Guildford to Pirbright B Group ride 16 August 2023

 

Davey’s Report (ride leader)

20 of us B group cyclists signed up to take part in our Guildford excursion.

We gathered at Yvonne Theatre Cafe for our elevenses Tea, Coffee & also Cake for most of us. ☕☕🍰

The Cafe coped very well with 20 B riders and 17 A riders.

The twenty of us split into three groups, that being six & two sevens

Our middling group of 7 left Guildford in Glorious sunshine. 🌞 which certainly is mood enhancing.

We sailed along through Puttenham, (It being part of "England's green and pleasant land”) 🌲🌳🌴🌷 

A couple of hours cycling got us to our lunch stop in Pirbright, at the White Hart.

The food was good, but unfortunately there was a big gap between the first & the last of our group getting served. But all in all, a pleasant Pub.

Onwards along to Cobham for our afternoon tea/Coffee. 

 

Thanks to the twenty riders who took part today. 🚴🚴🚴

 Thanks also to Ray and Tim C for leading, without whom I would have struggled to lead 20 riders. 🙏

Well done Ray in telling me that "There are some good roads in Puttenham, that we can cycle through"👏

 Nice to have Steph, a good lady backmarker in our group. 🚴

 Davey

 

The War memorial in Seale

 Ken trying to avoid the photo but not quite achieving it!

 

 

The first group away, sub leader Ray Youlden

We were the first group away at 10.40. On leaving Guildford we left by the small path that runs behind the theatre. This is all a pedestrian area, so some walking was involved. It also shows off the pretty parts of Guildford, the lock and canal looking stunning and worthy of a photo but having not yet put our legs across the bikes yet, it felt too soon to take one. On to Bury Fields where we mounted our bikes and started the undulating course properly. Along Portsmouth Road and then right into Sandy Lane that presented us with the first climb of the day. We then made rapid progress before crossing the A3 just before Puttenham, and onto Seale. This was as far west as we were going, and we turned down past the Hogsback Brewery into Tongham.  Taking a right at the bottom we entered Poyle Road and on towards the level crossing in Ash. Here we had a breather while waiting for a train to pass. The frequency of the trains caught us out with most of the group getting across before losing Peter, who was back marking, having been caught by another train coming in the other direction. It gave the rest of the group time to look at the new road roundabout being put in and how the area has improved with the new housing development. Once reformed, the group then made our way to Ash Vale and a right up to Tunnel Hill, the last of the hilly bits of the ride with just the pub, the White Hart beckoning.

The pub was efficient, we all got the food we want quickly and enjoyed the garden. Sitting in the sun, we all relaxed and felt that we could have stayed all day, but we needed to leave as the other groups were finishing their meals and would soon be on the road behind us.

We then left Pirbright and took a collection of routes that we knew well but were put together in different ways to make it a new experience. We passed through the outskirts of Brookwood, Mayford, Old Woking, Ripley and then finishing at Cobham. This relatively flat bit of the ride was accomplished quickly. We were soon tucking into cake, ice creams and coffee sitting in a nice sunny location.  A big thanks to Julie, Gill, Susan, John, and a special thanks to Peter, who volunteered to back mark for the day.

 Ray Youlden

 

The first group enjoying an afternoon chat.

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The last group away, sub leader Tim Court

Paul, Maggie, Alyson, Colin, Mick, and Tim G managed to depart from the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre soon after 11 am and followed me to the base of Sandy Lane and were kind enough to wait for me at the top before we dropped down Littleton Lane towards Farncombe and Compton. Some of us were suffering a bit from the giant portions of cake at Elevenses but overcame the discomfort to make good progress through the morning.

We passed the Puttenham Heath (and golf club) and were pleased to leave the worst of the traffic behind when we turned into The Street and Seale Lane for a blissful parade through the fine countryside, the villages and hop fields until Seale, where we stopped at the War Memorial for a team photo. We traversed the A31 and passed the Hogs Back Brewery. After Ash and Ash Vale, we turned off to pass Mytchett Lake and made good time to lunch in Pirbright, noting that if Church Lane wasn’t a one-way road we could have stopped, as we sometimes do, at the grave of Sir Henry Morton Stanley in the churchyard of St Michael and All Angels to mull over his impact on African history.

Despite advice from the pub that service could be slow if we didn’t order a week in advance the staff were efficient and, while sitting out in the garden, chatting, and relaxing after the rigours of the morning ride, it didn’t seem to take too long for our food to arrive.

However, it was around 2.30 when we departed. I had decided to deviate from Dave’s route; after riding along Cemetery Pales, we turned into Brookwood Lye which is busy with motor traffic but permits cyclists to share the footpath which appears to have earned this charmless bit of a trail the seductive title ‘Pandora’. When we reached the Basingstoke Canal, we turned right into Blackhorse Road and eventually, after Saunders Lane, rejoined Dave’s route in Mayford.

