Ride Invite – A’s 27th November from Kingston

Wednesday’s ride from the YMCA  Hawker Centre in Kingston will head north into west London, with a turn round Wembley Stadium followed by lunch at the ACE Café.

No need to pre-order but the menu is here.

The route, pioneered by the late Frank Cubis is largely on quiet roads and across parks, all surfaced. About 30 miles to tea back at Kingston, with the opportunity to shorten if weather is poor. Hopefully everyone back to Kingston by 3pm.

Please let me know if you are coming by email d.vine207@btinternet.com by 6pm Monday evening.

I look forward to riding with you.

A Group ride report - 20 November

I don't want to deter new leaders but this week did highlight a selection of the challenges a leader faces. Apart from the seasonal issue of how to provide an interesting ride while keeping it short enough to get most people home in daylight there is, of course, the weather. Not rain this time though that did threaten (and closely bracketed) the recce but whether ice would be an issue. Then whether the pub, having been told that we would arrive in three groups, could get their heads around us not necessarily all eating at the same time. Just when I had concluded that these issues would probably resolve themselves satisfactorily I heard that the homeward route to Newdigate, only ridden on Monday, had been closed by a water main failure on Tuesday morning. Never mind, Wednesday dawned bright and sunny, if very frosty.

David J led the first group. 

Two punctures and a lot of sun:

Six riders, all wearing numerous layers of clothing, braved the cold but sunny conditions and departed the DC in Leatherhead following Brian's meandering route to Rusper. Fairly soon we had one of our number reduced as Ged, who had been somewhat struggling with a puncture on the way to the meet, having to call it a day, a victim of the 'puncture gremlin'. Fortunately he was able to get back to the Leatherhead Station and catch a train back home.
Brian had devised a simple but ingenious course, using many familiar roads but also some that I hadn't ridden before. The only problem was the low winter sun, which at times made navigating extremely difficult, so difficult that even though I had recced the route the day before I went wrong, missing a turn due to my inability to read the Garmin, but not by too much. Heading towards the pub I heard that dreaded cry of 'puncture' ring out, this time it was Jennie, whose front tyre was getting soft. Fortunately she was using an inner tube with a sealant in it, so a gas cylinder and a spin of the wheel, seemed to do the trick and we were able to continue.
Even with the delays we arrived at The Star in reasonable time and as it happened we were able to all sit down together at the same table and enjoy our lunch, good service by all the staff.
Suitably refreshed, we headed off towards Puchbowl Lane, into a head wind, but not having to squint onto the sun made that more preferable.
We arrived back in Leatherhead without any incidents, two were stopping for tea whilst the other three made their way home to get back before it got dark and the cold returned.

Many thanks to everyone for making a cold winter's day so enjoyable, Jennie for 'back marking', Brian for the route and all for keeping the ride going at a pace that we could stave off the cold.

Janice was next away:

The -2° overnight and cool forecast for the day did nothing to discourage Steve D, Patrick, Neil W, Hans, Steve B, Daniel and me from cycling Brian‘s route.

Fortified by reasonable filter coffee and excellent scones at the day centre we left Leatherhead in the chill air. Fortunately Brian had been very considerate as he had put in an immediate hill to help us warm up!

I was slightly nervous of the possibility of ice and was glad when Pebble Hill was behind us. In fact the roads seemed to be fine and the sun came out leading to a pleasant but cool ride to Rusper. The traditional photo outside the pub shows the glorious blue sky.

There was some confusion over lunch and whilst mine arrived quickly the rest of the group had to wait for everyone to be served at the same time. Nevertheless the lunch was good and set us up for the cool journey home.

As the first group to leave we were given the responsibility of trying the closed road en route and fortunately it was possible to pass. The sun was still out but not shining on us as we went through shaded areas and the temperature seem to plummet.

On reaching Leatherhead we decided to disperse and head for home before the temperature dropped any further.

Thanks for the cheerful company of my group, particularly Dave B for back marking and to Brian for a lovely route appropriate for the time of year.

