End to End - Last Day

We're here - the finish much like the start, blue skies and sparkling sea. With me is Annette Dentith, my travelling companion for more than nine hundred miles. Couldn't ask for better.

Today's total was 102.33 miles and 5629 feet of ascent. It's good to be here, it's a long way. But it has been a great ride, and I'm sorry it's over.

Mark

Effingham bridge

After a period of total closure this bridge is now passable on foot (Saturday May 29th) Forest Road Effingham
Not a recent picture!

Update from Pam

I am home from my three week trip to Scotland. The first eleven days, John and I, (my pal who lives in Fairlie on the Ayrshire west coast), cycled to Raasay to visit Graham and Irene where we stayed for three nights! It was good to see the island that one hears so much about and we were very well looked after. After reading about Mark's incredibly challenging ride, it makes our ride a little punitive!!!! Although it did not feel like that at the time for the northerly head wind going to Raasay was bitterly cold - and then a strong southerly for our return!! But we did manage to dodge the snow and only got wet once and that was on Arran on our last day. During my last week we cycled Bute, Great Cumbrae Island, all of 10 miles around the coastal road (but it does have a good hill with wonderful views), and various other destinations to visit friends. Bye the way, in the photo outside Raasay Youth Hostel I am holding John's bike that has a little electric motor to assist one up the hills etc. etc.!! I shall be out on Wednesday, leading B group to The Plough at Horsell! Hope they won't mind! Cheers Pam :)

End to End - Day 8

A bright start again, through Fort William and Fort Augustus to coffee at the Thistlestop Cafe, which seems near nowhere in particular, lunch at the Loch Ness Inn, alongside, uh, Loch Ness. Up a big hill and jackets on - it chucked it down. Steady rain all the way through Dingwall to Evanton and the Novat Arms Hotel.

Due to an error on the route sheet today' short run turned out to be 90.97 miles and 4258 feet of ascent. Well, I'm doing it for the ride!

Mark

End to End - Day 7

Bright enough at the start of the day, over the Campsie Fells to Callander, where we were served scones by a nice Polish lady. Then on to Crianlarich for lunch, raining by then, Tyndrum, Bridge of Orchy then up on to Rannoch Moor, where it was rather brighter. On to Glencoe, appropriately misty and rainy, Ballachulish and in to our Hotel in Onich, where I have a splendid view over the loch.

An easy day tomorrow, apparently - only 85 miles.

Today was 106.51 with 5722 feet of ascent.

Mark

End to End - Day 6

Quickly into Scotland this morning, in bright sunshine, but the variability of Scottish weather soon made itself apparent.

Coffee and Paradise Cake (lots of cherries) in Lockerbie, food for lunch bought in sunny Moffat and eaten on the doorstep of an abandoned pub in windy Tweedsmuir, rain at Biggar, strong winds and heavy showers at Braehead, hail at Shotts and down to our hotel at Cumbernauld in bright evening sunshine.

109.42 miles and 6308 feet of ascent.

Mark

A Ride 26 May 2010

Claygate - Fifield - Horton Garden Centre

A drop in temperature led to no drop in attendance at Claygate DC. A comforting cup of tea was needed to compensate for a cape lost en route - and it did not rain all day!

Ed led the As : (Brian, Ed, Graham, Jeff, John S, Julian, Richard, Rob and Simon) on a 26 mile canter to Fifield. Vic led a ride here last September and we had resolved to return - a good decision. The route was via Esher, Chertsey, the tow path to Staines, Priest Hill and Bishopsgate through WP, where a brief conflab confirmed that, despite the time, the extra miles were justified. We arrived at The Fifield to find that we had been beaten to the bar by the Uxbridge Loiterers - a chummy CTC group who had lost their link to our website. We advised them accordingly. As for the pub, the landlord was most welcoming and attentive, the food and beer excellent. Even John had no complaints, than which there is no greater praise!

A Puff for the Uxbridge Loiterers

With our restart a little later than usual, the leader's baton was passed to Richard. He knew the way from Bray, but not the way to Bray. Without a map, we consulted the moss on weathered trees, the sun and one or two wanderers beside Bray Lake and Monkey Island to find our way to the Fat Duck. From then on it was plain sailing through Dorney, Eton Wick and Datchet for tea at Horton GC, engagingly served by a painted young lady from Eastern Europe wearing half a pair of slacks. The bottom really does seem to have fallen out of the market. We then ran the gauntlet of West London early evening traffic until the parting of the ways near Hampton. I did retrace my morning's route, to inspect the gutters up Reigate Road past Nescot, but the missing cape had really flown the coop and nestles now I know not where. I do so hope that it has found a worthy home.

