A Historical Curiosity

 

Here's one from the archives - the route used for our dearly loved Hilly 50 event in 1988!   I think this was a one-off and the first attempt at a route from Stuart Downie and Derek Monkhouse, who later originated the basis of what is used now.    Why not relive history and give it a go!   A triple chainset and cantilever brakes are all you'll need for the perfect look!

"Old Codger"

A Group - Wednesday's Ride to the Annual Lunch

We will head south from Cobham and ride a loop before heading north towards Tolworth. The planned ride is under 18 miles and we will be able to ride at a moderate pace and still arrive at the restaurant by 12.30.

There is a section across Bookham Common. This was dry and in good condition on the recce. If there is significant rain before Wednesday we can leave a little earlier, ride an extra three miles, and stay on the roads.

Please let me know by Monday evening if you will be riding. On Tuesday I will send out the groups, times and gpx file.

Neil C  

B Group Ride - Wednesday 1st March '23

Our ride on Wednesday from Cobham will follow a local route taking us to Ristorante Sorrento in Tolworth for our annual lunch. It is hoped that we will all arrive there by 12.30pm.

Please sign up by Monday evening to be included on the ride list.

Email - timgibbons1@virginmedia.com

WhatsApp - 07756961505

Looking forward to seeing you all on Wednesday.

TimG

Report for Easy Riders - 22nd February

Four hardy souls met at North Cheam this week, the cold early morning rain and dodgy forecast for the day having dampened others' enthusiasm, one imagines. It was great to welcome Lynda B, out for her first Wednesday ride of the year. Gillian, Frank B, Lynda and I set off at 9.45 on the direct route via Stoneleigh, Ewell Court Park and Malden Manor to coffee at the King's Centre in Chessington. There we were joined by Frank C and Dawn for a long and enjoyably social coffee. Indeed, one member of our party felt as if she'd been in the pub, there had been so much buzz and conversation at our convivial table, plus the general busyness of the cafe and the friendly staff and helpers.

So six set off for lunch at around 11.30. Tide End Cottage by Teddington Lock was decided on, and Helen led us through the Dittons, over Hampton Court Bridge and along the Barge walk.This is a favourite route, and the Thames did not disappoint, the waters beautiful, calm and reflective, the towpath barely used by walkers on this cool grey morning,  the threat of rain in the air remaining just that, a threat.

At Kingston Bridge we made for the nearest gate into Bushy Park, stayed on the main path past the children's play area, then via  the Diana monument, exiting by the main gate towards Teddington. Over the railway bridge and along the High Street to our lunch destination.

Kind service and good food, and we were able to lock up our bikes in the tiny back garden. Very good value lunch for such a popular spot, too.

After lunch, Dawn and Lynda made for route 75 via the towpath to Kingston, back to Worcester Park and Cheam, while the rest of us headed for Ham Gate and Richmond Park. Frank C peeled off at Robin Hood Gate, Gillian at Raynes Park and Frank B and I parted in Worcester Park.

I was home by about 3.45, still hadn't been rained on all day, just a few spots in the air. 

Thanks all for your lovely company and conversation, looking forward to Cobham coffee and the Annual Lunch next week!

Helen Tovey

Report for B Group - 22nd Feb.

Thank you all those who braved the early damp weather to join in the ride from Redhill. Actually, as it turned out, we were fortunate with the weather and it could have been much wetter and/or colder.

In particular I would like to thank Tim x2 who did the sub leading. It is invaluable to have a couple of totally reliable subbies lined up. This is especially as they do not know until 24 hours beforehand how many they will lead or even if they will actually be needed to sub lead. So a big thank you to Tim and Tim, and indeed all those others who willingly step forward to provide this essential service to us all.

John A.

 

Tim G writes:

Despite a wet start an encouraging number of Wayfarers turned out for today’s ride.

After a slight reshuffle of the running order five of us left in the second group to make our accent out of Redhill and down Fullers Wood Lane. We soon met our first and only obstacle at the railway bridge which was closed to traffic due to repairs. Having convinced the workmen of our honourable intentions they let us pass to continue our ride.

The country lanes were a welcome distraction to the cloudy skies as we made our way towards Outwood windmill. Having disposed of the obligatory history lesson and photo we made our way onto our lunch stop at the ‘Jack Fairman’ pub at Horley.

