The Feathers, Merstham

B Group - 21st November

Starting at Leatherhead we made our way to Mickleham church to view the grave of an Edwardian pilot, Graham Gilmour (one of the first to be killed in an aviation crash). From there we cycled on to Headley, Walton on the Hill, Tadworth and through some private and very exclusive parts of Kingswood, (nice to see how the other half live).

We then made our way to Farthing downs via Chipstead high road and a couple of steep footpaths the latter path being littered with cow pats.
 
Then it was on to Chaldon church to view the 12th century mural, but sadly the church was locked up. So it was on to the Feathers PH for a scrummy lunch, albeit about one hour late. The staff did a grand job for us considering the chef was about vacate. Hats off to them.
 
Afternoon tea at Headley was abandoned due to late running.
 
This was my first time at leading a Wayfarer ride, and I do hope you all enjoyed it.

Kind regards

Pete

Mike Morley climbing Farthing Down on Pete''s B ride

Well done Pete on your first "B" ride as leader

Pete, I hesitate to post this as a Blog, I was waiting to see a report and post it as a comment (which not everyone reads). Congratulations it was a splendid ride and the complexity of the route was so challenging for me especially the hike offroad up Farthing Down avoiding the cowpacks etc. I look forward to seeing Stephanie's picture of me struggling up the grass. Actually many years ago I had done that bit in reverse with Bob Stairy.
Most people I spoke to especially Sue said how she enjoyed the varied rout. The Feathers under the circumstances produced an excellent good value menu!
I did complete part of your intend rout home via the Well House pub and I could not resist to call in and have an extra Sheardrop in front of a very welcoming log fire before it got dark, its a great pub!
Having traversed up by Fannies I caught up with the "A" group and shot ahead only to be berated by Neil who said to Janice don't let Morley get away with this he has overtaken us!
It was a great ride Pete and I am sure that you have learnt in your baptism of fire to book the pub beforehand. It all part of the learning curve and you have much more ability than me to lead a ride .
I hope that you will continue and I look forward to your next "B" ride! You pointed out something in the Grave Yard at Michelem an amazing revelation and so introduced history into our ride. Well done

Wayfarer ladies

Hello Ladies,

It was raised at the AGM that a Lady Member should join the Committee, so to move it forward, it would be good if you have any thoughts on the subject, to email them to me at d.jackson49@aol.co.uk.

I can then collect all the ideas and then hopefully we can then decide on the best course of action.
Looking forward to hearing from you.

Jennie Jackson

Easy Riders - Weds 21 Nov 2018

The sky was threatening as seven of us set off from Leatherhead, but the sun soon broke through again as we toiled steadily uphill towards Headley Forge.  After a bit of ducking and diving in the pleasant lanes, we eventually found ourselves at Wetherspoons in Epsom where refreshments were taken!  From there there was a parting of the ways as we headed home in different directions.  Thanks to all for your company and for an enjoyable ride.

B Group ride from Leatherhead

Pete has advised that we are heading out to Chaldon, with lunch at Merstham and Tea at Headley

Please be ready to depart at 11.

~ Tim

Arthur Jessop award - a message from Pam

44 of us heard Jeff's heartfelt speech to commend Pam for the trophy, maintaining the suspense about who he was talking about until his very last sentence when he gave the game away by mentioning her famous laugh:

Dear Jeff, Tim and all committee members,

As you know Simon rushed off on Wednesday to meet us hostelers at lunch in Maidenhead.  We were all eager to hear how the AGM went, were there many there etc. etc.

Well - Simon told us about one or two discussions - then said that Jeff had made a very eloquent speech re the Arhur Jessop award - which I would have loved to hear - we asked who had received it.....then Simon, very theatrically, pointed at me !!!!! Pam he said!!!!  Then everybody was clapping and cheering !!!

You could have 'knocked me down with a feather', I was so in shock. Forgive me for saying but I welled up, tears in my eyes - and all that!!

How can I thank everyone for being so kind...I really don't do anything exceptional;  what ever I do I enjoy.  Think about it.....could I be with any nicer people than our club members?!

