Ride report for Easy Riders - 28th February

Lunch at The Jolly Coopers

Ride Report for B Group - 28th February

Dear Wayfarers,

Thank you all for joining me on my ride to The Sportsman. The aim was to make it as traffic free as possible, but unfortunately it meant a little bit of mud, a few large puddles, a climb up to Epsom Downs via a little more mud and a few more puddles. Then it was down to Chipstead valley via Banstead where upon we had to cross the railway via the footbridge and up a steep track to Chipstead golf course whereupon we had to get out of the way to avoid high speed flying golf balls. Once we were out of the firing line it was a level ride all the way to The Sportsman, however the pedestrian crossing at Lower Kingswood which I considered to be the safest crossing point on the A217 was out of action 🙄.

Man of Mischief Pete

On arrival at The Sportsman we were greeted with a very long table for us all and a very nice lunch was provided, courtesy of Lisa the landlady.

After lunch it was on to Walton-on-the-Hill via a little bit more mud and a few more puddles and then homeward bound.

Tea stop in Walton

On a positive note, you all now know about PLUTO*. 😉.

Looking forward to taking you all out again soon.

Kind regards,

Pete

*Pipe Line Under The Ocean
It’s a pipeline that was laid in the 1940’s across the channel to supply our troops with fuel on the run up to the D Day invasion.

Tim C writes

With the Nor'Westers away doing their own thing we had just a modest turnout for Pete's ride so our second group was pleased to add Terry and Grant to our ranks. We were away from the Fairfield Centre in reasonable time and retraced our route back to the Ashtead Garden Centre before turning South up Headley Road. Contrary to our usual habit we veered left along Chalk Pit Road to meet and cross Langley Vale Road to pick up the path down to Langley Bottom. We'd just crossed and looked down the hill to see a team of riders on horses coming up towards us. We flattened our backs to the fence as the cavalry rode by before continuing into the Walton Downs. After numerous impressively large puddles, some mud and a steep climb up to the racecourse we rode around the curve of the course and through to Tattenham Corner.

Paul showed us a good route to avoid the worst of Church Lane and we followed a clever route into Banstead. We climbed to the top of Hazelwood Lane, unaware that Pete had taken his earlier group by a more 'interesting' route past Chipstead Station and up onto the golf course. We headed down to Lower Kingswood to find a fairly safe place to cross the A217 and in Mogador Road were surprised by Dawn emerging from the roadside vegetation, sometime after losing track of Pete's group.

The hospitality, food and service at The Sportsman was all good but we emerged well after 2pm into a much chillier day. We found our way across Walton Heath and its Golf Course, negotiating many huge puddles as we went, but without mishap. We were soon across the Epsom Downs and down Chalk Lane into Epsom. Some had already split from the group to ride home and the rest of us were feeling rather cold so opted to ride home without stopping for Tea.

Thanks to Colin for back-marking and to everyone for maintaining a cheerful sense of adventure on this classic Pete Beyer route.

Tim C

Report for the Easy Riders - 21st February

A grim weather forecast so not a straightforward choice to get on the bike. I imagined others having similar thoughts and, facing the wind and rain going to North Cheam, wondered whether it would be a solo ride. Great relief then to find Anne Connaughton and Jane Gunningham - plus Tony Hooker, taking a day off from the Bs - ready for the off.

Just a short ride to the King's Centre at Chessington but, having taken a wrong turning early on, we diverged from our normal route - thanks for your guidance, Tony. At Chessington our numbers were swelled by John and Sandy Bayliss.  All relished the chance to warm up and dry out a little with a hot drink.

With the wind strength expected to peak before lunch we wanted the wind at our backs, so set off for the London Apprentice at Isleworth. Our route took us over Hampton Court bridge (where the patio area of the Mitre Hotel was under water), through Bushy Park, Teddington and St Margarets. The Thames was an impressive sight - near high tide, turbulent and fast flowing. The opportunity to recharge the batteries at the pub was very welcome and we all enjoyed a goos lunch.

Moving on, we entered Syon Park. Syon House is apparently well known as a TV/film set and a major project was under way judging by the presence of a large number of production trucks. No details to reveal, regrettably. Our return journey continued via Brentford, Kew Bridge and Richmond Park where we went our separate ways.

The rain, while only light, persisted for much of the ride but was rarely more than an irritant and it did ease off from time to time. I think I can speak for all by saying there were no regrets about the decision to get out. 

~ Frank

Easy Riders at The London Apprentice (Anne C.)

 

Invitation to a B Group ride on 28th February

Just a little note to say that our ride on Wednesday will not be a long one. There will be a points of interest in Langley Vale and the race course, then heading out via Banstead and Mugswell to Mogador for lunch at The Sportsman. An afternoon coffee if required will be in Epsom town centre. Please note that there will be some off road sections.

Would anyone like to be a subleader?

This is the route:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45643785

Please contact me by WhatsApp (07742 724 571) to confirm that you're coming.

Thanks

Pete

Invitation to ride with A Group on 28th February

You are invited to join the A Group ride from the Leatherhead Fairfield Centre. I have planned a ride to The Sussex Oak at Warnham, 20 miles to lunch and 20 miles back to Leatherhead

An undulating ride nearly all on tarmac.

