C Group Dec 19th

Having turned the central heating up a few notches (damn the expense) and putting an extra woolly on this ancient body, I had an easy ride to Walton where the turnout was a bit below usual and as Linda was leading the ride and said her intention was to make for Cheam, I felt the return trip would have made me rather late and so I set off having made my apologies and with the intention of a solo effort turned onto the towpath near The Swan and without having a particular lunch spot in mind, headed in the direction of Hampton Court. I got the feeling of being followed and heard a familiar voice a couple of times. This is starting to sound like one of those Christmas ghost stories but after passing the Weir pub I put a foot down to negotiate the lock only to find Fuzz, Lynda, Roger, Dave, John C.,and a couple more of C group had been tailing me! We then decided to have lunch at The White Hart at Hampton Wick. How`s that for a happy ending to the story?
I managed to cover just over 21 miles and got home by 3:15. It certainly made up for last week`s debacle. A Happy Christmas to one and all ----------------- Albert

12th Dec 2007: Albert's Tale

Yesterday was pretty chilly but sunny and I got my gear together for a ride from Leatherhead and bunged it in the car.
After parking in the Randells Road car park and opening the hatch to extract the bike. I realised I had left the front wheel behind in the garage. Everyone has had a good belly laugh so I thought I`d share it with the the rest of you!!
On my return home the only one of you I could contact was Lynda who was unable to say where you were having lunch as she was not out owing to feeling poorly. I got some gen from Mark who did not go as far as the lunch stop and rode to Bookham instead; sorry about that Ron ---------------- Albert

C Group November 28th

We had a good turnout at Claygate in fine late autumn weather. Nice to see Pam back on her bike and Mark back from his extended visit to Amritsa. I counted fourteen at the start of our ride with Mike leading John C., Bill P., Tom, Dave, Mark, Beryl, Lynda, Dave, Roger, Ron and me. I`ll remember the others names and have to kick myself later, but it really was a great ride to the George IV at West Horsley.
The offroad started with Claygate Common and we had a couple of more cracks at the outback stuff before reaching Stoke D`Abernon. Our second section offroad brought us out next to the small chapel at Downside Common. Mark left us here and pressed on to Bookham Common.
We took a lane that brought us out to Stoke Road which we crossed before starting a spot more puddle jumping. We emerged into a road familiar to most of us. It was most of the vertical part of Plough Lane! We crossed the road at The Mucky Duck and continued down Ockham Road with a fairly easy ride to lunch. By the way this is the only place I have found which gives one a choice of brown or white baguette to enclose ones bacon and brie. However I am not paid to advertise and as tea was to be at Leatherhead I made a beeline for home via Ripley.
I forgot to mention John had a slow puncture but got his lunch in time. ---------------- Albert

C Group November 21st

We had quite a few extra turn out at Kingston with such great autumn weather; sunny, not so cold as of late and just a mild breeze. I counted about fourteen on the ride led by John G. followed by Fuzz, Dave, Lynda, Beryl, Tom, Roger, Dennis, Mick and Mary on their tandem, Phil, a newcomer named Gerry (I think) and me. Our intended lunch stop was The Queens Head at Weybridge (as John said: chosen specially for my benefit bless him). After leaving Kingston over the bridge we entered the park for a pleasant ride, on well surfaced roads, leaving by the gate on the Hampton Road then into the Lower Sunbury Road.
Before reaching the turning to Walton Bridge we made a left turn ostensibly for a bit of a diversion. I was having some trouble with vision in the lowering sunlight and stated my intention to make my own way to the pub down Walton Lane and via my birthplace Thames street; a spot I can find with my eyes shut! This worked out quite well as we all arrived at our destination at the same time.
The food was good as was the beer after which I went home with less than two miles to go. Thanks John -------------------------- Albert

C Group November 14th

The weather was cold but sunny as we left Weybridge with Phil in the
lead. Just six of us; Phil, Beryl, Fuzz, Bill, Roger and me.
Our lunch destination was Thorpe Green, but the pub was unknown to
myself. We took the cyclepath to Addlestone, up Woburn Hill, across the dual
carriageway,under St.Peters Way via the tunnel and thus to Green Lane. We turned
left into Little Green Lane after crossing over the M25. A bit of a climb on this
road; over the Guildford Road near the hospital to join a footpath which came
out on the Chobham Road at which point we did a right and left to the
Longcross Road along which a right turn took us through Lyne. When we got to Thorpe
Road the offroad started after which we almost arrived at Egham Hythe. According
to the barmaid it was still Thorpe Green and having ordered a drink we found
they did not do food as neither did the next pub down the road. However Bill and
I had a couple of beers and he had his sandwiches. I told Phil we would see him
at Shepperton (our tea stop). The others must have taken tea some other
place since it was getting late when we left Shepperton also a bit misty. I
hope the others had a good lunch. I got stuck in as soon as I arrived home!
-------------------------- Albert