PLEASE, PLEASE thank all who felt that I was worthy of this amazing trophy - THANK YOU ALL

Pam :) :)

21 November A ride from Leatherhead

After the fall, and following the change in the weather, Wednesday’s A ride looks set to be the first of our winter rides.

Lunch at the 3 Horseshoes at Sidlow (www.threehorseshoessidlow.co.uk) after a weather dependent 20 undulating miles. Tea at Banstead Pistachios, 17 hilly-ish miles.

Night Rider

Last year, I put a set of powerful lights on the Old Dawes to ride the Dartmoor Ghost.  This worked well, but, one way and another, the lights haven't had a lot of use since.  This evening, with a clear sky and a waxing moon. I thought I'd take a short ride along the North Downs, just for the fun of it, really.

I started on Reigate Hill and rode along part of the route that the A Group took in September. It was a really enjoyable ride.  There were a few people around at the car-park, looking at the view in the moon-light, but after that there was no-one at all.  Not many people walk the North Downs Way in the dark.

Views were quite spectacular, and the riding was very easy.  The Dawes is well adapted to trackways, and, as I found on Dartmoor, I had plenty of light.  The lights are a pair of rechargeable Supernovas and a dynamo powered SON. Even my old eyes could cope, and I could have managed with far less.

From now until March there's more dark than light, so on another suitable evening I'll do another of these rides.  It's a very different world.

Mark

B ride to Charlton and the River Crane Country Park

A short ride from Hersham over the curly wurly bridge on the Old Charlton Road to the thatched delights of the Harrow.  Pre ordering meant the food was actually on the table as we arrived.  A pleasant afternoon down Grovelly and Snakey Rds to the well surfaced linear path following the R Crane to the outskirts of Twickenham.  Then into the Ham gate for tea in the sunshine on the terrace at Pembroke Lodge.  Ten for lunch and four at tea. Thank you for your company on a beautiful autumn day.

A Group 14th November

A short and easy ride today, after the AGM.  Down the road and along the trackway over the Mole - happy memories of Cheam starts - then across the green to The Angel for lunch. Tables reserved, and pleasant service, allowing us to walk the pitch for the forthcoming Christmas lunch fixture.  Things are looking very good.

We were back on the road by two, crossed the level crossing without having to wait for a train, which is a rare enough thing, then along the river past Hampton Court to Kingston Bridge.  Here we made a detour through the Christmas Market, foolishly without stopping for mulled wine, then into Richmond Park for the Tamsin Trail.  Good and easy riding here on a well made gravel surface, enlivened with a spot of roadside tuning as one of Brian's cranks came loose.

Loose Cranks
Photo:  Ged

Easy enough to fix, at least well enough to get home, then on along the trail in the afternoon sunshine, with plenty of autumn colours and long shadows.  

Near Roehampton Gate we saw a herd of deer, then left the Park to climb to Wimbledon Common and the Windmill Cafe.  A familiar Condor was parked outside, and Dave was buying his tea as we went in.  Spectacularly for mid November we were able to take our tea outside, before beginning our journeys home as the sun was setting.  An easy afternoon, but a good ride in good company - thank you all.

Mark

2018 Annual Report

You are cordially invited to read an unexpurgated final draft version of the 2018 Annual Report which will be discussed and, if all goes well, approved at the AGM.

From our website's home page hover over 'Information Hub' then click 'Reports and Minutes'. Double click on 'Annual Reports' and select the '2018 Annual Report (final draft)' by double clicking on it.

Numerous people have contributed and it is a good read. Your reward for coming to the AGM will be your very own printed copy.

Time to get excited, the AGM is coming!

~ Tim C

Chrismas Lunch orders

Pam won't be at Elevenses (before the AGM) on Wednesday. She will be at Elevenses on 21st (Leatherhead) and 28th (Kingston) but would prefer to collect orders sooner especially for A group whose Lunch is on 5th December.

So Liz Bernard will be collecting orders this Wednesday when we have Elevenses at Hersham.

~ Tim

It's never too late to start.......

