B Group Dec 19

In the absence of the scheduled leader, I led Jill, Liz, Cliff and Les on Wednesday's B ride from Walton by way of Hampton, Bushey Park, Teddington, Fullwell, River Crane Walk, Knoller Gardens, Twickenham 6th Form College, Twickenham Rugby Ground and the picturesque West Middlesex Drainage/Sewage Works to Old Isleworth and our lunch stop, the Town Wharf pub overlooking the Thames. Amazingly, even at this time of year the pub was pretty empty (how do they ever make any money?) and our excellent meals were served very quickly.

In the afternoon we took the Thames-side path southwards on the Twickenham side of the river to Teddington Lock where we crossed to the Ham side and took the tow path to Kingston. Here Jill stopped for some late Xmas shopping, while the rest of us returned home via Berrylands (sewage works are my specialty) and New Malden.

John Gould

B Group Dec 12

Thirteen riders left Leatherhead, or tried to leave, as our leader punctured on the traffic lights outside the Day Centre, he was however ably assisted by amongst others Bernard and Robin to repair the offending wheel and continue. The group included the aforementioned plus Liz and Judy John John G Nev Norman Les Gerry Roger and our faithfull backmarker Terry. Our route took us along the byepass to Pixham Lane and over to Punchbowl Lane and down to Henfold Lane to Newdigate, Capel,Coles lane to Ockley and a left and right turn to Mole Street where a left took us to aright into a freezing and black iced Stanton Lane and up to the Gatton Manor Golf and Country Club. Some of our members were a little apprehensive of our welcome at a fairly prestigeous G.C. but we had a good reception and lunch. The owner came out to see us before we left and assured us that we would be welcome any time we revisited.Our return took us via Cathill Lane to Ockley where we retraced via capel and Newdigate to Annies at Leatherhead for tea. The consensus of opinion seemed to be a good ride but definitely challenging
From Cliff

A & B Groups Dec 5th

Accurately forecast heavy showers kept the numbers down at Cobham. However, following Terry's offering of our traditional Christmas thank you to the good ladies at the British Legion, some 14 (Pete M, Jake, Vic, 2xJohn, Irene, Stephanie, Norman, Terry, Steve C, Les, Ian and Roger S, led by Pete B) set off on a combined A & B ride. Cutting across Downside Common and Chilbrook to avoid likely flooding along Plough Lane, it was off along familiar roads albeit in the reverse direction. Pausing briefly to cape up when the heavens opened and then to extract Ian from a ditch, it was past Ockham Bites and over the A3 to Wisley and Pyrford Lock, through Byfleet, Woodham and Row Town before a lengthy wait at Addlestone level crossing. Then through the back roads of Weybridge with Jake puncturing just short of the planned lunch stop in Walton (Wetherspoons of course).
After lunch, the equally accurate forecast sunny intervals arrived and, whilst some headed directedly home, the rest crossed back over Walton Bridge for a wind assisted trip through Lower Sunbury and Hampton Wick, with a quick diversion through Bushy Park, and over Kingston Bridge to ride along the river to the Hawker Centre at Ham for a welcome cuppa and so home.

B Group November 28th

It was hard to winkle B Group riders out of their comfy chairs at Claygate this morning. However a group of fifteen of us eventually hit the road - Liz, Judy, Terry, Norman, Cliff, Johns G., S. and M., Robin, Gerry, Nev, Les, Philip, Roger and me, Gill, the leader. With West Clandon as our lunchtime destination, we headed due south, past the church on to Coverts Road, shown as a dead end but which for us cyclists led us on to the first bit of off-road called New Road. This is shown on the map as being a reasonable all-year-round route and proved to be fine even after the recent wet weather, with a fairly solid surface mostly covered with leaves as we cut across through woodland to the busy Fairoak Lane. Fortunately we didn't have to go too far along this road before we turned off on to Stokeheath Road. This had a gate across it but while negotiating this we were able to take in the view and note a llama amongst the sheep in the neighbouring field! We came out on to Copsem Lane just short of Sandy Lane which we followed before taking off on a path across Fairmile Common then a mixture of quiet roads and footpaths bringing us out into the centre of Cobham. We were now in well-known territory - Plough Lane, Ockham, Guileshill Road and Hungry Hill. Johns S. and M. played the hare in the 'tortoise and the hare' up the hills, waiting for us at strategic points! At East Clandon we came out on to the A246 and followed this to the lights at the junction for Newlands Corner where we turned right into West Clandon and reached the Bull's Head about 12.45p.m. This being a very small and popular pub, we were lucky to find a whole section free to accommodate us. Service and the quality of the meals were both excellent and we were back on the road just before 1.45p.m. The route home was straightforward - down into Ripley, across the airstrip, through Downside Cobham and across to Stoke D'Abernon on the off-road track where eight of us had afternoon tea at Seymour's Garden Centre. Dark skies threatened as we hurriedly headed for home at 3.15p.m. but only brought a little dampness on my way back to Sunbury. I hope the others were as lucky! (Gill Finlay)

