Access to DA Website

There is currently an issue with the link to the DA website: www.cyclingswlondon.org.uk which is stopping access.
(This address is used so that when the underlying location of the website is moved - as happens periodically - public links to it do not need to be changed.)


If you wish to access it, the direct link to Graham's webspace works fine: http://freespace.virgin.net/graham.hill3/swl.htm


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B Group 25 July

20 plus riders set off from Dorking on a perfect sunny morning to Box Hill and the Zig-Zags. The road was closed to traffic due to the impending Olympic cycle races but they were allowing cyclists to go through, so the B group (along with many other bikers) made our way up to the viewpoint.
 
We continued to Pebble Hill where unfortunately Cliff got a puncture before descending to Betchworth. Our lunch destination was Skimmington Castle, a lovely (but rather busy) pub tucked away in Bonnys Road on Reigate Heath. Eventually we headed off towards Redhill (via a dodgy stretch of bridle track - sorry about that!!) before ascending up through Gatton Park to our tea stop at Fanny's Farm.
 
Thank-you to the ever dependable Terry as back marker - what would we do without him! A very interesting and enjoyable day, although I only clocked up a modest 42 miles.

Liz

Randonnée Alpine

My long ride this summer was the Randonnée Alpine, one of the classic French Raids.  This one goes from Thonon, near Geneva, to Antibes and is a pretty challenging mountain ride.  It's 712 km and 17,485 meters of ascent, which is quite a lot.  Unlike the Raid Pyrenéen, its western counterpart, it doesn't have such a strict time constraint, but this was little help for me as the support company that I had signed up with were doing it in six days.  So that was that.

On Monday, 23 July eighteen of us left the lakeside at Thonon and began climbing more or less immediately, a pattern which was followed for the next six days until, on Saturday afternoon we all arrived at Antibes.  

It's a tough ride, with varied and spectacular scenery.  The route takes you over many classic French passes, makes a detour into Italy, ending with a spectacular run down through the foothills of Provence to the sea.  Great fun.

Marmot Tours organised my ride, and were very good.  Two vans, good spares and food support, a rider on some of the passes and very good hotels and mapping.  The party was mixed, from youthful racing snakes to those old enough to know better (me).  The former found it easier.  No mechanical problems en route - and if anything had happened, everything necessary to fix it was in the van, up to a spare bike, if needs be.  The weather was sunny every day, too hot on many occasions - up to 38ºC, but that's mountain riding for you.

My carnet number was 3190, which I guess to be the number who have attempted the ride over the years, and my homologation number was 2490, which I guess to be the number of finishers.  So our 100% record was pretty good.

This year's bike was a special that Condor made for me.  Lighter than the Boardman, with a 'gran fondo' frame that is intended for long-distance comfort.  SRAM Rival gears, 11-32 and a compact, Mavic Krysium SL wheels, Grand Prix 4000s tyres and perfect for the job.  No problems, no punctures and a top speed on the trip of 48.2 mph.

Mark

B Ride Wednesday 1 August

This is an update of my previous blog. It's the annual swimming day. The good news is that the jet stream has moved north so the outlook for the weather is better. The forecast for Wednesday is 18-25 degrees with a chance of a light shower. The plan is to start from North Cheam at 9.30, then coffee at the Cafe at the Cottage (at Fulham Football Club) of which the website says "Our friendly staff pride themselves on providing you with a warm welcome and a mouth-watering range of high quality freshly made food, aromatic coffees, teas and snacks. Experience the Café at the Cottage, next to the Johnny Haynes statue on Stevenage Road." (SW6 6HH) Then to Crystal Palace for  a swim, lunch and towels provided. It's 11.5 miles back to North Cheam. Not everyone sees these blogs so please mention it to anyone who may be unaware.
Regards, Bernard.

B Group Box Hill Puncture stop

25/7/12
Cliff works up  a sweat while the rest relax...

