Easy Riders Dec 29th

It was good to be out on the first ride after the ice and snow. We had a good turnout at Molesey with me and Pete on the tandem trike, John C. Ron, Fuzz, Dennis, Derek, Bill and Margaret S., but we did not reach a decision right then on our lunch venue since Pete wanted to make a call at a place in Walton which held a large stock of such items as fireplaces, windows etc.
I wandered off for a change on the front seat, but Pete feels happier with me stoking, so when I returned we resumed our usual saddles. The general consensus was to press on to The Swan near the Thames for lunch.
Pete and I made for home afterwards, but I received a sad story from Dennis who, on his way home through Bushy Park had an encounter with a dog, resulting in a broken shoulder blade. Get well soon dear old lad.
Best wishes for a Happy New Year---------Albert

Dec 22nd

Three hardy, foolhardy,riders ventured to the North Cheam meeting point today Les, Cliff and Simon.After a brief disussion it was agreed we would go to Leatherhead together where Simon would continue to Rusper and Les and I would go to Wetherspoons!! Having enjoyed a coffee we, Les and I would try to get to Dorking then return to Leatherhead ( yes Wetherspoons ) for lunch. The cycle path appeared impassable so we turned around and headed for Ashtead intending to make a circular trip back to L' head. Instead we continued to Epsom for lunch at The Assembly Rooms, yes a Wetherspoons. Having put the world to rights over lunch we returned to Worcester Park having covered 18 miles,not bad for a couple of oldies!
Cliff

Easy Riders Dec 15th

From Leatherhead, I led, Roger, Fuzz, Chris, Mike W., Liz, Eddie, Charles and Cliff from the day centre towards the bridge over the A3 to Skinners Lane. We turned left here, and went down to Ashtead, over the green and passed the station to the Common. Here we found some ice on the paths, so manoeuvred with caution. Mike stopped off at The Cricketers at Stamford Green, as he was more on course to get back home. The rest of us continued to The Spring at Ewell. As we got there, we saw Norman just arriving and he joined us for lunch. The pub has been renovated with a french atmosphere. It was quite busy there, and eventually we were seated at a long table for 8. We had to wait a long time for our orders; but when they came, everyone enjoyed what they had ordered. Mostly, we had smaller portions of pasta or pizza. Prices have increased, with no sandwich menu. Myself, I prefer the ambience and food at Prezzo. A shame, as the 'old Spring' was a favoured and regular lunch stop for us. After about an hour and a half there, Adam arrived, and 5 of us went to a favourite tea room of mine at Ewell Court Park. It was very Chrismassy there, with craft decorations in their grotto and in the cafe area. We then made our way to Stonleigh and continued home. It was drizzly rain by this time, so I went for a nice, hot sauna.

Lynda.

Easy Riders Dec 8th

Only half a dozen or so at North Cheam this morning. Most set off for Dorking, Norman and I set off for Chessington to meet up with Ron. My first visit to the Kings Centre, very pleasant, a lovely array of cakes, they also do a good lunch and its all half price on Wednesdays. There was a lovely home made Christmas cake, £1.20 a big slice. The Squirrels arrived with Albert, then Philip, Ron, Alan, David Salmon, Doreen and husband. We had a very leisurely elevenses during which I discovered that Doreen as a child, attended the Beulah School, where I now teach. Eventually Ron rounded us up and five set off for the Beverely at Lower Morden. Infinitely flexible Ron wound his way through without encountering any ice, he had planned some lovely off road bits and pieces that could not be done but his knowledge of the local area gave us safe passage. Lunch at the Beverely was a success, two meals for £9 from a wide choice,after which we retreated through the cemetery and parted at Motspur Park. Couldn’t find Philip after lunch so hope he got home safely.

Steph

Easy Riders Nov 24th

When I arrived at Teddington parking the bike was a problem as so many were already there so I imagined there would be a fair number of riders.In fact there were not many easy riders.Three Fuzz,Roger and Lynda took advantage to visit Tom Fish whose residential home is close to Teddington centre.I led Chris and Ron to the Cricketers at Stamford Green via Chessington and Longmead via various paths and back roads.Ron left us in Green Lane as he wanted to investigate a ride he is leading in December.Chris and I arrived at the pub shortly followed by Lynda and Roger .Tom Fish is well ,Fuzz decided to head for home after visiting Tom. Sonia joined us at the pub coming straight from home. After lunch Lynda took us for tea at the Point in Cheam village which is connected to the Baptist Church where we had great cakes followed by an interesting talk by a lady who worked as a seamstress for Norman Hartnall from the 1950's many thanks Lynda.

