Report for A Group - 28th August

David J wrote:

Firstly I'd like to thank Andy H for stepping up to lead the first group on the day, rather than have me disperse those riders in the other two groups.

My group consisted of Sue, Dave F, Clive, Dave E, Simon L and myself.

When I started planning the ride I was faced with something of a dilemma, as the distance from The Queen Stage in Effingham to Brockham and the picnic area is not that far; how can I give the groups something that would be a challenge yet hopefully still find it enjoyable. On the plus side there were no worries about finding a pub for lunch.

I decided to take them into the hills to the south of Effingham and exit the hills at Dorking. The first climb of the day was aptly named High Barn Road, followed by up Whitedown Lane from the north, and then past the Abinger Hatch pub on Abinger Lane and on to Leith Hill and Coldharbour before we descended down into Dorking itself. All of which were completed at a decent pace and with no grumbling. I took my group along the A25 and turned into Brockham Lane and onto the pavilion. The other groups decided not use this route but rather approach Brockham from a different direction and avoid the main road.

We had been riding in the warm tree covered lanes most of the way but when we turned into the car park the sun was blazing down on us and the tables that were set out. Timewise we arrived pretty much when I wanted to get there, giving us time for refreshments and time to mingle and chat with other members of the club.

After lunch our group was joined by another Simon, who had ridden out with the 'B's on his first ride with the club, so not wishing to change the theme of the day made our way around the back of Brockham up to Punchbowl Lane, yet we weren't finished, so up Box Hill, again in the sun, before crossing Headley and down towards Epsom. On the way to afternoon tea various members headed off home whilst the remaining five arrived at the Old Moat in good time for either tea, coffee or ice cream as desired. When we arrived the first group were just leaving so we were able to catch up with them, say our farewells after they had promised that they had left some cake.

 

Overall, from Effingham to The Old Moat we had climbed over 3200 ft in a distance of 32 miles, a great achievement! and no punctures.

Many thanks to everyone in the group for enjoying the route, their company, and particularly Simon L for back marking and all for generally making Picnic day another wonderful summer's day out. Also I would like to say a large thank you to all those who did the real hard work, setting up, running the refreshments and clearing away for the picnic itself.

David J

Brian wrote:

My group of Ged, Andy C, Richard, Steve D and Dave V set off a few minutes after the appointed time. David had designed a route to ensure we all had an appetite for lunch after climbing to Whitedown and Leith Hill. 

I started the way I continued with a bit of insubordination and turned left out of the Queen Stage to use the traffic lights at the main road. We all enjoyed a steady run to Dorking where I cut right down Ridgeway Road to Flint Hill and then through North Holmwood and Red Lane to Brockham. Our return departure was some time after the other groups given the need to prise some members away from their social activities. There was then a photo stop at the top of Box Hill and a chat with Sabina who took another group photo. So it was past 3.30 when we reached Ashtead Park and tea at the Old Moat was looking a bit of a tight call. So we all stopped in Ashtead for tea. 

My thanks to Ged for back marking.

Brian

B Group Picnic Ride - 28 August '24

Sadly I was not able to join you all on Wednesday but Christina very kindly volunteered to step in on my behalf. Many thanks also to Peter B and Julie B who sub-lead the other two groups. Sounds like it proved to be a very successful occasion and a good time had by all.

Thanks to all involved and there are numerous photos to be seen on the B group WhatsApp.

TimG.

Christina writes the following :

My group consisted of Maggie and Paul James, Dawn, Terry, Grant and a new starter to CTC SW London Simon Whelan.

Thanks for Tim G for a great route over 18 miles, going through a variety (road and 2 sections of off-road) of terrains with some gentle up and occasionally not so gentle down the hills.

Thanks for Maggie for back marking. I hope we all enjoyed a lovely day riding in the sunshine and catching up with friends at the picnic.

Simon overtook me up Combe Lane in early August on my B ride from Cobham RBL. He said he was going to look into our Club and join us for a ride soon. I'm pleased he did, with a fair amount of communications and induction from Dave Ferret, our Committee Secretary. I understand Simon joined the A group ride after the picnic. I hope he enjoyed a good day riding with both B and A group riders.

Christina B.

Invitation to B Group ride, Wednesday 4th September 2024

Hi folks,

The ride from Cobham will be to the Three Horseshoes, Cranleigh, then on to Denbies for tea.