 

My group of Dave V, Richard, Clive and Neil C set off soon after Janice. Pete Beyer had helpfully advised that Tyrrel's Wood was ice free so that was a good omen and the first concern ticked off the list. All went uneventfully until we found David's group at the bottom of Stan Hill dealing with Jennie's puncture. So much for the planned neatly spaced arrivals for lunch. After stopping at the top of Prestwood Lane and discussing how infrequently we had ridden it we arrived at the pub only just ahead of David. So in the end we did all eat together though Janice had already been served. The food for the rest of us came quickly and a few of us would recommend the Moussaka. 

With no adverse feedback from Janice we confidently ignored the Road Closed signs and squeezed past the roadworks on the way to Newdigate. We all stopped at Lucio's in Leatherhead for tea and were soon joined by Simon and Dave F. 

My thanks to Janice and David for leading, Clive for back marking and my group for their company on what turned out to be a glorious day.

Invitation to a B Group ride on 27th November

Our ride this week from the YMCA Hawker Centre in Kingston is heading through Richmond Park towards Osterley.  We will take in some urban cut-throughs, picturesque river towpath and parts of the Grand Union Canal, but will avoid the rougher surfaces, and lunch will be at The Fox Inn in Hanwell. No pre-ordering is required.

If you wish to view the menus here is a link: https://www.thefoxpub.co.uk/food-drink/

This is a mildly undulating route, much less hilly than last week, GPS links below.

The afternoon route heads back south and includes paved cycle paths particularly the pleasant River Crane Walk. We will finish in Bushy Park where, depending on the time, there are various options for tea for those that wish to stop, either in the park or in nearby Hampton Court.

If you would like to join the ride please email me by 6pm Monday, 25 November.  Hope to see you next Weds.

~ Gill

The morning and afternoon routes:

Morning: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49105737

Afternoon: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49103116

B Group Ride Report - Wednesday 20th November '24.

Francis writes :

Overnight freezing temperatures and a cold wind could have caused mass “Sorry I can’t make today” texts but such is the mettle of the B groups (only one pulled out) with the rest bravely cycling to Leatherhead for elevenses.

After a de-frosting hot coffee, it was time for my group to saddle up. Being sub-leader, imagine my angst when I saw my trusted Garmin GPS device flashing on and off, resisting a reboot. This was going to be interesting.... Anyway, I could remember the route to the Stepping Stones pub from the recce and besides I had Mick’s Beeline device to rely on until that too wasn’t workingdue to Mick’s new phone. 

My group of Mick, Fixiedave, Carolyn, Anne W and Steph made good progress enroute to Fetcham until my gear cable came loose and I was stuck in a high gear with lots of hill climbing to come. Fortuitously Mick, our super bike mechanic, was in my group. I decided that rather than all of us wait in case it was going to be a long repair, the ladies should join the last group when they pass by.

With the repair done, the remaining three of us made swift progress to Effingham and the climb up Green Dene and Crocknorth Road. It was a memorable sight witnessing FixieDave zig-zagging his way up the steep parts, huffing and puffing all the way to the top. Well done Fixie!

We soon caught up with the last group and together arrived in no time at the Stepping Stones pub for a hot lunch and rest. Rest is what my Garmin needed and a good charge, resetting it back to normal use, much to my relief.

A charge up Box Hill was rewarded with great views over the South Downs, now in bright sunshine and blue skies. A thrilling downhill all the way to Ashstead Common and a late tea and cake at The Old Moat, rounded off an eventful and enjoyable day for all.

Well done Tim G for a superb route, some hills, some off-road and overall a great ride out.My thanks as usual to Mick A for his bike repair skills and his back-marking.

...and TimG writes :

The cold and frosty start did nothing to deter nineteen eager B group riders from today’s adventure. The warm comfort of the Fairfield Centre was soon exchanged for a bracing challenge in the Surrey countryside. 

My group (a carefully selected crew) enthusiastically set sail for a gentle cruise out of Leatherhead and up Lower Road towards Effingham. On route we were met by three sirens, marooned by the roadside, seemingly abandoned by their sub-leader (afflicted with a mechanical/garmin issue) and seeking safe passage to our lunchtime destination. Having adopted the lonesome refugees we proceeded to climb up Calvert Road, Green Dene and further up Crocknorth Road to savour the delights of Ranmore Common in the bright autumn sunshine. 