C Group Nov 7th

'C' group report of ride by Lynda Albert was telling me at Cobham that he had a mishap on the way to 11's. A learner driver was going round the same roundabout as him, but wanted the 2nd exit, whereas Albert wanted the 3rd. Result being that Albert was knocked off his bike. Only minor scratches, so a lucky escape. I led 'C' group from the British Legion Hall. Fuzz, Bill, Roger, Beryl, John, Lisa, Jono, another Bill and Dennis part way. It seems Albert did start to come with us, only was stuck in traffic soon after leaving 11's. ( As I found out from a phone call later on in the ride). We headed for Blackhills along the old A3 and then through Arbrook Common. The autumn colours were lovely. We went thro' Claygate to Hook, Chessington and Green Lanes in Ewell. We went over the bridges in Bourne Hall park, which made an interesting twist to the ride before reaching The Green Man. Sonia, Susie and Harold joined us there for lunch. The food was good and reasonable, but we had a rather long wait. After lunch we went round the back roads to the Kings Day Centre in Chessington for afternoon tea and cakes. After a leisurely tea stop, Fuzz, Lisa and Jono made their way to Chessington South station. As Beryl unlocked her bike, she noticed her back wheel had a puncture. Luckily, Roger was there to save the day! Another good, dry day of cycling. I did notice that we needed lights before 4.30pm. Winter is coming.

C Group Oct 31st

We had a very good turnout this week at Shepperton. Warm weather with sun and very light breeze. Ron led the ride with Lynda, Beryl, Roger, Fuzz, Dave, Bill, Dennis and a newcomer, John Barrett plus yours truly en route to The Albion pub (new to me) at Hampton Court. We started off from elevenses by a nearby footpath and quiet offroad until I recognised we were crossing Walton bridge. At The Swan we joined the towpath for the remainder of what was a most enjoyable ride to a pub I would recommend to your good self, gentle reader (as they used to say) It became a bit overcast but still quite warm and the intention was to take tea at Claygate so I bade the others farewell and legged it for home. A little under 20 miles, but enough for these old bones. See you at Cobham next week ------------ Albert.

C Group Oct 24th

Ten of us left Elleray Hall with Ron leading; Fuzz, Bill, Dave. Phil, Roger, Tom, Alan, John and myself en route for The New Inn at Ham. The weather was rather cold but dry with a light breeze but we did see the sun from time to time. Beryl and Dennis took their own route to the venue. At the end of Middle Lane we then entered Bushy Park where Alan left us during a pretty extensive tour before leaving via Hampton Wick gate. Ron has an extensive knowledge of several offroad routes so all I can report is that we eventually crossed the river at Teddington Lock with a fair bit of dismounting over the newly painted bridge. A fine sight with the sound of the water rushing over the weir. For the benefit of those not in the know (few I imagine) this is beyond where the Thames becomes tidal.
Phil left us at one point and we had quite a lot of offroad before getting to the pub. The food was good and served promptly after which tea was to be at Claygate. We went via Kingston and along the river to Hampton Court. Having had quite a ride with a fair bit ahead I bade the others farewell at Hampton Court bridge and headed for home. Thanks Ron,it was a good day but 34 miles must be about my limit! ------------------- Albert

C Group Oct 17th

Albert wasn't out today, (hospital appt.), so here is 'C' rides news by Lynda.

Claygate Day Centre is looking very nice after its refurbishment. John C. led the group today. It was perfect cycling weather. Quite a few turned out. There was Fuzz, Roger, Bill, Beryl, Lynda, Ken P, Dennis, Ron, Sonia & Liz, Pat & Bill for 11's. Harold went to 11's by car, and also came to the lunch stop. After his holiday, he will be joining us, fully recovered from his broken rib.
We left Claygate and went towards Cobham, turning left before Claremont Pk., and taking the housing estate private road. We then turned left at Cobham Football club and went through Effingham, passing The Tilt towards Bookham Common and had lunch at The Anchor in Bookham. We were told there was no chef and the fryer wasn't working so had quite a wait for sandwiches and bagettes; made up by the bar staff! Hopefully, our next visit will find a new chef and a varied menu. We came back through Leatherhead, Ashtead and had afternoon tea and cakes in the Clock Tower cafe in Epsom. A very enjoyable ride.

