Muddy Lane

The next exciting(?) installment is set for February 6!

https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/land-planning-and-development/countryside/footpaths-byways-and-bridleways/rights-of-way-public-notices/footpath-129-byfleet-3-part-wisley-and-566-wisley

Armistice Day 2018

At seven it was dreich but just after eight the sky turned blue. Despite surface water beside Hampton Waterworks I was first to Notcutts and was soon joined by Bob, Dave, Pam and Vic.

As it was Armistice day we tarried until well after eleven and I didn't help matters by falling off at the first corner (wet leaves)!

If you're tempted by the map, please note:

(1) Parked caravans(!) in Hollow Hill Lane;
(2) Burnham Beeches' cafe is closed until further notice (https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/burnham-beeches-and-stoke-common/Documents/beeches-cafe-faqs.pdf)

We survived Langley Park to Black Park crossing on the A412 and arrived just after one at the Old Five Bells Burnham where Dave departed. With dusk set for 1615 there was no enthusiasm for tea so we returned via Dorney and Eton to Datchet where our paths diverged, me towards Horton, Pam and Vic towards Wraysbury. Home in the light after 50+ miles of perfect autumnal cycling.

11/11 Change Of Lunch Venue

If you haven't looked at the Rides List, you won't know I've changed to the Old Five Bells Burnham. It's that much closer to home.

But we might not get that far as the Met Office forecast is "rain in the morning"!

Notice of 2018 Annual General Meeting

CTC South West London will hold its AGM after Elevenses
at 11:00 am 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

Sunday the 4th November

Not the Whitehouse.

I was later than usual getting to Garsons Farm and most had already arrived, the queue for drinks took ages as it now gets very busy.

So the list of those present is as follows. Terry, Bob, Simon, Brian, Bill, Pam, Graham, Ed, Maureen, Paul and myself. Bob, Bill and Maureen only came to 11's.

The weather was perfect for cycling and we headed back towards Esher through the private drive and past Wayneflete Tower and the nice decent past the rear of Sandown park. Then back doubles and alleys bought us to the edge of Walton and the back to Hampton court and through Bushey park to Hampton, more back doubles and to the spiral bridge to cross the A316, past the edge of Feltham and on to Ashford and across Shortwood Common only to find the foot crossing of the railway line had been permanently closed, apparently it was the most dangerous crossing in the UK with several deaths causing it's closure.

 

The Dizzy heights of the Spiral  Bridge

So more back doubles bought us into Staines and lunch at the George pub. While we were having lunch the rain started but by the time we were ready to leave the rain has stopped. It was decided that most didn't want to stop for tea as getting home in daylight was a priority.

So post lunch was also dispersal with ones and twos going there own ways home. I got to Shepperton and stopped to phone my wife and Ed caught me up and we rode to Hampton together where I turned left for home. Another good day out on the bike. Thank you all for your company and thanks to Simon for back marking.

28 October - Woodham & Windsor

Yet another wet start for one of my Sunday rides (unbelievably in such a dry period, three out of four I have led since July have had rain), but this not deter eight of us from reaching elevenses at the Bourne Valley Garden Centre.   We lingered over coffee until almost 11.30, by when the rain had stopped and it was starting to brighten up.   Three went home but Simon, Graham, Tony, Vic and I continued to The Windlesora by a fairly direct, if not entirely flat route.  Thanks to Simon for spotting the offer of a burger and chips for £2.99 which made an excellent lunch choice! The return route started in sunshine and we had the wind behind us (nothing to do with the burgers, I hasten to add), so made good progress to tea at Laleham where there was the usual dispersal.  After the unpleasant start, this became ride which I think all enjoyed so many thanks for your company.

Sunday the 28th

Those riding this coming Sunday remember to put you clocks back and don't get to11's an hour early.

 

October 21 - Really??

