Reminder - Hilly 50k - Saturday 26 April

A reminder that this year’s Hilly 50k will be Saturday 26th April 2025 from Ryka’s, Dorking. Sign on from 9.00am, depart at 10am. Finish at the top of Box Hill. The route, and all the hills you love await you. For full details see our Hilly 50 web page.

As in previous years we hope to attract a wide group of riders who might not normally attempt such a hilly ride. I plan to organise a sensibly paced group ride, leaving Ryka’s at 10am on 26th. There will be a welcome (for me at least) mid-ride coffee stop at Kings Head Shop on Pitland St, Holmbury St Mary. Please let me know if you are interested (d.vine207@btinternet.com). If you can't make the 26th do not despair. I hope to organise an alternative date later. Just let me know.  We ask riders to support St Raphael's Hospice, which like many hospices is now in extreme need of support. So far we have raised about £300 of our target of £1,000. Entry is free but donations of £10 (or more if you prefer) via our JustGiving page (with Gift Aid) to this most deserving cause. When donating with JustGiving please remember you can adjust downwards the additional donation which they request to cover JustGiving's running costs.

         

FOR SALE: TREK Carbon Fibre Road Bike, Large Size

FOR SALE: TREK CARBON FIBRE ROAD BIKE £750

DOMANE 6 SL, 2020, size 60

An endurance bike that offers excellent all-day riding for someone 6ft-6ft 3”.

• Ultegra mechanical groupset, 11speed, 50/34 with 12-32t cassette
• Thru-bolt axles, disc brakes
• Wheelset: Bontrager Paradigm with Bontrager AW2 tyres that are in good condition. The wheels are tubeless ready but, for what it is worth, my view is that tubes are better on high pressure road bike tyres.
• Black with limited red detailing.
• Has mudguards compatible with up to 32mm tyres.

This bike has been lightly used in the last 3 years and is as good as new.

Professionally maintained. Less than 250k ridden since full overhaul and service November 2024 by Trek Wandsworth.

I lack storage space and am keen to sell.

View and test ride in Fulham/Richmond Park. PS: bring your own pedals or bring MTB cleated cycling shoes.

Geoffrey Shields, 07768 045 698

geoffrey.shields@outlook.com

Note for tomorrow

Just a quick message to let you that we’ll get to wish our treasured teammate Ed a very happy birthday tomorrow at 10:45 am at Leatherhead Fairfield Community Centre as planned but as Ed will not be able to be there in person it will be held virtually. We will make a video of the event which will be showed to him on his actual birthday on Thursday 24 April. 🌟

~ Lilian

And from Jennie:

I’ve just popped in to see Ed, he’s doing really well, this is his daughter and granddaughters visiting him today. I’ve had a lovely afternoon with him. 🥰

Ed with his daughter Mandy and granddaughters Jessica and Chloe

Invitation to the A Group Ride - 23 April

Next Wednesday’s ride will be a loop starting and ending in Leatherhead, with lunch at the Jack Fairman in Horley.

It’s about 37km to lunch and 29km  to tea - 640m of hills. There will be some off-road, about 2km in total, with some gravel in places (on-road option if the weather demands).

That’s it. Please let me know (clive.janes@gmail.com) if you would like to come along.

Invitation to a B Group ride - 23rd April

After Elevenses at the Fairfield Centre in Leatherhead our route will go through Ashtead Park, up Chalk lane and across the centre of the racetrack, then up Ebbisham lane to Tadworth and onto the Sportsman via Mugswell where lunch will be provided. We don't need to pre-order Lunch.

Please also read this important message from Lilian.

After lunch we will ride across Walton golf course and on to Mickleham via Headley.

From Mickleham we will have a short climb to Norbury Park for a coffee prior to the descent into Leatherhead. Not a long ride today but a scenic one, and there will be a few little sections of off road.

Please advise me privately via WhatsApp if you are intending to join me.

I will need a sub leader if anyone would like to volunteer.

This is the route (in RideWithGPS) from which you can export to your Garmin if you wish:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/50302445 

Many thanks folks.

