Shoreham Century – Ride Report

We had 44 signed up, only one dns and one joined on the day, making for an interesting challenge for John Austin and me as joint ride organisers.

The Bridge had requested us not to pre-order food, which given the unpredictability of our arrival times was wise. I had expected the pub to be crowded, as in previous years, so the prudent approach was to get as many riders to Shoreham as early as possible, hence the early starts from Tanhouse, with A & B groups effectively starting at 5 minute intervals. In the event the pub was quiet, apart from us, and the service generally speedy, and always friendly. By prior arrangement the manager had organised bike parking inside, plus closing off one car parking space outside. Thoughtful.

Tim Gibbons led the first B group:

The day could not have got off to a better start as we made our way to Tanhouse Farm in bright and clear conditions. Arriving at 9am some early birds were already enjoying refreshment in the morning sunshine. 

The first B group left just after 10am and made our way at a measured pace towards Rusper and beyond. As forecast the temperature rose as the day progressed so it was particularly welcome to find that many of the roads and country lanes were shaded by trees and hedges.

Being overtaken by A group riders came as no surprise but being passed by the second B group (led by Dave Fixie) travelling at breakneck speed, was a bit unexpected. There did seem to be a lack of coherence amongst this ‘express’ group as a number of poor souls were frantically trying to keep up with the ‘Tour de Sussex’ pace set by their leader.

Sadly one of our group was lured by this flash of showmanship and decided to defect and join the ‘wacky cyclists’. He was last seen disappearing over the horizon. Was our loss their gain?

Undeterred by this fleeting example we made our own determined and consistent progress (at our own pace) through the remaining scenic countryside.

Ever onwards and southwards we eventually got our first glimpse of the South Downs and relished the thought of not having to cycle over them. Joining the latter end of the Downs Link cycle path provided a civilised approach to Shoreham and the coast.

Our arrival at ‘The Bridge’ was a welcome break after three hours in the saddle. We all enjoyed an alfresco lunch with our fellow A and B riders.

Thanks to everyone involved in organising such a successful event and enjoyable ride. Always a bonus to have fine weather to compliment a well planned route. A good day had by all!


Fixie Dave led the second B Group:

Our Middling/Happy group of eleven riders set off from Tanhouse, near enough at our allocated time of 10.15am. Clive J, Mick A, Alan C, Diane P, Alyson Y, Bernard P, Sabina W, Tony Hr, Stephen, Paul & myself sub-leader Dave C. Many thanks to our good shepherd back marker Alan. Welcome Alyson and Paul, both Saturday riders and new to the Midweek Wayfarers.

Our cycle ride to Shoreham flowed along well, at an average pace of about 10.8mph. This average pace was consistent on the ride out from North Cheam, & the return leg home.

We picked up a stray Wayfarer about half way to Shoreham, (Perhaps ejected from his group?)

It came to pass along our journey that Tim G managed to Lead & back mark, at the same time, quite an achievement.

Our lunch at the Bridge Inn was served quite quickly, for most of us, but some had to wait longer than others. 

Many thanks to Neil for his magnanimous gesture in giving our group ice-creams (on the hoof ) lifted our spirits with his kindness!

No mechanicals and no inclement weather, always seem to be a bonus.

Many thanks to our good shepherd back marker Alan. Thanks to Mark G for the route.


Tim, as last off writes:-

Riding nearly 22 miles over the Epsom Downs with over 1000 feet of altitude gain we were well warmed up for the big ride down to Shoreham. Lilian, Anne, Madeleine, Helen and Terry comprised our little team and with a slightly delayed departure managed a good pace throughout the morning. We took a relaxing break at the Royal Oak in Wineham although those of us who didn't purchase any refreshments didn't feel entirely welcome with our request to top up water bottles. 

