Invitation to B group ride on Wednesday 31st May

 

You are invited to join our ride on Wednesday 31^st May to lunch at The Hare and Hounds in West End. The route is mildly undulating with less than 1000ft of climbing. From coffee at  New Haw Day Centre (Amis Ave, New Haw KT15 3ET) it is 12 miles to lunch and 18 miles back to tea at Cobham. There is a short section of gravel on the path near Pirbright Ranges and we will also be using a short section of the Basingstoke Canal tow path.

Unfortunately, I have a funeral to attend on 31^st so I won’t be riding with you however you will be in the capable hands of Gill H, Tim C and Steph. I will be arranging lunch and sorting out the groups so if you would like to come along please email me on sue.foster39@gmail.com by 6pm on Monday evening.

The Hare and Hounds do not require pre orders and have an extensive menu including pizzas, wraps , fish and chips and burgers.

They have a lovely rear garden (accessed through an iron gate to the right of the pub) and there is plenty of room for parking our bikes.

Hope you can make it,

Sue F

 

Ride report Caterham - the Magic of Ashdown Forest

We were a small island of "A"s at the Westway Caterham start venue, amidst a flood of "B"s. Eight of us set off south-west via the rural Roffe's Lane, briefly stopping to view the White Hill Tower, built in 1862 by local farmer Jeremiah Long who wanted a view of the sea.

Our route too was designed to give great views. We kept to minor roads, Rabies Heath Road still had impressive displays of bluebells on its north side. Along Miles Lane the Who's song "I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles' loaded and kept looping in my head. Great colours and views in the sun, through Lingfield, the climb after Dormans was not difficult because we were keeping a modest pace .. at least three of us mindful of doing Ford Ride London this sunday. Further on we switched left to my hoped-to-be new-to-most sections: Smithers Lane, becoming Furnace Lane. Mark mentioned it is described as the prettiest lane in South England. And it was a delight, but maybe not if you dislike garlic because that was abundant and fragrant / smelly depending on your nose. 

The sandstone rock has orange tinges from the iron in it, the area was well known since Tudor times for iron smelting. We stopped at one outcrop that had been hacked back for the road access, forming a shelter with a bench, with lots of initials carved in the rock. The best suggestion for it was its a bus shelter! Alongside the lane were long stretches of lakes which centuries ago powered mills, now being maintained for ecological benefits. 

Up and over the A264, where I pointed out an unusual tree, with large green leaves and (it seemed) also large white leaves - a handkerchief tree? I said. Dave W. put an app on it, and with a little help from the group to point it at the right plant it was confirmed. Then more quiet minor roads with super views, back on the A264 for a few miles, over the Forest Way and into Hartfield and the Anchor pub. Despite a lot of emails and calls, they had not done the agreed cyclist sandwich special, but they were accomodating and offered a suitable ciabatta option. Its a pub with lots of history and character, but as Trip Advisor reviews point out, can be lacking in customer focus and upkeep. Ayway, it did fine for us, and there's no other suitable pub in the area.  

Mark and Dave W. left for their own ways home, six of us took the long steady climb to Piglet Car Park, then the adventure continued on foot, some making a protest vote with their feet,

four of us made it to the high viewpoint near the Enchanched Wood with the AA Milne plaque. 

Kidds Hill down, (the best way?!), then more climbing to get on the ridge, a long section with panoramic views over the forest north to the north downs. Towards the end on the left is Hindleap car park, I hoped it had views to the south, I had to ride a way into the grass to get the view, my enthusiasm wasn't shared by others at this point. 

The descent to Forest Row was fun, especially with doing an unexpected 'chicane' at speed on the way down. Three miles of the Forest Way and we were in East Grinstead, making 36 miles from Caterham, Ged and Dave E. went for the train back.  

I joined Pat, Janice and Dave W. returning by bike, a ninety mile round trip, with more hills than usual.  Refreshments at Horley. 

I can't do better than finish with Janice's words- "after this, Ride London will be a cinch". 

     

  

Join the 'A's' Ride on Weds 31 May!

