Back Across The Pyrenees

Like all my high mountain rides, this one came from winter dreaming.  In the grey days of February I was casting around for something suitable when I chanced upon a tour called the 'Pro Strength' Coast to Coast, offered by a company called Pyractif.  The route is from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean taking in many classic cols linked by decent road mileages.  Not as hard as last summer's Raid Dolomites, but a good ride nonetheless.  Internet reviews were good, and for me it had the advantage of being an entirely commercial offering.  So if I were to get a bit lazy and hitch a lift in the van on a hot day then I wouldn't be disqualified, as you would be on a proper Raid.  An exchange of emails, a deposit paid and the deed was done.

A week ago I flew to Toulouse where I met Henk, Sam and Craig, three of my fellow riders. We were picked up by Helen in one of the support minibuses and taken to Pyractif's base at Bertren.  We assembled our bikes, picked up Peter, another member of the support team, and drove to Biarritz.  Here we met Chris, the ride leader, and the rest of the party.  Substantially British, but with Australian, Canadian, Dutch and New Zealand riders, there were seventeen of us.  The rest of them looked unreasonably fit, and unreasonably young too.  All were experienced mountain riders and all had ridden in the Pyrenees before.  Hard ride coming.

Next morning we set off to the seaside for a departure snap, then the ride began; 103 miles and about 9000 feet of climbing on the first day; more to come as we hit our stride.  In all I clocked about 450 miles and 48,000 feet of climbing before we arrived at the Mediterranean on Friday morning.  We did most of the classic cols - Marie Blanque, Aubisque, the Tourmalet-Aspin-Peyresourde 'Circle of Death', Portet d'Aspet, Port de Pailheres and plenty of others.  A very good ride, and good weather too.  We had a bit of drizzle for a couple of hours on Wednesday morning, but otherwise it was a blue sky ride, which is a blessing in the Pyrenees.

Support arrangements were good, as I have come to expect on these trips.  Two vans, mechanical support, a lead rider on many of the passes and convenient and enjoyable alfresco lunches.  Decent enough hotels - truth to tell, there's not that much choice if you're crossing the Pyrenees.  If you run a hotel that's good for cyclists you'll have plenty of custom in the summer season, and I've stayed in several of them before.  They know their business.

My riding companions were a great bunch and touchingly considerate of an old man; I had a great time. There were some very fancy bikes, but few problems.  One set of carbon rims repeatedly caused punctures - mainly heat blow-outs on the descents - but another pair (Zipp 404) were trouble free.  There were a number of sets of electronic gears, Campag and Shimano, no problems with them, and most people were running 11 speed.  All frames carbon, all light builds.  I took my Condor and all I had to do was wash it.  Great bike.

So, if you're looking for a hard ride in the mountains that's a little out of the ordinary, give this one a shot.  You won't be disappointed.

Mark

B Ride Wednesday 27 August 2014

Our leader ...

 

... took us ...

... to ...

B Group - 27th August (map)

This map shows the clockwise route from Weybridge to Castle Green (12.6 miles) then to Shepperton Lock after lunch (10.7 miles.

Thanks to David and Ray for collecting the GPS data.

Golden Beeches 2014, Weekend 18th to 19th October

CTC South Bucks invite you to our Golden Beeches 2014

A weekend event based at Great Kingshill, Bucks (SU 876979)

All cyclists welcome . . .

.    Good venue, new routes, old favourites - cross your fingers for the weather
.    Choice of rides each day, meals at hall 
·    Saturday evening – Music & dance with Lou’s Sextet
·    Indoor and outdoor camping at Speen (3½ miles away)

·    (enquiries: e-mail )
Contact John Capell (01494 863679)  

B Ride - 3rd September 2014

Please note that my ride from Cobham will be to the newly refurbished "Park Hatch" (formerly The Little Hatch) in Cranley.

As this is a fairly long summer ride, a prompt departure will be necessary, ie 11:15.

See you next Wednesday,
Frank H.

A Group, 27 August

Weybridge - Dorney - Nutty Lane

A full house!

Contentment.

When the day of toil is done,
When the Friends Prov race is run,
Father, grant Thy wearied one
Rest forevermore.

