A group ride 29 July

The A Group ride starts next Wednesday from the Churchfields Recreation Ground behind the Weybridge Day Centre.

I was advised for this my first time leading a ride to keep it simple, so that is what we have, no tough climbs, instead some great roads and scenery. The route goes west skirting the north of Woking, along lovely scenic lanes near Chobham, Pirbright, to Ash, to the top of the Hogs Back, then a wonderful 'valley' section of the NCR 22 to Puttenham, for lunch at the Good Intent pub. We continue on road, not NCR2, passing the Watts Artists village, climbing Down Lane, to rejoin the NCR22. This is a high flat section of compacted chalk trail, no problem when we did it on road bikes. Here are amazing views, we saw the South Downs to the south, the City and Dockland towers and beyond to the east, and Chilterns (Maidenhead?) to the north. The route through Guildford is simple, then we take familiar lanes back to the Medicine Garden to enjoy it on its final day open.

Please contact me at neilwarland43@gmail.com by 7pm Monday 27 July to enroll for the ride.  When you enroll for the ride, if possible please can you tell me your choice of lunch from the menu here. This will avoid delays in serving.  Note, there were some additional choices on the day; if you want to choose there that's ok.   I will reply with group arrangements. 

I tried to get the GPS file into 'Ride with GPS' but the demands for subscription were too troublesome. So here are two ways below to get the files: Google Drive or Komoot. The google drive option has a GPX and a TCX. If you can use TCX it should be better as it is a 'pure' route file.

~ Neil W

B Group - 22nd July

Starting early with the first group setting off at 10.00 am, 28 riders left Denbies in five socially distanced groups. We had 20 miles to ride to our lunch stop at The Milk Churn in Rudgewick.

The first challenge being the climb up Punchbowl Lane, riders then skirted Brockham and made their way to Weare Street via Newdigate and Capel. The terrain to lunch whilst avoiding any of the large hills would be described as undulating, and this would be repeated for the journey back.

Fortunately, we were blessed with a glorious day, and when we arrived at The Milk Churn, somewhere that some of us had been before but most hadn’t, we were able to either purchase refreshments from the café, or picnic, with a bonus of being able to buy a pint of beer at the adjacent brewery.

I must mention that the very clean toilet at the café was open and welcome.

Again, following instructions, the groups started the return back to Denbies leaving a suitable time between each other to avoid ‘bunching’ and enabling both cyclists and vehicles to safely share the lanes. That was the plan, however plans do go awry and Jennie’s group did catch Tim G ‘s group, but Tim was able to speed up somewhat and maintain some distance. 

In essence the route back followed that used earlier after Ockley, with some variations. Somesbury Lane was particularly enjoyable.

Unfortunately, the last groups arrived back at The Hatch at Denbies for tea after it had closed, so some decided to go on to Leatherhead for their well-deserved refreshments.

41 miles is a long way for a B ride and the undulations gave us 2355ft of climbing so well done to everyone, there was only one abandonment and that was due to two punctures. 

Huge thanks to the sub-leaders, a brilliant job, so well done Pete Beyer, Tim Gibbons, Tim Court and David J. Without the sub-leaders volunteering this way of riding would not be possible, then not forgetting those that back marked, many thanks to them.

A great day, and thank you for your company.

~ Jennie

Some photos by Jennie, Pete Beyer and Tim C from our most enjoyable day out:

Class 4B alternative route from Newdigate

Coffee, Tea and Ice Cream at l'Ultima in Leatherhead

Wayfarers Picnic - Cancellation

After careful consideration, the Committee has decided to cancel this year's Wayfarers Picnic, which was planned for August 12th.   Rides will still go ahead on that day, but they will be regular rides under our "new normal" social distancing arrangements.

After all the hard work that everyone has put into keeping each other safe and socially distancing, it didn't seem right to hold an event specifically aimed to get maybe fifty people all together.   There would also be concerns about shared use of the cricket club facilities, both for us and for the regular users of the Pavilion.

Instead of a group picnic, there will be regular rides for A, B and Easy Riders groups leaving from somewhere in the Leatherhead area.  Details to be announced on the blog nearer the time.

Apologies for this change but it seems to be in all our best interests this year.

Wednesday the 29th July

Starting point (11's) will be the rec behind the Wadebridge day centre Day Centre Rec, toilets are close at hand and coffee etc can be found in the high street, a few minutes walk from the rec.

The lunch stop is planned at the cafe on the lake at Taplow, around 20 miles with a few gentle inclines on the way, there will be some off road along the Jubilee river which is a nice very cyclable track. Afternoon tea at the Ferry coffee shop at Shepperton lock.