Next Wednesday's ride from New Haw will firstly take everyone 28 miles to lunch at at the Fox and Goose, Greywell (https://www.facebook.com/foxandgoosegreywell/menu?locale=en_GB). The plan then is for us to split and depart in separate directions!

New Haw - Greywell - Ripley Option (about 55 miles elevenses to tea)

Subject to demand, one group/s will ride back homewards to tea at Ripley (28 miles from lunch), also with an optional intermediate tea stop at The Yurt at The Cricketers, Pirbright.  To make this option available, volunteer co-leader(s) will be needed to lead from .gpx but it is not a complicated or especially hilly route.   

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/162962759

New Haw - Greywell - Winchester Option (about 50 miles elevenses to tea)  Returning home by train

The rest of us will continue south-west from lunch, riding 25 miles along very pleasant country lanes and passing through only a very few small villages, right to within a mile of Winchester city centre.    A short meander around the quainter (traffic-free) parts of the city will then lead us to tea either at Winchester Cathedral refectory (closes 4.00pm) or Wetherspoons (The Old Gaol) , as preferred!   Return home will be from Winchester station, very close to the tea stops, but unhappily sited at the top of a hill, probably the steepest one of the whole ride!   Otherwise, much less hilly than almost all recent 'A' rides with only about 700m/2,100' of height gain all the way from New Haw to Winchester.    Off-road sections are limited to a couple of fully-surfaced cycle paths.   I will lead this group but if more than nine want to continue to Winchester then we will need another volunteer co-leader.

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/159784292

There is an ASLEF strike on 31 May which will mean some reduced suburban services, but note that SouthWestern Railway still plan to run a full service between Winchester and Surbiton/Clapham Jct.   There are normally three available trains per hour London-wards, and you can get back to Surbiton (for example) in just less than an hour, if you are lucky, but you will usually need to change at least once, either at Basingstoke or Woking.  Group Save fares (a third off for three or more people travelling together to the same place) may be available if you do not have a Senior Railcard, but one person would need to buy all the tickets for those travelling together.

As this is rather more complicated than usual, do e-mail or WhatsApp me if you have any questions.   Otherwise, if you are interested in joining the ride, or co-leading if needed, please e-mail me at cycledave23@gmail.com by 6.00 pm on Monday 29 May and state clearly your choice of destination (Winchester or Ripley).   If still needed, I will then request co-leaders if no volunteers have stepped forward in the interim.

Enigma Etape Ecstasy

Titanium repair - a new seat tube.

 Two months ago I blogged about a crack in the seat tube of my Enigma Etape. The good news - Enigma honoured the 10 year warranty on the frame and rebuilt the frame with a replacement seat tube - at no cost! I was delighted - even ecstatic, to whizz round Richmond Park this afternoon on a shakedown ride. I'm now more than ready for the Ford Ride London on Sunday.

Report for B Group ride - 24th May

Alan writes for Team B1:

On the way to Elevenses

It was a beautiful sunny day, as the first group of 10 riders on the Wayfarers B Ride left the Westway Community Centre at Caterham to follow a quiet route of 32 miles (with around 1,300 feet of elevation) between Caterham on the Hill and Leatherhead.

It was an idyllic route riding through quiet (almost traffic-free) lanes and roads, with good views across open countryside and beautiful scenery. A day to remember. A reminder of what a good day on the bike can be when the sun comes out as the landscape is beginning to change. 

The route passed through Woldingham, Horne and Smallfield, before stopping at the Farmhouse Pub for lunch. The Farmhouse is a large pub with a good size garden. It was an ideal venue to have lunch, chat and enjoy the sun. A chance to relax after the morning’s efforts.

After lunch, Brenda left to make her way home via Horley Station. The remainder of the group enjoyed an afternoon ride which included a mix of quiet roads, cycle tracks and paths through Salfords, Whitebushes and Woodhatch through to Brockham. We then followed a familiar route back to Leatherhead via Deepdene and Pixham, passing beneath Box Hill. Keith decided to take a more energetic route home over Box Hill leaving the rest of the group to ride to Leatherhead for a welcome cup of tea and cake (courtesy of Davey).

After tea and cake at Leatherhead we’d all but forgotten about our effort climbing up the “The Enterdent” in the morning. A short but steep hill which, I understand, had gradients of up to 20% (?) The hard work reaching the top was all forgotten as we reflected on a good day out before we split to go our separate ways home.

