Wayfarers Christmas lunches and subs request

It's time to book your place for the Wayfarers Xmas lunch - get your Santa hat and Xmas jumper ready and get your bike decoration planned! There will be competitions for both! More info soon.

The B group lunch will be on 4th December and A group on 11th Dec. For now we need to know which group you will joining, what you would like to eat and how many courses you can manage, along with your payment, combined with your SW London CTC subs.

You can look at the Angel Xmas menu here https://www.theangelthamesditton.com/christmas-menu-2023

Prices remain very reasonable:
1 course £18
2 courses £24
3 courses £30

It's also time for renewal of our subscriptions to SW London CTC. 
As discussed at our AGM, the cost will again be £2 for 2025.  You may pay online and bank details will be available on the various WhatsApp groups or emailed by request. You can also pay by cash to your group rep - these are A group - Patrick, B group - Christina, Easy riders - Helen, Beginners - tbc
You are reminded that renewal of subs also acts as your continued consent to the use of your personal data under our Data Protection Policy, which can be viewed on our website in the Information Hub.

Please also email Gill, Membership Sec, gillholder9@gmail.com of any updates to your existing contact and ICE details. If you have not yet done so, please include your current CUK membership number.

So this is what you need to do
1. Email Paula pibpaula@icloud.com your choice of Group lunch, your menu choices and number of courses.

2. Make your payment for the number of courses you have chosen plus £2 for CTC subs by bank transfer. Please add your surname and first name initial as a reference.

The cut-off date for lunch orders is 22^nd Nov.

Many thanks

Paula and Gill H

Report for B Group - 23rd October

Madeleine writes:

My first lead for the B group proved to be a very pleasurable experience.

I'd designed what I hoped would be a pretty and interesting meander aside, across and around the Thames - to Wandsworth and back via Hammersmith. All well and good. But the weather forecast was for mist - so the visuals were set to be rather limited.

What a difference, then, to have sunshine! Bliss. And the whole ride was made more enjoyable again by the light-heartedness and good spirits of all who joined us. The tone, of course, was set by the subleaders, who fully embraced the feel of the day. They both showed creativity and initiative in improvising their own routes along the way.

Bernard, as you will see from his contribution, slipped through some wrinkles in the space-time continuum, but somehow joined at crucial moments (notably lunch) and added good cheer to all he encountered. Ray took his group on a wonderful tour, though a mystery one to me! The groups’ battles for places in the running order meant more interaction and a bit of photobombing - but it was nice to see what the others were up to.

Despite our research, lunch at the Ship and cost us dear on time. I’m glad to say that most of us got back before dark…apologies to those who needed their lights to see their noses.
 
Thanks to the members of my group for their humour and free facts: John & Anne C,
Paul & Maggie J, Alan C, Jane G & Colin G.
Your company and encouragement was much appreciated.

Thanks also to Bernard for being his own redoubtable self. And Ray deserves double points for inspiring some of the most interesting parts of the route - and taking on  leadership for the 3rd group with 15 hours to go!

For those who would actually like to know where we went (or at least where Ray took his group) please see his account, below….”

Madeleine

The Ship

A little cyclamen glade that only my group saw

My group in the Cyclamen grove

Colliding groups at the National Archives

Ray writes:

We started by cycling and walking our bikes along the path at the end of Middle Lane, Teddington, before starting our ride to Bushy Park where we were greeted by a pair of stags guarding the entrance. A quick tour around Bushy Park was then completed using paths in a different order to our normal approach. Well done Maddie!!! On leaving the park, it was a quick ride across Kingston bridge and onto Richmond Park that we entered at Kingston Gate and left at Roehampton Gate. Then onto Barnes Station where I missed a turn and decided that I would not go back, a poor decision on my part, which took us up a slight hill to turn around at the top and cycle back to the bottom again. At the traffic lights a new route was discovered that quickly brought us back on to the correct route. On to Queen Elizabeth Walk to the Thames where we had a bumpy ride before entering a road section that took us past several sailing clubs and rowing clubs before arriving at Putney Bridge. A quick dog leg through the traffic lights, past the Rocket and then along to Wandsworth Park where a van was blocking the entrance. Having squeezed past the van, we found that they were fitting some railings to stop bikes riding down the slope into the park. Along the riverside and then a quick deviation from the course to ride further along the river using Nickols Walk, rather than riding further along Smugglers Way. By using this devious route, we arrived at the pub right behind the second group who couldn’t get past the van at the entrance to Wandsworth Park and so took a route away from the river to the pub. It then become apparent that both groups had overtaken the first group, as they had yet to arrive. They soon turned up but where they had been remains a mystery.

The service in the pub was quick but, unfortunately, the preparation of the food was slow. But the time passed with the waitress bringing us food that we didn’t order or calling it a different name to that shown on the menu. All entertaining.

We set off on the wrong foot by entering a McDonald’s drive-thru due to missing a turning on the left, so a quick U-turn was required that took us over Wandsworth Bridge and along Carnwath Road to the Hurlingham Club, around the roads and into Bishops Meadow and onto Hammersmith Bridge. Here, somehow, we managed to overtake the second group and lead them to the National Archives just before Kew Bridge where several switch backs and turnings kept us on our toes. At Kew Bridge we tried to find a way under the bridge to no avail, so took to the roads to cross the bridge with a lot of other traffic. Then an inspired route to avoid Brentford High Street took us to Syon Park and onto the river path to Twickenham. Here Rob had a puncture that was finally resolved by taking the bike to a local repair shop, having first tried to get the tyre off the rim with the help of a number of other people in the group. Having spoken to the rest of the group, who all seemed to know where they were going, it was decided to forget tea and for everyone to go home using their own routes.