John

Easy Riders Nov 17th

Phil M lead from Claygate - Roger, Chris, Lynda, Ron, David S., John C., Fuzz and Dennis came along later. We crossed over the road from the day centre, turned left and up the hill, then right and left through a Private housing estate. Over a common then came out to Winney Hill. Continued down Gilders, Chessington, then over the mini roundabout and a sharp right; off road to Horton Country Park. Then onto Ashtead Common. Phil made me laugh, when he said turning left it would be muddy; but the right wouldn't be! Four of us enjoyed fish and chips in Ashtead High Street and the others went to The Woodman. After lunch, I led over the drier part of the Common to Longmead, then down Green Lanes to Ewell Court Park; where we had afternoon tea.

Lynda.

Easy Riders before lunch

At elevenses Roger announced that Lynda would not be able to start leading the ride from Shepperton due to tendonitus in her leg and could we lead ourselves to Hampton Court to 5 on the bridge. Hence followed the debate the south side of the river route was rejected because of the previous days heavy rain, There were objections to the lower Sunbury route because of the narrow road and potholes. However with Dave leading Roger, Chris, Fuzz, Bill, Ron and another we took the Sunbury route with a detour after Halliford Road up Green Street, along Manor Road and back down French Street to join the Lower Hampton Road. We then took a left between the reservoirs and the filter beds at Thames Water Works and crossed the Upper Sunbury Road into Hampton via Kent's passage. On our way through the village Chris spotted a lady who appeared to have collapsed on the pavement in Ormond Avenue, the group stopped as one with mobiles ready to summon help while Chris approached the prostrate woman, he soon discovered that she was in fact quite happily lying down reading her water meter!! We remounted and made our way into Bushy Park via Duke's Head Passage and eventually to 5 on the bridge where we met Lynda and Sonia who had downed several lattes and cakes since 11.10 a.m. We continued under new leadership to the White Swan in Thames Ditton where we took lunch.
From David Salmon

Easy Riders after lunch

When the rest of the group arrived at 5 on the bridge; it was about 12.20pm. We continued on the cycle path to Thames Ditton and had lunch at The Swan. Some went home from there; and 4 of us made our way to Ewell Court Park cafe, taking back roads through Long Ditton, over the A3 bridge to Hook, Chessington and Ewell. We had tea and cake and made our way home before it got to lighting up time.

Lynda.

Easy Riders - Nov 3rd

A day to view the autumn colours, along Downside Common Road, across Bookham Common, through the nature reserve into Leatherhead where lunch was had at Wetherspoons, Cliff and David Aylett having raced ahead were just finishing as we arrived. After lunch Fuzz went for the train and we lost Roger but he turned up in time for tea. We crossed Ashtead Common and six (Linda, Roger, Chris, Ron, Beryl, Liz) finished to enjoy tea at Nonesuch Park, arriving just in time as they close at 3 pm mid week.

Stephanie

Easy Riders Oct 27th

You will no doubt, get a much more accurate report,so please feel free to use it rather than this which is only to apologise to the others in our group for my inability to keep up. We had planned to make for The Running Mare after elevenses at Walton with a good turnout of Phil (leading) Norman, Lynda, Beryl, Roger, Chris, Fuzz, John C., Dennis, and me on the trike. We took to the towpath at a tricky spot for me unlike my usual entry point near The Swan. This proved to be prophetic,since a fair bit of offroad rather slowed my progress (having dodgy eyesight) and our final lunch destination became another Swan at Claygate. Good food and ale and a pretty decent ride home. God bless and thanks everyone--------------Albert

Easy Riders Oct 20th

Quite a crowd met at Kings Centre, Chessington for coffee. We left Pat & Bill M., Chris , Bill H, and Fuzz (who was to join us a little later)still chatting while I led John C. Beryl, Roger, Alan, Sonia, Ron, David S., and Norman the backway through Chessington along the trail leading to Ewell Park and out to Green Lanes and over to Longmead. A right and left to Manor Road, then along to Ashtead Common. A lovely, sunny day with a nip in the air. We crossed the station crossing and went straight up to Ashtead High Street, where we had a delicious fish and chip dinner. We recommend the Superfish here, a very good waitress service, fresh starters and fish and chips. I expect Albert and Peter went to the Woodman. After lunch, I led 6 of us back to Cheam Village through Ashtead Park, back of Epsom and Nonsuch Park to The Point cafe. (Opp. Whitehall) Tea and cakes for £1. Plus slides and talk on Brazil (missionaries who work over there). At the end we sampled Brazilian coffee and speciality sweets.