Thanks to Diane, Tim, Mick, Dave, Brenda, Sabina, Bernard, Chris and Keith for the company (and to Tim for back marking) and a great day out. Thanks also to Tim C for planning a beautiful, scenic route. A very enjoyable day.

~ Alan

Tim writes for Team B2:

Nineteen B Group regulars, and two A riders (Dave F and Keith) who had promoted themselves up to B Group for the day, set out from Caterham at their appointed times with Alan and myself leading the two groups. Unfortunately neither John nor Lilian could ride with us today despite their intentions to join us.

Overcome with joy on
 reaching the loos on Farthing Down

We weren't the only traffic on Farthing Down

Once beyond the Ann Summers roundabout we felt that we had been liberated into the countryside and it was an idyllic day to cruise through Marden Park and the Woldingham School property, stopping for a photo opportunity with the local cattle and their calves as we rode through their domain.

During our recce Alan and I passed a little too quickly through Church Town (Old Godstone), just half a mile to the East of Godstone but noted that we could pause today's ride there and take a few photos. The narrow lane and the wealth of historical interest in this tiny place convey no sense of the proximity of the larger town and its ghastly volume of vehicular traffic. The church of St Nicholas can boast an evolution through Saxon and Norman times though these early constructions were replaced almost entirely in the 13th century. The church as we see it today is as it was restored in the 13th century style by Sir George Gilbert Scott in the 1870s. Next door are the St Mary's Alms Houses which were built in 1872 to Gilbert Scott's design in his interpretation of a Tudor style.

I had hoped to score recognition of a first visit to this little place by the Wayfarers but Steph said that she had been there on rides led by Harry Cole. Tony mentioned that the population of the original village around the church had been wiped out by the Great Plague in 1342.

While we were marvelling at the architecture we encountered the local Wikipedia, a man with considerable knowledge of all the local history. We could easily have felt tempted to abandon the ride and hear more from him and take up his suggestion of visiting the chapel. But we moved on and noted the Old (15th century) Packhouse as we coasted by.

(photo by Ian Capper published in geograph.org.uk)

We crossed the Eastbourne Road and confronted a severe climb up a short lane known as Enterdent Road, leading up to Tilburstowhill Common. But in the dappled shade from the large trees and the profusion of bluebells this was far from unpleasant.

"Our leader pausing by the bluebells (while others were watering them)"
(Photo and caption by Steph)

We reached a rather unpleasant junction with the A22, crossed it then made our way along for 0.2 miles where we crossed back and into Byers Lane. Easier terrain soon took us through Smallfield and on to lunch at The Farmhouse Pub on the outskirts of Horley.

Nobody remembered ever visiting this pub and we enjoyed the experience. Tracy and her team were most welcoming, and efficient at delivering very decent food to us. So I hope that we'll go there again; it was a good alternative to the Jack Fairman where we often stop for lunch.

After lunch we picked up NCN 21 again and rode through to Salfords then Woodhatch. In Slipshatch Road we had to rearrange some barriers which had been put there to enforce a road closure. We passed through and put them back as we found them and were soon heading up Flanchford Road for our ever popular route to Betchworth and Brockham.

We arrived in Leatherhead just as Alan's team was leaving Charlie and Ginger so we opted for l'Ultimo Cucina Italiana. They didn't seem to have any cake, but being a restaurant they had an assortment of ice cream and other puddings which proved to be a fine alternative to the cakes we'd been anticipating.

Thanks to everyone for embracing the day, to Alan for leading the first group, expertly by all accounts, and to Colin for back-marking for our group.

~ Tim

Sun at last !

Caterham is a long way to 11's, so the Norwesters sprang into action with a ride to Windlesham, and the Sun pub for lunch.

A good turnout at Shepperton Lock saw Tony, Simon, Pam, Gill, Ann, Carolyn, Arwyn and Geoff have 11;s in the Sun, a changeable headwind saw us heading West and out through Adlestone to Holloway Hill and down to Chobham, via the edge of Fareoaks airfield. We were soon queuing at the bakery opposite the Sun pub, the pub doesn't do food at present but are happy to let us eat brought-in food. Sitting the Garden and contemplating a way home, it was challenging to get back on the bike.