The pub has requested we pre-order food, so please have a look at the menu on the website 

http://www.thesussexoak.co.uk

and then let me know so I can advise the pub. Should there be a problem getting to the website use the link via open table.

To book your place please email me by 18.00hrs on Monday 26th February if you wish to join the ride; route and groups info will be sent out on Tuesday.

Looking forward to seeing you all.

Thanks

Jennie J

  

New Bike Day?

 If anybody has won the lottery and fancies a new bike, this maybe the bike for you!

Tony..

Report for A group ride 21st February.

 I had planned a not too strenuous route 20 miles south from Redhill to Rusper, but as you all know the weather can change things quickly. I had ridden a bridlepath in the summer past Thunderfield Castle and wanted to include it as part of the ride. Big mistake. Brian Greenwood kindly emailed to warn against it and on doing a recce on Saturday found the path to be a quagmire. So a change of route to tarmac and we are good to go again. I didn't reckon on constant rain however.

So on the day seven met up at the Methodist Hall in Redhill ready to ride. Just getting there was an achievement with two major hills and a 26 MPH headwind. So hats off to Patrick, Dave Vine, Dave Ward, Andy Coxhill, Ged, Sue Chasty and Clive for braving the elements. To be honest it was simply wet and very windy, but the temperature was a mild 9 degrees. Although Dave Ward was not joining us on the ride he dutifully appeared for coffee and outlined his plans to cycle up to Decathlon in London for some shopping!

When it was time to leave I noticed the weatherproof clothing choices everyone was wearing. Always good to test clothing. I was trying out my new Goretex Shake Dry jacket as recommended by Janice. It proved a very reliable and breathable piece of clothing.

Our first challenge was the climb up Hooley Lane followed quickly by Philanthropic Road which wasn't helped by a gusty headwind at the top. The wind blowing from the SSW was a constant energy sapper. It also didn't help riding through wet roads which slowed the wheels down as they sucked up water. The route took us down then through South Nutfield and Outwood to Smallfield. Then west to Horley. The roads were so flooded we were in the middle of the highway a lot to avoid the puddles and whatever lay beneath! I misread the rain soaked sat nav and tried crossing Horley station by the footbridge until Ged and Dave Vine pointed out there was a subway crossing underneath the railway line. From there the roads seemed to get worse through Norwood Hill with potholes everywhere. Even Collendean Lane which had been resurfaced some 5 years ago had cracks in the tarmac where the shoulders had sunk under the weight of heavy traffic. It seemed like an age, but we eventually reached The Star at Rusper where we were promptly served and seated next to the fire, which unfortunately had not been lit. It was warm and cosy nevertheless and we had our lunch. Suitably refreshed we didn't want to leave.

However, as it was still raining, albeit not so heavily I abandoned my planned route for a straight forward dash north to Leatherhead helped along by the notorious SSW wind which became our friend on the way home.. Patrick, Andy and I stopped at Charlie and Ginger for tea and the rest of the magnificent seven made their way home. As the rain wasn't heavy I remained curiously dry under all the clobber, but I was mightily impressed by my new jacket. Inside we met four B group riders including Bob and Diane and we were able to have a chat before making our way home.

So we had a good ride all things considered. Exhausting, but sociable and no punctures or mechanical problems to make the ride harder than it was. Heartfelt thanks to the seven wayfarers who braved the weather and particularly to Dave Vine who backed marked for us and struggled after being off his bike for four weeks. We all know how that goes, it's tough! Thanks also to Tim Court and Andy Coxhill for the photos.

Steve D.

Wet & Windy Norwester's Ride 21/2/24

I had planned a nice  route of around 35 miles, going West to Warfield, but getting to 11's damp and the wind very strong at times, begged the  change to plan a shorter alternative route. Paula, Julie, Gill, Ray, Liz, Madi, Pam and myslef were the gathered few, 12 had booked the ride, but alas, a few had decided otherwise. 11 0-clock came and went, and it was around 20 past when we had donned out wet weathewr gear. Liz had decided to head straight home with other plans, and Pam headed West for home. Manygate lane to Walton bridge, then into a priate estate, which meant very little or no traffic. 

 Then a change of plan and down nearly to Walton again through another 3 private roads, . Just passed the entrance to the Smoked brewery, the puncture fairy struck Madi, it didn't take for to change the tube and we were off gain.

 

Madi's Mishap

 

The Advisors

We were soon heading up the back of Sandown park to Esher We very briefly took the Oxshott road turninng into yet another private road behind the Bear pub, when we reached the botton of the hill, Madi's tyre was flat again. Madi took charge and phoned a cab which took her, and bike, to the cycle shop at Thames Ditton, about 100 metres from our lunch stop, The Ye Olde Swan. I took a direct route to to lunch and we were soon waiting for our food in the warmth and cosiness of the pub.

Just as our food arrived, Madi arrived, her bike havintg the pucnture mended while we had our lunch. No tea stop was planned and we all headed our own ways Gome It was a nice ride despite the wind and rain and with a lovely group of Norwesters.We will do the planned route on another Norwester's ride in the future

Tony..

Annual lunch bookings - revised deadline

We've had a good response to the invitation -

https://midweekwayfarers.blogspot.com/2024/01/invitation-to-2024-annual-lunch.html

- with nearly 50 members booked. We have room for more so please see the invitation and the menu and let me know your menu choices. Ask me for the bank details for paying your £19 if you don't already have them.