I then went for a sauna and the others were going into Kingston to go their separate ways home.

Lynda.

Easy Riders -2

After the agm at Hersham, fuzz led beryl,lynda,roger,chris,ron,and dennis.
we went through Hersham and turned left down a pathway then through the back road's towards the river along the towpath to Sunbury.
Then we went right past Apps farm onto the Hurst road.
then past the waterworks then right at the bottom of the road we turned left to ward's Hampton Court, we had a late lunch at the Albion pub where you can get two meal's for £8.
we had a nice lunch and after ward's we went over Hampton Court Bridge through the palace then into bushy park and had tea at the pheasantry.
after tea we all made our way home.

Roger - M.

Easy Riders Oct 13th

After quite a long AGM! Fuzz led Lynda, Chris, Roger, Beryl, Ron, and Dennis from Hersham Day Centre down the road to an alley, where we were soon lost, so had to stay with our leader as knowone else new how to get to the pub. Eventually, I got my bearings and we turned down along the tow path heading for Hampton Court; but to our surprise, there was a right turn up ahead, and we found ourselves going down another alleyway. I didn't like this one so much; as I could feel the nettles through my long trousers! But, we carried on as we were getting hungry. Another road, then, this time a footpath way; but so remote that we didn't pass anyone. Another mile, and we came to our destination pub; but, alas they were not serving food. So, onward to the next pub, The Albion at Molesley. It was 2pm by this time, and we were lucky there were not many diners, so got served quickly. After a nice hot lunch, we had a ride through Hampton Court then crossed over the road to enter Bushey Park. We continued passed the fountain to have tea at The Pheasantry. After, our leader, (GBS), left us to catch a train at Teddington. The remainder of us made our way to Kingston, through the park, passing some deer loitering in our paths. Pity no one had a camera.

Lynda.

Easy Riders Oct 6th

Presumably due to the early inclement weather only eight cyclists left Cobham. Lynda,Beryl,Fuzz, Albert on his trike,Mike, Roger, Dennis initially & myself.
We headed towards Ripley via Plough Lane past the Black Swan into Guileshill Lane and into Ripley via Grove Heath Lane.We had a very good lunch at the Seven Stars.Albert left us after lunch and headed home.When leaving the pub the B group were sighted heading for Cobham we let them go ahead and headed ourselves for cobham .Mike left us at the Black Swan .Five of us had tea and ice creams at the Aromas Cafe in Cobham sitting outside in the sun very pleasant. Fuzz headed for home on the train and the remainder headed for home via Blackhills
Security gates are being fitted on this short cut and access will probable not be available from the middle of November.
My apologies am unable to attend the AGM next week

John C

Easy Riders Oct 6th

When I left home en route for Cobham, the weather was not promising with flooded roads and a fair amount of drizzle. Riding through a flood near Byfleet I hit a raised drain and just avoided coming a cropper. attendance was rather low, but after elevenses the sun came out earlier than forecast and, led by John C., we made for The Seven Stars at Ripley. Our number consisted of Beryl, Lynda, Roger, Fuzz, me plus two more and John of course. Plough Lane showed no signs of heavy flooding either and crossing the road at Martyrs Green near The Mucky Duck, I kept on Fuzz` tail on a somewhat flatter route than the others who had tackled Hungry Hill. We crossed into Newark Lane at Ripley and very soon got to the right side of a pint of the best ale.
After a good lunch I made for home via West Byfleet and was enjoying my usual aperitif in the garden just after three. Thanks John-----------------------Albert

Easy Riders Sept 29th

I Led from Teddington, lynda,beryl,chris & chris,fuz,ron,cliff,charle's,john,& les, we went through Bushypark then over Hampton Court bridge through Molsey, Walton & Hersham.
Where we went to the Prince of Wales pub at West End Esher. we all had a nice lunch, since we were last there they had decorated the pub out and it was very nice. we then made our way back to Hersham, then back to Hampton Court to five on the bridge for tea and cake's. after tea we made our way home. i hope you all got home before the rain.

from Roger.

Easy Riders Sept 22nd

Thank you to Andrew H. He signed my Churches Ride sponsor form. As one of my sponsors; I did the ride on the 11th September. We visited 33 churches that day. We cycled up to Banstead and around Wallington, Carshalton, Sutton and back to Nonsuch Park for a sandwich. It did rain in the morning; but we dried off before lunchtime, when the sun came out. After a 10mins break; we were off again, going round Epsom, Ewell and Stonleigh. We covered 34 very challenging miles. I was so hungry, we went to Preezo afterwards for a pasta meal.

