Easy Riders - Wednesday 21st December

Lynda's ride with C Group from Leatherhead to Ewell Court Library

Easy Riders - December 14th 2011

Roger was due to lead our ride today but unfortunately he was not well and Lynda stepped in at the last minute to take the lead. After some discussion with Mark it was decided that we would head for lunch at Woodies ending with tea at the Mannsion House in Nonsuch Park, Cheam. Lynda, Mark, Malcolm, Sandy, Beryl, John C, Neville, the two Alans, Norman, Tom and David set off on the journey.

Our first stop was at the Kingston Sikh Temple in Lower Marsh Lane, Berrylands which Mark had arranged. On entering the building we had to remove our shoes and cover our heads using the scarves supplied by the temple leader before we could enter the Temple itself. The Sikh religion believes in the union of the soul with the one God and that all people are equal. We were shown the "Sri Guru Granth Sahib" a Holy Book which is revered by Sikhs as their supreme guide and were offered tea and food whilst all sitting at the same level on the carpeted floor of the temple. Most of us declined the tea but accepted the food which was sweet cooked semolina a by product from the manufacture of flour.

After this visit we left to continue our journey to Woodies, unfortunately on the way Neville had a run in with a bollard by Berryland station, he was badly bruised and shaken but not far from home. We had a good lunch at Woodies meeting Charles B before the group moved on to Cheam for tea in Nonsuch Park, whilst I headed for home in Hampton. An interesting day but quite a short ride.

David Salmon

Easy Riders - December 7th 2011

Ten easy riders left Cobham in windy conditions,and set off for Thames Ditton. My theory being that with Xmas parties starting there are four choices of pubs in Thames Ditton should a split be necessary.

We left Cobham via Church Street along Mill Road and left into Leigh Hill Road. Straight over Fairmile Lane and left into Sandy Lane, left onto A244 and immediately right into Stokesheath Road (this road is being resurfaced). Left into Fairoaks Lane and thence across Princes Coverts bridleway into Claygate. From Claygate over Littleworth Common bridleway to Thames Ditton via Weston Green Road.

We arrived at the Old Swan at 12:40 and they settled seven of us on one table. Most of the tables were reserved so as well we arrived early. This is a good pub, food good and served quickly, the manager makes cyclists welcome. Fuzz, Mick and Phil left us here, and the rest went to tea at the Kings Centre - home after lighting up time but before full darkness.

John Conacher

Easy Riders - November 30th 2011

Photo of Norman because it was his 80th birthday last Sunday. Congratulations, Norm.

A good gathering at Weybridge meant we set off with more than a dozen in tow. Turned right out of the day centre, back up Baker Street a little way and down the narrow buttress-walled Springfield Lane to the Green. Straight over and down to the river, over Walton Bridge, up Walton Lane, Manygates to the end, turn right and continue to end. Cross A244 and travelling north a little to join the School Walk footpath which took us in a easterly direction avoiding the snarlup on the Shepperton Road. We paused in the cemetary to search for the grave of John Gregson, star of such films as Genevieve (1953) The Titchfield Thunderbolt (1953) The Lavender Mob (1951) Whisky Galore (1949).

Continuing in a direct easterly direction we followed a cycle path through Oakington Drive along car free open land which was once designated for a main road but thankfully never built upon. Eventually forced to turn south we joined the Lower Sunbury Road for a little way before turning north on a path next to the reservoir straight across the A308 into Kent Passage, turning right to soon join Station Road and down to the Jolly Coopers in Hampton. Very welcoming, nice garden at rear and good quick service. Mick and Nev made tracks for home and about a dozen sat down to eat. Into Bushy Park by Dukes Passage, a pause at the Water Garden for a photo, thanks to David Salmon for some local detail on the illicit goings on in Bushy House in the 1500s. Out of the Lion Gate, along the river to Valeries for tea.

Spotted 3 rainbows during the afternoon and one limping stag.

Thanks for the merry company.

Steph

(Mileage, because someone asked: 8 before lunch and 8 after.)