A ride 28/08/14

Overstuffed with birthday cake and propelled by a very helpful breeze, fourteen As set out from Weybridge. After Trumps Green and Wentworth we approached Callow Hill (the only hill of the day) from the south-west. This is a lot easier thanks to recent resurfacing. In Englefield Green we detoured to the Sun before descending Crimp Hill into Old Windsor where the call was made. A late change of mind saw us heading into Datchet just as the level crossing was reopening. As Eton College's Chapel hoved into view, coming up the road, head down, was a familiar figure - John B. We never heard the full story but it starts : late to 11s... So fourteen became fifteen. All that remained was a ride over the seemingly windless Eton Wick to The Pineapple, Dorney.

Somehow we were not recognised as cyclists and dined alfresco rather than at a table reserved for us!  Recent rains had washed most but not all offroad thoughts from my mind but the Jubilee River is irresistible, but sticky in parts so apologies to those now cleaning their bikes. At the far end we turned left (rather than the usual right or straight on) and the B376 led us back to Datchet. As we past some of Horton's residents was exercising their livestock. The rest was the obvious - Poyle, Stanwell Moor, Ashford. More resurfacing saw us on the pavement before the A308 with tea at Nutty Lane. A modest 55 miles for me.

Easy Riders 27 August

11 left Weybridge D.C. to cycle to Hampton  “The Bell”.   We turned left from D.C. to roundabout then immediately left down Church Road leading to Hanger Hill, Princes Road, Oatlands Avenue to Rydens Road, Sidney Road to A3050 and on to the towpath where we made our way to Hampton Court Bridge. There 5 jumped ship assuring me it wasn’t anything personal!! to make their way home while the rest continued to Hampton.   After lunch the rest of us wound our ways to our respective homes.  Thanks everyone for a nice day.

 Irene  

B Group Report - 27th August

After enjoying Irene's birthday cake at elevenses, a select group of twelve set off for lunch at The Castle Grove pub at Castle Green.  It was good to have John Gould back on his bike and later at lunchtime we were joined by John Bellamy and Peter Carpenter, still on the sick list but hoping to be back cycling very soon.  Our route was through Brooklands to Byfleet village, then off-road along Murray's Lane to the Wey Navigation and then Dodd's Lane which brought us out into West Byfleet.  Continuing westwards through Pyrford to Maybury, we headed north to join the Basingstoke Canal at Monument Bridge.  Coming off at Parley Drive, we were able to follow signs which took us to Goldsworth Park where we cycled round the lake to the main car park.  Then came a series of twists and turns ending in a housing area at Littlewick, opposite Barrs Lane.  From here it was a straightforward ride across to and up Chobham Road to the pub.

Our orders were handled quickly and there was plenty of time for chatting before we left for the homeward trip at 2.00 p.m.  Continuing northwards through Chobham, we turned off at Red Lion Road and followed the familiar route of Gracious Pond Road, Stonehill, through Homewood Park to St Peter's, Addlestone, Chertsey Meads and so to Shepperton Lock where all 12 of us stopped for tea or ice creams before heading off to our respective homes.  Thanks to Pam for being back-marker.

Gill Finlay

Easyriders - Wednesday 20th August

Easyriders - Wednesday 20th August

A lovely day out.  Arrived at Ashtead to see half a dozen loiterers on the benches facing the green.  Fuzz, Ron, Don, John David A. and Mark. The church cafe was closed for redecoration.  Unperturbed we cycled onto the day centre at Leatherhead where despite out unannounced arrival there were cakes and scones sufficient for all.  A lovely route past the leisure centre, following the Mole along the cycle path, Pixham Lane and golf course path to Brockham for lunch in the garden.   A few helped themselves from a basket of huge Bramley apples on offer to anyone who wanted them.  Return by similar route to Longmeads Centre for tea - again in their garden.   Welcome back to John Gould, made very warmly welcome in the hope he will take advantage of Lynda's convalescence and lead a few easyriders.  Best wishes to Lynda,  Happy Birthday to Irene.  Love to one and all.  Steph.

On Thursday (28/8) one of us has a significant birthday and there'll be a cake at Weybridge Day Centre tomorrow.

The day centre has kindly agreed to store it overnight and I'll there bright and early (makes a change). It's larger than I anticipated! so fit your best set of teeth and join in the celebration.