With minor anxieties about a couple of points in the route I had looked into the best strategy for crossing the very busy A283 (at mile 26.3) and saw that there is a small car park just off the roundabout where we arrive at the A283 from Upper Beeding. From the car park there is a good path through the long grass along to the crossing point. At this point we waited for our moment when there was almost a gap in the traffic and a motorist coming up from Shoreham who slowed right down for us to cross. From that point the ride along the Downs Link was a real pleasure and we were soon at the pub.

Nearly everyone had departed from The Bridge by the time we got there but it did seem to mean that our lunches were delivered quickly. Among the few others still there was Angie who lives just 12 miles along the coast nowadays.

After lunch Madeleine and Helen wanted to go for a paddle before catching their train. Terry caught a train while Lilian, Anne and I set off for Horsham for our trains. At the beach Helen and Madeleine joined us for a photo before their encounter with the ocean.

The 22.5 mile ride to Horsham was further and more hilly than I had remembered, due probably to the enduring memory from last year, being that of riding through a torrential rainstorm. We had a good ride up but didn't have the legs to go any further so 'chapeau' to the several B riders who rode all the way.

Thank you to Terry for backmarking and to everyone for your cheerful company while persevering with the long ride. Thanks to John for doing all the admin on behalf of B Group and thanks to Dave Vine for overall organisation and his recce to check that the route was still good.


NeilC led the first, hybrid/electric group off at 10.00: 

Sunshine and a little bit of tailwind en route to Tanhouse Farm bode well for a great day out. And so it was.

Just after 10.00 I led Mark, Mike B, Frances Brian and Geoff on a calm and event-free ride to Shoreham. 

As we reached the River Adur for the final approach to Shoreham we appeared to have a headwind. Could this really be happening? I've heard these legends of days when the wind turns to blow you home but never experienced one. But today was the day!

After lunch I lost four of the group to more coastline, more gravel, more comfort and less heat, so Brian and I joined Dave V for the ride home. Drinks were taken at Horsham and Leatherhead, and I arrive home happy after a perfect day awheel.

 

Ged led the second A group departing at 10.10:

Patrick beamed as he quenched his thirst with a cold Guinness - a pint never tasted so good after a long, hot ride! We shared his enjoyment at the Edmund Tylney. 

Apart from a traditional photo-op at the village pond, The Street, (where we caught Neil's group), the morning flowed nicely, reaching the Bridge in two hours. After reminding Hans to collect his bike from the foreshore photo shoot, we stopped for ice creams in Partridge Green.

Unfortunately Steve punctured soon afterwards, but far worse occurred in Maplehurst Road when his derailleur disintegrated. (Ever resourceful, he fixed the chain to a single cog, enabling a more than strenuous finish at the Pavilions - and collection). With Hans and Fiona departing, four of us stayed for well-earned drinks in Leatherhead. Many thanks to Dave for a very well planned day in glorious June sunshine.

Dave’s report:

My group of Gill, Sue F, Sue C Richard, Keith and Mike Reynell, as back marker – many thanks Mike – see later, left at 10.30 making a nice compact peloton for an uninterrupted ride south. Arriving at around 1pm, we found the first two groups in mid-lunch. The first two B groups arrived not long after, and seating was found for all.

Neil had been deserted by all his group apart from Brian, so they joined us, while Sue F elected for the train home. We also attracted Clive from the B’s.

Having ascertained that Tim’s group was almost in sight on the Adur path we left around 2.15 for a leisurely tour round the harbour, photoshoot, and back on the road at 2.30.



We exchanged places on the road a couple of times with Fixie’s followers, and approaching Partridge Green Neil raced ahead to secure ice cream supplies. His generosity extended to Fixie’s group, who declined to stop, forcing him to race ahead again to deliver the treats on the road.

Maplehurst appears to be the cycling equivalent of the Bermuda Triangle as Keith punctured here. The group continued to Horsham, but Keith assisted by Mike was soon on the road, and indeed overtook us in mysterious fashion in Horsham.

