Invitation to the 2024 Annual Lunch

CTC SWL Annual Lunch and Prizegiving

6th March 2024 at 12:30 for lunch at 1 p.m.

We are delighted to tell you that Jennie has booked the Ristorante Sorrento (379 Ewell Road, Tolworth, KT6 7DE) for our annual lunch.

This has proved to be a most popular venue for the occasion since our first visit in 2018 and we are pleased to be able to hold the event there again.

The set price for a three-course lunch will be £19.00, as it was last year (and the year before 😋). This includes a service charge, but does not include any drinks, coffee or tea. This is the menu:

(click to enlarge)

Please book by placing your order, and pay in advance by 15th February.

We expect the occasion will be attended by over 60 members, as it has been in recent years.

Please send an email message to Tim Court with your order for (i) a starter and (ii) a main meal. The waiters will take your orders for dessert after the main course on the day.

The preferred method of payment (£19.00) is via your online banking facility, but we can also accept cash or a cheque. For online payment please ask Tim for our bank details if you don’t already have them.

If you wish to pay cash please give the correct amount to one of the Membership Representatives, Patrick Watmough (A), Christina Berkley (B), Helen Tovey (C).

Any food allergies or Vegan requirements must be notified to Tim so that these details can be noted and passed to the restaurant staff.

All ride leaders please note that your teams should be delivered to the restaurant by 12.30 p.m. so that everyone will have time to buy drinks, chat, and browse the photography exhibition, and settle down ready to confirm orders with the waiting staff.

Thank you

Tim C

A group ride report for 24th Jan

Firstly, I must give chapeaux to my hardy subleaders Frances and Jennie who both braved the appalling weather prior to the ride and did route recces on two wheels. I am embarrassed to say that I did mine in the car….

Since the forecast looked much improved for the 24^th with better temperatures and no rain or ice, we had a stellar turnout of 23 riders. Lucy and her team at Riverhouse Barn were unfazed by the extra numbers for coffee and housed us in the main theatre on the proviso that we would be gone before the philosophy café participants arrived. Dave V and Ged joined us for coffee so it was good to see them both too.

My group of eight were last to set off to West End battling a stiff head wind however others kindly took a turn on the front which was a nice respite. Road closures had lifted and much to my surprise after finding water-logged and debris strewn roads the day before, they were miraculously clear.

The staff at the Hare and Hounds were very well organised and got our great- value food out swiftly, so much so that my group were ready to get back on the road just after 1pm. Aided by the wind we had a lovely run back to Walton and three stayed for tea at the Wilde Bunch.

Thanks to backmarkers, subleaders and everyone else for their excellent company. A really, albeit short, day out. I did enjoy getting home by 3:30 though!

Jennie’s report:

Second group to depart was my  group of six  including new rider Roger Smith – welcome to the Wayfarers Roger and hope you can join us again. Thank goodness you are not called Dave!

We had a smooth ride to the pub, getting around road closures with no problem. Food arrived quickly and we had a fast ride back to Walton with the wind behind us. Three returned to Riverhouse for tea. A great day out!

 

Frances’s report: 

We met on a warmer day at the lovely Riverbarn cafe in Walton.

Our group was the first off, Steve D,Andy Huddart,Brian,Patrick,Dave Bartholomew, Richard B,Neil W and Hans - my merrymen!

The outbound was into a head wind which Steve kindly took the brunt of and we pushed along nicely on good roads to such an extent we reached the Hare and Hounds at West End around 11.45am.  We were warmly greeted and soon had a very nice selection of wraps and chips without any fuss or waiting!

We departed promptly and instead of going back via Stonehill we continued past Fairoaks to Walton Bridge.  The party decided that we push on to Hampton Court for perhaps another lunch stop helped by tail wind.  We decided dessert was cake at Dish just before 2pm and had the benefit of the sunshine to end a very nice ride out.

Thanks all for assistance and banter.

B Group Ride, 31st Jan

 You are invited to join the B group ride on Wednesday the 31st of Jan, 11's at Elery Hall Teddington,  lunch at Chertsey Bridge Hotel, and tea at the Lion Gate cafe,  Bushey Park.  18 miles to lunch with a few undulations. Around 10 miles to tea.Please PM me on Whatsapp, or email me at tonyiahopkins@gmail.com

 Tony..