Please endeavour to complete your booking and payment by Thursday 29th Feb. so that we can inform the restaurant in good time for them to puchase all the necessary ingredients. 

Closer to the time I will publish a full list of people attending along with your orders, as a final check that I have recorded your choices correctly. 

We have a jolly good occasion to look forward to and we hope to see as many as possible on the day. 

~ Tim

Automatic Gears

 Spring's coming, and I've got a new bike.  It's an electric gravel bike, a type that I have found to be very successful, and it's very similar to my old Jolly Green Giant, an excellent bike that has taken me on many enjoyable adventures.

The reason for the change is Dave Brailsford's much vaunted 'marginal gains'.  You don't see much difference in a year, but the Jolly Green Giant is a 2020 model and this is a 2024. Over that time you'd expect some improvements, and there are.

Simple but effective ones first of all - the frame is made of lighter tubing, with a slightly more relaxed geometry.  Giant's riders and customers have ridden thousands of these bikes all over the world, and Giant has evidently decided that a gravel bike doesn't need to be quite so tough.  The new frame has a nice spring, and new handlebars, too.  They're a bit like the old 'randonneur' bars, with a slight back sweep, and they work well for gravel.  They've got a bit of spring, too.

But the big change is a new motor system.  Giant has changed from the very powerful Yamaha mountain bike motor to a Shimano system, which seems to me to be less powerful.  I don't know if this is intrinsic to the motor, or if it's the way it is tuned for this application, but that's how it seems.  It's plenty powerful enough for a gravel bike anyway, and the net of less output is less input, and it uses less power than the Jolly Green Giant.  Using the same battery the range estimator shows 110 miles rather than 85, and there's a range extender, too.  Two sizes are available, and using the smaller, lighter one you should expect 150 miles or so.  That's further than I have ever ridden in a day on a bicycle, so all good there.

The change to Shimano means that the Shimano Auto-Shift automatic gears can be used.  This bike will automatically change gear to match your speed and pedalling effort.  It changes if you are pedalling hard uphill, or if you are coasting downhill.  When you stop, it changes to a low gear to start off smoothly - it's quite uncanny.  

As an example, behind my house is a short cul-de-sac called South Rise.  As the name suggests, it's a not very steep hill.  Starting from the house, whatever gear the bike may be in, it switches immediately to a low gear to climb the hill.  If I'm being picky, the gear it chooses is a little lower than I might have chosen myself, but it quickly changes up and sets the right gear as I go up the hill.  Getting to the end of the cul-de-sac I turn in a semi-circle and can hear the gears changing up as I turn.  I set off again down the hill in the right gear, and the bike changes up to match the speed until I turn again at the bottom.  Once more, it changes to suit the speed and I set off up the hill again in the right gear.  If I stop on the hill it will immediately, and automatically, select a low gear to restart.

Now, technical requirements.  This is new stuff. It is e-bike only, as the motor does part of the changing.  It requires either the latest EP600 or the EP801 motor.  It can't be retrofitted.  It needs Di2, it needs one of a small range of compatible derailleurs and it needs a special type of cassette called LinkGlide.  But it is a standard part of the new Shimano Cues groupset, and I expect that we will see more of it over the next year or two.  Basically, a customer for a relatively upscale e-bike this summer in, say, Germany or Switzerland, will have Auto-Shift as standard and will probably not give it a second thought.  It would certainly have been very handy in Zermatt, bringing the groceries up the hill from town.

If you'd like to know more, the Shimano web page is here, and there's loads more information on the internet.

In these straitened times, it's very good to see that the bicycle industry is continuing to innovate.

Mark

A group ride invitation from Redhill 21st February

 I have planned a route from Redhill Methodist Hall 20 miles to lunch at The Star Rusper. I will need pre-orders for this. Menu https://www.thestarinnrusper.com/small-lunches--sandwiches.html. The route climbs about 900 feet in all, out of Redhill and then south past Outwood and the windmill and then swinging west. We go past the site of Thunderfield Castle which no longer exists. However rather than being an actual castle it was a medieval manor house with two moats. The name Thunderfield was given to 3000 acres of common grass wetland which was used by locals to graze their pigs. The area is now Horley and its environs.

The return to tea at Leatherhead is 17 miles through Capel and Newdigate and 500 ft of climbing. I have booked the lunch time for 1 pm onwards which means we don't need to leave Redhill until 11.15 am onwards. This means we will have more time to travel to Redhill for those who have to ride from afar.

The weather forecast at the time of writing this is for light rain, wind and mild temperatures. I currently have no other leaders for this ride so if you would like to lead a group from GPX please let me know. If you would like to  join this ride please email me with your lunch order by 6 pm on Monday at steve_duffin@yahoo.co.uk . I will email you back with confirmation, group times and two GPX files of the routes there and to tea.

Steve D.

Invitation to ride with the Bs from Redhill on Wednesday 21st February

If you would like to ride with the B group on Wednesday please contact me on johnaustin04@yahoo.co.uk by Monday 19th February. If you would prefer an early or late start or to ride with a particular person, please also let me know on your email.

This is our route:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45608431

I look forward to seeing you next Wednesday at the Methodist Church café in Gloucester Road, Redhill.