As always orders were promptly delivered and we enjoyed a welcome break amongst the usual inhabitants of a popular Weatherspoons.

Once we had crossed the Reigate Road we were in familiar territory making our way via Leigh and Brockham to Leatherhead for tea at ‘Charlie and Gingers’ cafe.

Many thanks to Dave, Francis, Mick and Terry for their company. Always a pleasure to lead a diligent and uncomplicated group of cyclists. 

~ Tim G

Tim G's B Group Emergency Response Unit turns up in good to time to provide the A Team with much needed advice about how to deal with a puncture.

Mick (sporting his new luminous Tam o' Shanter) with Dave, Terry and Tim

Nobody wanted to sit outside at the pub

Departing from Charlie and Ginger

Tim C writes:

As always with our Redhill rides we felt as if we had already done a substantial ride just to get to Elevenses, with over 800 feet of elevation gain from North Cheam to the Methodist Centre, according to RideWithGPS.

We had a slightly tardy departure and then Anne discovered a front wheel puncture. Numerous blokes stood around and looked busy holding the dust cap and lock-ring, unravelling the new tube and ensuring that it, rather than the perforated tube which had just been removed, got fitted to the wheel.

We were soon off again and romped up the horrible A25 hill towards Nutfield and then, mercifully, turning off to head South on Fullers Wood Lane. From this point on the going was far more enjoyable. We were aware of being a bit behind schedule but despite the uninspiring weather we pressed on with John's prescribed itinerary and arrived at The Jack Fairman in quite reasonable time. Wetherspoons prices are more welcome than ever these days. We enjoyed the warmth indoors and ate well and surprised ourselves by getting underway soon after 2 p.m.

We headed towards Leatherhead via Leigh and Brockham, managing the undulations and the grotty weather quite well. At Charlie and Ginger we were pleased to tuck into good coffee and tea and large slabs of cake before wending our weary ways towards home as darkness approached.

When she arrived at the café Lilian proclaimed that she had a flat tyre. We all know that the puncture fairy turns up to make mischief when the roads are wet. After Tea Lilian wheeled her bike to the station and by all acounts made it safely home.

Thanks to Lilian, Anne, Chris, and Tony as back-marker, for your good company as we forged our way through the perma-drizzle.

16.5 miles to Lunch and 15.9 to Tea. A good long ride for this time of year. Thank you John.

~ Tim C

The oldest working Windmill in Britain, built in 1665

Lilian, Chris and Anne

Ride Report A’s – Redhill 22 February

We mustered 11 hardy riders for my ride, planned and reccied in clear dry weather where the prospect of scenic views would be some compensation for the number of climbs. Other regular riders either had prior commitments or perhaps had studied the gloomy weather forecast.

Anticipating a more normal turnout of 20+ I had recruited two co-leaders, Janice and Neil. In the end I decided to stick with the plan, so we had groups of 3 and 4 which at least minimised the need for back markers and reduced the risk of puncture delays.

Most riders arrived at Redhill damp, but spirits were restored with hot drinks and homemade cakes. My group of SueC and DaveF set off first but were halted at Outwood windmill by our first (and only puncture). It’s a scenic location and we were educated by Tim G’s expert lesson on the mill’s history to his B-group followers.

The route allowed plenty of opportunities to take shortcuts, but my group were resolute in their insistence on getting the full experience, even though we were behind schedule. Most of the morning roads were quiet, especially Caterfield Lane which was closed for most of its length, seemingly because of just one pothole.

We arrived at the White Hart after a damp descent of Tilburstow to Godstone, to a good lunch, and after sorting out the complex payment arrangement we were on our way just after 2. We had 4 climbs to tea, all accomplished with aplomb, and 3 descents on messy roads with no mishaps. Sue left us at Banstead, Dave and I met Simon and Richard in Chai’s Coffeeshop, thankfully to find that even Patrick, passing this way earlier had not managed to consume all the cake.

Janice's group were next to leave.

As I was getting ready for the ride it was raining and was as dismal as had been forecast. However, with a group to lead there was nothing for it but to put on the rain jacket and head out.