Earlier we decided that we would take Tea at Cafe Barbera in Stoke D’Abernon. I’d forgotten how good it was. Another reason for stopping there rather than in downtown Cobham is that it gives many of us an alternative route home, via Oxshott and Cobham for me, rather than traipsing back through Esher.

It was a very enjoyable day, thanks to Dave’s well-planned route, the terrific weather, a good lunch, and the chirpy good spirits in the peloton.

Thanks to all.

Tim C.

Lunch of the final group

 

Passenger list for B Group

Rolling order for our Guildford ride to Pirbright 

First group out @ 10.40am

Leader = Ray Y., Mobile = 07480 922 214

Followed by:

Julie B

Gill H

Susan F

John A

Peter S

Second group out @ 10.50am

Leader = Fixie Dave, Mobile = 07952 627 346 

Followed by:

Christina WHB

Steph W

Bob P

Stephen H

Ken D

Chris H

Third group out @ 11.00am

Leader = Tim C., Mobile = 07767 385 596 

Followed by:

Alyson Y

Maggie J

Paul J

Colin G

Mick A

Tim G 

Happy & safe Cycling to all 😀🚴‍♀
 

Invitation to B Group ride from Guildford - 16th August

Guildford 'training' ride [train assisted ? 😉]

Elevenses at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, GU1 3UX 

• 1st group  10.40am led by Ray Y (07480 922 214)
• 2nd group 10.50am led by myself (07952 627 346)
• 3rd group  11am led by Tim C (07767 385 596)

19.3 miles to lunch in Pirbright at The White Hart (see link to menu below)

Tea/coffee in Cobham total mileage = 34

Please enlist for this ride, before Monday evening! 

davey1828@gmail.com or private WhatsApp (Mobile = 07952 627 346)

P.S. Lunch orders, I was told when I rang the Pub “We normally like one week's notice".

"Or you can take a chance on what food is available on the day”. This is the menu:

https://www.thewhitehartpirbright.co.uk/menus#

The route:

For Garmin users:

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/184344372

For Strava users:

https://www.strava.com/routes/3115985583595686482

For RideWithGPS users:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44035206 (includes cue instructions)

~ Fixie Dave C

Report for A Group 9th August

 After a miserable July and last week's rain it was great to be out on a sunny day with no wind. 

I'm going to start with the credits. Firstly to Fiona/Frances and Janice for volunteering to lead and the back markers including Dave F who did this for me. Secondly to those who have ridden this way before and provided the inspiration.  Thanks for all the enthusiastic comments about the route to lunch but I must give credit to Jeff Tollerman who took the Wayfarers down Clacket Lane and Trevereux Hill in 2012 and a more recent leader who got us to Lingfield via Grants/Dwelly/St Pier's lanes. So that only leaves about two miles of original thought apart from joining the dots. I hope this gives some encouragement to those who have read Ged's recent post about leading and are still having doubts. The only thing I would add to his comments is that even in this digital age there are few better ways of getting a feel for the countryside and its potential than spreading out a good old fashioned paper OS map - a screen is never big enough to see the whole picture. 

Frances' group left Caterham first:

It was a lovely start to the day from Caterham as weather was sunny and calm.My group with Peter backmarking left promptly and we made good progress through Woldingham school and stopped just before Gangers turn to brief anyone not familiar with tight left turn/gradient. Needless to say I was last up the hill and Fiona's group fast on my heels passed by.

We regrouped at the top and continued arriving at the pub at 12.30 without any delays. Lunch was lovely and Dave W left us hence photo without him.

The return leg was relatively flat, Mark left us before remaining 4 arrived for tea at Brockham which was welcomed. 

Thanks to all for support and company on a lovely ride.

My group of Christina, Sue C, Andy Coxhill and Dave F left very soon after. We enjoyed the ride up through Woldingham school and watched Fiona's group overtake and head off into the distance. Once Gangers Hill was climbed we enjoyed the rest of the route to lunch notable for the lack of traffic after we left the Westerham road. Lunch at the Star was enjoyable and we joined the other groups at the long table provided. I was very pleased not the have the headwind of the recce in the afternoon but even so the other groups had both left Brockham before we arrived. Dave, Andy and I stopped for tea. 

 

Fiona's report:

We ( Andy, Clive, Ged, Patrick and myself) set off from Caterham as the last group.

Accompanied by sunshine, it was not long before we passed Brian and his cohorts on the lovely lane through the grounds of Woldingham School. The sharp turn into Gangers Hill didn’t catch anyone out and we all enjoyed the lovely quiet lanes and beautiful views on route to Lingfield.