Volunteer assistant leaders will be required depending on numbers.

Please email me if you plan to attend or are able to lead, GPX, TXC files of the route will be available.

tonyiahopkins@gmail.com

07770952554

Tony..

A group ride report 22 July 2020

Phew! I now realise how much goes into organising these multi-group rides, with leader and multiple sub-leaders doing a recce together, sharing GPX files which don’t upload properly, organising subgroups with staggered start times, liaising with the lunch venue on their Covid19 status and precautions, etc, etc. So, “chapeau” to the committee for getting these rides started again, and to all my predecessors who have led rides since the lockdown eased. Having said all that, what a wonderful day it was, the weather was superb, and everything went smoothly on the day (apart from a puncture before the start for NeilW which necessitated a quick change of group and start time). Starting from Denbies, we climbed Leith hill via Coldharbour to warm up the legs, then it was plain sailing via a reversal of the May Flyer route all the way to the Sun Inn at Dunsfold, where they catered very efficiently for 19 of us sitting out on the common land in front of the pub (with full social distancing). There was a very strange token-based system for the toilets which I didn’t really understand, but at least everyone who needed them could use them! After lunch there was a sharp climb through Hascombe then plain sailing again until we reached the dreaded Combe Lane. Tea at the Medicine Garden in Cobham (sadly closing at the end of this month, apparently to become an upmarket health spa).  Many thanks to all the sub leaders (Janice, Hans, DaveB) and back markers (Fiona, DavidV, et.al). I had clocked 70miles and nearly 4,000ft of climbing by the time I got home - some riders went further/higher. Here are some pics from a fab day out:

Happy Birthday to Les Johnston at 90

Barbara has sent us a video clip (secret footage) from Les's birthday celebration.

Happy Birthday Les

Easy Riders 22 July

From Helen: Hi all, Sorry this is a little late today.

This week we will meet at North Cheam 9.30, then Ashtead , either Coffee Active or the cafe on the Street on Wednesday morning. (We may need to split into two groups). John Bellamy is leading.

Please let me know by today if you plan to join us.
Thanks, Helen

From John: I have looked at the websites of The Stepping Stones, Westhumble but they only accept takeaway orders and The Watermill, Dorking but they only accept 2 days advance warning for "large" parties. I'm now left with The Woodman in Ashtead who, when I telephoned, seemed most accommodating with some minor rules, as expected. It's now all aboard for the big circle ride and I look forward to us meeting up at Handley's cafe in The Street tomorrow.
John

UPDATE - A group ride 22 July

UPDATE:
We will stop for lunch at the Sun Inn in Dunsfold instead of the White Horse in Hanscombe (there is a wider/cheaper sandwich selection there). Here is a sample menu (although this may be out of date). The route is still the same as before.
https://www.suninndunsfold.co.uk/food-drinks-menu/

Invitation to A group ride Wed 22 July

As per the “new normal”, several small groups of up to six riders will depart at staggered time intervals to minimize the risk of any of us transmitting the dreaded COVID-19. 

Riding guidelines which apply at this stage of emergence from lockdown are the same as last week and can be read here:
https://midweekwayfarers.blogspot.com/2020/06/planning-to-resume-group-rides.html

We will start at Denbies, stop for lunch at the White Horse in Hanscombe, and finish for tea at the Medicine Garden in Cobham. An overview of the route is shown below. Please email me if you’d like a GPX file.

 26 miles to lunch. 44miles and 2500ft ascent in total

PLEASE NOTE: THE WHITE HORSE IN HANSCOMBE IS NOT ONE OF OUR USUAL PUB STOPS (there isn’t a regular one on this route) AND THE MENU IS A LITTLE MORE EXPENSIVE. THEY DO A GOOD SELECTION OF STARTERS/LIGHT BITES BUT THE ONLY SANDWICH ON THE MENU IS A FISH FINGER SANDWICH AT £9.50. Here is the menu link: https://www.whitehorsepub.net/pub

I have 3 sub-leaders lined up (Janice, Hans and DaveB) so can accommodate up to 24 riders. So that I can work out the groups please email me by 5pm Tuesday 21 July if you would like to join the ride. I will let you know your start time later on Tuesday evening.

My email address is michaelreynell@gmail.com

Looking forward to seeing you.

Mike

SUSTRANS looses routes.

https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2020/jul/19/national-cycle-network-sustrans-cuts-quarter-uk-routes-safety-grounds?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

It’s not surprising that SUSTRANS have reclassified many of their NCN routes: some on quite heavily trafficked roads were very challenging. Let’s hope that alternative traffic-free, better engineered solutions can be found.