I met up with Frances in Banstead and we arrived in good time in Redhill where there was a full turnout of all who had booked to be on the ride. Also a great selection of scones and cakes to prepare us for the hills ahead. Spirits restored!

With the recce still in my legs I was relieved that my group of Brian, Patrick and Dave W were happy that we should aim for an easy paced ride. The roads were wet but rain mostly held off and we made good progress passing the first group at the Outwood Windmill as they had stopped to mend Dave F’s puncture.

Garmin told me that there was only one climb in the morning (Tilburstow) although my legs counted a few more.

We were ready for lunch when we arrived in Godstone but proceeded to cause great confusion by ordering our pre-ordered sandwiches which meant the kitchen received a double order. It was eventually sorted out and all was forgiven as the sandwiches were excellent and indeed high praise was given when it was observed that they rivalled those from the Pineapple.

Tempting though it was to linger we set off again and I left my rain jacket in my pocket. A wise move given the heat generated by the 4 further climbs acknowledged by garmin. Dave W sought a knee friendly route home so 3 of us stayed on course until Brian left us after Farthing Down. No fine views of London today but luckily we’d all seen it before and could use our imagination.

Arriving in Banstead I left Patrick to explore new coffee and cake options and he settled on Chai Coffee shop which was given his seal of approval.

A lovely route by Dave V and the miserable weather was more than compensated for by the company (and the great sandwich). Thanks all!

Followed by Neil's group.

I was the last to leave Redhill with Frances, Richard and Simon.

Navigation was no problem as my bike could still remember the route from Monday's very pleasant recce. Keeping the group together was also no problem as my legs could remember the recce too. As I puffed along I could hear the conversations just behind me. By the time we were approaching Tilburstow Hill, and closer to lunch, I had resorted to leading from the back.

The lunch sandwiches were very good and then we set off on Dave's afternoon of hill climbing,

Responsibilities were shared. I indicated the bottom of each hill. Frances, Richard and Simon took it in turns to show me where the top of the hill was. This method worked well and we were soon at Banstead.

Here the others headed for teashops and home, while I headed downhill for a quiet evening and an early night.

Thanks to all for your forbearance.

                   
                 

Thanks to everyone who turned out in discouraging weather and stayed the course. I even heard talk of riding it again in better weather. Particular thanks to Janice and Neil for leading their groups.

Check your orders for the Annual Lunch (1st March)

Thank you all for your orders from the menu. With reference to the menu please verify that I have included you in this list, that I have noted your menu choices correctly, and that you have notified me explicitly about any dietary considerations such as Lactose intolerance, Gluten-free requirement, Vegan preference, etc.

Please advise me of any omissions or mistakes a.s.a.p.

Thank you

Tim C 

(click to enlarge)

Updated list:

(click to enlarge)

International Women's Day

Just a reminder that Wednesday 8th March is International Women’s Day; all Wayfarers rides will be led and sub-led by the women of the club, for Easy Riders, B's and A’s.

Please, as many of you as possible try to ride in whichever group you want, to celebrate this event.

Thank you for your support.

Yours

Jennie Jackson

 

Ride Invitation – A Group - Redhill 22 February

Our ride from Redhill will be to lunch at the White Hart, Godstone Green. 23 miles to lunch by my roundabout route. One climb - Tilburstow.

Tea in Banstead somewhere (Pistachio's in the Park is closed) after only 13 miles but 4 notable climbs and a little scenic descending.

All on road except 2 short sections of surfaced path (1) out of Redhill to the hospital roundabout, which we have done before but not recently, and (2) across Godstone Green opposite the pub after lunch.

The pub have asked us to pre-order food, menu here.

If you would like to join me please let me know, d.vine207@btinternet.com with your food order by 6pm Monday. Thanks.

Invitation to join the B ride on 22nd February

We shall meet at the Methodist church hall in Gloucester Road, Redhill for our ride into the Surrey countryside. Lunch is in Horley and tea in Leatherhead. A total of 32 miles.

This is the route:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41881702

If you would like to join the ride please email me by Monday evening. johnaustin04@yahoo.co.uk

I hope to see you on Wednesday

John A.