The Star pub served us quickly and efficiently before we headed back onto more quiet roads. Arriving in Brockham in plenty of time for tea and cakes, sitting outside in the lovely sunshine.Thank you Brian for organising a really enjoyable ride on roads that were new to many of us. Thank you to my group for the good company. 

Report for B Group - 9th August

Eighteen B riders met at Caterham Day Centre on a lovely sunny morning. My group left at 11.00am making our first stop at Kenley Aerodrome.

Then onto Biggin hill where “The Hills were alive with the sound of ☹️☹️☹️☹️”.

We decided not to visit the Biggin Hill Aerodrome as planned because we were running late, due to muddy conditions in Norheads Lane!

Something for everyone today, from mountainous hills to mud

View of Mordor from a high point in Norheads Lane

Also we had to skip the visit to the Windmill but we eventually made it to the Addington Hills view point, which was so clear today.

On to lunch at the Coombe Lodge Beefeater. The service and food was good and we enjoyed our lunch in their spacious garden.

After lunch we continued to Croydon Aerodrome where we took in the sights of the RAF memorial and the Airport buildings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The ride continued to Beddington Park and on to the Cycle path to Mitchum Junction.

We then followed the River Wandle to Merton Abbey Mills for late afternoon tea, there we met up with Francis who has not been able to ride his bike for several weeks due to his damaged knee, we wish home a speedy recovery.

Thanks to Alan and John for leading and Tim for being our back marker.

Tony

Happy 87th birthday to Grant🎂 (Sunday)

Alan writes:

A warm and sunny start set up a beautiful day of cycling between Caterham and Merton Abbey Mills, on a varied route which included visits to Kenley, Biggin Hill and Croydon Airfields; plus stops at Shirley Windmill and beautifully clear views across the Shirley Hills along the way.

On a short, but hilly route, the ride included a mix of relaxed cycling in quiet residential roads, along peaceful country lanes, past village greens, plus some exhilarating descents, views across open countryside and the chance to take on some challenging hills. It also provided the opportunity to see some light commercial aircraft and understand a bit of local WW2 history.

We were the second group to leave The Westway Community Centre with six riders, out of a total eighteen riders who had registered for the day’s ride.

In anticipation of a good day out on our bikes, we followed an enjoyable route through Caterham up to Kenley Aerodrome stopping at the RAF Kenley Tribute Memorial on the Airfield site. The memorial commemorates those who served at Kenley between 1917 and 1959, and although Kenley is not an operational base of the RAF anymore, it continues to train future pilots using gliders.

After leaving the Airfield, we continued along Hayes Lane and Valley Road, riding an enjoyable mix quiet residential roads and shaded descents to Whyteleafe and then to Warlingham. In warm sunshine we then comfortably rode the first hill of the day, a long and steady climb up towards Warlingham Green. An ideal warm-up for other hills to come.

After a short break at the top, we cycled onto Warlingham Green (past the inviting pubs), joining Farleigh Road on an undulating route past Chelsham Common. We then continued onto Church Road, riding through quiet country lanes towards Biggin Hill.

In good spirits and getting into our stride, we sped down Beddlestead Lane, stopping briefly at the bottom for a photoshoot and look back over the rolling hills of the countryside behind. We then continued up the “Col Du Skelly” (a 1.9-mile-long incline), before going off-road onto Norheads Lane, an unsurfaced track.

This was probably the most picturesque section of the route with open views across the cornfields towards Biggin Hill plus a bright blue sky and a dense ring of trees in the background. A welcome chance to be off the main roads. After a short walk over loose gravel and stones, we took a few moments to absorb the landscape and then began to ride the rest of the track.

By the marker post for the 'Col du Skelly'

However, we soon found our way blocked by a pool of muddy rainwater covering the width of the track, surrounded by mud and stinging nettles on each side. Sabina bravely tested the depth of the water by cycling across to the other side, and almost made it all the way through! Unfortunately, her wheels got stuck in the mud. The rest of us elected for dry feet and sore legs by carrying our bikes around the muddy pool, through the stinging nettles growing on each side.

Now back on tarmac, we coasted down through the quiet residential roads of Biggin Hill before climbing steeply upwards on two consecutive hills towards Biggin Hill Airfield, the second airport on the route. A combination of steep gradient, uneven road surface and numerous potholes made these difficult hills to climb, and everyone set their own pace to get to the top. We then rode together to the Airport Café which had a good view of the airport runway. As we chatted and watched a small commercial aircraft taking off, Colin and Martin mentioned they had previously been pilots (of gliders) themselves! We had a brief photo stop at the Strongest Link Garden and Statue (a garden and statue to honour the role of Biggin Hill Airfield as the “Strongest Link” in the Battle of Britain).