Our thanks to a.m. leader Ed and p.m. leader Richard, despite a little magnetic interference.

Mileage shed to shed was nearly 72 miles.

Jeff

B Group May 26th

It is sometimes tough on a B group ride!

En route with B Group

Pictures from Heather

B ride 26th May 2010

Cedars of Lebanon, Norbury Park in 2006

From Claygate I led Heather, Liz, Mel (John G's daughter), Pat, Chas (tec, thanks),Cliff, Eddie, Harold, Johns various, Les, Mike M, Ray H, Roger and Toni south along the track (New Road) to join the B280 to Oxshott. Just over a mile of the A244 was enough - we turned right into quieter Oaklawn Road leading to River Lane and Norbury Park. Fortunately the track up to the sawmill was quite dry, after a breather we made a slight diversion to inspect the Cedars of Lebanon sculptures, then freewheeled carefully (sleeping policemen !) to the A24, admiring the wonderful view to the east. Preferring the Old London Road through Mickleham to the cycletrack, we did have to use the track from Ryka's to Pixham Lane, then to Brockham via Betchworth Golf Course. Service at The Royal Oak was quite slow, unlike when I checked it out last week. From Brockham Green we took the short track leading to Mill Hill then via Betchworth, Wonham Lane (lots of deer and lllllamas), Trumpets Hill Road (where unfortunately Harold's gear cable broke), Leigh and Blackbrook (anybody want to buy a pub ?) to Inholms Lane. After a discussion, only Heather, Mel, Chas, Johns G and M and Terry opted for tea at Courtyard Cafe, Dorking, after which we headed for Leatherhead and home. A pleasant ride, dry, warm enough with the occasional sun and plenty of colourful flowers to see.

Terry

End to End - Day 5

The summit of Shap Fell - half way. With me is Annette Dentith, of the Mid Devon CC, roadracer and triathlete. We had just stormed up Shap with Adam and Gary of the Clic Sargent charity ride who are part of our group. I wasn't first to the top (I wasn't even second...)

As you'll see from the jackets, the first rain of the trip. Quite a change, but a good run, nevertheless. Rush hour at Preston this morning was a bit fraught, lunch at Kendal very pleasant (haggis on offer, but not yet), and the Angus Hotel in Carlisle for supper.

Scotland tomorrow!

101.82 miles and 4738 ft of ascent.

Mark

Easy Riders

We were well advertised but only a few turned up on the first really hot day this year but Monday the 24th this week was a real scorcher and being Woking Cycle Week the Council gave us a champagne breakfast at The Parkview day centre at Sheerwater and yours truly the honour of cutting the tape to open the newly erected bike racks. The local paper took a few shots and Radio Wey asked me for an interview when I bashed the gong for a few of cycling likes and dislikes. There was Bill and Margaret, Peter and me with our tandem trikes plus Bill H.,and a couple more. -----------------Albert

End to End - Day 4

Grey cloud today, and much cooler. No bad thing, as it kept the speed up and we had a long way to go.
A couple of sharp hills to start the run, crossing Wenmore Edgebefore descending to the Cheshire Plain. Coffee at Shrewsbury, with a Butter Bun - a sort of sugary pastry, fried, I think. Very good energy source.

Then on to Worleston, lunch in the garden of the Royal Oak, crossing the Manchester Ship Canal at Warburton, passing near Warrington and Wigan before finally arriving at our night's stop, the Premier Inn at Chorley. Our bikes are in the Laundry Room - perhaps someone will wash them.

116.08 miles and 5151 feet of ascent.

Mark

End to End - Day 3

Easier going today, and the miles passed quickly. Over the Clifton Bridge in Bristol, then the Severn Bridge, briefly into Wales and then we tipped our hat to Bernard and Luisa at Tintern Abbey. Very good cakes.

Through Monmouth to Buckholt, lunch in the sun, then Hereford, Leominster and finally Ludlow, the Wheatsheaf Inn.

96.1 miles and about 5000 ft of ascent.

Mark

End to End - Day 2

A day of two halves. It started with a stiff climb up on to Dartmoor, then fast cruising over the moors, and down to Chagford for coffee and cake - Hummingbird Cake, a first for me.

Rolling country (read 'still fairly big hills'), then gradually down out of Devon into Somerset. Fewer and smaller hills until we reached the Somerset levels, which are flat.

105.9 miles and 7706 feet of ascent.

