TriVets Riders Briefing 2022

 As of Sunday 12 June. Any updates will be put at the top of the document and highlighted.

Please note the signing in procedures below and allow enough time for your group to leave at the scheduled time. Thanks.

The forecast is for a warm day so please ensure that you carry sufficient liquids.

We are looking forward to welcoming you to the Tri-Vets ride at Brockham next Wednesday 15 June.  This post contains, or links to, information you will need for the event.  Please read it carefully.

                                                                                            

Brockham Cricket Pavilion - entrance                                        Weather may vary!

Getting to Brockham

The base for the event is Brockham Cricket Pavilion, RH3 7JT (click for map).  The entrance is not very obvious (see photo).   About ¼ mile south of Brockham Green, or 100m after Chitty’s the butchers, on your right going south.  The base will be open from 7:30am until 9pm.  If needed, the base will then transfer to The Royal Oak at Brockham Green.

• By train/bike: the nearest train station on the London line is Dorking Station, about 2.5 miles ride from Brockham via Pixham Lane and a track alongside Betchworth Park Golf Club.   Use the right-hand pavement/cycleway to avoid the A25.   Dorking Deepdene on the Guildford/Redhill line is a bit nearer.
• By car: there is some parking at the pavilion.  If this is full please park considerately and not on the main road, to reduce congestion, which will help motorists and cyclists alike.

 

Signing in, and leaving the ride

Please sign in each time you arrive at Brockham.  You will be given a brevet card with contact details for the base and your rider number on it.  This will be stamped as proof of passage. If you leave the group, or have to abandon the ride, you MUST inform your leader or failing that, call the number on the brevet card.  This will avoid us trying to contact ‘lost’ riders who are not really lost!

Start times and ride groups

You should have received an email with your start time and names of those in your group.   The full list will be published at the weekend

Ride guidelines

For your safety and enjoyment, and out of consideration to other road users, please read and adhere to our Group Ride Guidelines.

The routes - and what happens if you leave the group

Routes are posted here   You can download a gpx file or print out turn by turn directions and a map. 
If you leave the group, or have problems that mean your group may not finish in time, you should be prepared to find your own way around the route or home.   Please ensure the leader or the contact number on your brevet card is informed if this happens to you.

Refreshments

Audax-style refreshments are provided at the base, and these are included in the entry fee.   This means tea/coffee before the start, filled rolls at lunch, and cake at the end.  There are options to buy refreshments on each of the loops of the 100 mile and 100 km routes, varying from cafes to petrol stations, and depending on time of day.  You might like to bring energy bars, jelly babies or something else to sustain you, as well as a water bottle or two.
Vegetarian options are available. If you have other specific needs or allergies, please inform us as soon as possible, or bring your own food.

Photos

We would love to have copies of photos taken on the ride! You may share these with us by using this link  to share them on Whatsapp. We will update this rider briefing after the event with instructions on where to see a selection of some of the photos.
If you don’t want to be included in any published photos, please let us know when signing in AND tell your ride group.

Certificates and Badges

All riders will receive a finisher’s certificate.  Enamel CTC Tri-Vets badges (see picture), and ‘year bars’ which attach to the badge, are available to those over 50 (“veterans”) who have completed either 100 km or 100 miles within 12 hours.  The cost was £4.50 for the badge and £2.50 for the year bar in 2019. No current price from CUK yet. You can order these directly from the Cycling UK website after the event, or regular CTC South West London riders can order them at the end of the ride, and we’ll submit a bulk order and get them to you.

Finally … 

We look forward to joining you on an enjoyable ride.   See you on Wednesday 15th!

 

Bikes on the Elizabeth Line

This helpful article from LCC explains the rules.   In summary - (non folding) bikes are allowed outside of rush hour, including in the central section between Paddington and Liverpool Street.

You can also take your bike into London when the rush hour is coming out, and vice versa.

In other news, it's also free to travel on the whole length of the line if you have a Freedom Pass, but only free inside Zone 6 (to Heathrow, West Drayton, Abbey Wood or Harold Wood) if you have a 60+ Oyster card.  Interesting possibilities.