Report for the Easy Riders - 15th February

We met for elevenses at the Wells Cafe in Chessington where we are always welcomed and decided to make for lunch at the Woodman pub in Lower Ashtead. We were joined for the day by a new rider, Sarah, who was delighted to enjoy such a scenic route which was all so new to her. Fifteen of us wound our way through the estate then to turn right onto the A243 and soon turn left along Garrison Lane to follow the the roads round to the entrance to Horton Country Park in Rollesby Road. After going along the Western track in the park we emerged onto Horton Lane and followed that Southwards to the roundabout to join Epsom Common. We traversed the enjoyable dry tracks to the pedestrian railway crossing by Newton Wood and came out in Craddocks Avenue which led us to lunch at the pub.

The pub was fairly full when we arrived as there was a party having lunch after a funeral. We were warned that our lunches would take up to an hour or so but the staff worked their socks off and we didn't have to wait that long. After lunch we went through Ashtead by going along the High Street to Park Lane, Rookery Hill and Pleasure Pit Road. The reason for the road name came about during World War II as the GIs who were camping nearby would take local girls there to show them their medals.

-------------------------------------

I am bemused that the track between Walton Bridge and Weybridge is being referred to as "John Bellamy's track " but grateful that Tim Court's original suggestion that it should be called "John Bellamy's Passage" was not taken up.

John

 

P.S. This old edition of the OS Explorer map still refers to John Bellamy's Passage:

(Click to enlarge)

TC

Tales From The Riverbank - Great Expectations

As I came out of Dartford Station I went down the ramp, crossed the road and picked up the Darent Way, a riverside path rather like the Wandle Trail.  Over Temple Hill and out into the marshes, following a completely straight surfaced cycleway, with granite setts visible in some of the worn tarmac. This is the Joyce Green Tramway, that horse-drawn ambulances used to take patients from the pier on the river to the Joyce Green Isolation Hospital.  Paddle steamer ambulances brought patients from Fulham, Rotherhithe and Blackwall.  The hospital was used to deal with periodic epidemics of smallpox, diphtheria and polio.  I don't know about you, but I tend to think of remote Victorian isolation hospitals in the marshes as being one step from the lime pit, but, apparently not.  As there was no medication for these diseases the hospital relied on the Florence Nightingale principles of cleanliness, nutrition and fresh air, and survival rates were high.

At the end of the track there's a wiggle up on to the levee - no sign of the hospital any more - but you can't miss the Dartford Crossing Bridge.  It's big, and it's near.

I found it quite pleasing to be riding along my quiet riverside path, while the trucks queued overhead.

A few miles on you start to pick up the pretty extensive network of cycleways that surround the Bluewater Shopping Centre.  I would guess that the constructors were required to provide them -  there are a few instances of this along the Thames.  I turned off on to an older cycleway, formerly NCN1, and there was still a Millennium Milepost in place.

Over Castle Hill, and down to the Ebbsfleet International railway terminal, still on good cycleways.  This is a bit of a ghost ship - no international trains stop here any more, as the costs of border control and customs formalities are now such that the international service is no longer economic.  So you can get to London in 18 minutes, which is pretty slick.  But you can't get to Paris, or Brussels, or anywhere else, really.

Cycleway to Gravesend, to take a look at the old Customs House.  Gravesend is the port where the taxes levied for entering the Thames, at the Yantlet Line, were collected.  This process was first put in place by Edward lll in 1356, when he appointed John Page as the first Searcher, who had Tide Waiters, men who boarded the ships, to help him.  This was a huge money spinner until well in to the 1950s

The old Customs House, in the picture, dates from 1815, and it has a room on the roof with huge windows to give an excellent view of the river.

There are two changes to the ride at the East of Gravesend.  The first is that the route follows the Thames and Medway Canal, of which more in a moment, and the second is that you are in Dickens country.

At the height of his literary powers and fame, Dickens lived at Gads Hill, in Higham, a good-looking house which is now a school.  On his walks around the area he would take sites and local cameos and weave them in to his tales.  In Great Expectations, for example, the model for the kindly Joe Gargery's forge is at the corner of Forge Lane, in Chalk. Dickens would have been certain to have passed it if he had walked to Gravesend, a couple of miles from his house.

The building is still there, though it is much smarter these days.