A neighbour of my mother's, who had been a friend and "good neighbour" over many years, had always had a bike but mostly for utility use and was now finding this harder work than she used to. She was left a small bequest in my mother's will and with little hesitation decided, at the age of 80, that she would buy an electric bike. So she's bought a Kalkhoff and is absolutely thrilled. She has now ridden 650 miles in the four months she's had it and her longer trips have included 25+  miles to Appleby and Mardale Head past Haweswater. Winter in Cumbria will slow her down a bit but she is really looking forward to exploring further next year.

A ride after the AGM

A short run to lunch at The Angel, Thames Ditton - chance to practice for Christmas - then variously to the Windmill Tea Rooms, Wimbledon Common.  Conditions permitting, we may take a look at the Tamsin Trail, the longest stretch of gravel in Central London.

Mark

B ride after the AGM

B riders lunch will be at the Harrow at Charlton on Wednesday .

Notice of Annual General Meeting

CTC South West London will hold its AGM after Elevenses at 11:00 am on Wednesday 14th November.

Please be on time.

The venue is the same as last year, just a short walk from the Queens Road exit from the Day Centre.

All Saints Hall
All Saints Roman Catholic Church
13 Queens Road
Hersham
KT12 5LU



 













The hall is located at the back of the premises. There are two halls with a shared entrance. Our meeting is in the Small Hall.

There are no bike racks but there is plenty of space to park bikes against the buildings near the hall entrance. Please bring your bikes to the hall rather than leave them at the Day Centre.

There are normally plenty of spaces on the premises in front of the church for anyone arriving by motor vehicle, with access from Queens Road.

Our Treasurer, Simon has advised that due to the current low annual subscription rate (£1 p.a.) we will not be hiring a bouncy castle this year.
 
~ Tim

B Group - 7th November

Cobham to Horsell

It turned out to be a short ride to lunch which was ‘per chance’ appropriate for the day’s weather!   Never the less, thirteen riders joined me.   I opted to use Chilbrook Road to get to Ockham as so often after so much rain Plough Lane can be like a river!! (Almost)!  On to Ripley, Pyrford, Maybury and so to The Plough at Horsell.  Yes, one did have to be aware of the puddles, and pot holes hidden by fallen leaves but apart from a short heavy down pour before Maybury we were reasonably dry upon getting to our lunch stop.

My effort at pre-ordering was to no avail for the pub did not answer their phone, neither was my e-mail picked up!!  The ordering became much quicker once Andy (publican) served us and left Jackie (partner) to sort out the food orders.   Several opted for the turkey and stuffing sandwiches which were good value – and tasty.  No complaints about other menu choices.   Pity the pub was so cold when we arrived but the heating was put on before we left!!

As usual on a damp day, most of the group decided not to stop for tea so after returning via the lanes…..Horsell Common Rd. Philpott, Old Chertsey Lane, we split at Green Lane, most continuing through Addlestone, others via Chertsey where Tony introduced four of us to a wee café to sample their tea, coffee and cake.  All very reasonably priced!

My thanks to all for joining me, for those who cornered and to Terry for back marking.   Pity about the rain but, for me, it was an enjoyable day in good company. 

Pam  

Map of Pam's short but pleasant autumnal ride to Horsell

~ Tim

7 November - A Group Ride to Shamley Green

Despite the forecast twelve intrepid souls lined up outside The Legion for a trip to Shamley Green. A direct route was planned via the Haut Boy and West Horsley. First we had a bit of drizzle, then light rain but by Combe Bottom we were getting a full-on soaking.

On towards Albury before climbing up to Farley Green and down the rivers roads to Shamley Green.

The Bricklayer's Arms gave us a warm welcome and promptly served good food but we left them with a puddle under every chair!

The worst of the weather seemed to have blown over by the time we left but the roads were still treacherous in place with puddles, leaves and other debris. We took the quiet loop along Lordshill Road before climbing up to Blackheath, then Halfpenny Lane over St Martha's Hill.

Next it was the A25 to West Clandon and on to Ripley. Here we stopped outside Pinnocks but with blue skies ahead, dark clouds behind, and a tailwind, most decided to push on for home and try and outrun the rain. I hope you all made it.

Thanks for joining me and thanks to Ged for turning up in back-marker gear - he got the gig.