Invitation to B Group ride - 22nd July

Jennie has come up with a longish ride for B Group.

In the manner to which we are starting to become accustomed several small teams of six will depart at staggered time intervals to minimize the risk of any of us transmitting COVID-19 to more than five of our colleagues.

Riding guidelines which apply at this stage of emergence from lockdown are the same as last week and can be read here:

https://midweekwayfarers.blogspot.com/2020/06/planning-to-resume-group-rides.html

The route can be studied and downloaded from RideWithGPS using this web link.

(This route runs clockwise)

Should you wish to view the route/details please email me and I will send you a link.

Once you are viewing this route (in a web browser) you have numerous options to export the route for use in your Garmin GPS unit or in your phone, including with the RideWithGPS app which is free to install on your phone. There are also several options for the map type which you can select to suit your own viewing preference.

The ride will be starting from Denbies, where the toilets are now open, cycling 20 miles over a few rises along familiar lanes to The Milk Churn in Rudgwick. There's outdoor tables and chairs, but NOTE, NO CLEATS ARE TO BE WORN ON THE DECKING, you will need to take your shoes off.  The Toilet is open.
If anyone is not comfortable with the cafe lunch there's a green area on the other side of the car park.

After lunch, we return to Denbies, 21 miles, leaving West Sussex using usual routes avoiding Brockham by climbing Punchbowl Lane in the opposite direction from in the morning.

67 KM and 718m elevation in total

So that I can work out the groups please email me by 7pm Monday 20 July if you would like to join the ride. I will let you know your start time by Tuesday evening.

My email address is djacksonvictoria@aol.com

Looking forward to seeing you.

Jennie

Easy Riders 15 July

Luncheon party in Home Park

The Easy Riders were treated to a tour of Royal Parks on Wednesday.  Some joined at North Cheam, others at elevenses at the 'Flying Cloud' cafe at Teddington boatyard.  Then it was through Bushy Park, to Home Park, see how the cygnets were doing. Continuing along the towpath to Hampton Court and lunch by the river.

Cygnets and swans doing well

~ Lynda

A ride report and photos from 15 July

A well attended day as 23 A group riders met at the Medicine Garden near Cobham. What a perfect meeting point, especially in these days of social distancing. I only wish I'd been aware of it previously and such a shame its to close soon.

The four groups of 5/6 met from 10 onwards and it was nice to see Dave Vine's wife there too and Sebastian who was unable to join us for the full ride. Mike R's group set off first, followed by Frances' 10 minutes later. My group had 15 minutes to wait and as we were all ready and waiting for the final 5 minutes we joked that it was not unlike the start of RideLondon, we just needed to choose the track to be played for our wave. Brian led the final group out at 11.10,

The route went out towards West Horsley and the first climb up Shere Road began. At the top my group met with Christina's B group who were about to go off-road. Brian's group decided to split at that point with Dave, Jennie and John B going a shorter route from Shere via Peaslake. The rest followed the route down Combe Lane and through Shere to climb again to Farley Green and then a long descent to Cranleigh.

Mike's group arrived first at the Scarlett Arms in Walliswood and enjoyed quick service so were soon off again.

Frances' and my own group arrived more or less at the same time and whilst the sandwiches were good we waited a very long time for service. At one point Patrick went in to find out about the delay and being mistaken for a non-cyclist (we're not sure how) he was informed in no uncertain terms it was caused by all those cyclists!

Brian, Simon and Dave arrived before we were being served food and had almost instant service as their sandwiches came out just as the 2nd and 3rd groups finished being served.

Frances' and my own groups set off again and the groups soon spread out over the roads to Oakwoodhill, over the A24 and then right just before Capel to drop slightly south to Rusper before heading north again and towards home. At Newdigate we turned right and headed through Parkgate before going down Roothill Lane with memories of the freewheel competition (although in reverse if remembering the course from a couple of years ago). We finally arrived at Denbies in time to see Mike's group ready to depart and with Frances' group soon to arrive and were more than happy to eat a few more cakes.

A fun day out in good company over lovely Surrey lanes, with a brief dip into Sussex. The weather was cool and with a slight drizzle at times but overall was fine. 43 miles from Cobham to Denbies with 2,824ft elevation. 

Thank you for the positive feedback regarding the route and also the groupings. The smaller groups of similar pace riders seem to be working really well, especially as the whole group is still able to socialise at meeting points.