John A.

Report for B Group - 14th February

B Group ride from Weybridge to Esher

Alan led the Eros team:

On an overcast day with a forecast of rain, the Eros Group of eight riders left Morrisons Café in Weybridge on a Valentine’s Day Ride between Weybridge and Esher.

Following a mainly quiet route of 30 miles, the ride included an enjoyable mix of local cycling paths, peaceful canal-side tracks, quiet country lanes and some familiar open roads plus some historical points of interest along the way.

After a steady start riding through the morning traffic of Weybridge, we followed local roads and cycle paths around Weybridge Station and on to Brooklands Museum before joining the Saturn Trail to Brookwood Cemetery. We then rode to the New Inn at Send for lunch before stopping at Garson Farm for tea.

The Saturn Trail provided a beautifully quiet and direct route to Brookwood on good tracks beside the Basingstoke Canal passing local villages along the way. Our only other company along the canal were dogs (with walkers), ducks and the occasional runner.

After leaving the Saturn Trail at Brookwood, we rode to Brookwood Station which provided direct access to the grounds of Brookwood Cemetery. This was via a tunnel running under the track from the station forecourt and ticket barrier to the cemetery gate.

Following a short stop to discuss the history of the cemetery and look at a preserved section of original rail track from the Necropolis Railway line at Waterloo; we rode through the North and South sides of the cemetery stopping to see some of the notable chapels, mausoleums, graves and listed memorials and monuments on route. This included stopping to look at other sections of the cemetery which were devoted to different faiths.

After leaving the cemetery we rode to the New Inn Pub for lunch. The New Inn was a busy and cycle-friendly pub with a good choice of food. Following lunch, we rode to Garson Farm following a familiar route via Ripley and Cobham getting delayed behind a farm tractor trimming a hedge of thorns on the way. Luckily none of the group punctured.

Pam left the group at the Seven Sisters Pub to make her way home. Francis, John and Liz also split from the group at Cobham and Esher. This left Ray, Gill, Lillian and myself, to ride to Garson Farm where we met with the Tony’s Venus Group for tea.

Thanks to John, Francis, Gill, Ray, Liz, Lilian and Pam for a great day’s cycling. Thanks also to Tony for planning the route and to Francis for being back-marker. Thanks also to Francis for GPX support on route and to all members of the group for their patience after we went off-route or missed cycle paths on a couple of occasions.

A very enjoyable day with no rain, very little mud, and no punctures!

~ Alan

Flights of fantasy

Tony's report for the Venus team:

Our Venus group left Morrisons at Weybridge and headed out past Brooklands Museum onto Woking where we picked up the canal tow path that took us to Brookwood Cemetery. The path was fine for cycling. It took us a little time to view some outstanding graves and the layout of the old railway.

The next stop was lunch at the New Inn at Send. With the rain still keeping at bay the lunch stop was fine with good service and food. Afternoon tea was at Garsons Farm via Cobham. By now out of the seven riders only four remained.

Thanks to Tim Court and Alan for sub leading and for their input also thanks to Tim G for back marking and also for all the nice comments on WhatsApp.

30 miles in total

~ Tony

On the Basingstoke Canal

Life in the cemetery

What we all came for really!

Tim's report for the Cupids team:

Morrisons supermarket was a new Elevenses venue for most of us though we are looking forward to being able to meet again in the Day Centre. It was unfortunate that the lovely lady serving us was on her own when she could have done with an assistant. However she was unflappable and patient and we were all served in due course. We were however somewhat late departing. This was good in one respect, that Madeleine who had had to drive to Weybridge was able to join us for coffee and then find herself somewhere to park in time to intercept us as we cruised past on the way out. Grant had joined us for Elevenses only and Vic turned up just as we were leaving.

Beyond Weybridge Station we took our usual route through Brooklands, though with some improvisation to pick our way through all the merry-go-rounds and other fairground equipment.

Madeleine wanted a different sort of ride

We endured the long straight roads through to Woking where we dropped down to the Basingstoke Canal which we followed all the way to Brookwood. We passed through the station and under the railway line to pop out at the entrance to the cemetery which very few of us had visited before. Mindful that we were quite a way behind the other groups we took our time riding through the cemetery but without any detours to visit any of the many highlights of the place. We emerged onto the golf course, adjusted our helmets, then sneaked around the edge so as not to become targets for grumpy golfers.

We enjoyed riding the roads to Mayford and were soon through Westfield and Old Woking, arriving at the New Inn in Cartbridge where Diane came out to advise us to get a move on because they would only be taking orders until 2:30. It's a very nice pub with a homely ambience and good food delivered quite quickly. Nonetheless it was 3pm when we departed for the afternoon ride through Ripley and Cobham. By the time we reached Esher there were only three of us left and rather than face the prospect of riding home after dark we bypassed Garsons Farm and headed for home.

We were sorry that Sabina and Bernard weren't able to join us after all, so we were just a jolly little group of Pat Dobson, Terry, Madeleine, Anne, Julie and myself. Pat was pleased with her 46 miles, her longest ride since September. Thanks to Terry for back-marking and keeping order in the peloton.

~ Tim C

 

Report for Easy Riders - 14th February

Our meet-up at North Cheam took place in wind and rain this Wednesday, not a great start for the day's adventure. And yet, there were six of us, hardy riders all, with cheery good mornings for each other and it was good to be out.

