Tri-Vets 100 Mile Route

Today, I rode the Tri-Vets 100 mile route.  I took my randonneuse, which is a steady sort of bike, and consciously set a moderate pace, as I wanted to get some timings for my Tri-Vets Standard group.  Here they are:

Start - 0800

Elevenses -  Bramley Cafe,  1045

Lunch - Brockham, 1245

Tea - Lingfield, 1515,

Return to Brockham,  1645

We'll probably be slower on the day, as everything takes a bit longer with more people, but this gives a useful yard-stick. As you might have guessed, there wasn't a lot of lunch on offer at the Cricket Pavilion, so I went to the Dolphin, where they looked after me very well.

Here are the map and stats, and a couple of pictures of the bike at the Cricket Pavilion, in the sun ...

Based on the ride, and on a couple of suggestions from Geoff after his recce, I'll be updating the route gpx in the next day or two.  It's minor stuff, but leaders would be wise to download the latest version. 

Mark

A Group Ride from Weybridge - 29th May.

It was nice to see good turnout for the As, despite the weather warnings.

A couple of matters I'd like to bring up.

Firstly, a client of the Day Centre had difficultly manoeuvring his mobility scooter up the entrance ramp due to bikes secured to the railings. I appreciate it's handy to lock bikes to the rails, but this shouldn't prejudice essential access. I've contacted the Day Centre Manager to apologise for the inconvenience caused, and hopefully we'll try to secure a better arrangement in the future.

Secondly, as Hans's report indicates, we had a frustrating run home from Little Kingshill due largely to the absence of a corner marker at a very busy, critical, 4 exit roundabout. A puncture soon after compounded the difficulty, resulting in an already much-delayed return being extended way beyond normal timings.

So I would like to remind Wayfarers about Ride Guidelines - found on the CTC South West London Information Hub, particularly the guidelines found in Ride Leader / Back Marker Guidelines. As it says, corner markers should to mark the turn 'until they are confident they have seen the back marker'.

It is also good practice for all of us to swap mobile numbers, not just back marker and leader. Using live location on Whats App may also help to pinpoint anyone stranded and enable quicker regrouping. To be explored!

Vietnam expedition reunion - 26th May

Xin chào!

At the Headley Village Stores and Tearoom

At the Nivedyam Restaurant

Thanks to Jennie and David for organizing this get-together. Thanks to Pete Beyer for the two photos taken at the Headley Tea Rooms

~ Tim

Fifteen A Group riders set off from Weybridge in the hope that the rain would not materialise. We made good time to Windsor where Geoff had to abandon not feeling well. By Eton jackets were on and our hopes dashed. We still maintained a good pace passing Clivedon House to Hazlemere and eventually reached the Full Moon in heavy rain. Mark had made his own way to Little Kingshill wagering on the more positive of two forecasts, which was wrong. After a good lunch the rain had eased. We set off in relatively dry conditions and made good time to Beaconsfield, Hedgerley and down past Pinewood studios where disaster struck. Janice and Ged ended up taking the turn to Iver Heath, whilst the rest of the group sailed on towards Sutton Lane. Janice sent out an SOS as she had punctured and Mike mounted his shining steed to gallop, sorry pedal to her rescue. Meanwhile, two groups of riders stood waiting in the pouring rain and eventually Brian volunteered to lead a group to Staines station and the rest of us headed for home. 

Many thanks to Brian and Mike for their help, my apologies to Janice and Ged. 

Sorry, can’t give any stats as my Garmin froze (and remains so) at 63 miles whilst we were waiting.

Bs to Hurley

B Group - 29th May

A map of Tony's excellent route

A map of Tony's weather at lunchtime

~ Tim

Tour of the Surrey Hills

Tour of the Hills, which takes place on Sunday 18 August this year, starting 9.45 from Shere Village Hall (near Guildford).

The Tour of the Hills is an Audax event organised by West Surrey CTC and is the club’s most popular annual cycling event.  This year will be our 38th year running the event and we look forward to welcoming even more riders from all over the South East (and beyond) to enjoy what the roads of Surrey Hills can throw at you. 

