A face from the past

On my recce yesterday I found myself talking to this person in Cobham. Only a few will remember her; until about 10 years ago she served Tea and Coffee for us at the Royal British Legion.

Hazel out and about in Cobham

~ Tim

The snapper snapped.

Summer riding: the Beginners All-Day Rides

Fancy another day out on the bike?   The Beginners group have a series of all-day rides throughout the summer, not only for Beginners (many of whom aren't beginners at all).  I would say they are around B group pace, and very much enjoyed by the few Wayfarers that go on them.  The schedule is organised by Tony Hooker, and I've included it below.  It's worth consulting the Beginners blog and/or the leader before the day, in case things change nearer the time.

April 6th    Ride to Osterley Park led by Tony Hooker
                   leaving at 10am from Nonsuch Mansion Cafe

May 11th   Ride to Greenwich led by Harry Cole
                   Leaving at 10am from Morden Hall Park Cafe

June 8th     Ride to Charlwood led by Maureen Gallichan
                   leaving at 10am from Nonsuch Park Cafe, tea stop at Walton-on-Hill

July 20th    Ride to Brighton led by Tony Hooker
                   leaving at 9am from Nonsuch Park Mansion Cafe

'A' Group Ride 27th March

18 riders set out from Leatherhead to travel to Wonersh. Poor Geoff Gregory is still suffering with dodgy knees and baled out at the A25 junction. I am sure we all hope he will repair soon and join us for full rides. Today was a hilly one however with 1366 ft of ascent in the morning and 873 ft in the afternoon. It was a pretty, quiet woodland exploration, followed by a little, thankfully dry Downs Link. We arrived at 12.45am at The Grantley Arms where we were cloistered in the old Bakery room. Possibly arranged so we wouldn't deter the locals.

After lunch I managed the spectacular feat of losing 15 riders in the group 50 metres from the pub. How was it possible? I'm a genius-not. Anyway I didn't lose Ged and we met up with the stray 15 at Blackheath Village. Ged took a picture of the peloton.

Finally we cycled back to Cobham via the noisy A3 cycle path and ten stayed for tea at Bronte's Cafe. Thanks to Simon for back marking and shepherding the flock and the unsung corner marker heroes.

Pete's pics

Backmarker Ray

Happy Eaters

Awaiting lunch

Happy eater Colin

More happy eaters

Happy

Reminder

Suggest title ?

Presentation of Hilly 50 Certificate to "B" Group

Having failed to muster the attention of "A" + "B" group at Leatherhead, which is a pity as most of our participants were out with the "A" group it befell the "B's" to oblige at the Red Lion Bletchingly and have the St. Raphael's thank you Certificate presented as per the picture below. As I have said before Terry is the most deserving for his fantastic efficient handling of the signing on when we were for 20 minutes or so overrun! Tim says that he should not be in the picture but underestimates the amount of behind the scenes support in launching the event on the CUK events list and that of SWL.
Mr Fixie also deserves a special applause.

A full picture of the certificate can be seen on the DA Blog

B Group - 27th March

With a fine day forecast and no sign of any wind, conditions were good for today's ride from Leatherhead and 23 cyclists set off, heading to Betchworth for lunch via a circuitous route which involved a couple of steep climbs and a general upward direction almost from the start.  Taking Lower Road to Great Bookham, we turned south, past the Polesden Lacey turn-off, on to Chapel Lane where the wonderful downhill stretch was the reward for the climb.  Joining London Road at West Humble, we took the cycle path to Dorking, crossed Reigate Road on to another cycle path, to reach Punchbowl Lane.  Here another climb was rewarded with a good downhill stretch to Blackbrook Road.  Turning off at Red Lane, we now headed east along pleasant, flat country roads with views to the North Downs, before turning north on to Middle Street which gave us a speedy descent down to Wellhouse Road.  Here we turned eastwards again, before hitting Snowerhill Road which led us along The Street into the pretty village of Betchworth.  Passing the Dolphin pub, we continued up to the Old Reigate Road and The Red Lion & Cellar Room pub.