After leaving Biggin Hill Airfield, we then set off to complete the last section of the ride before lunch, going out of the airport and down the very steep descent of Saltbox Hill; followed immediately by a steep ascent of Jewels Hill. This was arguably the most stretching part of the route with a gradient of 15% on an uneven road. A test of energy and determination. We all made it to the top and regrouped before turning onto Skid Hill Lane and riding past the White Bear Pub in Fickleshole, a 16th Century Inn now being repaired and renovated.

Shirley Windmill

With most of the hills completed, we cruised downhill past Addington Golf Course, through Forestdale and took the Cycle Path beside Gravel Hill to Shirley Windmill. We then climbed back up Shirley Hills Road before going to the Viewpoint overlooking Shirley Hills - with clear skies and some beautiful views across South London and beyond. We then rode beside the tram line down to the Coombe Lodge Pub and Restaurant joining the other two groups of riders in the garden for lunch.

After lunch, we avoided a potentially muddy track along Conduit Lane, by turning left out of the restaurant and rode down through the streets of South Croydon to the Croydon Airport Visitors Centre (complete with Aircraft outside), stopping to visit the Croydon Aerodrome Battle of Britain Memorial beside the busy Purley Way. We then followed a short route out of Croydon through the side roads of Wallington to Beddington Park.

Colin, Martin and Ken decided to make for home at Beddington Park to make their way back to Epsom and Cobham. The remainder of the group followed a quiet route through Beddington Park, along the River Wandle and into Morden Hall Park. We finished the ride by following the new route across the tramline and beside Dean City Farm to Merton Abbey Mills where we met the other groups for Tea.

Thanks to Ken, Colin, Martin, Bernard and Sabina for a great day of cycling. Thanks also to Colin for being backmarker and to Tony for planning the ride. An enjoyable day on a challenging route.

~ Alan

Invitation to 'A' ride Weds 16th August Guildford - Bentley

The highlights of this ride in my view are the mostly 'new-to-us ' sections especially on the North Hants Downs with wonderful views of the wheat fields and gently rolling chalk hills. Today (Friday) four of us reccied the route, I made a small revision to go more directly to Bentley for lunch at the Star pub. 

The start point is the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, their cafe is open from 10am. 

We 'bite the bullet' early . .ascending the Mount, this is tough, but its over in a few minutes. Then with the elevation gained there is an easy ride mostly on the N22 bridleways to Puttenham, then a lovely few more miles of the N22 on road. Then we have some new sections to Farnham, and the road to Crondall and then over 3 miles of the superb and quiet Itchel Lane. 

After 23.6 miles we are at the Star at Bentley.  

The Star does wraps for £7.95 incl fries(!), and a good range of other meals. See pub info here.  [ No pre-ordering needed - they seem a competent no-nonsense operation ].

After lunch the return is 18.9 miles, through Alice Holt forest, and some sections new to most of us. 

The planned finish point is the Open Grounds Cafe, a fine spacious cafe overlooking the river  opposite the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. 

Garmin gives the total ride as  42.5 miles, with  2,201 ft  climbing. 
This ride works with train assist (if you want), you can take the train back, or ride back.  
Here is a brief indication of some of the direct trains.. 
Wimbledon to GLD, bikes allowed, no pre-booking needed ..   
     dep  8:49   ( via Surbiton dep 8:57)  arr GLD 9:39 

     dep  9:10   ( via Epsom dep 9:28 )   arr GLD 10:02 
The weather forecast is for a proper summer day. 

Our departure times from the theatre are likely to be between 10:30 and 10:50.  

Please email me by Monday 6pm to get on the ride list  AND please say if you can make a 10:30 start, or only a later one (thanks)..  neilwarland43@gmail.com   

Report for Easy Riders - 9th August

Quite a contrast weather-wise compared with a week ago and that was reflected in our numbers with 15 setting out from Teddington.

New arrangements for elevenses at Elleray Hall worked smoothly under the efficient management of Jill and her colleagues. Two-for-£1 sausage rolls or cakes sold like – well, hot cakes of course! We could not be accommodated in the main hall but it was hardly a penance to have our refreshments in the sunny garden.

It was good to see Bernard Power again, albeit not on his bike. Evidently, he is making a steady recovery from the serious knee injury he suffered in April and hopes to be back in the saddle in about six weeks.

Our route took us along Waldegrave Road (which has at least two famous former residents commemorated by a blue plaque: Edward Whymper, first person to climb the Matterhorn, and actor-composer-playwright – etc, etc  - Noel Coward) to Strawberry Hill, Twickenham, St Margarets and Syon Park. Osterley Lane was a relief from the traffic crossing the Great West Road before the din of the M4 took over.