In case you need reminding, the Tour is a 115km route and takes in 2,300 metres of steep ascent on 14 major climbs including Box Hill, White Down, Greendene, Coombe Bottom, Winterfold Hill, Leith Hill and the infamous Barhatch Lane.  (For comparison, the main routes up Ventoux involve barely 1,600 metres ascent!)  Many club riders find this an irresistible challenge, and a great day out.

To soften the assault on the legs, and make for more of a fun day out with your cycling mates, entrants should have over 100 other riders to share the experience with, regular controls staffed by friendly marshals doling out plentiful supplies of water and jelly babies (if you're lucky), not to mention generous helpings of home-prepared food at the beginning, middle and end of the ride. The number of riders who compliment us each year on our carefully chosen, nutritionally appropriate food speaks volumes about the effort we take to ensure everyone is well fed and watered.  And all this comes at an entry price of just £8 for Cycling UK, Audax and British Cycling members (£11 for non-members).

I hope you can share information about our event with members of your club.  I’m attaching a pdf file containing at-a-glance details.  Full details and entry instructions can be found at:

www.aukweb.net/events/detail/16-356/

A ride 29 May to Little Kingshill

Two years ago we had to abandon this ride to Little Kingshill as we were like drowned rats by the time we reached Windsor. Thankfully the weather looks kinder this week so The Full Moon at Little Kingshill is our destination. I’m anticipating a good pace over an increasing hilly course to the Chiltens. 

The final destination in the afternoon is Squires at Shepperton.

Weybridge to lunch is approx 33 miles and the whole ride is a shade under 66 miles. A prompt start from elevenses to ensure lunch at a reasonable time please. 

Menu for the Full Moon.... http://www.thefullmoon.info/menus.html 

B's Wednesday the 29th

This is a train assisted ride from Datchet station. 11's will be at Nibbles cafe which is located at the station. The ride will also end back at the station

We shall be heading North West to lunch at the Rising Sun, Hurley, a few small lumps and bumps along the way but nothing too strenuous.

I have been asked if we can pre-order to make things easy for us and the pub. Please see the attached menu and email me with your menu choice ASAP tonyiahopkins@gmail.com

Sun Pub Hurley Menu


Tony..

Easy Riders - 22nd May

We had originally decided to go the Stepping Stones pub but it transpired that most of the riders had never seen the real stepping stones across the River Mole so we took a little diversion. This was after diversions through Norbury Farm and Mickleham. From there we decided that the view of Box Hill while we were having lunch would be very pleasant from the Watermill pub on the A25. We went back through the Mole Gap and meandered our way across Ashtead / Epsom Commons to the Moat for tea. 

John

B Group - 22nd May

Fourteen of us left Dorking just after 11.00 am, taking the cycle track alongside the Reigate Road and then the track by the Betchworth Park golf club into Brockham. We then took a roundabout route to Leigh and Newdigate, through Capel, past Ockley Station and down Wear Street and on to Walliswood.

After 18 miles, we arrived at our lunch stop, The Scarlett Arms at 12.50pm, where we sat in the garden enjoying the early summer weather. Service at the pub was swift, the food was good, particularly enjoyed by John Bassett who had the Chicken and Leek pie.

Fed and watered, we left the pub before 2 o’clock, which was great as we had 21 miles to do before afternoon tea, which we decided to change to the Headley Village Tea Room.
Forest Green, Ockley, Capel and Newdigate, along well known roads, at the latter we took Henfold Lane, where incidentally we saw the Alternative A ride going in the opposite direction; this caused us to climb up Punch Bowl Lane.

This latter was also a prelude to climbing up and over Box Hill; that achieved we crossed the Headley Common and onto the Tea room for well-earned teas or coffee and of course cakes, Victoria Sandwich and Apple Cake. It was so warm and peaceful sitting outside that really, none of the nine that had stopped wanted to leave.

Thanks to those that marked corners that enabled the ride to keep moving along at literally just under the 10mph mark, and also to David J for back marking.

Ride safe.

