Ride Report - Hilly 50 Saturday 26th April

Yesterday we were blessed with almost perfect conditions, no rain, not too hot and hardly any wind. Even the potholes looked more benign with dry surfaces almost everywhere.

Tim Morley, Mike Morley’s son brought his usual group of enthusiastic riders, in memory of his late father, whose idea it was to use the H50 as an occasion to raise funds for St Raphael’s Hospice.

 

   

Their enthusiasm extended to a very early start, shortly after 8am, and doubtless an early finish too. 

Other, no less enthusiastic riders started arriving after 9am and to be greeted and checked-in by Tim, who collected cash donations from those who had not used JustGiving.

Frances brought a strong group from Bella Velo. Kingston Phoenix was represented by a sole rider, Roger seeking a different Saturday challenge. Thanks Roger.

I left around 10am with in a group of 13, comprising mostly H50-hardened Wayfarers drawn from both A and B groups and their friends. On our way up Chapel Lane I spotted at least one of Tim Morley’s early riders returning only 2 hours after leaving – well impressive.

Impressive too was our group, everyone making it up Sheephouse Lane (my personal least-favourite) and up White Down (seemingly everyone else’s least favourite).     

In between we had a welcome break at the King’s Head Shop, situated almost perfectly about half-way round.

Arriving at Box Hill NT café after 2.30, Tim C had wisely already left us. But we were all smiling, the sun shone and once we had got our teas it was difficult to leave.

Thanks to Tim C for support at the start, not to mention all the less visible, but vital work on website and IT. Thanks for support on the reccies from Andy C, Peter S and Bernard. On the day Peter S backmarked, no easy job on such a hilly ride, with everyone climbing at different speeds. Steve D, Ged and others helped by corner marking to keep us moving. And thanks to everyone who contributed photos, and their good cheer and enthusiasm.

Overall we were a little down on numbers from last year, despite the good weather. Nevertheless, we have collected around £1.045 so far for St Raphael’s and the JustGiving site remains open for further donations, which are all much appreciated

Hilly 50 riders

I arrived at Ryka's (8:30) way too late to see Tim Morley and his speedy friends take off for the hills but with plenty of time to catch the elite BellaVelo team and our very own Wayfarers with guest riders who departed with Dave Vine leading at 10 a.m.

~ Tim

A Group ride to Eltham Palace

 Our ride from Kingston on the 30 April will take us on an urban adventure to Eltham Palace across the badlands 😁 of south london. The route takes us through Richmond Park & on to Crystal Palace and Eltham Palace. Lots of quiet roads and track ways and paths, some 9% hills and a few more busy stretches of tarmac. Lunch will be at The Park Tavern in Eltham. Tea at the Windmill Cafe in Wimbledon on a route through Dulwich, Brockwell and Wimbledon parks. Morning ride is 22 miles & the afternoon just over 17.

If you’re  interested in joining me ( & Dave Ward) on the day please email me before 6 pm on Monday at hansformella@gmail.com.

Invitation for a B ride to the Fox Inn, Hanwell on 30th April

You are invited to a B ride next Wednesday starting at the Hawker Centre, Kingston. The route takes advantage of many traffic free paths, which on the whole are fairly smooth. Thames path, Richmond Park, Grand Union canal, Syon park and Osterley park are all en route. The weather forecast looks sunny so bring plenty of water! Lunch will be at the Fox Inn, Hanwell, a lovely traditional pub on the Grand Union Canal. No pre-orders required but the menus can be viewed here:

https://www.thefoxpub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Fox-Lunch-Menu-3.pdf

https://www.thefoxpub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/The-Fox-Main-Menu-6.pdf

If you would like to join the ride please can you let me know by email or by WhatsApp (07803 005 516) by Monday 6pm.

Here is the route:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/50480470

Julie :)

Hilly 50 Tomorrow

A final reminder that the Hilly 50 is tomorrow, Saturday. Riding in support of St Raphael's Hospice

You can leave Ryka's any time before 10am. Finish at the top of Box Hill.

Sensibly paced group will leave at 10am. 

All the details here

JustGiving donation form for St Raphael's here.

I look forward to seeing you there!