Pete Beyer

Report for B Group - 16th April

Thank you as always to Tim G. and Francis for being subs on our ride to Crawley. It is essential that many B riders are prepared to step up to this task so that the Midweekers can continue to flourish. It is also a good way into becoming a leader or of gaining a bit more experience.

I hope all who rode to Crawley enjoyed this new venue. It was especially good of Wetherspoons to have a huge display of balloons to welcome us!? I hope you all enjoyed the circular underpass to the south of Crawley, near to the football ground and the spiral staircase to the north. I am pleased also that we managed to survive the almost hidden steps before lunch.

J.A.

First group by Brockham Green

Norwood Hill

John's group in Brockham

The second group plus Dave at lunch

A group ride report Weds 16 April

Starting much further South than usual at Tanhouse Farm, I had the opportunity to look at lesser used Sussex lanes when planning the route. Mindful of the fact that some have to travel 20+ miles just to get to Tanhouse and that it’s early in the year, so our Summer fitness is yet to arrive, I decided to revisit Brian’s route from April 2019 BC (Before Covid). 

Andy H, Clive and I recce’d the route and decided it worked but with a change of lunch spot to the Fox Inn at Bucks Green. In the event numbers signing up were lower than usual so only 2 groups were needed. 

The forecast a week ahead had shown a high chance of rain but as the day drew near this reduced to almost nothing but the weather didn’t let us off altogether as there was a heavy SW wind making the ride to Tanhouse challenging, let alone the next 20+ miles!

I set off first with Andy H, Mike, Steve D and Patrick. We turned out of Tanhouse and the challenging uphill into the headwind was every bit as brutal as I’d feared. Nevertheless, we were soon into Sussex and travelling through Warnham, Broadbridge Heath, Barns Green and Billingshurst. At Wisborough Green we passed the Cricketers Pub and due to the tough headwind I wondered if it had been a mistake not to stop there. However, as we turned right there the wind swung behind us and suddenly our fitness kicked in as we sailed towards Bucks Green. Since Tanhouse we had seen many beautiful displays of bluebells and also new lambs in fields.

At the Fox Inn we arrived to a warning that a table of 35 had just been seated and might be before us in the kitchen. In the event, we didn’t have to wait too long for our food which was delicious.

Not so worried about the return journey with every expectation of a tailwind all the way home it nevertheless felt breezy and blustery (and not always behind us) on the way to Leatherhead. Here we all stopped at Charlie & Ginger to fill up on flapjacks and brownies to see us home.

An enjoyable day out thanks to the good company of everyone there.

Clive’s report is next. 

Shortly after starting out for Tanhouse Farm there was a little bit of drizzle and a lot of ominous looking dark clouds which made me doubt my choice of clothing. I had stopped to double check the forecast when Janice rode by, so I joined her for the ride out to Tanhouse.

In the event the weather turned out very well, as the forecast had predicted, with plenty of sunshine and blue sky, but with blustery winds. I had seven in my group including, Sue C, Gill H, Daves F and W, Guy and Ged. We set off from TanhouseFarm in to a headwind that was to last for the next 33km until the route turned North at Wisborough Green. Along the way we cycled along some very pretty lanes made all the more pretty in the spring sunshine. With bluebells in the woods, lambs in the fields and even some wild garlic here and therewhich was of particular interest to, I think, everyone in the group.

We arrived at the Fox Inn in Bucks Green for lunch and I wasgiven the sad news that there was no ham for the ham sandwich that I had pre-ordered! But “all’s well that ends well” - I had beef brisket instead. Everyone enjoyed the pub and the food, but we couldn’t rest for long and had to get back on the road. But, before that, the obligatory photo outside the pub.

The Fox Inn

After lunch we had a short sharp climb up the hill just past the Milk Churn and even more country lanes. One, in particular, stood out for the view and lack of traffic – I wish I could remember their names. It wasn’t too long before we were back in known territory and in the familiar company of the ducks (and what might be a goose or possibly an Aylesbury duck?) at the pond on Weare Street.

Three of us stopped for tea at Charlie & Gingers in Leatherhead before heading home.