The route was well designed by Maddie and in my group, with company from Ann, Ian, Stephen, Gill and Rob plus our intrepid back marker Tim G, it made an enjoyable and fun day out.

Ray

Bernard writes:

Having been on a ‘course for leaders’ my confidence was high.  Today my team were going to be led like never before.  Preparation was the key and I had prepared a hand drawn map… symbolizing, for me, the coming together of my two great hobbies; art and cycling… a map which spoke as much to my artistic soul as to my route planning skills.  As I showed it around to the club members I thought I heard gasps of admiration and astonishment.  I allowed a certain puffing out of my chest.

My drawing of the route…Not to scale.  I call it “Route Thames No 45 Symphonica” (This has no meaning whatsoever… but I like how it sounds!)

Essentially as ‘No 45 Symphonica’ (for short) shows we would ride along the South Bank of the Thames in an easterly direction to Wandsworth bridge and then back along the North Bank with some confusing zig zagging and multiple bridge crossings to Kingston.  We were the first group and my pride as today’s sub leader made me determined to ensure that our group came in first before the other two groups.

So there we went… swooshing through Kingston and down to the river where we were watched like mice by a giant cat.

A cat mural down by the river’s edge

We were a peloton… perhaps not ‘Le Tour’ but definitely ‘the Tour of the Thames’.  The leading group and machine like… clockwork.

The day was gorgeous… the sun was out… the sky was blue.  We glided past Fulham Football Club’s stadium on the other side of the river and on we rode.  And on… and on… in fact very on… I was in a tranquil and calm mindset where sun, sky and route gelled into an eternal bliss.  And so my mind drifted off into a heavenly dimension… I was in the ‘now’… a blank peaceful canvass where thought did not trouble me.

This painting, IKB 79, by Yves Klein, 1959 is a pretty accurate depiction of my state of mind… pure blue with an eternal mesmerizing quality.  It can be seen in the Tate Modern.

At that point I felt some squizzyness in the ground beneath my bike… a kind of sinking sensation.  For the first time on the ride I focused on what was actually before and around me.  The best and kindest way to describe it is to say that it resembled a combination of bog and scrub land.  It was at that point, tuning into reality, that I realized I was lost… that somewhere along my carefree daydreaming I had unwittingly veered off the carefully prepared route.  Very quickly I started to feel an extremely unpleasant sensation developing in the pit of my stomach… a visceral physical pain… coming to a head when one of our team asked “which way now Bernard?”  But for formidable self control on my part I would have expressed a bellowing panic stricken scream… 

An equally accurate representation of my state of mind; ‘The Scream’ by Edward Munch, 1893, where you can see in the National and Munch museums in Oslow, Norway.

I searched my mind for some direction but despite my begging it refused to assist.  It was as if my own mind was taking pleasure in my discomfort… it was quite, no… very, happy to remain absolutely silent and unresponsive.  I thought back to the leader’s course but there was nothing on what to do when you’re completely lost with no sense of direction.  Then out of the corner of my eye I saw what looked like horse hoof indentations down a narrow track to my left.  I instantly pointed in that direction… it was our only hope of avoiding the mud lands which lay ahead.  It led us out to the side of some road… which road I have no idea… there was a decision to be made, left or right.  No clues provided as to which way.  At this point relying on rational conscious thought was a non starter.  I would have to rely on the subconscious… to get in touch as Freud would say (I’m not sure if he did actually say such a thing now that I think about it!) with that which lies beneath.  I pointed right… why, I do not know… instinct perhaps but in truth sheer guess work plus a tonne of hope.

And on we rode.  Desperately I was looking out for a sign of sorts that we were on track and there it was as if I had discovered the Pacific Ocean; the Thames was on our left and Wandsworth Bridge directly ahead.  Ugly as it is the bridge shone like a beacon of joy in my mind’s eye.  Just by its side we arrived at our lunch time stop ‘The Ship’ pub.  We were on track but somewhat worryingly the other groups had arrived before us… how had that happened!

I needed to urge my riders… impress upon them the importance of a quick getaway to regain our ‘numero uno’ spot.  But they all seemed very content with how things were proceeding and totally unconcerned as to what position our group was in.  They were clearly enjoying themselves and looking forward to some (I must admit) much earned grub.  

Our riders by Hammersmith Bridge which I had somehow failed to cross!

Tony, Sabina, me, Mick (back marker), Dawn, Steph and Grant.  Brenda was also part of out team and she may have possibly taken this photo.

As we sat and waited so the minutes passed… and passed… and if I rightly recollect, it wasn’t until sixty of those minutes had dozed by that the first morsel was served.  I noticed that our group was irked by this, discomforted to the point that I sensed some real anger which rose to a crescendo with the discovery by one of our group that a lettuce leaf in one of the sandwiches was limp and of a dull dark green colour.  That was beyond the pale.  The team were spiked, seething, spitting volcanic rocks as it were.  And within me it had clicked… the way to get a team to ride, to ride with venom, hard and fast was to ensure the lunch stop was, how to put this, wanting… and the more wanting the better, dire…yes that’s it dire.

