A/B Group Dec 24th

A short report for a short ride of 11 miles! Roehampton Gate cafe was almost empty on Christmas Eve 2003. In 2008 there were a surprising 30+ Wayfarers, to the delight of the manageress as one hand did for the rest. Eventually 20 including the tandem headed along NCN 4 and out of the park at Ham Gate. We offered festive greetings to Annabel and Jemima (hope they were home) before turning down the "drive" to Ham House and its polo grounds. Having circled the 1610 building and bypassed the Ham Estate, Teddington Lock found us back on NCN 4. I had intended to avoid Kingston town centre but with time pressing our route lay through the crowded Market Place where they were "raking through the ashes" of Woolies. Squeezing between Crown Court and County Hall, we continued to the back of the University and Maple Road which led eventually into St Mary's Road where we rejoined last week's route. The Cap In Hand was reached dead on 1230. Well watered and fed and with no scheduled teastop, the ride thus ended as we headed off hopefully to enjoy a Merry Christmas. Graham Hill

B Group Dec 17th

11 B riders left Walton for a shorter than usual 10 mile pre-lunch ride via Weybridge, Addlestone, Victory Park , Green Lane, Bittams Lane, Homewood Park, Stonehill Road, and Gracious Pond Road to lunch at the Red Lion at Burrow Hill, where all 11 of us squashed together socially around a table designed to seat 8.

Emerging from the pub car park after a good lunch, we were treated to a stream of colourful invective from one of our number who discovered that he had a puncture. Gill, Stephanie and Liz, the females in our party, were very shocked by the language used, particularly Liz who claimed never to have heard any of the words before. When it was discovered that the first replacement inner tube was defective, the ladies had to cover their ears again. Luckily the third inner tube proved to be in working order, and we were able to set off again, if a little later than intended. We followed a route roughly parallel to the M3 to Virginia Water, crossed the M3 and M25 into Chertsey and then thru Shepperton, Sunbury and Hampton to Hampton Court, where we dispersed homeward.

John Gould

B Group Dec 10th

Oh goodness it's Sunday and I forgot the B ride report------ and most of the riders present, but here goes. some 15 of us left Leatherhead including me Cliff leading, I remember Liz and Stephanie clearly, who wouldn't, also I remember Les Adam Nev Norman two Johns possibly three! Terry was at the back doing his usual good job of backmarker and sorry folks that's where my memory fails me.

We enjoyed a peaceful ride down to Brockham via the golf club and then onto Leigh---and it was cold.I remember a conversation about whether it was pronounced lee lie or ven lay but then we have that conversation every time we go there. It is lie!!

The return was via Newdigate and Henfold Lane which regretfully proved too much for me and I abandoned, going to Dorking Station for a leisurely train ride home,leaving everybody to return by Punchbowl Hill. Hope you all got home safely, I know that Adam had a puncture, thanks for the email Adam. He rides that old Dawes of mine better than I did!!

B Group Dec 3rd

13 of us set off from Cobham, Norman,Gill, Brian, Colin,Terry,Eddie,Roger,John Gould, Charles,Steph, Les John Scott and myself towards Effingham. A steady climb past St. Teresa's then down White Down to the A25 (wheeeee) before ascending to Abinger Common and The Hatch. After a very efficiently
provided lunch we proceeded to Dorking then on
to the Blue Cafe at Leatherhead, still with Terry in tow (Just could'nt loose him this week) as the ever dependable
back marker. Thanks to all for a very enjoyable day.