Sue C left us for the train in Horsham, and the rest of the group got to Leatherhead where we found Keith and Mike. There we also met Ged’s group. All very convivial. I used the excuse of a second drink to wait for Fixie to arrive towing a good number of B’s. That accounted for everyone on the road. Even Steve, rescued from Horsham by a heroic wife, joined us, in civilian clothes and with instrument case on his way to the Leatherhead Orchestra. Thanks John Austin for shared organisation, and to everyone for coming and making this such an enjoyable day out. The weather helps, but it’s the riders that make the difference.

PS Nice to be welcomed by Angie, our most regular attendee on the Shoreham Century. And thanks to Pete Beyer for interrupting his morning ride at Tanhouse to photo-record our departure groups.

Shoreham Century - Pre-Ride Information

Welcome to tomorrow's ride.

There will be 20 A Group and 24 B Group riders, so Tanhouse and the pub will be crowded.

There should be space for cycle parking inside The Bridge garden gate, if not outside in the car park, so bring a lock.

At the risk of teaching you to suck eggs, it will be hot tomorrow, with v high UV, so take plenty of fluids, sunscreen and emergency rations. After we leave Rusper there are very few shops, so limited opportunities to restock.

Potholes. After Blackstone and the dog-leg crossing of the A281, Bramlands Lane is severely potholed with very poor visibility under tree cover. This continues into Horn Lane on the descent to Small Dole. When you think you have passed the last pothole be prepared for unpleasant surprises.

Crossing A27 after the airport road on return leg. The road crossing is permanently closed. There is a light-controlled pedestrian crossing just to the right (ie East) of the junction. Take the footway to the right and you should find it easily.

Horsham leisure centre cafe closes 5pm. Alternative cafe in station on the roundabout should be open later. Parking bikes behind (ie parkside) the leisure centre recommended for security.

Route (unchanged from previous years) here. 

Any questions please contact me 07962 05 48 79 or John Austin 07758 647 638 or your group leader.

See you tomorrow, and enjoy the ride.

Dave

Dieppe Raid 2023

Note that today is the last day for registration to participate in the Dieppe Raid:

https://www.dieppetour.com/booking-and-details

~ Tim

 

Shoreham Century Ride - 14 June

Our annual Shoreham Century ride will be on 14 June. The ride follows the traditional 'minimal hills' route devised by Mark Gladwyn, with elevenses at Tanhouse Farm, lunch at the Bridge Inn, Shoreham, tea at the Pavilions in the Park cafe, Horsham, and a welcome pint at the Edmund Tylney, Leatherhead for those completing the whole ride. The mileage is 73 from Tanhouse to Shoreham and back to Leatherhead, but your ride from home should hopefully hit the magic 100miles.

You may prefer to return by train from Shoreham, Horsham or Dorking all of which are on-route.

The ride is open to all A and B group riders, and there will be separate groups riding at A-pace (about 2 to 2 ½ hours Tanhouse to Shoreham) and B-pace (about 2 ½ to 3 hours Tanhouse to Shoreham). I aim for group size of 6 max to spread our arrival at the pub. Please state your A/B preference when booking.

To book your place please respond to me (d.vine207@btinternet.com) by 6pm on Monday 12th June. If you wish to ride at B-pace please also copy your response to John Austin who is coordinating the B-groups (johnaustin04@yahoo.co.uk) as well as me. Please do not book by WhatsApp.

Please state if you are planning to return by train, though this is not binding; we will be flexible. We will probably start some groups from Tanhouse at 10am (ie earlier than previous years) to get as many as possible to Shoreham as early as possible. Please let me know if that will not be convenient to anyone.

For those unfamiliar with Tanhouse Farm, I hope to arrange a led ride from the traditional start at North Cheam starting no later than 8am. Again, let me know in advance.

The Bridge Inn has reserved 5 'dining pods' on the terrace. This year there is no need to pre-book your lunch, but please look at the menu to see what is available.

This is the route we will follow, or if you prefer RWGPS  https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39624366 

Further information/briefing and start times and groups will be emailed on Tuesday 13th June.