C group ride - 25th July

After having coffee at the Day Centre in Leatherhead or Costas Coffee near Sainsburys; I lead Malcolm, Sandy, Norman, Dan, Brian, John C., Fuzz & Ron down Leatherhead High Street and through the lights.  We turned right to take the track by the Dorking Road passing the horses.  After crossing  over we cycled down the cycle path to Denbies.  We saw the new, lovely statue of two cyclists on a plinth in the middle of the Denbies roundabout and went up Pixham Lane.  Crossed the main road and made our way to the golf course.  It has dried out; just a bit bumpy.  We stopped at The Royal Oak for lunch and Sonia turned up to join us just as we had ordered our meals.   After a leisurely lunch we retraced our outward route and stopped at The Olive Tree for icecream etc.  A very enjoyable, leisurely ride on the hottest day of the year!  Lynda.

A Group 25 July 2012

Dorking - Dunsfold - W.Horsley

 

Relaxing in the shade of St Martin, patron saint of topers, and

the A Group setting off for the Sun

A round dozen riders made up the peloton for today’s ride. I had originally planned this ride earlier in the year from Dorking, but that ride was abandoned due to its clashing with the monsoon season. Today could not have provided a greater contrast, with temperatures set to exceed 30 degrees. Pre- ride discussions centred around the gallonage needed on board to prevent dehydration.

Our lunch destination was to be Dunsfold, a fair stretch away, so we set off at a brisk pace through Newdigate, Capel, then down Weare Street, managing to avoid the fissures in the road surface, artfully designed to entrap unwary cyclists. From there, we passed through Oakwoodhill, Ellens Green, Baynards Road and Wildwood Lane, where Jeff and I both recalled having to shelter in the exact same spot, on different occasions, by ferocious hailstorms – maybe a local microclimate?

We soon arrived at the Sun Inn, appropriately named given the sweltering conditions. A further hour’s basking in the garden followed before lunch arrived, during which we chewed over the chances of Cav and Wiggo in the Olympics.

The way back was due North, up Hascombe Hill, and then along Thorncombe Street, which looked a verdant picture, after all the recent rain.

Having passed through Guildford, tea was taken at Squires, West Horsley, the traditional burn up along the A246 having been abandoned due to the heat.

I covered 64 miles in all – it felt like a few more.

Rob

Dorking welcomes Olympic cyclists

     From top, Olympic rings at top of zig-zag, Denbies roundabout, childrens impression of cyclists in St Martin's church.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

B Group - 25th July

Although Liz's route was only 17.9 miles we were amply compensated for this by lots of big hills, which on this day of the heat wave proved to be quite enough of a challenge for many of us.

from Dorking to the Skimmington Castle

from the Skimmington Castle to Fanny's Farm for Tea

Photos showing the happy team, fresh from their conquest of the Col de Zig-Zag

(I will add a few more when time permits)

Sign spotted while cycling in north Norfolk

B Ride 18 July

Addlestone – Worplesdon – Addlestone

When I was asked to describe the ride I said “Worplesdon via Windlesham”, to which some wag replied “Weally”. Fortunately it wasn’t wet wide as well (at least not until much later). 

13 of us set off – not promptly which had consequences for lunch – for a flat ride working our way towards Worplesdon through Rowtown, Rowhill, Ottershaw, Burrowhill, West End, Bisley and Knaphill to The Jolly Farmer at Worplesdon.

We arrived at five minutes past one. The management decided that, as they were busy and we were a large group, we could only order off the reduced menu (not something I was told about when I had booked the previous day for 20 arriving between 12.45 and 1pm). That coupled with £1.95 for a pint of orange squash probably ensures there will be little repeat business.

After lunch we made our way back to Addlestone via Westfield, Old Woking and Maybury, and along the canal and navigation to New Haw, ending up at Crockford’s Farm just round the corner from the day centre. We shed 3 along the way and the 10 who remained enjoyed a brief moment outside before being driven inside by a sharp downpour.

I did a modest 41 miles and as a group we did 28 miles from elevenses to tea. Thanks to Terry for keeping a watch at the back and Tim for his mapping. A good day out with the B’s!

