lunch, if the weather is kinder than the forecast currently suggests we'll be able to get 26 miles in by heading further south towards Horsham before looping back to take tea in Leatherhead. If it's not so kind there's a shorter, more direct route to Leatherhead of 18 miles.

Please email me at janice.dawes@gmail.com by 5pm Monday evening to join.

B Ride Report 2nd October - Cobham to Leatherhead via West Horsley

Francis aka “no rain today” led the first group out (wearing shorts and a light top) from Cobham to West Clandon on wet and muddy lanes.

My intended route from there was to Newlands Corner and Drove road to Staple Lane car park. In the dry, it’s a scenic off-road pleasure but after heavy rains, it’s more like a Louisiana swamp! Being sensible, I changed the route with my sub-leaders to instead take us up Staple Lane with the reward of a long Green Dene downhill passing groups of A riders heading uphill.

It was then a short ride to West Horsley and our Thai lunch stop at the Barley Mow. We were feeling rather smug that we had made it in dry weather.

We thoroughly enjoyed the tasty dishes, served promptly which enabled us to exit just as the 3^rd group of riders arrived. It was then that we noticed big black clouds hoovering up ahead waiting for our arrival. And rain it did, heavy rain pelted us for being too smug earlier on. Luckily Steph being my guardian angel, lent me a jacket to keep dry.

Carolyn bide us adieu at Effingham while the rest of us climbed up to Ranmore Common and an exhilarating 28 mph controlled descent down Chapel Lane and a leisurely ride into Leatherhead and tea. Thanks to my lovely group of John, Carolyn, Keith, Karl and back-marker Steff.

Lastly, my thanks to Mick and FixieDave for their patience during our recce and for their superb co-leading of their groups. A really enjoyable day's ride.

Dave’s continues with his ‘middling’ report….

Cycling out from Cobham once again, following a reshuffle, whereby a prestigious cyclist was seconded from our group, to the elite first group, since a couple of riders had dropped out

Our middle sextet group consisted of Sabina, Bernard, Paul, Tony, Tim, & myself. Thanks Paul for joining us at short notice.

The ride followed along well and at noon, we reached the top of Staple Lane. The Hill itself never seems to wear down, despite all the cyclists who traverse it. It only seems to wear us down!

After which mainly downhill roads took us to our lunch venue at the Barley Mow, in West Horsley.

 

Once more into the breach after lunch, the route took us along to the much enjoyed High Barn Lane and Hogden Lane.

We couldn't quite make the suggested afternoon sustenance stop. This was probably due to the extra 100 metres at the start of the ride! So it was Charlie & Gingers for us, with their cycle parking area.

Thanks Francis for the route & organizing. Thanks to Tim our experienced back-marker/leader and finally thanks to our happy group.

Last but not least, Mick concludes with …..

Arwyn, Ian W, Anne W, Colin G, Pat, Grant and I were a little tardy getting away from Cobham, the difficulties of finding a Post Office to congregate outside :-) The ride was pleasant, we just had to be careful to avoid the large puddle.

At the top of Staple Lane I made the mistake of turning right (blame the Sat. Nav.) where I was faced by a steep downhill, the team mutinied and waited for me to recognise my error. No more problems and onto the Barley Mow in West Horsley for lunch.

Lunch was good and served quickly. The first group set off in the rain but we lunched through it then off to the steep climb up Hogden Lane onto Ranmore Common followed by plain sailing into Leatherhead for tea.

A group ride from Cobham 2nd October 2024

 The ride was once again planned to appeal to either A group or A/B group riders. I had publicised the ride as an unadventurous ride as my last ride might have been overly adventurous for some. I double checked that the only off road across Bookham Cobham remained fit to ride on my way to Cobham and was pleasantly relieved to find it was!

We should all grateful to Brian in particular for both sub leading and because I stole the best section of one of his rides from last year (but edited it with less hills and  in a reverse direction and a tolerable distance to lunch).

I had 21 riders (including leaders) signed up with everyone securing the subgroup pace of their choice. However, the very compact "fast five" group was only formed at the last minute due to an initial  shortage of a sub leader and some very last minute or late applications. It seems that Mike R was duly elected sub leader (being the last to apply) but Neil W and Peter S has also offered to assist. Thanks again to them.

To target a reasonably staggered arrival at the pub all three groups left closely spaced shortly before 11;00. It was great to see the revised assembly points at Cobham being so well supported by all participants. Many thanks.

My equal opportunity group was last away, enjoying the largely traffic free route to Effingham before the inevitable. Unfortunately, we passed the 5 once more in puncture repair mode on Calvert Road. As too many cooks spoil the broth, we gallantly left them to it and carried on, expecting them to come flying past on one of the foreboding morning hills

For most of us it was familiar territory up Green Dene where we saw a group of Bs tearing down in the opposite direction. Were they on their way home already or was the road ahead blocked? Apparently neither.