Let me know if you have any queries:- 07962 05 48 79

I hope the weather stays fair and sunny for our annual trip to the seaside!

Report for Easy Riders - 7th June

First Wednesday of the month so it must be destination Cobham. There were 12 Easy Riders for Elevenses, Brian Bent joining us despite having punctured en route. Thank you to Ian Williamson for coffees/teas/biscuits.

Brian opted out of the ride but the rest of us set out for a lunch stop at the Stepping Stones at West Humble. As we entered Bookham Common we were overtaken by a mountain-biker with an eye-catching top which read something like:

Old Farts Cycling Club

Age & Treachery

Always outsmart

Youth & Agility

I can’t vouch for total accuracy but you get the gist. The wearer seemed to be a relatively young man - he sped past us without apparent effort, admittedly not the hardest thing to do. Perhaps he wanted to make a point.

Soon we were on the climb up Blagdon Hill (for the second time in three weeks!). It has to be well worth the effort with the descent to look forward to.

My heart sank as we approached the Stepping Stones. Just ahead of us was a group of ramblers and it looked as though they would create a queue at the bar. Imagine the relief as they carried on straight past the front door!

The pub service was excellent and we enjoyed a pleasant lunch in the garden.

As we gathered to leave a group containing three or four Sou’Wester tops swept past. We failed to make contact - by the time we were on the road they were on the opposite side of the A24 and seemed about to tackle Box Hill. Our return journey took us along the cycle path to Leatherhead and, for the majority, across Ashtead Common.

Sandy Bayliss, Brian Bent, Gillian Calder, Anne and John Connaughton, Don Elms, Maureen Gallichan, Jane Gunningham, Ed Sharp, Helen Tovey, Ray Wren and I comprised our group, for all or part of the day.

~ Frank C

Report for A ride - 7th June

 This week we had another beautiful day and slightly warmer (just) than in recent weeks. Twenty were tempted to sign up for the ride to the Sun Inn at Dunsfold. The major challenge was not the route or the weather but how to gather the pre-orders without (until the last minute) a menu from the pub which "helpfully" was not very precise about the baguette offering. In fairness, the baguettes (+ chips) were good and all was great on the day. Fiona, Janice and I had tried a nearby alternative on Monday when the Sun was closed and would not have been tempted back so I think the Sun will stay in our portfolio of likeable pubs.

Janice's report: 

Frances, Patrick, Neil W, Andy, Ged and I set off first from Cobham. The weather was still cool and the North East wind brisk so it was gilets and sleeves on. However, Brian had kindly thrown in Beech/Critten/Whitedown to ensure we warmed up sooner rather than later.

The sun started to make an appearance and the lovely quiet lanes were even more pleasant for it although I took the descents slowly given the dappled sunlight and possibility of potholes.

Despite earlier concerns over what lunch would be available, The Sun at Dunsfold did well and we all received what we ordered and also some fries which we hadn’t. We had a discussion on improving  power weight ratios whilst finding it surprisingly easy to eat a fairly large portion of fries even if we wouldn’t have otherwise ordered them.

After lunch we set off to tackle the remaining couple of hills, view the water fountain and enjoy the very pleasant Thorncombe Street. The wind was more against us than for us but we made it back to Cobham for a selection of ice creams and offerings from Gail’s.

A lovely route thank you Brian and thanks for the good company of my group and in particular Ged for back marking. 

Fiona set off next with Sue C, Dave V, Steve D, Neil C and Geoff G

I led the final group. It was good to see Peter Suchy back riding with us after a long lay-off after breaking his arm. My group of Dave's E + F, Peter S + B, Simon, Sue F and I set off shortly after Fiona. Unfortunately, by Ranmore it was clear that Sue was in some pain and decided that she shouldn't continue but would return to Dorking for a train. The rest of us continued over the hills and in Lower Breache Lane stopped to admire the house and lake at Old Plough Farm and a chat with the owner.

From here our pace was quite brisk to Dunsfold where we arrived just before 1pm. As with the other groups we ate well and continued with the prospect of the climb to Hascombe ahead of us.

