A Hampshire Adventure - ride report

 

The plan was to do a train assisted ride into leafy Hampshire and with a vague idea in mind I decided to ask the advice of the route maestro himself, Dave Ward. Based on Dave’s recommendations a route was planned to Ash for lunch and then on into Hampshire and a return by train from Bentley

 

Having navigated the torturous sign up procedure and not being sent all the relevant pieces of info to join the ride, twenty adventurers miraculously showed up at the New Haw centre.

My trusty subleaders Julie and Gill H were to lead groups two and three so I set off first with Tony H, John A, Lilian, Terry and Tim G kindly back-marking.

The morning took us on reasonably familiar roads to Ash and lunch at a new venue, The Greyhound where we were very well looked after by Carly and her team. Definitely one to re-visit.

After lunch we headed south to Tongham and over the Hog’s Back into Hampshire with its splendid leafy lanes and pretty villages. As we passed through Tilford, I spotted a photo opportunity beside a large oak stump.

On further inspection we noticed that there was quite a bit of debris around the tree to indicate that it had recently been felled. We then saw the sad notice about the tree’s demise. It had been planted to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897 however had succumbed to Bracket Fungus and deemed to be unsafe. Sad.

A welcome cuppa awaited us in the very busy Alice Holt Forest café heaving with children on half term break. Tim G demonstrated remarkable restrain in not getting them to line up and be quiet!

Many thanks to my group for their excellent company.

 

Julie’s report

 

Sue had devised a lovely route for us through pretty Hampshire villages and Alice Holt Forest. Lunch at the Greyhound was great and service good. Thanks to all my excellent group for their company and to Tim for back marking so efficiently

Gill’s report

A train assist ride to explore further afield makes a nice change and our group of seven left on time in pleasant weather towards lunch near Ash.  The roads were not too busy being half term and we made steady progress, stopping only for a photo op near Aldershot, to a background of pines, beautiful rhododendrons, and rifle shots!

 

As all of my group, and a few from the others, had decided to cycle their ways back home after lunch a reduced two groups carried on the afternoon route which turned out to be a very pretty ride with some great off-road sections. Tea and ice creams in the sunshine at Alice Holt and a short cycle to the station through the woods rounded off a lovely day.

Thanks Sue for an enjoyable route and my group of Paula, Pam, Liz, Paul, Gill and Tony for their company, albeit short-lived!

Report for A Group 29 May 2024

17 signed up for the ride this Wednesday from the Woodham and New Haw Day Centre. 

The A3/M25 road works made getting to New Haw a little more difficult than usual for some of us. I had planned to meet Janice, Richard and Dave F at the Leatherhead Leisure centre to take a route to New Haw via Bookham Common and Ripley. I got to the agreed meeting point very early having rolled down the hill from home. While I was waiting for the others, I thought I would take my helmet off… no helmet! So, I had to rush back up the hill and back down again to find them waiting for me. According to Dave F, I was only about 30 seconds late though which is not too bad.

From New Haw we set off in two groups. My moderately paced group was off first and comprised of: Sue C, Christina B, Richard B, Daves E, F and V, Andy C and Ged.

There were a couple of early navigational ‘blips’ (as I like to call them) including unnecessarily taking the group through the pedestrian underpass at New Haw station. But things started to improve as the route gradually came back to me from the recce a couple of weeks ago. After passing through Woking, the route became leafier and more scenic as we progressed through Surrey and in to the Hampshire countryside to Greywell and the Fox and Goose for lunch. By the way, this route is one of Dave W’s and is part of his train assisted Winchester ride.

It was very pleasant to be able to sit outside in the pub garden to have our baguettes, which were served in reasonably good time. After lunch Andy set his camera up to take this photo outside the pub.

The return journey to tea in Ripley took us back through the pretty village of Odiham and more leafy lanes. We also passed Farnborough airfield where we stopped for a group photo.

We made it to Pinnock’s in Ripley for tea with about 15 minutes to spare before they closed. Most stopped for tea and cake then Sue C, Richard, Dave F and I set off for home together with me peeling off at Leatherhead.

It was a very enjoyable day out: the weather was good and thanks to Dave W for a lovely route.

Thanks to my group for the company and also to Dave V for back marking and to Fiona for leading the other group.

Here is Fiona's report:

We set off from New Haw in good dry weather. I missed a turning very early on, so was pleased to spot Clives group ahead, which I gladly followed them through to Woking, where we then forged ahead. Apart from several other missed turns, which were picked up and corrected mostly by Steve and Andy, we arrived safely at Greywell where orders and lunch were served promptly. 

An uneventful route home along some different roads through Hampshire brought us back to Ripley, just in time for Neil, Patrick, Steve, Andy and Janice to get a cup of tea and I’m sure some cakes at Pinnocks. Whilst Dave, Hans and I went directly home.

The route:

RIPLEY – WORLD FAMOUS AS THE ‘MECCA FOR ALL GOOD CYCLISTS’

 This upcoming exhibition needs to enthuse all the cyclists out there who may be surprised to know that Ripley was once the most famous place on the planet for cycling .