The Cellar Room, a long narrow room with a curved ceiling, had been set aside for us and tables were laid up with jugs of water and glasses, as well as the usual cutlery.  Orders were taken at the bar and food started arriving fairly quickly.  Everyone seemed happy with their meal and with the comfortable decor of the Cellar Room.  With the obligatory group photo having been taken, we were on the road again by 2.05 p.m.  The afternoon's ride was very straightforward and relatively flat, across to Brockham and the Golf Course path, Pixham Lane and the cycle path up to Leatherhead where we learned that Tony Hopkins had had to abandon his bike at a house when a twig caused the derailleur to break and that he was making his own way home by bus.  A few headed home at Leatherhead, while a group of 13 continued to Squires at Stoke D'Abernon for afternoon tea.  With the sun beginning to make itself felt, we sat outside for the first time this year(?).  It really felt as if Spring was here, especially as we had been seeing so many spring flowers and blossoms, as well as new green leaves on trees and hedges, and heard birds singing.  Commiserations to Liz, who came off her bike when leaving Squires, fortunately not causing any major damage to herself.  Special thanks to back marker, Ray Youlden, to the many willing corner markers and to everyone for coming on the ride.

Gill Finlay

Tubeless Over Time

This morning I serviced my old Lynskey, in preparation for Steve's ride tomorrow.  I haven't ridden this bike for a while, and, taking a good look at it, decided it was time for a new tyre.  The rear tyre was pretty well worn along the centre, at about three thousand miles.

The tyre is a Schwalbe S-One, a tyre that I bought when I was building up a Mason for the Tour of Flanders.  It's a tyre that is specified for cobble racing, and I got mine from Germany.  It's no longer available, but to my critical eye it looks exactly the same as the current very popular G-One Speed.  Anyway, I had a spare, so I set about fitting it.

My first observation was that this tyre had been on the wheel since July 2015.  It has done the Tour of Flanders, the Dragon Tour, the Dartmoor Devil (twice) and various runs along the South Downs and the Pilgrims way.  It has not led an easy life, but it has never had a puncture of which I am aware.

Secondly, the tyre was well up to pressure, although the bike has not been used for a while.  When I began to deflate it to take the tyre off I found that the valve core was completely sealed, so I removed the core and  poked the latex with an allen key.  It deflated easily enough, and I was able to remove the tyre by hand.

As the picture shows, there was plenty of latex in the tyre, so the evaporation that occurs with a new set-up obviously stabilises over time.  This tyre has not been topped up for about a year.  Examining it, there were a couple of marks inside that might have been punctures, or might not.  No matter, really, the system had certainly worked to my satisfaction.

I cleaned up the wheel, popped a new tyre on (with a compressor - so much easier), and I'm ready for another few years.

Good kit.

Mark

Hilly 50 Thank You Letter

This should really go on the DA Blog but as few read it I publish here. Thanks for all who helped me with the organisation and even more to the riders that took part for raising such a magnificent sum of £656.

B Group destination for tomorrow

Tomorrow, Wednesday 27th, B Group will be riding to the Red Lion in Betchworth, about 14.5 miles. Gill advises that there will be a couple of hills.