Thanks to all my group and to Dave W for back marking, and thanks to Janice for organising it all.

We are famous! - featured on the Cycling UK home page

 See https://www.cyclinguk.org/article/how-keep-cycling-old-age for the full article

Please note this special celebration

Hello everyone. Let's celebrate a major milestone! Ed Sharp is turning 90! Join us for tea/coffee & cake as we mark this special occasion on Wednesday, 23 April, at 10h45, at the Leatherhead Fairfield Community Centre. Ed’s actual birthday is on 24 April and he will be delighted to see you all there.

~ Lilian

B Ride Invitation for Wednesday 16th April

We shall be meeting at the southerly outpost of Tanhouse Farm (just south of Newdigate) and then setting off to cross into Sussex for a new lunch stop in Crawley. This is a short morning ride of only 12 miles. We then head 18 miles north for tea in Leatherhead.

This is our route:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49658098

If you would like to join this ride please contact me by email by Monday evening (johnaustin04@yahoo.co.uk). If you have a preference for an early or late ride just let me know, also if you wish to ride with a particular person.

Hope to see you in deepest Surrey on Wednesday,

John A

A group ride - Weds 16 April

Next Wednesday’s ride is taking us from Tanhouse Farm to Leatherhead via leafy Sussex lanes with sightings of bluebells and lambs in several places. A total of 47 miles and 2,362ft, see Garmin Connect link below. 

Garmin link

The first group will likely depart at 10.50 and as it’s the school holidays, hopefully you’ll be able to take advantage of there being no school run traffic and arrive in good time for a bit of a rest and refreshments. 

It’s 25 miles and 1,215ft to lunch at The Fox Inn at Bucks Green. The sandwich menu is shown below (see their website for other options).

The afternoon ride is slightly shorter and with less elevation.

If  you’d like to join me please let me know by 6pm on Monday evening, together with your pre-order. My email address is janice.dawes@gmail.com.

B Group Ride Report - Wed 9th April '25

The cool and bracing start was eased by the warm reception we received at Ellleray Hall and the facilities made available for us in their garden. Suitably refreshed we were all ready to set out on a bright spring morning for today’s two wheeled adventure. 

I led the second group out with Julie, Sabina, Dave and Bernard back marking. We also welcomed Martina who also joined us today for her first Wayfarers ride. We initially followed a suburban route via Hampton Hill, Hanworth and Feltham to Belmont where we admired the topiary outside St Mary’s Church and then followed the perimeter road south of Heathrow to face the challenge of lifting bikes over the gate into Sandwell Moor and along the river Colne. Up and over the busy M25 then via Horton and Datchet Common we then entered the greener pastures of Ditton Park and followed the scenic 61 cycle path that eventually led us into the sports grounds of Eton College. The whole area was eerily quiet as all the students were away on their Easter vacation.

Lunch at the ‘Waterman’s Arms’ proved a success and service was prompt and efficient. A welcome break tucked away from the busy town centre of Windsor.

Our afternoon ride followed a more familiar route via Old Windsor, Runnymede, Staines, Laleham and Shepperton for tea at Walton Marina. 

Many thanks to everyone who contributed to making today’s ride a success and especially to John A and Tony H for subbing the other two groups. Their efforts are very much appreciated. There are a variety of photos available for your perusal on the B Group WhatsApp site. 

A good day had by all !

TimG. 

Ride Report - 'A' Group - Weds 9 April 2025 (Teddington & Hedgerley)

 

You remember that film - was it the 'The Producers' by Mel Brooks?   The protagonists have a tax problem and set out to create a disastrously loss-making musical that will save their skins.   Only it doesn't, against the odds it is a roaring success.    Well, it was like that with this ride.   I had carefully 'curated' (as they say these days) an extremely unpromising route including a, narrow, unevenly surfaced alleyway that some locals are said to spurn because of a murder in former times, a jaunt straight through the middle of Britain's third largest sewage works, the place where the Southall riots began, miles of post-industrial canal, a section of an alleged  National Cycle Route which would have been deemed to harsh for SAS training, and a lane with an ominous official sign invitingly reading 'Failed road surface'!