 

 

L

Bike Jumble Riplry

RIPLEY BIKE JUMBLE                     Sat 26th April 

VCC Spring Jumble

Ripley Village Hall GU236AF

Sellers 7am

Buyers  8am-1pm

Report for A Group Ride 23 April 2025

18 riders set off in three groups on this loop from Leatherhead to Horley for lunch and back to Leatherhead for tea. Unfortunately, we had one of the few overcast and drizzly days over the recent couple of weeks or so, but it wasn’t too bad and the Surrey countryside still looked lovely, even in the gloom. I had planned for a couple of off-road sections, but I abandoned these on the day due to the gloomy weather and so we stayed on the tarmac. Maybe another time (although Dave F's group commendably did the second off-road section).

Three of us stopped for tea at Ginger & Charlies in Leatherhead where we met up with a few of Andy’s group.

Here is Andy’s report:

Arriving at Leatherhead for our ride today, the weather though overcast was dry and with the forecast predicting cloud clearing and dry weather, we set off. My group consisted of myself, Janice, Patrick, Mike R, Hans and Peter S with Frances deciding we would be holding her back and jumped ship to another group. Well, it didn't take too long before the drizzle started but I resisted donning my rain jacket until it got a bit heavier and colder. We made good progress on mainly familiar roads with a few new ones (to me) thrown in. We eventually rolled into Horley and parked our bikes outside the Jack Fairman locked to a tree since some cycle racks seemed to have disappeared. Food and drinks were swiftly ordered and delivered once the fishing boats had been out to catch some giant fish for Patrick and Mike.

The rain had stopped but it was still cold as we went to depart. Mike had to take our picture as I'd managed to jam the zip on my rain jacket. We resumed our journey home with the occasional tailwind along many familiar roads. We did seem to be on the end of some pretty desperate driving but survived unscathed although apparently, Janice had a bit of a slide along the A24 cycle path. Myself, Janice and Peter decided not to stop for tea and made our way home. Thanks to Clive for the routes and Peter for making sure we all made it home.

Here is Dave F’s report:

Having volunteered to sub lead the slower group I reached out to B group to ask if anyone wanted a slightly longer ride at a slightly brisker B group pace. Bob P and Fixie joined regulars Sue C, Jennie and I for this option. My initial group of seven lost 2 at the start line with  perfectly legitimate apologies. Given the weather, we did a hybrid of Clive's on and offroad alternative routes. Some familiar territory (including part of my route to Caterham 11s) was relatively new to others and much appreciated by the group.

All was going well aside from the inevitable uphill puffs and pants until Outwood. We stopped to re-inflate a "slow" on Sue's rear tyre which seemed to have done enough to get us the six miles to lunch with perhaps another top-up after a few miles. We resumed cautiously for a while and the plan seemed to be holding up. We then met a very tempting good steep freshly surface decent. I stopped on the flat shortly after to re-group but after a brief wait was greeted by Bob. Fixie and Jennie were helping Sue so no need to double back . Phew!

However, some time later a phone call determined that there had been problems initially getting the tyre off and now getting it back on again so could we return, which we did. At 12.8% it was the steepest of the day but we duly arrived to share our various tyre tools. Jennie's "tyre glider" was actually working quite well but stuck on the last bit. The tools Bob and I use both required the rim/ tyre seal on both sides of the tyre to be broken, which it wasn.t. So Jennie persevered with a generous portion of her lip balm to lubricate the last bit which finally did the trick! Hurray, but it transpired it had taken 45 minutes. 

Despite some disparaging glances from the lady whose drive we had borrowed, the time had actually flown by thanks to some good banter to keep spirits up. Unsurprisingly there were no other bikes at 'Spoons when we arrived.

Clive's route back via Lonesome Lane was again a crowd pleaser but we opted out of Tilehurst and Punchbowl lanes by taking the coach road from Brockham. We hit Leatherhead in time to enjoy refreshments at the excellent Lucios.

Thanks to Clive for the route and my thoroughly patient and entertaining sub-group for a fun day out on our bikes, despite the chilly gloom.