Report for Easy Riders - 8th June

Yesterday's ride was completely unplanned and a little chaotic from the start. As Chessington is so near the North Cheam group decided to have a scenic ride before elevenses which left Maureen Gallichan and myself wondering if the day's ride would be just for the two of us. After we had all gathered Helen Tovey received a telephone call from Don Elms who had misread the programme and was waiting for us at Leatherhead. We agreed to meet him at 12.30 pm at the Woodman pub in Lower Ashtead. As that meant a short direct ride we took a roundabout route and rode across Leatherhead Road into Garrison Lane and round to the kissing gate entrance of Horton Country Park in Filby Road. We emerged at the West Park estate and soon crossed over to Epsom Common. As we were crossing the Common, Ray Wren, at the rear of the group, felt certain that I had led us along the wrong track for Ashtead and decided to take the "correct" route. He arrived at the Woodman an hour after us.

After lunch four of our number travelled North to their respective homes and the rest of us took the roads up to Farm Lane and then past the RAC club, Epsom where we divided again for the short trips home. The day's ride must have been one of the shortest on record. I think that we all enjoyed it but must do better in future - just blame the leader.

John

Wayfarers B group the 8th of June

A select few were in favour of heading West to sample the delights of Berkshire in the form of Dinton Pastures country park. It was a train assisted ride from Nibbles cafe at Datchet station. 10 adventurous Wayfarers had signed up for the Western jaunt into the unknown (for most) reaches of Berkshire.

Most cycled to Datchet, although some did succumb to letting the train take the strain. Most did partake of refreshment at Nibbles, toast, cake Croissants, tea, and coffee. Through Dorney, to Bray, the affluent were entering the Fat Duck for a very early lunch. Harvest hill road had road closure signs out, but we got through without any difficulties. 

White Waltham came and went, then a loop around past the Bell at Waltham St Lawrence, the scene of a past C&M tyre mishap, past the Bell pub and on down to Hurst, past the Green Man, an old C&M favourite. A brief stop for a photo outside the Castle Inn with its CTC Winged wheel plaque. 

Now just a short ride to Dinton for lunch, no real queues, Sundays the queues are long! Reasonably quick service and we all sat around a giant table to consume our fare. Everyone fed and watered, and off we go to return to Datchet. The weather was now in our favour and warming our backs. The return was mostly lovely quiet country lanes with little traffic, this area is my favourite to cycle.

 Reaching the extreme outskirts of Windsor, well Dedworth, then Clewer and only 2 miles back to Datchet, we had a referendum as to an afternoon tea stop, it was a split decision and those travelling furthest East decided not to stop, while the rest opted for an ice cream by the river at Windsor. It was hard to get back on the bike for the last miles home such was the relaxed mood, but off we went.

Datchet came and went, them past Liquid Leasure where we split, Simon and Pete heading for Hounslow and the last few towards Staines. Dispersal fragmentation of the group seems so final on such an enjoyable ride. After Shepperton, I was the lone survivor and didn't daly, home tired and hungry, but dinner was ready and welcome. Brenda did fantastic mileage (87) after thinking she was doing a short ride. A great bunch to today and great company, thank you all.

Tony..

 

The Shoreham Century - 8th June 2022.

It was a day of sunshine and showers for the Wayfarers annual ride to Shoreham. Some got caught out - others were lucky to avoid the worst downpours, but it all made for a memorable day's ride to the seaside. Thirty eight signed-up for the ride, six unfortunately having to drop-out, but in the end five groups departed at regular intervals from Tanhouse Farm.

Here's Neil, a regular Century leader, standing-in for Dave Vine, and, as usual, arriving just-in-time to lead his group!

Fixie Dave - first away!

First away was Dave Cullen's group - (he was now back on his favourite fixie, after struggling with unfamiliar gears up the hills on the recce!). 

Fixie Dave. Four of us rode out from North Cheam, managing to take the scenic route out to Tanhouse. The ride to Tanhouse went well, no problems, apart from Puncture Dave, who managed to get a puncture before Tanhouse - and also before Shoreham. The forecast rain held off until we were blessed with a shower, about 5miles from the Bridge Inn. Which seemed quite busy, for some reason? The food was good when it eventually arrived.

We were blessed with a couple of April showers on our journey home, but nothing too drastic. All six of us stopped for tea/coffee in Horsham at the Izmir Bar and Grill, which proved to be good good, not only because our cheesecakes were on the House. A stop in Leatherhead was needed on the way home to top up deleted liquid levels. 6 of our group rode back from Shoreham to home.