A quick look at No 45 Symphonica just to get my bearings  and off we went.  Across Wandsworth Bridge with fire in our bellies.  So much fire in fact that we missed Hammersmith Bridge.  On we cycled…what did it matter to us, South Bank, North Bank… piffle… we were heading west chasing down the other groups.  The Thames was our mistress and we were its knights in shining armour or The Thames was our Caesar and we were his glorious mistresses…or…well you get the picture…depending on your inclinations the Thames was your something and you were its other as it were; but let us not get stuck in the quagmire of political correctness.  Whatever the Thames represents to you we reached Kew Bridge and strangely enough we passed by a Banksy goat.

Banksy goat which I believe appeared in August of this year

From there it was a straight run into Kingston and still seething at the thought of having been served a limp dark green lettuce leaf (which the goat might have appreciated) we sped past the other groups, the first which had stopped for a photo shoot and the other which had ventured into some café in Isleworth.  And then it dawned on me… I  had never actually determined our exact end point beyond the vague notion that it was somewhere around Kingston… but where exactly was a mystery.  Without this we could never ever technically finish our ride but as the afternoon closed in so our riders parted ways… homeward bound.  And so the ride kind of, but never actually, ended.  In a way each of our group is forever riding this ride and so I think I shall rename my hand drawn map, aptly I think, ‘No 45 Symphonica Unfinished’.

The route was devised by Maddie and I can attest first hand that she put a lot of effort into planning this very enjoyable ride.  My group were Grant, Dawn, Brenda, Steph, Tony, Sabina, and Mick who very kindly agreed to back mark.  I can also attest that this was a great group of riders who were exceptionally gracious, magnanimous and kind in putting up with all my errors and shortcomings.  

~ Bernard

Invitation to A Group ride, 30th October

 Hi! The A group ride will leave from Walton (not Hersham) heading north to Chalfont St Peter and Harefield for lunch at the Kings arms https://thekaharefield.co.uk/lunch-menu/. A mix of urban and rural roads, many of which have been travelled before that include a couple of hills to keep you climbers happy. Tea will be at Richmond Bridge via Ruislip, Northolt and Osterley Park. Approximately 43 miles in total. I’m planning an early start from Walton (10.20 - 10.40) so that we finish in Richmond before the darkness descends but lights are advisable.

Please email me before Monday, 6 pm to secure your place: hansformella@gmail.com

Invitation to ride with B Group on 30th October

Please join us for the B Group ride next Wednesday 30 October.

The ride starts at Hersham.  The community centre is closed, so we’ll meet at the nearby Bean on the Green café (KT12 4HW).  The clocks will have changed, so to make the most of daylight we plan to depart between 10 and 10.20am.  Lunch will be at the Hare and Hounds at Donkey Town/West End.  Tea at the Boathouse café at Walton.

These are the morning and afternoon routes:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48884072

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48884278

Essentially a flat ride, with some off-road in the morning (but generally good surfaces).  The morning section should take around 2 hours but the afternoon should be quicker so there ought to be no difficulty completing the ride in daylight.

The pub has asked us to let them know in advance about food preferences.  If you’d like a wrap or jacket potato (there are various fillings, plus salad and chips at £6.95) they don’t need advance warning.  But to avoid possible disappointment, they’d like to know in advance if you’d prefer something from the main menu below.  Apologies for the poor visual quality of the menu - it's the only copy of the menu they had.

Please DM me (SMS or WhatsApp) by Monday (a) if you’d like to join the ride, and (b) if you want something from the main menu for lunch (no need if you are OK with a wrap or jacket potato).

Contact details are 07983 445 252 or shfhickey@gmail.com

Stephen Hickey

Ride Report - 'A' Group Weds 23 Oct 2024

 

After a very pleasant elevenses at Teddington, about 20 of us set off in three groups to negotiate yet another of my (fairly) tortuous routes.   Hans and a few others managed to self-navigate the first group, Peter S gamely led the second, and I followed up in the rear.

The outbound route took us over Teddington lock footbridge, through Richmond Park, along Warren Road, down into New Malden, along the Beeline to Raynes Park, then down to Motspur Park to pick up another cycle path, the delightfully named 'Pig Farm Alley' which duly deposited us in the nether regions of North Cheam.

This was the beginning of a much less giddying but rather more uphill, and seemingly endless, grind to Banstead.  Here Gina joined my group having very wisely decided it wasn't worth descending all the way to Teddington only for the pleasure of climbing all the way back again!

Then we were off again, dropping down into Chipstead Valley only to be rewarded with the vicious climb up Hazelwood Lane!    Some would have expected to coast along Markedge Lane and then enjoy the descent to Gatton Bottom but I had other plans, and I treated us to the sharp kick up Harps Oak Lane, seemingly unknown to many, then a slightly less familiar route to a well-deserved lunch at The Sun, Redhill, where we were very pleased to be joined by Keith!

After a very promising and sunny start it had quickly turned gloomy during our outbound ride and drops of rain were felt as we arrived at lunch.   Once we were indoors there was a heavy shower, but miraculously, the cloud then thinned and we were finally treated to some warm sunshine as we threaded our way through the labyrinthine back-doubles of Redhill and Reigate, eventually finding ourselves back on the well-trodden route back to Betchworth, Pixham Lane, and...well you know the rest, we've done it enough times!

Many thanks to the wind for a very helpful assist through the Mole Gap, to everyone else for their company, to Peter S for leading his group, to Hans and all in the first group for self-navigating themselves, and to Clive for back-marking my group.