Jennie

22nd May As on the Trivets 100k

 A good sunny day and eight of us set out to tryout the 100k route, all went very well road surfaces good until we came to the corner from Bones Lane turning left into Croydon Barn Lane, just around the corner the road surface is in a bit a of a state tending to make you ride in the middle of the lane, take care can have fast traffic. The road does get better further on.
Going into Horley the route originally from Mark went under the railway lines to the right, Brian suggested we try it out, on the other side the High Street had road works that appeared to indicate that it was being converted to a pedestrian area.
For the day of the Trivets ride after talking with Mark it would be best to continue along Station Approach and turn right over the bridge, passing the station on the left then entering Victoria Road, a familiar route when going to Weth'spoons.
There is also a small diversion through an estate but my suggestion is that we continue on Vicarage Lane and turn left at Lee Street, this again is a familiar route to most groups.
We followed on the designated route and ended up back at Brockham for lunch at The Royal Oak, food quickly served and tasted good.
OK, after lunch it was down to five of us to ride out the West route, road surface along Old School Lane a bit patchy around the farm area but this is soon past, we continued on the route as far as the Horsham Road and decided we would turn right to Walliswood, into Standen Lane, Mole Street.
We thought better than to go over Leith Hill and turned right on Forest Green Lane to Capel, Newdigate, Shelwood Cross and the familiar route to Strood Green where we stopped for tea.
I would like to say thank you to those that joined me on the ride, Brian G, Peter B, Alan I, Ken D, Dave F, Geoffrey S and Patrick W.
A good ride and good company
Thank you
Geoff
PS thanks to Mark for the route

A group ride to Goring by Sea 22 May

Ten As made it to the coast where this specially posed photo shows the pier at Worthing in its full glory. Well it was supposed to anyway.......

The climb up the South Downs via Chantry Lane was as long and sharp as expected (I hope, after reading route details on the earlier blog). 

The view of the South Downs was stunning although a very rough off road (and therefore very slow) descent followed. This was probably no faster than the ascent had been. Frances suffered the only puncture of the day following the rough surface but luckily it was more or less downhill all the way to lunch where we arrived in good time at The Bull in Goring by Sea. The food was good and quickly served. The idea of a photo outside the pub was rejected in favour of one by the sea instead.

Several peeled off towards the train station and 6 continued to climb the South Downs and admire the views once more. It was then heads down and good time was made to a tea stop at Southwater for the final photo call for the day.

Dorking to Tanhouse was 73 miles and 3,882ft elevation but several will have achieved over 100 miles and 5,000ft for the day, all at a good pace but with an average speed not reflecting the effort involved due to the 2 off road descents.

A group alternative ride 22nd May

Good morning
I have informed Janice that I will not be on her ride, I will instead be checking out the Trivets 100k routes, if any As would like to join they are most welcome. 10.30 leaving Dorking to ride for start at Brockham.
Lunch not arranged but will be at Brockham, the routes are on the website provided by Mark.
Geoff

B Group ride - Wednesday 22nd

Wednesday’s ride will be heading south, taking an undulating route to Walliswood where we shall lunch at the Scarlet Arms pub.

After lunch, we shall again try to avoid the bigger hills with the exception of Punch Bowl Lane and Box Hill, afternoon tea is planned for at Destination Bike just after the top of Box Hill.

Some riding on track, mainly on tarmac.

Look forward to seeing you all.

Jennie

A Group - Longer / Faster Paced Rides.

Way back in December last year views were sought from the A Group on longer / faster rides. Well, you've probably wondered what happened to your views?

The answer is quite a lot! Our committee in April looked at your responses and, without making any formal decisions, thought it was worth pursuing. (An extract from the report, updated, is included below).

We've already had two longer rides in April and May. Now it's time for a longer - and faster-paced ride. The full details are included in the announcement for the 22nd May A Group ride from Dorking below.

A Group Rides - Responses to an email survey on 30th December 2018.

As part of the preparation of the 2019 Annual Rides Plan the A group were advised of some initiatives regarding longer rides: it was suggested that these rides, and potentially others, could be at a faster pace. (A faster pace could be around 14mph). For example such a ride could be held once a month during the summer (April to September), and would be up to the ride leader to announce such a ride on the blog. Views were sought on this idea.

The Response.

Of the 32 A group members contacted, 19 responded. Of these, 13 supported the initiative; 3 were broadly in agreement, subject to provisions; 2 were opposed to making any changes; and 1 expressed no view. Therefore, half of A group riders were supportive, in some form or another, of  longer / faster-paced rides.

What People Said.

Comments made by respondents included:-

* the knock-on effect of those not wishing to participate in such a ride,

* some idea of numbers?

