Surrey CC consultation - support needed

 Following Simon's post on 15 February with a link to Surrey County Council's consultation on walking and cycling routes I have added a few comments. These relate to the potential for creating a through off road/year round cycle route from Leatherhead to Esher/Claygate using the cycle path from Kingston Road to the Star pub, across Princes Coverts using The Avenue to Rushett Lane and then through New Road to Claygate ( or Ardbrook). 

New Road has become very muddy and is no longer a year round route and Princes Coverts is obstructed by the gates. I have put comments on both ( and by the A243) highlighting the potential. However these need some support by others. The link is here..

 https://surreylcwip.commonplace.is/comments

Thanks,  Brian

B Group ride to Annual Lunch on 2nd March

You invited to take this short ride to our annual lunch starting from the British Legion in Cobham and ending at our lunch venue, Ristorante Sorrento in Tolworth. The route is here:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38597542

Please let me know by Monday evening if you would like to join the ride. 

Sue Foster

Sue.foster39@gmail.com

You are reminded that your negative flow test on Wednesday morning will re-assure fellow diners.

 

A Group Ride from Cobham to Annual Lunch at Sorrento's, Tolworth, 2nd March.

Those wishing to join the ride to Sorrento's please tell me by Monday evening. (It's the same route as the October annual lunch). gedlawrenson150@gmail.com.

You are reminded that your negative flow test on Weds. morning will re-assure fellow diners.

A Group Ride report: 23 February

 

26 riders signed up for this 40 mile ride including a few less regular. Good to welcome Christina, Alan and Clive. 25 of us departed from the Olive Tree, Ashtead Park garden centre  with only one prior apology.

My “leisurely paced” Group was scheduled for the earliest start. The initial plan was to give sufficient buffer to be first to arrive at lunch. We eventually departed some 5 to 10 mins later than planned due to slight hot coffee issues and an incomplete compliment of riders. We therefore set off with 7 rather than the planned 8.  Progress was punctuated at several points by pauses to share some points of interest, admire the view, chat to the refuge collection team blocking the lane in Chipstead while clearing debris on road and garden waste bins and to reconnect my external battery pack cable in my bar bag when my I-phone complained it was more in need of refreshment than I was. As we rolled through the lanes it was interesting, if not scary, to see the destruction and debris caused by a week of storms.   So despite an average moving pace of over 11mph we were later than planned at lunch having been overtaken by the hares. However the staff at a very busy Dog and Duck, Outwood, took orders from and served all 3 groups (arriving contiguously) reasonably efficiently, despite the odd “missing order” (bad luck Ged) that historically plagued larger pre COVID group rides. We were all comfortably accommodated in a very large room with garden / duck views and nicely segregated from the fine dining brigade. After lunch we were the second group away into a fairly brisk SSW breeze, although not as bad as it might have been.  We were struck by a short period of drizzle around Smallfield which failed to dampen our spirits. A slight navigational issue (that would have been debugged by a recce) occurred at the East Surrey Hospital roundabout where my Kamoot turn directions instructed me to go straight but the route actually needed a left turn was promptly rectified. By the final assault of Punchbowl Lane, we effectively amalgamated with Brian’s group for the last leg to Denbies where around half of each sub group enjoined a well-earned cuppa. My thanks to Simon for getting up half an hour before he went to bed to join and back mark for my early start group. Also many thanks to Brian and Ged for sub leading under rather difficult circumstances.

Brian’s “moderately paced” Group was second away.

My hardest job was keeping up with the changes in numbers - anything from 7 to 10 between Monday evening and lunch with several changes yesterday. Ten of us set off in the sunshine somewhat later than the 1045 booked after the late delivery of my rather hot coffee and then rounding everyone up. The early hills tested Geoffrey's fitness and he decided to return home. The rest of us continued at a good pace until Farthing Down where this was put in perspective by Neil W storming past me followed by the rest of Ged's group. I was grateful to hitch a lift behind Andy and Mike up the last bit. The worst of the hills now over we pushed on to lunch against an increasing headwind where Dave W left us to nurse his errant gears homewards. After a good lunch we emerged to head into half a gale and found ourselves pedalling hard on the descent to Smallfield. Turning north was a relief and the drizzle was short lived.. Thanks to Dave for an interesting route, Mark and Neil for their corner marking and Steve D for back marking.