Funeral details for Ian Appleton

Ian on Mt Ventoux

Gill Appleton has asked us to share this information about her Dad Ian's funeral.

Venue:

All Saints Church

Onslow Gardens

Sanderstead

CR2 9AB 

At: 11:00 am on Monday, 4th November

Afterwards at the White Lion pub in Warlingham.

It will help Gill to know how many are likely to attend so please advise Pam Jones on 07900 335256.

~ Tim

B ride for 23rd October - updated

Welcome to all who are joining for Wednesday’s ride.

It will be 16 miles to lunch and 16 miles back to Kingston. We have timed the ride to get back to Kingston for 4.15ish, so I hope this will work for all concerned.

A few notes:

• It is a London ride and may be misty, so bring bells and lights (and whistles if so inclined).
• Be a little patient - we will need to dismount at least once and will be walking across one of the 4 bridges
• ⁠There’s quite a bit off road - but we’ve kept the bumpy stretches to a minimum - and the ground should be pretty dry
• ⁠The groups are large, so look out for whoever’s behind you.

Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.

~ Madeleine

Ray Youlden has very kindly agreed to sublead an extra group, so we will now be in 3 teams, as follows

*Fulham: Bernard leading - 10.40 start*
Sabina 
Tony Hk
Brenda
Dawn
Steph
Mick A

*Chelsea - Madeleine leading - 10.50 start*
John C
Anne C
Paul
Maggie
Alan C
Jane G
Colin G

** Brentford - Ray Youlden leading - 11.00 *start*
Ann B
Tony Hp
Tim G
Ian W
Stephen H
Rob

Private message me if any difficulties…

Invitation to the B Group ride, 23rd October

Please come and join us on Wednesday for a balmy river ride. We start at Elleray Hall in Teddington, and take a few unusual twists and turns through Richmond Park to Putney and beyond to lunch by the Thames at The Ship in Wandsworth. We then meander alongside and close to the River across 4 bridges via Hammersmith & Mortlake. Tea in Isleworth or Richmond, as the groups decide. Lovely quirky bits included, with thanks to Ray Youlden.

Please private message me on 07533 673 919 if you’d like to join.

Madeleine

Club Kit

A reminder to all who are thinking of purchasing some of our club kit; to see what is available visit our website and click on the ABOUT US menu header then 'Sou'Westers Club kit' where you will find details of items and how to order .

It can take up to 6 weeks from order to delivery, so you could have your new items for Christmas.

Should you have any problems, do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours

 Jennie Jackson

Report for A Group ride from Addlestone, 16th October

Jennie J wrote:

There were two groups that gathered at Costa Coffee in Addlestone, ready to depart at their allotted times, and made their way just along from the round about to be safely on their way. We made our way along to pick up the Basingstoke Canal, where the sun was out brightly and the autumn colours were brilliant.

After some distance, we finally left the quietness of the canal in the St. John's area to cycle into the calmness of the Brookwood Cemetery, from there a long slow climb up to Mytchett and finally into Farnborough and the designated lunch stop, The Tilly Shilling, on Victoria Road, both groups arriving by 12.30.

Being a Weatherspoons, the meals were quickly put before us, allowing us to depart, again in sunshine for the ride back via Frimley, Lightwater, Windlesham and finally Chertsey before arriving in glorious sunshine at the Ferry Cafe, Shepperton.

Sitting outside in the warmth of Autumn sun was very pleasant and possibly the last day like this for the current year, a truly wonderful day out.

Many thanks to everyone for being such great company, those that back marked and everyone that called out that the group were all together, so enabling the rides and groups to keep a pace.

Jennie J 

Do Join the 'A' Group Ride from Teddington on Weds 23 Oct

Do join me for the 'A' group ride on from Elleray Hall, Teddington on Weds 23 October.  We'll be heading south-eastwards for lunch at The Sun, Redhill then back to the official tea stop at Esher (a 45 mile round trip, but you can shorten it if you end your ride at Leatherhead or Cobham instead).   No more than averagely hilly for an 'A' group ride, with most climbs in the second half of the ride to lunch and a flattish route home.    Some cycle paths are involved but nothing unsurfaced will feature.   No lunch orders needed.

All are welcome - please contact me at cycledave23@gmail.com not later than 5.00 pm on Mon 21 Oct to reserve your place.

It's still not too late but so far I have had no offers to sub-lead.   Almost all the route has featured on previous 'A' group rides and it will not be difficult to follow from .gpx (or a map or cue sheet if it comes to that), so please think about volunteering.

Ron Weeden has died

Brian Bent has heard the sad news from Ron's daughter, Kay, that Ron has died.

The funeral for Ron will be held on Wednesday 6th November at 10:15am.

Venue:

 

Randalls Park

Randalls Road

Leatherhead

Surrey

KT22 0AG

When he was more active with us it was with the Easy Riders and Beginners. Ron was a mine of information about local history and on the bike was quite an explorer, often deviating from the Easy Riders routes with Mark Roy or Brian Bent to satisfy his curisosity about various unexplored corners of Surrey.

Many would have regarded Ron as an eccentric. Here he is pondering how to move a piece of furniture with his bike.

Here is Ron checking to see if the water level on the path under Chertsey Bridge was too deep for cycling.