B Group

B group fan club (Meath Green Lane branch) were out in force today

From Redhill I led Angie, Liz, Stephanie, Bernard, Cliff, David A, Les, Mick and Norman south alongside the busy A23 Brighton Road until we could fork right to enjoy the relative peace and quiet of Pendleton Road. At Woodhatch we joined Lonesome Lane and continued south to Meath Green having noted the fan club en route. A short stretch of the A217 then we turned right to Charlwood, Russ Hill, Partridge Lane, left into Burntoak Lane past the moated Cudworth Manor to arrive at The Six Bells at Newdigate at about 1245.

I had been warned there would be others in the bars but the place was bulging with pensioners! Some were skittling in the alley but we went outside where heaters had been switched on in the smokers' covered, open area for us. This soon proved too breezy so we relocated to a conveniently empty, unheated but fairly draught-proof marquee and later moved indoors when others had moved on. The food was splendid and generous, the rather extended break ended about 1410 and we headed for Dorking via the usual lanes. Then down Pixham Lane and along the cycle track to Leatherhead where some carried straight on and some of us stopped at Annie's. After an enjoyable sunny day, although a bit breezy at times, we went our separate ways, hopefully all arriving home before the rain.
Terry

B Group November 14th

Norman(swapped with Gil)led, what must be one of the largest B
runs,Christine,Francoise,Judy,Liz,Stephanie,Bernard,Cliff,FrankC,FrankH,Gerry,
Les,JohnG,Mick,Neville,PhilL,Richard,Robin and Terry to Wood Street Village. From
Weybridge via Brooklands, Byfleet, Old Woking and Smart Heath to the
Royal Oak (Wood Street) where, in spite of the large group, we received rapid
service with good food. Return via Jacobs Well,Send and Ripley to tea at
Cobham. From there we went our separate ways home

B Group Nov 7th

No less than 17 of us set out from Cobham. We even had a hanger on from the A group in the elegant shape of Julian! I failed to get all the names, so rather than admit to the ones I don't know/can't remember I'll not give any!

We sped to Pyrford lock with one small hitch, several people with clean bikes refused the track I had chosen. (described on the OS map as "other road drive or track"). A small detour down the A3 got us back on my route.

Then it was tow path for a long way. Along the Wey Navigation to the river and then all the way along the river almost to Richmond Bridge where we turned at River Lane into Petersham. Lunch for most of us (I'm not sure why some didn't come) was at The Edge at Hampton Court which has a nice view over the river, tea at the Garden Centre in Petersham - beetroot cake - lovely! The tow path was not to everyone's liking: some did like the freedom from traffic and the lovely autumn colours, some disliked the bumpy bits. From Petersham into Richmond Park where we stayed off the roads, out through Kingston Gate and thence back to North Cheam. 46 miles.

Bernard

B Group Oct 31st

After a latish start from Shepperton I led a large group over Walton
bridge thence to Weybridge and Addlestone to Hardwick Lane where I
stopped to warn our destination we were coming. Soon we turned left
into the quiet, deserted Lyne Road, emerging at Trumps Green to
continue up Trumps Green Road, soon turning left into Kitsmead Lane.
It was very quiet and colourful riding along Accommodation Road,
Stonehill Road, Old Chertsey Road and Philpot Lane heading towards
lunch at The Plough at Horsell. They advise 'We don't serve fast
food, we serve good food as fast as we can' and that was the case
today. We then headed south, soon found the Basingstoke Canal and
rode along the towpath, eventually leaving it at Scotland Bridge,
Byfleet, after a photo-stop at a footbridge. Through West Byfleet,
past Pyrford Lock, over the A3 via the footbridge at Wisley, we
arrived at Ockham Bites about 10 minutes before closing time, after
which we went our separate ways. A very pleasant day, wonderful
autumn colours and dry, mild conditions - pretty good for this time
of year.