Ged’s “lively paced” Group was last to leave and lived up to that description.

With lively A riders snapping at my heels, we soon had the middle group in sight at Coulsdon, and after a brisk climb up Farthing Down, caught-up with the first group at Bletchingley. Patrick had to be fetched from the pub after lunch, but having missed the group photo, was duly papped separately. On the way to Pixham, Mike stopped to clean-up his bike frame with some nearby agricultural cleaning agent, after freely spaying tubeless tyre sealant around. Three stayed for tea at Denbies, as a trickle of As arrived from the other groups. Thanks to Dave F for a route of finely mixed ingredients, and to Fiona for backmarking. I'm normally cautious leading by Garmin, without having done a recce, so thanks to the rest of the group for your patience - and apologies for one hasty left turn at Whitebushes.

 

 

 

EasyRiders Wednesday 2nd March

 

Thursday, February 24, 2022

EasyRiders Wednesday 2nd March

After yesterday’s good ride, it’s time to look forward to next week’s ride which has been made more complicated by the Annual Wayfarer’s Lunch in Tolworth. And we have to be at Tolworth before 1230!

Coffee for all of us is at the RBL in Cobham.

So, I will lead those going to the lunch in Tolworth leaving Cobham at the very latest by 1115. For those of you not going to the lunch Frank will lead to an alternative lunch venue (probably in Thames Ditton).

To make it all work the North Cheam departure will need to be at 0930.

Hope this makes sense – contact me, Frank or Helen if not!

Peter T

Report for B Group - 23rd February

Seventeen jolly wayfarers took part in the ride to Redhill Aerodrome, however whilst we were looking at the airman’s grave in Mickleham church yard our friend Ian went missing, never to be seen again.

We thought we had spotted him in Brockham so I gave chase, but it turned out to be a chap called Malcolm. 😂

I thought it would be an idea to have a non alcoholic lunch so I decided on the Pilot’s Hub, but I was unaware that it was licensed to sell alcohol 🍺. Jacqui even took some home with her!! 

We finished up having afternoon tea at the Coffee House in Tadworth. Very nice too.

Hope you all enjoyed your day.

Kind regards

Pete

 

Paul's report

Not for the first time this year the weather fronts in the South East of the country opened up like the waters of the Red Sea to give us a pleasant Wednesday's cycling in London in a week of otherwise horrific floods and storms.

Our group, 618 Squadron, rolled up in dribs and drabs to Charlie and Gingers and although the sub-leader timed his approach to perfection, some had clearly been sipping their coffee awhile and when departure time came others were just tucking in to their lemon drizzles.

Nine of us set out in the sunshine and wind and by using the Leisure Centre grounds, the path that criss-crosses the River Mole and the Old London Road through Mickleham Pete had done well to plot a route that made very familiar territory more interesting (and, being a Pete ride, more hilly).  Punchbowl Lane was our first serious climb of the day and we then touched on the Annual Downhill course to approach Brockham differently.  We cycled along pleasant Surrey lanes, many devoid of traffic at first, past Enid Blyton places like Snower Hill and Wilderness Wood and up our second serious challenge, Trumpeter's Hill.  Over rivers and under assorted railway bridges we made out way in the direction of war-torn Donetsk until we found (for some of us, rediscovered) Redhill Airport for lunch.

The food was nice, and certainly in huge quantities even if the initial welcome was a bit Fawlty Towers and we all had to calculate our bills (fortunately we are from generations that can do mental arithmetic) but the overall experience was a good one and the afternoon was almost a different ride altogether.  First, the temperature had fallen a few degrees and the sun had gone elsewhere, but the route sent us up Fullers Wood Lane to warm us up.  It worked!