Descending into Dorking we once again climbed up to Cotmandene for the obligatory photo and discussion about a white house on the distant hillside, allegedly once the residence of an early TV engineer and inventor. Then onto North Holmwood and the quiet lanes approaching Brockham we reached our lunchtime destination of ‘The Stepping Stones’ at Westhumble. 

Service was prompt and efficient and we were also introduced to Victoria, Peter B’s daughter, who was on duty behind the bar and busily involved in the catering. Such a welcome relief to find a pub that is both welcoming and uncomplicated in their lunchtime service. 

While a couple of riders made their own way home the rest of us made our final assent up Box Hill then on via Headley, Ashford, Woodcote and Epsom Common for tea at the Old Moat. Always a welcome retreat of cake and conviviality. Suitably refreshed we all made our own way home as the darkness fell and temperatures dropped. 

Many thanks to everyone for their participation in today’s ride and especially to my two subbies, John and Francis for leading (or misleading) their relative groups. There are numerous photos available on the B group WhatsApp site for your enjoyment.

A good day had by all !

Calling 999 when you don't have a phone signal?

I've never had to do this but I have wondered about it ... it still might be possible:

• Your phone will use any available network for emergency calls, even if your phone is showing no reception on your usual network.
• Texts often get through even when reception is too poor to make a voice call.  You can make a 999 call by text, if you have registered in advance.  See below.
• It's recommended to have the What3Words app on your phone.   This gives you a three-word code for your location - for example ///tour.spark.large.  This can be used by the emergency services to find you.
• Finally, it's a good idea to have your emergency contact details with you - in your wallet, on your phone (which the emergency services can access by the way), and registered with the club.

This web page gives more details: https://1firstaid1.co.uk/calling-999-with-no-phone-signal/.

I hope this information proves to be completely useless to you!

Invitation to A Group ride Nov 20th.

Our route from Leatherhead will take us over Headley and then south on a slightly meandering route to the Star at Rusper for lunch - 19 miles. The return is a direct 14 miles to Leatherhead via Newdigate, Punchbowl/Pixham and the A24. 

Unfortunately the Star would like us to pre-order (more because they don't want to disappoint anyone than because they want total commitment) so please can you let me know your choice. 

Here is the lunch menu but if you want anything more substantial use the menu link to the main menu.

Lunch menu   

The route is

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/319243760

Please book your place by 5pm on Monday and look out all those warm winter clothes if the forecast is correct.

Email: briangreenwood@yahoo.co.uk

Wednesday, the 13th B groups report

 Tony's Report

We were lucky; the forecast was Sun, and as it turned out, the forecast was correct. With the day centre closed, it meant gathering in different cafes, but as luck had it, Cafe Enzo was relatively quiet, and there is a railing opposite to lock bikes.
 
My group soon arrived and enjoyed their drinks and chit-chat. Pam, Mick, Jane, Julie, Tim G, and Martin.
 
My route was pretty straight forward: a big loop round and then lunch at the Bridge Hotel, Cherstey Bridge, and then only 9 miles back to tea at Hampton Court. Pam left us just before Ottershaw to visit young Vic White, but did meet us for lunch.
 
Groups gathered in the rec behind the DC. I was the first group away at 10.30, and we headed out to Ottershaw, then onto Foxhills Road and into Stonehill Road up to Gracious Pond Road to the edge of Chobham.

 

Gracious Pond

 

 

Chobham Common

Then over Chobham Common to Lyne and a loop around St Anne's Hill before heading into Chertsey and a slight detour to see Nessy. She had grown and now has 2 humps as well. Then the short ride to lunch, and we were early.

 

Nessy

The Bridge is a great place to take large groups, especially at this time of year, as it means a shortish ride home for the majority.
 
After lunch, we head to some short off-road before Busy Park and reaching Dish at Hampton Court; some had headed straight home. Those that stayed enjoyed drinks, and some had cake. It was nice that Liz joined us for a catchup, as did RayW, and it was nice to see her; she still has grip problems with the hand.
 