* riders shouldn’t be dropped,

* the need for more leaders if the A group was split for longer rides,

* could slower riders be detached after lunch - to ride separately?

* faster As could be seen as elitist - a big jump from faster As to Bs

* As dropping down to Bs would worsen the already large Bs,

* implies the need for a separate, new A- or B+ group,

* the need for an earlier start for such rides,

* riders need to know the route on faster-paced rides,

* drop slower riders to the back marker,

* keep to flat roads for faster paced rides/avoid hillier routes.

What happens Next?

To reflect this outcome it is suggested that:-

* one longer / faster pace A ride takes place from April to September,

* the ride leader announce such a ride in good time on the blog,

* A riders express intention to participate in such rides,

* if necessary the B ride be split to accommodate extra A riders dropping down to Bs,

* if appropriate a separate lunch venue be planned to accommodate a separate B group

Longer / Faster paced rides.

On 22nd May the first faster-paced - as well as longer ride, is planned to the coast and back. (See details below). The Shoreham Century - a longer ride - is in the Rides List for the 12th June, and on 19th June - the Tri-Vets ride, will have a mix of longer and faster paced rides. On 26th June a longer ride, going to the North West, is planned from a new venue at Egham. With Guildford on 14th August regarded as a longer ride, further longer / faster paced rides could be planned for July and September.

A Group Ride 22 May, Dorking. 10.30 Start. Challenging Ride Warning.

I was set the task of leading a challenging ride for those wishing to do a longer/hillier  and/or faster ride.This is a temporary departure only from the usual A group rides and  there will only be 5 or 6 such rides for the whole of this year, all taking place during  the summer months. It will be necessary to leave Dorking11s by 10.30 to ease the timings  for the rest of the day. I’m conscious that my ride for Wednesday won’t be for everyone and hopefully by giving  a few days notice all necessary arrangements can be made. So that you can decide and  to give you a rough idea, when I reccie’d the route starting and finishing in Epsom, the ride  was further than usual (98 miles), hillier (just over 5,000 feet) and of necessity at a good  average speed to enable lunch to be eaten at lunchtime, afternoon tea to be taken  before the cafes close and for me to be home by dinner time. It is without a doubt a stunningly beautiful route with a couple of off-road sections. I first rode  it with Cheam & Morden in 2014 and it made a big impression on me then and I was reminded  why when I reccie’d it yesterday. I’d say that to enjoy the ride you need to be comfortable cycling at an average pace of 13.5mph+  over 75 miles (on the basis that we can all grit our teeth and put our heads down once on the  home stretch). Strava is especially helpful to look at average speeds over a total ride, as is a  Garmin or a good old fashioned bike computer. It’s important to be able to make this average  speed comfortably even if you intend getting a train back from lunch or later. Otherwise any  slower pace as a group will mean those who are cycling the whole route will risk finding that lunch is very late, the afternoon tea stop is closed and they get home unreasonably late. So I hope you’ll be happy to join me on this stunning ride on little used roads (by either us or  indeed other people) but if you’re unsure what are the alternatives? They might include taking  the ride at a slower pace and getting the train back from Worthing/Horsham/Dorking; however,  you’ll need to have a copy of the route, a map or a sat nav and hopefully the company of others  who are like minded. You’ll find a map of the route if you look on my Strava for the ride titled ‘Dorking to Tanhouse  via Goring by Sea’ on 18 May. If you’d like to upload the route to a Garmin, the file can be found at: http://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/24457874 In outline, from Dorking we’ll head to Rusper, Warnham, Broadbridge Heath and Barns Green.  Our ascent of the South Downs will be made using the somewhat brutal Chantry Lane which at  the top meets the South Downs Way. The first mile or so of our descent will be slow as it’s on a  stony and rough bridleway through Angmering Park Estate.Those who know me will know that I’m  not keen on off-road (and on my new bike too). However, even I would concede that it was justified  by the sheer beauty of the surroundings. Finally, after 37 miles and 2,092ft of climbing since leaving Dorking we’ll arrive at the Bull pub in Goring by Sea. I was assured I don’t need to book numbers so I’ll keep my fingers crossed that’s  right on the day. Lunch was medium to pricy but excellent quality and sandwiches include chips or  salad (I doubt anyone needs to know that last option). Post lunch we’ll cycle along the seafront to Worthing and after an unpleasant 1/2 mile on the A27,  we’ll leave the noise and chaos behind and turn left into the calm of Church Lane and climb Titch Hill  (so it can’t be that big given its name, can it). More stunning South Downs scenery and big views.  Once the descent has started it’s important not to go shooting ahead as we’ll be taking the 1st left,  otherwise if you overshoot it’s a very steep hill to climb back up in the wrong gear as I discovered  on the reccie. From the bottom of the Downs we pass through Steyning, Dial Post and aim for the delightful  surroundings of the cafe stop at Southwater which is open til 5. This is 23 miles and approximately  1,150ft climbing from lunch. (There is an earlier stop at the Old Barn nurseries just before Dial Post  but there’s still a long way home at that point so it’s probably best avoided). After Southwater we’ll head to Horsham via Lovers Lane, the second gloriously quiet off road track of the day.From Horsham to Rusper we take a quiet but steep climb at the side of Holbrook Park.  After Rusper the route ends at Tanhouse Farm which will have long closed by then. The totals for  Dorking to Tanhouse are 72 miles and 3,881ft elevation. I made my way back to Epsom by backtracking the outward route so home via Dorking and the A24 cycle track to Leatherhead. Annoyingly I was a couple of miles short of 100 and so of course  I had to do a loop at the end. Posted by Janice NB Let me know if you plan to attend this ride - so that arrangements may be made to cater for those joining a more-than-normal B Group Ride. Also it would be a good idea to bring  snacks/energy bars for eating on route.