Next on the menu, after Merstham, was Markedge Lane.  These were all familiar roads, but we seemed to be riding them the wrong way; upwards!  It doesn't matter which way you take Rectory Lane of course, and we even managed to incorporate the steepest bit of the A217.  Just as we had brilliantly timed lunch to shelter us from the cold shower, so we managed the same trick for tea at The Coffee House in Tadworth, from where we made our separate homeward ways.

 

A splendid ride, Pete, for which thanks.  Thanks too for the company of Tim and Tim, Sue and Steph, Martin and Colin and Grant.  Thanks to Tim for the route correction at a vital moment, and Terry for backmarking in the morning.  At least two of us who turned up low spirited and slightly reluctant finished the day in much better heart.

Paul

NorWesters Go NorthWest

It was no supprise that our favourite coffee stop was picked for our 11's Nauticailia at Shepperton lock. Pam arrived just ahead of myself, soon followed by Gill and Ray Y, his first ride since his Operation just after Christmas. And a nice suprise was to see Carolin join us for coffee.

Plenty of chatter and coffee and tea, it was soon time to head off when Ray Wren arrived, no time for a coffee for Ray, off we set into a headwind but made good progress through Thorpe, Egham and across the Meads to Runnymede and into Datchet, where Ray W headed East for home.

Into Windsor and a group selfie by the Hurricane. Crossing the Thames at Clewer and across Cooley's Meadow and Dorney Common to lunch at the Palmer Arms. The Service was good and the food arrived in very good time. Again the chatter caused the time to fly and it was soon time to head East, but with a slight tailwind. I choose a pretty direct route, Eaton, Datchet, Horton and Stanwel Moor where we stopped for tea at Vermeulens.

 

Windsor Castle in the background

Tea and cake for all, well the four of us. After leaving we split into 2 group, Pam and Ray heading for Staines and Gill and I heading East, but in another mile we to parted company, Gill heading for Ashford and myself for Bedfont, With the slight tailwind I was soon home. A really pleasant day on the bike with great company. (Note to self must get someone to take the photos in future)

 Tony..

Annual Lunch - booking and order summary

If you are coming to the Annual Lunch please check that your name is on this list and that I have correctly recorded your choices from the menu.

If you haven't yet notified me of your intention to come please do it as soon as possible so that we don't have to press the staff at the restaurant with last minute orders.

Thank you

Tim

(click to enlarge)

 

 

Annual Lunch and Prizegiving

If you wish to attend the Annual Lunch on 2nd March and haven't yet let me know please see the invitation and let me know what you'd like to eat. 

It would help the organisers and management at the restaurant if you could let me know by 6 pm tomorow afternoon.

Many thanks and hope to see you there.

~ Tim 

Hilly 50k - Saturday 7 May or in Your Own Time - Don't Miss It!

This year’s Hilly 50 will be on Saturday 7 May 2022 from Ryka’s, Dorking. Sign on from 9.30am. Finish at the top of Box Hill.

The route, and all the hills you love are unchanged. The date has been moved from the traditional March to May to guarantee fine weather and the most pleasant traverse of Logmore Lane imaginable. For full details including the route see our Hilly 50 web page.

Last year we learned to be flexible, so if 7^th May is not suitable, you are welcome to do the ride alone or with friends at any time of your choosing.

If you've not yet experienced this memorable ride, this is definitely the year for it! And check out the video by Charlotte Barnes who rode the 2010 Hilly 50 on fixed.

For those not familiar with the route I plan to organise a sensibly paced group ride, including a welcome (for me at least) mid-ride coffee stop at Heartworks. Please let me know if you are interested (d.vine207@btinternet.com).

As in previous years we ask riders to support St Raphael’s Hospice, a cause close to the heart of our late organiser, Mike Morley. Donations of £10 (or more if you prefer) via our JustGiving page to this most deserving cause.