Finally from me, thanks to: 

• Andy H and Dave F for sub-leading

• My group of Frances, Dave E, Dave V, Dave W, Ged and Steve D

• Dave V and Dave W for back marking my group

B ride report 23rd April - Leatherhead to Mogador

Another great day out beginning with cake and singing for Ed's 90th birthday! Pete's ride was a very interesting route as it made us tackle familiar routes in reverse, introduced us to new roads in the Mogador area and very pleasant off road scenic tracks requiring the usual fortitude, stamina and stout footwear (in places). A high point was followed by the wonderful descent of Juniper Lodge Bottom, much crawled up in the opposite direction on previous rides so a real bonus to float down it. The Sportsman was an excellent venue with good food and no pre-ordering, and we even considered possible adaptions to the dog washing facilities to cater for muddy bikes. The completed ride gave just over 2,500 ft of climbing, adequate preparation for Robert and Mick in their assault on the hilly 50 on Saturday. (Photos on the wotsapp)

Reminder - Hilly 50k - Saturday 26 April

A reminder that this year’s Hilly 50k will be Saturday 26th April 2025 from Ryka’s, Dorking. Sign on from 9.00am, depart at 10am. Finish at the top of Box Hill. The route, and all the hills you love await you. For full details see our Hilly 50 web page.

As in previous years we hope to attract a wide group of riders who might not normally attempt such a hilly ride. I plan to organise a sensibly paced group ride, leaving Ryka’s at 10am on 26th. There will be a welcome (for me at least) mid-ride coffee stop at Kings Head Shop on Pitland St, Holmbury St Mary. Please let me know if you are interested (d.vine207@btinternet.com). If you can't make the 26th do not despair. I hope to organise an alternative date later. Just let me know.  We ask riders to support St Raphael's Hospice, which like many hospices is now in extreme need of support. So far we have raised about £300 of our target of £1,000. Entry is free but donations of £10 (or more if you prefer) via our JustGiving page (with Gift Aid) to this most deserving cause. When donating with JustGiving please remember you can adjust downwards the additional donation which they request to cover JustGiving's running costs.

         

FOR SALE: TREK Carbon Fibre Road Bike, Large Size

FOR SALE: TREK CARBON FIBRE ROAD BIKE £750

DOMANE 6 SL, 2020, size 60

An endurance bike that offers excellent all-day riding for someone 6ft-6ft 3”.

• Ultegra mechanical groupset, 11speed, 50/34 with 12-32t cassette
• Thru-bolt axles, disc brakes
• Wheelset: Bontrager Paradigm with Bontrager AW2 tyres that are in good condition. The wheels are tubeless ready but, for what it is worth, my view is that tubes are better on high pressure road bike tyres.
• Black with limited red detailing.
• Has mudguards compatible with up to 32mm tyres.

This bike has been lightly used in the last 3 years and is as good as new.

Professionally maintained. Less than 250k ridden since full overhaul and service November 2024 by Trek Wandsworth.

I lack storage space and am keen to sell.

View and test ride in Fulham/Richmond Park. PS: bring your own pedals or bring MTB cleated cycling shoes.

Geoffrey Shields, 07768 045 698

geoffrey.shields@outlook.com

Note for tomorrow

Just a quick message to let you that we’ll get to wish our treasured teammate Ed a very happy birthday tomorrow at 10:45 am at Leatherhead Fairfield Community Centre as planned but as Ed will not be able to be there in person it will be held virtually. We will make a video of the event which will be showed to him on his actual birthday on Thursday 24 April. 🌟

~ Lilian

And from Jennie:

I’ve just popped in to see Ed, he’s doing really well, this is his daughter and granddaughters visiting him today. I’ve had a lovely afternoon with him. 🥰

Ed with his daughter Mandy and granddaughters Jessica and Chloe

Invitation to the A Group Ride - 23 April

Next Wednesday’s ride will be a loop starting and ending in Leatherhead, with lunch at the Jack Fairman in Horley.

It’s about 37km to lunch and 29km  to tea - 640m of hills. There will be some off-road, about 2km in total, with some gravel in places (on-road option if the weather demands).

That’s it. Please let me know (clive.janes@gmail.com) if you would like to come along.

Invitation to a B Group ride - 23rd April

After Elevenses at the Fairfield Centre in Leatherhead our route will go through Ashtead Park, up Chalk lane and across the centre of the racetrack, then up Ebbisham lane to Tadworth and onto the Sportsman via Mugswell where lunch will be provided. We don't need to pre-order Lunch.

Please also read this important message from Lilian.

After lunch we will ride across Walton golf course and on to Mickleham via Headley.

From Mickleham we will have a short climb to Norbury Park for a coffee prior to the descent into Leatherhead. Not a long ride today but a scenic one, and there will be a few little sections of off road.

Please advise me privately via WhatsApp if you are intending to join me.

I will need a sub leader if anyone would like to volunteer.