From being in the Bridge, to being on the bridge.


 

Our pleasant coffee stop in Horsham.

Has it stopped raining yet, Dave?- asks Tony Hooker.

John - waiting for his train-gang (photo Dave C).

John A led his train-based group next - (to follow)

John's train quintet.

Slow As - and a fast B.

Ged. My group of slow As (minus Frances) - but attracting Pete B - (who's really an A in disguise), got away at 10.35am. We'd overlapped the earlier groups by Ashfold Crossways, and could smell the sea air once reaching the River Adur cycle path. We were glad to reach the Bridge as the heavens opened, pleased to have missed the downpour catching-out the pacy As, who arrived rather wet and mud-spattered soon after. 

"Oh - I do like to be beside the seaside!"

We were joined by the fast As at the traditional ice cream stop at Partridge Green, Janice handing-over a  rain jacket to Jennie, found abandoned on the road side. It was soon needed!

Neil's group joined us for tea in sunshine next to the pool at the Pavilions, and once in Leatherhead Jennie and John B remained for a beer at the Edmund Tylney, shortly followed by Neil, Alan and Dave F. Thanks to Steve D, who conveniently joined us and sorted out my missed turns in Horsham, to Mike 'Backmarker Barrett' - who dashed back from sunny Rhodes to perform his usual duties with aplomb, and to Jennie, who took-over backmarking once Mike had finished his morning's shift.

A groups together - and Jennie with reclaimed rain jacket.

Neil. (to follow)

Steve D's fast A group - being advised by D.J.

Steve D. I led the last group off from Tanhouse Farm comprising Andy, Janice, Hans, Neil W, Fiona and Dave B. We made good progress catching Neil C's group at the end of Grouse Road, Manning's Heath, but they passed us when we stopped to take a picture of ourselves at the bridge over the stream flowing into the Ouse at Slaugham Lane. We soon passed them again until Hans got a puncture in his rear tyre which leaked sealant at Wineham Lane. Then Neil passed us again. After this we made rapid progress into a headwind and I flagged on the inclines even though, Andy, Janice and Neil W, took turns at the front to shield me from the worst.

We had avoided most of the downpours, but just before Upper Beeding the heavens opened and we stopped to don waterproofs. After a mile of hard rain, the downpour slowed to drizzle as we got onto the Downs Link. Mud spattered and wet we arrived at The Bridge at 1.10 pm where, the sun appeared outside, while we dried off in our heated cabin.

I think we were all quite happy to be out of the rain.

The ride to Partridge Green was largely dry, but I was very fatigued and slow. It was traditional to buy ice creams at the shop, but the looming black cloud made my group more eager to carry on even though Ged's group was already tucking in to theirs. At this point I handed the leadership reins over to Andy and Janice. To be fair Andy had been eagerly flying ahead from the start and so I didn't want to delay them. Apparently they sped to the Edmund Tylney pub for swift refreshment before home. I joined Ged and Brian's groups for a slower ride to the Pavilions cafe Horsham where we later met Neil C and his group, just as we were about to leave for Leatherhead. I left Ged at Leatherhead and went home and washed and changed ready to go back to play in the Leatherhead Orchestra. As I walked past the pub in Leatherhead, there was Dave Cullen and his group enjoying a pint outside in the sunshine. Happy days!

A rainy trip to the seaside this time, just like my summer holidays as a kid! Thanks my group for your fine company and leading and shielding me from the worst of the wind. You are real professionals, particular thanks to Dave B for back marking and to Ged for organising a more efficient, if not perfect pub lunch service.

Shoreham Century - 8th June 2022: Groups and Departure Times.

A total of 38 riders have signed-up for the ride from Tanhouse Farm to Shoreham - maybe a record!

Five groups are planned, with the slowest riders first, with faster riders later. I hope I have taken into account any preferences. Groups are likely to overlap on the road but stick to your group and leader. Some groups are larger than normal, and leaders will probably need a back marker. If you wish you can ride from N.Cheam and join your group at Tanhouse.

Group 1. Leader Dave Cullen - (fixie Dave). Departing Tanhouse 10.15am. Riding from N.Cheam at 8.15am prompt.