The exhibition is called RIPLEY – WORLD FAMOUS AS THE ‘MECCA FOR ALL GOOD CYCLISTS’. It traces the origin of the so called Ripley Road which was, in fact part of the Portsmouth Road between Ditton and Ripley. The cycling craze from 1870 -1900 which brought thousands of cyclists into Ripley and in particular to the Anchor Pub and the hospitality of the Dibble family. It features the memorials in Ripley church and the ‘spin offs’ of the craze such as the Anchor Visitor books, a Ripley board game featuring the Anchor. We are delighted that The Anchor are supporting the exhibition with a free draw for lunch for 2 in their restaurant. as the new village hall is being opened)

So please encourage your members to come along from the 8^th of June any Saturday morning  from 10-12 (the 22^nd might be worth avoiding as the new village hall is being opened)  – we can also open at other times by arrangement

Clare McCann -museum curator

B ride Hampshire Adventure

 

You are invited to join a train assisted ride to Bentley in Hampshire next Wednesday 29^th May. We will be having elevenses at the Woodham Centre in New Haw (KT15 3ND) and heading to Ash near Aldershot for lunch at The Greyhound, a distance of 15 miles.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46787198  morning route

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46786955  afternoon route

 

We need to pre-order from the menu  Food and Drink at Greyhound Aldershot in Aldershot (pubanddining.co.uk)

After lunch, we head south to Tongham through some lovely lanes to Alice Holt Forest for tea. The afternoon ride is 13 miles and  a little more undulating but nothing we can’t handle! The café in Alice Holt Forest closes at 4pm and if any group is not going to make this, there is the option of Haskins Garden Centre  where the  café closes at 5pm.

Now to the train bit of the ride. The route leads us directly into the back of Bentley station where the line joins the main line back to London. There is one train an hour at 14:51, 15:51 and 16:51 and then another at 17:21. When we did the recce on Tuesday the train was very quiet and plenty of room for our bikes. The advance fare on Trainline is £13.60 and some of you may have railcards as well.

So, if you would like to join us on Wednesday please can you email me with  your lunch choice by Sunday evening.

Sue.foster39@gmail.com

 

Invitation to A Group Ride - 29th May from New Haw

Next Wednesday's ride is from the Day Centre in New Haw.

28 miles to lunch at the Fox and Goose in Greywell (pre-order not required) and a similar distance back to tea in Ripley.

Here is the route which is mostly on road and also mostly flat (thanks to Dave W for providing the route):

New Haw > Greywell

Greywell > Ripley

If you would like to come along please let me know (clive.janes@gmail.com) by Monday evening.

Thanks

Clive

Map and photos for B Group on 22nd May

 

The Old Packhouse (Grade II listed)

St Mary's Homes - alms houses

Caterham - Horley - Leatherhead

B ride 22nd May

CATERHAM TO LEATHER REPORT – 22ND MAY 2024

On a rainy day which threatened heavy downpours but delivered light showers, the seven riders in the Mayflies group left the comfort of the Caterham Westway Centre to ride a quiet but undulating route between Caterham and Leatherhead.

Originally planned by Tim C., the ride passed through Caterham before going under the A22 Roundabout and through the grounds of Woldingham School. We then followed a route rode through Godstone, Horne and Smallfield before stopping for lunch at Horley.

After lunch our route took us through Salford, Betchworth, Bookham and West Humble before making our way to Leatherhead for tea. We also had a chance to test our legs on the slopes of The Enterdent in the morning part of the ride.  

The Mayflies were the first group to leave the Westway Centre (and the hospitality of the “Caterham Café”), where the Westway staff had thoughtfully allocated a room for club members to dry out and avoid the worst of the rain. They also provided the usual tea and coffee plus assorted croissant to set us up for the ride.

Unfortunately, as we set off from the Community Centre Bernard punctured. So as not to delay the group, Bernard considerately decided to repair the puncture himself and to meet us with Sabina later at lunch. The Mayflies were now a group of five.

The remaining riders continued along the route, enjoying good views over Caterham on the way down the steep Burntwood Lane towards the busy A22 roundabout. We then followed the stoney track on the left to access the cycle route which passed under the roundabout to avoid the fast-moving traffic above. We then joined the busy (and narrow) Woldingham Road to cycle a short distance before turning right under the bridge towards Woldingham School.  

This was a beautiful part of the ride on a quiet (almost) traffic free road with views across open grassland on both sides. After riding through the grounds of Woldingham School we joined Quary Road and Flowers Lane enjoying a relaxed (and fast) downhill route on a quiet open road. We had good views across the countryside and passing through quiet villages before crossing the bridge over the M25.

We were slightly delayed by a road closure on Church Lane, as the width of the road was blocked by a lorry preparing to compete gas repairs in the area. We avoided a detour by carrying our bikes across the narrow grass verge beside the road. We continued Church Lane onto the Eastbourne Road and then immediately left onto the Enterdent.