 

Join the 'A' Group Ride from Teddington on Weds 31 Jan 2024

Just for a change on Wednesday 31 January the 'A's' will be setting off south-eastwards from the Elleray Hall, bound for lunch at The Sir Julian Huxley (Wetherspoons, but quite a nice one) at Selsdon.  Don't be put off if this sounds a bit urban and gritty as much of the 18-mile outbound route is on pleasant, mud-free cycle paths and through parks, and we will actually only pass two industrial estates, honest!    Another 13 miles, mainly on quieter, but often undulating, residential roads will take us back to tea at Horton Arts Centre, Epsom.   Not exactly a flat route but overall probably still a bit less hilly than a typical 'A' group ride.    

If you would like to join the ride please e-mail me at cycledave23@gmail.com by 5.00 pm on Monday 29 January.   If more convenient for you, you can ask to join the ride at either New Malden station or Arthur Road, Motspur Park instead of Teddington. The return route also passes through Sutton, Cheam and Ewell if you would like leave to leave the ride before tea.

A willing volunteer(s) to co-lead from .gpx (plus supplementary guidance I will provide) would be more than welcome.    Failing this, I'll deal with requests to join the ride in the order received and if there are more than about nine I'll start a second group which will need to make its own arrangements to follow the route https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/245077149  from .gpx.

(Just for the record, I'm aware the first para above is in larger font than the others but am unable to change it as the post appears to have got corrupted)!

Report for Easy Riders - 24th January

Eight of us gathered at North Cheam this week. We were glad to see Ed, who had been unwell at home the last couple of weeks, and Gillian, fully recovered after last week's outing. With Frank C, John and Anne C, Sandy and John B, we set off for coffee at Walton on Thames, via Malden Manor. It soon became apparent that although the weather was mild, there was quite a strong headwind. Then as we rode through Tolworth, Frank's crank and pedal fell off, so he diverted to the bike repair shop at Hook while the rest of us continued through Long Ditton, then via the Angel and Weston Green. It was good to find that the footway between the waterworks and the timber yard just before Hersham has been resurfaced; it's almost twice as wide as it used to be too, so a much pleasanter riding experience than the old cracked and pitted tarmac path.

Alas, shortly after Walton Park, Ed felt unwell and decided to head for home. The last couple of miles along Sidney Road lead directly into the wind and it was too much. (He did get home OK, the following wind made it easier than continuing).

At Riverside Theatre café we met John Bellamy, Don, Bernard and Ray. There were a few jokes about how late we were (11.30! Record breaking!) but there were plenty of cakes left and the lady behind the counter was welcoming. Good coffee too!

Frank arrived, bike sorted, about 12. We booked lunch for 1.15 pm at Tide End Cottage, and we were soon on our way there with the wind in our sails and the sun shining...heavens, it was almost warm!

After lunch, sun still shining, we all took our various ways home. Too late for a teastop, but at least it was still broad daylight when we got back. Spring is on its way.

~ Helen

B Group report - 24th January

For our cycling excursion out from Walton to Woking, 27 keen Wayfarers 🚵 enrolled.

On this occasion we weren't able to avail ourselves of the hospitality of the Walton Day Centre. Seemingly they can't get the Staff - (to coin a phrase.)

So The Wilde Brunch became our Elevenses meeting point. 

To try and appease the motoring fraternity we split into three groups, The Falcons, the Galahs, and the Harriers.

The group I led was composed of nine riders, Margaret, Diane, Christina, Ann, Steph, Sabina, Bernard, Tony Hooker, this being the middle group on the road, with the group name of the Galahs 😀🦜. 

A Westerly headwind prevailed on our outward leg of the ride. Today's weather was a juxtaposition of last week's cool weather.

The upside was the fact that it kept the motorists' pollution at bay. The tailwind was helpful after lunch, heading homeward from the Herbert Wells in Woking.

Some of our group made a welcome stop for fuel in the afternoon, at the Riverside Barn in Walton.

The Navigator leading our group did seem to struggle to some degree, so thank you to the assistant navigators 😁.

Also thanks to our good backmarker!  

Thanks to all who took part in our ride today, which made it an enjoyable day out.

~ Dave (Fixie)

______________________________________

Blessed with a dry, warm but breezy day, it was a big turnout by the B's.

After a refreshing coffee at the Wilde Brunch café at Walton Bridge, the 7 Falcons (Francis leading, Brenda, Julie, Dawn, Ian W, Tim G and John A) left on time to head west towards Addlestone, LongCross and Chobham Common where the group stopped to admire the views and take a breather.

Suitably refreshed, we pushed on towards Woking and lunch at The Herbert Wells (Wetherspoons pub). On seeing a statue of H.G Wells, Tim instinctively gave us a history lesson on Woking's most famous resident and writer of The War of the Worlds and The Invisible Man.

The usual quick service saw us about to leave just as The Galahs walked into the pub.