Paul Day

Gill Holder

Pete Beyer

Diane Porter

David Strawson (riding from Shoreham to Brighton)

Ann Bath

Tony Hooker

Group 2. Leader John Austin. Departing Tanhouse 10.25am. Train return from Horsham.

Brenda Breen

Francis D'Silva (train return from Horsham)

Paul & Maggie James (riding along the coast from Shoreham)

Tim Court

Anne Walker

Christina (train return from Shoreham)

Martin Gandy (train return from Horsham)

Group 3. Leader Ged Lawrenson. Departing Tanhouse at 10.35am

Geoff Gregory - finishing at Horsham,

Sue Chasty

Nigel Vickers

John Bassett

Mike Barrett

Jennie Jackson

Brian

Group 4. Leader Neil Crocker - (last minute stand-in for Dave Vine). Departing Tanhouse at 10.45am

Steve Wiltshire

Alan Imeson

Dave Ferrett

Richard Bailey

Frances Stewart

Group 5. Leader Steve Duffin. Departing Tanhouse at 10.50am.

Neil Warland

Janice

Andy Hubbart

Hans

Fiona

Dave Bartholomew

Six outdoor 'dining snugs' have been reserved - holding 36 diners. Remember your food choice. The manageress of the Bridge has requested riders to order their food & drink by table number and to pay on ordering - this is to avoid lengthly delays, enabling you to get away promptly. All food orders have been sent. Bikes can't be taken inside the terrace, but need to be secured on the forecourt. 

If you can no longer ride let me know by Tues. or by 10.00am at the very latest on Weds. morning.

Please check all the information in the original blog announcing the ride. Let me know if you have any queries 07986 254073.

I hope the weather improves as the day goes on - and we all enjoy our day at the seaside.

Train assisted ride 8th June

Train Assisted. Train to Datchet, Nibbles cafe at the station for 11's, round trip to Dinton pastures country park, back to Datchet around 34 miles total, a  few undulations. Mainly quiet country lanes.

 Please let me know ASAP if you are planning to come.

07770952554

tonyiahopkins@gmail.com

 Tony..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Report for B Group - 1st June

Dave writes:

Meeting at Cobham, Wednesday 1st June
 
1st Race 10.30 Early Bird 30 miles
(Early Bird's without any fillies ?)  
 
Jockeys              Runners   
 
Dave Cullen       on Fixed Wheel(Fav)
John Austin          Atlas
Bob Pannell          Camper Van
Francis              Half Day
Tim Gibbons          Skis
Neil Warland         Old Hand
Jon  Warland         First Time Out

Welcome to the B group Neil & Jon Warland

The seven Early Birds came under starters orders at 10.30am, the listed starting time, and within a few minutes the metaphorical starting gun was fired.

The Horse race set off at a canter, and a steady gait was maintained, none of the Jockeys over taxing their Steads.

The main hurdle was reached at Box Hill, the hurdle was in the form of a Garmin device, which seemed to have gone lame, the 10.45am Equus Caballus took advantage of this and passed us by. The early Bird group was undeterred by this group of gallopers, from The Legion Handicap, who shortly afterwards were led of course by an unlisted Horse.

So it came to pass that the Early Bird herd was back in front again.

Feeding time arrived at the Cricketers Inn. Oats and other sustenance was consumed.
 
The 7 front runners became 9, with the inclusion of 2 from the dissipated second group. Stef on teachers Pet and Mick on Jagger.

Abbey Mills proved to be a good afternoon Coffee/Tea stop for all the Jockeys.
Who won this race ? It would have to go to Stef, who took over the lead, in the last 8 to 10 furlongs.

'Fixie' Dave C.
 