A building which is also still there is the Ship and Lobster pub, a very rough-looking establishment, where Pip and Herbert Pocket stayed before attempting to smuggle Magwitch on to the Hamburg Paddle Steamer.  I very much doubt that Dickens, in full fig, would have dropped in to the Ship and Lobster for a quiet pint.  It has a good local reputation for both food and beer, but I gave it a miss, too...

The route goes along the bank of the Thames and Medway Canal for a couple of miles.  It's a short canal, which was never a commercial success.  The idea was to make a direct connection between Gravesend and Strood, allowing the numerous Thames barges to avoid the passage around the Hoo Peninsular. Less than eight miles long, half of which being a tunnel through a chalk ridge, it looked a straightforward prospect.  It wasn't, and the tunnel alone killed more than fifty men.  The barge operators quickly found that it was easy to miss the tide, and be unable to enter or leave the canal due to other traffic. It was more reliable, cheaper, and frequently quicker to sail around.  So that was that, and the new-fangled railway bought the tunnel which is in use to this day.

It's a couple of miles from Higham Station to Cliffe, where I started the ride back in November, but, just to finish things off I went on a little further to St James' Church, Cooling, which is just around the corner.  The church was apparently one of Dickens' favourites, and he would take a picnic and sit there looking out over the marshes.  The opening scene of Great Expectations is set there, where Pip is standing at the graves of his parents and five brothers.  The gravestones are unusual, and Dickens describes them accurately.  They are still there now, but reveal a considerably worse situation than Pip's sad case.

There are thirteen infants' gravestones in this picture, and others elsewhere in the churchyard.  Infant mortality on the Hoo Peninsular was huge - more than 250 infant deaths per thousand births in 1861, the year of Great Expectations. A current figure would be about three deaths per thousand births. The reason was malaria, then known as Marsh Fever or Ague, which was common in the marshes and blighted the lives of those that survived a childhood infection.  The last outbreak of malaria in this area, in Sheppey, was in 1957.

So, there we are, a beautiful place, and a lonely one, but a terrible place to raise a family and to make a living until very recently.  

My Thames ride is complete, and I am very pleased at it.  It is nice to be able to complete a winter ride in a winter, without having to wait a couple of years for a pandemic to roll through.  Old Father Thames has been kind to me, I have had good riding, have met some interesting people, enjoyed some good food and have learned quite a lot.

But Spring's coming, and I'm ready for it.

Mark

 

Important; Brian Starey funeral is on 8 March

The date I gave for Brian Starey's funeral in Shorts is incorrect.  The date is as I posted earlier on this blog.

Bob Starey, his brother, has given these details to Peter Barnard

1400 Wednesday 8th March

Randalls Park Cemetery

Leatherhead

Shirley Quemby

Shirley died peacefully in the early hours of Monday morning 13 February in St.Helier hospital.

Everybody who has ridden with Beginners over many years will have known Shirley, whose contribution to the Beginners section of the club was immense.

She had been unwell for sometime, and our thoughts go to Colin and their family at this sad time.

Maggie & Paul

We're still taking bookings for the Annual Lunch

We don't have a full house yet and would be very pleased if more members could attend, so if you haven't already let me know that you are coming and given me your food order please let me know by Sunday night (19th Feb).

This is the invitation:

https://midweekwayfarers.blogspot.com/2023/01/invitation-to-2023-annual-lunch-and.html

Many thanks and hope to see you on 1st March

Tim C

Report for B Group - 15th February

Francis writes:

Our day was blessed by both bright sunshine and low road traffic courtesy of the half-term holiday. This boosted the numbers on the ride to 30 at one point, dropping to 27 on the day due to illness or mechanical failure.

My group were the first to leave from the wonderful Wild Brunch Cafe by Walton Bridge (due to Weybridge Day Centre being unavailable). Heading through Addlestone town centre, we gave the A Riders (having their Elevenses there) a friendly wave before speeding off towards Old Woking and Pryford. Potholes galore along the Old Woking road slowed us all down as we swerved here and there to avoid buckling our wheels. Soon we reached Send and as we were ahead of schedule, stopped by the New Inn pub at the side of the river Wey for a break and group photo in lovely sunshine.

In no time at all, we had reached our lunch stop at the Seven Stars pub on the outskirts of Ripley. Service was super efficient and the quality and portion size more than satisfied us all. Definitely 7 stars out of 5!