Peter T

A Ride 18 July

Addlestone - Jealott's Hill - Felthamhill

  

Just a dozen were up for a visit to the north west territories. The dullish day began to spit as we topped Longcross but rainwear donned before Sunningdale were stowed for the day in North Ascot. By Haley Green the leafy suburbs had morphed into countryside and via Tickleback Row we reached the New Leathern Bottle before one.

  

We must get Malcolm some stabilisers

Most settled for inexpensive and substantial which was promptly delivered. Our editor's delaying tactic, a late ordered Bread and Butter pudding, meant that the restart was after two. A sign of the times perhaps: only one other customer and his dog. Familiar lanes through Nuptown and Maidens Green led into Cranbourne high street. Peanut became Farmer George and Tite Hill became Egham where we spurned the new painted A30 Olympic lane. Backstreets got us through Staines, Ashford and Felthamhill (what hill?) where nine enjoyed a warm welcome on a first visit to the Adrian Hall Garden Centre. Around 55 miles door to door at a speedy 13.6mph (no hills - topping out around 250 feet).

Graham

B Group - 18th July

Peter Tiller's round trip from the Addlestone DC to Worplesdon for lunch then on to the Crockford Bridge Garden Centre for Tea

Easy Riders 18 July

C ride met at The Kings Centre in Chessington today. Also there was Pat M; and Bill came on the ride. After coffee we left the centre in drizzle but as it was quite windy, we didn't get wet. I swapped with Roger and led through backstreets of Chessington down to Stonleigh, under the railway bridge and into Ewell Court Park. We cycled one length of Nonsuch park and took the turning at the far right hand side up to The Avenue. Round the back of Nescott and the alleyways to Epsom. We then went up Wilmerhatch and into Ashtead park. Crossed the high street and had lunch at The Superfish restaurant on the corner. Very nice fish & chips here and good service.

After lunch, we went over Ashtead Common, through backways of Epsom and onto Longmead. We then took a left turn that took us into Ewell Court and had tea sitting outside in the very pleasant surroundings of the garden centre cafe.

We got home before it rained so that was a bonus.

Lynda.

Easy Riders - 11th July

David S. led the Easy Riders from Hersham DC to The Kingfisher by Chertsey Bridge for lunch, then on to the Five At The Bridge café for Tea

Click on the images, once or twice, to see them at maximum magnification.

Photos taken at afternoon tea

GPS data collected by Ron

I don't believe it!

Hello folks, 

This is from Mark Roy.  Here is the picture of the over-eighties taken at Cobham on Wednesday 4 July.  I do not want to disclose your ages because you DON'T look that old and people won't believe me.  

Mark Roy (87 last Feb.2012)

Olympic Maps

Maps for all the events, cycling, marathon, triathlon and venue maps can be download at this website.

2012 Olympic routes and Venues

Early Warning

.....of road closures on Wednesday, August 1, our next meeting at Cobham. Seven Hills Road, the stretch of A245 eastwards and A307 ('old A3') through Cobham will be closed due to the Olympic Time Trial. For details see :        
                                              www.gosurrey.info/cycling/olympic.cycling-road-race

Terry

B Group - 11th July

There was a good turnout at Hersham today but it soon became apparent that the day's wet forecast and then the deluge of rain which hit just before 11 a.m. was making some people question the sense of going out for a ride. However, once the sun was out again a group of 18 set off on the B ride which had had to be re-jigged to eliminate some off-road sections. Heading north on the Molesey Road, we turned off just past Hersham Station and approached Walton via Walton Park and Cottimore Lane, followed by a loop round Manor Road towards the bridge. We turned on to the new road down to Cowey Sale, where a gosling nearly suffered a nasty accident as it wandered into the road in front of a van coming the other way. Our route now took us to Weybridge, up Heath Road to the station, down to Brooklands and on to West Byfleet. From here it was due south to Pyrford Green and Warren Lane where we met a huge lorry with barely room for us to pass! Pyrford Village, Papercourt and Tannery Lanes across to Send and we were soon at our destination, The New Inn at Cartbridge. Seats had been reserved inside but with the sun still shining we opted to sit outside. Dark clouds and a few spots of rain had some of us moving undercover, but it came to nothing and soon the sun was out again.