 

Chobham, Common soon led to Sunningdale and onto the entrance of WGP at Blacnest gate, and we were soon descending Tite Hill and the warm afternoon tea stop in Egham at Libertos, bar and coffee shop, again it was hard to tear ourselves away from the cosy suntrap, but away we went, back roads to the edge of Thorpe, Chertsey and then just 3 of us left for Ice cream at Walton Mariner. time was marching on, so homeward bound we headed.

 

Thank you all for a really nice day on the bike, and especially to Simon, of the blooded knee, for bringing up the rear.

Tony..

 

Cateye Strada Wireless Slim Cycle Computer - Advice Sought.

 I have long ago been left stranded on the windswept shores of cycle technology. Cateye has been my compass and source of ride data. My son gave me a Garmin, but I have never mastered the language. Others seem most at home with it. For some reason I recently decided to replace my Cateye Strada Wireless Slim Cycle Computer. That has caused me hours of futile labour. Should be so simple.

The problem:  I use three bikes. On the Pearson and Boardman, it works as expected and records my ride data, but when I fit it to my Roubaix  it records time for about 30 seconds and then ceases to record. I have adjusted the magnet and sensor multiple times, but after 30 seconds it stop recording. Same with three other computers. I have changed the sensor. The problem persists. But just on the Roubaix.

 Cateye website no help, but I am sure that we have within CTCSWL the AI to get to the bottom of this problem and send me cycling blissfully, with accurate stats,  into the twilight.

I'm sure that you will not let me down. Just, perhaps show me what at twerp I am. 

Expectanttly yours,

Jeff

Invitation to a B group ride from Caterham - 24th May

Please come and join Alan and I for our ride from the Westway Centre in Caterham to Horley.

About 16 miles (1hr 45 mins. approx.) of serene and verdant Surrey countryside will take us from Elevenses to The Farmhouse Pub. I don't recall going there before so I'm hoping it will be a nice surprise for all of us.

There will be more downhill than up in the morning but the ride will include one short and sweet 'challenge' which will require our lowest gears and well-oiled legs.

This is the route:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42486874

There is no need to pre-order our lunches but have a look at this menu (or visit http://www.thefarmhousehorley.co.uk/food/) if you want to plan ahead and give yourself something to dream about while you're riding along.

Please let me know by email or by private SMS/WhatsApp message if you are coming with us.

Our two teams will depart at 10:50 (Alan) and 11:00 (Tim C); remember that thanks to the hills of Banstead and Farthing Down it can take quite a while to get to Elevenses, over an hour and half for many of us.

In the afternoon we'll ride for about 2 hours to get to a café in Leatherhead.

Look forward to seeing you there

~ Tim C

Invitation to 'A' Ride Group Caterham to Hartfield, the Magic of Ashdown Forest, train assist return

Wednesday 24th May we start from Caterham, riding mostly country lanes. At 22 miles is our lunch stop  the Anchor Hartfield. Then a visit to the AA Milne memorial, amazing views there and along the ridge, and back by the last few miles of the Forest Trail to E. Grinstead for a train assist return. Caterham to E.Grinstead train is 36 miles and 2400 ft. 

I have gone for a train assist because its a long and hilly haul to get to the Caterham start point, this route does pack in a generous amount of climbing, and we have the Ride London 100 on the following Sunday. Probably a few will ride all the way back, (Pat W, trainees for LEJOG, ??), but not me this time, nor Dave W. sub-leading.    

Some more details .Once past Dormans hopefully the route is new to most of you.

I reccied it on Monday and it was a delight. Caterham to lunch is 22 miles. When I arrived at the Anchor on Monday I had that 'deja vu' .. that I'd been there before with Wayfarers, but I can't find a trace of it in the blogs or my Strava, so hopefully this *is* new to most of you. Refreshed with a "100 Acre" lager at the Anchor I did the steady climb to near the Enchanted Wood, to visit the memorial to AA Milne, which records of him "he captured the magic of  Ashdown Forest and gave it to the world". Perhaps Pooh Bear is too innocent for our times. Goodbye Christopher Robin is an excellent film which shows the other side of the coin. Highly recommended. 