Liz

B Group Nov 26th

17 of us set out from Claygate. Barnes/Putney my chosen lunch-spot, did not suit several people so Adam, Harry, Nev and Phil went their different ways quite early on. That left Allan, Brian, Colin, Eddie, Gill, John G, Judy, Les, Liz, Norman, Robin, Stephanie and me. We went by quite quiet roads to the kingston Gate of Richmond Park. After a highly democratic process we elected to use the roads in the park rather than the paths. We all tried to keep up with Judy on the fairly sharp climb to Ladderstile Gate but none of us could catch her. Then on to Roehampton Gate. I never go through Richmond Park without a silent thank you to Henry VIII (or whoever it was) for leaving us such a wonderful open space. The to the Wetland Centre at Barnes. My original plan had been to have lunch there but they had said on the phone that the restaurant was only for visitors (£8 each). I went in to try to negotiate but no good. So to plan B - which was the Boathouse at Putney. It was a happy choice, they had laid a big table for us on the first floor with a lovely view across the river. The food was good and we had a charming young waitress who looked after us most assiduously. The route was too far east for several people so only 7 of us continued after lunch, firstly a nice bit by the river in Wandsworth Park followed by a grotty bit on a busy road to Battersea Park. We stopped to admire the Peace Buddha and Liz intoned her Buddhist incantation. Then Brixton, Dulwich (where I nearly succeeded in losing Norman!) past Dulwich College and up the long hill of College Road, again no-one could catch Judy. Tea was at a cafe in Sydenham that only had one sort of cake - panettone served by a rather inexperienced waiter. Then through Crystal Palace Park where we admired the circa 1850 dinosaurs which are, I'm told, thought to be rather inaccurate by modern palaeontologists. Down to Streatham where John G got a puncture. By then it was dark so he set out to train it home. I hope, John, without too much hassle.

Regards

Bernard

B Group Nov 12th

It was a group of twelve who chose to come with me to the Fox and Castle at Old Windsor - Judy, Liz, Stephanie, Helen (a friend of Fuzz's and a newcomer for the day only as she has just found a new job), Brian, Harry, Robin, Norman, Eddy, Bernard, Les and John G. (thank-you John for acting as back-marker). We set off from Weybridge at approx. 11.30, closely following the A Group to Addlestone where we caught up with them waiting at the level crossing for a train to go through. Our ways parted at the Addlestone Day Centre as we cut down Oak Lane to the roundabout at the junction of the High Street with Green Lane. Taking the latter we cycled across to the bottom of Holloway Hill where we took the option of the flat route by-passing the village of Lyne, along Hardwick Lane and Lyne Crossing Road - rural but rather noisy, being close to the M25. Climbing up and over the railway and the M25/M3 junction, we soon came to the peace and quiet of Thorpe Green. After passing the tennis club on the far side of the Green, we headed due north to Egham, up Middle Hill to Parsonage Road and across Englefield Green to Kings Lane before heading north again on Wick Lane to Bishops Gate. All climbing for the day was now over and we zoomed down Crimp Hill, skirting the edge of Great Windsor Park with its lovely autumn colours, to our destination at the bottom of the hill. Forewarned of our arrival, we were given a warm welcome (it's under new management) and good food was soon appearing on the tables.

With afternoon tea scheduled for Shepperton Bakery we took the direct route back via Runnymede, across the meadows to Egham, by the back route to Staines where we followed the towpath to Laleham then took to the road for the last stretch into Shepperton - the river was running fast after all the recent rains but looked beautiful in the autumn sunshine. Ten of us partook of tea and cakes, heading off to our respective homes just as children started flooding out of the local schools at 3.30 p.m. (Gill Finlay)

B Group Nov 5th

14 of us set out from Cobham. They were Brian, David, Eddie, Gill, Godfrey, Harry, John G, Les, Liz, Marion, Neville, Norman, Reg and me. I always try to get away from the traffic even if it means a some bumps and mud. So our route took us along the Wey Navigation to Weybridge after a miserable albeit short bit along the A3, then on to the Thames along the tow-path to a quite nice pub (whoops hotel) The Weir. Then more Thames tow-path to Hampton Court Bridge and through Bushey Park and back across the river via the Teddington Lock footbridge. I was quite pleased with the proportion of low-traffic cycling - although Judy's bike does need a clean. There were a few challenges on the tow-paths in the form of roots and other lumps. One chap failed the test and fell off. Fortunately no serious harm done other than a bent brake. A slow puncture caused the victim to catch the the train at Hampton Court. After lunch our numbers began to reduce but several of us made it to the nursery at Petersham where the cakes were rather nice - including beetroot cake. Just before the tea-stop another puncture and a minor catastrophe - the leader passed the turning to the nursery and when he realised he stopped rather quickly without warning. Consequently two people crashed, Gill suffering a compound fracture of her left knee. She said she didn't need an ambulance as she hurried along (without limping) to her cake. Is this a record - two puncture and three crashes? Regards Bernard

B Group Oct 22nd

Here is the B Group report for last Wednesday.