Advice from Pam about new club kit

Pam has taken delivery of the latest batch of orders for club kit.

However she won't be at Dorking this coming Wednesday (22nd) to deliver it to anyone.

She will be in Datchet for elevenses on the 29th so if you will be riding with B Group on that day and would like her to bring your new kit with her please contact her first.

For everyone else she will bring all the new kit to Cobham on 5th June.

~ Tim

Latest news about Ian A

Pam has learned from Maureen, an old mate of his (and stoker), that Ian is rather more cheerful now that he is back in his own home. He can stand with a zimmer frame but but his sense of balance isn't at all good. He has carers attending him four times a day. He has no interest in reading or watching TV at present but what does give him a boost is talking to people - via his phone or by visiting him.  Ian's phone number is 0777 097 6782 and if one wishes to or is able to visit - phone Ian first so that he can advise regarding access.

~ Tim

B Group - 15th May (map and photo)

25 cyclists started the ride from Teddington heading out to Osterley Park and onto the Grand Union Canal. Taking in the sunny weather we cruised down to Isleworth and into Syon Park.
Our lunch stop was at The Kings Head Roehampton. 23 enjoyed their meal, the service being good.

Fully charged we continued down past Wimbledon Tennis Club across Wimbledon Common, through Richmond Park, across the Thames at Teddington and on to our tea stop at Hampton Court Palace; by then our numbers were down to ten.

Thanks to John for back marking and the corner markers.

(29 miles, Elevenses to Tea)

Regards

Tony

On the Grand Union Canal, heading towards Brentford

~ Tim

Easy Riders - 15th May

We crossed the Thames at Teddington Lock, rode up the improved path to Richmond Bridge where we crossed the Thames again and rode on to the London Apprentice at Isleworth for lunch. After lunch we went through Syon Park, along to Kew Bridge where we crossed and took the level but very gravelled path by Kew Botanical Gardens. Some way down this path the tarmac started and we carried on past Richmond again but soon after took off on one of the several paths across Ham Common. This proved enjoyable as none of the others had ridden these paths. Ray Wren was the unintentional back marker as he had to keep stopping to raise his slipping seat post but he assured us that he had plans to correct the problem. Tea was at Woodies, New Malden and after we all went our separate ways having had a pleasant and sunny day with some new experiences.

Regards

John

Ian Appleton

Sorry about the delay in posting this update but Pam told me several days ago that Ian came home a week ago, on the 9th.

Apologies to anyone who might have gone down to Croydon and not been able to find him.

~ Tim

A Group - Teddington, Ash, Newlands Corner. 15th May

Well, we didn't get to watch the Giro at the Giro cafe, but enjoyed tea in the sunshine at Newlands Corner instead, (more later).

Tea at Newlands Corner.