In Shere we discovered and were delayed by some annoying roadworks. That was the first of many “That wasn’t there on the Recce!“ remarks by the leader.

On and on we ground, up Sandy Lane, across Little London and down to Brook. I can’t recall exactly when we met the first horse, but there were plenty today including a pair with only one rider. Some more climbing up Brook Hill to Farley Green and another horse. This was trotting uphill and generating 755 watts so at my meagre 116 watts, we had no chance of catching it. (Editors note 755 watts = 1HP)

Yet more climbing through the aptly named Hurtwood before we broke the back of the morning's ascent. Then down hill to Stroud and Run Common. It must have been around here we ignored the usual road ahead closed sign (Special offer 1 day only Wednesday 2 October) and to our horror found it actually was. Two large trucks completely blocked the lane and a lumberjack in a cherry picker was giving a tree a good haircut. Fortunately, Jenny smiled and waved at a ferocious looking workman who turned off his branch munching monster and let us safely squeeze between the trucks on foot. We all joined in a chorus of “For he’s a Jolly good fellow” (well mentally at least.). Just after this we gallantly moved over to let the fast 5 through. (The puncture clearly had not gone well.)

“A tad later and 17 miles from Cobham we were into the highlight of the morning, a long cut to lunch via Brookwell Lane, Gate Street (where surprisingly there was a gate across the street) and the lovely Thorncombe Street. The sun briefly shone (Hooray), we saw two more horses, wooden headed statues only this time on the hillside. (Sue C, its behind you!)

It was all going so well, but there were a surprising number of vehicles around and precious little space to manoeuvre. As we approached mile 21, the inevitable happened and there was a very sharp shower (Boo). Those not wearing waterproofs stopped to find and put them on. Sue F sadly discovered that she had left hers in Cobham. The leader had charged ahead seeking a safe and sheltered spot, where we regathered to head for a belated lunch.

Lunch was generally enjoyed at the Grantley Arms which received mixed reviews on its pricing, service charge and for some their food quality. It turned into a leisurely lunch as all subgroups waited for heavy lunchtime showers to subside.

 

The route back to tea at Cobham was reasonably flat (apart from Guildford High Street) and quite short. In view of the unfavourable looking weather several riders opted for a train assist from Guildford. Others cracked on regardless, taking good off road paved cycle routes through Guildford where available , and then fairly briskly thereafter.  All groups experienced some pm showers, some more that others but all in all they did not detract from a great day out for most. Thanks to all who signed up for their company, especially those who back marked, and to Dianne for giving an A/B subgroup a first try.

NorWesters Ride to the Rocket, Putney 02/10/2024

 

On Wednesday I planned a NorWester ride to Putney that used a course that used roads that I had not used before, a voyage of discovery! Four of us assembled at the Pheasantry in Bushy Park for a morning of flat roads and an afternoon of undulations. We left the park via the gate in Hampton High Street and made our way via Fullwell, Strawberry Hill Station and Twickenham, where we found the Thames towpath that took us to Richmond Bridge. We crossed the bridge and entered Richmond that was remarkably lacking traffic. Then down to the river at Mortlake and along the towpath as far as practical before water, mud and rougher conditions made the road a better bet. Just before Barnes we took a traffic free turn right that by passed the town. Then it was on to Putney Bridge where we crossed the Thames and turned right into a bus jam at Gonville Street. We then negotiated our way past the buses and on towards the Hurlingham Club grounds and then on to Wandsworth Bridge. After crossing the bridge, we took a sharp right turn that led us down to the river and then along to the Rocket using the new embankment.

Lunch was served quickly and efficiently and after a bit of a chat it was a case of saying goodbye to Stephen who had to go straight back to Wimbledon for a meeting. The other three remining Norwesters then blindly followed my satnav route only to find we were almost back to a junction that passed earlier. We then started the uphill section of the route. Not a steep route but one that does go on for approximately 3 miles, bringing us out at Roehampton. Here we used the roads to bypass Wimbledon Common so as to avoid the mud. At the junction with Combe Lane, we said goodbye to Geoff who turned of for home with me and Maddie turning right and cycling up Coombe Hill and turning right at entrance to Coombe Hill Golf Club. This road is an absolute delight with little traffic and expensive but attractive houses. At the end of this road, we entered Richmond Park via Ladderstile Gate. It was then a case of using one of our well-established routes to Kingston Bridge and then entering Bushy Park using Cobblers Walk entrance.

The company was excellent. The route proved to be good despite my misgivings before the start, with light traffic on most roads, excellent river front rides around Barnes and Wansworth and despite the hiller afternoon, good fun. A big thank you to all of 4 riders who helped at some point with the navigation and encouragement.

Ray Y