Service was very speedy and we were on our way just before 2.00 p.m. heading north through Old Woking and Maybury, to join the Basingstoke Canal towpath. There were a few muddy patches but mostly it was good cycling. We came off the path at West Byfleet and continued northwards through Woodham and up Row Town's steep hill to Addlestone. Turning into School Lane, off Church Road, we managed to lose three riders. With no sign of them and with dark clouds looming, we hurriedly continued our way to Chertsey Meads and Chertsey Bridge. Strong winds heralding the next rainstorm were luckily behind us as we sped along on the cycle path beside the Shepperton By-Pass. The first raindrops saw us scurrying up Shepperton High Street and we made it to Cafe Mocha-d just in time! Amazingly, the three we had lost, turned up at that moment too! (The cafe is opposite the bakery and for future reference it is open until 6.00 p.m. on a weekday.) It had been an early tea-stop and there was no rush to move when the rain stopped and the sun reappeared. People set off homewards about 4.00 p.m. again with grey clouds looming. I made it home as the first spots fell. I'm afraid the rest will not have been as lucky. Overall, though, luck had been on our side with sunshine most of the time and heavy rain falling when we were under cover! Thanks, Tim, for being back-marker, even though we did lose you for a short while!

- Gill Finlay

Gill's ride from the Hersham DC to the New Inn in Cartridge (14.9 miles) and thence to Tea at the Café Mocha-D (12.5 miles)

The Tale of Ian's Panniers

ab uno disce omnes

Ian's panniers were showing signs of wear so off he went and purchase 2 new ones from Aldi. Setting off this morning sporting is new pride and joy; but within a mile one parted company with his bike, noticing this Ian duly stopped and went to reclaim the wayward pannier but is was nowhere to be seen! Scratching his head he looked further up the road, rather than the way he had come,  and noticed the missing pack. After reclaiming the pannier he noticed the significant damaged, the pannier was a total right off. It had caught under a car and been dragged up the road!  

A Group 11th July

An early start at North Cheam, but a small turn-out; holidays and weather had taken their toll on numbers.  Les was there to say 'Hello' - his arm is in a sling -  a minor op will keep him off the road for a couple of weeks.  So, few in numbers but strong riders all, we set off towards Hookwood and points South.  Over Epsom Downs, through Walton on the Hill, down Pebblecombe, through Betchworth, Leigh and Norwood Hill to Tesco's at Hookwood, where we were sure that our chums would be waiting.

Well, Jeff was there.  We started our breakfast and chatted a bit, then, just as we were going, John turned up.  Steph signed off at this point - she wasn't out for the full day - so our numbers were one up, on aggregate.

Onwards and upwards, with some interesting byways to avoid the traffic of the Gatwick area, cresting Turner's Hill in warm sunshine.  However, looking South, the sky was entirely black.  Jeff concluded that this was an omen, portending an early return home, giving us a team of six, just as at the start.

Off into the gathering gloom, Dave remarking that you rather expected houses to be thrown out of the cloud, as in disaster movies, past the reservoirs at Ardingly (where the storms have flooded the road) then on towards Horsted Keynes.  Remarkably, the nearer we got, the more the dreadful cloud moved off towards the East, and it was sunny when we arrived at the pub.

We felt rather smug when our East Sussex friends told us that they had ridden up under the black cloud and were consequently soaked, but it was sunny enough to sit in the garden and chat while they dried out.  A very good meeting - to be repeated next year - with mutual friends identified and tours discussed - then it was time to head for home.