Chatting saw time marching on and the sky start to darken, so lights were on heading home. A really nice days ride with 3 great groups. Thank you, Steph and Ray, for subleading and to those who backmarked.

Tony..

__________________________________________________

Ray’s Report

My group left at 10.50 and consisted of Christina, Terry, John, Pat and myself. Paul and Maggie were due to join us, but a cleat on Paul’s shoe had broken and he was looking for a shop to fix it. We set off on our normal route to Addlestone but instead of turning right, Tony’s route took us straight down Hamm Moor Lane then over the railway line via the pedestrian bridge to Bourneside Road.

It was then a case of following the road alongto the end of Liberty Lane when we came across another footbridge, this timeacross the M25. Then onto Ottershaw and Foxhills Road. Here the scenery changedto a more countryfied look, with the trees showing off their autumn colours in thedazzling sunlight. Gorgeous. At the end of Foxhills Road, we turned left alongStonehill Road before turning right into Gracious Pond Road. 

A quick stop for aphoto at the car park and then back to pedalling our way along using Windsor Road,Staple Hill, Longcross Road, Lyne Lane and Almners Road before climbing up StAnnes Hill, well almost. We then had a choice of completing the hill, Tony’s officialroute, or taking a short cut along the top. Everyone voted on the short cut along the top that resulted in us overtaking Steph’s group!!!! Not realising this, we carried onregardless and then almost overtook the first group in Chertsey who had gone off-piste to look at the Loch Ness Monster, now housed in someone’s garden. So, a bitof slow riding to avoid overtaking them and into the Bridge Hotel for lunch.Lunch was served quickly and efficiently with very polite staff.

 Terry left us to return to Dorking and John joined the first group to get home before he needed lights. So, it was now down to 3 of us. We cycled through Shepperton and into Upper Halliford where we entered a track that took us past London Irish practice ground and by-passed Lower Sunbury before rejoining the road at French Street that led us to Lower Hampton Road. At Hampton Court Road we entered Bushy Park via the gate. Then some more stunning scenery before reaching the Diana Fountain. It was then time to say goodbye to the two girls who left to go to Kingston Bridge and home, while I completed the ride, arriving at Dish for a coffee and cake.

Thank you everyone for the company on the ride which was good, plus Tony for the route, John for back marking and the weather that lit up the countryside in the most
amazing way.

Ray Y

____________________________

Stephs group

A brilliant day out with all the quirky shortcuts and sunshine you could ask for on a ride.  The only thing we missed was Nessie - to be visited next time.  A great group - thanks Mick for back marking and Karl, Alan, Bernard, Sabina, and Ian Williamson (the latter having miraculously caught us up after his crossing of the new bridge at Wisley and gave his lovely local knowledge about the sandpits at St Ann's Hill and lots more.)

_________________________

Tony..

B Group Ride - Wednesday 20th November '24

Our ride on Wednesday from Leatherhead will take us to Westhumble via Bookham and Ranmore for lunch at 'The Stepping Stones'.

The afternoon ride will take us via Headley and Ashtead for tea at the 'Old Moat' garden centre.

Please reply by Monday evening to be included on the ride list.

Email - timgibbons1@virginmedia.com

WhatsApp - 07756961505

Looking forward to seeing you all on Wednesday.

TimG

Ride Report - 'A' Group Weds 13 Nov 2024

I always start humming when I arrive at Baker Street, can't think why....  Then I start listening for the sounds of the hansom cabs and the cries of the street urchins! Anyway, the 'Baker Street irregulars' were out in force today for the ride to Camberley.  There were 24 of us and no last minute drop-outs - is this a record?  With so many booked on I had masterminded a tale of two cafes, with two groups at Cafe Verditer and my group at Cafe Enzo (this worked out well with plenty of choices and excellent, efficient service).

All groups set off punctually, as far as I can tell, and after a sluggish start owing to a couple of footbridges, my group were soon in their stride pacing through glorious tree tunnels of autumn colour!    Nearing Gracious Pond the cries of 'The game is afoot, Watson' rang out as we spied and passed a group of 'B's ahead of us.   Then we cruised on on my relatively short route to Wetherspoons, Camberley, arriving well before 12.30 pm.   I know this isn't a record, but at least it felt like it - well ridden, my group! 