In 2012 Ron borrowed my GPS recorder to see if he could sign his name in Cheam Park, with this result:

This portrait of Ron was painted by Brian for the occasion of Ron's 85th birthday in May, 2018:

And here is a short profile of Ron, posted on the Beginners blog in 2015:

https://swlctcbeginners.blogspot.com/2015/04/rider-profile-ron-weedon.html

~ Tim

 

Wednesday 16th October Addlestone to Dorney

When I put myself down for Addlestone my first thought was to join Tony Hopkins' ride to the Palmers Arms on the Wednesday of the free wheel. He led a fab route crossing the Thames west of the usual Eton Bridge. I was also lucky in reccying with Carolyn who knows the area well and having Ray (a member of friends of Windsor Great Park) as sub leader and Tim Gibbons who would never get lost in Windsor Park, as I feared I might. Good to see Tony Hooker out and also new man Rob, and also Pam now back in the saddle and all the rest of those for whom Addlestone was not too far. The A s were in Costa but the B s were more than happy with the Golden Cafe where we had table service and a full English breakfast for those that needed it. We were in two groups of 9 a piece and the first group led by Steph received last minute advice from Pam who had been severely delayed coming into Addlestone. Following her advice we noted the tail end of a traffic queue at the end of Crouch Oak Lane and did a neat triangle by Green Lane and the cyclepath along the A road to avoid it. We were soon at the lovely toilets at Virginia Water. There was some discussion here but the day was warm and the foot traffic was much less than at weekends so we rolled through. A beautiful ride through passing the totem pole, the village, polo grounds and statue of Queen on horseback to exit the Rangers Gate. Soon we were at our second toilet stop, reccied by Carolyn, inside the Leisure centre where the toilets are placed to the left as you enter so very convenient and available to the general public. Sustrans route 4 is well known to many and we all noted the high levels of water in the Thames. Lunch was prompt and tasty, the second group following quickly on our heels. Return was direct via Datchet and Eton Bridge, before Staines Bridge I missed Mullens way and that shorter cut would have got us ahead of the train at the level crossing. The new cyclepath by the river at Runnymede got us almost to the crossing point over the watermeads to Egham. A quick look at the greenery outside the new Shepperton Studios and into Halliford Garden Centre for tea. Ray's report We set off with overcast skies and the threat of rain, plus having been warned by Pam about the amount of traffic on the beginning of the route, a sense of foreboding. At the junction Crouch Oak Lane and Chertsey Road, we found that the road Pam had found traffic bound was now clear, so we forgot about using the Green Lane alternative and proceeded on the original course to Roakers Avenue. Here I made my first mistake of the day and missed the route through to Eastworth Road and demonstrated why you should always do a recce. A quick U turn and back down a path put us back on track. Through the back of Chertsey and then another blunder and U turn at the roundabout at Chisley Green Road where I missed the path to Cowley Avenue. From then on, I was on familiar roads and no more mishaps. We then proceeded passed Virginia Water railway station and onto the car park at Virginia Water Lake. Here we carried out a quick look to see if there were any, “No Cycling” signs in evidence as the parks web site states that cycling is not permitted south of the lake. Since none were found, we proceeded through the park to Rangers Gate taking in the great views and scenery. We bypassed Windsor using Bolton Road and crossed the Thames using the cycle path along side of the Royal Windsor Way main road. Then down to the off-road paths and roads to Dorney. The Palmers Arms once again proved very efficient and provided our preordered food quickly and good seating, next to the window. Brilliant. By the time we left the sun had come out and we enjoyed a sunny autumn afternoon ride back to Upper Halliford. If only all rides could be the same! Back to Eton using the path along side of the railway, across Eton Bridge, then through Datchet, Old Windsor, and Egham where Pam left us. Then into Staines and along one of the worst roads for potholes in the area, Staines Road, then on to Laleham, Shepperton and into Squires in Upper Halliford for tea. On reaching Squires, we were waiting for the second half of the group to appear only to discover that Tony Hopkins had a puncture that delayed their arrival. Eventually they arrived and we enjoyed our tea with brilliant sunshine coming through the window that made us think it was spring rather than autumn. A big thank you to Geoff, sub sub leader and Bernard who was back marker. Plus of course Sabina, Pam, Gill, the two Tonys, Ian and Rob whose company was much appreciated. On the way to Dorney photo on wotsapp.

Ian Appleton

Ian was a lovely guy, a great cyclist who virtually carried his home on his bike. Also a very experienced mountaineer.

Ian is in the middle in the photo.

Tony..

Ian Appleton has died

In Normandy (2012)

Pam has passed on the sad news from Ian's daughter Gill Appleton that Ian passed away in his sleep on Saturday morning, (12th October).

Many will remember Ian as both a regular rider with us and as a very enthusiastic participant with us on many cycle tours in this country and in Europe. Less well known was that Ian was an extremely experienced mountaineer and very well respected in that community too.

~ Tim

In Normandy (2013)

with Brian and Terry (2012), photo by Pam

Invitation to join the A ride on 16th August

You are invited to join the A ride on Wednesday, going from Costa Coffee in Station Road, Addlestone (not the DC) and going to The Tilly Shilling, Farnbourgh, a J D Weatherspoons pub so no need to pre-order. About 18 miles before lunch and another 20 after lunch to the tea stop at Shepperton Lock.
 
Quite a lot of trails, track and canal, otherwise it's on road.
 
Please email me at d.jackson49@aol.co.uk by 18.00 hrs on Monday 14th if you wish to join the ride, then groups and timings information will be sent out on Tuesday along with the RideWithGPS route.