~ Tim

Easy riders 20 March Ewell to Ashtead Woodman

Ten met for C group ride at North Cheam last Wednesday for a short first leg to coffee at Ewell.  Heading south and west through Stoneleigh, as we entered the Hogsmill Conservation Area, our group divided into two, with 6 of us heading north along the river for a detour through Horton Country Park, while the rest made their way directly through to Westmead Road.
Thirteen of us met for coffee at Ewell and there was some discussion of preferences for lunch.  John B called for a meaningful vote, but in the end we came to a consensus that Ashtead Woodman would suit the majority, and we set off towards Stamford Green at about 20 past 11, lead by me. Passing by the Cricketers and Jolly Coopers, we followed Evelyn Way up to the red bridge, where we crossed the railway line and then the A24, taking Woodcote Side through to Wilmerhatch Lane.  Bearing right, we headed down Pleasure Pit Lane then Rookery Hill, passing by Ashtead Park and the  City of London Freemens School on our left.
Dene Road and Parkers Lane lead us back to the A24 where we crossed into Ottways Lane.  Taking a right into Agates Lane, we then turned right again at the bottom, onto Barnett Wood Lane and our destination lunch venue.
Ten of us had lunch together then eight made our way across Ashtead and Epsom Commons.  No tea stop this afternoon so we headed for home; Bernard and I were back in Stoneleigh by 2.30, he headed to Sutton for his train and I cycled up the hill home.
Pleasant ride on a generally overcast grey day.  Thanks all for your kind and happy company, and Maureen for our photo after lunch.

l to r:  Frank, John, Godfrey, Ray, Bernard, Dave and Helen. After lunch
at the Woodman, Ashtead

The Truth

A couple of weeks ago, Simon sent me a link to a copy of the CTC Gazette dated August 1890.  I was pleased to receive it, as I enjoy reading these things - it's in the Wayfarers Library at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BK3giCzgWW9BMISbbrjR6dAFZjMafdVr/view .

What I was particularly pleased to note is that this particular edition, summarising earlier correspondence, contained The Truth.  Here it is:

As Mr C.W. Brown informed us then, so it is now.  A light bike is a better thing.

Mark

A Group Ride Wednesday 27th March

I have planned a route to Wonersh via Effingham and Shere, exploring single track roads in Winterfold Wood with 19 miles of gentle climbing and two long descents. This includes two miles of Downs Link riding north, starting with a slightly muddy surface and ending with concrete path. This wasn't too bad the other day, but it is still winter riding conditions so needs care and mudguards. I have booked a 'conference room' at The Grantley Arms pub and there is space for six bikes in the car park entrance, but do not block the door which is a fire exit! There is also parking at the front, which is as well because Surrey Council have ripped out the bicycle racks across the road. We then return 15 miles to Cobham for tea at Bronte's Cafe via Black Heath, Chilworth and the A3 cycle path. Watch out for the Alpaca on the right as we climb up round St. Martha's Hill!

Other interesting rides are available...

After Ged's intricate and fascinating ride through some of London's history, I thought you might like to see the route.

Roll Up! Roll Up! for Ged's Magical History Tour

And if you would like to immerse yourself in other unusual rides conducted by our members, you will find links to them on our website, under the Rides menu item - labeled as "Interesting Rides" - although, in truth, all of our rides are interesting.

London Ride, 20th March - A Magical History Tour.

The more I researched this ride, the more historical facts were uncovered: not just of places - and place-making, but of people and events. Hence the London Ride, to places I suspect were unfamiliar to you as they were to me, became a fascinating tour through local history. A 'magical history tour'!

(Rather than clutter this write-up with arcane historical information I've sprinkled the text with numerous links. You may know much already. Skip them all if you like, and just read about the cycling!)

On the doorstep of North Cheam we cycled through a former sewage treatment plant. Not that you would recognise it now. The Hamptons is a little bit of New England real estate transported to Worcester Park. https://www.jtp.co.uk/projects/the-hamptons. (I don't go in for pastiche architecture, but I suppose it could come in useful as a film-set).

A little bit of New England - the Hamptons.

Most will know the Wandle Trail as we exited Morden Hall Park, but did you know the Surrey Iron Railway ran along much of the banks of the River Wandle? Not the first, but a very early railway.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surrey_Iron_Railway#Route. (Rails seem to be a recurring theme after last week's A ride!)