Terry

Another "A" ride missed

Thanks Vic (if you read this) another wonderful ride, or at least it would have been if you had assembled all your keen followers B4 departure. I know that I'm very bad at being ready to go promptly at 11am but I retired 2 years ago to relax and enjoy life and its company. Sadly today a number of people were left behind especially Toni De who had expressly wanted to go on the ride and had agreed at eleven's when shaking hands with you that he was looking forward to it. I know that we are not children but so many adults got left behind today, like Frank, Richard, Bernard, Graham, Irene, and a few others who's names I don't recall. "A" groups loss was "B" groups gain but in practical terms we ended up with a large group of well over 2o riders causing some congestion on the road at times. No hard feeling as such but it is strange that so many got left behind. Can I appeal to rides leaders to look after their sheep especially in these times of foot and mouth.
To Terry I say a wonderful ride I will put some photo's on the Blog 2moro when I have downloaded from my camera. Have been too busy 2nite dealing with the young children knocking on my door for trick or treat. A whole bowl full of sweets gone and non for me!
Happy riding everyone.
P.S. I need some small contributions for the next issue of Sou'Wester if anyone can oblige, due date 28 Nov.

B Group Oct 19th

(Norman Goody sent on 19 Oct 2007)

7 riders, Stephanie, John G, Les, Neil,Phil L, Terry led by Norman.
Down Burntwood round Caterham roundabout towards Woldingham right into and through Marden Park to A25 left towards Westerham. Right at first roundabout down Tandridge Lane left into Southlands Rd. Right at T-junction staggered x-road on Lingfield Common Rd and on to Lingfield for lunch at the Greyhound. After lunch to Newchapel through Horne to Smallfield cross M23 to Redhill to A23 up Rocky Lane avoiding heavy traffic up Markedge to Fanny's Farm for tea. On leaving FF I found I had got a puncture the rest went on their way. Found a flint in the tyre replaced the tube and finished a sunny day's ride enjoyed by all. Norman

B Group Oct 24th

B Ride report 24 October 2007 Eighteen of us left Elleray Hall in Teddington, and crossed through Bushey Park and the back streets of Hampton to emerge onto Lower Sunbury Road where we were joined by Mike, who had failed to find A group. Having crossed Walton Bridge, and detoured onto Desborough Island, we apparently, as the back-markers were indignantly told by locals, trespassed onto private (though unmarked as such) paths and roads, once between Weybridge and Addlestone, and again in Chertsey. After lunch at the Stag and Hounds in Virginia Water, we passed through Staines and Laleham. Just before Shepperton, we turned North to go through Littleton, and on to Charlton and Upper Halliford, whence we took a good quality one mile track to our tea stop at Sunbury. Estimated round trip distance from North Cheam was about 50 miles. John Gould

Chaldon Church

Another try at a picture.

Much history in the church including a Fresco painted in 1170 - 1200AD

The A+B group on a photo stop enroute to Caterham and Knockholt.

17 October. A+B Group enroute Caterham/Nockholt

I too would like to add my name to puncture list (soft tyre at lunch after waiting 2 hrs for food), pumped it up 4 times to get home using Bobs smashing pump. I will ask Pete M to post some photos as I tied already to nigh and I am p...d off with the blog. It shut me down and said problem with MS. The photos are much more interesting than the verbiage and can be titled as follows:

1. Our illustrious DA Sec all pumped up.



2. Jake + Dad, Toni de Italiano & Pete B waiting for food to arrive. (it was a good lunch)

B Group Oct 10th

9 of us set out from Hersham towards Weybridge and there we joined the Thames towpath and went the quite short distance to the Weir, a rather nice pub near Molesley lock; where, being rather an intellectual group, we ate in the library. The 9 were Gill, John, Les, Liz, Norman, Robin, Stephanie, Terry and yours truly. There was no gammon on the menu but otherwise the food was pretty good with very pleasant service. One of the discussion points over lunch was how grateful we all were to those who had taken on the work of running the club.