Dear reader, you can guess the outcome!    It was a case of 'The Sun wot dunnit' I reckon!  My efforts to deter participation back-fired wildly and no less than 21 of us 'A's' duly assembled for a very sociable, if a little chilly, al-fresco elevenses in the lovely garden at the  Elleray Hall.   This was the highlight of the day and a great opportunity to mingle and catch up with riders from our other MWW groups, and probably the nearest thing to a royal garden party I will ever experience!

Volunteer group leaders Dave J, Ged L and Neil C could have had no idea what they were letting themselves in for, but their offers to help were very gratefully received, and three groups of seven of us duly set off from Teddington.   My group set off last but mysteriously ended up second to arrive at lunch.   My route may have been a dud but the pub was excellent, as ever, with good-value, genuinely home-cooked fare efficiently served in a lovely setting, and then there were the beers...  

Rumours I cut our group's route short and dodged a hill on the approach to lunch are not completely without foundation. and it is certainly true that I did have pangs of conscience after lunch, and so unashamedly did dodge the 'Failed road surface' bit!    The nagging wind was mainly behind us on the rest of the way back to tea at Shepperton, and we had an uneventful ride with no casualties!    Many thanks to Simon for back-marking on our outbound leg and Gill on the way back.

Of his group's experiences, Ged modestly writes that while Neil and himself were notionally joint sub-leaders, they often found ourselves at the back of the group, particularly after lunch, relegated as back-markers.    Perhaps the group were used to a faster pace!   (More likely they had the wind behind them, I reckon.  Ed.)   He himself once again fell victim to 'deflationary pressures'  (tubeless tyre troubles, that is)!    At George Green, a previously repaired front tyre with a plug started spewing sealant.     After stopping a second time he removed the offending plug and punched in a new one. It did the trick, the tyre stayed inflated and got him home, so a happy ending!

Thanks again to the volunteer helpers, and to everyone else for their company and for putting up with it all!

Ride Report - 2 April – Cobham – Cranleigh

April 2021 Wayfarers Lunch at Cranleigh in Lockdown

This was a rerun if my ride on April 7th 2021, then in deep lockdown, so no pubs or cafe’s open. Then it was sunny, but with a bitingly cold wind. So we huddled on the pavement behind a wall for shelter, eating bacon rolls out of paper bags. Still Wayfarer’s spirit was undaunted, with 23 riders out.

Yesterday was warmer, but the easterly wind just as troublesome. Stroger than I anticipated, which made my decision to ride via Newlands Corner (necessary because Combe Lane was likely closed to cycles) with a right turn towards Albury a little worrying. In the event I need not have worried.

The Three Horseshoes in Cranleigh, CAMRA listed and recommended by the B’s, promised us a warm welcome, with no pre-ordering, provided we didn’t arrive en-masse. So we left Cobham in three groups at 5-minute intervals, fastest first, so we would naturally spread out on the road. Only a short distance to Cranleigh, permitting a late start form Cobham, where we were rewarded with a rare sighting of the Easy Riders arrival.

Janice’s Group was first off

Mike R, Peter S, Andy H, Dave B, Hans, Simon W, Steve W and I set off first from Cobham with the instruction to arrive at the pub with gaps between the groups. So we had to stay ahead! The ENE wind was already strong and forecast to increase to 19mph with gusts of 38mph around lunchtime so I had a lovely easy ride being blown from Epsom to Cobham. Unfortunately I can’t recall any other point in the ride being easy after that!

We rode pleasant and familiar roads until we took the less well used ascent to Newlands Corner. Is it possible that this was longer and steeper than previously? It certainly felt like it! I’d been nervous about the descent because of wind gusts and the need to do a right turn at the bottom. In the event, the gusts weren’t too bad and someone had kindly put out cones in the road to gently and safely guide us to the right turn.