Jane, Anne, John, Colin, Frank B and I set off shortly after 9.30 to make our way to coffee at Walton-on-Thames. We headed through Worcester Park and Malden Manor, crossing the Hogsmill river and winding our way up to Tolworth. Here Jane peeled off to attend to another commitment, with praise from us all for even coming out this atrocious morning.

The rest of us continued through the Dittons and via the Angel to Weston Green. The rain was easing off and turning into showers as we headed west, and had more or less stopped as we arrived at the Riverside Barn theatre cafe. Here we met Bill, Tony H and Bernard; Frank C arrived a little behind us all and we enjoyed our coffee together in the garden marquee.

We agreed to head to Kingston for lunch, and phoned the Spring Grove to book nine of us in. Most of us then cycled across the Walton Bridge to follow cycleways through Halliford, Sunbury and Hampton.

Tony lead us up a delightful little lane off Halliford Road through Sunbury Cemetery, and we followed him along School Walk, a quiet and pretty little detour which somehow also turned out to be a shortcut. It was really a pleasure to enjoy an extra 10 minutes or so of traffic free cycling, and find ourselves back on track when we emerged.

Soon we were crossing Bushy Park and heading into Kingston. We found Bill already at the pub, as he had followed the South side of the river through Thames Ditton and Surbiton, arriving about 10 minutes earlier.

We all enjoyed a good lunch together before heading for home. The rain had cleared and I think we probably all made it home in the dry!

~ Helen

Report for A Group 14th February

24 riders signed up for this ride from Weybridge. Two cancelled and one suffered a bicycle malfunction en route to elevenses. So, 21 riders made it to Café Verditer in Weybridge, where the sudden influx of brightly dressed customers was handled very well.

The weather was very mild, almost warm. There were even a couple of pairs of shorts on display! Most of us encountered some rain on the way to Weybridge, but thereafter the day was more or less dry, if a bit grey and cloudy. 

Clive’s group was off first:

We were the so called fast group comprised of: Frances, Patrick, Steve D, Richard B, Neil W and Hans. We progressed through Addlestone, Ottershaw and then to Chobham Common where we paused on the curiously named Steep Hill to remove some layers. I was overheating, probably from the effort of trying to stay clear of the so called medium paced group led by Dave W who caught us up at this point while we were removing some layers. They were very kind and didn’t hurt our feelings by overtaking and so we continued on the route in the original order.

When we turned off the London Road, in Sunningdale, to head towards Windsor Great Park we parted ways with Frances, who was not able to join us for lunch today. 

Although the route had already taken us along some quiet lanes and roads it was still very agreeable to be in the park which felt peaceful and still.

[Hans, Richard, Patrick, Neil, Steve and Prince Albert]

After leaving the tranquility of the park we had an exhilarating free wheel down Crimp Hill, and were soon in Datchet and at the Royal Stag for lunch. Lunch was delivered very speedily indeed. After ordering at the bar you would be hard pressed to get back to the table before the waitress beat you to it with your food. 

The were also some Valentines Day instructions for us on the wall although, as Simon pointed out, we only followed the first two.

Due to the speedy service at the pub we were away in less than an hour to resume the route towards Shepperton. The afternoon ride was a contrast to the morning ride – more urban than the leafy lanes of the morning, definitely less pretty as we cycled through Horton and Stanwell Moor where we took the path across the Staines Reservoir.

As we left the reservoir path we encountered Simon and Pete from Dave W’s group who had opted to go around the reservoir instead of across it. A good decision. On reflection I don’t think the reservoir path was worth the effort of getting the bikes through the tricky gates. Perhaps if the Sun had been shining it would have been different.

From here it was just a few miles to tea at the Ferry Café in Shepperton where we were shortly joined by Dave W’s group.

Thanks to my group for joining the ride and to Hans for back marking. 

Thanks to Dave W for sub leading and special thanks to Sue F for stepping in to be the last minute substitute sub-leader for the third group which it seems had a ride packed with incident.

Dave W’s group was off next and here is his report:

My group comprising Simon, Pete B, Sue C, Ged, Fiona, Andy, Brian and Dave E set off promptly from Weybridge and cruised round Clive's thoughtfully-curated (as they say these days) route. At one point we came across the first group, breathless and exhausted, paused part way up a very unchallenging climb! I know it can be demoralising to be passed by another group, so we did the right and noble thing and waited behind them, giving them a few minutes start. We also took care to linger over a photo stop in Windsor Great Park to make doubly-sure they didn't trouble us again!

We reached the Royal Stag well before 1.00 pm but then hid round a corner for a bit before going into the pub, just to make sure the same group thought they had a good gap on us!

The pub proved to be a well-chosen lunch venue, definitely one to be re-visited! It was difficult to tear ourselves away and head back out into the increasing gloom, but it was character-building! I overshot the awkward kissing gate at the entrance to the causeway between the Staines reservoirs but, sadly, Ged noticed my 'error' and there was no choice but to turn back and follow Clive's fiendish route! Spies tell me that the first group were, once again, only a short distance ahead of us at this point. We lingered a bit trying to spot landmarks through the murk, but eventually set off for the final few miles to tea.