The afternoon's ride was 10 miles back to Walton via Woodham and we arrived in good time. A few departed for home while the rest headed for their cuppa at the Riverhouse Barn.

A special thank you to Ian W who tried valiantly to help Julie get her low gears working again, even scouring around for bike repair shop in Woking. Alas, no luck but hopefully it will be fixed today.  

An enjoyable day out after the miserable weather of late.

~ Francis

______________________________________

We had a very good turnout for a winter ride, nearly 30 riders made there way to Wilde Brunch Café at Walton-on-Thames for Elevenses. Dave had planned the day and organised three teams, The Falcons led by Francis, The Galahs led by Dave and The Harriers led by Mick, we departed in that order.

Our Team Harriers left the cafe more or less on time. We were hampered with a headwind as we headed west from Walton-on-Thames nor did that ease as we turned south towards Woking. Nevertheless the weather was kind considering Storms Isha and Jocelyn had battered the area in the prior days. We kept the pace easy to reflect the weather and ‘new year legs’. The route was pleasant and we enjoyed riding across Chobham Common where we stopped for a group photo catching the prior group ‘The Galahs’ completing their photo opportunity. On through Chobham into Woking where we lunched at The Herbert Wells.

As this was a winter ride we were expecting a lot of riders to skip the afternoon ride but most continued. We headed north east and were relieved to have a tail wind. It was a short ride of 10 miles back to Walton where we stopped for a very pleasant tea and cake at Riverhouse Barn.

We all returned home having had the cobwebs definitely blown away.

~ Mick

(also in the team but not in the photos: Tony Hopkins and Pam)

Sou'Wester Shorts - did you receive the latest edition?

Issue 73 of Sou'Wester Shorts, edited by Dave Vine, has just been distributed by email.   If you missed out on receiving it, then this info is for you.

Shorts contains a digest of news of our rides, with photos and other information about the club.  It's published every few weeks and sent via a google distribution service called googlegroups.

If you are a new member, you may not be subscribed to the newsletter.   If so please click here to email me and I can add you to the distribution list.

If you have been a member for a few years and you still don't receive it, it's possible that you are already subscribed but your email system is registering Shorts as spam.  We're aware of a few people who often don't receive it.  If it's not in your spam folder, please do let me know, and we will try to get a copy to you one way or another.

Happy reading!

A Group ride to West End on 24th January

 You are invited to join the ride next Wednesday from Walton to West End and back to Walton. Our usual elevenses venue at the day centre is closed so we will be meeting at the Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre café, Manor Rd, Walton KT12 2PF. It is 15 miles to lunch and 12 back to Walton so not too far at this time of year. 

It is a flattish route along mainly familiar roads and we will have lunch  at The Hare and Hounds in West End. They don’t require a pre- order  and I have had good reasonably priced food there with the B’s in the past. They are hosting a wake from 1pm so I will aim to get all groups there by 12:45 and we will have a fighting chance of getting back to Walton ahead of the busy traffic with plenty of choice of cafes for those that want tea. 

This is the route:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45341095

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

Sue

Sue.foster39@gmail.com

A Group Ride to Horley - 17 January.

The weather forecasts leading up to Wednesday seemed to put a lot of people off so there were just eight of us who turned up at Dorking. The welcome there was warm and the cake delicious but just before 11.00 we headed off to Horley in two groups of four.

Steve Duffin was first away and here is his report -

I was surprised that there were few riders out on this ride. However with dire warnings of ice it was probably a more sensible decision. One bad fall can lead to a six month lay off from riding. However the temperature, although very cold at about 1 degree, there wasn't the usual frost on the cars. So with Keith, Sue C and Dave Ferret we set off at a slow careful pace from Dorking.

Traffic numbers were down also and so we had a quieter ride on mostly ice free roads. Potholes were more of a problem. There were only a few going to Newdigate, but after Capel and Green Lane, south of Rusper there were holes that would do damage to a car wheel let alone a bicycle one. I stopped to take a picture of my team, but the hi-vis jackets attracted the ominous attention of a flock of sheep who lined up on the horizon to stare at us.



One of the pleasures of riding at this time of year is that you can observe nature in its dormant state. Little sparrows hunting for food and birds of prey circling overhead also hunting. Nature never rests.

After passing Ifield we went north on the Gatwick perimeter road. It was too cold for the plane spotters and by this time my legs were hurting. The road seemed to go on forever, but eventually we arrived at Charlwood and meandered our way to the Jack Fairman. There were only two behind the bar and one of the locals was complaining that at New Year so many people arrived they took a long time to be served. So many people walked out. I have never witnessed that in a Wetherspoons before.

