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

Invitation to A ride from Cobham on 2nd October

Cobham Wonersh Cobham.

This ride from our Elevenses venue at the Royal British Legion, Cobham.is almost completely non adventurous. 24ish miles out to Grantley Arms via Bookham Common, Green Dene and the very scenic Thorncome Street. 17 flattish miles back to Cobham for tea via Guildford High St , Send and Ripley. Less than 2000 ft ascent in total.

Can very easily be navigated from .gpx  which I will attach to the usual Tuesday ride email.

 Bookham Common is 100% of the unpaved. There has been a lot of rain! I will check Bookham Common on route to 11s and a  more boring tarmac only diversion option to Effingham via Effingham Junction is well rehearsed if the Common appears unsuitable on the day. 

Currently looking like there won’t be a fast group on Wednesday unless applicants seeking a faster pace elect a sub leader (or self navigate)  on the day. I will be leading a 12 mph group and Brian a slightly brisker one.

Applications by email only please, stating your preference for pace, fast, moderate or leisurely as well as your food preference below. The pub has asked us for “indicative” pre-orders to ensure they have supplies but not contractually binding. (You can change your mind at your own risk.)

Food & Drink - The Grantley Arms | Pub, Restaurant & Bar in Guildford

The sandwich options are pasted below. Note you need to choose brown or white and soup or chips.

Sandwiches

Choice of malted or white bloomer - with a choice of a handful of chips or a mug of soup.

Pomegranate Glazed Gammon

ploughman's pickle (1144 kcal)

·         £12.00

Cyder Battered Haddock

tartare sauce, gem lettuce
(1213 kcal)

·         £11.50

Davidstow Cheddar

Nutbourne tomatoes (v) (1044 kcal)

·         £9.50

Flat Iron Steak

Young's onion chutney, rocket (1070 kcal)

·         £13.00

If these don’t suit you can also chose from the more extensive summer menu via the above link.

Cobham 11s Wayfarers Rides congregating and start point.

 

Over the year the Cobham car park has been upgraded and the current layout provides some excellent space for us to secure our bikes for 11s. However, several members have quite rightly observed and complained that where we have traditionally congregated to start our rides has become increasingly hazardous. There is considerable scope for conflict between traffic exiting the car park and our riders with several recent “near misses”. Your committee has therefore unanimously agreed to the following:

It is requested that in future riders should NOT congregate to start rides from the section of Hollyhedge Rd from its junction with Downside Bridge Road and either of the car park entrance and exit ramps.  

18 Hollyhedge Rd - Google Maps

There are several safer alternative places to congregate nearby. Can Ride Leaders please specify one of the following alternatives.

 A)      A Group: The bell mouth at the former car park exit on Downside Bridge Road. This is approx. 30 metres south of the junction where the car valet service has set up shop on the car park side of the fence. There are no kerbs here making it easy to join the road and minimal pedestrian traffic. The park on the opposite side of the road can equally be nominated for rides heading North.

Downside Bridge Rd - Google Maps

B)      B Group: Further up Hollyhedge Road and clear of the car park ramps. There is a good space to congregate at the junction of Old Rectory Gardens without blocking pedestrian access.

 8 Hollyhedge Rd - Google Maps

 Or if that is too congested, slightly further up the road towards the post office, if needs be.

 7 Hollyhedge Rd - Google Maps

A/B Groups: It is also possible that there is sufficient space on the hard-standings within the car park where we secure our bikes for the very last sub groups leaving Cobham to safely congregate and cycle out of the car park together.

Ride Leaders please clarify where your respective sub groups should congregate and issue updates or reminders at 11s.

B Group Ride Invitation 2nd October

Wednesday's ride will be from our Elevenses venue at the Royal British Legion, Cobham. The morning ride takes us through familiar roads to the Barley Mow pub, in West Horsley, after 19 miles. The only hill en route being Staple Lane.

Post lunch, again on familiar roads, we shall head towards Lucio's in Leatherhead for tea. Hogden Lane being the only hill. 15 miles long.

The Barley Mow serves delicious Thai dishes as well as traditional meals including sandwiches. No pre-order is required.

I shall be joined by my ever-reliable subbies, FixieDave and Mick A.

Please let me know by Monday evening if you would like to join the ride list, by emailing fdsilva82@gmail.com .Thanks.

Enjoy your weekend.

Francis

25th September - A Ride from Redhill to Horley.

The weather forecast for the 25th hadn't look good in the days leading up to the ride, and so maybe that was why numbers were down.

I arrived in plenty of time to find all eight of the keen cyclists already there. We were all aware that rain was forecast for later in the day and so Steve rounded up his group and left 15 minutes early!