We then carried on downstream, over Hampton Court Bridge where there were about a thousand school parties. (Liz was nearly in tears because none of us managed to run over a child!). Back across Kingston bridge where we had a modicum of democracy about the route. Richmond Park was the winner so that's where we went. I saw a 14-pointer stag. John then invited us to tea so there was a bit of parting of the ways, some of us took up his offer and had tea and lovely apple cake straight from the oven with vanilla topping.

Regards Bernard

B Group Oct 3rd

Group B Wednesday 3rd Oct 07.

Fifteen: Bob, Terry, Les, Neil, Jill, Judy, Liz, Cliff, Norman, Bernard, Frank, Francessca, Roger, Phill L and Robin set off from Chobham, in cool overcast weather.
Going south on Downside Road then left past Effingham Junction station into Effingham and left into Lower Road to Bookham. Right on Dorking Road to Westhumble R on bypass, L into Pixham Lane, L then R on Coach Road to Brockham. R And L into Wheelers Lane, L at House Lane, R into Swanham Lane. Slight delay here as Cliff fell over when mixing up left and right on his new cycle, thankfully no injury. L on Clayhall Lane, R at Sandcross Lane to Prince Lane, across the A217 and L into Endleton Road Northwards into Redhill centre for lunch at Wetherspoons “The Sun” for lunch, a large place with plenty of seating.
Going west past the station, L and R onto bridle path across Cormongers Lane, L and R at Bletchlingley Lane onto footpath, past Mersham Station, north across M25, west along Bottom Gatton, under M25, R into Markedge Lane north to Fannies Farm for tea, when the sun came out, and homeward bound I finished riding through Richmond Park. Robin J.
Our thanks to Bob Starey. for leading a lovely ride who took over knowing all the route without any delays by having to refer to maps.

A&B Sept 26th

A hearty crowd of 18 (too many to name or mention) combined A & B members set off from the Arches, Redhill on a fine and sunny, if a little chilly, morning. A brisk climb through the backstreets and then it was out through Woodhatch and Dawesgreen with a nice following wind towards Parkgate. Just short of there a pleasant track through Hammond's Copse led to the farm road to Mynthurst, fortunately unaffected by the Foot and Mouth. Along Irons Bottom and into Horley where the recently opened Wetherspoon's awaited. After the customary good beer, good service and reasonable food, we were joined by Jen who had parked en route.Venturing a little further south to Fernhill there was a, new to many, track over to Burstow followed by some delightfully unspoilt lanes round the the back of Smallfield and up to Outwood. By now we were exposed to the full force of the northerly wind which made hard work of the trip through Crab Hill and Nutfield Marsh and so we were quite glad to reach Markedge Lane and the climb to Fanny's Farm for a welcome tea stop, before making off our various ways.
From Pete Barnard

B Group Sept 19th

The route for B Group's Ride was a last-minute Plan B following the outbreak of Foot and Mouth last week, and thanks are due to my good friend Irene who rode it out with me on Saturday. Thirteen of us (or twelve and a leader for the superstitious!) set off from Weybridge - Judy, Liz, Stephanie, Pam, Norman, Bernard, Cliff, Terry, John G., Roger, Mike and Mary on their tandem - welcome back Mike and Mary, it was good to see you out again - and me, Gill.
We made for the towpath on the Wey Navigation Canal at Blackboy Bridge just above Town Lock and followed it to Walsham Gates - a lock famous for being the only original turf-sided lock left on the Wey. Despite being a bit dusty in places, the towpath was in reasonable condition and on the last stretch from Pyrford Lock the National Trust workers were busy cutting back the nettles, etc., anticipating Norman's concern that the path was very overgrown! They must have known we were coming!
All was peaceful on the calm waters and a heron standing tall on the opposite bank must have been surprised to see us cycling past. It was also nice to pass one or two narrow boats on the move. At Walsham Gates the towpath was taped off as a no-go area due to Foot and Mouth (it is closed from here to Papercourt Lock) and having crossed the weir we left the Navigation Canal behind and took to a footpath leading up to Ripley Green. From here we followed the Portsmouth Road, across the roundabout at Burntcommon and down to the start of Wood Hill, then Vicarage Lane which led to Potter's Lane and a final downhill freewheel to The New Inn at Cartbridge - beside the Wey again. Here the weather was kind enough to give the occasional burst of sunshine as we sat outside to have our lunch - the food was good and service was friendly and speedy.
The route for the afternoon was back to Ripley, climbing back up Potter's Lane but turning off on to Wood Hill, through Send Marsh to Polesden Lane - Tannery Lane reputedly being closed due to Foot and Mouth - and right into Ripley along Newark Lane. (Pam left us here.) At Ripley we crossed into Rose Lane, left into Guileshill Lane, through Ockham and into Cobham for afternoon tea at the cafe opposite Watson's Bakery. Thanks for your generosity, Cliff, your reward will come another time!
Gill Finlay