It was less than a minute after leaving Elleray Hall that our 19 strong party took a wrong turning into a cul-de-sac (mea culpa). But we eventually found Bushey Park and, after cycling through it, emerged on the High Street at Hampton Hill. We took a combination of quiet side roads and off-road paths through Hampton and Sunbury and, by mistake (mea culpa again), found ourselves in the middle of the Hazelwood Golf Course. So we cycled across the fairway ( the riders at the back claim they were sworn at by golfers) to re-join our intended route at School Walk. We then passed through the villages of Upper Halliford and Charlton before cycling along the main A308 for a mile or so, next to the Northern boundary of the Queen Elizabeth Reservoir. (I understand that the Highways Authority owns the land around the reservoir. Could they not build a cycle path on reservoir land that would enable cyclists to avoid this dangerous bit of road?). We then cycled via Knowle Green to the riverside at Staines and on over the bridge to the Jolly Farmer, our lunch stop on the South side of the river.

Believe it or not, the pub had run out of draught beer, and the printed food menu was out-of-date. Nevertheless the food that was still on the menu was good value and most of us were served quite quickly. Unfortunately, it eventually became clear that lunch orders from 3 of our cyclists had failed to reach the kitchen. One of our number (Harry) cancelled his order and went without lunch. Another (Judy) received her re-ordered jacket potato, but left most of it because, in the rush to get it to her, it was largely uncooked.

After lunch we stayed on the South side of the river, taking the cycle path next to Chertsey Lane, and the path thru' Laleham Reach and Laleham Golf Course to Chertsey, whence we proceeded via Shepperton, Walton Bridge, and the Thames Towpath to tea at Hampton Court.

John Gould

B Group Oct 8th

B Group set off from Hersham with a total of 15 riders - Judy, Liz, Stephanie, Francoise, Frank, John S., Norman, Cliff, Nev, Harry, David, two Scots Colin and Andy, John G. as back-marker (Thank-you) and me, Gill, as leader. We headed off towards Esher, turning at the top of the hill to take the road at the back of Sandown Park - a lovely downhill run - across to Weston Green (where we lost Nev - too close to home), then down to Summer Road, Thames Ditton. Here we turned left to cross the Hampton Court Way at the level crossing. At this point there was a slight wait while Norman picked up a book he was carrying which had fallen on to the railway lines - luckily no trains were in sight! Still on Summer Road we crossed the Mole and Ember Rivers before turning into Walton Road at Molesey to reach The Bell (Circa 1460) in Bell Road. Terry joined us here, having been held up due to secretarial duties. Lunch was rather a protracted affair - our numbers had increased to 20 due to the addition of a small contingent from C Group and being such a fine day the pub was busy with other customers. However, it was all very pleasant sitting in the sun in the garden and when it came, the food was good. (The menu is extensive and reasonably priced. Also there were special deals of 2 main meals for £8 or pie and chips with a pint of beer for £4.99.) After lunch we headed to the towpath on the R. Thames for the afternoon's ride to Teddington and thence into Richmond Park at Ham Gate - a lovely ride on such a perfect autumn day. Our numbers dwindled as we went and by the time we reached the cafe at Roehampton Gate there were just 9 of us to enjoy another break in the sunshine before heading our various ways home. (Gill Finlay)

B Group Oct 1st

Pictures from Bernard

Group B - 1.10.2008 Consisting of- Bernard, Liz, Roger, Norman, Andrew, Adam, Harry, David, Godfry, Alan, Robin, and Welcome to a new member Marion Putland. Set off southwards to Horsley Road , then left straight through Effingham, and up Beach Avenue, Left along Ranmore Common. Past the church right onto a track, left to stop for the fine view and photos. Down through Denbies vineyard to cross the A24, then along Pixham Lane A25 and Coach Road to Brockham Common for lunch at The Dukes Head, when there was a light shower, and Deanna arrived having mislaid us at the start. There was no great enthusiasm to ride over Box Hill, so we reversed tracks to the A24, then to Leatherhead. Six pressed on to Epsom for tea at the Tasty Pasty Café, and five back to North Cheam . Our thanks to Bernard for the blogg photos, and Norman guiding us through the back streets and parks of Ashtead and Epsom. Cheers Robin.