C Group Oct 10th

Another good day weatherwise; warmer and dry after yesterdays rain. After elevenses we had our A.G.M. as usual next door,at the conclusion of which I was delighted to receive The annual award of the Arthur Jessop Shield. Thanks to all oof those who gave me their vote. Idont know what I could possibly have done to deserve this prestigious award but let me say I am proud and delighted to have such friends. Not a lot of time left for a fullblown ride but Lynda led us up the dual carriageway for lunch at The Prince of Wales at West End. There was Bill H., Dennis, Bill and Pat Mathews, Mark, Dave, a new chap name of Nigel, Fuzz, Dave, John G.,Roger, Tom, Beryl, apart from Lynda and myself. They were very busy at the pub but the food when it came was good. Afterwards we made for Claygate for tea,but being unable to use the usual short cut through the housing estate, took the longer way round. Sorry to miss you next week as the medicos are after me again. Happy days!!-------------------------------------------------Albert

C Group Oct 3rd

Good turnout at Cobham. Weather overcast but dry and rather warm with no wind.. Mike W. led about twelve of us for lunch at The Saddlers Arms at Send. I counted three ladies; Lynda,Beryl and Mary with Mike on their tandem.. Then came Ron, Roger, Mark, Bill, Dave, Tom, John C. and me . At the highest point of Plough Lane we all went offroad to the right. (a first for me.). It was downhill but a pretty good surface After a spot of tarmac we arrived on the cyclepath alongside the A3,then over the footbridge near Wisley eventually arriving near Pyrford Lock where we joined the towpath by the Wey Navigation canal and crossing over to ride towards Ripley. This is a pretty rough stretch especially near the end. We took a footpath just before the village to bring us to Newark Lane. Those who had brought their own lunch stayed in Ripley. The rest of us pressed on to turn down Polesden Lane to get a pint and lunch. Tea was to be at Cobham but once more I made for home after a very good ride and thankfull to the medicos who gave my pacemaker a tweak last week!----------------------------------------Albert

C Group Sept 26th

With any luck someone else has provided a more complete review of this
event in view of the recurring doses of `bonk` which caused me to quit the ride
before we got to Fetcham where lunch was to be at The Bull. When we started
out from Molesley with Phil in the lead, there were twelve of us at least, Phil,
Roger, Fuzz, Bill and Pat M., Lynda, Beryl, Mark, Tom (I still dont know how
he does it, but I`d like a bottlefull),Sonia and at least a couple more with me
trailing behind. After several stops to get my breath and the others
waiting patiently we arrived at Stoke Road leading into Cobham Road where we
crossed the southern extremity of the M25. Here Tom had some bike trouble and
several of us stopped to see if help was needed. I have always tried to avoid
this route which is hilly and badly surfaced, so I made my excuses and since
I was only about half a mile from The Old Plough, I returned and got a pint
under my belt. This helped a bit and this morning the medicos at the hospital
have given my pacemaker a bit of a tweak so I`m hoping this will cure my ill to
some extent. See you at the AGM--------------------------------Albert

C Group Sept 19th

Weather rather damp at the start, but a very good turnout at Weybridge. Ron led us via the towpath to E. Molesey and The Bell situated behind the church. In addition to Ron there was Tom, Lynda, Sonia, Beryl, Carol, Roger, Mark, Fuzz, Bill (A), myself and at least two more. We got a bit split up before reaching the towpath as a few of us took the direct route down Thames Street, i.e. me, Dennis, Carol and Sonia who used her mobile to confirm we were ahead of the rest who had tried some of the narrow back roads. We all met up at The Swan at Walton and pressed on together from there. The pub service and food was excellent. Tea was to be had at Claygate so I decided to go home, but it was still 3:45 before I made it. Thanks for a good ride Ron ------------------------ Albert

C group - 12th Sept 2007

It was great weather for a ride and as I had arrived at Leatherhead with my bike in the back of the car, I considered a spot of exercise was in order. We had a good turnout of around twelve with Lynda leading then Fuzz, Bill and Pat M., Ron, Mark Bill (Albert), Roger plus Roger mark 2, Dave, Tom (dont know how he keeps going) and me barely managing to keep up. en route for Nonsuch Park with our purchases from the cake shop (Coke, no beer!). The route was pretty familiar and invariably offroad and Lynda had promised we would take tea at Ashstead. I remembered Ashstead required a pretty straight run on the main road to Leatherhead so it suited me fine. Fuzz, Bill A. and me got to Ashtead having somehow lost touch with the rest, but Lynda and Roger spotted our bikes outside the cafe and joined us. Bill kindly offered to accompany me to Leatherhead but chose a rather offroad route. When we arrived, sooner than I expected, he told me it was our destination I was glad to get in the car again. I think I overdid the exercise rather. ----------------- Albert