We were indeed fortunate to have an incident-free ride - things do go wrong on group rides and can prove a challenge to any ride leader! Anyway, thanks to Clive for organising it all very efficiently, to the weather for not raining too much after elevenses, to the rest of the group for their company and for not suffering any 'incidents', and to Fiona for tirelessly back-marking all day!

The third group off was led by Sue F:

The gods of mechanicals and punctures were not looking favourably on the 10:44 group. I discovered a flat tyre upon getting my bike out of the garage that morning, Peter our group leader had Di2 malfunction so had to bail and there was more to come.

Having had to use my slower gravel bike for the ride due to the aforementioned flat, it felt a good move ( in the absence of Peter) to offer to lead and control the group speed!

So off we went, our group of 5, me, Daves F and V, Paula and Gill. Clive’s interesting route was a little more undulating than I anticipated however we chugged along heading west then turning north east and to lunch in Datchet.

Shortly before Sunningdale, Gill was the first recipient of a puncture. Very annoying for her as she had just had a full service and new sealant in her tubeless tyres. Much faffing later we couldn’t seal the hole and Gill decided to abandon and summon Graham for a lift home.

A nice stretch followed through Windsor Great Park, down Crimp Hill and we arrived in Datchet for an excellent late lunch.

We didn’t dally too long, wanting to get ahead of the possible rain. We had an  interesting view of Heathrow from Clive’s off-road section between the Staines reservoirs and  saw 2 red kites thanks to Dave F ‘s bird-spotting skills.

Dave F then suffered a derailleur malfunction and was down to cycling in his small cog and the grand finale of the day was Paula’s puncture as we crossed the busy A308 . Despite the best efforts of our Daves the tyre could not be levered off and poor Paula faced a one hour forty-five minute walk home!

I think I can say that between mechanicals we had a good day out - thanks to Clive for his inventive route, Dave V for back-marking and all others for their excellent company.

The Route

Wisley: no A3 crossing for a while

No sooner do we get a new stretch of tarmac from Old Lane to Elm Corner to access what remains of the Wisley A3 footbridge than they are about to take it away.

On the weekend starting Friday 23rd February the Wisley (and nearby Cockrow) footbridges will be demolished so the link will be broken - probably for a couple of months. The announcement today from Balfour Beatty says:

"please note, from Friday 23 February 2024 until Spring 2024 (when the new Wisley Lane bridge opens) there will be no pedestrian, cyclist, or horse access via the new Wisley bridge, unfortunately there is no suitable diversion route available."

Report for the Easy Riders - 7th February

Just nine of us at North Cheam this week; Cobham feels a long way at this time of year when it's a chilly grey morning. But we soon warmed up and enjoyed our route through Chessington, Hook and Claygate, setting what I thought was a fairly good pace.

So we were surprised to arrive at the RBL and find it deserted, as it was 11.10! Never mind, there was the usual friendly welcome from the lovely volunteers who serve our coffees, plus delicious shortbread and Chocolate Hobnobs! So no complaints...

Ray Wren arrived about 15 minutes later, hoping to join us for the ride to lunch. But we decided to go to the Woodman in Ashtead, this being closer to home for most of us in light of the weather. And Ray found his way to the Bear in Esher, to join the Bs instead, and stay within the limits of his battery. 

The rest of us took the same route to Lower Ashtead as in January, and enjoyed the food and service an company as before. We headed home across Ashtead and Epsom Commons, taking Evelyn Way and following the railway to Epsom, then through the park as the most direct route back. A nice wintry day out, much needed; thanks all for your lovely company.

~ Helen

Report for A Group - 7th February

It was a bit of a raw, cold day but fortunately dry after constantly changing (and contradictory) forecasts. 17 had signed up though one dropped out before the start and another en route to lunch.

My group of Ged, Steve D, Dave W, Pete Beyer and Richard was first away. At Ranmore we found a lake in the usual place suggesting that rather more rain had fallen overnight than the state of Bookham Common had suggested. It was good to see that the recent road closures seem to have fixed most of the poor surfaces between Sutton Abinger and Holmbury. Our run from Forest Green to the Plough at Leigh wasn't quite as fast as Frances and I managed wind assisted on Saturday but we arrived in good time.

The food was good and the sandwiches came quickly though a slightly longer wait for other orders. On the return we took the Coach Road (a bit sticky in places after the rain) and then got overtaken by Frances' group before Pixhham where Dave and Pete peeled off for home. The remaining four of us stopped for tea at Ashtead Garden Centre.

My thanks to Ged for back marking.

Dave F: My group of Clive, Sue C, and Dave and Jennie set off 5 mins after Brian as planned. Dave kindly volunteered to back mark. Bookham Common was surprisingly dry and we elected to go off piste to the top of Church Lane to avoid the uphill start at the Effingham traffic lights.

Jennie set an electric pace up Critten Lane with the rest of us  grinding up more leisurely. The bonus water splash in the Whitedown dip gave several of us damp socks. The promised “easier faster riding from Holmbury to lunch” turned out to be a bit more undulating than expected , but despite a bit of mild headwind we made good and uneventful progress to lunch.

The Plough was pleasantly warm in the area reserved for us. We ordered lunch slightly after Brian’s group and before the arrival of the chasers, but ours took quite a while to arrive. However the food and drinks were good and enjoyed by all. Hence we were the last group away. 