The Enterdent is a short, steep hill on a narrow lane without traffic and Strava rates the average gradient of the Enterdent as around 8%. We all comfortably rode or part-walked our way to the top of this quiet wooded lane.

We then continued our route, briefly joining the fast and busy A22 Eastbourne Road before turning right onto Byers Lane and through Horne and Smallfield to Horley for lunch at the Jack Fairman Pub.

The Jack Fairman pub was a good choice for Lunch. It was uncrowded and was quick to order and be served our food. We met the second group of riders (the Swallows) led by Steph who arrived as we were finishing our lunch. Unfortunately, Bernard and Sabina had decided to make for home after fixing Bernard’s puncture, so we weren’t able to meet them for lunch.

2 / 2

After lunch we retraced out route back to Smallfield Road and rejoined the original route following a relaxed and undulating route on quiet roads, cycle tracks and paths through Salford, Betchworth and Brockham. Thankfully there were no further road closures to delay us on our way back.

At Brockham, Dave and Brenda rode to the main Reigate Road. The remainder of the group followed the familiar path through the Betchworth Park Golf Club course. We then followed the cycle route beside the road to Pixham Lane.

After turning right at the roundabout at the entrance to Denbies Vineyard we had a smooth ride beside the A24 on the cycle path passing West Humble and Mickleham on the way before arriving at Leatherhead to complete the ride.  

Brenda broke away and made for home to avoid the rain.  The remainder of the group had tea and cake at the Charlie and Ginger Café courtesy of Dave. We then rode back together as a group to Nonsuch Park where we split to make our own way home.  

Thanks to Diane, Brenda, Paul and Dave (plus Sabina and Bernard) for the company; and to Steph for organising the ride. Thanks also to Dave for back marking and to Paul and Dave for advice on route.  

Despite the weather forecasts, it was an enjoyable day out on the bike. Happy Birthday Dave!  

What more can I add.  A great day out is always a combination of a great route and people to cycle it.  Also lucky that Alan reccied and discovered 2 possible road closures.  Being second to leave we were able to follow the downtrodden grass at Church Road and avoid wet ankles.   Trumpets Hill was open as Alan had told the contractors in no uncertain terms that Wednesday was ride day.  I must admit that May is a beautiful month and even though it wasn't the weather for Swallows and Mayflies we all had a good day out.

Thanks to my tolerant followers who put up with my various route finding devices of which the most reliable was of course back marker Court.  Ta Tim.   I hope you manage to get your photos on here of those beautiful historic sights.  I ll just end with one historic sight, the birthday boy who got his fish and chips- to the rain lashed and shower bespattered go the spoils.

A Group ride 22nd May

The weather forecast for the day had been changing frequently and taken a turn for the worse in the previous 24 hrs. Whether it was that or holidays but only 8 riders signed up and with one dropping out we were only 7 at Caterham. 

Dave F and I left Ashtead in light drizzle but had a mostly dry ride to elevenses. We combined into a single group - just like old times - and climbed to Woldingham as a change from Gangers Hill. Passing the end of Gangers Hill Lane I noticed a confusingly placed Road Closed/Diversion sign but we carried on along The Ridge to the junction with Chalkpit Lane. Here we found an array of cones blocking both roads and two workmen. They informed us that The Ridge was impassable because of tarmacking but they had no idea what was going on down our intended route of Chalkpit Lane.

So I began the steep descent with some trepidation as any serious work on the first part of the hill would be very difficult to avoid. By the time we reached the first house I was more relaxed and eventually we came to two guys reparing a pothole. We dismounted and walked past with a smile and a Thank you.

Sandy Lane took us under the A25 and then we joined the TriVets 100 route from Gibbs Brook Lane to Lingfield. A very lumpy section followed via Dormansland to East Grinstead where we arrived dry for lunch at Old Dunnings Mill.

After lunch we headed home via Saint Hill Lane and the Worth Way to Crawley Down, then along Effingham / Dowlands Lanes to Smallfield. We had two ten minute showers and a few other spits and spots of rain before reaching Brockham for tea. Five of us stayed for tea before riding back to Leatherhead and heading for home.

A great day out without getting more than a bit damp which has to be counted a success given the weather around us. My thanks to all and particularly to Peter for back marking.

Invite to A ride 22nd May

 Our ride from Caterham on Wednesday will be to Old Dunnings Mill on the edge of East Grinstead. 

Pub website and menus

We have not been asked to pre-order based on arriving in groups of less than 10. There is reference on the website to a 10% service charge - I don't think I was charged it when I ordered at the bar on the recce but I can't promise.

The outward route (19 miles) climbs from the A22 below Caterham up to Woldingham village. There is then a very steep descent to Old Oxted and then south to Lingfield and East Grinstead with a few ups and downs. 

The return (21miles) to Brockham starts wth a climb away from the pub but is then fairly gentle. A two mile stretch of the Worth Way is off road but has a good surface which we have often used to Horsted Keynes. Tea at Brockham Reading Rooms.

Please email me by 6pm on Monday. Thanks.

