Sunday, November 03, 2024

Sunday 3 Nov - to Uxbridge

The ride started with grander ambitions to reach Ruislip Lido, but was shortened to fit the available daylight.   A sizeable majority assembled before 10 at Bushy Park, for a bonus ride to 11s, catching the sight of Mogden Sewage Works on the way to the Stables Cafe at Osterley Park.  Of fourteen at 11s, a lucky thirteen joined the ride.

Very stable geniuses

The ride itself was assembled from a multitude of lockdown rides done by myself and Tony Hopkins during Covid, seeking out usually interesting and sometimes impassable new routes.   It's surprising how much green space you can find in London if you go looking.  There was plenty of green, and a bit of 'blue' (if you call canal water blue).   We crossed the canal three times - work that one out! - and three rivers (Yeading Brook and Rivers Pinn & Crane).   Southall, Yeading and Hillingdon were the backdrop, and suddenly we were at the top secret Battle of Britain Bunker at Uxbridge for a few photos and perhaps a bit of time for reflection about earlier generations, ahead of Remembrance Sunday.



Top secret

After lunch at the Good Yarn, it was a pretty simple route back to Sipson and along the north of Heathrow before heading down through Hounslow Heath and Crane Park on the way to tea at Bushy Park.    Thanks to everyone for your good company, and many photos, to Tony, Diane and David W for variously co-leading or back marking, and to Tony for inspiration for many bits of the route.   Next summer, all being well, we'll attempt to make the next step northwards to Ruislip Lido.

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Change of plan for ride on this Sunday 3 Nov

Three things to note:

  1. 11s is still at Osterley Park, the Stables Cafe.
  2. If you're not sure how to get to Osterley Park, I am happy to lead a bonus pre-ride from the Teddington gate of Bushy Park (at the end of the main road through the park), leaving at 09.45 sharp.
  3. It's come to my attention that the nights are drawing in, something which I had not foreseen when I planned my ride.  So I've shortened the ride, giving you a better chance of getting home in the light.   We will go to a different Lido instead, before lunching at a local Bistro, The Good Yarn in Uxbridge.  Tea will now be at Walton on Thames, which I think will be more convenient for people to get home from.
I do hope you will be able to join us!

Not this one.

Sunday, October 27, 2024

Sunday 27th October 2024

I arrived at The Coronation Hall (Surbiton) to find Dave, Niall, Diane, Sabina & Bernard at the lookout point with bikes in full view.

Over the next 25 minutes we were joined by Simon, Graham, Tony, Martina, Keith & Madeleine.

Ten set off leaving Niall (front brake issue) & Madeleine to do a recce (for a future ride B group?)

The recce........an almost essential part of leading these days, although back in the day we never bothered.

Taking a wrong turn or getting lost was all part of the fun...but some navigators were better than others.

Step forward Graham & Dave.

Most of the route knowledge pre-Garmin was from doing the same routes countless times until even the front wheel knows which way to turn.

Over the years my knowledge has dwindled & I too rely on a route planner & Garmin.

But as Graham quite rightly pointed out at lunch "it's not a route I would of chosen".

Indeed, even with my route plotted on a device, I still managed to overshoot a turning & required Dave to bail me out as I didn't have a clue of how to correct my mistake.

We passed Brooklands museum & the Concorde in the grounds.

Concorde Delta Golf never entered service & was used for training & spare parts but it was 50 years ago this year, when it took its maiden flight from Filton to Fairford & 20 years ago when it arrived at the museum in pieces to be restored.

Brooklands did bid for one of the seven BA Concordes after they were retired in 2003 but were unsuccessful.

Also on show, a Wellington Bomber that was recovered from Loch Ness in 1985, one of only two that remain from the 11,461 that were built.

Incident Report - Diane's rear derailleur cable breaks.

Three choices.

1. Carry on the ride with two gears - one high & one very high.

2. Ride to a bike shop.

3. Ride to a train station.

Or find a random stone & wedge it in the gear mech so that the chain is forced to a bigger rear cog.....hence easier to ride.

Thanks to Simon & his ingenuity, Diane was able to continue without further incident.

At lunch, Astelet café in Send, Dave left us but we were joined by Terry.


Keith was aware of a rear slow puncture in Ripley but after a quick pump we made our way to the new Wisley Bridge.

Due to open on 11th November 2024.

"A view through the lens" is a youtube channel that gives drone footage of the bridge & is updated frequently.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6e0zJgchGVk

Seven stopped for tea at Squires, Stoke D' Abernon.

Thank you to Simon for backmarking & everyone else for their company.

Happy Halloween!


Thanks also to Simon & Sabine for the photos.


