Here is his report -
Our day started with expectations of rain and so riders were few. I led Richard, Sue Chasty, Andy Coxhill and Dave Ferrett out of Redhill and then took an unusual route out via Earlsbrook Road and Kings Mill Lane to avoid major climbing. Pretty soon Neil's route took us to turn off Coopers Hill Road on the start of the Tandridge Border path, past the farm and on through lovely wooded countryside passing north of South Godstone. I was pleasantly surprised that this off road section had a decent amount of hard surfacing and so was unaffected by the recent heavy rainfall.

By this time the group led by Neil C caught up with us and I took a photo of us at the viewpoint of Tilburstow Hill.



I had left 15 minutes earlier than our start time which came in handy as shortly before Crowhurst Ged had a front wheel puncture. Fortunately he had spare sealant and a repair dart and was able to continue. A tricky repair however, as the hole was in the middle of the tyre and weeped sealant from around the plug, not helped by wet conditions. Nevertheless we progressed on more quiet roads until the B2024 near Lingfield which was busy. After this it seemed to take forever, on arrow straight and smooth roads until The Jack Fairman at Horley, which wasn't very busy.

The afternoon romp back to Denbies was on well known roads, Root Hill and Punchbowl Lane to Pixham Lane. I stayed for tea with Andy and Richard, although the vast tea room at Denbies closed before we arrived at 3.30 pm. So we sat outside and was served at the hatch. The grey clouds gathered and we left at 4.30, but it didn't rain at all and so my rucksack full of waterproof clothing wasn't needed.

Thanks Andy for back marking and thank you Neil for a quiet and inventive route, which makes you appreciate spending time on a bicycle. Hats off to everyone who could attend.

________________________________________________________

Thanks to Steve for volunteering to lead his group and writing such a good report I have nothing more to add!

Nor'westers, 27th Sept

Redhill is not an 11's for us Northerners nowadays.

So a group of 10 met at the Pheasantry, all prepared for the expected rain. We headed West to Virginia Water and turned left heading down towards Longcross and passed the studio's, then heading down to Chobham. 

The hills were now over and it was just a few more miles to lunch at the Horsell kitchen, I had booked a table which was all laid out an waiting for us.

Everyone seated and enjoying the food and very quick service, Ray having his dessert first. Plenty of banter, but the time soon went and we prepared for departure. The owner asked if we could lineup for a photo for their Instagram page, we duly obliged.

 

Heading back through Woking and West Byfleet, avoiding the canal, we headed to Walton Marina for tea. At this point 5 head east and for home. It was around 20 miles to lunch but only around 12 to tea. After tea we all heafed our own ways home, and..... No rain.

A Lovely day on the bike with very nice crowd, many thanks to all and an especial thanks to Mr Hooker for back marking.

 

Tony..

Report for B Group - 25th September

The B Group ride from Redhill on 25th September originally had three groups (thank you Tim G and Francis for being on standby as subbies). Over the weekend this dropped to two and in fact on the day we were down to seven and rode as one group.

We set out from Redhill and had an interesting ride through the grounds of the Royal Earlswood Park (with historical notes, thank you Tim).

The former Royal Earlswood Asylum

We continued on pleasant country roads, often very quiet and often with better than average surfaces.

After lunch in Dormansland we cycled the longer than average distance back to tea in Brockham and then home from there. Despite the weather forecast we managed to go all day without rain.

The seven revellers at The Old House at Home

A lovely day out was enjoyed by those who perhaps went against their better judgement regarding the weather forecast.

John A

Security warning! Update!

Further to our recent warning about bogus email messages purporting to have been sent to us by Jeff please note that some us are now receiving similar fraudulent messages from a source masquerading as Mike Barrett.

Mike was aware that his email account had been hacked and has got it sorted out with a lot of help from his service provider.

Do not reply to these messages. And if you know how to do it, flag them as Spam. But DO NOT REPLY.

Any of us could unwittingly become a victim of this sort of fraud, where criminals hack and take over our accounts. As background reading about this sort of crime, known generally as Phishing, please visit the UK Government's National Cyber Security Centre website.

Tim 

____________________

Please note that our friend Jeff Tollerman's email account has been hacked and as a result numerous people in his contact list have received bogus messages which look like they have been sent by him.

The messages are not from him at all. Please don't reply to them.

Thanks 

Tim

A group Ride Report – 17 September

This was my first ride from Fairoaks, Wayfarers most-westerly start point. I planned the route as a straightforward all-road ride without navigational complications, which would suit co-leaders using gpx.

I was fortunate in having 17 riders willing to join me, including Simon W, on his first A ride, and Sebastian, doubtless looking for a recovery ride after his recent Ötztaler Cycle Marathon climbing epic.

The lunch stop was the Royal Standard in Wooburn Green, favoured by CAMRA, but rarely visited by us. It’s an old-fashioned pub which appears to thrive on selling good beer and cider, and serving good food with a welcoming approach.