Mark

End to End - Day 1

We couldn't have asked for a better start. Breakfast in the dining room of the Lands End Hotel, watching the sea sparkle around the Longships Lighthouse; the obligatory group photo, then off in the warm sunshine. Ten of us on the road, and John and Phil in the van.I was lucky enough to tag on to a quick peleton of three who towed me through spectacular Cornish countryside to lunch at the Blue Anchor in Fraddon.

Lunch taken, the peleton split into the fast and nearly-as-fast, and we powered over Bodmin Moor to the Cornish Arms in Gunnislake.

89.98 miles, 7680 feet of ascent, and we beat the van...

Mark

B Group May 19th

Pictures from Heather Bates

Spring it seems has finally arrived - what a glorious day for cycling. Setting off from Shepperton to Laleham we followed the tow path to Staines before passing Thorpe Lea and Englefield Green. A slight deviation of the route planned (the team were feeling a little peckish at this stage) sent us via Virginia Waters, the Totem Pole and Cascade to the Wheatsheaf for Lunch. Bob Starey, Phil and Phil headed off for Windsor while the rest of us John, Mick, Eddie, Terry, John Gould, Les, Cliff, Judy, Dawn, Charles, Heather, Christine, John Scott, John Mason, Stephanie and Pete Mitchell enjoyed a leisurely lunch in the sun. We continued through Virginia Water via Lyne to Chertsey before tea at Shepperton Lock, then set off on our separate ways home. My thanks to the ever dependable Terry, as back marker ( what would we do without him ?) Total milage 52. Hope you all had a good days cycling.
Liz Scrivens
P.S. Gill, hope your arm is healing OK, we really miss you.

Easy riders May 19th

.A really warm day with plenty of sunshine and a fair crop of bare knees at Shepperton. I was down to lead our ride but did not feel my eyesight was quite up to it, so Roger and Chris kept on my tail with an early warning when I took a wrong turn. We made for The Bell at Staines with around eight others including Fuzz, Beryl and Bill H, The pub is always a good choice even though the beer has gone through the three quid barrier. The rest were going for tea back at Shepperton but I made for home down Chertsey Road (called Staines Lane in the other direction). Hope to see some of you on Monday for the Parkview day centre lark at 10.45------------Albert

A Group 19 May

Shepperton - Hyde - Richmond Bridge

A Group May 19th

A Team 19th May
At Shepperton Day Centre I advertised a brisk-ish ride in a northerly direction heading towards the Chilton Hills.
9 hardy souls took up the challenge, they were Tony, Simon, Ray, Mark, Mike, Peter, Ed, Jeff and John. We were away by 11-15. Heading through Laleham, Ashford, Stanwell Moor to cross the M25 to Colnbrook. Now heading dead North through Shreding Green, it was along here that a motorist driving in the opposite direction was obviously very impressed with our line out of 10 riding fairly quickly, giving us a few toots on the horn and a friendly thumbs up sign. (makes a change) then through Iver Heath, past Pinewood Film Studios to cross the Alder Bourne river via the ford that was featured in the film Genevieve were Kay Kendall pushed Kenneth More’s vintage car that had stalled, ( a long way from the Brighton Road). After this the previous very flat route ended and the hills began with the climb up to Gerrards Cross then down to Chalfont St.Peter then up Chalfont heights and finally down to The Oaks pub in Hyde just short of Harefield. The 22 miles were at an average of just over 13mph. Such was the quality and quantity of the meals it was very difficult to drag the team away and back on the bikes. Alas, about 2 miles from lunch whilst climbing up to Harefield Ray punctured, we had some problem getting back on the road and lost about an hour, however off we went via South Harefield and Swakeley’s where we had to negotiate a little bit of traffic as a car was on its roof, then past RAF Northolt, Yeading, Dormer’s Wells, Osterley, Syon, Old Isleworth and along the Thames for tea at the café under Richmond Bridge, I am very proud to say there were still 10 of us at tea. After tea folk made their own way back. My total mileage was 64 miles but probably others could have done more, it was a pleasure to lead such a group of confident and fit riders.
Frank

A Group 19th May

Frank led us to Ultima Thule today, far to the North of the Thames, to Harefield, where a pleasant Irish couple served us a good lunch, then back to Richmond for tea. 41.08 miles at a moving speed of 13.1 mph; 1161 feet of ascent (such was the shortage of hills that we had to do one of them twice); 1953 calories at a sporting 78 watts.