Friday, October 25, 2024

Info re: Sunday 27th October

There is no secure parking outside W'spoons, Surbiton so we use the cycle racks/street furniture on the other side of the road.

18 miles to lunch.

In the afternoon, we check on progress at the new Wisley Bridge before its provisional opening date of Monday 11th November.

The new cycle sign is already in place:


9 miles to tea.

REMINDER: Sunset is at 16.42.

Hope you can join me.

Sunday, October 20, 2024

Sunday 20th October - C&M vs Storm Ashley

The first named storm of the year coincided with our ride from Dorking to Leigh.   The weather forecast was dire: heavy rain and strong winds.   It was hard enough just getting to Dorking against the wind and in lashing rain, but six hardy adventurers either forgot to look at the forecast or else decided to brave the odds anyway.   We dripped and shivered in the air-conditioned cafe at Waitrose, drinking lashings of coffee and watching lashings of rain through the picture windows.   Repeated checking of the weather forecast didn't seem to improve things, but they did seem to predict a slight lessening of the torrent around 11.30.   David W left us to do his own thing while more coffees were called for, as we delayed our start time.  There were debates about whether Ranmore Common was becoming slightly visible through the rain.  Eventually we just had to go out and brave it.   After all, we were already wet - how much worse could it get?

Look cheerful!

Brian on the phone to the Met Office;
Ranmore Common in the background? 

In fact, it wasn't quite as bad as it looked - more steady rain than monsoon.   We had voted to shorten the route from my gorgeous 19 mile route via Partridge Lane and The Mount by as much as possible.   After about six miles we were a bit surprised to arrive in Leigh, and the rain had nearly stopped.   The Plough was warm and welcoming, and we spent an enjoyable hour discussing all and sundry, including many happy memories of our good friend Ian Appleton.  But alas, the rain had returned with a vengeance.   Weather apps were consulted and once again we decided to delay our departure with another coffee.   More chat, and eventually we left.   Hurray - the rain had stopped again, more or less, and we enjoyed a wind-assisted ride back to Leatherhead for tea.

Long lunch at The Plough

Thanks to all the hardy heroes who turned out today, for your company and stoicism in facing the elements, and thanks to Diane for back marking.   The ride was only about 17 miles from 11s to tea, but each mile was hard-earned.  Brian informed me that his average speed for the whole ride, including stops, was 4 mph, which may be a record of sorts.  Ten bonus house points (but no extra attendance points) for all!

Heroes  (photo: Andy)

Thursday, October 17, 2024

Sunday 20 Oct info - Dorking to Leigh

The Dorking sinkhole
Sunday's ride will be as advertised on the rides list:   Dorking Waitrose to The Plough, Leigh. 

Two things to note about the ride:

  1. Major roadworks in Dorking mean that West Street is closed between Station Road and North Street.  (if in doubt, look at Google Maps and choose the traffic view).   It's best to approach Waitrose from the east (through the town).  From Terry: "I suggest not turning right off A24 into Ashcombe Road but to continue further on A24 to next turning right Old London Road (just past ped lights, filling station at junction). This leads to the High Street."  Bike parking is available down the side of Waitrose, outside the cafe.
  2. The route to lunch will be between 6-18 scenic miles depending on the weather forecast.    From there, it's about 10 miles back to Leatherhead for tea.
I hope you can join us.

Monday, October 14, 2024

Sunday 13th October 2024

I had my £1.56 ready............"£1.04 please".

One pound four?

Wetherspoons coffee guess the price game & I failed.

I handed over £1.05, & waited for that penny.

Who waits for a penny?

Well me at least......I make my pension work for me which I started contributing to on this very site way back in 1978.


Replacing the counter shop (who remembers that?) in London Road.



My career in food retail came to an abrupt end in the building next door.....but enough about that!

Incidently, Sainsburys opened the current store in the mid-nineties & Wetherspoons redeveloped the site as we see it today.



Brocks, the firework company had a factory close by too.


So to the ride & we said goodbye to Graham, & Diane who had more pressing duties back home...ironing, but also recovering from her (successful) ride to the coast with the Beginners the day before.

Read here: https://swlctcbeginners.blogspot.com/

Colin G & Sue B heeded my advice & also went their separate ways.

Because today we went in search of climbs.

The first, a right turn off the A22 that climbs to Kenley's airfield where we spent a few minutes reflecting on past lives lived but mostly lost.



Motorised aircraft are banned but the airfield is used by Ministry of Defence for glider training which we witnessed today.


Dave left us shortly after & we descended rapidly to cross the A22 & commence the second climb past Woldingham Golf Club.