Roger Mitchell's funeral

Mark Roy tells me Roger's funeral will be at Kingston Crematorium at 10.30 on Thursday 4 September.

Terry

A Group 20 August

Petworth

Neil, don't forget your cycling specs!

A group 20 August

Once again the rain gods were on our side and 12 departed the Yvonne Arnaud Guildford in sunny but chilly conditions - an early autumnal feel in the air.

Out along the A281 through Shalford and left along Fox Burrow Hill Road, and Munstead Heath, past Busbridge Lakes and along to Hambledon, thence a welcome rural ride on quite roads in excellent conditions, twiddling our way to the A272, then a couple of miles to Petworth and Lunch at the Stonemasons Arms. A scant few drops of rain as we arrived had us inside rather than in the garden.

Well watered (!) and fed, homeward via Balls Cross, Kirdford and  Plaistow, then west of Dunsfold to rejoin the morning's route in reverse at Hambledon. A pause at Munstead Wood while Hans and Jeff backtracked with chain tool to a stranded Brian. Chain repaired a final few miles saw us back at the Yvonne Arnaud for coffee and cake.

48 miles
3000 feet climbed
12.6mph rolling average
Great weather
Great company
Great day out on the bike

Paul Kelly

B group 20 August

                               After lunch at The Barley Mow (photo by Neil)

                                      Enjoying tea at Farncombe Boathouse

                                                      Shy(?) lady

After a train trip (for some) followed by very pleasant 11s at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre at Guildford we nineteen Bs used mostly cycle tracks to Farncombe. Then onto roads, which, out in the country, proved much less busy than we're used to consequently the surfaces generally were much better. We also noted several stretches of recent resurfacing - no, 'the races' didn't come this way.

Soon we passed Charterhouse school en route to Hurtmore and Shackleford. Lombard Street and Seale Road were even quieter before we briefly joined the B3001. Whitmead Lane next, narrow and with an interesting steep downhill stretch incorporating a tightish hairpin. It was then just a short, easy run to The Barley Mow at Tilford. Only thirteen miles but including a few undulations meant appetites were healthy and were well satisfied.

After lunch we headed south on the Tilford Road, eventually turning east on to Thursley Road and this afternoon's off-road stretch (Woolfords Lane) which, having 'overshot' we didn't get shot as promised on the MOD sign. Rejoining Thursley Road we were soon passing through Elstead then via Norney, Hurtmore (again), a quickish descent of Frith Hill to Godalming outskirts leading to waterside 3s at Farncombe Boathouse.

Having backmarked all day (thanks) Pam then led some to Guildford - unfortunately I had to return home sharpish so left to catch my return train from Shalford.

A very pleasant day's cycling on unfamiliar, well surfaced, tree-lined roads with good company - thanks all.

Terry

Map for Terry's ride from Guildford

A Group 20th August

Fine roads, fine views and little traffic for Paul's 'train assist' today. 47.9 miles from elevenses to tea, both at Guildford.  Lunch was at the Stonemason's Inn Petworth, where we were welcomed and well fed.  Rolling average 13.1mph, 3,037 feet of ascent.

One of the great rides of the Summer.

Mark

Getting to Guildford Weds 20th

For those who are new or didn't come to Guildford last year a few notes about getting there.

Firstly, don't go to North Cheam!! We are not meeting there so you need to take a train or ride to Guildford.

For those less familiar with trains outside London there are two things worth noting. Firstly that tickets are cheaper and railcards can be used after 9.30 which should still allow most to reach Guildford by 1030. Also returns are often less than 50p more expensive than singles. Last year some bought single tickets because they were unsure where they would return from but this was a false economy.  My understanding is that both A and B rides will allow a return fom Guildford.

The Yvonne Arnaud theatre is on Millbrook ( the A281 to Shalford). When arriving at Guildford station  those who dont want to dice with the one way system should take the pedestrian/cycle subway towards the town centre under the main road. From the Riverside car park it is possible to either cross the river and cycle along Millbank or continue along Millmead to the footbridge leading to the theatre.

B ride August 20

'One I took earlier' of B group lunch venue - en route there will be a little off-road and some hills requiring low gears - you have been warned. See you at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford.

Terry

Roger Mitchell

Sadly I have to report Roger passed away last Thursday. Funeral details will be published when known.

Terry