A ride 19th Dec

Eight of us including: Brian, Colin, David, Ged, John, Mark and Peter set off from Leatherhead in what seemed to be fairly dry conditions. Once we got on the cycle path to Dorking we were able to progress at quite a brisk pace. We made a slight detour leaving the cycle path just beyond the Denbies turn off to cross the railway passing through what appeared to be Denbies Vines. In a matter of a few yards we were on Calvert Road  and thereon to Ashcombe and Station roads to continue on the A25.

We met our first major climb on Coast Hill and before long were off the A25 to climb up to Abinger Common above Friday Street at which point passed by a Lutyen's designed house with it's ornamental chimneys. We tuned right (part of the 50k hilly course) to Holmbury St Mary and arrived for lunch at the Kings Head about 12:20 having escaped serious rain.

There were only two people in the bar when we arrived and that appeared the total number apart from us when we left, so we had immediate service from two charming ladies, with good liquid refreshments, but unfortunately a long wait for the food. In the event this was fortunate because we missed most of the heavy rain judging by the state of the roads when we left about 2:20.

After dropping down to the A25 at Abinger we decided en bloc to return homeward via White Down rather than Coombe Bottom, a shorter route to the Vineries at Bookham. Brian and Colin decided at this stage to  miss out the tea stop  which is something I very often do. I hope every one arrived home safely and thank you to all members for turning out on what could have been a better day weatherwise and thanks to Mark and David for acting as back markers.

Happy Xmas.

Ray

A Group 19th December

A nicely judged ride from Ray today.  Briskly over to the Kings Arms at Holmbury St Mary, rain while we ate, still raining when we left so a direct route to tea at the Vineries.

19.56 miles from elevenses to tea, rolling average 10mph.

From our next ride the days will be getting longer...

Mark

A Group Xmas Lunch

 

 

 

As has been said already "Thanks to Pam" for an excellent time! Here are a few photos of the merry makers. A great time was had by all! Thanks to all our Rides Leaders in 2012 please carry on with the good work in 2013 in all the sections!

Wayfarers at Table

Many thanks to Pam for organising an excellent lunch - Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!

Christmas Lunch Wed Dec 12

For those going direct to The Cap in Hand tomorrow, lunch is booked for about 1pm.

See you there or at Dorking.

Terry

A Group 5th December

Short days, this time of the year, so a short ride seemed the best thing to ensure that everyone could get home in the light.  The problem is, how do you satisfy the hard men of the 'A' Group with a short ride? Put in a few hills, and ride up 'em fast, was my solution, and this did the trick nicely. The weather gods helped, too, with a good sprinkling of snow before we set off, just to make sure it wasn't too easy.

The snow also complicated things a little as the 'B' Group had, on this account, lost its leader. So we agreed that we would go on generally the same route, and meet at the same pub for lunch.

Off to the West from Cobham; nine of us heading along Plough Lane at a steady pace, taking the usual route though Martyrs Green to Hungry Hill and East Clandon. Some snow on the verges and in the fields as we rode up Staple Lane, and a bit of packed snow on the road surface towards the top. No real difficulty for anyone, and the sun was starting to come out. Just the thing for a December ride.

Re-grouping at the top, we found that Simon had chain problems - a link was coming apart. He kindly said that the rest of us should go ahead while he fixed it.

Down Green Dene, the road surface wet on this side, but no snow to speak of. We were quickly at the bottom of Crocknorth Lane, proceeding at a more measured pace to the top. A brisk roll over Ranmore Common, St Barnabas looking handsome in the winter sun, then down again to West Humble before heading along the Old London Road to Mickelham.

The William IV is a good pub here, and easy enough to find if you know where it is. The landlady had left the garden gate open for us, so that we could park our bikes safely. This gave us a few minutes healthy exercise carrying them up to the garden, as the pub is on a steep slope. All safely gathered in, and on to lunch.