There was a slight delay when Karen Cochrane was brought to a halt by a puncture. No matter, help was at hand in the shape of Ed Sharp, who demonstrated that there really is no substitute for experience, and John Connaughton. Following John’s flat last week, fingers are firmly crossed we don’t give credence to the suspicion that such happenings go in threes.

It was a shock to see a thick blanket of algae above the locks on the Grand Union Canal. The smooth green surface was broken only by discarded plastic bottles and various other waste.

As before on this ride, we enjoyed a good lunch at The Fox at Hanworth.

Works on the towpath approaching Brentford necessitated, in the first instance, a small diversion on to the road and, in the second, transferring to a temporary platform with squashy rubber matting on ramps which were tricky to negotiate. We made our way towards home via Kew Bridge, the Thames Path and Richmond Park.

~ Frank C

Norwesters Ride to the Rocket at Putney, 9th August 2023

 We were greeted with some first-class cycling weather on Wednesday, blue skies, and no wind. We met at the Pheasantry in Bushy Park and after a coffee we set off to Richmond Park via Kingston. This was a detour from our planned route, having been advised by a local cyclist to avoid Ham Gate where repairs were in progress following a traffic accident. On exiting from Sheen Gate, we took an immediate left and made our way across the A316 Lower Richmond Road at Mortlake and on to Kew Bridge. Here we cycled across on the left-hand side using a shared footpath and turned down Thames Road which runs parallel with the Thames. This was delightful with very little traffic about. On to the traffic lights at Great Chertsey Road where we crossed into Dan Mason Road and stopped for a group photo with a sculpture of a heron’s nest. Then followed some gentle cycling, along the river where possible, to Putney Bridge, that we crossed and then took a quick left into The Rocket pub.

Cobbler's Walk Memorial (Bushy Park)

The group at Promenade complete with herons

The staff were very friendly and helpful with a quick service and good food.

After lunch we set off travelling east along the river going through Wandsworth Park. At the end of the park, we turned right, making our way back to Richmond Park following roads that run parallel to Upper Richmond Road, and then turned left to find an off-road track behind Granard Primary School and onto Putney Heath. We crossed Kingston Road and entered Wimbledon Common. At the end of the common we followed the road down towards the A3 and joined Combe Lane.  The road then led us across the A3 and after a climb up the top of the hill, we turned right into a private housing estate that took to Richmond Park. On entering the park, I discovered that I had left my rucksack back at the pub so after a quick debate it was decided that I would return to the pub, Pam and Gill would ride home and Paula, Jane, Julie, Arwyn and Carolyn rode with me as far as the café at Roehampton Gate, where the Easy Riders were spotted leaving. 

Thank you Arwyn for back making and being official photographer for the day.

John Conacher - funeral details

John's son Richard sent details of the funeral.  John's cycling friends are most welcome, and the family are very happy for you to wear cycling clothes!

Just to let you know that Dads funeral is at Randall’s Park Crematorium, Randalls Road, Leatherhead KT22 OAG

at 12.30 on Wednesday 30th August. 

Caterham Community and Wellbeing Centre - Short Changed!

 I hope you all enjoyed your rides today - in a rare warm and sunny day! The Westway Community and Wellbeing Centre made us very welcome again with refreshments for elevenses. Unfortunately there's a bit of a sting in the tail. Having all been gently reminded by Dave Ferrett to bring change for a contribution for the collection tub, it turned out that our contributions were barely enough to cover the Centre's costs. All rather embarrassing!

I'd advised the manager, Tony Pearce, on Tues., that 35 riders were expected, and so they bought-in enough pastries and cakes. Just as I was leaving, Tony politely said the collection tub contained less than £34 - clearly not enough! 

I'm aware that not everyone had a tea/coffee/pastry, and also aware that some contributed very generously. However in order to avoid this happening again I am suggesting that everyone makes a minimum contribution of £2 so that the Centre isn't out of pocket. Still a lot cheaper that any cafe! (If you weren't aware the Centre isn't run by the local authority. After being forced to close due to lack of funds post-Covid, it relies heavily on voluntary donations and some voluntary staff, and clearly has to make ends-meet).

Nearer the time of our next visit ride leaders should remind riders of this suggestion. I'm sure you all appreciate the hospitality we receive, and the facilities the Centre provides - not least the lovely garden.  It would be a shame to loose this gem.

Thanks for your support. 