Looking forward to seeing you on Wednesday morning.

Yours

Jennie J

B group ride from Addleston Golden Cafe - Wed 16th Oct

Join Steph and Ray for an autumnal wheel through Windsor Great Park followed by a beautiful bit of R4 into Dorney. The Palmers Arms was quite busy last Wednesday so would appreciate pre orders . Wrap or Ciabattas Sausage & Caramelised Red Onion Ciabatta £6.25 Falafel Wrap with mixed salad, red onion and mint yoghurt £5.95 Chicken Schnitzel Ciabatta with mayo £8.50 Crispy Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato Ciabatta £6.95 Fish Burger with mixed leaf salad and tartar sauce £8.95 Roast Fillet of Beef Ciabatta with horseradish £9.95 Quesadilla – cheese, roasted peppers, onions, tomatoes & Guacamole £8.50 Bar Snacks & Sides Bar Snacks & Sides Garlic Bread £3.25 Snack Sausages in sweet chili sauce £4.95 Falafel Bites £4.95 Triple Cooked Chunky Chips £4.95 or Fries £3.95 The main meals menu is online if you wish to select something different. If you wish to ride contact Steph with your lunch preference. 07909774234 ps the bacon is very crispy, all ciabattas and wraps come with a lovely fresh salad.

B group ride and Freewheel competition 9th Oct

Francis starts with ….

After many days of on-off torrential rain, we were blessed with a dry and sunny day, perfect for the annual Freewheel Competition. All 3 groups had different routes of varying length to Root Hill all arriving at 11.15-11.30 am for the start. After the presentation on Brockham Green, there were different routes to the Plough pub in Leigh, for a staggered arrival.

My first group of Diane, Gill, Pete and Sue had the longest route to Root Hill via Punchbowl Lane and Park Gate. As we waited our turn for FixieDave’s push-off, we busied ourselves with how to be streamlined and fearless if one of us was going to win. Alas, after an exhilarating freewheel down the hill, especially the sharp corner manned by Steward Mick, and avoiding a car and van and debris on the road, none of us managed to get anyway near the eventual winners. It was nonetheless, an enjoyable and fun competition to have participated. Terry was the furthest any B rider got to the end, so congrats to him (must be the many years of experience!)

PS: being scolded by competitive Gill for getting in the way!

We then all rode the short distance to Brockham Green for the presentations by Sue F. 

Ged won the men’s competition, with Steve as runner-up. Janice won the ladies’ competition with Sue C as runner-up. Thank you to Ed for the superb hand-crafted winners trophies.

My group had the shortest ride of 4 miles to the Plough and so we arrived relatively early to be served promptly with good lunches and drinks. At this time, the sun made an appearance and so in good spirits we headed out on our 15 mile ride to the Old Clunker café in Dorking, via Norwood Hill and Newdigate.

En route on Burnt Oak Lane, Pete spotted Cudworth Manor, a Grade II listed moated manor, complete with geese on sentry duty by the gate. Thick hedges prevented a decent photo of the manor but its moat was just visible. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cudworth_Manor

After Pete’s history lesson, we made our way steadily to the café for a rest and a cuppa. Thanks to all my group for their convivial company and to Pete for back-marking.

My thanks as always to Tim G and John A for supporting me as co-leaders and their respective back-markers.

To Terry, Tony, FixieDave and Mick for organising the FWC so well and for keeping us safe.

John continues with….

The middle group of Arwyn, Mick, Linda and Julie had intended to set off in good time but we had a couple of delays, including a missed turn over Cotmandene and a decision not to go off road over Dorking golf course. Therefore the leader cut off a couple of miles and we were the first to arrive at the top of Root Hill.

A fairly mediocre run down the hill for our group saw us ready to set off on a pleasant ride to lunch. After lunch outdoors (perhaps the last of the year) we set off for the spin to Dorking. A very pleasant autumn day out on our bikes.

Tim G finally ends with …

 
After a short ride up and over Cotmandene to Root Hill by my group of Colin, Tony, Ian, Paul, Grant and Terry, we met with our fellow cyclists to take part in the annual freewheel competition. Ably assisted by the event organisers we descended down hoping to take advantage of whatever momentum the hill could provide. As we gathered at Brockham Green it was disappointing to note that no B group members were successful in gaining a podium position. Congratulations to those that did!

On via Norwood Hill and Nalderswood we arrived at Leigh for lunch at the Plough. It was encouraging to see so many people enjoying an al fresco experience. The pub seemed busier than usual which meant our stay was a little longer than anticipated. Nevertheless we amused ourselves with convivial conversation until the food arrived.

Conscious of time we agreed to foreshortened the afternoon ride and make our way directly to Clunkers Cafe in Dorking where we joined a number of other B riders enjoying their afternoon refreshment.

Many thanks to all involved in making today’s freewheel experience a success and especially to Francis for compiling a varied selection of routes for us all to follow.

A good day had by all!

A group ride and freewheel competition 9 October

It was with some trepidation that I cycled to Dorking to lead the day’s ride as I hadn’t completed a recce. I’d set off to do so on Monday but as I’d approached Dorking light rain became heavy rain which became torrential. A river ran down Dorking High Street and gutters and downpipes were turned into waterfalls. Soaked through I sheltered until the rain stopped and then set off to recce the route. Within minutes there was torrential rain again and a black sky at which point I headed for home. 