And the Lion Brewery pub was a misnomer because it wasn't really a brewery, (and it certainly wasn't a gasto pub), but hey, at those prices what do you expect?

A bit better you'll probably say!

Lunch - surrounded by pigeon lofts enclosing the pub  patio.

Nineteen turned out from Teddington, and over the Thames we crossed over the defunct Hurst Park Race Course: (many of us were around before it closed in 1962). 6 furlongs on along Hurst Road Tesco's has replaced the finishing-post and the grandstand went to Mansfield Town FC.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurst_Park_Racecourse

The least said the better about lunch - but Mike, the most spritely 80 year old landlord, kept us amused with his Northern banter.

Some of the 16 at the Lion Brewery.

Most of the hills were left till after lunch - up from Normandy to the Hogs Back, then up again from Compton to the old trackway at Sunnydown. Its a lovely fast descent into Guildford - once you hit the tarmac at the Mount. A more modest climb took us up One Tree Hill Road, and White Lane, before finding the hidden bridlepath and the Old Drove Road at Albury Downs. Unfortunately Christina punctured, but a willing puncture-repair teacher (Geoff), was on-hand with the necessary tuition.

Tea at Esher's Giro cafe was abandoned because of the delay, but most seemed happy to sit in the sun at Newlands Corner and enjoy the panoramas. 

Thanks to Mike (B) for back marking (to Old Woking) and for Neil thereafter.

Next time I'll test the kitchen before choosing the lunch stop!

The Fountain of Youth

I brought my new e-Bike on today's ride, and a number of people were interested in it.  I've been following the development of these bikes for about a decade, from the fairly home-made devices of the early years, to the very powerful and practical machine that I rented in Switzerland at Christmas time.

In many European countries e-Bikes now make up the majority of bike sales, this being particularly the case where there is a culture of utility cycling.  Good though these are, they weren't what I was after.  I was quite taken by a couple of bikes that I saw in Dieppe the year before last.  These were normal, good quality tourers, that the owner had converted to use a small, very unobtrusive, hub motor.  I asked him how it worked, and he told me that the motor, which was Chinese, was programmed via an App to perform in a particular way, and the battery was in the bottle cage.  There were no motor controls beyond this; you simply pedalled away with a bit of a tail-wind.  Their creator told me that they would do about 100kms, which was plenty for him.

So Orbea's e-road bike was interesting to me.  It was first sold in 2017, with a small motor and battery, and an aluminium frame.  The philosophy was 'just enough', and it seems to have struck a chord.  This year Bianchi, Colnago, Wilier, Look and Pinarello (at least) do bikes of this type, and Ribble up in Preston do one, too.  The pitch is the same for all of them -  a grey haired bloke (it's always a bloke), with a bit of a tan and in reasonable shape, is blasting the bike up an Alp, improbably fast ...

Benefitting from a generous present, I now have this year's Orbea Gain.  Carbon, Ultegra, Mavic wheels and an Ebikemotion X35 motor system.  It weighs 11.3 kilos, improbably light for an e-Bike and lighter than the majority of the bikes in the bike-park  at Elleray Hall this morning.  So, if the battery should run out, it would be perfectly feasible to ride it as a normal bike.

You need to look pretty closely to see that it's an e-Bike.

On today's ride to lunch, pretty flat, it rolled along with the peloton and used almost no battery at all - I had 85% left after 35 miles of riding.  After lunch, I left the group and took a run through the hills.  My general plan had been to ride it until the battery ran out, but that didn't happen.  I finished at 54 miles with 65% battery remaining.

The system is set to augment my efforts by 40%.  It does this very smoothly, and as UK regulations require, assistance ceases at 15.5 mph.  This works fine for me, though much greater power assistance is available, with consequently shorter battery life.  On the rolling run out to lunch, going at 18-20mph, the motor was simply off.  However, when you get to a small hill and drop below 15.5mph, it smoothly begins to help you, so your pace is increased.  For a big hill, you can work as hard as you like, and the motor politely helps you out.

My stats today, on a mixed route, were comparable with my performance of a decade ago.  More than that, I had a great ride - it's a very nice bike to ride.

So, there we are, first impressions.  I'll follow up at the end of the season, with some more miles on the clock.

And, as Keith Richards said, 'Do I look like I've been to the Fountain of Youth?'

Mark