One significant hill (Staple Lane) & 4.3 miles of Downs Link.

Tim attempted to include this bit of off-road in his ride in March, but was forced to abandon the idea due to the wet winter.

I expect it to be fine this time, subject to a recce on Monday.

The route from Capel goes north to Beare Green then the cyclepath to South Holmwood for the fast decent to Fourwents pond.

The pub requires pre-ordering, here is the sandwich menu, although if you go to the website  https://www.threehorseshoescranleigh.co.uk/food , they do other stuff too.

And here is the route in the morning & afternoon.

Please reply to andycoxhill@ntlworld.com with your food order by 6pm Monday (2nd) evening.

Thanks & I look forward to seeing you.

Invitation to 4th Sept 'A' Group ride to a riverside pub - Onslow Arms Loxwood

We waited so long for the good weather of summer, now entering September I chose a riverside pub location in case we have a continuation of the hot weather. Well, the Onslow Arms is next to the River Lox. It is a wee compromise choice as the garden looks out the other way over the canal.  

The ride will have some hills, these in the morning - Critten, Raikes Lane and Hoe Lane, and just one - the fairly well behaved Leith Hill Lane on the way back. After Hoe Lane we keep the height along the North Downs 'ridge' to enjoy the likes of Winterfold Heath Road. 

Approaching Loxwood we take a detour along Pigbush Lane. With a name like that I had to explore, and it is a gem of a minor road / bridleway. Maybe we have ridden it before? I asked a few who said no. Lovely section and views anyway. 

24 miles there, 24 miles back to Leatherhead. According to Komoot and Garmin its 2800 ft of climbing. 

The gpx route Cobham-Loxwood in Garmin  

I have one sub-leader (thx Dave V.), it would be great if one other can volunteer to sub-lead a modest pace group  - I found the route easy to navigate, and I have ride notes ready to share. 

Please view the menu - the menu -
and send your request to join
( WITH DETAILS OF YOUR MEAL CHOICE! )
to me  neilwarland43@gmail.com  

by 6pm Monday 2nd Sept.  

Anyone available to help lead the All Day Greenwich ride on Saturday 14th September?

I am short of leaders for this traditional ride.  Lots of the regulars are unavailable.  Intricate but really pleasant urban route.  Recces pencilled in for 2 September and 8 September but there can be some flexibility.

If you'd enjoy doing this please contact me Paulandrewjames1949@yahoo.co.uk 

Report for the Easy Riders - 21st August

This week’s ride was all about rising and diminishing numbers.

Our group of five, Frank C, Frank B, Maureen, Anne and John was led to Leatherhead by Frank C along our familiar route through Ewell, Epsom and Ashtead.

Bill, Don, Caroline, Jane and James were already at the Fairfield Centre enjoying catching up with friends from the A and B groups. Soon we were joined by John B and Ray. Frank C and Maureen put their heads together, studied some maps and suggested a ride to Newdigate, one we hadn’t yet done this summer. Bill parted ways with us at the centre and just as we were departing Anne B rushed up to join. And then there were twelve!

With Maureen leading, we headed along the A24 Cycle route towards Dorking. John B peeled off around Burford Bridge and Don turned back at the end of Pixham Lane. And then there were 10!  We had a short ride along the A25 before turning in by Betchworth Golf Club to cycle the unpaved route by the golf course to Brockham. Left by the village church, we cycled the leafy lanes and byroads eventually pausing  by the Star in Leigh village. Ray and Frank C decided at this point to turn and head for home. And then there were eight! Another 15 minutes of pleasant cycling took us to our lunch destination, the Surrey Oaks. Anne B had a quick drink and snack and left us as she had some urgent cake making duties. And then there were 7!  After lunch we followed a scenic route via Henfold, Brockham and along the A24 cycle lane back to Lucio’s Cafe  where 6 of us enjoyed a welcome drink.

We enjoyed teasing Maureen about the diminishing numbers on our ride and of course as we reached home, then there were none! A round trip of about 40 miles for those who rode out from North Cheam.

Many thanks to Maureen for leading and to Frank C and John C for backmarking.