Easy Riders - 23rd November

David's ride with the Easy Riders, from the Elleray Hall through Esher (West End) to Chessington, 

just over 15 miles from Elevenses to Tea

(Track data diligently collected by Ron)

Easy Riders - 16th November

Route data collected by Ron

Easy Riders - November 16th 2011

Unusually, I found myself free to ride today (no clash with a morning language class) so I headed for Claygate Day Centre having noticed that Fuzz would be leading another “last ride”. He mustered ten or so Easy Riders (inconsolable though he was on learning that Lynda would not be joining the Group!) and we set off through Covert Woods towards Fairoak Lane. Here the plan was to cross the road and ride through the Prince’s Covert, gaining entrance using a newly obtained key to the padlock securing the gated entrance. However this was not to be, in short the key did not work although several of the party tried. We considered sliding our bikes under the gate but decided that this might draw undue attention to ourselves.

Fuzz, being Fuzz had a back-up plan so we all set of along Fairoak Lane towards Oxshott. A right turn at the road junction followed by a quick left turn, took us through Oxshott railway station car park and into the woods. This was a sunless day but the woods in Autumn colours were well worth a visit as well as taking us away from the frantic main roads. The bridle path took us to the Fairmile estate and down Water Lane to The Tilt at Stoke D’Abernon where Fuzz had another little diversion for us. A crematorium is not normally high on one’s list of places to visit on a cycle run, but the crematorium at Stoke D’Abernon has at least one interesting feature. Adjoining the crematorium is the MacAlpine mausoleum. Because the family is Jewish, the building housing coffins is outside the main grounds in a fenced gated area. The building itself, product of the MacAlpine builders dynasty, is not a thing of great beauty, but the small paved area in front contains a magnificent bronze statue of a female - we know not who she is supposed to be. Fuzz assured us that she cost £500,000.

Having gazed at the statue and chatted to a friendly member of the crematorium staff we made our way to Downside for lunch at The Cricketers. We were made very welcome and enjoyed a pleasant lunch together (Fuzz was especially pleased at being allowed to select from the children’s menu !). After lunch the main party was heading for tea at Thames Ditton, so I took my leave and headed for home in the opposite direction, (having been volunteered as “blog writer”). My thanks to Fuzz for a pleasant and interesting ride, I am sorry if this is really his last ride as leader with the Easy Riders. Perhaps he can have another Last Ride.

Mike Withers

Easy Riders, 9 November 2011

Sandy Bayliss
How long before Sandy gets the Easy Riders into wet suits and running shorts?

Easy Riders - 9th November, 2011

Easy Riders route from Shepperton to Chessington via Hampton Court

 

(Trail of cup-cake crumbs followed by Ron)

November 2nd, EasyRiders

Mike's ride with the Easy Riders from Cobham to Send Marsh and back
(Track recorded by Ron)

The Easy Riders head back to afternoon tea in Chessington

Easy Riders - November 2nd 2011

There was a good turnout at Cobham RBL on a dry sunny, but breezy November morning. I found myself with a dozen Easy Riders, some new faces among the regulars. We set out towards Ockham via Plough Lane, past The Black Swan and the boarded up Hautboy. At the end of Ockham Lane a right turn took us along to Guileshill Lane, steep hill and then the compensating run down to Ockham Road North. Right turn here and ignoring Hungry Hill for a change we rode on to take Grove Heath Lane up to the old Portsmouth Road at Send. Left here and past The Jovial Sailor, then right into Sendmarsh Road to reach our lunch stop The Saddlers Arms.

There has been a change of management since we last visited, but in a brief recce last week I found a friendly landlord who seemed pleased at the idea of a visit from a group of cyclists. He said he would note date and time in his diary and reserve tables in the hope that the weather would be kind to us on the day. He was as good as his word and we enjoyed pleasant lunch during which we were joined by Fuzz who had elected to find his own way by a flatter route.

Lunch over we headed along Polesden Lane towards Ripley, still in sunshine but from time to time having to face a strong southerly wind. We retraced our route to The Black Swan crossroads at Ockham and then parted company. I headed for home in Effingham, one party making for tea at The Prince’s Centre Chessington, others making their separate ways home.

Mike Withers

Easy Riders - October 19th 2011

Group at Richmond Lock

Alison and I left Hampton for the ride meeting at the King's Centre, Chessington. On the way from Long Ditton we went under the Kingston Bypass, cycling up a muddy bank around a horse that was blocking the entrance to the tunnel which was really wet, smelly and muddy. I decided not to bring the riders back through here and changed my planned route for leading the group assisted by Alan who knew the route to the A3 underpass between Hook and Tolworth.