Arriving in Dorking on Wednesday I realised I had a puncture. No problem I thought, with tubeless I just need to plug it. Unfortunately that highlighted an unfixable valve problem (but thanks to Steve D and Dave V for trying) and so, grabbing my helmet and gloves, it was a walk to Cogs bike repair shop for me. Dave E kindly agreed to take over my lead and I hoped to catch up in Brockham. 

Full marks to John at Cogs for dropping everything to get me back on the road. A new valve and also rim tape were needed and whilst I was there Steve D arrived to ask if I had the right helmet. The answer was no, in my haste I’d taken a helmet belonging to a lady in B group (my apologies). Steve kindly sorted out the swap.

At last I arrived at Roothill just in time to be the final person to start in the freewheel competition. Amazingly (as I’ve entered many times and never been close to the winners) I managed to stay upright as I crawled past Sue C’s flag, knocking her into 2nd place. Ged won the men’s competition and Steve D came second. I don’t have photos of the winners but here’s Neil W’s arty photo from Brockham.

The day was looking up and despite a gloomy forecast the sun was shining. 

My group consisting of Neil W, Dave E, Dave F, Clive and I set off for the Star Inn at Rusper. Andy C took Steve D, Ged, Peter S and Simon W at a faster pace. 

Still in sunshine we all sat outside at the Star Inn. The sandwiches were good for the price and although we had all cooled down we were grateful that the rain was holding off. 

To get some miles in on what was otherwise a short day we headed South where it was downhill all the way towards Horsham. At the new cycle/footbridge we were slowed down by several hundred school children in front of us but once free again we headed north east, past Strawberry Fields tea room and took a route suggested by Andy which avoided cycling on the busy dual carriageway (but substituted a muddy path instead). 

After that it was the steep climb up Wimlands Lane and lovely Surrey lanes, some of which were even downhill! Arriving in Leatherhead several of us stopped for final refreshments at Charlie & Ginger. 

A lovely day out in good company and decent enough weather. My thanks to Dave E for back marking my group and to Andy for his route suggestions and leading the second group. Also to all those involved in organising the freewheel competition, in particular to Ed for making the fantastic trophies. 

Teddington Lock Footbridge - closure this weekend

Picture by Brian Bent!

From Richmond Council:

To connect the new ramp to the main bridge structure and remove the temporary ramp, we will close Teddington Lock footbridges from 8pm on Friday 11th October until 6am on 14th October.

B Ride invitation 9th October and Freewheel Competition

It’s what you’ve been waiting for all year, the annual Freewheel Competition is finally here. There’s some articles on the Blog “search Freewheel” for advice on how to get a competitive edge on your rivals. (Tim C’s article 8^th Oct last year is particularly interesting J )

We shall head from Dorking to Root Hill in 3 ride routes of varying length for the start of the FWC at  11.15 am and after the presentations on Brockham Green, we shall head again in 3 ride routes to the Plough pub in Leigh to stagger our arrivals per the pub's requirement. No pre-ordering is required.

Post lunch, it's a 15 miles ride to the Old Clunker Café in Dorking for tea.

Please email me if you would like to join the ride, by close Monday evening. 

Thanks...Francis

A group ride 9 October (Freewheel competition)

It's Autumn and so I'm sure you're all excitedly looking forward to the annual freewheel competition which will follow elevenses in Dorking.

After the competition and presentations we'll have a short ride of approximately 10 miles to the Star Inn in Rusper. I've been asked to provide pre-orders so if you'd like to join me please let me have your choice from the good range of small lunches and sandwiches on the menu.

After lunch, if the weather is kinder than the forecast currently suggests we'll be able to get 26 miles in by heading further south towards Horsham before looping back to take tea in Leatherhead. If it's not so kind there's a shorter, more direct route to Leatherhead of 18 miles.

Please email me at janice.dawes@gmail.com by 5pm Monday evening to join.

B Ride Report 2nd October - Cobham to Leatherhead via West Horsley

Francis aka “no rain today” led the first group out (wearing shorts and a light top) from Cobham to West Clandon on wet and muddy lanes.

My intended route from there was to Newlands Corner and Drove road to Staple Lane car park. In the dry, it’s a scenic off-road pleasure but after heavy rains, it’s more like a Louisiana swamp! Being sensible, I changed the route with my sub-leaders to instead take us up Staple Lane with the reward of a long Green Dene downhill passing groups of A riders heading uphill.

It was then a short ride to West Horsley and our Thai lunch stop at the Barley Mow. We were feeling rather smug that we had made it in dry weather.

We thoroughly enjoyed the tasty dishes, served promptly which enabled us to exit just as the 3^rd group of riders arrived. It was then that we noticed big black clouds hoovering up ahead waiting for our arrival. And rain it did, heavy rain pelted us for being too smug earlier on. Luckily Steph being my guardian angel, lent me a jacket to keep dry.

Carolyn bide us adieu at Effingham while the rest of us climbed up to Ranmore Common and an exhilarating 28 mph controlled descent down Chapel Lane and a leisurely ride into Leatherhead and tea. Thanks to my lovely group of John, Carolyn, Keith, Karl and back-marker Steff.

Lastly, my thanks to Mick and FixieDave for their patience during our recce and for their superb co-leading of their groups. A really enjoyable day's ride.

Dave’s continues with his ‘middling’ report….

Cycling out from Cobham once again, following a reshuffle, whereby a prestigious cyclist was seconded from our group, to the elite first group, since a couple of riders had dropped out

Our middle sextet group consisted of Sabina, Bernard, Paul, Tony, Tim, & myself. Thanks Paul for joining us at short notice.