A short 9 miles through familiar roads through Ripley and Horsley saw us arrive at Downside and through a brilliant short-cut from St.Michael's Chapel to virtually outside the recently renovated Cafè Barbera in Stoke D'Abernon, there to enjoy their extensive cake selection and teas. My hearty thanks goes to trusted co-leaders Tim G and FixieDave and diligent back-marker John A.

~ Francis

Report for the middling group:

Sub-led by Fixie Dave

80% of our group's listed riders turned up for our set-off from the Wilde Brunch by Walton Bridge.  Condolences to the 20% who couldn't make it to the starting point, for one reason or another.

Eight of us Wayfarers set off in reasonably good spirits, at 10.45am. The good weather was obviously mood enhancing. Detracting, it seemed a far cry from the ride we did out from Walton, on the 28th December in the rain; the Rain seems to make the pesky traffic more annoying/fierce.

The ride flowed along well, We arrived in good time, that being 12.30 pm, at the Seven Stars for a very good Lunch, which was served quite efficiently.

What, no fish 'n chips!

Then after lunch our group of eight headed towards Stoke D'abernon, with three of our group peeling off close to Cobham.

Thank you to our illustrious ride organiser (Francis), thank you Grant for back-marking, and thank you to my co-cyclists for making it a Good Day Out.

~ Dave


Tim G writes:

After a final reshuffle of the running order seven of us headed out for our ride today. It felt more like April than February, under clear blue skies, as we cycled alongside the river towards Weybridge.

Once we were past West Byfleet a number of us shed a few layers as the weather became increasingly springlike. Traffic through Pyrford, Old Woking and Send became lighter as we approached our lunchtime destination. We were well served at the ‘Seven Stars’ and enjoyed a welcome break.

The afternoon ride via Ripley, Ockham, Horsley and Downside was similarly uncomplicated as we again met up with our fellow riders for tea at the ‘Barbera’ café at Stoke D’Abernon.

Thanks to everyone who took part today in what proved to be good day out in fine weather.

~ Tim G

'A' Group Ride Report for Weds 15 Feb 2022 (Addlestone & Godalming)

 

We had thought last autumn that the 'A' group had had their last Addlestone start ever, so it was a surprise to see us back there again so soon, Weybridge Day Centre not being able to accommodate us as planned.  22 riders in three groups assembled for, I am shamed to admit, yet another of my 'quirky' rides.  It was interesting to note that about half the contingent made a beeline for Costa Coffee, no doubt in search of the extra caffeine hit offered by this chain (as we read in the press), while the other half made for the Golden Cafe across the road!   Anyway, drugged to the eyeballs or otherwise, we all duly set off punctually by 11.00 am bound for Godalming via Guildford Cathedral.

My group (Gill H, Sue C, Sue F, Dave E, Simon L, Pete B, Keith R, and me) were last away.   We made only stuttering progress for the first few miles - it seemed as if there was yet another set of temporary traffic lights around every corner!    Eventually, having dodged around and across Woking, we reached the 'groves of Academe' at Surrey Uni, and soon after, up a short, steep climb, Guildford Cathedral.

The cathedral looks small in this rather misleading photo, but actually towered above us!  We spent longer here than I had planned, partly because of interest in the building, and partly because of the very handy toilet facilities!

Eventually we set off towards our lunch stop by a slightly unusual route.  There was a bit of climbing involved and there were some minor, light-hearted complaints and chafing, more that I had misled about the topography of the route than about the steepness of the hills - I was unrepentant (despite the cathedral visit),  always read the small print, I say!   I didn't say it my blurb it was a flat route, just that we would avoid all the usual North Downs ascents!

We had set off last of three groups but somehow managed to get to lunch second!   As we went into Wetherspoons the first group greeted us with the traditional friendly cries of 'there aren't any jacket potatoes' and so on, just as a morale-booster, no doubt!  Despite these discouraging words, we didn't actually fare too badly inside - there were plenty of non-tuberous, alternative choices available and, as all the food orders, including those for the third group, were all brought to our table, we couldn't really complain!