Invite to ride Wed 22nd May

 Always enjoyable to ride an old favourite.  I think Tim Court designed this route and Alan led an all day Saturday ride using it.  From Caterham we ll go up Woldingham Valley to the school, stop briefly at Old Godstone before climbing The Enterdent then head for lunch at The Farmhouse, Horley.  Tea will be in the Leatherhead area.   Contact me to join the ride .There will be a lead out from North Cheam .

Steph

Wednesday 15th May 2024

My first lead for the Wayfarers & it couldn't of gone better.
My group consisting of Brian, the two Sues (F & C), Paula, Gill, Ged, Dave F set off at 10.37 in a southerly direction towards Dorking & Henfold but just before Newdigate we were "encouraged" to dismount & walk our bikes past some "utilty asset works".

I had been aware of this temporary halt in our progress by signs I spotted on my recce but also this website:

https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/roadworks-and-maintenance/roadworks

But what it doesn't show is whether cyclists have access....dismounted or otherwise.

For that you have to google the location ie "roadworks Newdigate" & hope you can find the required info.

Just before Rusper, we were caught & overtaken by Steve's group consisting Patrick, Andy, Neil W, Dave B, Frances, Peter & Hans.

By now proper lengthy sunny "intervals" had lifted the temperature & we continued to Colgate which despite having a population of over 1,000 has no retail facilties....shops to you & me.

But it does have a pub......& that's all you need some might say.

Grouse Road goes in a southwesterly direction & is 2.3 miles of enjoyable freewheeling through the St Leonards Forest to Bucks Head & past the tranquil Hammer Pond.

Just over a mile from lunch & Paula punctured but a quick pump up we were soon at the White Horse, Maplehurst.

Lunch was consumed alfresco, very pleasant indeed !

The portions looked small but probably reflected the reasonable prices...."Not many places you can get a pint & a sandwich for less than a tenner" says Ged.

After lunch, my group chose the 8½ miles of Downs Link option & this we joined at Copsale.

The pub here closed in 2008, was demolished & replaced with a private house but kept the original pub sign & note the steam train......we are now on a disused railway.

Through Southwater where Sue C had a minor concern with her front (tubeless) tyre, but was resolved with a quick pump.

Ged left us at Christ's Hospital mainline BR station but not before a photo op at the restored original disused station platform on the branch line to Guildford.

I have to confess that I'm interested in this line which suffered because of the Beeching cuts in the 60's & bought a book.

The path has a pretty good surface until you get just beyond Slinfold where the mud is the type that is attracted to the inside of one's mudguards....as Brian found out.

Through Walliswood, Forest Green & that incline called Tanhurst Lane which is always in the top ten for the toughest cycling climbs in Surrey.

As Brian pointed out, the 1 mile climb used to be "littered with pot holes" but depending on what time of year you'll either have leaf fall or a torrent of water if raining.

Dave V had emailed me in the week.

"I rode down Tanhurst Lane today. It was closed and blocked in several places by around 10 trucks. Replacing the drains. I did manage to get past, but only by carrying the bike through the woods and battling with the brambles". 

Today it was just the gradient we had to contend with, some for the first time.

We wound down basking in the late afternoon sun at Old Clunker café, Dorking.

Thanks to Steve for leading the fast group, Brian for back marking my group everyone for their company on what turned out to be a beautiful day.

Steve, Leader fast group writes:

I set off with the second group, from Leatherhead with Frances, Patrick, Neil W, Andy H, Dave B, Hans and back marker Peter Suchy. The start was good, being a downhill/flat section to Pixham Lane where we groaned up Punchbowl Lane. From there we travelled mostly well known roads to Faygate, passing Andy's first group on the way. Then Colgate and via Lower Bleeding to Maplehurst and the White Horse. We had taken 1 hour and 55 minutes to cover the 26.3 miles and 1360 ft of ascent averaging 13.5 mph which I thought was a good pace. 

The sandwiches were served promptly and we're good. Probably better for sitting outside in the sunshine!

We set off again at 1.35 pm. Fortunately the Downs Link was dry and hard packed gravel, but still bumpy in places. We were spread out and I have to own up to losing some riders at Southwater. Hans had lost pressure in his rear wheel. Frances was having difficulty with the surface on her road bike. I checked my average speed had dropped to 11 mph and realised we were going to be very late for the tea stop at Dorking as the afternoon section was 23.5 miles. So after a discussion I decided to cut our time on the Downs Link and came back on the road at Christ's Hospital. We went through Itchingfield to pick up the busy A264 north for 2 miles and then at Clemsfold picked up a road through Rowhook to re-join the route after Ellen's Green. From there to Forest Green and up Tanhurst Lane over Leith Hill down to The Old Clunker cafe at 3.35 pm. We spent a pleasant time chatting and left at 4.10 pm. Andy and the first group hadn't arrived so we couldn't thank him for a lovely route. Many thanks to my group for my dodgy lead. Special thanks to top man Peter Suchy for solid back marking. Thanks Andy for a lovely route.

Steve D.