Particular thanks to Mike, Frances and Brian for being sub leaders and to Mike B, Ged and Dave V for back marking (apologies for not mentioning as I'm not sure who Mike R's back marker was). There was no need for corner markers in such tight knit groups.

Report - 'B' Ride - Weds 15 Jul 2020

Interest in the ride was good, and we would have been at maximum capacity of 24 but a few last minute apologies, so no fewer than four groups (Christina's Coureurs, David's Desperados, John's Jaguars, and Dave's Decimators set off in turn from Lower Shott, Great Bookham.   This proved to be quite a good elevenses venue, with a helpful cafe open just round the corner, a baker's in the High Street, and a public toilets available. 

The route to lunch at Newlands Corner took us along the track from Effingham to East Horsley, then, after West Horsley, and following an ascent of Shere Road, along another off-road section on the North Downs Way.   Shere Road isn't the easiest climb of the North Downs, but it's definitely one of the most rewarding, and the 'B's' took it in their stride!

The weather was disappointing with sometimes overcast skies, and occasional drizzle, so we found ourselves cooling off a bit at lunch after our earlier exertions, and didn't linger too long.   Both cafes were open, and their wares were sampled.   The public toilets were shut, but Tony reports that The Plucky Pheasant does have toilets available for anyone ordering food.   Apart from Christina's group and Dave's group, which just missed each other, we all met up at lunch.

After lunch we whizzed down Trodds Lane to get to some (open) w.c's  at Stoke Park, then picked up the old, familiar route to Burpham, Ripley, Ockham and The Medicine Garden for tea.

Thanks to all for supporting the ride and for your kind words, and particular thanks to the ever-helpful John Austin, and newer leaders, Christina and 'Fixie Dave', without whom it wouldn't have been possible.

Update - 'B's' Ride Weds 15 July

We have 22 riders booked on so there will be four groups departing from Bookham from 10.20 am onwards.   Confirmations have been sent out but two vacant places only currently remain (one each in the 10.40 am and 11.00 am groups).  If you're interested, please e-mail cycledave23@gmail.com not later than 5.00 pm today (Tues 14th).  I won't be able to respond to anything sent to me after this time.

Further update - The ride is now fully booked and no further places are available.

A ride Weds 15th

Just to let everyone know that the lunch booking at the Scarlett Arms in Walliswood has been confirmed. There’s a limited menu but I’ve been promised there’ll be plenty of sandwiches also (these aren’t shown on the online menu).

Frances has asked if someone from her group could also have the gpx file loaded which you can obtain from either of us, just let one of know by email.

The groups, together with departure times from the Medicine Garden, are shown below.

10.30 departure
Mike Reynell (leader)
Hans
Dave B
Steve W
Pete B
Fiona 

10.40 departure
Frances (leader)
Gina
Sue
Dave F
Geoff G
Mike B (back marker)

10.55 departure
Janice (leader)
Steve D
Ged
Patrick
Neil W

11.10 departure 
Brian (leader)
Simon
Dave J
Jennie J
John B
Dave V (back marker)

Easy Riders - Wed 15th July

Leave 10am North Cheam. Or meet at Teddington boat yard, for 11's, Flying Cloud.

Then going through Bushy Park, to Home Park, see how the signets are doing. Continuing on tow path to Hampton Court. Lunch by river. Maybe 8 on the bridge, if open, or by river, with a sandwich.

~Lynda

Tandridge Public Toilets Update

As at 11 July, the toilets at Warlingham Green have re-opened.   I haven't checked but would surmise that other Tandridge DC toilets (such as Oxted and Lingfield) are also now open again for transactions!

100 Women in Cycling - Lynda Barrow

I'm delighted to tell you that Lynda Barrow has been selected as one of Cycling UK's 100 Women in Cycling. This has just been announced as part of the Women's Festival of Cycling.

Recently we re-published a profile of Lynda from 2002, when she was fairly new to the Sou'Westers and to regular cycling. Since then Lynda has been a huge support to the club, organising the first printed club shirts, a regular rider with the Beginners and the Wayfarers' Easy Riders section, and in fact almost single-handedly keeping the Easy Riders section going for several years when it seemed Lynda was leading nearly every week.

Here is the announcement https://www.cyclinguk.org/womensfestival/100women/2020.

Congratulations, Lynda!

Royal Parks Movement Strategy released

Royal Parks are trialling the permanent closure of Bushy Park to through traffic, and restricting through traffic in Richmond Park, extending what's been done during the Covid-19 lockdown.  This is a first step towards implementing their new Movement Strategy, which aims to reduce car traffic and promote "considerate" cycling.