Wetherspoons wasn't too busy and we were back on our bikes before 1.30 pm for a slightly longer ride back to tea at Shepperton.   A few initial climbs out of the way and we were soon cruising back through familiar territory.   There was one short overlap with the outbound route which, for purist me, spoilt the symmetry of the thing a bit, but probably no one else noticed!

It clouded over a bit on the way back, giving the impression of a setting sun, but all my group were back at tea before 3.00 pm, and hopefully, home by nightfall.

Many thanks to Sue C, Sue F, Sue F, Diane P, Paula B, Simon L and Gill H for putting up with it all in my group, and to Dave V for steadfastly back-marking us all day!   Many thanks too to everyone in the other groups for your company, and for supporting the ride.

Of his group's experiences Steve D writes as follows; I share an interest with Dave W in plotting routes that use quiet tracks and interesting places. So it was no surprise to me that I couldn't work out from the ride notes where the route went, until I understood that the plan was a figure of 8. Then it all made sense, but in the process of downloading the gpx file I noticed the route in places was 10 feet from the road or track and that there were shared roads. Not good for navigating accurately, but a problem with my sat nav software rather than Dave's route planning. Anyway, I replotted the route into two sections, there and back which helped me on the ride. Fortunately I had a co leader in Neil C so back up is always good. So with Brian, Richard, Clive, Dave F, Dave J and Jennie as back marker we set off. Everything went fine, although Neil decided to take a short cut because he was familiar with the roads out of Weybridge. 

We met him again waiting for us in Bridge Road and we shared the lead with Neil out front as a roving point man. The autumn colours of the trees was magnificent, especially in Gracious Pond Road. Everything went well through Addlestone and Ottershaw, Windlesham and Bagshot until we came to the A30. I had plotted the ride on the road, but Neil suggested the footpath and I have to say the road itself was very busy so a good call. Looking at the route again I realised I had plotted it incorrectly and should have been on the footpath anyway, which turned out to be empty. I knew from the ride notes there was a hidden left turn after the fire station off the footpath and so we crossed the road to the left side. At this point my sat nav froze for some inexplicable reason. Neil did his roving thing and shot off ahead and I followed.

Unfortunately, as there seemed to be no one behind, I went back and found Jennie our back marker and the others with Richard who had suffered a puncture on the footpath, at the place where we should have turned left. Jennie and I stayed with Richard and the others went ahead as the Robert Duvall wasn't far away. After two inner tubes and discovering a second hole in the rubber poor Richard finally fixed his puncture. By this time I had solved my sat nav problem and Neil appeared. He had missed the turning as well and met up with Dave W's group on the return to us. Finally we all regrouped at Wetherspoons, Richard having two leaders and a back marker to get there!

After a hearty lunch we set off again. Fortunately my replotting proved wothwhile as we took the correct Brackendale Road out of Camberly and not Tekel Road which was very close. After I had made a couple of wrong turns, Neil took point again and we had a quick cross way over the Lightwater by pass followed by West End and Chobham. Back along the never ending Stonehill road until Chertsey Bridge and familiar roads to the The Ferry cafe. Here we met B riders and swapped stories. A thoroughly excellent day out thanks to Dave W for his impeccable planning (not impeccable enough, apparently!!! - Ed). Thanks to my fellow leader Neil C for his invaluable help and Jennie Jackson for solidly back marking.

Many thanks for that, Steve.    Particular credit goes to you, Mike R, and Neil C for volunteering to sub-lead - it's not as easy at it looks to lead a group following someone else's route blind, as it were, and the ride could not have taken place without them!    Oh  and thanks to Andy C for the best pictures here!

Ripley to Wisley

Ian Williamson rode across the new bridge today - maybe he's the first wayfarer to do so? He asked me to post the following comments: The new road bridge over the A3 into Wisley and on to Pyrford is now open The road access is directly off the Ripley roundabout having left the A3 travelling south Access from Ockham is equally easy There is a very generous and super smooth cycle track alongside the road And finally I think a footpath will enable a pedestrian to climb the embankment from Elm Lane and access the road thus saving a longer detour to the roundabout but I did not test this route—-I will next time

The B group (Vintage Velo) ride 13th Nov

Planned Departure Groups and Times.