B Group Ride - Wednesday 15th May '24

 Bernard poetically writes -

In the cycling topography of the Surrey Hills there is one climb which rises to iconic status…but not because of its physical stature.   The climb up to Box Hill along Zig Zag road takes you up some 169 metres over 4 kilometres.  At the top you are rewarded with a vista of the North Downs; pastoral, gentle and green (greens of all shades…and yellows and some oranges).  It is a sleek, languid almost leisurely climb.  To put this into climbing perspective the beast that is Alpe d'Huez is an upwards calvary of 1118 metres over nearly 14 kilometres.  But what is not measured and cannot be measured by the cartographer is nature’s heartbeat and Box Hill, that Notre Dame of Surrey cycling, beats to the rhythm of the cyclist.

We gathered for our start at the Fairfield Centre in Leatherhead where good hearted souls serve, for an honest price, the best coffee and tea in town.

On our bikes, we seven riders with magnificent dreams, cut down through the busy streets and within minutes we were skimming the country roads of Surrey.  Relentlessly we pressed hard on our pedals, along dry tarmac on this hot summer’s day making an early appearance in mid-May.  As we turned into Zig Zag lane we rose into the slipstream of giants, of Cavendish’s broken heart of 2012 and of thousands of cycling dreams…past, present and those to come after us.

Gently but surely those gentle gradients tore into our limbs but with equal grace spiced with grit we climbed.

And then, as if awakened, down the descent…dangerous at speed on scabby torn roads, framed by tramline ditches and chased by angry engines.  Our lunch stop was at the Woodmansterne, a newly refurbished traditional Public House, and as we rested Saint Peter in a church opposite watched over us.  In that ancient place of worship (dating as far back as 1566 according to an anonymous manuscript hanging at the entrance) where the seats are free there are stained glass windows crafted with such skill and on that day dazzling with saturated colour drenched in hot sunlight.  I was struck by the appearance of an angel in one of the windows…adorned by Swiss crosses and standing next to a red rose.  And I remembered…we were after all not a million miles from Little Switzerland.

It was all descent in the afternoon.  We cruised past the race course on the Epsom Downs where out of the corner of my eye I thought I saw horses galloping in the opposite direction.  Einstein mentioned something about relativity and I saw what he meant but still do not understand.

And finally we arrived at a place of charity, The Old Moat, where kindly folk serve you gracefully.  There we were joined, or so I imagined, by Graham Greene and as we chatted about his books I imagined that he took an interest in our cycling and that he might even join us for a ride one day.

The course was designed by Tim Gibbons and my fellow cycling companions were Bob, Arwyn, Sabina, Stephen, Mick and Alan.  It was a great course and thanks to everyone for making it a great ride.

... and TimG summaries - 

The fine weather may well have contributed to a good turnout at Leatherhead Fairfield Centre as twenty five cyclists gathered for 11’s in the morning sunshine. Three groups led by John A, Bernard P and myself left promptly to embark upon today’s two wheeled adventure. 

The route planned was something of a reprise of a ride followed last October (with a few minor modifications) but felt very different on a fine sunny day in May. We headed out to Fetcham then took a less familiar diversion to Bookham, up to Chapel Lane and on to Westhumble. 

A steady accent up Box Hill was topped by a celebratory photograph by courtesy of a National Trust attendant. On via Walton-on-the-Hill, Kingswood and Chipstead we made the final climb to Woodmansterne for an al-fresco lunch at ‘The Woodman’. Orders were served promptly and everyone seemed to be satisfied with the service and surroundings. 

Our afternoon ride took us via Banstead, Burgh Heath, Tattenham to Epsom Downs to enjoy a clear panoramic views of our surroundings. Descending down a shady Chalk Lane we went on via Epsom, Woodcote and on though Ashtead and Epsom common to arrive at    The Old Moat’ garden centre for tea. Again we enjoyed a welcome break outside in the warm afternoon sunshine. 

Many thanks to everyone who took part in today’s ride and especially to John and Bernard who effectively helped in sub-leading. A good day had by all !

A selection of photographs are available to view on the 'Wayfarers B Group' WhatsApp group.

TimG

Hello from your new Chair

I just want to thank you for electing me as your new Chair and to introduce myself to those of you who don't know me. Succeeding Dave Vine means that I have big shoes to fill and I sincerely hope that I can fulfil your faith in electing me to the post. 

Over the next few months I hope to ride with all of our groups and get to know more of you personally and with the aid of our wonderful committee I will also be getting myself up to speed with the duties of being Chair. 

If you have any questions, issues or ideas, please do not hesitate to speak to me personally or on email if you prefer. 

I am sure, like me you are pleased that some better weather has arrived and that it will continue for an excellent summer of cycling. 

With best wishes

Sue Foster

sue.foster39@gmail.com

Thank you

Dear Sou'Westers,  I was very surprised and honoured to hear that I had been chosen for the Arthur Jessop Trophy at the AGM.   I'm sorry I wasn't able to be there to thank you in person.