After that, more minor hills and rises followed although my legs now felt like they were making mountains out of molehills. It was with some sense of gratitude that we reached The Three Horseshoes in Cranleigh. The manager came out to greet and welcome us, orders were taken and we were then served quickly. They could certainly run courses in hospitality that some other establishments would benefit from!
    
                        

Back on the bike with the daunting knowledge that we were into the headwind, had more elevation in front of us than behind and that we’d be going over Leith Hill. It felt just as tough as anticipated! However, we gritted our teeth and ignored the pull to turn right at the end of Weare Street.

More miles, more headwinds and more gusts but we arrived in Leatherhead. Although only 2.40, Amici’s was preparing to close so 7 of us went to Lucio's for much needed refreshment before tackling the final push for home.

A great day out in glorious sunshine on a challenging but lovely route. Thank you for the great company of my group, in particular Dave B for back marking.


Next Frances

We were a small group , totalling 6 with Steve D backmarking as we headed out from Cobham on a lovely dry sunny day.

It had been some time since I climbed Newlands Corner and it did not disappoint. Thanks to my group for a steady ascent with Jennie leading the way on her turbo bike. The group was able to continue to the right turn (without stopping) as for once road works helped us as they funnelled the traffic into the right-hand lane.

We made a good steady pace arriving at the pub in Cranleigh at 12.30pm and enjoyed a lovely sunny spot outside well protected from the breeze.

The latter turned out to be a strong headwind (and every other wind) on the way back and whilst we were glad to turn off into Broomefield climb for some respite, the climb awaited us and we gave it our all.

                                    

It continued to be windy on the descent and through Dorking so everyone was glad to arrive in Leatherhead around 3.15pm for tea. I had to depart due to a evening drive to the coast but on this occasion decided to jump on the train for a rest after a lovely route. Thanks to Guy, Dave E, Jennie and David J for their company and for Steve's help too. Good training for the Wild Atlantic Way

My Last Group

We had the benefit of a tailwind in the morning, so we were all still smiling at the top of Newlands, though the need to pedal on the descent into the wind was new. 

    

A few mini-hills thereafter, and a couple of tussles with the wind, brought us to Cranleigh where the first two groups were enjoying lunch. We sat in the sun in the sheltered garden and all was well.

The wind had strengthened over lunch, so the afternoon was a bit of a struggle. But Weare St lived up to its reputation as one of the loveliest in our area, and we spotted the first bluebells of 2025. Truly the seasons are turning.

Broomhall Road up to Coldharbour is a steady climb, but at this time of year you have huge views to take your mind off Leith Hill, the final objective. On the way Simon stopped to remove a fallen tree branch from the road, doubtless a casualty of that wind. We were still smiling at the top, helped by the knowledge that it was now mostly downhill.

We all stopped for tea at Lucio’s in Leatherhead, a friendly place where I was even offered iced water for my bidon

Thanks everyone for making the ride such a pleasure for me, in my group Gill, Diane, Simon L, Sue C, Dave F and noble back marker Dave F. And thanks to Frances and Janice for leading their groups.

Dare I day it, excellent practice for the Hilly 50 on April 26th!

Do join the 'A' Group Ride on Weds 9 April - All are Welcome

Spring has sprung and it is time for one of our occasional forays out into 'leafy Bucks'!    Do join me for Wednesday's 'A' group ride from Teddington to lunch at the White Horse, Hedgerley, and back for tea at the Ferry Coffee Shop, Shepperton.    The route is very similar to one we used about this time last year, but simplified to avoid the Hayes and Stockley Park detour.  

It is a round trip of 42 miles, with less than 300 metres of height gain (most of the route is flat - any hills are a few miles either side of lunch).   There are quite a few off-road sections (including a long stretch of towpath) - some are surfaced, some not,  but no mud is in evidence anywhere!     Gravel bikes are always welcome, but my road bike proved perfectly up to the task during the recce ride.

If you would like to join us, please e-mail at cycledave23@gmail.com not later than 6.00 pm on Monday.   Two or three kind volunteers to lead from .gpx will be needed, please.

Note that the arrangements for elevenses at Elleray Hall will be slightly different from usual - I will give details to those booking for the ride.