The food is good here, as is the beer, but they were busy so service was rather slow. However, Simon turned up with his bike not fixed but rideable, and several members of the 'B' group arrived a little later. The pub is small, but we all managed to squeeze in. Jeff arrived while we were eating, a fasting day for him so speed of service wasn't an issue.

More fun getting the bikes back down the steps after lunch, then up Little Switzerland in the sunshine and past the former Headley Forge to Epsom. Tea at Wetherspoons by 1530; some deciding to head straight home.

27.38 miles elevenses to tea, rolling average 12.6 mph, 1,904 feet of ascent  and 1,227 calories.

A fine December day.

Mark

A Group 28 November

Two 'Spoons from Pete today - lunch at Wetherspoons Leatherhead and tea at Wetherspoons Epsom.

31.77 miles from elevenses to tea; 1,326 feet of ascent and 1423 calories.

A good ride for a winter's day.

Mark

A group - 21/11/12

 Claygate - Putney - Wetlands

On this damp and dingy Wednesday there were empty seats at Claygate so I wasn't surprised that only nine A riders were keen to sample a pale version of my intended route. Capewise it was to be an on and off day; consequently traffic was never a problem. We glided up Ditton Hill and through Surbiton to a river crossing at Berrylands. Back alleys to Homebase and North up Dickerage Road came next. As first I couldn't find the "hidden" path that climbs to George Road meaning Vic ended up in someone's front garden! But soon it was located and Warren Road led to Ladderstile gate and the park. Test Hill and the road to Roehampton Gate was taken at brisk pace and there we cut through the estate. Putney Park Lane is unsurfaced and on my advice Jeff used the blackstuff alternative, wisely as there were comments aplenty at the bottom. After turning onto the Lower Road beside the Half Moon, we were soon in The Rocket (Weatherspoons) on the site of the old ICL building. 

One hour later the weather had worsened as we met Fuzz and then headed along the towpath towards the Wetlands centre and Barnes. By now the hoses were out and Barnes Hospital was a temporary refuge for donning any unused wet gear; at least the bikes wouldn't need cleaning! Much talk now was of home, and one by one they disappeared as we traversed from East Sheen to Ham gates in driving wind and rain. By Latchmere House I was alone (unexpectedly!?) so continued to the announced tea stop, Bridges cafe (aka Milletts). There I spent a profitable five minutes wringing out my hat and gloves before giving up and reaching home at 1445 and only 22 miles .

 Graham

A Group - DA AGM 14 November

 Hersham - Thames Ditton - Long Ditton

Leader Tony, proud to sport the Winged Wheel

Lunch at Thames Ditton beside the Thames

Any other business at Ye Olde Swan

A Group 14/11/12

Being the day of the DA AGM at Hersham and with the CTC executive in attendance it was never going to be a short meeting. 12 set off at 12.50 for lunch at the Ye Olde Swan at Thames Ditton, this was first time the A group had used this venue. I had planned a route that was flexible in distance and kept it to the shortest. The pace was brisk and we arrived at 1.15 to our reserved table. The service was reasonable if erratic. Peter T arrived late due a puncture.

After lunch as the mornings ride had been very short and flat I pushed the pace a touch and added a few hills to give some cycling satisfaction to the day. Peter T still had Tyre problems so headed home and Ray also took his leave. The afternoon tea stop was destined to be Squires at Long Ditton and only a stones throw from lunch so a circular route via Imber court, Esher, Claygate and Hook got us there in time sit outside, in she shade as the shadows were lengthening. Although not warm the Sun was out all day and made for a pleasant, if short, ride.

5.2 miles to lunch, 8.5 miles to tea totaling 14.1 miles with a rolling average of 13.4. Must be the years shortest.

A Ride 7 Nov 2012

A memorable ride in more ways than one. Thank goodness there was no cyclist being overtaken by this lorry around the South Holmwood Roundabout! The moral of the story never get caught on the lhs of a truck, always overtake on the rhs!