No problems for a while.  There was indeed a black cloud ahead of us, but, hey, we knew all about black clouds ...   Well, we soon did.  As we passed Wierwood Reservoir it began to rain.  Not much, but steady, and steadily increasing.  By the time we had passed East Grinstead it was really, really wet and we took to a bus shelter for a few minutes, leaving when the rain was so reduced that it was only pouring.  Geoffrey peeled off at this point, heading for Gatwick to make a conference call, and the rest of us took another interesting byway to Horne, where the sun was shining.  On towards Bletchingley, and here was another black cloud.  No messing about with this one - thunder, squalls and stinging hail.  We hid under some trees for a bit.  Then on towards White Hill, which we adroitly avoided along Spring Bottom Lane, and into Rockshaw Road, which was steaming in the sun.  

Briskly up to Fanny's and a welcome pot of tea.  'Inside or Out?'  We went for Inside, and, before the first cup was finished there was a roaring on the roof and a clap of thunder ...

42.4 miles elevenses to tea, rolling average 12.4 mph.  It felt less.  62.41 miles from Cheam.  It felt more.  That's Summer for you.

Mark

Add blog link to taskbar on your pc

Link to the cyclingswlondon website

At Cobham last Wednesday I was a little surprised when Linda told me that she and some others had difficulty in accesing the MWW blog and had relied on a weekly link being circulated to see the MWW ride reports etc. I did wonder why that happened. While I do not plan to send out a weekly email, it is very easy to create a link on your desktop or taskbar.

This screenshot shows one way to create a link in Internet Explorer to the cyclingswlondon website, on your taskbar.  All you need to do is:

• left click with your mouse on the icon in the address bar. A message will pop up to say: 'drag to taskbar to pin site'
• hold the mouse button down
• drag the icon to the taskbar  at the bottom of your screen

After that, one click on the link should take you to the cyclingswlondon website whenever you want. Alternatively, you can drag the icon onto your desktop and release it there.

By clicking on the yellow star with a green arrow (top left), you can also add the link to your favourites bar

Disclaimer: I may have an ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence) - expired, but I have no claims to competence in teaching even the most elementary IT skills. If you are mad enough to listen to me, on your own head be it!

Jeff

P.S. I await an avalanche of corrections!

A Group - Independance Day

 Cobham - Godalming - Effingham

The early morning rain had eased off by the time a dozen A's set off from Cobham. Out along the familiar route of Plough Lane to the Hautboy, where Toni hit a pothole and punctured. A short delay then south to West Horsley and the climb up Shere Road to the top of Coombe Bottom and a fast decent. On towards Albury but branching off to take the (new to some) New Road to Farley Green then Shamley Green to reach Godalming via Wonersh and Bramley. After an enjoyable lunch at the Jack Phillips we returned along the Downs Link to Wonersh, the odd shower failing to dampen our spirits. Through Chilworth and Albury to retake Coombe Bottom (the hard way) and then a long drop down to the Vineries at Effingham to get a welcome pot of tea just before they closed.


Pete=

Tour de France, Dieppe

The Caravan

Bradley Wiggins

Mark Cavendish

After our West Coast tour we went to stay with Graham and Gill Holder in their house not far from Rouen.  On Wednesday we all rode up the Voie Verte to Dieppe to watch the Tour come though.  We've done it a few times in various places; it's always a great spectacle, and it's very enjoyable to be part of a great French celebration, but you really get very little idea of what's going on - you need a television for that.

Anyway, we all had a grand ride on a very sunny day to Dieppe en fête - everything set out in the sunshine for the great day, the streets lined with expectant people.  Nothing for a while, then the craziness of the Caravan, where sponsors throw out promotional gifts from elaborately dressed up vehicles.  There were hundreds of them, and the enthusiasm for the souvenirs is huge.  I got a yellow hat, at some risk to life and limb, Maggie got some washing powder and Gill, more usefully, got a packet of biscuits.

Then there's a long pause before the Tour itself comes.  Police bikes sweep along the road, the Commissaires cars bustle self-importantly along, then there's the thwup thwup thwup of the TV helicopters  - five of them - then the breakaway, and then swoosh, the peloton whisks by and it's over.