 

New Ride Leaders - Suggestions for Planning or Choosing Routes

 Recent responses from Wayfarers to lead rides has been rather lukewarm - particularly from the A group. If you haven't led, or uncertain about how to plan a ride, help is at hand. The Committee has just signed-off a comprehensive Guidance Note 'Planning Wayfarers Rides - Suggestions on Planning or Choosing a Route for New Ride Leaders'. You can also find this on the Information Hub on the web site.

The Note begins with advice on being registered as a ride leader, and guidance from Cycling UK on the role and responsibilities as a leader. Planning a ride with, or without GPS, is covered, together with links to different navigational devices and systems.

The Note then summarises some eleven Ideas on planning a route - applicable for new and experienced leaders alike. These Ideas include where to find and copy existing routes from club sources, together with suggestions on how to vary a route. Using pub or tea stops for route planning is mentioned, as well as basing rides on familiar routes. Rides with a particular theme is suggested. Following other riders GPS downloads, or published GPS routes, is another idea.

As well as finding routes from within the club, it suggests other local cycling clubs are a good source of information on routes to follow. In addition, reference is made to the extensive range of both printed and electronic routes, including from CUK, other cycling organisations, councils and bodies. Finally the Note mades reference to a host of 'Event' routes that your route could be based on. 

I hope this Note will inspire you to lead rides. Please contact me if there's anything unclear in these suggestions or if you spot something that isn't quite right.

Thanks.

Invitation to B ride on 9th August

This Wednesday's ride from Caterham takes us to lunch at the Coombe Lodge Beefeater (near Croydon) and on to Merton Abbey Mills for tea, about 33 miles. There will be some off road and hills.

We plan to visit three Aerodromes, a Windmill and follow a river !!

This is our intended route:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43865422

Please sign up by Monday evening;

Let me know by email or private WhatsApp ( 07856 699 521 )

Regards

Tony

 

Invitation: A ride from Caterham Aug 9th

Wednesday's A ride from the Westway Centre will be to lunch at Lingfield and tea in Brockham. Just under 40 miles. 

By Caterham standards this is not a hilly ride with only two significant hills - though some might think Gangers Lane counts double. We initially head east towards Westerham and then turn south using lanes last referred to in the blog in 2012. After the Greensand ridge at Limpsfield Chart there are no significant hills. All is on road even though one section is signed as a bridleway.

Lunch will be at The Star Inn as our old favourite, the Greyhound, no longer has a chef. I was told that provided we arrived in our usual sized groups we didn't need to pre-order. For information the menu is in the link below - the range of sandwiches is limited but note that you can add soup or fries for £2.

The Star Inn - menu

Please book your place by 5pm on Monday evening. Thanks.

My email 

Report for the Easy Riders - 2nd August

The pessimistic weather forecast was uppermost in our minds setting out. So a pleasant surprise that seven gathered at North Cheam. Another surprise within a few miles was that we encountered John Bellamy. Sadly, he left us before Claygate – he wanted to continue but his knees didn’t! Get well soon, John.

We were joined by Ed Sharp and Ray Wren at the RBL. With the skies continuing to look threatening, the consensus was that lunch should be somewhere on the return route. Unfortunately this would have entailed a significant detour for Pam, Gill and Liz who might otherwise have joined us. They chose to do their own thing and ended up at The Bridge in Chertsey.

Leaving Cobham, we were hastened on our way by a bellowing dog-walker – his might have been the voice of encouragement but the tone suggested a less sympathetic opinion of cyclists! No time to respond anyway.

We headed through Downside, the Chasemore Farm complex (best known for breeding thoroughbred racehorses but also a sheep and rare-breed pig farm according to their website) and on to Bookham Common. The paths were in good shape despite the recent rain.

John Connaughton was brought to a stop by a puncture approaching Bookham. He and his wife Anne generously urged the rest of us to go on ahead.

Pressing on via Leatherhead and Ashtead Common, the group arrived – thankfully still dry - at the Jolly Coopers at Stamford Green. John and Anne weren’t so lucky as it was raining steadily by the time they arrived.

(That’s two weeks running we’ve lunched at the Jolly Coopers, though last week it was at Hampton of course.)

The rain set in while we were being fed and watered. It wasn’t as heavy as the satellite images predicted but all, individually, took the shortest route home.

Frank

Report for B Group - 2nd August

Despite the unpleasant weather forecast, 19 of us set off from Cobham on a route fairly loaded with off road sections in the morning, to the climb up Box Hill for lunch in Headley. Fortunately it was before the very heavy rain so the conditions weren’t too wet or muddy.

Here’s Paula’s report. Well done for your first sub-lead Paula, with an extra challenge of the weather!