We were back on the road by 2.00 pm to climb up towards Charterhouse and then (the other) Littleton before testing the newly-improved, cycle-friendly bridge from Guildford station towards the town centre, which we then skirted to the west and north.   The wind was behind us by now but we would have been just too late for the promised Claremont tea stop, so some stopped at Cobham while the rest of us headed home.

Thanks to all the group for your company, but especially to Dave E for back-marking all day, and to Ged and Neil W for bravely offering to co-lead.   Some credit must also go to the 'unruly sun' for shining with vigour all day!

Ged writes of his group's experience:

It was a ride of two halves - fiendishly devised twists and turns in the morning, and a straighter, faster run to tea. In between we took-in the cathedral, a first-time visit for some. My group coped well with the intricate route, even waiting patiently behind me at one road-works red traffic light too many! We passed Vic White outside Ripley, at 91, reputably the oldest Wayfarer still on two wheels. We arrived at Claremont just before early closing at 3.30pm, and unbeknownst to Patrick, Dave and Jennie tucked-into a rather large chocolate cake. Many thanks to Dave Ward for such a challenging route, for Brian for faultless backmarking, and to Geoff for taking over at Plough Lane. Thanks for your company on a marvellous Spring-like day.

Report for the Easy Riders - 8th Feb.

Not much to report as it was such a short ride around the inside perimeter of Bushy Park and along the South side of the Thames to the Weir Hotel, Walton where the food is really good. After lunch we crossed Walton Bridge, turned East through Sunbury to Hampton Court Bridge and home via Thames Ditton. Nevertheless, Helen Tovey managed to cycle 35 Miles.

John

(Eleven riders plus one who diverted to Kingston en route for some urgent shopping.)

 

Join the 'A' Group Ride on Weds 15 Feb 2023

Our next 'escapade' will begin at Tesco's Roundabout, Addlestone (please note change from Weybridge Day Centre which cannot accommodate us that day).   Lunch will be at The Jack Phillips (Wetherspoons), Godalming, and tea at Claremont Gardens, Esher (NT membership not required for cafe or toilets).   The route is about 40 miles there and back, a mixture of old, familiar sections with some which may be less familiar to you.   Nothing unsurfaced.   Not a particularly hilly day (we are spared any of our old 'favourite' routes over the North Downs), but there are a few short climbs here and there.

If you would like to join the ride please e-mail me at cycledave23@gmail.com by 6.00 pm on Mon 13 Feb.

A Group Ride Report 8 Feb

Despite the very cold start, all of the riders for the day turned up promptly at Teddington - chapeau to you all.

We were the first group to depart (Frances with Simon, Paula, Keith, Dave, Peter) with Geoff kindly backmarking with his usual efficiency.

The crossing through Bushy Park was very pretty, crisp and sunny but we soon hit fog heading through Chertsey - fortunately we all had good lights and on we went.

There were some lovely long stretches of road near Virginia Water and again on Drift Road, through Fifield.  We broke with tradition (no pub photo) as we stopped at the bridge near Dorney as it was so picturesque. We had a good pace and arrived at the pub around 12.40pm.

The pre order went to plan and it allowed all the groups to get away.  We passed Janice in Eton waiting for a rider and we stayed with the original route (including a nice spin up Crimp Hill) slightly adjusted to avoid a busy roundabout at Egham.  The group arrived for tea at Walton Bridge at 3pm (saying goodbye to Keith) where we met up with the other groups.

Overall a lovely ride, lovely company and thanks to Janice and Dave W for sub leading together with input on route before the day.

Janice led the second group:

It was a bitterly cold ride to Teddington but with the promise of sunshine and milder temperatures my group comprising Fiona, Patrick, Neil W, Jon, Ged and Dave V were all raring to go!

Patrick and Fiona had both been off their bike for a while and were worried about their fitness. As it turned out, they had no need to worry and it was a job to stay in front of them!

There was little traffic on the way to The Pineapple and the sun came out bringing a some warmth with it, apart from a couple of areas where mist brought plunging temperatures. Nearly there we crossed the bridge to see a mix of brilliant blue sky, sunshine and mist over the water. A good photo opportunity!

The sandwiches at The Pineapple were as good as ever and no one ordered a side of chips. However, had they arrived with the sandwiches as in the past we would have happily eaten them. Dave’s arrived a little late but he managed to catch up for a fairly swift departure. 