We split into 3 groups, all leaving within 10 minutes, fastest first to spread the load on the pub kitchen,

Hans’ Group was first, leading Patrick. Andy H, Neil W, Dave B, Mike and Sebastian. Here they are at lunch: -

                                


Frances was next. She reports: -

It was a glorious start to the day which probably explained why riders made their way to Fairoaks Hanger cafe early and my group, Steve, Andy, Brian and Janice were ready to go promptly.

The route took us through Broomhall, Sunningdale, heading to Cranbourne and a lovely long stretch of Drift Road, into Fifield, and due to Dave's V well recce'd route notes we got through Monkey Island, through the gate to cycle alongside the M4 and onto Marsh Lane without losing anyone!

We made good progress to Taplow, just missing the "vere to left" on Parliament Lane, but in any event with assistance from the group we were back on track heading to Wooburn for lunch. Fortunately the road workers on Wooburn Common Road allowed us to pass easily and we arrived at the pub just before 12.30am.

It was an outside lunch in view of the perfect conditions and just before we left Andy took a very professional photo of our group.

                            

We departed and took heed of the advice to descend Ship Hill carefully and the dry conditions certainly helped to avoid potholes.

There was certainly a tailwind on the return through Fulmer, Iver Heath and onto Wraysbury - thanks to Steve for providing his wheel to me on both legs for a nice break. Janice for being our trusty backmarker.

We had decided at the pub to go to Walton Marina for tea, as Shepperton had been used the previous week. However close to Shepperton, both Steve and I continued past Ferry Lane opting to stay on Chertsey Road to Walton, only to realise near the studios that the rest of the group had turned right per the route. Quick call and text to our backleader Janice confirmed everyone was en route to Walton Marina and we met again just after 3.10pm - whew near miss 😎 close to finish.

We had a lovely tea stop and headed home. Many thanks to my group who all contributed to make it a great ride.


Finally my stressless-paced group of Simon, Richard, Christina, Dave E and diligent back-marker Steve W, left Fairoaks last, successfully all meeting up again at lunch, all dining outside together in the garden, and soaking up the sun.  

                         

Most of my group stopped for tea in Nauticalia, and after reading Frances’ report I now understand why the earlier groups were nowhere to be seen. Thanks to all for your company and good cheer, especially to co-leaders Hans and Frances, and in my group to back marker Steve W, who faced by far the longest ride of the day.

 

B group ride from Fairoaks Airport 18th Sept 2024 - ride report

 

Credit for the route must go to others I have to say. Namely Ray Y for the route to Puttenham, Dave V for the route from Puttenham to tea and Andy C for showing me how to search for past routes on the blog whereby I came across Ray and Dave’s route with  a Fairoaks 11’s start. Thank you Andy; this knowledge has revolutionised my route planning!

Our route headed south-west navigating the fiddly roads and cycle paths around Woking but then on to quieter roads as we headed nearer to lunch.

The challenges in the route came just before and just after lunch when we had to cross the Hog’s Back; Wanborough Hill before lunch and Puttenham Hill after.  Climbed magnificently by our group, we arrived at The Good Intent with a healthy appetite. The pub were absolutely on it and had us served in no time. So much so that without feeling rushed we were back on our bikes and heading for Cobham just after 1pm. Our route did follow a fair few busy roads until we hit the Clay Lane and then the A3 cycle paths. The latter being a bit of a novelty for a couple of riders who had never experienced the charm of cycling just a few metres from a busy motorway before!

Tea in the sunshine at Gail’s rounded off a lovely day. Many thanks to my subleaders Gill and Bernard and to all group members for their excellent company.

Gill's report:

A great elevenses venue at Fairoaks was the start of a very pleasant, varied route through less often cycled roads and in increasingly summery weather. It was one of those days when little by little we shed as much of our clothing as we decently could!

My group of Dave C, Julie, Ian, Anne and our back marker Paula, were second to set off along the wooded roads, cycle paths and canal towpaths between Chobham and our lunch pub at Puttenham. The service at The Good Intent was impressive. We took the hills before and after lunch in our stride and kept up a steady pace throughout so that we were the planned 10 mins behind the first group for both lunch and tea at Cobham.

The afternoon took us on slightly busier roads but the available cycle paths were very useful and cutting down along the A3 is always fun!

Thanks Sue for the route and my group for your jolly company on a lovely day out and especially to Paula for her exemplary back marking.

Bernard's report:

It was a calm late summer’s day in early September when Rocinante1, Sabina and I joined our group of riders… riders seasoned in all types of weather over hundreds if not thousands of accumulated miles over all types of terrain… gathered where pilots gather, at Fairoaks Airport. Our morning destination was the Hog’s Back, geographically a ridge on the North Downs but as we would find out a living, heaving giant of a beast.

