Mike Barrett - London to Paris ride to help raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support

Mike Barrett is cycling London to Paris next week to help raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. So far the cycling group he is riding with have raised over £90,000. If you would like to support Mike and this very worthy cause, donations can be made via the weblink    http://www.justgiving.com/mikebarrettbigmac

Many thanks.

Mike

Easy Riders - 27th June

David Salmon led this ride from Weybridge DC, to Ripley for lunch, then to the Kings Centre in Chessington for Tea

A Group 27 June

Weybridge - Gomshall - Annie's

 Welcome to Des

A man who likes his cakes and ale!

Dieppe Raid 2012

Ray and Ed admiring Dutch owned LHD MGA

Some of the past generations attending yet again. Sou'Westers won the Trophy for most riders.

Ray missed out for the second year on least

young rider in the 100km Randonee. A protest has been made to Caroline.

Eric won the least young rider overall.

Coastal scene near Dieppe from the Saturday 60km Randonee. The weather was fine but Sunday was diabolical until the evening sunset.

A ride 27 June

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Eleven of us set off from Weybridge, heading south for the hills. We set off eagerly up the hill towards Weybridge station, a bit too eagerly as I was later told … so after a couple of reminders, we settled down to a more reasonable pace. To Byfleet, over the M25 and via the towpath to Pyrford Road, and on through Ripley. There seemed to be yellow signs everywhere warning against parking for the Olympic road cycling. Up Hungry Hill and on to East Clandon, where Pete Barnard left us, then via Staple Lane to the Compasses at Gomshall, where we ate in the garden. New joiner Des also left after lunch as he had to be back early – welcome Des and we hope to see you again.

After lunch it was more hills – along to Peaslake where we found a Road Closed sign barring entry to Radnor Road. We reasoned that bikes could get past any obstruction, and considering the alternatives were quite lengthy, we went up anyway. On the climb we met the first of several Duke of Edinburgh award expedition groups who cheerfully told us they were lost when we asked about the closure. At the top there was a pause to draw breath and unknown to me, another wait to take photos by some. This was when I made my big mistake.... half way down the other side, taking the left fork towards Holmbury St. Mary, I should have waited at the turn... several followed me but Vic, Mike and Peter B. as back marker went straight on to the bottom of the hill. It started to spot with rain at this point, further dampening my spirits, although that was the worst we saw of the rain. On the positive side, we never saw the reason for the road closed sign.

At Holmbury our group of now six gathered to phone the others, while Jeff stopped to assist another cyclist in major chain surgery after a broken chain and derailleur. Then we were five, heading up Pasturewood Road to Leith Hill, Coldharbour and back to Dorking where, amazingly, we were joined by Mike and Peter. We set off for Annie's where Jeff caught up with us and we found Vic – so having lost 3, they all managed to find us again. About 35 miles from elevenses to tea. My thanks to Peter for acting as back marker on an eventful ride.

B Group 27 June

15 left the day centre heading for the Fox & Castle at Old Windsor via:- Chertsey Bridge, Egham, up Middle Hill and down Crimp Hill to lunch at the bottom. Weather tried to be awkward, but unlike Wimbledon we didn’t have to put our sheets on so carried on across Runnymede to Staines along towpath to Shepperton Lock where afternoon tea was taken by the remaining 10. 

 

Thank you one & all & big thanks to Tim for route printout.

 

Irene.

B Group - 27th June

Irene's ride from Weybridge DC to the The Fox and Castle in Old Windsor and then to Shepperton Lock for Tea

Although they have yet to publish the details on their website (thefoxandcastle.co.uk) this Sunday ride might be enjoyable, especially if the said 'details' mention food.

At Shepperton Lock for Tea, sheltering from the slight drizzle

Dieppe - the Saturday 60k

This year the CDCD had posted a 60km Saturday afternoon ride as well as the regular Sunday events.  It seemed a bit of a rush to do it in the afternoon and be back for the reception at 5 so it was agreed that we would start at 10 and make a day of it.