Then there is the long elevated ridge (Hindleap Lane) with magnificent views over the Forest to the North Downs, and later, to the South Downs. Then the last mile of the Forest Way (hardpacked mostly smooth dirt/gravel) take us to E. Grinstead train station for Croyden E. and beyond. 

To join the ride please message me by 6pm Monday, by whatsapp or email ( neilwarland43@gmail.com ) 

A Ride to Warnham on 17th May

We have always had a warm welcome at The Sussex Oak in Warnham so I felt another visit was justified. I took various sections of previous routes, reversed parts and added in Weare Street. 

At Leatherhead the sun was shining, we sat outside, and everybody seemed happy.

Frances led away the first group and made good progress to lunch and were about to leave when my group got there. Janice had already left for family duties.

After lunch they added in an extra hill for luck.

Steve Duffin led the second group and here is his report - 

I have to say I was not looking forward to the ride, having done a recce on Sunday. I was tired out, but then I have not been cycling for some time. Also I had two punctures on the last ride and two the ride before that! Not a good precedent. I was also perturbed that Dave and Jenny Jackson and Pete Betts would make short work of the hills on their electrically powered steeds. 

However with Geoff Gregory as back marker we set off and enjoyed the sunny countryside. The roads were quiet and nasty Pebble Combe Hill didn't throw any problems in our path. The route was easy to follow and we only found the road really rough down Weare Street. Even here, we met some delightful geese to converse with by the pond.

The outward way went quickly and soon we arrived at the Sussex Oak. It was a struggle after lunch as the food was good and plentiful. Lots more undulating climbing finally led to the ascent of Combe Bottom. After this it was mainly fast descent to Cobham. Despite the hills, Pete still had 40% battery charge left. Impressive technology! A reasonably flat route would see 100 miles on a single charge! Worth considering. 

Thanks to Geoff for back marking so well. Also thanks to my cheery companions, who made the whole exercise worthwhile.

I left last with Sue C, Sue F, Keith and Mike B. The sun was shining, the roads were (mostly) quiet and we made steady progress. Lunch in the garden was a relaxed affair for the others as I slowly consumed my steak and ale pie, mash and veg. No photo is available of this but it did mean that progress in the afternoon was even steadier.

Thanks all for a great day out, especially to Frances and Steve for leading their groups.

Wayfarers Cycling Ride London, 28th May 2023.

 A number of Wayfarers have signed-up for the Ford Ride London on 28th May 2023. A group of 5 have targeted the 60 mile route. These riders comprise:-

Diane Porter,

Francis D’Silva,

Madeleine Shearer - and friend Linda Morris,

Mick Aber.

In addition the following A group riders plan to cycle the 100 mile route:-

Janice Dawes,

Mike Barrett,

Alan Imeson,

Ged Lawrenson.

Best wishes on the day for these riders - (as well as other Wayfarers who may be cycling the Event). I’m sure they’ll be plenty of feedback from riders reliving their experiences.

Missing rain jacket?

John Bellamy was the last to leave Leatherhead DC and was asked by a member of their staff to look after a rain jacket which had been left on a table outside. It is a size "M" and mainly yellow with an orange back.  The product name "White Night" is on the outside of the collar.

A notice has been posted on the Easy Riders WhatsApp but nobody in that group has claimed it yet.

Please let John or me know if this is your jacket.

~ Tim

B ride report - 17th May

Three groups set off from Leatherhead .  The first led by Gill Holder escaped promptly at 10.40 and was not seen again til lunch.  The second led by Christina set off briskly but was caught in the many paths of Norbury Park and groups 2 and 3 rode together to Crabtree Lane.  A lovely photo stop at the viewpoint allowed for a little more inter group socialising before we all set off again.  The weather was perfect and even the clouds closing overhead at lunch didn't spoil the ambience.

After lunch groups one and two continued up little Switzerland .  Various nor'westers went home via Leatherhead and I had to catch a train from Dorking for grandma duties.  I think only Tim C and Grant out of the third group valiantly climbed up to Headley to complete the route to tea at Ashtead.  