Our mission; to cross it, not once but twice. Literally, we were to ride straight into its side just below the huge slither of concrete, the A3, which keeps it moored in place as it simmers with rage. We would strike it first going up Wanborough Hill and cut through to the other side down Puttenham Hill.

And so with earnest intent we took off.

On our journey we saw the great Colossus2 that is Woking’s towers skyline…an enormous goliath straddling the flat lands in a mad crazy haze. The architects must have seen the giant creature painted by Goya and no doubt transfixed, transported its ghost to the otherwise gentle slopes of Surrey.

My sketch of the towers Goya’s masterpiece

With legs forged of human bone and hearts pulsating with cycling dreams we reached the perimeter of the Hog’s den and felt its energy as we mounted Wanborough Hill. As we pedalled the Hog snapped its jaws in anger and its husks tore into our thighs…we were making our mark on its hide and it was making its mark in our memory.

Paul’s photo of us at the bottom of Wanborough Hill

On the other side we rode into the grounds of The Good Intent public house. We feasted like hungry gladiators in a place which remembered Cromwell… a man who claimed to be of good intent with all his slaughtering but who left stains of blood in the souls of his people and they dug him up when he was already dead and buried, hanged and beheaded him3. We filled our bellies and reminisced. Fed with good nourishment we mounted our bikes and back we headed striking again into the Hog’s flank, up from Puttehnam Hill and with inevitable and immediate revenge the Hog tore at our limbs leaving deep scars which would heal but never fade.

My sketch of our ride up the Hog’s Back

Putting distance between ourselves and that vengeful Hog felt good. The sun was out, the roads were flat and the countryside was green and gentle. A perfect soft breeze was making this the perfect ride. We stopped at Normandy to mark the perfect summer’s afternoon with a photo.

And for a good few miles more all was well… until unbeknown to me, at first, it was not. I later found out that it was at Jacobs Well that the Hog had cursed my navigation tools. For a time I thought we were on track, heading steadily and safely to Cobham but I then realized that the guide arrow on my Garmin although pointing straight ahead was actually frozen. I turned to look at my Ride With GPS app and I realised that although it was alive and well the red route was not showing…instead in small letters at the top it said “tap to redirect back to route”… so tap I did… but it responded with “cannot do so because internet connection has been lost” or something similar. This was not a moment to spread panic and fear among the troops… it was time for a cool head even though my head was filling up quickly with anxiety especially when I saw to my horror that we were approaching Woking… well off the official route. I dared not look back at my following riders… they would have noticed the twitching stress on my face in an instant. I was leading my riders straight into that Colossus and risking us all the fate of Saturn’s son as painted by Goya4,

Another Goya masterpiece

I quickly tapped in ‘Cobham’ to my Garmin. I thought all could be rescued but it replied with “Please make a U turn” just as we arrived at the entrance to Woking’s Swimming Pool! I would have to rely on intuition and a general sense of how to escape the awful fate of entering the centre of Woking. Luckily having undertaken a recci just a few days ago I had an idea of the towns we needed to head for on our way to Cobham. I did my best to ignore one or two nonplussed expressions on the faces of the other riders and to give the impression that all was going according to plan…and as we rode through the park and then some genteel back streets of Woking my confidence slowly started to return… I started to feel more positive. We were not lost just a snip off course and it would be nice to explore a little. Great things can come from mistakes… I am always reminded of this by Fleming’s mistake leading to the discovery of penicillin by mistake and I was determined to get my riders back safely.

All I had to do was look out and head in the direction of the towns I remembered from the official route and so I did…Pyrford, Ripley, Ockham and then after one or two queries and puzzled comments from the riders we headed for Stoke D’Arbenon as our final destination. To my eternal gratitude all the riders were as calm as calm can be… they were so gracious when I confessed to my error and were in good spirits. We enjoyed our coffee and tea and cake and looked forward to our next ride… just like that. How amazing. Thank you fellow riders!

The official route is in red… my accidental detour, or Goya’s loop if you prefer, is shown in black

Our superb riders were, Paul, Grant, Diane, Tim G, Arwyn and Sabina. For those of you who realized I was in a little difficulty thank you for not embarrassing me and letting me put matters right and to everyone thank you for your superb company. Thank you to Tim for back marking and to Sue for putting the route together. When I did the recci with Sabina we did do the official course and it was also a lovely ride. Also of course…I’m only joking about Woking…when cycling through the recreation park with the swimming pool it was very pleasant.

Notes

1. Rocinante is the name of Don Quijote’s horse a novel of the same name by Cervantes. The idea of naming my bike thus came from Steinbeck’s book, ‘Travels with Charley: InSearch of America”.

2. A painting by Goya in the Prado Museum in Madrid.

3. According to the Fitzwilliam museum’s web page Cambridge University.

4. Prado Museum