The short 12 miles to tea had a bit of sting in tail in the form of Little Switzerland. By then the leaders legs were increasingly feeling the strain, so everyone ascended to Headley at their own pace. As no one wanted to stop for tea,  we left it for everyone to make their own way home from there.  

Thanks to my group for being good company, Dave for riding shotgun, and of course to Brian for another splendid typically Brian ride. Nice to get home dry (apart from the feet).

 

Frances: 

We were the last group to leave Cobham which included Janice, Patrick, Neil W and Peter S, with Peter backmarking.

It was a cold damp morning but no rain and we made our way to our first ascent of Beech Ave where on arrival at the top a large puddle await us at the start of Whitedown.  Undeterred, we pushed ahead and managed to keep our feet dry to descend Whitedown and onwards to Holmbury St Mary.  Janice had to leave us and she opted for heading over Leith Hill and after a few discussions we continued down to Ockley turning right to head for Capel and Newdigate.  It was a good run on clear roads to Leigh where we arrived just after 1pm by which time everyone was ready for a break and some food.  The latter was dispensed with great efficiency and we were ready for the final push.  We had at that stage met the earlier groups and overlapped when we started to head up Juniper, several of my group passed me by on that stretch and I was glad to see them again before final thrash down to Pleasure Pitt Road Garden Centre.  We agreed to continue through Epsom and have tea at The Moat garden center where fortunately we met another three gents from the B ride, who had not eaten all the cake!

I left to pick up my car whilst Neil, Patrick and Peter left at speed down Horton for home.  A lovely ride and group with thanks to Peter for patience in backmarking.

Thanks Brian everyone enjoyed the great route and pub.

 

Invitation to A group Ride 14th February

Due to the Weybridge Day Centre currently being closed, we will meet for elevenses at Cafe Verditer on Baker Street in Weybridge.

It's 22 miles to lunch at The Royal Stag in Datchet. They have said it will help them if we pre-order, so here is the menu.

Royal Stag Menu

It's 13 miles to tea at The Ferry Cafe in Shepperton.

There are two off-road sections, both after lunch:

• The cycle path that goes under the Poyle Interchange roundabout where Horton Road meets the M25. This is tarmac but there are some patches of surface mud and the odd puddle. It was raining quite heavily on the recce today.
• The path that crosses the Staines reservoir. This is hard packed gravel, but again there are some patches of surface mud. 

Here is the route: Ride with GPS 

Please let me know (clive.janes@gmail.com) by Monday evening if you would like to come along and also include your choice from the menu.

Thanks

Clive

Invitation to a B Group ride on 14th February

For the B ride this Wednesday 14th we will meet for Elevenses at the Morrisons Supermarket café in Weybridge.

We will visit  Brookwood Cemetery and then go on to lunch at the New Inn at Cartbridge, about 19 miles.

The afternoon Tea stop will be at Garsons Farm, approximately 11 miles from Lunch.

This is the route:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45494844

Please sign up by Monday evening on WhatsApp (07856 699 521) or email to  tonyhooker1@aol.com

~ Tony

Report for B Group - 7th February

Gill’s report

Keen to try out The Bear Hotel in Esher as a lunch venue (it used to have a board outside professing it’s welcome to cyclists) I then had to plan a ride that would give us enough miles between Cobham and Esher!  

Starting with a familiar route on tarmac out to Effingham, it turns out there are some very nice off road sections between Effingham and Oxshott, via Bookham Common and Princes Coverts (which means a thicket in which game can hide, thanks for answering that query Nigel, and the original royal who used it to shoot game was Prince, later King, Leopold 1 of Belgium, thanks Tim G), then through Oxshott woods back to the outskirts of Cobham and on tarmac again to Esher. Using the necessary roads in between ended up with a nice mix of surfaces and some pleasant scenery. I’m sure some off road parts were a bit uncomfy for less sturdy bikes (sorry) and there were a couple of punctures, more later, but on the whole I think even the roadies had a good ride.

Negotiating the kissing gate

The Bear did not disappoint. It was warm! Very welcome as the temperature seemed to be dropping fast. The food was tasty and served quickly enough. We had a choice of tables and the bike parking was good.

Thanks for a lovely day out to my group of Gina, Nigel, Christina, Alan, Stephen, Dave, and Tim G, also for backmarking.  Thanks also to Paula and Sue for sub-leading.

Paula’s report

The second group gathered at Cobham with Paula, who was sub-leading for her third time, feeling afraid that she would go too fast. (Other members of the group were also slightly nervous!) Just before they started Paula asked the group to say if she set too fast a pace, to which Steph replied - well if you look behind you and there's no-one there, you'll know!! Joking aside, the group set off at a very steady pace and stayed together all the way, except for losing Martin (who insisted we carry on without him) to a slow puncture and finding Ray (big Ray that is) lurking in the woods. He had decided against the Cs and miraculously found us so decided to tag along.

On the bridge over the mighty River Mole

Martin had been our backmarker so Mick capably took over. We navigated Gill's lovely route from Cobham to Esher (the long way round!) on road and path and track without further ado (and without a drop of rain!), arriving at the Bear for a hearty warming lunch which we didn't have to hurry because then it was straight home for early doors. Thanks to the team - Steph, Carolyn, Mick, Martin, Julie, Ian, Ann B, Tony H, Big Ray - and yes Dave, there was plenty of chatting!