After lunch we made our way straight north past Meath Green to Dover's Green and on to Betchworth, where my team mutinied at the idea of riding on the A 25 and so we went through to Brockham and took the old coach road past the golf club out to Pixham Lane and on to Leatherhead. We didn't stop for tea and made our way home.

A pleasant first real ride of the year for me. I was so grateful for the opportunity to get my legs working again. The previous week I really struggled despite electrical assistance. So thank you Neil for a flat(?) route and to my fellow riders braving the cold and being rewarded with a safe and pleasant day out.




A few minutes after Steve's group I left with Janice, Mark and Dave B. There hadn't been a frost overnight so most of the ice was limited the puddles at the side of the road. The sun was trying very hard to break through but never succeeded but the gentle inclines kept us warm.

We arrived at The Jack Fairman just before 1.00 and had the usual prompt service. With just a short ride in the afternoon no-one was in too much hurry to leave. But just before 2.00 we left, pausing only for Janice to take a photo of the rest of the group.

Mark headed off for a gravelly route home while Janice, Dave and I rode down Lonesome Lane and over to Betchworth before the usual route back to Leatherhead. Here we all voted for home in the light rather than tea.

Thanks to all who ventured out and a special thank you to Steve for leading his group without a recce and the report.

Invitation to a B Group ride on 24th January

A cordial invite to the B ride on the 24th Jan, starting out from the Wilde Brunch at Walton (N.B. not the day centre), 17 miles to lunch at The Herbert Wells in Woking. And for those not planning to stay in Woking, 😄 we are cycling 🚲 back to the Riverhouse Barn in Walton, 9.5miles.

Three groups:

1st Ray @ 10.35

2nd myself @ 10.45

3rd Mick @ 10.55

Looking forward to hearing from you:

Davey1828@gmail.com or 07952627346 for WhatsApp.  Feel free to pick your starting time.

This will be our route:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45336075

~ Dave

Report for the Easy Riders - 17th January

Not an easy ride today, despite staying local. We had a very chilly start, still at -1°C for our group meeting at North Cheam. There were seven of us, Frank B and Frank C, John and Anne C, Jane, Gillian and me. We set off shortly after 9.30 for Molesey Boat Club, via Ewell and Hook. Alas, the tunnel under the A3 was still closed due to flooding (despite 10 days without rain!) so we had to double back to Hook roundabout and down the slip road past the old Cap in Hand, to turn right at the rose nursery and proceed past Squires at Long Ditton. On the way, John C's bike developed a puncture, so he and Anne stopped to mend it while the rest of us continued to coffee.

Molesey Boat Clubhouse was busy and cosy when we arrived, and we were glad of our hot drinks and pastries, and the usual social chat of course.Tony Hooker, Bernard P, John Bellamy were already there, and Sandy and John B soon arrived, so we were a round dozen for coffee.

The Green Man at Putney Heath was decided for our lunch destination. John Bellamy headed home, John and Anne turned up frozen as we were leaving, but were planning to follow us after warming up, and the rest of us set off en route via Bushy Park, Teddington and Ham Common to cross Richmond Park.

Just after the Diana monument in Bushy, we met Carolyn Beer on her way to Hampton Court, and in the stop to exchange greetings John Bayliss' bike went from under him. Was it black ice? Possibly...but it became apparent that the gears and brakes had been knocked out, so he and Sandy sadly peeled off to make for home.

On we pressed at a leisurely pace, such a pretty route, through Ham Gate and up the steep bit past the Ponds to the traffic free lane through Richmond park. At this point Gillian was struggling a bit, so we took the easier route via Robin Hood Gate to Roehampton. Here we concluded that she should really make for home, and she and I stopped off for a hot drink at the cafe then back to Robin Hood and along the A3 to Raynes Park.

The others carried on for lunch at Putney Heath, and completed the day's ride.

I was surprised to find I had still completed 27 miles when I got home! But special mention to Frank B, who completed 35 and Jane G at 37 miles back to her door (both live in Epsom). Really very respectable achievements especially on such a very cold day.  Well done all who came out.

~ Helen

B Group Report - 17th January '24.

The signs were ominous when by Sunday evening only one person had signed up for the B group ride. Interest increased a little on Monday but the chilly weather resulted in a further decline on Wednesday morning. 

Nevertheless, eight hardly souls turned out to brave the elements and gathered at Dorking to enjoy a warming tea/coffee and cakes/pastries. We kept to our plan of riding in two groups and set out to enjoy the winter glories of the Surrey countryside. 