Slines Oak Road rises to the Limpsfield Road & earns its single chevron on OS 187 (1 in 7 to 1 in 5).

An explainer:

The gear I was using had 28 teeth on the chainring (front) & 28 teeth on the rear sprocket (largest).

A gear ratio in inches of 27.

https://www.bikecalc.com/archives/gear-inches.html

The higher the gear ratio the harder it is to turn the pedals, conversely the lower the number, the easier it is.

Bernard who had to get off was geared much higher but didn't have the muscle strength to turn the pedals.

After lunch at Seasons café in Knights Garden Centre, Chelsham we took a short detour to enjoy the view.






If I had decent photo editing software, I could put these pics side by side to create a panoramic single shot.

Dobbies, Woodcote Green provided afternoon refreshment & free tea to holders of their Club Plus loyalty cards.

Fast forward to Monday morning, thanks to Bernard's help, I successfully had my first perculator coffee!

Thanks to my supporters today on the coldest October 13th for 22 years.
















Friday, October 11, 2024

Info re Sunday 13th October

In a change to the published paper copy of the Sou'wester, lunch will be at Knights Garden Centre, Chelsham.

Tea will be at Dobbies Garden Centre or Oaks Park.

From W'spoons North Cheam, we'll ride in a south-easterly direction to Purley then climb up to Kenley airfield, where the runway & some buildings remain from it's use during the Battle of Britain (1940).

A further climb via Halliloo Valley road & Slines Oak road to lunch.

On the return, a short detour to a viewing point over the valley should provide a wonderful photo opp.

A distance of about 25 miles (11's to tea) but with some punchy climbs to warm you up on what's likely to be a cold day.

Hoping to see you.



Sunday, October 06, 2024

Ride Report - Sunday 6 October

 


Today there was yet another very welcome large turnout of loyal members at elevenses at Staines!  Despite the dismal weather, no less than Martina, Niall, Simon, Tony, Pam, Madeleine, Andy, Ray, Graham, Diane, Ruth and Gemma (apologies if I have omitted anyone) joined me at Wetherspoons.   Gemma and Ray were both, I think making welcome returns to the fold after several months' away (but we're always pleased to see them) and Pam was on her first ride after being grounded for four weeks through injury!

Anyway, the general plan was to re-enact our rather eventful ride of 7th January.  We all duly set off (in the opposite direction from our destination, Windsor, obviously)!    Disappointingly (or perhaps not), wild horses did not this time block our passage across Shortwood Common, but the difficulties of getting all of us through the two kissing gates there convinced me that this time we wouldn't be attempting to traverse the causeway across the Staines reservoirs, and, in particular, the stile at the far end!

The rest of the ride was pretty tame compared with 7th January - not a single flooded road to negotiate, and no diversions due to closures!   We made it to the Cinnamon Cafe without incident, and the only 'event' on the way back to tea was the onset of drizzle!

Thanks to all for your company, and thanks to Diane for tirelessly back-marking throughout the ride!   Photo credits to Andy for the best picture!

Wednesday, October 02, 2024

Vermulens

A long time unused tea stop, had a coffee an donut this morning, and only £4

Tony..

Please Note - Plans for Sunday 6 October

We were planning to slip in an unscheduled, train-assisted ride led by Andy on Sunday, to get it in before winter began, but as it already has we're reverting to the ride originally planned, and the train-assisted ride will happen later!

So our ride on Sunday 6 October will actually be largely unchanged from the rides list (elevenses at Staines, lunch at Cinnamon Cafe, Windsor, tea at Shepperton) except that elevenses will be at our usual venue (The George) instead of Greggs as published.

Sunday, September 29, 2024

Sunday 29th September - Ride Report

Café Barbera in Stoke D'Abernon is always a popular elevenses venue and today was no different, with twenty cyclists arriving for the ride or just for coffee and perhaps a little something. There was quite some confusion over the availability of the one toilet which led us to leave later than planned, but eventually we were on our way with fifteen riders - good to have David W back with us post holidays and to see Helen and Paul, Geoff and Carolyn.

Out-of-date out-of-service notice! 

The route took us over Bookham Common (where Audrey and David B and Tony left us), through Effingham and up to Ranmore Common via Hogden Lane. We were soon pausing on the downhill through Denbies Vineyard for a photo with dramatic skies and a sweeping vista below us. I count ten in the photo plus myself and Andy. 

Note to self: You have to travel by land train if you want bubbles with your view

The next challenge was Little Switzerland and Slough Lane, which all took in their stride but by the time we arrived at the top it was getting late. Graham, Keith and Brian peeled off at different points leaving nine to sail down into Epsom for lunch at The Assembly Rooms, where Tony was waiting with Ed and Colin Q - lovely to see them both. 