The ride followed along well and at noon, we reached the top of Staple Lane. The Hill itself never seems to wear down, despite all the cyclists who traverse it. It only seems to wear us down!

After which mainly downhill roads took us to our lunch venue at the Barley Mow, in West Horsley.

 

Once more into the breach after lunch, the route took us along to the much enjoyed High Barn Lane and Hogden Lane.

We couldn't quite make the suggested afternoon sustenance stop. This was probably due to the extra 100 metres at the start of the ride! So it was Charlie & Gingers for us, with their cycle parking area.

Thanks Francis for the route & organizing. Thanks to Tim our experienced back-marker/leader and finally thanks to our happy group.

Last but not least, Mick concludes with …..

Arwyn, Ian W, Anne W, Colin G, Pat, Grant and I were a little tardy getting away from Cobham, the difficulties of finding a Post Office to congregate outside :-) The ride was pleasant, we just had to be careful to avoid the large puddle.

At the top of Staple Lane I made the mistake of turning right (blame the Sat. Nav.) where I was faced by a steep downhill, the team mutinied and waited for me to recognise my error. No more problems and onto the Barley Mow in West Horsley for lunch.

Lunch was good and served quickly. The first group set off in the rain but we lunched through it then off to the steep climb up Hogden Lane onto Ranmore Common followed by plain sailing into Leatherhead for tea.

A group ride from Cobham 2nd October 2024

 The ride was once again planned to appeal to either A group or A/B group riders. I had publicised the ride as an unadventurous ride as my last ride might have been overly adventurous for some. I double checked that the only off road across Bookham Cobham remained fit to ride on my way to Cobham and was pleasantly relieved to find it was!

We should all grateful to Brian in particular for both sub leading and because I stole the best section of one of his rides from last year (but edited it with less hills and  in a reverse direction and a tolerable distance to lunch).

I had 21 riders (including leaders) signed up with everyone securing the subgroup pace of their choice. However, the very compact "fast five" group was only formed at the last minute due to an initial  shortage of a sub leader and some very last minute or late applications. It seems that Mike R was duly elected sub leader (being the last to apply) but Neil W and Peter S has also offered to assist. Thanks again to them.

To target a reasonably staggered arrival at the pub all three groups left closely spaced shortly before 11;00. It was great to see the revised assembly points at Cobham being so well supported by all participants. Many thanks.

My equal opportunity group was last away, enjoying the largely traffic free route to Effingham before the inevitable. Unfortunately, we passed the 5 once more in puncture repair mode on Calvert Road. As too many cooks spoil the broth, we gallantly left them to it and carried on, expecting them to come flying past on one of the foreboding morning hills

For most of us it was familiar territory up Green Dene where we saw a group of Bs tearing down in the opposite direction. Were they on their way home already or was the road ahead blocked? Apparently neither.

In Shere we discovered and were delayed by some annoying roadworks. That was the first of many “That wasn’t there on the Recce!“ remarks by the leader.

On and on we ground, up Sandy Lane, across Little London and down to Brook. I can’t recall exactly when we met the first horse, but there were plenty today including a pair with only one rider. Some more climbing up Brook Hill to Farley Green and another horse. This was trotting uphill and generating 755 watts so at my meagre 116 watts, we had no chance of catching it. (Editors note 755 watts = 1HP)

Yet more climbing through the aptly named Hurtwood before we broke the back of the morning's ascent. Then down hill to Stroud and Run Common. It must have been around here we ignored the usual road ahead closed sign (Special offer 1 day only Wednesday 2 October) and to our horror found it actually was. Two large trucks completely blocked the lane and a lumberjack in a cherry picker was giving a tree a good haircut. Fortunately, Jenny smiled and waved at a ferocious looking workman who turned off his branch munching monster and let us safely squeeze between the trucks on foot. We all joined in a chorus of “For he’s a Jolly good fellow” (well mentally at least.). Just after this we gallantly moved over to let the fast 5 through. (The puncture clearly had not gone well.)

“A tad later and 17 miles from Cobham we were into the highlight of the morning, a long cut to lunch via Brookwell Lane, Gate Street (where surprisingly there was a gate across the street) and the lovely Thorncombe Street. The sun briefly shone (Hooray), we saw two more horses, wooden headed statues only this time on the hillside. (Sue C, its behind you!)

It was all going so well, but there were a surprising number of vehicles around and precious little space to manoeuvre. As we approached mile 21, the inevitable happened and there was a very sharp shower (Boo). Those not wearing waterproofs stopped to find and put them on. Sue F sadly discovered that she had left hers in Cobham. The leader had charged ahead seeking a safe and sheltered spot, where we regathered to head for a belated lunch.

Lunch was generally enjoyed at the Grantley Arms which received mixed reviews on its pricing, service charge and for some their food quality. It turned into a leisurely lunch as all subgroups waited for heavy lunchtime showers to subside.

 

The route back to tea at Cobham was reasonably flat (apart from Guildford High Street) and quite short. In view of the unfavourable looking weather several riders opted for a train assist from Guildford. Others cracked on regardless, taking good off road paved cycle routes through Guildford where available , and then fairly briskly thereafter.  All groups experienced some pm showers, some more that others but all in all they did not detract from a great day out for most. Thanks to all who signed up for their company, especially those who back marked, and to Dianne for giving an A/B subgroup a first try.