 

We stopped to admire the fountain and then continued homewards into the wind arriving in Cobham to find Dave V and Geoff G still chatting after their tea. 

My thanks to Janice and Fiona for sub leading and Dave F for back marking.

Report for B Group - 7th June

Francis writes for the first group...

An early morning chill and cloud left some riders wondering if they should have added more layers. However, as we enjoyed the birthday hospitality of Ian Williamson at Elevenses, the sun broke through and we were set for a beautifully warm and sunny day ahead of our ride, 31.7 miles in total.

The route to lunch at the Royal Oak, Bookham took us to Oakham, Send, West Clandon and up to Newlands Corner. After my obligatory historical talk to my group about the area, we set off-road along the pleasant Drove Road to the Staples Lane car park and descended into Horsley onto Effingham and Bookham where a well-earned lunch awaited. Lunch was both prompt and very good.

 

 

Post lunch, we descended at some speed down Chapel Lane towards Little Switzerland for the climb to Headley before descending rapidly to Ashtead Common but with 500 yards to go before our tea stop, Pete "Trust Me" Beyer took us on a scenic and enjoyable 2 mile route through the Common eventually ending at the Old Moat for Tea.

My thanks to my group Pete, FixieDave, Terry, Paul, Ken, Alan (back-marker) for their jovial company and my co-leaders Mick and Tim G for excellently leading their respective groups.

~ Francis

Mick writes for the second group...

Colin, Anne W., Tim C., Paula, Graham, Gill with Mick leading departed Cobham with the sun shining. We followed familiar roads through Ockham but turned right towards Clandon and Newlands Corner. On the steepest part of the hill we were held up by a car puthering grey smoke, eventually grinding to a halt and blocking a lane in the busy road; someone was having a bad day.

We regrouped outside the Newlands Corner cafe then turned off-road on a very pleasant path for 1.5 miles leading to Staples Lane car park. From there it was through East Horsley and Effingham to Bookham and the Royal Oak pub.

After lunch it was a decent into Westhumble and then up through Little Switzerland. Paula, Graham and Gill were the first to summit with the rest of us not far behind. After regrouping, the same three peeled off for their journey home. The remaining four casually rode to The Old Moat for tea.

~ Mick

Tim G writes for the third group...

The day started a bit cool for our pre-ride trek to Cobham but the skies soon cleared to provide a bright, fine and sunny day. Thanks to Ian W’s generosity we all enjoyed a tea/coffee to celebrate his imminent birthday.

High five for the birthday boy

Seven of us left promptly and made our way towards East Clandon via Ockham and Hungry Hill. Our first climb up to Newlands Corner presented us with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Always an excuse for a photo opportunity courtesy of Steph:

Following the South Downs Way was particularly scenic with a surprise view of a field of cultivated foxgloves. We descended towards East Horsley and Effingham to join the first two groups at Great Bookham. Our lunch at the Royal Oak was a particular success providing good food and prompt service. Definitely a venue worth a future visit.

Suitably refreshed we made our way up and over Chapel Wood to Westhumble then faced our final climb up Juniper Hill at a steady and measured pace.  

On via Headley and Woodcote we decided to head to the Horton Cafe for tea. Constructed in 1901 the building is the last surviving chapel of Epsom’s unique ‘cluster’ of five pioneering psychiatric hospitals. It was recently renovated and now operates as an arts and exhibition centre. Certainly well worth a visit.

Many thanks to all who contributed towards a well planned and enjoyable ride on such a fine day. Surrey at its best !

~ Tim G

2023 AGM: Minutes now published

 The minutes of the AGM have now been posted within the "AGM Minutes" folder and are accessible via  the CTC South West London Information Hub/ Reports and Minutes link.

For ease of reference, here are some shortcuts

AGM Minutes

Appendix A 2022/2023 Annual Report 

Appendix B 2022/2023 Treasures Report

The minutes set out some important changes to your Committee as follows.