~ Anne C

Invitation to ride with A Group to the Picnic - 28th August

You are invited to join the A Group ride from The Queens Stage in Effingham to Brockham for the annual Summer Picnic, about 16 miles to Brockham Pavilion and then the same distance after lunch back to The Old Moat, Horton Lane for tea. It is an undulating ride, all on road, all which we have done before.

Obviously there is no pub stop for lunch so you should bring your refreshments with you to elevenses in a bag marked with your name, these will be transported by volunteers to the pavilion for us. There will be tea and coffee available at the pavilion.

Please email me, d.jackson49@aol.co.uk, by 18.00hrs on Monday 26th August if you wish to join the ride, route and groups will be sent out on Tuesday.

Looking forward to seeing you all.

Thanks

David J.

Ride report for B Group - 21st August

The first group set off at 10.30 for a long, pleasant ride to lunch. The weather was ideal and the roads were amazingly flat. One interesting new route was to try to find the correct path across a golf course. We were twice 'assisted' by golfers who felt that we had taken a wrong turn and should not be where we were.

A lovely day out, how fortunate we all are.

J.A.

__________

Leatherhead Fairfield is a great place for 11s especially on a warm and sunny day like today.

My group is made of Stephen H, Geoff G, Terry, Maggie and Paul J, Helen, Pinky. We departed at a leisurely 11amish from the Centre.

Geoff G very kindly offered to back marking for us 8 riders.

We went through Lower Road, Effingham, East Horsley, Ockham Village towards Ripley, Old Woking then through Chobham Golf Club towards West End Village and Hare and Hounds for our lunch at the Donkey Town. 

After lunch, we rode through Gracious Pond Chobham to Ottershaw, Chertsey and afternoon tea at Ferry Cafe Shepperton.

It was 3 weeks ago Fixie Dave and I did the reccy, I converted my reccy ride to a route on RwGPS. In general I use my Garmin for navigation, since I was never 100% certain how it communicates re directions, I made a few wrong turns throughout the ride. Luckily I had a few wise riders e.g. Paul Geoff, Stephen behind me to shout out the correct turn. Yes I probably did the "longest" ride due to those "wrong" turns😅

Thanks Fixie Dave for devising such an interesting route and for my group for your companies and help. Hope you all enjoyed the ride today.

~ Christina

__________

This week's ride attracted a good turnout, in comparison to last week's ride, difficult to ascertain as to why ? 🥴

24 of us B group cyclists set off from Leatherhead, on our Derby, to Donkey Town.

We were pleased to be joined by two more cyclists at our Lunch stop, Pam & Gill, at The Hare & Hounds. 

The Victoria line took us thru the Golf course, 😀  That being the route which Victoria, a lady runner, Christina and myself met on our recce, She was kind enough to make a U-turn and run ahead of us along the Bridal trail.

The many road repairs, which were being carried out along our route at a lightning pace,  didn't present much hindrance on our ride.  

 

Thanks to all who took part in our ride; my happy group consisted of Carolyn, Diane, Julie, Steph, Arwyn, Grant, Karl, Mick.

Thanks to Diane, our back marker, who kept all our group in line ! 

Dave 

__________

B Group Ride - Wednesday 28th August '24

Our ride from 'The Queen Stage' at Effingham will take us to Brockham via Westhumble and Shellwood Cross for our annual picnic lunch at the village cricket ground.

There is no afternoon ride planned so everyone is free to make their own way home at whatever time they wish.

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

Email - timgibbons1@virginmedia.com

WhatsApp - 07756961505

Let's hope the weather is kind to us on the day.

TimG.

Ride report for A , A/B group adventure ride from Leatherhead.

 The ride was planned to appeal to either A group or A/B group riders. I had publicised the ride as a Downs themed adventure ride. My last such ride invitation initially attracted 17 riders. Had I put everyone off again?

To my surprise I had 24 riders (including leaders) signed up for this adventure with everyone securing the subgroup pace of their choice. We should all grateful to Neil and Clive for sub leading and managing to squeeze an early morning joint Recce on Monday into their busy schedules.