Those starting the ride were Alison, Beryl, Gillian, Lynda, Sonia, David, Norman, Malcolm, Ron, Tom, Alan W, Bill, and John H. From the underpass we took the most direct route through Surbiton to Kingston Bridge where Sonia left us. Over the bridge we turned right and headed down Broome Road passing the re-built Teddington Academy to Teddington Lock where we followed Twickenham Road past Pope's Grotto to the river bank at Twickenham. From here we followed the river all the way, crossing the foot of Richmond Bridge, to the London Apprentice at Isleworth arriving for lunch at 1.00 pm after a 13 mile ride.

We had an excellent lunch overlooking the river before we returned to Richmond Bridge and this time crossing the river and turning right into Petersham Road and getting back onto the river down River Lane. We followed the tow path to Ham House where we went down the back roads to Teddington Lock. At this point the group split with four deciding to go directly to Kingston and the main group heading on over the river and through Teddington and Bushy Park to Hampton Court. Here David and Alison, who had to go to a meeting in London for 5.00 pm, left the group who went to have tea at '5 on the Bridge'.

I clocked 28.5 miles but the main group would have done 30+ miles all in all an interesting and relaxing day.

David S

Easy Riders - October 12th 2011

After the AGM I led Beryl, Lynda, Sandy, Jillian, Ron, Bill, Norman, Tom, John, we left Hersham & we went onto Molesey, then past Hampton Court through Thames Ditton to the Old Swan pub.

We had lunch there & some of us sat outside & the others sat inside.

Then after lunch some made their way home & there were six of us left & we made our way along to Thames Ditton past St Mary's church then we made our way under the tunnel which was damp & smelly.

Then along to Clayton Road, down toward the King's Centre where we had tea & cake at half price, some of us bought home made jams.

Then we all made our way home & we all had a nice day.

Roger (M)

Easy Riders - October 5th 2011

Easy riders - 5th October

It was drizzling first thing at home (Effingham), but by 10 o'clock it had stopped and the sun was trying to break through, so I got ready and set off for the short ride to Cobham. Fuzz was ready to lead what he said would be his last as a leader of an Easy Rider run. So it was that we set off, about a dozen of us, and after a dramatic U-turn in Cobham High Street, headed along Hogshill Lane towards Fairmile Common. From there he took us, by guesswork and clever map-reading, across Esher and Arbrook Commons. This was a ride through lovely wooded country, the ground littered with sweet chestnuts, and just the job for those like myself, who like a bit of off-road, a very "interesting" Fuzz-ride. We hardly touched a metalled road between Cobham and our lunch stop at The Swan Inn on the edge of Claygate. The service was prompt and the food tasty, and it was pleasantly warm enough to lunch in the open air.

After lunch a bit more bridle-path cycling until we reached Esher and then we were into the traffic of Emberbrook , Molesey and finally Hampton Court where we quickly made for a cafe that everyone but myself had been to before, what was it? "5 on the Bridge"? something like that, anyway the staff seemed to recognise the Easy Riders, the coffee was good Fuzz's tea a bit aneamic until an extra tea-bag was added, and the cake looked good. After that we all went our separate ways home. Thanks Fuzz, amost enjoyable ride.

Mike Withers

Easy Riders - September 28th 2011

Such a lovely day today, C group had a meander along the tow path. From Weybridge, we went to Thames Ditton - Ye Olde Swan. A popular, favourite pub; and sat outside near the river enjoying the sunshine. From there we double-backed to Hampton Court and took the tow path to Kingston, Ham and Teddington. Walked over the blue bridge and cycled thro' Bushy Park. A favourite route of mine. We had afternoon tea sitting outside at Five on the Bridge.

Lynda.

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Easy Riders - September 21st 2011

The Easy Riders met for elevenses at the St. George’s Centre in Barnett Wood Lane, Ashtead, a new venue for most of us. Whether this or the dismal weather had put people off I do not know, but we were a small select group, just eight plus yours truly. The St. George’s Centre has a pleasant spacious cafeteria, and is a useful starting venue for rides heading north, south, east or for today’s route west.