Simon Lambourn was stepping down from both his roles as Membership Secretary and Treasurer and was duly thanked for his many years of service. Christina Berkley has already taken over as the Wayfarer Membership Secretary. Richard Bailey  kindly agreed to  stand for election  as our  new Treasurer and was duly elected. 

Ged Lawrenson advised that he was standing down as Rides Secretary this year and thanked Clive Janes who had volunteered to progressively take over that role over the coming months. Our thanks again to both Ged and Clive for undertaking this vital role. The Rides Secretary mantra remains more leaders please, without whom there would not be any rides, and please respond promptly to the periodic invitations to volunteer.

Finally, Bob Eberhard  was awarded  the Arthur Jessop Shield for outstanding contribution to the club. Bob's long-term commitment to our club and to cycling in general are set out in more detail in the minutes. 

Report for Easy Riders - 31st May

Elevenses at New Haw called for an early start and also presented the opportunity to seek out routes less familiar to the Easy Riders

It was overcast and unseasonably chilly as we set off but at least the wind was behind us. A first glimpse of sunshine showed the Coxes Lock Mill on the Wey Navigation at its magnificent best (the pic doesn’t really do it justice) and the sight demanded a brief stop.

The A and B groups were leaving as we arrived at the Day Centre – was it their or our good fortune that the bingo was just starting up? It’s a well-appointed centre and we were made very welcome, but conversation wasn’t easy versus the bingo caller’s microphone and we didn’t delay our departure.

We headed south through West Byfleet on Pyrford Road, gradually moving into open country. The imposing ruins of Newark Priory, built on a small island by the River Wey, came into view soon after turning towards Ripley. Wikipedia dates the priory back to the late 12^th century, but its days were numbered with Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries.

Having passed through Ripley and crossed over the A3 – giving the major works around Wisley airfield a wide berth – we passed by the idiosyncratic, redbrick Hautboy at Ockham. Originally a private residence, the Victorian Grade II Listed building was a pub for more than 100 years until closing in 2007 (more anecdotal information available on the Lost Pubs Project website). Sorry if this sounds like a history lesson!

Just up the road we had lunch at the Black Swan where the food was nice though a bit pricy. The sun finally showed its face during our break and we could enjoy the warmth (but not the headwind) on the homeward journey via Cobham. Road signs still warned of closure owing to flooding in Plough Lane but it was completely dry – hardly surprising given that it had not rained for three weeks.

Six of us set out from North Cheam, namely Frank Barnsley, Sandy Bayliss, Karen Cochrane, Anne and John Connaughton and myself. We were joined by Don Elms at elevenses.

~ Frank C

Invitation to A group ride 7th June

Having explored almost all routes to the south over the last month or so and with Shoreham to come on the 14th it's time to go southwest (or rather south, then west) to an old favourite - the Sun Inn at Dunsfold. 23 miles to lunch and another 22 back to tea at Cobham. All on road except the start across Bookham Common.

We have been asked to pre-order but in spite of several positive phone calls I haven't yet received the menu - the website is not being updated and doesn't show the baguette choices. 

**Update 1830 Sunday: still no menus. Just let me know whether you wish to ride and I'll sort the rest out ( I hope!) before  Wednesday.

Please email me no later than 6pm on Monday please. Thanks.

Invitation to B Group Ride 7th June

Our ride will begin from Elevenses venue, Royal British Legion, Cobham. It will be a ride with some flat stretches and some hill climbs up to picturesque Newlands Corner (interesting history) and old favourite Little Switzerland to Headley. 1,996 ft of climb, 32.7 miles in total. 

20 miles to lunch at the splendid Royal Oak pub in Bookham, followed by 12.7 miles to tea at the Old Moat, Ashtead.

All on-road except a short stretch along Drove road from Newlands Corner to Staple Lane car park. I will be joined by my esteemed co-leaders Tim G and Mick A.

Fingers crossed we'll have the same sunny weather 😎we had last week! 