Pleasant people in the Le Flash bar made us sandwiches, as it was now after lunch, then back off home down the Voie Vert, joshing with other cyclists and enjoying a sunny afternoon.

Mark

West Coast Tour

Maggie and I had a good time in Dieppe - but, my goodness, it was wet.  But the fine sunset at dinner gave a hint of better things to come, and next morning we set off in warm sunshine, heading for the Loire.

We stayed at a little town called Chitenay, which is on a number of good cycle-ways, and rode to Blois, Chaumont and Amboise.  All of the riding was very good, with well set out cycle-ways taking you even into a large town like Blois.  There is a continuous cycle-way of more than 800km along the Loire, with many side routes joining on.  The route stays close to the river, but doesn't stick to it, so there are interesting meanders to nearby villages and the odd hill, which makes it a bit more interesting than the typical river path.  Plenty of Chateaux, vineyards and restaurants - it makes a good, relaxing tour with weather that is, on average, better than here.  It is worth noting, however, that away from the main tourist towns there is little to be found.  The villages are pretty - lots of holiday homes - but  sparsely populated.  So don't rely on them for your lunch.

Then we headed South West to the Marais Poitevin, which we have visited before.  This is a large area of reclaimed estuary and marshland, now a fertile area about the size of East Anglia.  The reclamation was started by the French in the thirteenth century, with work continuing, latterly under the Dutch, until the end of the nineteenth.  Perhaps because the reclamation started earlier, the fields are mostly much smaller than in East Anglia, so you get an intimate, slightly strange landscape with lots of wildlife.  We saw herons, otters, swans and lots of small birds.  Eels often appear on the menu, and I enjoyed the dish I had.  Like the Loire, the villages are suffering -  a farmer we talked to over lunch was saying that the young people were leaving the land and that things weren't what they were.  Interesting place, though.

Lastly, we went to the Ile de Re.  We're fairly regular visitors and it's a good place to go. It's very flat, and many people travel by bicycle - there are thousands of them.  It's a popular (and very chic) holiday resort, so no problem with depopulation and no trouble finding lunch either.  

Then it was back North to Dieppe, to see the Tour.  But we'd had a good little trip - good cycling and, for a change, some good weather.

Mark

Wednesday 1st August Ride

It's the annual swimming day! Given where the jet stream is the weather is uncertain, but I can make sure the water's warm. My plan is not to go to Cobham but to go directly from North Cheam to coffee at The Cafe at the Cottage, Stevenage Road, London, SW6 6HH which is at Fulham Football Club's ground. Obviously it might suit some better to go to coffee rather than start at North Cheam. I aim to leave the Cafe at 11.30. Then to my house for lunch. Towels provided for those who wish to swim. Afterwards it's about 12 miles from my house back to North Cheam.‎

Ken Williams

Was hailed by Ken Williams as we came through Ewell, he's looking well but on a slow recovery and missing us.

Easyriders - 4th July

Arrived at Cobham to discover there were two of us expecting and prepared to lead! Discussed which of our routes had the least amount of mud and as my white socks were pretty well splattered from an early morning reccy of Ashtead Common I quickly gave way to Mike Withers. He led Lynda, Sandy, David and Wendy, Roger, Norman, Cliff, Brian and John, Ron, Mike and .... on tandem.  Across Bookham Common (no mud) through Fetcham, across the nature reserve (no mud) into Leatherhead, by railway station then along to underpass and up the cyclepath to the route across the north of Ashtead Common (a few puddles).

Past the Stew Ponds but then continuing into increasing mud we backtracked and found a firmer track which soon took us to the Cricketters at Stamford Green just outside Epsom. A very enjoyable ride and an excellent menu at the Cricketters with some two meals for £9.95 offers. After lunch there were two possible destinations for tea, the ever popular Kings Centre at Chessington with it's half price on Wednesdays (90p for T and cake) or the prettier parkland setting of Ewell Court with its little gifty shop and gardeny bits and pieces - not to be - pressure from the Salmon camp won through. A lovely day with no rain, thanks to Mike for leading. 