Mark

A Date with Albert

PHOTOCALL
Date: Monday 24 May 2010 Time: 10.45am

Place: Parkview Community Centre, Blackmore Crescent , Sheerwater

Cycle legend attends grand opening of Parkview bike racks

At 92-years-old local cycling legend Albert Welvaert knows a good bike rack when he sees one. So it was with great pleasure that he agreed to ceremoniously cut the ribbon to mark the grand opening of the new bike racks at the Parkview Community Centre on Monday 24 May.

Albert, who has been taking to the saddle for regular cycle rides around Woking for more than 85 years, will be stopping off on his regular bike ride with local cycling club, The Midweek Wayfarers, for the ceremony before elevenses at the community centre.

“I may be in my 90s but there are plenty of miles in my legs yet. I’m sure it’s the cycling that keeps me feeling young, but I do need to stop off for lunch or a quick pint sometimes,” Albert says. “It was an honour to be asked to open this new bike rack. It is great that there are places to park your bike when you stop for a rest and with the café in the centre, this is an ideal stopping point on a ride along the Basingstoke Canal .”

The bike racks at the Parkview Community Centre are on the Ceres and Saturn Trails, which provide links from Sheerwater to Woodham and West Byfleet through to Woking Town Centre.

Paul Fishwick, Cycle Woking Programme Manager, adds: “The new bike racks are the latest infrastructure improvements to be made to encourage people to get out cycling. These racks will enable people to visit the community centre on their bikes, providing a safe place for them to lock them up. The Basingstoke Canal towpath is a popular route for cyclists and we hope that facilities, such as these new bike racks, will encourage more people to get out cycling.”

News from Lynda

Greetings from Greece! We came over last Thursday and our flight for Monday was cancelled. So, Easyjet have put us up in a hotel near the beach with full board. It is the nearest hotel to the airport; and is not as nice as our previous 5* apartment B&B. But, we have at least an extra day here, and are provisionally booked onto a flight Wednesday afternoon. Apparently, there is going to be a strike on Wednesday, so are not sure if the flight will take off!

So, won't be out this week. The temperature has been over 30C every day since we have been here. Hi, to everyone, see you next week.

Lynda.

Outcome of Charity Status Vote - CTC AGM, 15 May 2010

Follow this savethectc link to see the outcome of the AGM vote at Loughborough on 15 May on converting The CTC into a charity.

Jeff

Savethectc

Here is the link to the new Savethectc website: http://www.savethectc.org.uk/

Jeff

Easy Riders May 12th

Parkview Day Centre Monday 24th May.
On this most historic date this centre is holding an opening ceremony for the new row of bike racks they have erected and would be delighted with your company.
The Centre is situated at Sheerwater between Woking and West Byfleet and Bill Hammond has made a neat little map which even I can read. So here goes with what I can contribute to the blog on yesterday`s ride
After elevenses at Leatherhead we spent some time admiring Fuzz` beautiful X frame Raleigh bike (see attached).With Lynda in the lead, around twelve of us set off for W.Morden but as Peter and I were tail end charlies we got seperated at a point of crossing the M25 with a multiple step climb and two pretty awkward tubular barriers which were too narrow for the rear wheels of our tandem trike. Arriving on tarmac and the Epsom road we stopped at The Haywain near Ashstead for lunch and a pint. There seemed to be more uphills than down when we got to The Old Plough at Stoke d`Abernon where another pint helped us along. After this it was all plain sailing and a whisky/mac at home. Around 40 miles--------------Albert

B Group 12th May

Bridges over absent waters and railway

Bramley and Wonersh station

Relaxing at Courtyard Cafe Dorking

More relaxing at Hurtwood Inn Peaslake

Photos by Mark

From Newlands Corner I led Steph, Alain, Ed, John G, Jeff, Les, Mark, Rob and Simon westwards along the tooth-loosening Drove Road to White Lane, shortly turning left into Halfpenny (how many euros ?) Lane for the descent to Chilworth, noting several lllllamas in a field en route. A short stretch of the A248 followed, then peace and quiet by turning into Chinthurst Lane and Tannery Lane to join the Downs Way via the unusual double (canal and railway) bridge to Bramley. The route to lunch at Hurtwood Inn was straightforward via Shamley Green, Farley Green, Brook Lane (where Les unfortunately punctured - at least it was the front tyre), Jesses Lane and Pond Lane. Steph was pleased with her lunch at the village shop, we were pleased with ours at the pub. From Peaslake the only way out is UP - resisting the challenge of riding up Walking Bottom, I chose Peaslake Lane and Hoe Lane then via Abinger Common, Coldharbour and Logmore Lane (very rough road but wonderful views to the east) to temporarily join the A25 at Westcott. A small diversion along Miltoncourt Lane brought us to the outskirts of Dorking where 'coffee and carrot cake please' proved very popular at the Courtyard Cafe, after which we made our separate ways home. A very nice (if somewhat cool) day for cycling with lots of green everywhere and carpets of bluebells.