This is the route for info.

Below is the pre-order menu from the Royal Oak pub, plenty of choice for everyone. The pub has a nice rear garden where we can leave our bikes along the wall.

If you would like to join the ride, please email me directly on fdsilva82@gmail.com or my WhatsApp with your lunch choice latest by 6pm Monday evening please. Thanks.

See you soon.

Francis
07769926644

Report for B Group ride - 31st May

Gill writes for Team 1:

Having got used to the lovely warm weather it came as a shock to set off in the chilly breeze to New Haw. With the promise of sun to come we left the welcome of the day centre and followed familiar roads out via the very pleasant Gracious Pond Road over Chobham Common and on to Donkey Town.

Jennie: "Oh no! We're not going to ride on this stuff are we?"

Gill: "Oh yes we are!"

 

Steph writes for Team 2:

A lovely ride out .  At Walton Bridge caught up with Christina and checked out the footpath to Crockford Park Farm via Coxes Lock and avoided Addlestone completely!  Left the day centre with my eager followers , took a wrong left but re routed and soon we were crossing the roundabout at Ottershaw and into the rolling heathland towards Chobham and Windlesham. Beautiful country and a straightforward run to the pub.

Lunch was very prompt considering we hadn't pre-ordered and very filling with chips and salad accompanying the wraps.

In the pub garden

Best bit of the afternoon was the Basingstoke Canal, that is when we finally got onto it.  The photo was taken by a bloke travelling down all the locks on the canal and cleaning them up ready for the summer season.  We were on the wrong side of the canal and heading in the wrong direction but he was so water nymph-like with his plaited beard I wish we could have put him in the photo .  Route corrected we continued with thoughts of cake and tea interspersed with yellow flag irises and 2 goslings on the side of the tow path, one large heron perched ready for gosling dinner maybe.

On the canal before we corrected our route

Wildlife pond

After waving goodbye to Pam at Ripley, Cobham soon arrived and we settled down to chat and cake and recovery before climbing our way home.

A big thank you to my patient troupe but especially to backmarker Mick who helped re-route .  Beeline is a great little device that I am becoming addicted too.

Tim writes for Team 3:

Sue convened a recce with Gill and myself riding the course on Friday. Her plan was to ride out towards Lightwater then come off the unpleasantly busy Red Road via the paths shown on OS and other maps and follow the perimeter fence around the Pirbright Ranges (Danger Area) on Surrey Heath to pick up a southbound route towards Pirbright. The plan was scuppered when we came across roadside barriers preventing our exit from Red Road which turned out to be there because of the major project being carried out by Esso to replace a large chunk of the aviation fuel pipeline which runs from a terminal in Southampton to London. The existing pipeline and the route of the new pipeline passes right through Surrey Heath.

So, radical changes were made to the route, to include Steph's request for a stretch of the Basingstoke Canal. The idea of going to Pirbright for lunch was dropped and Sue remembered previous rides to The Hare and Hounds on the Donkey Town side of West End. And so the new route was born.

Although the published route still wasn't quite as we had intended it seems that all three teams had a good run out with only a small amount of moaning about the coarsely gravelled road from Turf Hill to Greyspot Hill and Brentmoor Heath.

Lunch was enjoyable and quickly served and we'd certainly want to go to The Hare and Hounds again.

After Lunch we took all the quiet roads we could find to bring us down to the Basingstoke Canal for a mile and a half of blissful riding through to Hermitage Road. After Mayford, Old Woking and Send we took the Tannery and Papercourt lanes through to The Seven Stars. En route to Cobham Terry peeled off at 'The Mucky Duck' and we lost a couple more by the time we reached Gail's cake and coffee emporium where Gill's and Steph's teams were enjoying their Tea break in the sunshine.

Thanks to Alan for back-marking and to the team for remaining cheerful throughout. We missed Colin who took the day out to perform grandfatherly duties but gained Alan, and Grant who sprung his weekly surprise upon us when he turned up to join us. We're sorry that Sue, as the mastermind for the ride, was unable to be with us.