B Group Ride - Wednesday 9th April '25

Our ride next week from Teddington will take us via Hanworth and Datchet to Eton for lunch at the 'Waterman's Arms'.

The afternoon ride will be via Old Windsor and Staines for tea at Walton-on Thames.

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

Email - timgibbons1@virginmedia.com

WhatsApp - 07756961505

Look forward to seeing you all on Wednesday.

Report for B Group - 2nd April

Robert called me from Canada a couple of weeks ago to say that Margaret wasn't well enough to take their planned flight back to the UK in time for his lead from Cobham. We agreed that there was barely enough time to plan and recce a ride and decided to run the same ride as his popular one last year which had been attended by 31 riders. He confirmed that The Ashley Park would be a good choice for another visit.

Margaret is now well enough to fly again and they will return to the UK on the 14th.

~ Tim C

Steph writes:

What a glorious day and a lovely run through to Cobham on the first Wednesday after the clocks had sprung forward.  My group were waiting to depart, Bernard, Sabina, Christina, John Austin and Tim Gibbons, who kindly offered to backmark.  It was a beautiful route through to Ripley to join the Wey Navigation at Pyrford Lock.  Here there was much to see as waterfowl and barges moved along the water.  We stopped for a photo before coming off the canal at Weybridge and taking a direct route to Walton for lunch.  Here we lost John Austin as he had to return home and after lunch Christina made her own way back.

Team Steph on Dodds Bridge

The remaining four set off brightly to cross Walton Bridge and more riverside views as we turned right before Chertsey Bridge to cycle up Thameside.   We were soon heading for Ashford but it was as we veered eastwards that the wind began to strengthen and we faced a headwind for most of the return to Hampton.

At one point I spotted 3 cyclists ahead and spurred on by the thought that they must be Wayfarers and we could shelter in their wake and rest a bit from the wind we caught up with them.  Alas the tail end Charlie with a marmite top admitted that they were Uxbridge Loiterers and were misleading us in a northerly direction.  We turned sharply and returned to our easterly battle with the beasterly wind.  To our relief the surrounding architecture began to take on a more Hamptonish air and Green Lane lifted our spirits a little and very soon we were in the Pheasantry with electric Ray and others soon arriving looking also suitably wind bashed.

Another great day out.

~ Steph

A big thankyou to Julie who volunteered at very short notice to lead a group if we were still short of a sub-leader:

A lovely sunny Spring day was perfect for Robert’s pretty route through Ripley and along the river Wey. I was joined by Bob, Jane, Terry, and Peter - lovely lunch at the Ashley Park pub in Walton on Thames. During the afternoon ride we met a strong headwind - which didn’t deter us from a cup of tea in Bushy park. A lovely day despite the leader riding on only one gear all day!

~ Julie

Tim writes:

On a most beautiful day our small team (Pam, Liz, Grant, Anne, Patrick, Tony Hop. and myself) headed off down Plough Lane. Most of us haven't seen Patrick Ryan for years so were pleased that he could join us until we reached Ripley where he succumbed to an urge to visit Pinnocks. Tony rode a slightly different route from the rest of us but was there at the pub when we arrived

It was easy going to Pyrford Lock where we ducked through the car park and onto the Wey Navigation canal for a splendid ride all the way through to Weybridge. Apart from the hazard of tree roots protruding among the dappled shadows it was a blissful ride with the canalside trees, the reeds, the ducks and the geese looking their very best in the Spring sunshine.

At New Haw Lock

At Coxes Lock

4½ riders

The staff at The Ashley Park welcomed us and provided good food. We crossed Walton Bridge after lunch where Pam peeled off to head home. Due to my limited range at the moment I had planned a (6 miles) shorter afternoon route for our team so we rode through Shepperton and picked up the Halliford Road through to Hampton then Bushy Park. Having battled with forceful easterly headwind for most of the afternoon we were tiring fast we split and didn't call in at The Pheasantry.

Thanks to all for cheerful company and especially to Steph and Julie for sub-leading.

~ Tim C

Artwork under the M25 at the junction with the Basingstoke Canal