To target a reasonably staggered arrival at the pub, all three groups left shortly before 11:00. The first roadworks in Leatherhead were passable on Monday but not without debate on Wednesday. Was that an omen? A short detour around the other 2 sides of St Johns cricket pitch was required. Our first Down was Epsom racecourse, which we accessed via Ashtead common and Chalk Lane. Unfortunately, that was where the first of our runners and riders had a mishap. Poor Janice experienced a puncture to her mount on our first short section of gravel. She bravely let her group continue while she hoped to fix it and re-join at the pub. However it could not be repaired and she eventually had to walk her bike home. The only positive was it was the patch of gravel that was nearest her home. Annoyingly, Neil’s fast group suffered two further tubeless punctures, one before and one after lunch.

For the rest of us it was new territory for many as we descended the south side "horse gallops" with views over Walton and Headly and then climbed again to Walton on the hill. From there we traversed Walton Heath woods and golf course bridleway, emerging at the Sportsman Mogidoor This section had been included on several previous A rides (but not very often) and leads to the beautiful Colley Hill. 

Staying on the gravel track previously has resulted in missing some of the best available views, so to make the most of the favourable weather my route meandered over the grassland paths to optimise our viewing pleasure. 

 

   

It transpires that at least 2 of the groups approached the same 2 ladies sitting on a park bench, who kindly agreed to capture group photos .

Clive's group chose a different backdrop.

 

My group also paused to read up on the site of the crashed WW2 bomber where “wigtips” still mark the scene of the tragedy.

   

The route then descended Coombe Bottom fast tarmac before turning the Royal and Alexandra school and the gravel track through Gatton Park....... 

..........with some spectacular views of Capability Brown landscaped gardens. I had only discovered and enjoyed this on a post COVID Dave W led C&M ride. (Thanks Dave!)        

Quiet tarmac lanes took us largely traffic free through Reigate and Redhill (including roadworks) before the final flat adventure section on N21. 

I had previously used this in the opposite direction on a return route from a Caterham ride. On my first Recce in mid July this was flooded and I got very wet feet. Fortunately, the recce on Monday confirmed it was dry. This route traverses a variety of countryside including some wetlands and cornfields before finally emerging at the Spynes Mere Nature reserve where my group stopped to enjoys some formation flying displays by flocks of geese departing form an island in the middle of the lake resulting from a very successful rewilding of a quarry site.    

After the final sharp hill ascent to Belchingly we eventually sat down with the other groups in the reserved “conservatory” of our third Red Lion pub lunch in 3 weeks. We were considerably later than I initially expected as I had not allowed sufficiently for the various briefings, comfort stops and photo opportunities. Service was prompt and the food was good to fuel us for the short (17 mile) but indirect hilly tarmac return to Banstead (17 mile) via Farthing Down.

 We once again overtook Neils group who repairing their third puncture but waved them on as they passed us shortly after when we were briefly resting near the top of Markedge lane. We later discovered that due to that and earlier delays, including missed corner marking, they had a mutiny and decided to shortcut direct from there to How Lane and Banstead omitting Farthing Down and several climbs.

Perhaps a wise move! On crossing the A23 at Hooley, our ascent of Dean Lane was marred and delayed by an exceptional and unusual volume of traffic using it as diversion for an accident on the A23. One wide campervan ascending the lane discovered that even using a passing place would not permit a descending BMW to get past. Bored with waiting we eventually squeezed past and left them to it.

By now there was increasing concern we would not get to Banstead in time for tea, it was feeling chilly despite the hills and there were some tired legs. So a secret ballot was conducted in Farthing Down car park. The options were for one (essential) hill or the designated two hills back to Banstead. The “ones” had it, so we rerouted via Coulsdon town entre before re-joining the route at the omitted How Lane junction. (Surprisingly, this only reduced the total climbing by around 125 ft and was equidistant) Not seeing any other bikes, 7 of us enjoyed refreshments at the Lavender café just before they shut. Neil C subsequently found us as he had been waiting elsewhere after his group had departed.

Clive’s group are to be congratulated on completing the course in good time and spirits without incident. So the final puncture score was Neil 3, Clive 0 and Dave 0. Feedback from all 3 groups suggest it was a bit of a Marmite ride. Most thankfully enjoyed it, some had yet to acquire the taste?

Invitation to A group ride from Leatherhead Faifield Centre 21 August.

 A Downs dipper adventure.