A&B Groups Sept 24th

This week's ride was scheduled to be a combined A & B one. However, despite the light rain weather forecast, there were in the region of 30 enjoying the tea and cakes at Redhill instead of the normally sparse group we get heading south. Too many to safely take on the road as one group, so, after a quick conference, it was agreed that Pete B should set off first with a predominately A group of 16 whilst Norman kindly volunteered to follow up with a predominately B group a discrete distance behind. Taking the cycle path out past the hospital and then lanes to Wasp Green and Outwood windmill, Toni gave us a demonstration of his bike handling skills by going in and out of a tramlinelike crack in the middle of the road without falling off. Across to touch the A22 and a climb up the foothills of Tilburstow before dropping down to Crowhurst and taking Gibbs Brook Lane and Hall Hill to reach Oxted. Unfortunately new man John (of the Belle Vue) touched wheels and came down. However, as this was right outside the Wetherspoons, he was soon able to lubricate his wounds. Lunch was served quickly (apart from the bar staff having to send out a search party to find the leader's ciabata) and we had just started eating when Norman and the B's arrived having followed a similar if not identical route. The afternoon started with the climb up Tandridge Hill Lane (or walk as some of us preferred) and then along to Botley Hill and the glorious drop down Beddlestead and Featherbed Lanes (provided you forget about the leg breaking 1 in 6 Hesiers Hill in between of course). The rain was returning as we climbed Gravel Hill before stopping for a welcome cup of tea at the cafe in the park just over the top. Fortunately the rain had stopped by the restart and so in was into the traffic of Croydon and Mitcham Common with riders peeling off at their preferred points.
62 miles for the leader and a stirling 78 for Frank C.

B Group Sept 17th

Lunch at The Fox and Hounds

I was the sub for Gill, she is terribly conscientious and rides her routes before the event. I just use the map which means some hesitations from time to time. Owing to one of these hesitations John M and I nearly collided head on! We were a large group - 18 - viz Cliff, Francoise, Frank, Harold, John B, John G, John M, Judy, Les, Liz, Nev, Norman, Phil, Robin, Roger, Stephanie, Terry and yours truly. It meant it was hard for us to stay together through a set of lights etc. After a 30 minute wait for Liz to do her eye make-up we set off through Chertsey, immaculately kept Wentworth Golf Course (British Ladies Championship today), past the Roman Temple and into Virginia Water by the Blacknest Gate. Then 2 or 3 lovely miles through Windsor Great Park past the Guards Polo fields to a nice pub by the Bishopsgate entrance called The Fox and Hounds. The food was really quite good and it even had crisply laundered linen napkins. Les had the swordfish as the nearest approximation to gammon! After lunch to Egham including a grotty bit along the A30. Over Staines Bridge and another lovely stretch, this time by the river. At Laleham on to the Shepperton Road to The Bakery at Shepperton. Frank and Francoise competed to see who could choose the more calorific cake (Frank won). We then went various ways. I caught the train at Walton and met up with an Easy Rider whose name I've forgotten. We enjoyed our shared journey to Waterloo from where I met Luisa after work and we cycled home together. So my stats were 64.14 miles,11.19 mph average speed, 29.36 mph max. I would guess it was 45-50 miles from North Cheam Regards Bernard

B Group Sept 3rd

B Group Ride 3 September 08
Cliff led a group of seventeen from Cobham on a fresh morning including, Godfrey Terry Harry John G Liz Beattie Bernard Gill Judy Les Colin Reg Robin DavidPhil and another John, heading for Okewood Hill,the Punchbowl, or the Gatton Manor Golf Club or the Scarlet Arms at Walliswood, so much for good intentions!!

All went wellout through Stoke D'Abernon and Leatherhead also up and over the hill in Punchbowl Lane Dorking and into Henfold Lane. At the nasty Henfold Hill a bang indicated that Bernard had snapped his chain. Just as we had decided or agreed to abandon him to his own devices Terry produced a plastic coated package which after a struggle he opened to reveal some spare links which fortunately were the right size. In the circumstances Cliff made a management decision and sent the majority of the party on to the pub in Capel to get ahead with food orders, the rest of us staying "to help". Okewood Hill was abandoned!

On arrival at the pub later the "repair" party was informed by a dejected group that there was no food as the chef had departed.Liz didn't seem too bothered as she was esconced in the garden in the sun with her normal tipple a large glass of Merlot.