~ Paula

Sue's report

Eight set off from Cobham on a rather miserable morning but judging by the chatter I could hear behind me, the weather wasn’t affecting anyone’s appetite for the ride.

Gill’s excellent route combined some familiar lanes though Horsley and  Effingham  plus a stretch of off road through Bookham Common which was new to me.

Listening out for strange noises ?

The pond in Great Bookham Common

Sadly the terrain got the better of Lilian’s tyre and she declared a puncture just as we entered Princes Coverts. There was no point in us all waiting around in the cold so Pam, Liz and Terry decided to depart for the pub and home respectively. And what a repair job it turned out to be! In the battle to put the tyre back on the inner tube got nicked and went flat almost as soon as Lilian started riding. With some energetic pumping every few hundred metres she gradually nursed it round to Claygate and we left her with directions to the station.

Now in Claygate it was a quick shortcut up Esher Park Ave to a well-earned lunch and rendezvous with Gill's and Paula's groups.

 

Ray Y decided a treat was required after all our endeavours and ordered a full English which looked very good indeed.

Puncture notwithstanding, a grand day out. Thanks to Gill for an inventive route and Tim C for back marking

~ Sue
 

Postscript: Lilian's continuing misfortune with a deflating tyre proved in the end to have been caused when we dropped and lost the valve cap, later discovered in Balfe's, inside the tyre where it had caused endless trouble. Lilian reported later that she had had an easy train trip home. The episode reminded us that some rim and tyre combinations make for very hard work getting the tyre off and on. We had wrestled with this one.

~ Tim

River Thames Scheme – Staines to Walton on Thames, Statutory Consultation Feb 2024

 

The following is a brief summary of what is important from a cycling perspective of the River Thames Scheme being proposed by the Environmental Agency between Staines / Egham and Walton / Shepperton. I have left out details of flows through the channels, changes to weirs, computer modelling, etc, that was all very interesting but not relevant to cycling.

The scheme can be considered, two distinct parts, Staines Bridge to Littleton and from Littleton to Walton Bridge.

Staines Bridge to Littleton

This would provide new route from the Egham side of Staines Bridge to Littleton. The first part of this route follows the existing NCN 4 route down along side of the A320, using a cycle path until just after the junction with Bowes Road. Here you will be able turn off right, away from the A320 and enter Royal Hythe. This aera is totally traffic free and crosses Green Lane and Norlands Lane using new bridges. Just after Norland Lane (well known to B riders), the route changes to an easterly direction and runs parallel with Norlands Lane to rejoin the A320 just north of the entrance to Penton Hook Marina. It then connects to a cycle path that already exists on the left-hand side of the road from Staines. Hopefully this will have a traffic light crossing here but nothing mentioned in the Scheme so far. At the roundabout that serves Thorpe Park, we then leave the A320 and enter a new Penton Park blue open space that takes us in a southerly direction, past Abbey Lake on the right, to an existing bridge that takes us onto Burway Ditch bridleway. From here we turn to the east to cross Ferry Lane and then a new path through to the Thames, just north of the existing M3 motorway. Here there will be a new bridge built to take cyclists and pedestrians a cross the river and on to the Littleton to Walton section.

Littleton to Walton Bridge

On exiting the bridge, we then would cycle a short distance along the road towards Chertsey Lock and turn left just after the motorway bridge on to a new cycle path that runs along next to the M3 until we meet Littleton Lane. Here we gain an underpass taking us a through to the junction of Sheepwalk and Chertsey Road. From here we follow the existing road down to just before the Ferry Café where we turn left on to a new path that leads to a new bridge across the Thames onto Desborough Island. From here we would join Walton Bridge Lane or the Thames Path that takes us to Walton Bridge / Weybridge.

Eastern Side of the Thames Staines to Laleham 

There are no fixed plans for the section of the Thames Path apart from a commitment to improve the environment and make it all more accessible to cyclists. So we will have to wait and see.

Summary

Overall, it is well thought out and will give us some alternative routes. We rarely use the eastern side of the route from Staines to Penton Hook Marina, but it could become an alternative to using the western side between Staines and Laleham. The route proposed keeps you away from the A320 for much of the route and connects with existing cycle paths on the A320 which is good. The only question is, will traffic lights be provided at the crossing points of the A320.

From Penton Hook roundabout to the new bridge across the Thames I feel that providing the M3 is not too noisy would be a better option and avoids using the B375 Chertsey Road and comes out a convenient location, Sheepwalk / Chertsey Road junction. Once again the provision of a traffic light crossing has not been mentioned but would help both cyclists and walkers.  

The proposed new bridge across to Desborough Island provides a good link to Weybridge and Walton and will be well used.

The scheme is not due to be completed until 2030.

I feel that there are a few areas of concern, and they are -

1.       Crossing the A320. Traffic lights are needed to make it safe for walkers and cyclists.

2.       The exit from Manor farm at Sheepwalk / Chertsey Road. Traffic lights are needed to make it safe for walkers and cyclists.

3.       An exit from Manor Farm / Sheepwalk at the entrance to Dockett Eddie Lane would be useful for cyclists and walkers. Once again traffic lights would be needed to ensure that people can cross safely.