The ride was planned to appeal to either A group or A/B group riders, as I will be leading a more leisurely paced sub -group to enjoy the scenery. On a warm dry clear day expect to share some of my favourite views and explore some less trodden territory and where possible avoid traffic. The ride has similar distance (39.6 miles) and total ascent (2,425 ft) as Neil W and Brian's recent visits to Blackdown. Be warned it does include some mixed terrain (hardpack or gravel) and shared use (beware of horses/dog walkers) sections similar to recent Dave W or Neil W rides. All the “offroad” is before lunch, but this will mean a slower pace to lunch than usual.

Highlights include Epsom racecourse, Colley hill, Gatton Park and Spynes Mere Nature reserve and Farthing Down.

 

   The ride to lunch at the Red Lion Bletchingly is 23 miles. The pub has been reserved without the need to pre-order. The food was fine on my recce. A good selection of sandwiches, jackets and omlettes as well as pub classics.  If we could have 3 tables of 6 outside at the back (if it’s not raining) that would be ideal, but that space is very limited, and we will probably need most of that to park all our bikes. So we may have to sit in the conservatory area at the back.

The afternoon leg is to tea at Banstead  is 18 quite hilly indirect miles, but entirely on tarmac.

Subject to demand, there will be one leisurely, one moderately and one quicker paced group and (thanks Clive and Neil W). Departures will be likely to be between 10:45 to 11:00

Please email me at dlferrett@hotmail.com by Monday 7pm to register for the ride with your preferred pace (which I will try, but not guarantee) to accommodate. I will circulate the final route, runners and riders on Tuesday as usual..

Invitation to ride with B Group - 21st August

You are cordially invited to take part in our B ride out from Leatherhead on Wednesday 21st August. heading towards Donkey Town, 21 miles to The Hare & Hounds for sustenance. Then 13 miles to the Ferry Cafe in Shepperton. Three groups 10.30am-10.40am-10.50am. 

Please contact me by Monday evening, via text 07952 627 346 or email davey1828@gmail.com.

Route links =

Garmin Connect:

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/296361169

Strava:

https://www.strava.com/routes/3256542995636055542

RideWithGPS (including Cue sheet instructions):

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48042658

Please feel free to contact the pub direct, if you wish to pre-order sustenance:

See Menus and Contact details for more information.

Look forward to seeing you all

Dave [the Fixie Pixie]

Ride report: A group to Fernhurst.

Sixteen of us made it to Guildford on a rather damp morning for our ride to Fernhurst. We were all very impressed with the welcome and service at the Open Grounds cafe.

This ride is almost a rerun of one I did in 2018 with a few minor changes at both ends, partly driven by the closure of the original tea stop and also to minimise duplication of Neil W's recent ride to Blackdown which we circumnavigated visiting the equally high but easily graded Gibbet Hill.

Fiona left first:

Peter, Neil, Hans, Janice, Dave and I set off from Open Grounds cafe at Millmead, just ahead of Geds group, who caught up with us, before we even started the official route -as we were busy putting on rain jackets. Despite the rain we were ready to divest ourselves of our jackets once we’d completed the first climb. Luckily, from then on it remained dry.

The climb up Gibbets Hill provided us with beautiful views of the Devils Punchbowl.

Lunch was good and served quickly at The Red Lion at Fernhurst. Unfortunately Janice discovered she’d got a puncture but with tubeless tyres felt it would be ok to continue on. After the first climb after lunch, she decided to put a dart in, hoping this would seal it and get her home. It obviously did the trick as we had a 4 km descent on newly gravelled road.
We all needed rest and cake at the Snooty Fox before we cycled home (except for Neil who took the train, in order to reserve his energy for his table tennis match ).
Thank you Brian for a great route, Peter for back marking and everyone for their company.

Ged was next:

Last week's ride to the Red Lion was uneventful. This week's ride to another Red Lion was rather different - for me at least! My group removed rain jackets at the top of Unstead Lane when I discovered a flat - barely 3 miles into the ride. Steve's tyre levers removed a tight tyre, and a spare tube was duly fitted. Yet having just missed the turn into Home Farm Road at Busbridge - another 2 miles later, the same tyre had deflated. No obvious cause was found, a second tube fitted, and much delayed progress was made to the Red Lion.

Brian's route up to Hindhead replicated earlier rides going back to 2013. (Of the 12 Wayfarers on Mark's ride in 2015 pictured at the Sailors Stone, only 3 (Brian, Dave Vine, and myself) were out on Wednesday - old legs turning more slowly!