Brockham bonfire - not much left! Did anyone go?

I know that we are not supposed to self publicise but this is me with my Mark Roy Trophy which Terry had kindly bought to Cobham for me after it was engraved. Unfortunately I did not have a panier as I was travelling light on my Fixi and struggled up Ranmore! Ray however came to my rescue with a light back pack so I managed to get the trophy home!

It had been my intention to go to the Chequers at Walton on the way home as it was one of Jeff's days on, if you will excuse the expression, but due to a misunderstanding between rides leader Ray & me we went to Banstead for tea instead of Fanny's Farm. My consolation at the Chequers was that I met the lovely Helen and as Jeff never turned up he missed out! The moral of the story stick with the Fixi's for they are the salt of the Earth (or was it the Dearth!)

Wednesday 7 Nov "A" ride

We saw a truck on it's side at Dorking on A24. Some how or other my Blog got posted on KPRC instead of MWW! See www.kprc.org.uk Blog for details. I have asked Lisa to try and transfer.
Mike M.

A Ride 7 November

Cobham - Betchworth - Fanny's

 Our leader Paul enjoying his just desserts at Fanny's

Master and disciple with some of the gang outside the Dolphin after lunch - others were otherwise engaged.

A Group 7th November

A solid Winter ride from Paul today - some uphills to warm us; some downhills to cheer us; a good lunch at the Dolphin, Betchworth and tea at Fanny's.   25.73 miles from elevenses to tea, rolling average 9.6 mph, maximum speed 43.3mph, 2,104 feet of ascent and 1,153 calories.

Mark

A Group 31 October

Addlestone - Fifield - Shepperton

Calorie-laden after lunch at The Fifield

Yet more calories at 'the bakery' formerly known as Watson's

A Ride 31 October 2012

After a chilly start we were treated to lovely autumnal views today. The ride started a bit late due to the late arrival of the incoming peloton from North Cheam (frozen points at Weybridge?). Sixteen of us headed up Holloway Hill and through the woods towards Chobham, diverting along Gracious Pond Road for more gentle showers of leaves and roads littered with sweet chesthuts, en route to Sunningdale and through Windsor Forest. With the wind behind us, I regret to tell you that a bit of a burn-up ensued along The Drift, which gained us some time for our lunch stop at the Fifield Inn.

Large portions of food were served promptly and we departed along rather more direct roads towards Windsor, passing two giant (six feet high) heads of the Queen and Prince Philip just after leaving Fifield. I can't imagine how they got them home from the garden centre.   From Windsor we visited Datchet, Wraysbury, Staines, where Toni & I put on waterproofs, and therefore caused the drizzle to stop again, before heading to The Bakery at Shepperton for tea.  Thankyou to Peter B. for acting as back marker and ensuring we all stayed together.

A Group 31st October

A flat but pacey run from Simon today.  35.16 miles from elevenses at Addlestone to tea at Shepperton; lunch at Fifield.  Rolling average 13.2mph, maximum speed 26.5mph and 1,575 calories.

Lights on on the way home.

Mark

A Group 24 October

Downhill - Root Hill - Brockham - Betchworth

The A group's downhill started before the first uphill. As a tooting motorist tried to overtake us as we were indicating to turn right into Punchbowl Lane, there was a touching of wheels and two of our number came down in the middle of the A25. Frank came down heavily and John Bellamy grazed his foot. A passing off-duty policeman called an ambulance and the police and organised proceedings. Statements were taken. Many thanks to Maggie for her description of the incident from the back of the tandem.

 Frank and John were examined in the ambulance; Frank shaken but not broken, John's foot cleaned and dressed and fortunately  no visit to A&E necessary. However, the wheels of Frank's new trike will need some serious surgery and the brake blocks of John's front wheel caused a problem that persuaded hin not to try and ride the bike any further. Mike Morley very kindly agreed to ride home (up Pebble Hill) to return with his car to take Frank and trike back home. In the meantime Pete Barnard led the rest of the group to the top of Root Hill, though I understand that disappointingly, not everybody made it there. But the show went on and I gather was a  success.