Twelve of us set off on a sunny but blustery morning heading west on the D75 coast road. A short detour on the outskirts of Dieppe led us to a viewpoint by the castle looking down on the town. Then fine views of the coast on the descent to Pourville with where the route instructions suggested we took the D75 and cut back to a lane at the top of the hill. The man with the orange marker pen had other ideas and sent us directly up the lane which we soon realised was a serious " Surrey" hill to make us feel at home. More quiet roads took us to the lighthouse at Ailly but sadly no views until we rejoined the D75 into Quiberville where we stopped for elevenses.

Leaving Quiberville we had a repeat of the Pourville hill scenario but this time I followed the route instructions and we rejoined the marked route at the top. At St Aubin sur Mer we turned inland and the return route was a complex zigzag of almost traffic free minor roads through pretty countryside towards Offranville. Now it was nearly 2pm and the need for lunch was being felt so we left the marked route to go through the town to a cafe we knew from last year. Disappointment at being told no food was served was short lived when told to go to the bakers down the road. Here there were plenty of delightful goodies to revitalize a cyclist so we returned with our purchases and were welcome to eat them while provided with drinks at the cafe.

Rejoining the route a gentle descent down the Avenue Verte was followed by a final hard climb up the hill to the Canadian cemetery. Then a few lanes ( one rather potholed by French standards! ) led us round the south of Dieppe to join the road back past the Salle Eluard into town where we had time to enjoy a beer before the formalities of the weekend began.

This was a welcome addition to the weekend activities and felt even better a day later after the wet ride on Sunday! I hope CDCD repeat the formula and would recommend spending at least one extra day cycling in the area in addition to the Sunday Randonnee.

The French branch having 11's

Dieppe Raid 2012

The two stops on a very wet and challenging day but compensated with a good dinner at the Windsor.

Ray

Presentation

Guiness World Record

Presentation of Guiness World Record certificate to Guy and Will Pearson in Sutton on Monday 25 June 2012

B Group - Photos

Pay attention!

That's better

Pearsons to enter Guiness Book of Records

 You may be interested to hear that, on Monday 25 June at 9.30am, Pearsons of Sutton will be presented with a certificate to confirm their entry into the Guiness Book of Records as the world's oldest bike shop. London & Partners (a not-for -profit promotional organisation for London), has issued the following advance release:

25 June 2012  (ie next Monday) 

London is home to World's oldest bike shop

London & Partners, as part of World Record London celebrates Sutton’s Pearson’s Cycles the World’s Oldest Bike Shop - established in 1860 and still trading today over 150 years later.

World Record London sees the most exciting capital in the world attempt over 20 Guinness World Records to make London a multi record-breaking city. Guinness World Records, the universal authority on record-breaking achievement, today presents Pearson's Cycles the official title as it continues to trade and maintain the wheels it has become famous for.

The Pearson family business can be traced throughout history, from the production of Penny Farthings, keeping the forces on wheels throughout the First and Second World Wars, to the introduction of the more modern mopeds and motorcycles in the 1950s and ‘60s. Pearson Cycles also saw the birth of the mountain bike and its own acquisition of the Raleigh ‘5 star’ status in the 1980s.

Today, brothers Guy and William Pearson represent the shops fifth generation, still upholding the legacy of 1860 in the twenty first century store. They now have opened another shop in Sheen, London supporting the novice and expert performance cyclists, whilst Sutton still caters for families, commuters and performance alike.

William Pearson, commenting on the new award, says, “We are delighted that Pearsons has been recognised by Guinness World Records as the oldest bike shop in the world under the same family in the same place. We love the cycle business and thank all of our loyal customers, staff and friends past and present, who have supported us to reach this landmark award.