Setting-off from lunch I could hardly believe yet another flat! This time, after checking the tube in the gent's wash-hand-basin, confirmed Steve's find - a tiny shard of glass, the culprit of 3 punctures! A borrowed tube eventually saw us arrive at the Snooty Fox just before 4pm. From now on I'm moving to tubeless - like the two sets of wheels on my gravel bike.

Many thanks to Steve for backmarking, and help - gained from his vast experience as 'puncture king'! Richard, Dave, and Clive are also very patient cyclists!

I was the last to leave with Christina, Sue F, Daves F & V. Like the other groups it wasn't long before we shed the rain jackets. Once across the A286 at Brook we were in almost traffic free territory past Boundless Farm to the path over Gibbet Hill. All the time we were expecting Ged's group to overtake unaware of the second puncture.

The descent from Hindhead to Hammer Vale seems endless though the sharp climb back up to Linchmere gets the legs working again before yet another mile and more plunge down into the woods. 

Lunch was good, served very promptly and we were off by 2pm. Three miles of recently gravelled Jobson's Lane was hard work (Sussex CC don't get the thanks that the B group gave them!) but after that we pushed on at a good pace to make the Snooty Fox by 3.45.

My thanks to all for their company and to Dave F for back marking. Also to all who took photos of which I have only included a few.

Wed 14th - the norwesterly alternative

The magnificence of Paul's scenic hilly Guildford ride could not be matched. A less muscled up group met at Nauticalia for a flat ride to the architectural delights of Dorney. Paula bravely set forth (moaning the lack of bifocals for deciphering the garmin), leading Dawn, Lillian (toe bandaged and knee support), Stephen (fab on the bike bit of a limp off it), Julie Buckman (recovering from Covid). None could outshine Liz's desperate attempt to avoid a hilly ride arriving on foot with her wrist in plaster! (Seriously sending all good wishes for a speedy recovery Liz.) The second group set off led by me but with Pam at my shoulder giving very useful advice on route, John and Ann Connaughton (punctured on the way to 11s but note for future rides a very quick puncture repair got them to Shepperton in plenty of time for coffee). Tony Hooker, Grant provided chocolates to celebrate his 88th birthday. An amazing achievement in itself but testimony to the health benefits of just keeping going. Tony Hopkins was of course present in an advisory role at both 11s and T and his advice on The Palmers Arms was spot on. No pre-ordering needed and lovely food at a decent price. Madelaine, resourceful as ever,joined us at Chertsey bridge and retreated in that direction as we approached Staines. The chimneys of the house next to the pub appeared to match the chimneys of the old manor house on the Thames - same builder according to Pam (was she there?) An enjoyable day up river.

Conversations and undulations; B Group from Guildford to Leatherhead, 14 August

Most of us had woken up to drizzle and there was still light rain in the air when we got to Guildford; five starters took the leader's advice and came by train but Fixie, Chris and Steve cycled it, thus accumulating a considerable mileage by the end of the day.  Steve mistimed his run from home and was too busy making up time to send us a text, so assuming his absence we decided to run as one group of seven and set off without him.  We let the As go first and set off up Sandy Lane where at the top and purely with the intent of preparing everybody, I described the climb as the first of four morning climbs to get us out of Guildford and Godalming; the rest of the morning, I explained, was merely undulating Surrey and Sussex countryside.  But we had Chris in the group, and some of the undulations had to be taken in a low gear and much of the leader's day was spent accelerating out of earshot of a philosophical debate about the difference between a hill and an undulation..

Charterhouse School is well appointed and by then we had all shed our rain gear.  Godalming is pretty, and the Sussex countryside was verdant.  The start of the ride offered much shade and it was tempting to wish the sun to come out but John and I knew that the afternoon was more open; we had toiled a bit on the recce in the sunshine.  The other feature of Sussex was the smart, newly tarmacked roads.  The potholes began to appear as we approached the Surrey border.

The staff at the Onslow Arms at Loxwood were welcoming even if one young man serving behind the bar seemed to have a vocabulary of two words; "Perfect" and "amazing".  And just when Chris (who had not made a food choice) stepped up to eat the missing Steve's, Steve himself turned up.