We ate outside as it was so busy, and so got to see some of the cars arriving for the Horse Power event (marking the end of the racing season in Epsom) in the market place today. 

Holy cyclists Batman! 

Maddie, Julie (on her first C&M ride), Linda and Andy being so close to their respective homes could not be tempted on to afternoon tea, and as such avoided the off-road and muddy sections through Prince's Coverts and beyond, but the rest of us - Sabina and Bernard, Martina, Simon and Tony (who sensibly went around) landed up in Claygate for tea at Laz Cafe. 

Simon looking remarkably clean despite
what he'd just cycled through

Thanks everyone for your company, good humour and sense of adventure! To Simon for back-marking all day and to everyone who helped to make it a lovely day of cycling. 

About 19miles to lunch and 7 miles to tea.  

Photo credits to Simon and Linda.

Thursday, September 26, 2024

Info - Sunday 29th Sept

Once again the Café Barbera, Stoke D'Abernon to The Assembly Rooms, Epsom ride has come around and it is my pleasure to invite you to join me.

Before lunch, we will complete a 19 mile route with 2 climbs - Hogden Lane to Ranmore and Little Switzerland to Headley. All on-road apart from the stony stretches across Cobham Park and Bookham Common, and the descent from Ranmore through Denbies Wine Estate. 

Those wishing to take in only one climb may deviate at Westhumble, and those not looking for any climbs may deviate at Bookham Common. We'll also keep one eye on the ever-changing weather forecasts in case we all need to deviate! All are welcome in Epsom via whatever manner you choose to get there.

After lunch I'm planning a further 7 miles with some stony off-road to tea in Claygate - again, weather-permitting. Other options exist. 

Hope to see you on Sunday.

Monday, September 16, 2024

Sunday the 22nd September

Penny Farthing Racing

11's at the Pheasantry, Bushy park, Lunch at the Bothwell Inn, Hayes.
 


 Then onto Hayes track to watch the Penny Farthing racing. It's a great event to watch. There will also be a cycle jumble at the track.

Afternoon tea TBD

Tony

Sunday, September 15, 2024

Sunday 15th September 2024

Tanhouse the farm, bustling with bikers.

All without motors unlike at Rykas.

We totalled seven in all, outside we sat.

You know what we're like, havin' a chat.


Goodbye Terry, Brian & Steph.

Caroline too, just three of us left.

So bikes at the ready, southwards we rode.

Up Tower Road where some of us slowed.


Keith turned up just after we left.

Something about him having overslept.

Southwater Lake, we chose our table.

Lucky we did, some were unable.


Sunny & warm, very agreeable.

West Surrey CC were there, that's unforeseeable.

Capel & cakes tempted us away.

It's their speciality, being a Sunday.


View from Grouse Road, St Leonards Forest
View from Grouse Road, St Leonards Forest (credit to Eric)



Thanks to Diane, Eric (dining at his parents in Christs Hospital) & Keith for your company.



Friday, September 13, 2024

Info - Sunday 15th September 2024

Hi all,

Sunday's ride will leave Tanhurst Farm slightly later than usual at 11.15am.

On route to lunch, one significant hill (Tower Road), thereafter undulating to Southwater.

Hope it's as sunny as it was in 2012 !



Returning includes a mile of Downs Link, requires a dash across the busy A264 (care required) then undulating to our last visit of 2024 - Capel for tea.

I hope you're able to join me.




Monday, September 09, 2024

Security Warning!

Please note that our friend Jeff Tollerman's email account has been hacked and as a result numerous people in his contact list have received bogus messages which look like they have been sent by him.

The messages are not from him at all. Please don't reply to them.

Thanks 

Tim 

West End September 8 2024

The Addlestone start didn't start well - a (tiny) thorn in my rear tyre. It was a 30 minute struggle despite many hands and tools (mainly Dave's). Wisely he headed home; the remaining seven (GFH, Andy, Diane, Martina, Pam, Simon, Tony) stayed south of the Basingstoke Canal used by the previous week's ride from the same 11s.


We blame the Met Office when they get it wrong. Today they were cursed when they got it right! (3 hours of heavy but intermittent rain). Within two miles we struggled into "waterproofs" which would stay in place until lunch. Green trees offered little shelter so on we pedalled. 

After dry Pyrford Common and Maybury a second downpour trapped us on Arthur's Bridge west of Woking's town centre. It was the last downpour though we had no way of knowing that.