“The Olympic Games in London will put cycling in the eyes of the world and we hope spur on the next generation to be involved in this great sport. We also have the responsibility to continue to make our business inspirational for our children to retain this world record! Thank you Guinness World Records. "

Following the introduction of 8,000 Barclays Bikes onto the streets of London in July two years ago, the city seems to be more mobile than ever and cycling has become a staple of London's transport system.

With plans afoot for London to host a world class two day festival of cycling next year in summer 2013, which will attract visitors, generate jobs and showcase the city beyond the games, there has never been a better time to get on your bike in London.

 (London & Partners) 

Jeff

Easy Riders, 20 June

On a lovely sunny day 20 riders (where did they all come from) left Walton Day centre to get to the Swan at Arbrook Common for lunch. We were a little late leaving and also welcomed two new  riders Nick and Sharon, originally from New Zealand friends of Beryl .The Swan is a fairly large establishment so I thought there should be room for us all.

We proceeded via quiet roads to emerge at Hersham railway station, through the sewage works opposite Esher Rugby ground and along the path to Esher Railway Station. Then over Littleworth common to the Swan. When I looked through the pub window all I could see were people which transpired to be funeral wake .The staff were asked if they could in addition cope with about 20 cyclists - a few had left us at the pub. They were pleased to do so and we all sat in their nice shady garden. A good lunch was taken after which we proceeded to the Kings Centre at Chessington for tea and buying pots of home made jam.

This is the last ride I will lead for a while until my arthritic hip joint settles, hopefully with the physio I am having and some pain killers - things are already improving.

John Conacher

Easy Riders - 21 June

The Easy Riders' route from the Walton DC to the Kings Centre in Chessington via The Swan public house

Thanks to Mr Weeden for the GPS data and photos

For Sale - Roberts Ladies Bike

Looks a Beauty

Roberts Compact ladies lightweight cycle. 

• Reynolds Tubing, 14 Gears, (2X7 Shimano Megarange), 

•  700x25 Mavic on Campag Chorus hubs, DTs. .

• Built for Janice Loy, Downland Section. Excellent condition, Very low mileage. 

• Optional pedals.......... clips and straps or SPDs. 

•  £380. 

 

As for size, Ken says that:

"compact frames are not usually measured up the seat tube as in the old days but that measurement is 16" which gives a stiff frame as well as a ladies step thru' facility. The saddle can comfortably go up another 1 1/2" or come down 5" and of course anywhere in between. It would easily suit a young lady in her teens and she could then move the saddle up as she grows taller." 

Of course, there may well be some ladies out there who have already done all the growing they want and for whom this bike would be perfect.

If you are interested and would like more information, contact details for Ken and Janice are:

Tel:  01903 368803

email: kenloy123@talktalk.net 

 

Jeff

B Group 20 June 2012

B Ride 

A perfect sunny cycling day found 10 of us depart from Henfold Lake towards Newdigate and Capel. After crossing the A24 we followed the badly pot-holed Weare Street to Oakwoodhill, then on through Walliswood to our lunch stop at the Bulls Head Inn at Ewhurst.

After our nibbles we returned to Capel via Forest Green and Ockley before making our way back to Annie's in Leatherhead for a spot of tiffin.
A very pleasant day with a reduced number of cyclists due to the impending Dieppe Raid this week I think.
I clocked up 60 miles door to door.

Liz

Marks Shoreham Ride 20 June 12

 

 

 

A Group 20th June - The Shoreham Century

Pictures by Ray

Sunny at North Cheam, and a good turnout of As and Bs ready to enjoy the day.  We set off promptly at 0900, and the group divided at Ewell, some going over the Downs and some round them, on the way to Henfold.

Even more Wayfarers at Henfold, some for the Shoreham Century, some to take advantage of the sunshine and some en route to Dieppe.  Frank was there with his beautiful new trike, but he didn't feel that it was ready for a trip to the coast yet - though it is already racking up the miles.