A small group of 6 left Cobham a little bit earlier than planned to try and get ahead of the rain, Paula leading for her first ever sublead (EEK) and John A kindly back marking. Meandering across Bookham common through Fetcham to Bockets and down the lane with the deadly speed bumps, we made it up Box Hill with not too much puffing and onto Headley and the Cock Inn without getting wet! After an initial todo when the pub said they weren't expecting us and hadn't received our pre-order, the barman pulled out the stops, took our orders and food was delivered in record time. We ate massive fish finger sandwiches and sticky toffee pudding and wondered when the rain would start. We didn't have to wonder for long! Stephen had already departed before lunch and John made his own way home the short flat way, which left 3 hardy girls to battle the horribleness to Leatherhead and back to tea at Hampton Court. Jane left us at Esher and Julie and I enjoyed tea and cookies at the tea stop. Our prize goes to Julie who came all the way to tea at Hampton Court, only to go back the other way to Nonsuch - well done everyone - hope you enjoyed a hot shower!

Sue’s report

With a prompt getaway, 6 of us departed Cobham in spitting rain to cycle Gill’s lovely route up to Norbury Park and then on enjoy the delights of Box Hill before lunch. Could we get to The Cock Inn before the rain proper arrived? That was the question…

Grant and Ian decided they would join us for a few miles before peeling off for home and as always Ian had some interesting facts to offer about the area. He persuaded me into a quick off-route detour to view an old mill pond and the background to the extensive stud farm near Cobham Services, owned by the millionaire who started Betfair apparently. Who says gambling doesn’t pay…
 
At the top of Norbury Hill, after stopping for a quick drink, this  errant leader took the wrong track off the hill and had to dog-leg back down the A24 cycle track to Westhumble. No one seemed to notice though or they were too polite to say!
 
The Wayfarers were the only hardy cyclists out on Box Hill, perhaps it was too wet for the lycra brigade. On to lunch at Headley as the rain drew in and we were shown into a private room to eat at The Cock Inn - perhaps the staff were worried that our dishevelled appearance might scare their regulars.  
 
Mags and Tim G headed straight for home after lunch and with my diminished group of Mick and Chris, we made our way back to Thames Ditton where we parted ways.
 
Many thanks to all group members for your company and Tim G for back marking. Despite the weather, I think we made the best of it!
 
Gill’s report

My group of Paul, Maggie, Tim C, Anne, Colin and Graham were last off and warmed up nicely with the undulations up to and across Norbury Park, for the big climb up Box Hill. It was then a race to reach the pub while still relatively dry.

The heavens really opened just as our group arrived at The Cock Inn. The other groups looked nicely settled in the warm and dry. The food was tasty and quickly served (though clearly their in-house communication needs improvement!)

There was much discussion about afternoon plans but decisions were quickly made when we stepped back outside into heavy rain. Colin had left before lunch and the rest decided to head straight home. Graham and I continued to follow the route and by the time we reached Cobham again the sun was shining!  Enticed by this only one continued to tea, as Graham sensibly headed home. In a very short time it was raining heavily again but after a reviving, if lonely (just missed Julie and Paula), tea and cake in Hampton Court I eventually made it, dripping wet, home.

Thanks to everyone for starting out in what was expected to be a very unpleasant day, but turned out to be a rather enjoyable one. Thanks especially to my two sub-leaders, Colin and all the back markers!

~ Gill H

XO bikes

Anyone considering an economy/previously used addition to their bike collection might like to consider XO bikes (Ex Offenders) a business established by the Upwards & Onwards rehabilitation charity.  They've recently opened a pop up store in the Southside Centre, Wandsworth through to end September.  More details in this link; 

XO Bikes opens pop-up workshop and store in Wandsworth - Community - BikeBiz

Wet and windy A group ride to Okewood Hill 2 Aug

For days, the forecast had been showing a likely wet and windy day for our ride. Nevertheless there were 18 foolhardy enough to sign up a couple of days before.By Wednesday morning however, the prospect of a more than 95% chance of heavy rain and the potential for thunderstorms reduced the total number down to 12, all hoping one day to be as hardy as the ‘easy-hardy’ riders. All we now needed to do to be as tough as them was to cycle in these conditions with temperatures around zero and we’d be there.

Clive’s group was away first and here’s his report.

My group was all but obliterated by riders thinking better of the dire weather forecast and deciding to pursue other, more dry activities. Only me and Dave W were left, so it was decided by our leader (Janice) to go from three down to two groups (‘medium’ and ‘medium +’) and to get going, as soon as we were ready, to try and get to lunch before the rain. So, the following set off from Cobham in to the unknown: Sue C, Dave’s C, F & W, Andy C and Pete B. 