Ever optimistic we dismissed thoughts of Spoons or where ever and continued to Goldsworth Park and a three-quarter circuit of the lake. With time pressing the main road (A322) was pressed into service for the last mile or so to the Hare and Hounds in West End. We were 45 minutes late but the garden was nearly empty and had a heated smokers shelter. 

The return was quickly plotted. Pennypot Lane led us to Chobham. Here the Ottershaw road (A319) is currently one way so we continued on Red Lion and Gracious Pond roads. Approaching Holloway Hill Tony suggested Squires (opposite St Peters) where we dined alfresco until closing time (1630).

I was home after 1815 and 40 miles. 


 





Monday, September 02, 2024

September 8th - Changes Of Venues

Please ignore the incomplete details in the Sep/Oct newsletter (paper and electronic). 

I've devised a 25-miler replacement. I've not completed a full scale recce! but much will be familiar. The route omits the Basingstoke (more or less) but includes Goldsworth Park which I've never visited on a C&M ride. 

11s:        Golden Cafe Addlestone (last visited 01/09/24 by C&M)

Lunch:    Hare And Hounds hareandhounds-westend.co.uk (last visited 21/08/24 by Bs) 

Tea:         as 11s (closes 1500), or usual suspects.





Sunday, September 01, 2024

A Near-Death Experience - Sunday 1 Sept

Don't worry, nobody was harmed.    But today's planned jolly ride to Farnborough accidentally developed a rather macabre character, at least in the morning, as you will see.


A happy bunch of riders turned up quite early at Addlestone for 11s, and surprisingly everyone was itching to go a bit before 11am, so after the usual faffing, we got away more or less on time, leaving Geoff to make his own way back.   My route was made up from ideas stolen from David W, Graham and Diane, but everyone seemed to like the ride along the Basingstoke canal in dappled sunlight.   



This is when the trouble began.    We passed Woking Crematorium, identified by DW as the site of the world's first crematorium, and later visited Brookwood Cemetery, the worlds first lawn cemetery, stopping to pay our respects and also use the conveniences in the chapel.   There is a civilian cemetery, conceived by the London Necropolis Corporation as the solution to the lack of burial space in the capital.   It even had its own dedicated* station, the London Necropolis station, right next to Waterloo station, but later damaged and demolished in WW2.  Trains had different carriages for 1st, 2nd, 3rd class and Hearse Carriages for the deceased, also with different classes.  I imagine that you could only get a single ticket for the Hearse Carriages.


London Necropolis Station


After touring the civilian cemetery, we visited the military cemetery with extensive graves for several nationalities from both world wars, before returning to the road to Mytchett and Farnborough.

Military Cemetery

The hungry riders were made to climb a bonus hill in order to view the impressive Mausoleum of the emperor Napoleon III Bonaparte, last emperor of France before his exile to England, his wife Empress Eugenie who built the monument, and their son Napoleon Louis, who was tragically killed fighting in the Boer War, where he was supposed to be assigned to a 'safe' role.  The mausoleum, also known as St Michael's Abbey, still functions as a Benedictine monastery, and not many people will be interested to know that it houses an organ by the famous French organ builder CavaillĂ©-Coll, who built many famous Franch organs including that of the Notre Dame Cathedral, and whose organs were admired by the famous French composers Cesar Franck and Charles-Marie Widor.   At least one person will be interested to know that he (CavaillĂ©-Coll) was born in Montpellier.  

But I digress.   The abbey is only open to visitors on Saturdays, so we had to have lunch in Wetherspoons instead.

Part of St Michael's Abbey

Graham had left us after riding along the canal with us, and David left at the sight of Wetherspoons, having claimed his two points.   Thank you David for providing not just a large part of the route, but also much of the morbid and interesting cultural content of the ride.



The morning was mostly ridden in shade, but the afternoon started in full sun as we climbed the hill at Deepcut to admire the distant views of Woking, looking beautiful through the haze.  Someone (Tony?) thought he spotted the Eiffel Tower as well.   Then it was downhill nearly all the way through Windlesham and Longcross, anxiously looking at watches, to try to arrive before the (unknown) closing time at the Great Cockrow Railway.  In our haste to get there, we passed Colin Q coming the other way, having visited Cockrow but given up all hope of seeing us.  I'm sorry we missed you, Colin!  You could say we were dead lucky to get there just in time to bag the last of the cakes, and sit in the shade watching the trains and waving at their young and not so young passengers as we put the world to rights.


 
At Great Cockrow (train in background)

Who ate all the cakes?

It was a very enjoyable day out in summery weather and good company who took my improvisations (i.e. mistakes) in good spirit.   Thank you to the many people whose routes I plundered, to Jennie for back-marking, and to David W, Niall, Andy, and Ruth for the photos.

* or should that be deadicated?