At 1045 sharp a bakers dozen Wayfarers set off for Shoreham, some planning the whole route and some part.  Bit of a kerfuffle in Rusper, where a lady in a Japanese 4x4 took exception to the presence of bicycles on the road, but mainly uneventful riding past the Hammer Ponds and on to Warninglid, where Grant turned for home.  He had said from the outset that he would only come on part of the ride, so I hope he enjoyed his day.

Steadily Southwards until Upper Beeding, where we forsook the tarmac for a gravel track, to allow us to cross the river and avoid the unpleasant main road.  Not just gravel, but manicured gravel, so everyone was happy enough with it.

Past the airport and over the bridge, a short piece of cycleway and there was the pub.  The tide was in and we were able to sit right at the edge of the water.  Seafood for most; the service was a bit mixed, as they were busy, but no-one was in any great rush to leave, anyway.  Steph had a better plan, and bought her seafood at the Fish and Chip Shop across the road, allowing her to make an early start for home.  Jeff had a different plan to get home - he set off for the station, with a brisk half-century in the bag.

So, over the footbridge and up to the edge of the beach before turning back past the Airport and up to Steyning on the way home.  A short stop for ice-cream at Partridge Green led to major problems - the group set off in two blocks and a helpful lady at the corner, when asked where the cyclists had gone, pointed down the wrong road.

A few miles up the road this caused consternation as it was realised that four of our number were missing.  Cellphones were no help - very poor service - nor was re-tracing the route, as they weren't there.  So the conclusion was that pressing on to Horsham was the best bet, and so it turned out to be.  Familiar bikes were outside the tea-room and familiar faces within.  John left the group at this point to take a train - 74 miles on the clock and a good ride for him.

Onwards and homewards - the steep hill on the Rusper Road wasn't very popular at this stage, and two more of our number left at Dorking - Rob to pick up his car and Geoffrey to catch a train.

So it was that just before 1900 the Magnificent Seven swept into Leatherhead - Pete going directly home and the rest going to re-balance their carbohydrate levels in Wetherspoons.  Our long tea-stop meant that we missed Steph, which was a pity, but satisfaction all round, and maybe, just maybe, we might do another without waiting a year.  We'll see - but a good ride in good company - heroes all.

96.32 miles to Leatherhead at a rolling average of 13.1 mph; maximum speed 38.6 mph and 4,315 calories.

Mark

Shoreham Century

Shoreham

Sunshine lunch beside the Adur estuary

Report from the rear

Retreated up the Adur Valley at a more leisurely pace, tiny church at Botolphs, enjoyed Steyning, headed north through Ashhurst, West Grinstead (turned right here to cross A road and join old railway track to Copsale then on road to Horsham.  Remembered St Leonards Road so skirted centre and three mini roundabouts later was on the Rusper Road.  Mentally now on home ground, a push up the hill took a bit of time then coasting down to Dorking.  Thought I'd make the effort to "sign off" at Wetherspoons, Leatherhead, but at 6.15 no one there.  Treated my  bike to a train ride home!  Great day, thanks to Mark for having such subtle back marker arrangements.   Steph

B Group - 20th June

Liz's route from Henfold Lakes to Ewhurst for lunch and on to Annies for Tea

The Shoreham Century - Trip Notes

It's almost midsummer, so here's the Shoreham Century, a Monument of the Wayfarers' calendar, neatly sandwiched between the end of the Dauphiné and the beginning of the Tour de France.  Old hands will know the drill; these notes are for newcomers.


The Shoreham Century is unusual, perhaps unique, amongst centuries in that it's not necessarily a hundred miles.  The course is 92 miles from the start at North Cheam to the finish at Leatherhead.  To get your century you'll need to add on your home-to-ride mileage.  This is not necessarily a disadvantage, as it enables enthusiasts like Frank to do a century of 121 miles (his longest ride this century, so he said, but of course there's still quite a bit to go ...).