The extra mile 

Elevenses at the Fairfield Centre on Wednesday was what it is all about; warm(ish) sunshine, and a big gathering from all elements of the Wayfarers including old friends.  Christina's group was the second of the three to leave and it went as smooth as clockwork all the way to Norbury Park, when the Kremlin's hacking of our gpx route began to take effect.  It did not detract from our enjoyment; far from it, we discovered a wide variety of gravel tracks and the fields in which they culminated, made some exciting u-turns, and confused a couple of hikers sitting on a bench at one of the intersections by passing them repeatedly in differing directions, a bit like a Benny Hill sketch.  Our adventure culminated in the sighting of another group of cyclists, which turned out to be Steph's group, travelling in the opposite direction!

Once we had formed an alliance the direction finding improved and we had a splendid ride to lunch at the Plough, and an even sunnier, warmer afternoon making our way to and up Little Switzerland for leisurely tea at The Olive Tree, where we all agreed that the ride had been so short and so flat that it was jolly good that unlike the other leaders, ours had gone the extra mile.

Thanks are due to Christina for holding her nerve when the word "lost" was being bandied about, and for getting everybody (well, nearly everybody) up Surrey's answer to the Alps.

Maggie and Brenda. First timers to the top of  little Switzerland.

Report for Easy Riders - 10th May

Maybe it was the weather forecast. Perhaps it was the thought of sitting through the AGM. Whatever the reason, just five Easy Riders set off from North Cheam.

We made good time to Hersham but, unfortunately, not quite good enough to allow time for Elevenses.

We were joined by John Bellamy – in mufti; still recovering from his fall – at the AGM. Thanks to the efficient conduct of the meeting we were on the road again in bright sunshine before midday.

With the need for refreshments pressing and the forecast casting a pall, the decision was taken to prioritise an early lunch. We headed for the Thames Court at Old Shepperton. According to the grapevine the pub has had its ups and downs since the pandemic but it seems in good hands now; a warm welcome, good food and quick service.

There was no reason to delay our departure and we took the most direct route home along Lower Sunbury Road. Even so, the rain started within half an hour and gave us a thorough soaking.

Nature’s irony ended the ride. Almost within sight of home the blue sky and bright sunshine returned, albeit not in time to dry our clothes.

The day’s Easy Riders were Ed Sharp, Gillian Calder, Jane Gunningham, Nigel Cornwell and myself.

~ Frank C

 

"Bernard's" pothole to be fixed.

"Bernard's" pothole to be fixed. 

This has taken considerably longer than I expected partly due to my lack of familiarity with what I judge as an unnecessarily "non-user friendly" process.  I will check with CTC (as directed to by the hot link on the Sou'Wester portal) and as necessary will engage them and/or the relevant HMG junior minister with a proposal for a more efficient process.  I'll involve a member of the Committee if requested; a brief chat with a Committee nominee at a future ride would be appreciated.           

The relevant teams at Surrey CC have acted promptly.  

Your Reference Number: 2640291

Highways Reference Number: 30898

Dear chris.mhyde,

Thank you for your enquiry which has been logged as follows:

Issue: CW - Pothole (P2) (Carriageway and Footway)
Location: WINDSOR ROAD EGHAM

We have inspected this location and have now passed this safety problem to our work teams for repair. It will be fixed or made safe within the next 5 working days.

To find out more about our timescales, and how we prioritise problems on the roads, please go to: www.surreycc.gov.uk/highwaysafetyinspections

Kind regards,
Surrey Highways

Please do not reply to this message, as it is sent from an unmonitored email address. If you need to get in contact with us again about this enquiry, please email highways@surreycc.gov.uk quoting your reference.

Invitation to B ride on Wednesday 17th May

Steph has designed a scenic and at times undulating B Group route in the Surrey Hills for this Wednesday, 17th May. Around 15 miles each before and after lunch.

We will meet at the Fairfield Centre in Leatherhead for Elevenses.

These are the routes:

Leatherhead to The Plough in Leigh

Leigh to the Ashtead Garden Centre

Please email cberkley33@gmail.com or private WhatsApp 07376 886 367 by 6pm Monday 15 May if you would like to join the ride.