Starting in Dorking High Street we ascended up to Cotmandene, St Paul’s Road, then down to North Holmwood. Another slight climb up Inholms Lane took us to Blackbrook Road and south via Newdigate to The Jordans. We then headed north towards Parkgate. 

On the way we stopped to admire a flock of alpacas happily grazing in their field quite undeterred by the wintery conditions and our sudden appearance. 

The alpaca is a species of South American camelid mammal. It is similar to and often confused with the Llama. However, alpacas are noticeably smaller and prized for their valuable  fleece that once processed can be very similar to natural silk.

Ian W proposed the notion that they have a tendency to ‘spit’ ! I’m assured that this can only happen if you are particularly rude or discourteous towards them. 

Heading north we cycled via Leigh and Brockham to our lunch stop at ‘The Stepping Stones’ at Westhumble. Given our reduced numbers we were promptly served and took welcome refuge in warm surroundings after a chilly morning on two wheels. 

Many thanks to everyone who turned out today and especially to John A for sub-leading and Tim C for back marking. A good day out despite the lower temperature and a good opportunity to experience the Surrey countryside in the winter season. 

TimG. 

Photo and Map for B Group - 17th January

 

At The Stepping Stones

Round trip to The Jordans and back

Invitation to the A ride on 17th January from Dorking.

A flatter ride this week and all on-road. 

Lunch will be at The Jack Fairman in Horley so no pre-booking necessary.

25 miles before lunch for the full ride, although this can be cut short to 13 miles if the weather turns against us. 15 miles back to Leatherhead for tea.

Please email me on  by Monday 6pm to book your place. Please note that this is a new email address for me as my old address with TalkTalk was proving too problematic.

And can you please indicate whether you would be willing to lead a sub-group from the gpx file.

On Tuesday I'll check the weather forecast, decide on the appropriate route, and email the times and gpx file to all.

Neil C

Report for B Group - 10th January

Steph had advertised that a skulk of Arctic Foxes, a sleuth of Polar Bears and a small colony of Emperor Penguins would gather at The Bean on the Green watering hole for Elevenses. So we arrived all puffed up in our winter coats and colourful plumage, unsurprised to find that Michaela Strachan was there too and we assumed she was waiting to observe us. However, when it dawned on us that we were not about to become the stars of a new episode of Winter Watch we all went off on a bike ride with Steph.

~ Tim C

[The new series of Winter Watch will broadcast on BBC2 on Tuesday 16th at 20:00]

En route to Elevenses Tim asked how to find the café

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A jolly crowd gathered in the cold but not icy conditions at Hersham.  Bean on the Green served us well, helped by the fact that the As were next door at Costa.  The C Group tigers whirled up as we prepared to depart into the glorious sunshine facing a host of golden daffodils blooming on the Green.

The hurricane winds had dropped and flood conditions in the Thames Valley were of more concern.  I was pleased I hadn't routed to Windsor but sorry that flooding around Shepperton and Egham was on the minds of a few Nor'Westers.

As expected there were some who succumbed to the pleasures of a morning under the duvet but others who made the ride out to Hersham and then retreated. After a few apologies from those who were returning home, we left The Bean on the Green in two comfortable groups.  Terry was just beginning coffee as we left and was going to make his own way back to Dorking (he was later sighted in the vicinity of Ripley though the extensive muffler prevented or maybe confirmed the sighting).

The route was well known and easy to navigate.  I was determined to avoid the potholes and traffic lights of Addlestone so we took the Crockford Park Rd and later continued on Bittams Lane and the park to meet Stonehill and the rolling heathlands of Chobham.

The sunshine was welcome and did serve to dispel the chill a little but everyone lunched at Wetherspoons in Woking with a quick departure in mind for the remaining eleven miles to Café Barbera in Stoke d'Ab. before the sun disappeared.

Newcomer to Bs, Don Elms, was welcomed.   Hero of the day was Tim Gibbons who agreed to subhead for John Austin's group in the afternoon at very short notice as John had to return home at lunchtime.   Stalwart was Julie tackling the ride with enthusiasm despite being still on the road to recovery.

On the bridge in Woking

Thanks to all for their company and especially the sub leaders and backmarkers.

~ Steph

Later, at the Café Barbera

 

B Group Ride - Wednesday 17th January '24

Our ride from Dorking will take us south towards Rusper via Henfold and Newdigate then back to Westhumble via Parkgate and Brockham.

Lunch is at 'The Stepping Stones'.

There is no planned afternoon ride but those who wish might like to head back for tea at 'The Old Moat' or 'Horton Cafe'.

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

Email - timgibbons1@virginmedia.com

WhatsApp - 07756961505

Look forward to seeing you all on Wednesday.

TimG.