Mike Morley on Box Hill

 

North Coast 500

If you're looking for a bit of a tour for this summer, this may be it:  the North Coast 500.   A bloke from GCN rode it with a mate called Mark Beaumont, in three days.    Half an hour of pure viewing pleasure: highly recommended. 

Ged, Dave B, Mike B and I did it a few years back, in about the same number of days, if my memory serves me correctly. 

Invitation to B Group for 23rd Feb.

You are cordially invited to join Pete's ride on Wednesday.

The Leatherhead DC is still not available for us to convene so we will meet in Charlie and Ginger in North Street.

We will head south through Mickleham, Punchbowl lane then Brockham, Betchworth, Trumpets Hill, Flanchford Rd, Meath Green Lane, Salfords, and have lunch at Redhill Aerodrome.

We will return via Merstham and Mugswell with a cuppa at Tadworth. The full route will probably be available in RwGPS tomorrow.

This is the route:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38590127

Please let Pete know if you can be available to sub-lead.

To confirm that you are coming on the ride please WhatsApp or text him on 07742 724 571. If emailing him please also CC to me.

Thanks

Tim C

p.p. Pete Beyer

Invitation to A group ride from “Leatherhead” 23 Feb.

 

Aka "the ride that went wrong"

I planned this ride a couple of weeks ago but first of all I discovered that my proposed 11s venue at Leatherhead  had recently closed permanently and secondly that the proposed pub had no sandwich options available. So plans have changed somewhat. There is also the little matter of Recces as originally planned for today or the weekend remain far too adverse for my liking. The wind gusts are not forecast to drop below 40mph (as pm  last Wednesday) until next Wednesday, currently forecast to be a mere 30mph. I did at least do a preliminary recce of the section north on the M25 on 9^th Feb.

 

So what we have left is a ride that starts from The Olive Tree Café at Ashtead Park Garden Centre Pleasure pit road NOT Leatherhead (which we have used previously for afternoon tea). Its possibly 1.5 miles closer than Leatherhead for the majority. The ride takes us 22 lumpy miles to lunch at the Dog and Duck Outwood via Walton, Mugswell, Chipstead, Coulsdon and Chaldon. I have considerably simplified the pm ride to aid .gpx navigation , but less interesting,  in lanes that are less likely to be adversely impacted from the storms. There is (unusually for me) no off-road.

The pm ride to tea at Denbies (into the wind) is a flattish 18 miles, heading South to Smallfield, north to Redhill Airodrome and west to Dorking.

There will be one moderately paced group and two quicker ones (thanks Ged and Brian).

Please email me at dlferrett@hotmail.com by Monday 7pm to register for the ride. I will circulate runners and riders on Tuesday.

Report for B Group - 16th February

Twenty seven riders left Garsons Garden Centre in three groups on a windy day, but at least it was dry.

We then headed towards Ottershaw via Weybridge and Addlestone, crossing over the railway with a great view of the old mill, built between 1776-1777. Then our next hurdle was getting over the M25, for which we used the foot bridge.

 

 

Then along some enjoyable quiet stretches of road we turned into Gracious Pond Road, along to Burrow Hill, where we rode up Steep Hill. There were a few that questioned how steep it would be, but after reassurances, which they believed, we cycled the three mile loop back to where we had turned  onto the Windsor Road and so to the pub.

The pub was very accommodating, and as we arrived somewhat all at the same time, we were able to all sit down together. I think this may have been the first time that has happened since the first ‘lockdown’. We had table service which was very efficient and the food was good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

After lunch, in our separate groups we made our way up Staple Hill with the amazing views over Chobham Common, but unfortunately the rain brought down the clouds so the views weren’t as spectacular as they might have been.

With the strong wind behind us we sped into Chertsey, with not too much traffic as it  was half term, across the bridge and along the road to Shepperton Lock, one of my favourite roads, I always imagine owning one of  the wonderful houses along the road beside the river, one can always dream.

At the tea stop in Hampton Court, 14 riders stopped for refreshments, before we all headed home.

Thanks to everyone for making it a special day, also Clive and David for sub-leading and for those that back marked.

Jennie