This is the route (in RideWithGPS) from which you can export to your Garmin if you wish:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/50302445 

Many thanks folks.

Pete Beyer

Report for B Group - 16th April

Thank you as always to Tim G. and Francis for being subs on our ride to Crawley. It is essential that many B riders are prepared to step up to this task so that the Midweekers can continue to flourish. It is also a good way into becoming a leader or of gaining a bit more experience.

I hope all who rode to Crawley enjoyed this new venue. It was especially good of Wetherspoons to have a huge display of balloons to welcome us!? I hope you all enjoyed the circular underpass to the south of Crawley, near to the football ground and the spiral staircase to the north. I am pleased also that we managed to survive the almost hidden steps before lunch.

J.A.

First group by Brockham Green

Norwood Hill

John's group in Brockham

The second group plus Dave at lunch

A group ride report Weds 16 April

Starting much further South than usual at Tanhouse Farm, I had the opportunity to look at lesser used Sussex lanes when planning the route. Mindful of the fact that some have to travel 20+ miles just to get to Tanhouse and that it’s early in the year, so our Summer fitness is yet to arrive, I decided to revisit Brian’s route from April 2019 BC (Before Covid). 

Andy H, Clive and I recce’d the route and decided it worked but with a change of lunch spot to the Fox Inn at Bucks Green. In the event numbers signing up were lower than usual so only 2 groups were needed. 

The forecast a week ahead had shown a high chance of rain but as the day drew near this reduced to almost nothing but the weather didn’t let us off altogether as there was a heavy SW wind making the ride to Tanhouse challenging, let alone the next 20+ miles!

I set off first with Andy H, Mike, Steve D and Patrick. We turned out of Tanhouse and the challenging uphill into the headwind was every bit as brutal as I’d feared. Nevertheless, we were soon into Sussex and travelling through Warnham, Broadbridge Heath, Barns Green and Billingshurst. At Wisborough Green we passed the Cricketers Pub and due to the tough headwind I wondered if it had been a mistake not to stop there. However, as we turned right there the wind swung behind us and suddenly our fitness kicked in as we sailed towards Bucks Green. Since Tanhouse we had seen many beautiful displays of bluebells and also new lambs in fields.

At the Fox Inn we arrived to a warning that a table of 35 had just been seated and might be before us in the kitchen. In the event, we didn’t have to wait too long for our food which was delicious.

Not so worried about the return journey with every expectation of a tailwind all the way home it nevertheless felt breezy and blustery (and not always behind us) on the way to Leatherhead. Here we all stopped at Charlie & Ginger to fill up on flapjacks and brownies to see us home.

An enjoyable day out thanks to the good company of everyone there.

Clive’s report is next. 

Shortly after starting out for Tanhouse Farm there was a little bit of drizzle and a lot of ominous looking dark clouds which made me doubt my choice of clothing. I had stopped to double check the forecast when Janice rode by, so I joined her for the ride out to Tanhouse.

In the event the weather turned out very well, as the forecast had predicted, with plenty of sunshine and blue sky, but with blustery winds. I had seven in my group including, Sue C, Gill H, Daves F and W, Guy and Ged. We set off from TanhouseFarm in to a headwind that was to last for the next 33km until the route turned North at Wisborough Green. Along the way we cycled along some very pretty lanes made all the more pretty in the spring sunshine. With bluebells in the woods, lambs in the fields and even some wild garlic here and therewhich was of particular interest to, I think, everyone in the group.

We arrived at the Fox Inn in Bucks Green for lunch and I wasgiven the sad news that there was no ham for the ham sandwich that I had pre-ordered! But “all’s well that ends well” - I had beef brisket instead. Everyone enjoyed the pub and the food, but we couldn’t rest for long and had to get back on the road. But, before that, the obligatory photo outside the pub.

The Fox Inn

After lunch we had a short sharp climb up the hill just past the Milk Churn and even more country lanes. One, in particular, stood out for the view and lack of traffic – I wish I could remember their names. It wasn’t too long before we were back in known territory and in the familiar company of the ducks (and what might be a goose or possibly an Aylesbury duck?) at the pond on Weare Street.

Three of us stopped for tea at Charlie & Gingers in Leatherhead before heading home.

Thanks to all my group and to Dave W for back marking, and thanks to Janice for organising it all.

We are famous! - featured on the Cycling UK home page

 See https://www.cyclinguk.org/article/how-keep-cycling-old-age for the full article