The Sou'Westers have been a huge part of my life since I joined in 2010.  You have taught me so much about many things, not all cycling-related!  Thank you for your friendship, sense of humour and inspiration, all wrapped up in very many memorable rides.

Coastal Adventure

Speaking of which, I've just remembered that I'm setting off on another stage of my ride around the coast, starting at Penzance and riding along the south coast towards Plymouth.   If you'd like to join me without the inconvenience of riding up all the hills, please have a look at my blog, Simon's Coastal Adventure, where I'll try to post an update each day.

Thanks again to you all.

Report for C Group post AGM (8th May)

A smaller group than in recent weeks: surely that can have had nothing to do with the AGM! Just four - John and Anne Connaughton, Colin Lown and myself - set out from North Cheam. A point of interest en route to Hersham was tree-spraying on Thames Ditton and Esher golf course, the purpose being protection against Oak Processionary Moth infestation. Apparently the treatment is carried out in spring and summer while the caterpillars are about.

We were joined by John Bellamy, Bernard Power and Colin Quemby after the AGM and proceeded via Weybridge and Chertsey Bridge to lunch at the Thames Court by Shepperton Lock, a perfect spot on a summer's day. Peter Tiller evidently found it appealing and met us at the pub (time constraints meant he came on four wheels rather than two).

Then, homewards through Sunbury, Bushy Park and, for most of us, Barge Walk to Kingston. Very satisfying that we exceeded 40 miles given the delayed start.

Frank C

B Group Ride - Wednesday 15th May '24

Our ride from Leatherhead on Wednesday will take us to Woodmansterne via Bookham and Walton-on-the-Hill for lunch at 'The Woodman'.

The afternoon ride will take us via Epsom Downs and Ashtead for tea at 'The Old Moat' garden centre at Horton.

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

Email - timgibbons1@virginmedia.com

WhatsApp - 07756961505

Looking forward to seeing you all on Wednesday.

TimG

Report for B Group post AGM (8th May)

Twenty B riders in three groups set off from Hersham heading to Staines. With blue skies all the way we made fairly good time, apart from a few wrong turns and a stop to remove a branch from Pam’s rear mudguard which was now damaged, but after a temporary repair we continued to The George pub in Staines. Wetherspoons was up to its usual standard.

Still enjoying the lovely weather we made haste to tea in Bushy Park as by this time it was 4:15 and the other two groups arrived shortly after us.

Thanks to Alan and Bob for leading and Mick for back marking for our group.

Also thanks to David Ferrett and Co for a well run AGM

Regards

Tony

Many Thanks from Your Outgoing Chair

Many thanks to everyone for your kind words yesterday, and to those who wrote on my leaving card. I felt quite overwhelmed by such thoughtfulness, which is a clear reflection of what a great bunch of people ride under the SWL banner.

I wish everyone the best for the future, and in particular your ever supportive committee.

I now look forward to many miles of happy cycling with you all.

Post 8th May AGM A Group Ride from Hersham.

Thanks Dave - for ten years in the Chair!

With lovely sunshine outside riders were itching to get away from the AGM - having given Dave a much deserved round of applause for sterling service as Chair of SWLCTC. My route had the 'two' factor - twice as far in the afternoon as the morning, covering 33miles.

Steve Duffin was away first and writes. Attending the AGM is always inspirational. The club doesn't run itself and to see so many doing a lot of hard work and commitment to keeping the club running makes you want to help whenever the chance presents itself.

I set off with Steve W, Peter S, Paula and Gill Holder on Ged's route for lunch. It is always difficult to plot something original on AGM day because you have no idea how long the meeting will last. Nevertheless we left at 12.25 and managed to skirt around Weybridge and Addlestone successfully. Crossing the footbridge at Weybridge station saved time and again at the Wey Navigation bridge near Addlestone. The only tricky road was the A320 into Woking and once there of course I turned too soon and got lost in the maze of one way roads leading to the Herbert Wells. A little bit of pavement riding got us to the pub, where we sat outside in the sunshine for our meal. Ged arrived with his group almost immediately and after lunch we rode to Esher as a single group. A nice ride back through Pyrford and Stoke D'Abernon and then some private roads in the Bird's Hill estate so we could miss busy Warren Lane and finally a fast Copsem Lane back to Esher. It was good to see everyone out on a sunny May day. Such a relief after all the cold rainy days we have experienced. Thanks to Peter Suchy for doing a brilliant job of work back marking. Hats off to Ged for an interesting route. Glad to see he rewarded himself with cake and ice cream at Esquires Cafe!

I led my group on a bit of a thrash on some busy roads to get to the pub to within an hour - but with the thought of more scenic Surrey countryside to follow we didn't linger. Gill wasn't feeling too-good, and with no trains from Woking plotted a route home. Hope you managed to find your own way back to Cobham Gill.

Two groups into one at Woking.

Yet another bridge picture - the Mole at River Lane.

My thanks to Steve Duffin, aided by Peter for leading the first group, and subsequently to Peter for back- marking ten of us (nearly) back to Esher. Also welcome to Steve Wiltshire - re-joining Wayfarers after a long journey back to cycling fitness.