The A Group lunched in the excellent Dolphin, after which, with blue skies and ever brightening sunshine,  I led a brisk ride South to Rusper and back via Capel and Newdigate to tea at Denbies. Many thanks to Terry for organising the event, to Ed for creating some fine new trophies and to the worthy winners, with Grant winning by a mile.

Jeff

A Group 17th October

Turn out was a bit thin at Caterham, and a couple of normally hard riders were not able to make it, so there were nine of us ready to start this Autumn's Challenging Ride.  Unfortunately, Toni was immediately ruled out by a mechanical failure - he had ridden over a pothole on the way and, it transpired, had broken four spokes. Bad luck indeed.

So eight of us set off on the Woldingham Road for the first hill of the day, Slines Oak. The map gives this one as 20%, but we all doubted this, as it is much easier than some of the later climbs. All were briskly up, and we then rolled over the Downs to the top of Titsey Hill. Luc peeled off at this point, as he hasn't been riding that much lately, and drew the very reasonable conclusion that discretion was the better part of valour.

The rest of us descended Titsey Hill at pace, heading for the bottom of White Lane, the Bec hill climb course. Titsey is rough and slippery, so it was instructive to note how few of us were able to stop in time to make the turn, and, indeed, how far down the hill those who failed to stop went... But we were soon together at the bottom of White Lane, and one minute and forty seconds later we were at the top. (That last bit isn't true). Some pictures by Jeff, and then fast down to Westerham and up Hoosey Hill before another quick descent towards Chartwell. Somehow we mislaid Mike here, but we got him back at lunch.

Briskly through Four Elms to the bottom of York's Hill, with a few minutes relaxation while I repaired a puncture - lots of flints in Kent. Then up York's Hill, the Catford Hill climb course, in fine style. More pictures by Jeff at the top, and on to the Cock Inn for lunch. It's a pleasant, old-fashioned place where we were made welcome and quickly served.

Easy rolling down to Brasted, then the question of the day - should we go up Hogtrough Hill (short and sharp), or should we go up Clarks Lane (longer but easier)? Hogtrough got it by an overwhelming majority, so up we went, inexplicably losing Mike again on a straight road. Hey ho. Along the top through Tatsfield and, bingo, here we were at the top of White Lane again.

Home straight now, but much more traffic as we headed back towards London. Purley Cross was pretty awful. But we hauled ourselves out of it, and Mrs G was waiting with more cake than we could eat. (That's quite a lot of cake). Tea and chatter, while we looked at Simon Warren's '100 Best Climbs' books. Gratifyingly, our climbs were in them, with respectable scores. So that was all right.

39.99 miles elevenses to tea, 3,218 feet of ascent, maximum speed 42.5 mph coming down to Brasted, steepest hill York's Hill at 21.4%, beating White Lane by a couple of percent at 18.3%. That's how it felt, too.

Mark

A Group - Challenging Ride

Click HERE for 2012 Video

Click Here for Video

Elevation

Gradient

It's the Bec and Catford Hill Climbs this weekend - end of season classics.  The Catford, in particular, has strong claim to being the oldest bike race in the World, having been held regularly since 1886.  Short, fierce hills, which the best riders ascend in about a minute and a half.

The Wayfarers, wishing to pay homage to these athletes, and perhaps remembering achievements of their youth, will visit these hills on next week's Challenging Ride.  A minute and a half is an unlikely target, but we'll all get to the top, and be pleased with ourselves when we have.

Elevenses at Caterham, lunch at The Cock, Ide Hill, and tea at Gladwyn Towers, where Mrs G promises tea and cakes.  

Prompt start at elevenses, please - we'll have a bit to do.

Mark