The conservatory was cool over lunch but Fiona managed to find a way to keep warm. 

We were first away and decided on ‘the usual route’ back to Walton. In fact it turns out that there are 2 usual routes and we’d taken a different one to the other groups. I think ours was a couple of miles (and Crimp Hill) shorter but this was just a well as Neil had a puncture outside Windsor. He repaired it with a tube that had seen better days so then had to replace that with another tube. 

On the road again, still with little traffic, we made good time to arrive at Walton where most of us stopped for a hot drink and snack. 

A great route for a cold day, thanks to Frances and also to Ged for back marking. 

Dave Ward led the third group:

The 10.45 group (Sue, Dave E, Dave B, Brian, Richard, Hans, Mike  and me) set off promptly and made good progress until Chertsey where Brian suffered a rear wheel puncture.   Despite some problems, Brian got it sorted very speedily and we were soon back on the road, a pity in some ways as we had been enjoying the warmth of the sunshine while we waited!   Despite the short delay, we still arrived at The Pineapple before 1.00 pm.   Service at the pub was very efficient and the food was good.  We were back on the road by 1.45 pm and got to tea without any further problems.  Thanks to Dave B for back-marking all day, and to Mike and others for assistance with gates!   Everyone enjoyed the ride and appreciated Frances's very efficient organisation.   Despite an uncertain and foggy start, the weather also turned out to be rather pleasant.

~Frances

Invitation to B Group for a ride on 15th February

Due to the non-availability of the Weybridge Day Centre next Wednesday, our Elevenses will be at the Wilde Brunch Cafe by Walton Bridge. From there, we will pass by Addlestone, Pryford, Send, Ripley, Downside and a short off-road to the Café at Stoke D'Abernon. It will be a relatively flat short ride, 25.5 miles in total; 16.4 miles to lunch at the Seven Stars pub and a further 9.1 miles to tea at Cafè Barbera in Stoke D'Abernon. I'll be joined by my trusted co-leaders Tim G and FixieDave.

This is the route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41952375

Below is the pre-order menu from the Seven Stars pub. Please let me know your choice, at latest by Monday evening.

If you would like to join the ride, please email me directly on fdsilva82@gmail.com or my WhatsApp number by Monday evening at the latest with your lunch choice.  Thanks.

See you soon. I believe we're on for some fine weather next week.

Francis

Report for B Group - 8th February

A frosty start to the day

Even though a few riders decided against going out on their bikes in such cold conditions, twenty two members braved the conditions to ride in two groups from Elleray Hall, Teddington, for a journey up to The Battersea Power Station.

Keeping off of main roads as much as we could, we took parks roads and tracks to Barnes and over Hammersmith Bridge. At present you need to dismount and walk across, but on a bright if cold morning that is not too much of a hardship, then cycle tracks around Hammersmith and along past Olympia and Kensington High Street.

Team Jennie J

Team David J

Past the Kensington Palace, stopping for a picture oppotunity we used some back streets to cross the Vauxhall Bridge from north to south, Here again using cycle tracks it was a short distance along the Nine Elms Lane to the pub for lunch, eighteen miles.

Jennie's team in the Nine Elms Tavern

David (with fascinator) and team

a pigeon's eye view

inside the power station

Whilst not having the largest of menus for refreshments, once the kitchen had worked out a system the food did arrive and was much appreciated. After lunch we rode the very short distance to the Power Station for another photo, and a chance for those that wanted to have a look inside.

We left this and using back roads and the Common to Wandsworth, then we moved onto more major roads, again with cycle tracks to Wimbledon and Raynes Park where we were able to use the fairly new C31, thanks Steph, and eventually into Kingston and the afternoon tea stop. Whilst obviously some decided to return home before the café, a large number, double figures, gave it a try and I think enjoyed L'assaggino and what they had to offer.

Particular thanks to Paul Day for back marking Jennie’s group and to Fixie Dave for the same in David’s group.

We think everyone appeared to enjoy the day and having a different type of ride.

Thanks to all

Jennie and David Jackson

 

Relive the day's ride with Paul Day's video recording:

https://www.relive.cc/view/vPv4A7ypDRO