Continuing along the Wandle Trail, now dubbed part of TfL's Quietway 4 after Wandle Meadow, http://content.tfl.gov.uk/quietway-4-map-clapham-common-to-wimbledon.pdf, we cycled through Earlsfield and skirted Tooting to arrive at the San Remo cafe in Tooting Bec Common with the Italian ladies working hard on the coffee machine to serve 35 of us. (120 years old and the cafe is still going strong). http://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/news/article/14665/birthday_celebration_for_tooting_common_cafe.

The San Remo cafe - (apologies for the bum shot!).

Along the way some stopped at a rather older artefact - a 145million years tree trunk!


http://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/news/article/14534/restoration_work_to_tooting_common_s_fossil_tree_enclosure_begins

Jurassic tree in Tooting Bec Common.

Along the back of Brixton prison, and avoiding Brixton Town centre, we stopped to regroup opposite the historic City of London Gresham Almshouses. http://www.londongardensonline.org.uk/gardens-online-record.php?ID=LAM008.

Skirting Peckham, we arrived at Addison Square on the edge of Burgess Park. Delightful now, but number 33 has a somewhat notorious history, being the home of the Richardson Brothers - East End gangsters who traded violence with the Krays in the 1960's. http://www.notableabodes.com/person-abode-details/7512/charlie-richardson-gangster_the-addington-33a-addington-square-camberwell-london

Burgess Park - a post-war creation of the (first) London Plan in 1943, (I've a copy on my bookshelf), provided a excellent linear cycle route on our way to Rotherhithe with some interesting structures retained from the era when the Grand Surrey Canal ran through here from the Surrey Docks to Camberwell and beyond.
http://www.friendsofburgesspark.org.uk/history-in-burgess-park/the-history-of-burgess-park/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Surrey_Canal

Around the Lime Kiln

The bridge to nowhere

 After a circuitous route around Southwark Park - a park 150 years in the making, https://www.southwark.gov.uk/parks-and-open-spaces/parks/southwark-park?chapter=2,
we arrived on the banks of the Thames, with the River in full spate.

At the Thames - with Dr. Salter looking on.

The sculptures here of Doctor Salter and his family are poignant reminders of the dire heath and living conditions of the local population in the early part of the 20th Century; these are now a popular tourist attraction on the Thames Path.

https://lookup.london/dr-salter-sculpture/

Pete and the learned Doc. - with the site of King Edward III's Manor House behind.

Along London pave we reached St Mary's Church in Rotherhithe St. - famous for its connection with the Mayflower, the Pilgrim Fathers, and specially the captain, Christopher Jones.
https://www.stmaryrotherhithe.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4&Itemid=3

This area is also associated with Brunel - and the first tunnel here of its type, dating from 1843, (and still in use today). https://www.brunel-museum.org.uk/history/the-thames-tunnel/

 A quick spin along the east side of Greenland Dock in Surrey Quays and we were in the Surrey Docks pub before 1.30pm. (Probably the biggest group of Sou'westers to gather at a 'Spoons).

Some of the London Riders at the Surrey Docks

Five of the group left to go separate ways, but still leaving 30+ for the shorter leg back to south west London. Re-visiting Burgess Park we watched enthralled as the BMX kids did their stuff on the renowned Peckham circuit. http://www.peckhambmx.co.uk.

Old timers - and the new kids on the circuit.

By the time we reached the Home Community Cafe in Earlsfield - after a quick run along Cycling Super Highway 7 and over Wandsworth Common, we were ready for tea and delicious cakes.

Many thanks for joining me on this Spring Equinox London Ride. Dave V. and Mike B. did an excellent job back-marking such a large group, and Simon had my .gpx files ready in case my Garmin misfired. You all did brilliantly at corner-marking - including those new at the game!

I thought 32 riders and 32miles last year would be a difficult act to follow. With 35 riders and 33+ miles you exceeded my expectations. Well done! And finally welcome to Jacqui on her first ride!

Kray lecture 😁

London Ride - 20th March. As and Bs, North Cheam to Rotherhithe.

Our annual London Ride will be heading out to east London, via quiet roads, paths and parks.