 

There are Various coffee shops in Wadebridge, but please make sure you are at the departure point on time.

Departure from Wadebridge, Churchfield Rec, at the rear of the day centre.

 

Departure time 10.30

Tony LDR

Pam

Julie B

Martin G

Tim G

Dave (Fish&Chips)

Jane F

Departure Time 10.40

Steph LDR

Sabina

Bernard

Alan C

Ian W

Mick A

 

Departure Time 10.50

Ray Y LDR

John A

Terry

Christina

Paul

Maggie

 

Tony..

Any problems, please contact me on 07770952554.

 

 

Do Join Me for the 'A' Group Ride on Weds 13 November

On Wednesday the 'A's' will be riding about 15 miles from Baker Street, Weybridge to an early lunch at the Claude Duvall, Camberley (aka Wetherspoons) and then about 18 miles back to tea the Ferry Coffee Shop, Shepperton.   Hopefully, this will get us all home before nightfall but lights are still advisable.

While the route https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/316768127 is not entirely flat, it is much less hilly than other recent 'A' rides (less than 400 metres of height gain).   All is surfaced with the exception of two very short sections of path which will not be troublesome.

Most of the route has been covered on previous 'A' rides and will be easy to follow from .gpx, so please volunteer to sub-lead a group if you are able!

To join the ride please e-mail me at cycledave23@gmail.com not later than 6.00 pm on Monday 11 November.  All are welcome!

Report for B Group on 6th November

From Maddie - The Ducks

The ducks had a lovely ride today. It felt very easy and breezy, despite the calm weather and complete cloud cover. All the ducklings - Brenda, Dawn, Mags, Grant and Francis - appreciated the ride to lunch on a ride to lunch that show cased the beauty autumn’s rich colours. There was some huff and puffing up the hills - and indeed we were literally in the clouds for a good few miles - but we loved the wheeeeeeeee of the downhill sections.

The ducklings were pretty well behaved on the whole. I was also pleased that they did well on the bike agility sections, thoughtfully supplied by traffic maintenance road crew along the way. It is always good to keep those fine bike skills sharp.

Chief drake Francis kept us in good spirits, herding and chivvying us on our journey: he knew the greedy swans were on our tails..

As sub leader, I offer a special thanks to Julie for the simple elegance of the route to lunch, requiring as it did only about 5 turns all the way to the pub!

Lunch was well organised and quick in the lovely setting of the Anchor, and then we were off again for a different type of afternoon ride- across some gorgeous off-road sections, along the canal for a short burst and eventually through Brooklands. Lovely.

The ducklings fledged and took their own paths as we went along. Only our back marker, Francis, relieved of his duties, went in for a cuppa at Garsons Farm - surrounded by swans…

Overall, a grand day out - and back by nightfall.

From Tim G - The Swans

A day of overcast and grey skies and no sign of a sunny spell proved quite acceptable for cycling in November. Our group of five eager and diligent cyclists headed south via Downside and Effingham Junction to commence the accent of Chalk Lane at East Horsley.

We gently climbed up and through autumn countryside shrouded in an increasing cover of cloud and mist. After a brief break we descended Staple Lane then progressed north to Chandon and Ripley carefully negotiating the roadworks at Burnt Common.

Lunch at ‘The Anchor’ was a success and everyone seemed to be happily fed and watered. Our afternoon ride included a brief off-road section crossing the Wey Navigation that many did not recall covering before.

Tea at Garson’s Farm provided a welcome break despite the horrors of seemingly endless ghastly Xmas decorations (baa humbug !).

As our daylight hours increasingly diminish we all needed our lights to get us home safely. Thanks to everyone who contributed to making today’s ride a success. A good day had by all.

From Julie - The Moorhens

It was great to see a good turnout at Cobham for a ride full of autumnal colour. A long straight section to East Horsley led to a climb up Green Dene which looked magical in the mist among the trees. Then through Clandon and Ripley to Pyrford Lock for lunch at the Anchor.