Invitation to A group ride on May 15th from Leatherhead Fairfield Centre

The route out is an undulating 26 miles via Colgate.

Lunch is at The White Horse, Maplehurst where we are not required to pre-order. But here is the menu:

The return to Dorking (27 miles) is likely to include some of the Downs Link.

How much rather depends on the weather, Copsale - Southwater is 2 miles. Copsale - Rudgwick is 8½.

But in any event, the surface is generally very good with occasional muddy patches.

From Rudgwick we ride north to Tanhurst Lane, Coldharbour & to tea at Old Clunker, Dorking.

Offers to sub-lead are greatly appreciated.

Please email me andycoxhill@ntlworld.com by 6pm Monday if you'd like to join me.

Here is the route: RideWithGPS

Andy

Easy Riders recovering from the AGM at The Thames Court

(photo by Anne C.)

And, while we're looking at photos, here is one from Helen for 24th April:

"a good turnout for a dull grey morning"

Invitation to B Group ride (after the AGM)

Wednesday's B ride will be from Hersham WI Hall after the AGM at approx 12-00 .The morning ride will be quite short 13 mls to lunch at the George (Wetherspoons) in Staines (bring a cycle lock). Afternoon tea in Bushy Park, 13 miles. Please reply by Monday evening if you’re joining the ride.

Regards

Tony

Invitation to A Group Ride, 8th May 2024, from Hersham.

 You are invited to join the A group ride from Hersham on 8th May 2024.  

Lunch is at Wetherspoons, Herbert Wells, in Woking. (Incidently the best-ranked 'spoons in Surrey). This is a short 13mile ride, taking into account the likely midday finish of the AGM. (See details posted on the blog on 25th April). So you don't miss-out on your normal MWW mileage, it's approximately 22miles to tea. (To be arranged). There is a shortish off-road section of the route - with a mere 355m of ascent. 

You are advised to arrive early at Costa Coffee, or Bean on the Green, Hersham Green, for your elevenses coffee, to get to the AGM in good time.  

Please respond by the normal deadline of 6pm on Monday to:- gedlawrenson150@gmail.com.

I'm finalising the route following my recce, and the revised version will be emailed on Tuesday to those riding. (In the absence of offers to sub-lead, a second group will need to be Garmin led).

Ride Report B Group 1st May

 Francis begins with….

The promise of a warm and dry day (albeit with an afternoon threat of light rain) saw a bumper number of 31 cyclists at RBL Cobham for Elevenses, with birthday cake and coffee courtesy of Ken Day. Thank you Ken!

My first group left pretty bang on time at 10.35am heading through Great Bookham Common towards Chapel Lane, a short climb and descent, to Westhumble. Then it was time for the steady climb up “Little Switzerland” to Headley, followed gratefully by a steep and windy descent down Pebblehill road to Betchworth. Soon we arrived at The Surrey Oaks in Parkgate for a wonderful and sunny alfresco lunch and ale (for some at least).

With dark clouds gathering overhead and some distant thunder, we made a hasty exit and were soon riding at pace on familiar undulating roads through Norwood Hill and Leigh before arriving at “Charlie and Gingers” in Leatherhead, having only had a small rain shower on the way there. Somehow, the last group had miraculously beaten us to Pixham, even though some of them were still waiting for their food orders when we left the pub (see Tim G’s subtle explanation below)

Steph, astute as ever, noticed there were rather a lot of roads we rode on with the word “hill” in it – Juniper Hill, Bagden Hill, Pebblehill road, Snowerhill road, Stan Hill, Norwood Hill, Smalls Hill road, Trumpets Hill road, Gimrack Hill and I hadn’t even noticed, honest Gov !

My back-marker Diane was superb, especially at herding one or two stray riders back to the group.

A big thank you to John A and Tim G for their sterling co-leading and their back-markers for supporting them.

 

John A continues with ….

 The second group set off into the glorious Surrey Hills. Personally, I was spoilt by the route that Francis put together because I particularly like the area around Dorking and this week we criss-crossed quite a few roads to the north and east of the town.

In fact on three occasions, part of our route was covered both in the morning and the afternoon, a bit tricky on an e-map, if the subby has not done a recce and the blue line shows a double arrow!

Thank you to one and all for your company and to Bernard for back marking.

And Tim G ends with ….

 A large number of B group riders gathered at Cobham RBL to enjoy 11’s and celebrate Ken D’s birthday. Happy birthday Ken !

Our group of ten cyclists left promptly at 11.05am and made our way via Downside and Great Bookham towards our first climb up Chapel Lane towards Westhumble. We also welcomed Karl who was riding with us for the first time. The second (more challenging) climb up Juniper Hill was met with surprising vigour as everyone overtook the leader who was left gently pedalling with the back marker. 

 

A controlled decent down Pebble Hill Road took us via Betchworth and Dawesgreen to our lunchtime destination at the Surrey Oaks’ at Parkgate. Everyone opted to enjoy an alfresco lunch in the beer garden although the delivery of some food orders was rather slow. 