Elevenses is at the San Remo Cafe, Tooting Bec Common, http://tootingbeccommoncafe.co.uk, and lunch at Wetherspoons, The Surrey Docks, https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pub-histories/england/london/the-surrey-docks-rotherhithe

From lunch we'll head back to south-west London for tea at the Home Community Cafe, Garrat Lane, Earlsfield, https://www.homecommunitycafe.co.uk.

Around 24, evenly-paced miles from North Cheam to lunch, with plenty of opportunities to stop and take-in points of interest. A few faster-paced miles on busier Super Highway 7 back via Clapham Common to Earlsfield. (If the sun shines we'll sit in the not-for-profit Home Cafe garden for delicous home-made cakes).

For those wishing to cut-short the ride after lunch Surrey Quays Overground station is opposite the pub - with trains to Clapham Junction, whilst Quietway 1 (South), soon after the start of our route back, continues on to Waterloo station. http://content.tfl.gov.uk/quietway-1-south-map-waterloo-to-greenwich.pdf. Otherwise, after tea, you can follow the outward route back to North Cheam.

Mike Barrett and Dave Vine will be sharing back-marking duties - with the route loaded onto their Garmins -  to shepherd any lost sheep back into the fold.

Prompt 9.30am start at North Cheam please.

94th Vélocio Hill-Climb - Col de la République

I've just received a flier for this year's Vélocio event.  It's on the 9th June, so a busy time of year for many Wayfarers, but it's quite a thing if you're in the St Etienne area.  The Col de la République was the first major climb undertaken by the Tour de France in 1903, and was the scene of serious misbehaviour by spectators in 1904, when officials fired gunshots as warnings.  Things don't change much, eh?

'Vélocio' was the pen name of Paul de Vivie, revered in French cycling history for his work promoting the use of derailleur gears for long-distance riding, and this event commemorates him.

There are several events but the main two from our point of view are either a timed climb - for which you need a racing licence - or an untimed climb that anyone can do.  As you'll see, there is a web-site, entries cost 6€.

Mark

Narrow Gauge Railway Loxhill

Hello Pete Barnard, your article on above was very interesting. Not sure if you saw my comment but I contacted Douglas and I thought that you and those out on the Wed "A" ride might like to hear his comments:

Mike,

Interesting ....

Loxhill Farm was the location of the private locomotive collection of a Mr. Latham of Woking; he had seceral 2ft gauge 'industrial' type steam locomotives in his 'garden', and a small length of track to run them on.  He died in ca. 1998 and his collection was dispersed, but at leat one I know of is Lilla which is preserved, and still runs occasionally, on the Ffestiniog Railway in North Wales; it is a 'Quarry Hunslet' type locomotive from a quarry near Penrhyn, so she has gone back to place quite near where she spent her working life at Cilgwyn Quarry in the Nattlle valley.  There is lots more about Lilla and her history on the Festipedia Website if you want to know more.  Where his other locos went I am less sure, but I think he had at least two more.

Douglas

Mark I realise that this post will now override your TriVet announcement feel free to put it in front as only you will know how. I will sign up for the 100 mile.

CTC Tri-Vets 2019 - Entries are now open!

Exciting news!   You can now book your place on the Tri-Vets ride Event which will be held on Weds 19 June 2019.   Details of the event and the route options are here, with some further details about riding groups here.

We are pleased to announce that the cost to enter will be kept the same at £5, which covers hire of the hall and catering costs, but not badges, which are ordered after you complete the event.  I will be collecting money at 11s over the next few weeks.

The number of riders is limited to 80, and we will be announcing the event on the CTC website for the wider public to join within the next few weeks, so get your registration in soon!

B Group - 13th March

The weather forecast predicted very strong winds for most of the day, but little rain; it would appear that this had kept the numbers that arrived at the center in Addlestone down from the usual.