By the canal at Loxwood.

We restarted after lunch a little way along the towpath of the canal and then made our way north into Surrey and aiming for Leith Hill.  If you have to climb Tanhurst Lane then this was the perfect weather for doing it, and those who had not previously had the pleasure made it to the top.

Tanhurst conquered mid-afternoon on a pretty bumpy ride

A brief stop at the churchyard in Coldharbour for Tim G to give us a short history class, and we were coasting down to Dorking for tea at the Old Clunker, because we reckoned we were not going to make Leatherhead in time.

Oh, and I came up with an answer on the difference between a hill and an undulation.  Surely, it's a mere undulation if you can build up enough momentum to surmount it without changing down on the left hand.  Chris said he'd do some research.  I have no doubt he will.

Ride Leader training

 

The club needs to keep up its flow of new leaders to stay alive and at the AGM it was explained that we barely have enough ride leaders to maintain our rides programme. For September and October  we currently have 6 rides that are not covered. I am sure that most of us have the makings of a ride leader in us but  just need a bit of confidence to take the plunge. So to that end I have been researching options for some formal coaching to support our members and enable them to step up as ride leaders, or the intermediate step of sub-leader which is a major contribution to the viability of our rides.

Jen Buckley is a qualified cycling coach who can offer a package of three hours of training, focussing on the skills required to successfully plan and lead a ride. This would consist of 1 hour theory (either Zoom or face to face) covering expectations of ride leaders, roles and responsibilities, route planning, key skills required e.g communication, leadership, bike checks etc. This would be followed by a practical session on the road honing group leading skills and gaining dynamic feedback to increase confidence, of around 2 hours.

Initially, we would aim to have a get together for potentially interested members and discuss their particular issues regarding ride leading. Jen could then tailor the course to our specific needs and concerns. She could take 6-8 members in a group and would charge an incredibly reasonable £15-20 per person for the three hours of coaching. Furthermore, we have some left-over funds in the kitty from CUK which means the cost would come down to around £10-14 per person depending on the number of takers.

I have done online coaching (via Zoom and Zwift) with Jen as well as taking part in an outdoor session, both of which I thoroughly enjoyed. She is an excellent, motivational coach and I am sure she would give anyone thinking of stepping up,   the confidence to lead a ride. I will be signing up for the first group, hopefully starting in September/October so potential ride leaders and subbies please let me know if you would like to join Jen and me for what promises to be a fun and informative experience!

Best wishes

Sue

sue.foster39@gmail.com

 

Getting off a train /plane at Gatwick airport with a bike

Below reply I received today after complaining about signage. There is a beautiful off-road cycle path to Gatwick that you suggest is not signed from exiting the railway station. I’ve shared your email with our Surface Transport team, and they’ve reviewed your notes. They’ve provided me with their comments and now I’m able to respond. Whilst I’d like to apologise for the incorrect guidance you were provided with from some of the staff working at London Gatwick and our partners in the train station, I’d like to provide the following notes. We do appreciate the feedback for the signage and wayfinding issues that you raised, and this is being reviewed, although we do need to balance the needs of cyclists and all the other users of London Gatwick. The cycle lift is located just to the left-hand side of the exit from the train station, follow signs for Airport Terminals. We have a map of the cycle facilities and the routes available on our website, however I note that the cycle lift is not included on this. From your feedback we’ll update this information to help people accessing the airport to find the lift in advance of arriving. We do really value our position on the National Cycle Route 21 and are currently working on a project to improve the look and feel of the route through the airport, including improving surfacing, lighting and wayfinding to support cyclists who want to access the airport as well as those travelling through. I’d like to take this opportunity to apologise once again for the difficulty of navigating our terminal, but also to thank you for raising these valid points with us as we’ll continue to look at improving our services for all.

First Aid course

Have you ever wondered what you would do if you were faced with a medical emergency whilst out on a ride? I know some of you have had to deal with situations whilst on our weekly rides and it can be a pretty scary experience. Jennie J took the excellent initiative earlier this year to source a cycling specific First Aid course that could be offered to our members. And best of all - CUK have funded it!

8 riders did the course in the spring and it was such a success Jennie arrange another course a few weeks ago which I attended.  Our trainer for the day was Jen Craven who runs Wimbledon First Aid. As a cyclist herself she perfectly understood our needs and tailored the learning to situations we were likely to encounter on a ride.