Bob's Mystery Ride

At North Cheam the pavements teemed with riders; well over thirty I counted. Some were for Leatherhead so Bob's mystery ride started in confusion.

Eventually we gathered and headed off through Worcester Park, Malden Manor and Tolworth, down a less than fragrant Lower Marsh Lane and into Kingston where elevenses were taken in the upmarket (for us) Riverside Cafe.
A late arriving Mike swelled our ranks to 21. That's too many names to recall but, believe me, the usual A & B suspects all were present. Speculation about our destination was rife as next we crossed the Thames. Bushy Park was entered at Hampton Wick Gate and left at Hampton Hill Gate. A partial lap of Fulwell Golf Course was followed by a westerly run along the Crane River where we paused at the Shot Tower.
After a soupcon of suburbia, Bob's route now took us across Hounslow Heath (pathless and bumpy) and past the Cavalry Barracks and beyond. A hair-raising crossing of Henlys Roundabout (A4/A30 junction) was the prelude to more suburbia but soon we were on the Grand Union Canal just below Southall. Two to three miles later, we turned off into Stockley Park (according to Bob, an old gasworks, TQ080804) and The White House (naturally Wetherspoons) where lunch was taken on the terrace overlooking a lake. Our return was back along the canal and through its five tiresome "anti-biker" gates. Toni's first puncture was just before Southall.
Turning off at Norwood Green we entered Osterley Park to admire Adam's Osterley House of 1761 (in truth, an early loo stop). Continuing down the main drive and across the A4 took us into Isleworth. The Thames was reached for the second time at Old Isleworth; we switched to the Surrey shore in Richmond and continued along the river bank. Near Teddington Lock (under reconstruction - diversion in place) we lost Toni for the day to a second puncture. The Kingston YMCA on the old Hawker's site was the spot for leisurely refreshment before we dispersed our various ways. Warm and sunny, and under 40 miles (for me) - many thanks to Bob for a very enjoyable day.
Graham Hill
0208 549 0366
if you want to include all those names, please do! well there was you, me, Ed....

B Group Sept 5th

Cliff led a group of 11, including Gill, Judy, Liz, (ladies first) Bernard, Norman, Nev, John G, Les and Neil and who have I forgotten! We exited Cobham via Downside Road, right at Plough lane and over Martyr's Green to the B3289, where we turned right and a left at Guileshill Lane down to Hungry Hill.
Turning right at Tithesbarnes Lane we joined the A247 to West Clandon and to the traffic lights on the A25.
Here to avoid the heavy traffic to Guildford, we crossed forward to Dorking and met our first real hill of the day climbing to just short of Newlands Corner,. not too many joyful faces at this! Turning right we took the small downhill and rough road back to Merrow and turned left back onto the A25. A left at Tangier Road took us up the aptly named Tangier heights [our second nasty hill which our leader failed to climb] and took a left.
We continued to White Lane and along the downs with lovely views through a series of impressive properties, all having extensions to already big houses, such is having money. At the T junction we turned into Albury and through to a right turn at New Road. At the top of another hill it was a left turn into Park Road and to lunch at the William IVth at Little London. We all enjoyed lunch mostly Sandwiches, but pretty good as the other options were fairly big meals and a bit pricy.
Out of the Pub we turned left up to the railway bridge south of Shere and turned into Hook Lane, Keeping left we went into Pursers Lane and then left at Hoe Lane and at the end turned right onto the B2126. And left at The Volunteer took us into Raikes hollow and then Raikes Lane up to the A25 and thence to Dorking and Denbies for tea where we the A team before splitting for home. I clocked 51miles.

Pictures from Françoise

"Another lovely ride which took us - as far as I am concerned - into unchartered territories.Lots of contrast through the day between the cool underwood roads and the pretty towpaths. Thanks Terry." Françoise