The afternoon ride took us off road and along the Wey for a while which was very pretty. Tea and cake at Garsons farm ended our day. Thanks to my fellow moorhens, Diane, Davey, Gill F, Gill H, Ray - and to Mick for back marking.

Remembering Ron Weeden

Yesterday we said farewell to Ron.

Ron's grandchildren delivered their personal tributes at the service. They are here in this folder.

~ Tim

Ride Report A group, Cobham, Leigh, Ashtead 6th November

Janice report

My group comprising Neil W, Hans, Peter S, Patrick, Daniel, Dave B, Andy H and myself set off first happily thinking we’d be arriving at the pub ahead of the queue.

Across Bookham Common, which was acceptably dry, before we hit the beginning of the first climb. A road closed sign was in place at the start of Beech Avenue so we turned left into High Barns rather than risk being turned back half way up as happened on the recce. As we climbed High Barns and climbed some more we spread out but stopped at the top to re-group. After waiting a while it was clear there’d been a problem and indeed Hans had suffered a puncture which required 2 separate inner tubes which Neil had kindly stayed behind to help with. Frances’ group came and went and eventually we received the message that we should continue as Neil and Hans would follow.

As we turned right we were then further delayed as traffic was being held whilst a large high branch was being felled by tree surgeons.

At last back on the route we made reasonably swift progress and were able to catch up with the other 2 groups ……..  just as we all arrived at the pub! Brian’s group had managed to by pass us by staying on Beech Avenue which was in fact open.

Neil arrived in time to join the queue at the bar but unfortunately Hans had decided to head for home.

Despite The Plough in Leigh being reasonably busy with other customers they managed to serve 20+ of us and deliver orders in a short time. The 2 hard working bar staff and the kitchen staff could certainly give lessons to many other establishments who aren’t able to meet such high standards of service.

Back on the road the misty gloom and chill hadn’t lifted although I’m not sure that we particularly appreciated the warming effects of Little Switzerland. But those of us who stopped at Ashtead Garden Centre did appreciate the hot drinks and cake!

Thanks to Frances for a great route for the time of year and to the cheerful company of my group, in particular Peter who kept us all in check with his back marking.

Brian's report 

My group consisted of Sue C, Pete Beyer, Dave F, Clive, Richard and Simon. It was colder than expected and a bit damp over the hills but mostly dry - I was glad to have taken an extra layer. We rode as planned up Beech/Critten Lane to Whitedown and had an uneventful ride at a good pace. However we were surprised not to have been caught by Frances' group, especially when we stopped for a few minutes at the Village Green stores in Ockley so that Pete could buy his favourite treats. All was revealed soon after we arrived at the Plough to find no other bikes - closely followed by the other two groups (see their reports).

Lunch was very promptly served and we went back up Longbottom Lane and over "Little Switzerland". Clive and Pete peeled off home from Headley and four of us stopped for tea at Ashtead Park Garden Centre.

Frances report

Despite the grey November morning there were 20 riders on the start line at Cobham.

We were the last group to head out, Steve kindly backmarking and welcomed to Anthony from Epsom who joined his first ride.

The common was dry so that off road piece went smoothly.  We reached Beech Ave and the group went up High Barn to avoid any further tree felling equipment.  We passed Hans and Neil who were busy mending a puncture, then saw Patrick who was coming down to assist.  We continued through the mist and met Janice's group who were waiting at the top.  We continued and were lucky to be able to pass the large tree cutting machine to turn left into Whitedown before it delayed the first group.

The ride continued along some very quiet lanes and whilst damp stayed dry.  We reached the pub around 12.40pm just as Brian's group were parking up, followed hot on our heels by the first group. Not what I had planned originally but the Plough staff were very accommodating and efficient.

We said goodbye to Dave W and everyone joined in the group photo.  After discussion it was agreed that 3 of the group would continue to Ashtead tea stop via Juniper, whilst I, Simon, Peter and Anthony took the path along Boxhill straight to Leaderhead where we all went our separate ways.

Thanks to all for making the ride run smoothly and great company.   I would add that the route (which had been done by us in Feb 2024) was "borrowed" from Brian so I cannot take all the credit.  Chapeau.