Jen proved to be a great trainer and placed a lot of emphasis on not immediately diving into a situation, but pausing to assess first using the DRABC (Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing and Circulation) mnemonic. We returned to this when discussing almost all medical emergencies. Jen knows our riding territory well and had an excellent idea should an accident occur around a blind corner: place a bike with a bright coloured jacket draped over it to warn any oncoming vehicles or riders that there was a casualty on the road. 

Perfecting our CPR skills occupied a good part of the course. Jen uses dummies that light up when you are using the correct technique. Many of  the group found it surprisingly exhausting giving effective CPR for a prolonged period of time.

She  highlighted the importance of locating a defib quickly and having the locator app What 3 Words and medical info on our phones for a helper to find should we be unable to give this information. I have  now set up the Apple Health app with emergency contact numbers and any medical issues that can be accessed quickly from the locked screen. 

We now have a total of 20 riders with First  Aid training in the club. If CUK funds allow, hopefully we will be able to offer this course to our members again next year.  Jennie is looking to hold the next one in spring 2025 so keep a look out on the blog (or mention it to Jennie or me) if you are interested in taking part. 

Being faced with a medical emergency can be challenging, especially if it happens in a remote and isolated location. Following the course I think we all felt more confident to deal with a potential situation and give some emergency care. I felt I learned a lot despite having done First aid training in the past. Techniques (particularly CPR) have changed considerably over the years so even if you have done some training this course is great refresher. 

Sue F

Invitation to join the B Group ride from Guildford on 14 August

The plan is to take the train to Guildford (though you can, of course cycle there if you wish), and to ride back 42.5 miles to Leatherhead via some beautiful East Surrey and Sussex countryside we rarely visit.  At 2,600 ft (elevation gain) the ride is a bumpy one, about as bumpy as John's ride to Sevenoaks the other week.  There is climbing early on around Guildford and Godalming, but there is a significant afternoon bump over Tanhurst Lane.  The rest is rolling countryside.

Because the Yvonne Arnoud theatre, where we usually meet for elevenses, is undergoing major refurbishment, elevenses will be at the nearby Open Grounds café at the Baptist church in Millmead.  For those coming Paul will issue a route to get there from the station, with the running order.  It is easy.  

Lunch will be at the Onslow Arms, by the canal at Loxwood.  The pub is keen to have us but wants early warning of our food choices.  The menu is available on this link.

Tea will be at the group leaders' decision either at Bike Exchange in Dorking or at Lucio's in Leatherhead depending upon the needs of the group, especially in regard to any hot weather.

The link below gives you a good idea of the route, though there will be a slight amendment to allow for the new elevenses venue and for any other problems such as any road closure discovered in the final recce on 12 August. A final route will be published with the running order after that recce.

2024 Guildford to Leatherhead

Please note that because of the pub's request for early warning of numbers it would be most convenient if you could let Paul know if you want to come by midnight on Sunday 11 August, together with your menu choices.

Do this, please, by e-mail to Paulandrewjames1949@yahoo.co.uk

~ Paul

Invitation to A Group ride from Guildford 14th August

Note that elevenses will not be at the Yvonne Arnaud which is being refurbished. We meet on the other side of the river in the Open Grounds cafe at the Baptist Church in Millmead. More details in the ride instructions but here is the link:

Open Grounds cafe location

This is almost a rerun of a ride I did in 2018 to the Red Lion at Fernhurst - a village south of Haslemere. Our outward route takes us out through country lanes to join the (surfaced) cycle way over Hindhead much of which was the old A3. From here we head south, to the west of Haslemere to Fernhurst for lunch. The return takes us back to the Snooty Fox at Shalford for tea via Vann Lane and Hambledon. There is plenty of shade on the ride if it's a hot day.

Although the highest point is similar in altitude to Blackdown the gradients are much gentler. Overall about 44 miles and 2800 ft of ascent.

We need to pre-order - menu attached. I have avoided the initial request for a deposit but will feel it necessary to phone the landlord on Monday evening if numbers look as if they will exceed 18. So please don't leave it till the last minute to book your place.

Email me by 5pm Monday at the absolute latest as I am out on Monday evening.

Menu attached: Red Lion food