Whilst a discussion was held as to where we could go, the landlady arrived and announced that she would cook and in what seemed a remarkably short time we were all enjoying lunch,all except Harry that is as he was last served after ordering what he thought would be the qiickest item on the menu, a sandwich!

Our return took us back up to Denbies where we decided to take tea in leatherhead instead. On our climb up the hill into town another chain went, this time it was Godfreys.He was despatched to the bike shop at the top of the hill where we assume he got it fixed as we didn't see him again. Tea was taken at Fannies by seven or eight of us bfore splitting for home I clocked 50 miles.

B Group Aug 27th

From a quite quiet Fairoaks I (Terry) led Angie, Caroline, Stephanie, David, Harold, John G, Les and Norman to Chobham via Philpot Lane and Sandpit Hall Road then to Bisley. Shooting could be heard at the ranges so we sped on to the rail/road/canal junction north of Pirbright. A quick head count confirmed all present and correct (the shooters probably don't like moving targets) so we continued south, then, for a change turned right into Church Lane, a nice, quiet, one way road. After Stanley Hill we turned left when the road ran parallel to the railway for a short while. I had originally planned to use the canal towpath from Curzon bridge to Frimley Green but it is temporarily closed to Deepcut bridge, so we stayed on the road, only using the towpath from Deepcut bridge to Frimley Green where we had lunch at the King's Head. The food was good, quickly served and you could visit the salad bar countless times - there's a challenge ! We continued on the towpath to the bridge just before Mytchett Lake, admiring this year's cygnets en route. Then the climb up Tunnel Hill followed by the speedy freewheel after, limited somewhat by having to fork right onto the Pirbright road. Through Pirbright again then the usual route to Cobham via Fox Corner, Jacobs Well, the cycle track and Grove Heath Road. There were only two unfrozen doughnuts left at Cafe Aromas (one jam, one chocolate) but after much discussion Norman and I came to an amicable agreement whilst others were happy with their choices. On an ideal day for cycling I rode about 53 miles - I expect others did more.
Terry

B Group Aug 20th

B Riders 20.08.08
Consisting of :- Christine, Terry, John, Harold, Norman , Reg, Cliff, Les, Phil, Harry, Robin and Welcome to a new rider with us Colin Farquhar.
For a change going north through Charlton where Norman had a blow out, luckily Les had a tyre repair patch. Back on the road through Ashford, Stanwell, onto the A3044 past the airport terminal 5, Where Robin had a rear puncture. Left through Colnbrook, another delay loosing someone off the rear having a mobile telephone call. Joined the A4, crossed under the M4, then 0.8 mile right onto a national cycle route. North past Pinewood Studios To The Black Horse pub at Fulmer for a good lunch in the garden.
First returning on the same country lanes for 2 miles then left through Love Green and Iver. Left along the Grand Union Canal , right at the T junction through Hayes and up onto the A312. South on cycle tracks alongside main A roads, when Terry had our third puncture. We were aiming to have tea at The Walled Garden Sunbury, but now it was 5.0 pm at North Feltham, so bid our farewells to head homewards.
Footnotes; - Several were late for coffee, so we set off at 11.30. Should we normally be starting by 11.10 latest ?
Unfortunately with a further four delays meant for lunch and tea we were an hour later than scheduled.
Also worth noting that the canal motor cycle traps are badly designed and rather tedious for a group of cyclists
From Robin Johnson

B Group Aug 13th

Eleven of us set off from Caterham in fairly inclement conditions via Woldingham School towards Smallfield. Harold decided to call it a day and returned homeward. We travelled onward to Langshott arriving at The Farmhouse pub, after a slight detour due to major road-works. Then following a (rather extended) pleasant lunch we returned via White Bushes and Redhill where John, unfortunately had a little tumble, but continued unscathed through to Merstham then up to Fanny's Farm for a spot of Tiffin before returning home. My thanks to the ever dependable Terry as back marker.

Regards
Liz Scrivens

B Group Aug 6th

What with Birthday Rides and holidays, numbers were down at Cobham. Add to this the recent wet weather, especially yesterday, and the knowledge that the planned route for B Group was going to involve some off road cycling, and it was not really surprising that it was only a small group of nine adventurers who set off to face what mud there might be! They were Christine, Irene, Bernard, Robin, Johns G., S., M. and B., plus me, Gill, the leader. (Welcome to John Bellamy, a newish rider.)