C Group Sept 5th

Good turnout at Cobham; probably on account of the weather which was quite a bit warmer than recently. Roger led the ride with Lynda, Fuzz, Dave, Bill and Pat M., Mike, Bill (Albert), Jonothan, Lisa, Mark, Ron, Dennis and me. We set off up Plough Lane for the usual detour to have lunch at The New Inn at Send. We encountered several very large trucks on the single track road near Send prison and managed to squeeze past by almost becoming one with the roadside shrubbery. It was Cobham for tea and I left the others at the end of Tannery Lane, glad to avoid another encounter with the traffic on the Byfleet Road! Thanks for a nice ride Roger. I`ve attached a couple of pictures. Hope they download ok ---------------------- Albert

C Group Aug 29th

Good turnout at Elleray Hall, Bill and Margaret Squirell were there on their tandem trike for elevenses and a few others including Dennis who were not on the ride. Even so with splendid weather around fifteen of us set off with Lynda leading, for lunch at Ye Olde Swan by the river at Thames Ditton. Our company consisted of Lynda, Beryl, Carol, Sonia, John C., Tom, Ron, Dave, Roger, .Bill, Phil, myself and lots more whose names escape me. We explored a few interesting paths through Bushy Park and a few awkward gates, leaving at Culled Deer gate with a short ride to Home Park where some took a litle time to view the odd spot of interest. Not having brought my reading glasses, the signs were unreadable. I just about carry the kitchen sink as it is. Ask the kind friends who help me with the bike when we arrive at steep steps and awkward gates! I think we all enjoyed our lunch which was inexpensive and promptly served outside by the river in the sunshine... I intended to go home via The Scilly Isles and Esher, but by the time I found my way through Thames Ditton the first spot I recognised was Hampton Court bridge so opted to make my way back as I had arrived in the morning, down to Walton and Weybridge. Thanks Lynda for a most interesting ride in good company. I clocked 42mls ----------------------------- Albert

C Group Ride

Despite the dismal weather (cold, wet and windy) we had a good turnout at Hersham. Tom and Dennis were there but did not join the ride which was led by John C., Mark, Beryl, Ken, Phil and yours truly. The intended lunch destination was to be The Anchor at Bookham. We took the dual carriageway towards Esher, then right at the roundabout towards Westend having shortened our sights about lunch due to the conditions to The Cricketers. However in Fairmile Lane Beryl's bike punctured, so after spending some time getting that fixed a general consensus decided to make for The Old Plough at Stoke d,Abernon. It was pleasant inside the pub and there was no haste to get outside to the cold and wet. Tea was to be at Leatherhead so I wended my lone way back down the Stoke Road towards Cobham, home and a stiff drink! All the same, it was a good ride, in good company and most enjoyable.
Thanks John ------------------------------- Albert

C Group Aug 15th

Happily the met forecast must have been for some other area, since we enjoyed sunshine and just an occasional windy gust all the way from Shepperton to The Castle Grove at Chobham. A good turnout included Dennis, Roger (who led in the absence of Dave who was indisposed), a welcome return of Beryl, plus Ron, Phil, Harold, Mark, Tom (climbing the hills better than myself), and one or two others.
It was nice to see Pam at elevenses with a bike of 26 vintage which must have belonged to her grandma. We got to Chertsey via lower Shepperton, then over Chertsey bridge, left into Fordwater Road, right past Stepgates, then down Highfield Road, Station Road and over the level crossing to Holloway Hill. Then up Stonehills Road and via Gracious Pond to where Red Lion Road starts where we took a left to bring us out to the main road about half a mile from Chobham. Here we parted company with those who had sandwiches and pressed on to our destination.
We had lunch outside in the sunshine. The food was good, as was the beer, and afterwards we split up with some having a long ride home and some going back to Shepperton for tea. For the return ride there was just three of us Roger, Harold and me. I left them at the bottom of Holloway Hill and made my way home via Green Lane. The first taste of headwind was as I turned into my road with just over 100 yards to go!
Thanks Roger ---------------------- Albert

C Group Aug 8th

Good turnout at Walton. Weather forecast so good I saved weight and left cape at home. Ron was leading; venue The Cricketers at Downside. they got away from me in Walton High Street due to traffic lights, but being on home ground I pressed on hoping to catch up with the rest, consisting of Mark, Roger, Fuzz, Dave, Alan, John, Dennis, Lynda, Helga, Dawn et al (Oh come on thats`s not bad for one of my advanced age!). As I got nearer to Hersham (I had already missed the right turn at The Halfway), I was overtaken by Harold and we rode together up Queens Road, Seven Hills Road and turned left to go under the A3 near Notre Dame School. At his suggestion we waited for the others to arrive for a photo session. In less than five minutes they did just that. From then on we kept together thro` Cobham to our lunch. Afterwards tea was to be taken either at Claygate or Ewell (I think). Giving in to my old bones I opted for a ride home down the busy Byfleet Road. I must stop this awful habit. I`ve got a darned good bike!!-------------------Albert

The Bull at Clandon

C Group at lunch at The Bull Clandon Pictures by Albert