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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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 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.
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| 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.
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| Two groups into one at Woking. |
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| Yet another bridge picture - the Mole at River Lane. |
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
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| (photo by Anne C.) |
And, while we're looking at photos, here is one from Helen for 24th April:
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| "a good turnout for a dull grey morning" |
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
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).
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.
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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 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