 

Given that we were running behind schedule and with the prospect of gathering storm clouds we decided to curtail our afternoon ride and head straight up to Brockham. Paul J was also struggling with a leaky tyre valve and thought it wise to get the train home from Dorking. 

 

It came as some surprise to the other two groups to find that we were ahead of them as we approached Westhumble without ever passing by them on the way. The combined company finally descended on ‘Charlie and Gingers’ for tea and cakes and to reflect on the day’s proceedings. 

 

Thanks to everyone who contributed towards making today’s ride an enjoyable experience. Very much appreciated.

Ride Report A group to Old Windsor

 For those that remember we last did this ride in December 2017. I changed it to remove the Basingstoke canal section but to include the Rhododendron ride in Windsor Great Park.

Brian's Report.

My group of seven consisted of Christina, Gill H, Sue F, Simon, Richard and Dave V. The sun came out near Ripley and we enjoyed some warmth before lunch. There was a bit of a holdup approaching Ottershaw while the workmen stopped the traffic to rearrange their cones and Steve's group caught us up. Windsor Great Park was a delight though the closure of the path from the Virginia Water gate forcing us to use the A30 does nothing for the Royal Park's Green "credentials" in my view. Lunch was fine once we had sorted out the admin!! The return ride was more challenging to lead from a gpx though my virtual "recce" on Streetview came in handy. In retrospect I think the old fashioned way of just going round the roundabout at Kempton Park would have been better. Do cycle path designers ever ride them? We had a couple of light showers but it was dry again when we got to Bushy Park. Here, with more rain forecast, we split up for home rather than stop for tea.

My thanks to the group who it was a pleasure to lead. Christina was close behind for much of the way so unknowingly became my pace maker allowing me to concentrate on the gpx. Thanks to Steve for an interesting route and a few new or nearly forgotten roads on the return and for Dave V for back marking.

Report for Neil's sub-lead group weds 1 May 2024

Our group of Hans Peter, Mike, Andy and back marker Dave (thanks) left last, I tried to lead a moderated pace. Some had not ridden the new Elm Lane so we took that liberty. Rising up to the runway it was as if we came out of mist, into sunshine. Descending towards the Ripley roundabout exit I noticed the road and cycle path has what looks like the final smooth surface. Climbing over the exit, a workman asked me (I thought) "have i seen a ball?" [You been playing football? I thought], but I checked and he said "pool or pond". Curiouser and curiouser. Then he pointed to a family of geese, who'd gone off course because of the road work barriers, ah! "Well there's a brook on this side of the road", and he gallantly stopped the traffic and gently guided them over. We all approved.

From Ripley again a nice stretch with a small hill, then mixed urban roads and eventually the liked likes of Accomodation Road and the Park, with a lovely view of the lake still in sunshine. 

The staff at the Harvester were busy, but somehow falling short. Andy related his involvement with Phoenix, and others we knew from way back when.  

With the forecast warning rain, we saw, but did not enter the War Memorial, and stuck to the route. Getting rained on briefly most of us went directly home, Andy and Pete decided to stop near the Hampton lock cafe.

Great day out, and we got off lightly with only a light shower. Thanks Steve.   

After tea and coffee kindly supplied by Ken Day to celebrate his birthday, 20 riders set off in three groups from Cobham to go north to The Bells of Ouzeley, a Harvester pub. The route took us through Ripley and then West Byfleet via the station tunnel to progress through Ottershaw to Virginia Water. Since Covid cycling has been banned around the lake and so we had to enter at Wick Road in order to enter using permitted cycle routes. On the 'Rhododendron ride' there were very few plants that remained in bloom, but we found a couple of fine examples.

Lunch at The Bells was a disjointed affair where our pre-orders were abandoned in order to take our individual requests after buying a drink from the bar. After a half hour wait for the skeleton staff to take our orders we queued yet again at the bar to order our food, which came out to the garden mercifully quickly. If visiting again it would be twice as efficient to order our drinks and food individually after noting a table number in Weatherspoons fashion. Nevertheless, everyone seemed in good spirits, probably due to the warm temperature and hint of sunshine.

So after a ninety minute lunch we set off again to climb Priest Hill.

We spent 10 minutes in the Air Forces memorial. A visit always overwhelms me with sadness at the 10 million lives lost in the second world war mostly of men and women in their twenties. The memorial, one of 23,000 in Europe is a testament to the futility of war and yet it is poignant to realise that we have enjoyed relative peace and prosperity  in the UK solely because of the sacrifice of so many.

Rain now threatened and so we set off again down Tite Hill, through Egham and Staines. This time however going north of Kempton to Hampton Hill and the entrance to Bushy Park exiting at Hampton Court where Ged and I had tea at Dish. Other riders had peeled off to go directly home. The light rain had left off by now and I had a dry ride home.

Thanks to all wayfarers for riding today and to Ged for back marking my group. Special thanks to Brian and Neil Warland for leading groups from GPX. Thanks also to Brian for help planning the route.

Steve D