But that's not all - the flexibility extends in the other direction.  If you'd like to do the ride but don't fancy the distance then a train to Dorking and a train home from Horsham just about halves it, and you still get your lunch at the seaside. Or mix and match, as you choose - the railway is close to the route all the way from Horsham.


The route map is above, the details are:


Wednesday 20th June


0900 North Cheam
1045 Elevenses Henfold Lakes
1315 Lunch Shoreham
1600 Tea Horsham
1800 Supper Leatherhead


All timings are sharp - don't get left behind!


No-one is dropped on the way out, but the group tends to divide on the way back - a longer lunch or a longer tea suits some better.  It's a longish ride but not a hard one - if you can cover twelve miles in an hour without stopping then you'll be fine.


If you'd like any more information have a word with me - otherwise, I look forward to seeing you on the day.


Mark

C Group 13 June

A good turn-out at Kingston Active Life Centre. They knew we were coming with the good assortment of home-made cakes!

Pat & Bill Matthews came for 11's. Bill not riding at the moment, as he is taking it easy due to an accident where he slipped on rocky terrain whilst walking and cracked some ribs. Still a bit sore; but getting better. Dennis was also there. He informed me that the pub I was going to, use to be a popular cyclist pub in the 1800s; similar to The Anchor in Ripley.
Also, Doreen, Ron and Bill came for coffee.

I led a baker's dozen from the day centre to Kingston Market Place, where we turned left to go along the river to Ham then Teddington Lock. Over the blue bridge and through the High Street and into Bushy Park. We cycled over the revamped roundabout at Hampton Court. Newly turfed, and a bit smaller to enable the Olympic cyclists to get round. We then went onto the cycle path and turned left passed the train barrier towards Thames Ditton. Did a right turn onto the Portsmouth Road and our lunch destination was The Angel Pub. We sat at the back in a terraced area. The sun was warm when it was out; and it was very pleasant sitting there. We had an assortment of lunches and all agreed that the food there was very nice. A first visit for some and highly recommended.

Lynda.

Easy Riders - 13th June

Lynda's ride with the Easy Riders from the Kingston Bradbury Centre to The Angel in Thames Ditton for lunch and then to Ewell Court Library for Tea.

(GPS data collected by Ron)

A BB ride

With 11's being distant from North of the Thames Pam, Irene and myself decided to do a BB ride. I needed to do some route planing anyway. The 3 of us met at Staines at 10 and took the normal route to the Walled Garden at Dorney for 11's. We then explored the Olympic rowing venue and crossed the Thames and headed into Bray and onto NCR4 which had some lovely quiet lanes and tracks, this eventually led us to the Beehive at White Walthan for lunch in the garden. More exploration of back lanes and (very obscure paths) and onto afternoon tea at the Windsor Wheel. A sunny day with no rain or hills and a very pleasant ride. Door to door 61 miles.

Train assisted to Petersfield : August 22nd

I have been thinking of arranging a train assisted ride for a while and Petersfield looked a good destination. The numbers in A and B groups would make it impossible to get even one whole group there on a typical day and we sometimes hear suggestions that there should be an additional B+ group. So for one day only ( this year) you have it. The normal programme will run from Shepperton and this is an optional extra.

If you are interested let me know ( briangreenwood@yahoo.co.uk) or text 07726 005820.

I will limit the group to about 10-12 so please let me know end July if you are interested, with details of your local station. No joining on the day because of managing the numbers on the train. If there is sufficient demand I will run another next year and try to customize for either A or B group.

The plan is to travel out by train to Petersfield individually from your local station, typically changing at Guildford where there is a subway with ramps. I will provide train times and plans for 11s etc. Buy a day return ( about £10-12 with a railcard after 9.30) . Cycle from Petersfield to Guildford with tea probably at Farncombe, and then train home from Guildford or cycle depending on your fitness. The basic ride is 35-40 miles, a bit hilly in the morning through the village of Steep (!) but flatter in the afternoon.

Brian

A Group 13th June

 The A Group at Tilburstow.