However, twelve riders took to the road and passing through New Haw joined the Basingstoke Canal by the Scotland Bridge Road. The trees and buildings along the canal offered us some protection from the winds so it was good that we used the towpath until the exit at Brookwood. Then passing via Pirbright we took Frog Grove Lane and onto Wood Street Village, going as far as the A323, Aldershot Road, we turned left, up a short rise and arrived at the pub on the stroke of one o’clock.

Neil decided to skip lunch and headed straight back but the rest of us were soon seated at a table reserved for us and enjoying the food.

To my knowledge, The Cricketers is not somewhere we had been to before, but with good friendly service and food, a pub we should use again.

After lunch, we headed along to Worplesdon, along the wonderfully named Salt Box Road and after a slight error by me, good old Garmin, were back on route in Jacobs Well and able to use the cycle track alongside the A3 and into Ripley. Here Vic said his goodbyes and headed home whilst the rest of us took the road to Ockham.


One of our group suggested that Plough Lane, into Cobham, should be renamed Pond Lane as we had to cycle through an extended section of road, 50m or so of deep water. We all dealt with this and were able to continue through the village and onto tea at Garsons Farm, eight of us stopping for a well-earned cup of tea.

The ride was basically flat, some undulations, but we were able to complete without too much bother from the winds and only a few drops of rain.

Thanks to those that came along, and your great company.

As always, thanks to those that marked corners that enabled the ride to keep moving along, and also to Jennie for back marking.

David J

Narrow gauge railway at Loxhill

My thanks to Peter Barnard for the initial info on the obscure railway track at Loxhill. You can find more information here https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/167863

Windy ride to Hambledon for the A Group.

My ride and another windy day. Eleven riders set off from Addlestone and maintained a good pace, considering the conditions, to lunch at the Merry Harriers in Hambledon. We were joined by Mike Morley, who’d made his own way to the pub. The journey back took in a stretch of ‘unknown’ territory which proved very handy as it missed out a small chunk of busy road and provided a glimpse of a mysterious railway track in a field at Loxhill ( any clues anyone?). A pacey ride to Cranleigh and onto the foothills of Leith. A steady climb up and a swift decent to Dorking, Mark managing a very respectable 46 plus mph, to a well earned tea at Denbies. Well done to everyone for maintaining  a good pace in windy conditions, to Mark for the stats and to Mike for back marking.

A Group 13th March

Blowy for Hans' ride today.  I know you can't complain about March winds, but it was blowy.  Anyway, out from Addlestone, over the Hog's Back, lunch at Hambledon, over Leith hill and down to Denbies for a well earned tea.

A very good ride, and happy riders at the end.

Mark

Hilly 50 result for St. Raphael's Hospice

Thanks again to all who helped in every little and big way. Congratulations to Emily fund raiser from St. Raphael's, she got married recently and has just got back from 3 weeks holiday in Mexico! No not with me or the bear below which is this years symbol for St. Raphael's fundraising and I was the first to be presented while handing over a Cheque for £656. So Simon if you are out on the 13th (lucky for some) I will hand you over a receipt for safe keeping for the club accounts.
See my comment on the "A" ride blog for tomorrow.

Certificate and thank you letter to follow.

P.S. wish that pesky animal would stop tickling my bum!

A Group ride Wednesday 13

We need to leave promptly from Addlestone. Lunch at Hambledon, via Shackleford. Some flat, fast road and a smattering of hills including a last hurrah over Leith to tea at Denbie’s. Approx 24 miles to lunch. I’m rigging a spinnaker on my bike, looks like a windy one.

Advice for B Group - Wednesday 13th

B Group ride, Wednesday 13th March.

We shall be heading south from Addlestone on Wednesday’s ride, lunch at the Cricketers Pub, Aldershot Road, just along from Wood Street Village, with afternoon tea at Garson Farm, Esher.

Mainly flat course, some riding on track, some on tarmac.

Look forward to seeing you all.

David J

Even more top table

More Top Table