The drizzle stopped and we: Beryl, Phil, David, Fuzz, John C, Bill Mathews, Cliff, Ron and myself set out along Barnett Wood Lane in the direction of Leatherhead, along the Kingston Road through North Leatherhead and up the hill to join Oxshott Road. Left turn here and left again at the roundabout into Oaklawn Road. This leads via Woodlands Lane and Stoke Lane into Stoke D’Abernon. Traffic had been unusually heavy up to this point so we were pleased to leave the main roads and take the back roads and bridle paths to Downside, emerging by the tiny church which was looking very smart with a new door, porch timbers, and new notice board, I was sorry to see that the one time incumbent the aptly named Reverend Paradise no longer appears on the board.

From Downside, Bookham Road led us over The Hundred Pound bridge to Bookham Common and into Little Bookham Street where we made for Ye Old Windsor Castle, a new venue for pub lunches. We were made welcome and received good service and food at reasonable prices.

Appetites and thirsts satisfied, and in sunshine, we made our way back to Bookham Common, bade farewell to David, took the track through the woods to Fetcham, and the familiar route to Leatherhead for tea at Annie’s, after which we made our separate ways home.

Mike Withers

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Easy Riders - September 14th 2011

Quite busy at Leatherhead day centre this morning. Including 4 riders who didn't read the Sou'Wester correctly!

Eric Ashford came in for coffee and a chat; haven't seen him since the Dieppe Raid.

I led a dozen or so down past Leatherhead station, passing the Crem. and continuing along the pleasant countryside road which leads to Woodlands Hotel. We turned right edging into Stoke D'Abernon and The Tilt. Another right turn at Fairmile Lane and came out at the old A3 road. Here we turned at the lights and made our way passed Blackhills and turning left at West End Lane, came to our lunch stop - The Prince of Wales, near Garsons Farm. Mark was already there, after having to put his holiday on hold due to medical reasons.

The pub was pretty lively inside and it was just after midday. A little wait at the bar then we all made our way outside and ate in the sunshine. They do nice food here. After a leisurely rest, Beryl, Roger, Norman, Ron, Peter, David and myself made our way up through Esher, passed The Bear pub and left into the housing estate which leads down to Claygate. On to Chessington, we visited The Kings Centre. A popular stop - especially on a Wednesday. 90p for homemade cake and tea. Also, on sale assorted homemade jams. Bill M. came in not long after we had arrived. After chatting and looking at my french photos of Massif Central, we made our different ways home.

Easy Riders Sept 7th

I led a large group of C's today; round about 20. We went from Cobham towards Claygate and turned left before the A3 bridge towards Hook. Some went home from there and the rest continued under the tunnel, passed Squires Garden Centre, and made our way to Ye Olde Swan at Thames Ditton by the river. We were surprised to see Fuzz had already arrived, making his own way there! We were 15 for lunch. It was warm enough to sit outside and we all enjoyed our lunch. It is very friendly there after its refurbishment with good service and food. Just as we were ready to leave, it started to rain. It was more a drizzle that soon fizzled. We made our way towards The Kings Centre at Chessington, where Ron was already there, after his visit to see Derek. Most of us enjoyed the half price Wednesday special of cake and tea/coffee. Some, even took advantage of the home made jams on display. After a leisurely break, we made our way home.

Lynda.

P.S. Stephanie has fractured her wrist and it is in plaster for 6 weeks.

Easy Riders - 31st August 2011

Molesey - Osterley Park - Grand Union Canal - Richmond Bridge

Easy Riders report 24th Aug.

From Greeno most of our easy riders went with B group who were going to Isleworth along the tow path and the number was too many and easy riders also went to Isleworth the previous week for lunch at the APPRENTICE pub. So six of us decided to go to PRINCE OF WALES at West end Esher with our leader Ron Weedon instead of Fuzz. names are Mark Roy, Beryl, Roger and John C.We crossed over the Walton bridge and entered the the housing estate high class houses and roads as smooth as baby's bottom and exited at the road Walton railway station from there we crossed over in to Burwood housing estate towards seven hills road then turned left towards Hersham passed the day centre to the roundabout right towards Esher over the river Mole right towards Garson's farm and ended up at the pub.

From the pub after lunch we came back towards Esher and again through the housing estate emerged opposite one-way system and entered another housing estate and through woods to Claygate Day centre and had very nice big lump of bread pudding costing 50P. After that we all went our own way John C and I towards chessington climbed the hill with ease after the bread pudding and named the hill as "BREAD PUDDING" from now on. I clocked as many miles as I did the previous week to Isleworth a total of 25 miles less a Bee sting which I had on the tow path on the way back from lunch.

Mark Roy.