We were first off but were soon overtaken on Ockham Lane by the other group, led by Janice. But no matter what they tried, they were unable to drop us and we regained the lead again at the bottom of Coombe Lane where they had stopped, exhausted, to catch their breath. However, as they were the so called ‘medium + group’ we thought we had better let them establish a gap, so we stopped for a photoshoot at the ford across the Tillingbourne in Shere.

By the ford 

Andy C, Sue C, Dave F, Dave W, Pete B and Dave C with sunflowers

After the photo stop, we pressed on along the Surrey lanes through Little London and Farley Green and on to Cranleigh and Ewhurst. We are so lucky to have the Surrey Hills and surrounding areas on our doorstep, which were looking picturesque even in the gloomy weather.

We were certainly lucky with the weather and dodged most of the showers, just catching a couple of light ones, but things started to turn worse as we reached Wallis Wood near our planned lunch stop. We sprinted the final stretch to thePunchbowl and got inside just before the heavier rain hit.

The Punchbowl is a lovely pub and the food was excellent. I had a really good ham and cheese omelette (I regret not taking a photo of it that I could post on the blog) and the baguettes and sandwiches looked good too.

During lunch the rain started to fall quite heavily and some of my group (me included) decided we would catch the train home from Ockley. On the way to the station, on Weare Street, the road was blocked by some dangerous looking wild animals. We had to wait patiently until it was safe to proceed.

Wild animals ‘on the loose’ (in the foreground)

At Ockley station, Andy and Dave C showed true British grit and determination by shunning the train while the rest of us headed up to buy our tickets.

Thanks to my group for their great company and to Janice for organising the ride and managing all the last minute, weather induced changes.

My group of Ged, Steve D, Patrick, Brian and myself left a couple of minutes after Clive leaving us with a dilemma soon after. We were travelling a fraction of a mph faster. Should we sit behind or overtake? Foolishly we overtook, a red tag to a bull it seems as as we were soon hunted down. 

Fortunately, by Shere Clive’s group stopped to play in the ford and take photos leaving us with a clear road, a massive headwind and a mostly dry ride to lunch - apart from the 3 or 4 occasions when we decided to stop to put rain jackets on (which of course meant 3 or 4 occasions that we needed to stop to take them off again). 

But on balance, the ride to lunch was pleasant and we arrived almost in sunshine so took the opportunity for the traditional photo. Note the lack of rain jackets!

Lunch was good and we watched the rain start and then worsen as we ate. The forecast predicted thunderstorms to start at 4 so we didn’t hang around and quickly set off towards home. It rained fairly consistently but at least it wasn’t cold and as a bonus, at least twice for a few yards the headwind turned into a tailwind. We took a couple of shortcuts but we’re enjoying the day so much we then decided to head over Box Hill rather than via the A24 cycle path….

Thanks to all who rode today for your good humoured company and especially for my group accompanying me on my LEJOG training (a wet windy ride was recommended and as many hills as possible, so it was good of my group to follow me up Box). I’m not sure I would have done it if I wasn’t leading with LEJOG coming up!

Thanks Clive for sub leading. 

John Conacher has died

Lynda Barrow received the news that John Conacher passed away on Saturday, 29 July.   John, who lived in Banstead, had been in the Merchant Navy for many years and rode with the Easy Riders until around 2016.   His wife became poorly and they both moved into a retirement home, the Royal Alfred Seafarers Society in Woodmansterne in 2019.   His wife passed away shortly after they moved there, and he continued to keep in touch with the Wayfarers through the blog and Sou'Wester Shorts.

Lynda visited John, together with Rob and Ruth Maskell, in 2020, when this photo was taken. 

John's son Richard says

Cycling was a big part of Dads later life. I suppose it really began when following his work in the Merchant Navy and then later as a cargo surveyor he began to work for Legal and General in Kingswood. This would be 1985 or 1986. Living in Banstead he decided that cycling the few miles would be his best bet and I think it was at this point that he bought his first bike (other than his childhood bikes of course). 

Cycling to and from work along a mainly rural route started and finished his working day just right! 

I’m not sure when he joined the Wayfarers but as William said he told us all about the rides and we were amazed at how far he was going.  I did join Dad for one Wayfarers ride although I can’t recall the details. Reading through the blog has given me a lot of pleasure as it’s a great record of several days out that were clearly one of the highlights of that particular week for Dad. 

Dad continued to cycle till almost the end, as William says he switched to an electric bike a couple of years ago as the hills were too much for a gentleman of his age and suitably powered up he continued to ride up to Epsom Downs till maybe a year ago. 

I know Dad was very fond of the Wayfarers and he asked me in particular just a few days ago to get in touch with Lynda upon his passing. 

We will be in touch shortly with funeral arrangements. 

Rest in peace, John, and thanks for your company.