Like most others attending today's ride I completed twelve hilly miles to
reach 11's. As this was my first (and last ?) occasion as 'ride leader' I
approached the task with a great deal of trepidation. I thought it would be
best to follow the example set by the more regular and experienced A group
leaders - so very soon after leaving 11's we turned right up the north face
of Shepherds Hill (get the biggest hill of the day over first). We regrouped
at the top where I 'phoned the lunch stop to advise that we were fourteen in
number and hopefully we would all arrive at lunch. We carried on and after a
few miles where, as we attempted to turn right into Dean Lane, I was able to
avoid the overtaking car who obviously wanted to prevent the manoeuvre. We
carried on along our route where in Church Road we caught up with the back
markers of B group who crossed straight over Godstone Road and we turned
left. We made our way to the top of Old Tilburstow Hill where we stopped to
admire the view over the South Downs and to take the 'team photo' . From
here on it was an uneventful ride via Tandridge Lane, through Lingfield to
our lunch stop at the Blacksmiths Head. Lunch was promptly served, large
portions and of good quality. Probably the best part of the lunch was the
fact we were able to sit out in the garden in the sunshine (remember that?)
but then again we should not be surprised as 'the sun always shines on the
righteous'. 

Fully refreshed we were just about to leave when Jeffery discovered he had a
puncture so we sat in the sunshine discussing 'life in general' whilst he
and Dave undertook the repair. Young Ray left us at this point as he had to
get home to prepare himself for tonight's 10 mile time trial !!! All fixed
we moved off past the Mormon temple turned right heading towards the
Windmill at Outwood. I had intended a little bit of off road on this section
purely for Jeff's benefit but he scuppered my plans by returning home after
11's. Onward through Outwood to Salford, where Brian's chain came off, over
the A23, Lonesome Lane, Leigh then through the narrow lanes for the final
climb of the day up Tilehurst Lane and Punchbowl Lane then down to Denbies
for afternoon tea where I discovered we not lost anyone in the group (more
luck than judgement). I managed a total of 56 miles at an average speed of
12.7mph. 

Neil

B Group 13 June

It was a day of diminishing numbers. 13 of us started out from Merstham, viz Ed, Gillian, Francoise, Frank, Ian, John G, Pat, Peter, Tim, Stephanie and my good self. Merstham is a bit of hard work, over 250 metres of ascent. But off we went in warm sunshine. After 10 metres Frank felt tired so he broke his derailleur and Francoise and he caught the train home. We went due south through pleasant countryside on quiet roads which, judging by the debris on them had been rivers on Monday, through Bletchingley and Outwood to the Hedgehog just north of Copthorne. ( I was slightly put out that the postcode on my Bing map was the wrong side of the final junction). Lunch in the sunny garden was pleasant. By then we were down to 10, having lost Ed - I'm not sure how.

After lunch off we went again, still in pleasant sunshine. Ian deserted us. We went just to the south of Gatwick - why is it that the drivers in that part of the world drive so aggressively? Anyway we got to Dorking centre via Charlwood without mishap. Pat now also deserted us. the remaing few went to a nice little cafe - the Courtyard which was new to me, and again sat in the sunshine:

It had been about 40 miles from North Cheam, no serious hills, but quite a few undulations!





B Group - 13th June

Bernard's ride from Merstham to Beechfield (near Copthorne) for lunch then around the south side of Gatwick Airport to Dorking for Tea (30.1 miles)

This was just over 60 miles for me by the time I arrived home and probably more than that for some.

(click on the map to zoom in and click again for maximum zoom)

A Group 13th June

Sunshine for Neil's ride today - rather a surprise, but very welcome.  36.01 miles from elevenses at Merstham to tea at Denbies, with lunch in the garden of the Blacksmith's Head, Lingfield.  Rolling average 12.8 mph, 1,683 feet of ascent, mostly before lunch, and a steepest gradient of 12.5%.


An enjoyable ride.


Mark