Our ride today from Weybridge Day Centre. A lovely day for cycling along the tow path. I led, Roger, Beryl, Fuzz (GBS), Bill H., John C., David S., Davide A., Angie, Albert, Mark,Chris, Cliff, and we met Liz at Hampton Court. We followed the path to Kingston; where we had lunch at The White Hart at Hampton Wick. After very nice lunches, (recommend), we continued over the bridge and down along the other side to Teddington; through the town, then into Bushy Park. Here, we saw some young deer playing 'chicken' running from side to side of the road. It was a lovely sight. Out of the park, we turned right and had afternoon tea and cake in the back garden of Five on the Bridge. Great weather, great ride.

Lynda.

Easy Riders Sept 15th

There was quite a gathering up at North Cheam this morning; most were waiting to go on the Mystery ride. Which left Norman and myself to cycle to Leatherhead Day Centre, where we met up with the rest of the group; plus 3 who didn't know to meet at N. Cheam!

I led, Beryl, Roger, Mark, Allan, Bill H., Fuzz, Bill, Ron and Ian, from the day centre over the footbridge and down Skinners Lane to Ashtead. Over the Common and down Manor Green to Longmead. We then crossed over to Green Lane and through Ewell Park, passed the playground, then a left over the newish gravel path to Ruxley Lane. We then made our way through Chessington, Claygate and down pass Squires at Long Ditton to Ye Olde Swan at Thames Ditton, where we had lunch. It has just been quite extensively refurbished and they still offer 2 main meals for under £10. We met Albert and the Squirrels there who were having their lunch. We got there a little later than usual; due to a leisurely coffee break and the distance being 12 1/2mls. But the service was friendly and quick, and the meals were good.

After lunch, Ron, Beryl, Roger and myself made our way through Bushey Park to The Pheasantry, where we had afternoon tea. While we were sitting outside, I had a phone call from Harold. The reception wasn't very good; but we said our 'hello s'. We returned via the park to Kingston, where we made our own ways home. I clocked 34mls. The weather stayed dry; but very windy.

Lynda.

Easy Riders Sept 8th

A large crowd at Molesey. About a dozen set off for Isleworth, a visit was intended to Tom Fish but alas too late he was moving that very day into a care home. An interesting stop at the Ordnance Survey marker in Roy Grove, a cannon buried in the ground as a marker, thanks to Ron. This took me off route a little and required us to re-route through Bushy Park to see some magnificent stags at very close range. Soon back on track, through Twickenham (not intentional) and on to The London Apprentice where the sun came out and lunch was outside with a lovely view of the river and mature trees on Isleworth Ait. We searched the graveyard of All Saints for the memorial to the Plague victims of the 1650s who were dumped on barges and ferried out of the City of London to be thrown into the pit at the back of the church. Returned to Kingston by river,keeping to the west bank, crossing at Teddington Lock where there are many new paths being constructed, but not yet finished because of a wait for a piece of machinery to flatten the surface. Thanks to Lynda, Ron, Chris, Norman and Roger who stuck with me to tea time in Kingston.
From Steph

Easy Riders Sept 1st

The first Wednesday in September and a beautiful Autumn morning. I had agreed a swap with John Conacher and was happy to lead on such a fine morning. We had potentially 13 riders but Bill Hammond, Mark Roy and Denis headed for home after elevenses, so I set out with 9 riders in tow. We made first for Downside then along Bookham Road and across the common to Little Bookham Street, through Bookham and along the Dorking Road towards Polesden Lacey. Phil, Norman, Alan and another Bill decided that they would rather go over the tops and down Hodgen Hill (1 in 5) than follow me off-road. The rest of us took the slower rougher route along what is known as the Admiral's Road a public byway. (The story goes that "The Admiral" a century or so ago arranged for a private road to be cut through the estate in order to avoid paying tolls at the turnpike.) This took us through the Norbury Park Estate, past Roaringhouse Farm and up to the sawmill. After that it was a pleasant ride through the woods to Crabtree Lane and the downhill run to West Humble where, at the railway station, we left the sandwich eaters. The rest of us went on to lunch at "The Stepping Stones PH, reasonably priced and promptly served. After lunch we made our way to the day centre at Leatherhead for teas coffees and cakes and made our separate way home. A fairly short run, some 15 miles, good company and good cycling weather.

Mike Withers