~ Christina

Continuing my ride round the coast

I'm setting off tomorrow to continue riding round the coast.   Last year I rode the South Wales rollercoast, and this year I'm starting in north Somerset, heading west.   If you're interested, you can follow my travels on this blog.  I hope you (and I) have good riding in gorgeous weather!   See you in a couple of weeks.

Simon

Scam email

Just a Word of Caution

I have today received a scam email, purporting to come from Mike Barrett.

Some scammer must have access to his address book or mine. I have not been able to contact Mike.

If you receive any such email, you might be well advised to delete immediately without responding.

Perhaps absence from rides is making me paranoid.

Best wishes and cave!

Jeff Tollerman

(They really are out to get you.)

Invitation to A Ride on 17th May

From Leatherhead we will ride to Headley to warm the legs up before descending to Betchworth, cycling past The Surrey Oaks and on to The Sussex Oak in Warnham. No pre-ordering is required.

After lunch we will head for Cobham. Lots of the climbs you have done previously will transform into descents.😀 ( But unfortunately there will be a few descents that are now climbs.😟 )

Twenty-two miles before lunch, and another 22 after.

Please email me by 6pm Monday if you like to join us. I will send out group timings and gpx on Tuesday.

Report for Easy Riders - 3rd May

ROAD AHEAD CLOSED … the sign that has greeted the Easy Riders as they set out from Cobham both last month and last week.

Thinking that such warnings don’t always apply to cyclists, we carried on regardless down Plough Lane. One mile later we were confronted with a flooded road. Last month caution prevailed and we turned back but, this time, emboldened by the sight of a lone rider (not a club member) tentatively making his way through the water, we pressed ahead. The kerb disappeared at the deepest point (perhaps 4/5”) and, to varying degrees, we got wet feet. However, we passed through without serious misadventure. 

A little further on and there it was again … ROAD AHEAD CLOSED! Not a flood this time though, but roadworks which were easily navigated.

Having turned left at the Black Swan (Ockham), we headed towards out lunch stop at the Plough in Effingham. With almost unbroken sunshine throughout the day we were able to enjoy – for the first time this year - a pleasant lunch in the garden.

Our return journey took us through the Bookhams to Leatherhead, across Ashtead Common on the northern side (thankfully the paths were mainly dry) and on to the Moat where some stopped for tea and others made their way home.

~ Frank C.

Report for Easy Riders - 26th April

A cold but dry day. Elleray Hall in Teddington was busy with all three groups meeting there for elevenses. It was good to see Bernard Power who has fractured his quadrucep ligament while cycling. He was in good spirits and is waiting for surgery. We also heard from John Bellamy who has a torn muscle in his thigh.

Frank Carter led nine of us on a very pleasant route which followed the Middlesex bank of the Thames until we crossed the river at Chiswick. We rode through a film set in Lower Isleworth - '1,000 Blows' the film is going to be called - watch out for some new stars! Sandy left us in Richmond Park, we were eight at The Green Man on Putney Heath. Dawn regaled us with stories of her recent trip to the Middle East, while we waited for the somewhat erratic service.

Seven went back across Wimbledon Common, while Don went through Richmond Park. 33 miles for me, door to door. Thank you Frank for an enjoyable day.

~ Don Elms

Invitation to A group ride, post-AGM, Wednesday 10th May

 This week's ride will be shorter than usual as the AGM will run until around 12 noon-ish. The post-AGM ride will be somewhere around 12 miles to lunch, depending on the time we get away, and lunch will be at the Seven Stars in Ripley.

They have asked us to pre-order lunch, menu's below.

The afternoon ride will be a circuitous route of about 16 miles back to Cobham, for tea and cake at a cafe of your choice.

There are several sections of what is technically off-road, but these are largely all well-ridden by the group and will be familiar to most eg the path from Weybridge station to Brooklands, the concrete bridal-way from East Clandon to West Horsley and possibly Bookham Common. There is also one short section of canal path and woodland track that may be new to most.

Please respond by 7pm on Monday evening if you would like to come on the ride, along with your lunch choice.

PS. Please reply to bartholomews@blueyonder.co.uk