Steph  

Easy Riders route - 4th July

Mike's route with the Easy Riders from Cobham as far as lunch at The Cricketers in Stamford Green

B Group - 4th July

Cobham / Sutton Abinger / Ashtead - 4th July 2012 – B Group

On a drizzly morning I led a small group on an undulating route to the Volunteer Pub at Sutton Abinger. Leaving Cobham, we turned left up Plough Lane heading for Shere via Hungry Hill and Staple Lane. Following a small climb out of Shere, we then turned left into Hook Lane heading for Peaslake and finally via the confusing Hoe Lane to Sutton Abinger.

Eleven of us had a pleasant lunch served promptly by obliging staff and enough time to rest before facing the climb up Raikes Lane and the dreaded White Downs – Seven of us wisely dismounted before suffering heart failure. However it pains me to report that four of the group, ploughed up regardless of health hazards, namely Gill, Brian, Terry and Tim. Unfortunately no medals were at hand to be presented unlike the Dieppe Raid  where awards are endless.

From White Downs, we headed towards Dorking via Ranmore Common and Westhumble. Feeling we had not exercised Bernard enough, we then went up Little Switzerland and via Headley, descended to the Lemon Tree/Ashtead Garden Centre where eight of us enjoyed tea.

What the ride lacked in miles, was made in height. 54 miles door to door.

Frank H.
(who had a good night sleep on Wednesday, so did the back marker, Francoise)
 

Frank's Three Peaks Challenge:

1. Elevenses at Cobham
2. Lunch in Sutton Abinger
3. Tea at the Ashtead Park Garden Centre

(27 miles from Elevenses to Tea according to the SatNav)

First and last parts of the ride (OS 1:50,000)

Middle part of the ride (OS 1:25,000)

Elevation Profile showing the three main climbs of the day:

1. Staple Lane Copse (641 ft) and the subsequent descent down Combe Bottom to Shere
2. White Downs (714 ft)
3. Near Oyster Hill after riding up Lodgebottom and joining Church Lane from Slough Lane (589 ft)

very pleased with themselves for inflicting such a devilish route on the B Group

ready to head up the White Downs on a full stomach

Dieppe Raid 2012 - 100k

The weather forecast for Dieppe on June 24 wasn't good - sadly it was accurate with rain of varying intensity for about 90% of the time. Most of the Sou'Westers rode the 100k course, initially heading south eastwards. We soon found the road marking was perfect - you could have dispensed with the route card and/or map - but wisest not to ! Having started about 0830 there was little traffic about, and , being in France, drivers saw you and gave generous clearances. Despite rain-spattered specs it was still possible to see and appreciate the beautiful countryside we were passing through, undulating, but not on a Surrey scale. Eventually we arrived at Les Grandes Ventes for coffee, where some of us had had a gite holiday a few years ago. We now headed north to Freulleville where we joined the Avenue Verte (green route, a former railway line, now well maintained for use by walkers and cyclists), leading to lunch break at St Aubin -le-Cauf.

The afternoon route started in a north easterly direction to St Nicholas-d'Aliermont and made an anti-clockwise loop, keeping to quiet roads with an occasional but not too demanding off road stretch. We didn't find any refreshments but it wasn't a problem . The rain eased off later in the ride and we arrived at the finish in Dieppe in good time and virtually dry. The route card and road marking were perfect - I didn't hear of any problems. The traditional ceremony followed and we were awarded a cup for the largest club entry, also one for the largest club mileage. Eric Ashford received his usual award for the 'Least Young Gentleman' in his class.

The event was rounded off with a splendid dinner at the Windsor Hotel on the first floor with a wonderful view of the beach and the setting sun - a perfect way to end the day.

Terry

B Ride on 27 June2012

Dieppe Raid Photos

I took a good few pictures of the event and dinner plus a few of the tour that 6 of us did around Normandy the week after. I have created a little website with all the photos and route(s).

Sou'westers Raid Dieppe