~ Tim

a closer view of the morning route

31 May 2023 - The 'A's' to Winchester

 

We haven't attempted a train-assisted ride since before Lockdown so this was very much an experiment, with me as Dr Frankenstein!   To begin the day the weather did not encourage, and it was cloudy and cool, not even beginning to improve until late-morning.   And of course I had picked a day when there was a train strike!   One positive note was the stiff, north-easterly breeze which looked set to push us in the right direction for once, towards the city of St Swithun!  

Although it was cool outside, the welcome at New Haw Day Centre was very warm and were treated like old friends, the only wrong note being the automatic toilet doors which some of us did struggle with!  Well, I did anyway - not very practical people us mad scientists!

Anyway, two groups of us eventually got away and set off south-westwards into the unknown!  Following unexpectedly high demand Ged had very kindly stepped in at short notice to lead the first group from .gpx and he managed a trouble-free ride to lunch despite having to grapple with Frankenstein's monster, my route!

Of his group's experiences Ged writes - The debate at lunch was who would ride back after Winchester? Was it too windy, too late, tired legs - or just the appeal of a comfortable train ride home? In the end Patrick was the lone escapee, riding back to Guildford and then a short train ride home. Kudos Patrick - but then again you hadn't done Ford Ride London, unlike Janice, Fiona and Neil! Thank goodness you didn't puncture again. Earlier we enjoyed quiet roads - particularly after lunch, the expansive Hampshire landscape in splendid Spring greenery, a welcome change to constrained Surrey. Thanks to David for a well-crafted route, and to my group for regularly helping-out on the more problematic turns. We must do these kinds of train assist rides more often! 

My group was slightly less fortunate - my brand-new rear tyre deflated explosively in the backstreets of Woking and I feared sidewall damage.   A group effort helped me get it fixed very quickly, although we never found the cause of the problem, just the evidence of a small hole in the failed inner tube.

It was getting a bit late by now so we pushed on a bit.   Once we had passed Fleet it was pretty much a case of country lanes all the way to lunch, and beyond, and the sun began to shine, so spirits were lifted!    We still did well to get to Greywell for lunch just before 1.30pm.

It had been very difficult to find a pub in the right place that would take us (perhaps word has got around among the licensed trade?) but the Fox and Goose had had no such qualms.   The service was friendly and the garden pleasant but we waited quite a while for our food and various options were 'off', so I would say it was okay but did not excel!

Despite this, my group got away just after 2.30pm, a while behind Ged's group, so it was  to our surprise that we caught and passed them nursing a puncture in the Candover valley!   We in turn were leap-frogged by them as we stopped to 'admire the view' from the top of a yet another hill, but we passed them again as they in turn admired the impressive perspective of the Itchen valley nearing Winchester.

At Easton bridge we paused to look down at the cool, clear waters of the Itchen, and Ged's group regained their rightful place ahead!   There were just a few miles to roll after that.   Yet another country lane suddenly came to an end with a hedgerow barely disguising the M3 approach road on the other side!   After that, without any transition, we were jolted back into the built-up world!   We did manage to get through most of Winchester on quieter roads though.   Arriving just after 4.30 pm we were too late for tea at the cathedral so I had no choice but to deposit my group at Wetherspoons where they took well-deserved refreshment!   

The station is very close by and I re-met Ged's group there.   Would Dr Frankenstein's monster be defeated by Dr Beeching's monster?   Well, we just missed a London train, but, miracle of miracles (I thank St Swithun), there was another one only ten minutes later which wasn't even late, let alone cancelled, and quite uncrowded.   After a quick change at Woking I was home just after 6.00pm.

Plaudits to Patrick who gamely opted to ride most of the way home, into the wind, from Winchester and succeeded!   Thanks to everyone else for your company, to all those who helped mend my mystery puncture, to Ged for sub-leading in the face of adversity, and to Simon for back-marking for my group.