Leaving Cobham on the Horsley Road, we turned off at the Drift Golf Course and approached West Horsley from this direction. At the roundabout on the A246 we went straight across on to Shere Road which provided the first challenge of the day - two steep climbs with a nice downhill section in the middle providing a bit of a boost for the second one. Continuing westwards we reached the start of the off-road sections, Drove Road, at the top of Staple Lane, which took us across to Newlands Corner. Yes, there were a few muddy sections but all were passable without too much difficulty, though Irene did suddenly find herself on the ground (luckily not in the mud!) at one spot. Views at Newlands Corner were magic - everything washed clean after yesterday's rain! On, on, still on Drove Road till we joined White Lane - a pleasant downhill ride. Cutting across to Pewley Down via a narrow footpath, we finally made the steep descent into Guildford down Pewley Hill, descending still further to the Castle grounds where we left our bikes before heading to the King's Head pub next door for lunch. Sitting at tables on the upper terrace, surrounded by boxes of flowers, we received very speedy service, as we were the first people to order food!!

After lunch we walked our bikes through the Castle Gardens, with Irene acting as guide, and admired the amazing floral displays. At the top of the High Street we struck out on the London Road until turning off to cross Stoke Park, skirted the Leisure Centre and came out at the R. Wey towpath and a Nature Reserve with a lake. This brought us to Jacobs Well from where it was the familiar noisy route by the A3 into Ripley and on to Ockham Bites for tea. Unfortunately, newcomer John B. punctured near the Ripley roundabout and was a bit late into tea. Sorry, John, we should have come looking for you! After this, it was On Home! The weather had been rather grey to start with but it had gradually turned into a lovely sunny afternoon.

(Gill Finlay)

"B" Group 30 July

Wednesday 30th July 'B' ride. Les Johnson and Liz contemplating a speedy descent.

Picture and words by Stephanie Wyatt

B Group July 23rd

On a lovely day Cliff led, amongst others, Gill Norman Harold Adam Terry Johns S&M and, Les from Dorking bound for Leigh and the Plough. Having misjudged the distance we arrived a little early for lunch so by consensus continued to Norwood Hill and TheFox Revived only to find that it had changed hands and wasn't yet open for lunches so back on the bikes and on to Newdigate and The Bell where we were successfully fed and watered. After a convivial lunch whiic seemed to take a little time to arrive we returned via Henfold to Leatherhead for tea at the new Blue Cafe near the Theatre,run by the Polish, very nice but not a huge selection of cakes! Tea takers included Gill Harold Norman Terry and Cliff the rest having decided to go on. Norman and Cliff split here and headed home where practically home and opposite Nonsuch Park gates Cliff clipped the kerb and went down smashing his second helmet in four weeks.Lesson here wear a helmet!!

B Group July 16th

Broadwood's Folly

Broadwood made pianos, Bernard and Charles are familiar with them.

From Addlestone I led Christine, Francoise, Gill, Judy, Liz (try as I might, I couldn't lose her),Adam, Bernard, Charles, Frank, Johns G,M and S, Les, Norman and Robin to Coxes Lock where fortunately a narrow boat was in the lock so we could cross the Wey Navigation by the footbridge to the towpath which we followed to the junction with the Basingstoke Canal. We used the canal towpath to West Byfleet then took to the roads to Pyrford Lock, crossed the A3 (now moving) at Wisley, straight across the airfield to Lollesworth Lane, East Horsley to the newish track to Effingham (noting you have to pull the gate marked 'Push'). Up Beech Avenue, down White Down and we soon arrived at the Abinger Hatch for a latish lunch. The ducks were missing - but we didn't see last night's menu ! A shortened afternoon route via Coldharbour, Logmore Lane (with good views to the east) led to Westcott and the joys of the A25. We turned into Milton Court Lane and saw a heron flap off leisurely on our approach, then rejoined the A25 briefly to the outskirts of Dorking. Along the cycle track then up the zig zag, turning off at the second hairpin to have a quick look at Broadwood's Folly, then tea and cakes at the cafe at Box Hill. A very pleasant day in ideal cycling weather. I did 52.5 miles - I expect others did much more Terry