Steph writes:

2nd Race 10.45 Legion Handicap 30 miles

Jockeys              Runners   

Steph             on Teacher's Pet (Fav)
Martin Gandy         Hard Saddle
Jacqui               Sore Hand
Mick                 Jagger
Ray Youlden          Off Road
Colin Garrod         Big John
(Annette Hurley      All up-hill (didn't start))
Pete Beyer           Epsom Train (late entry)

The gates at Cobham opened and Steph's six galloped away, ears pricked.  The going was firm over Bookham Common but at the ascent of Dorking Lane the filly with the injured fetlock sensibly returned to stables for vetinary attention.  The remaining filly moved to the rear as Box Hill approached allowing the five stallions to show fine form and good pace, their sweaty rumps glistening in the sunlight, a little whipping required but no dismounts.  It was along the flat that Steph's six swiftly overtook a number of horses casually chewing the cud by the wayside.  Fixed Wheel, their leader soon realised all might be lost and upped the pace.  By Ebbisham Lane they were neck and neck.  It was at this crucial moment in the race that a rank outsider (unnamed and late to register) responded to a request for softer ground by diverting the group onto THE RACECOURSE !  Martin and Ray whose mounts were shod appropriately for the conditions fared well over the rough surface.  Teachers Pet and Big John (also with a nagging fetlock injury) began to fade on the stones and mud of Ebbisham Lane and pace slowed to a dismal trot.  However spirits were raised by stupendous views and at last a chance to gallop the home straights - with video footage to follow.  All mounts deserved their hose down and extra oats and riders had an excellent £6 lunch.

Steph

(This video clip doesn't work for everyone!)

Tony writes:

3rd Race 11.00 The Jubilee 30 miles

Jockeys              Runners    

Tony Hooker       on Spar Water (Fav)
Tim Court            The Godfather
Paul James           Grandad
Maggie James         Baby Sitter
Anne Walker          The Allotment
Grant                Non starter

There was a good turn out for the Cobham Races and luckily it stayed dry.

The Jubilee Cup was led for most of the race by the favourite but at the finish The Allotment and Baby Sitter raced on to a photo finish, the Baby Sitter winning by half a wheel.

The Cricketers Pub was up to its usual standard and we all enjoyed our meal.

Thanks to Stef and Dave for leading.

Tony

____________________________________________________________

A happy Francis after his first ascent of Box Hill

Anne heading for Bookham Common

Paul, shepherding the peloton

Grant after zooming down Bagden Hill

Paul and Maggie on Box Hill

Ride Report - 'A' Group Weds 1 June 2022 (Cobham & Farnborough)

 

Twenty four of us set off from Cobham in three groups.  My group were last away and made our towards the back-doubles of Guildford, pausing only to admire the dry ski slope, before picking up the Christmas Pie Trail at Wood Street Village.   The day had started sunny but it had clouded over ominously as we left Cobham.   Heavy showers were forecast and a few drops of rain saw us pause to don waterproofs.    Fortunately, the rain fizzled out and it was soon bright again.   That set the pattern for the rest of the day - warm sunshine alternating the threat of showers which, fortunately, never quite came.

The Christmas Pie Trail is certainly well-used judging by the number of cyclists we saw, and could surely do with a bit of investment.   Generally it is pretty good to ride on, but there are a few rough stretches, a few muddy patches, and some dodgy bridges.    Along the way Neil and Dave V, who we had passed earlier mending a puncture at Send, caught us up again.  I say 'again' because they had already caught and passed us once - victims, no doubt, of the mysterious 'Christmas Pie Triangle'!

Once back on civilised tarmac we were soon heading through the heart of military country with army vehicles in abundance, then, after a few Farnborough backwaters, we were suddenly at the pub.   It was very gloomy inside because of the scaffolding outside, and quite busy, but we all found tables, and most of us got served quite quickly despite the queue at the bar.

After lunch there was a quick history lesson about the last Emperor of France before we crossed the railway at Farnborough North.   A local told us that the foot crossing here, which, if you look carefully, is controlled by a man in a small hut on the platform, is to be replaced by a footbridge with lifts!    Never mind, there is always the next foot crossing half a mile further on.   There, at Frimley Green, we were delighted to see that bunting had been put out in our honour!    We next toiled along tree-lined roads through Deepcut, Bisley, Fellow Green, Chobham and Stonehill before coming to an abrupt halt at Addlestone level crossing barriers.   A quick consultation of train apps told us that we would be waiting for five minutes, so we made the unanimous decision to take the footbridge.   It proved to be the right choice, not only getting us to tea at Walton Bridge a few minutes earlier, but also serving as a practice run for any future visit to Farnborough North!

Many thanks all for your company, and special thanks to Hans and Dave B for volunteering to co-lead, not least because Hans had a puncture on the way to elevenses.