Terry

B Group 12th May

Mostly Spring sunshine, but still a bit nippy, for Terry's ride from Newlands Corner to Dorking, with an armchair lunch at Peaslake. 30.1 miles at a rolling average of 8.7 mph, 1,818 feet of ascent and 54 watts.

Mark

Cycle and lots of equipment

Phil Lintott has all his cycles and lots of equipment to dispose of contact Joyce on 020 8398 5416 to find out more
From Pete M

A Group - May 5

Picture from Pete Barnard

On a bright and brisk first Wednesday in May, albeit a mite too chilly to cast a clout, 17 A's set off from Cobham with a scenic diversion along Plough Lane and Old Lane, followed by an enforced diversion along the Drift (railway bridge closed) to East Horsley. Up Chalk Lane and then climbing through the bluebell woods (unfortunately a week or so before their prime) on to Netley Heath. The fast decent of Coombe Bottom was followed by the usual fast run through Albury and Chilworth and so to Wonersh, picking up the old railway line (Downs Link) to take us into the back roads of Godalming. Suitably refreshed at the Jack Phillips, the return was largely off road, along Dagley Lane and following the Wey into Guildford and then through the nature reserve near Stoke Lock before joining the familiar path alongside the A3 at Burpham and so back to Ockham Bites for tea and departure home. 

From Pete Barnard

B Group May 5th

Us Lot

Our Lunch Pub

I don't know this chap but I was amused by his wig!
Pictures from Bernard

Easy Riders May 5th (more)

The wonderful thing about the easy riders is their ability to reappear after being dropped some way back. Albert was left for dead on Burhill golf course but miraculously reappeared in time to order his lunch with the rest of us, as Ron said, we'd have to shoot him to keep him down. Beryl and Fuzz disappeared off the back on the way to tea only to reappear half a mile IN FRONT of us with some excuse about a chain falling off and a secret route of their own! Tea at the Duke of Orleans house was very pleasant, it is open till 5 on Wednesdays. Steph
PS Lynda and Sonia did a bit of appearing and disappearing via text messages, apparently they did get to Sunbury but I picked up their message too late to join up with them.

Easy Riders May 5th

Warmed up a bit after a chilly start with a fair spot of sunshine. Good turnout at Cobham. Saw Derek and Roger Taylor. Stephanie led the ride with Fuzz, john C., Bill H., Roger, Mike, Mark, Ron, Jonno, Lisa and me. I managed the early offroad until I became tailend charlie and found myself on a golf course. Rather than finish up in a bunker I opted for a quarter mile walk until I found the club house and the way out. Burwood and Ashley Parks offered little problem and on reaching Walton I was back on familiar territory and reached our lunch spot, The Magpie in Lower Sunbury before the others started their meal. Those with their own lunch were well situated with The Walled Garden on the other side of the road. I have attached a rather poor photo I am afraid. Tea was to be at Richmond, so being near home and rather a Poor Old Soul I made off for my usual whisky'mac--------------------Albert

A Group 5th May

Highways and byways for Pete's ride from Cobham to Godalming today, and back to Ockham Bites for tea. 35.1 miles at a moving average of 10.3 mph; 1205 ft of ascent, 57 watts and 1670 calories.

By request, the presentation of the map has been changed - I'll leave it like this for a couple of weeks and would be grateful if people could tell me which they find better. And, for newcomers to the blog, clicking on the map makes the picture larger, depending on your screen clicking again may make it larger still.

Mark

And the Winner is....

In response to popular demand, the mantle of leader for the B Group this Wednesday from Cobham has fallen on Ed's shoulders. With the Dieppe Raid on the horizon, the Dunkirk spirit has triumphed. Our grateful thanks to Ed for standing in for the wounded and agreeing to give us the benefit of his experience.

Jeff

Wanted - Dead or Alive

B Group Leader this Wednesday from Cobham

As I reported at Redhill on Wednesday, Gill has had a fall while walking on the south coast and broken her arm. We send her our sympathy and wish her a speedy recovery.

However, that does leave us with a vacancy to lead the B ride from Cobham this coming Wednesday. I'm sure that we do not want to find ourselves in a situation of no overall control, when firm leadership is needed. Who will emerge as the favoured candidate?

Jeff