Can it really be nearly bonfire night?   The trees think so but nobody's told the weather.   It was another day when whatever you wore in the morning was too little, but by lunchtime it was too much.  17 degrees, dry, nearly windless, and not a cloud in the sky.  Wonderful.   

QUIZ: How are your group riding skills?

Just for fun - we are pleased to announce an ANONYMOUS quiz about how you ride in groups. You get to give a score for yourself, and also for the others in your group, We don't ask for any names and don't store any info about you personally. We will attempt to summarise the results in a future Sou'Wester. It should take about ten minutes to answer the questions, and another two hours to discuss the results with your friends, should you choose.


If you'd like to do the quiz, click here. Please don't enter any names in the comments either!

Pams Birthday Ride

Sunday the 14th of October

Heavy rain forecast mostly for the whole day. I left  home for 11's at Garsons farm at 8.50 and returned 10 minutes later to put on heavier rain gear as it got really heavy. Half an hour later I had stopped to take my rain gear off!

A few were already waiting outside at Garsons farm when I arrived, they don't open until 10.30. Once settled in the cafe numbers increased. The birthday girl was one of the first to arrive. 11.00am came and went and it was around 11.15 before we were outside ready to leave, But the rain had gotten heavier and we all sheltered under cover. Eventually the rain eased off to an acceptable level to ride.

It had already been decided to forego the 80k ride and head directly to Wetherspoons Woking for lunch, after a few variations on the route we arrived to find Dave W already tucking into his dinner. 

The rain continued after dinner but at only a drizzle. Again a direct route was taken to tea at Pam's house where a lovely spread had been laid on by her niece Anita. After much tea, coffee and bubbly had been consumed the birthday cake appeared, which was a coffee and walnut cake, delicious!

Most of us headed for Egham station as the drizzle continued. A really nice day even with all the rain and a really good turnout despite the weather, but who wouldn't have for Pam's 80th.

14th October - map for Pam's birthday ride

Garsons Farm - Woking - Egham

Sunday the 14th October

Pam's birthday ride.

11's will be at Garson's farm, West End Esher.

Lunch will be at Wetherspoons Woking

Tea to be decided.

Sunday October 7 2018

A hint of autumn chill soon became a perfect day for cycling. Along the way I crossed at least two (my guess) sportifs including the Palace (Buckingham) to Palace (Windsor) where £300+ takes one on a 70-mile diversion away from the most direct route.

I was first at a crowded Pinnocks which became even more crowded so we dined alfresco under a now warming sun.  A surprise was MTB-mounted Janice showing no signs of her close encounter with the tarmac.

Much of the route was improvised but fortunately the silent minority (if any) stayed silent. Ockham was followed by the Muddy Duck and Effingham. Here we paused so I could point out to Pam the bridle path to Bookham Common; this prompted interest in a detailed investigation. It was not without incident though few saw my very close encounter with a black pooch!

We rode past the Isle of Wight (sic! photos from Janice) to Fetcham. I crammed in two more off-road sections (River Lane and Ashtead Common) reaching the Cricketers at 1245. When I looked there was no website menu. But I need not have worried - child's portions with dessert for £4.99; orange squash 40p a pint!

All that remained were the two miles to Ed's where Jeff was sitting on the doorstep. 40 miles door to door and a light covering of  dust which won't see me cleaning the bike anytime soon!

Two points : Graham, Pam, Simon, Terry, Lillian, Vic, Tony, Ed, Dave, the KPRC rider
One point : Janice, Bob, Jeff, Daniel, Alan, Brian B

And the winner is.....

With the C&M calendar ending on 30 September, it is too late now to try and pip Graham at the post. His 86 attendance points from 46 attendances put him head and handlebar above the competition. Sorry Ed, but you get the silver spoon.

Today I missed a sprint along the A25 to Squires at West Horsley to offer congratulations to GFH and share the company and bacon bap, but domestic duties demanded otherwise.

I'm sure that I shall see you all at next week's AGM. If you don't know where it is, just ask!

Jeff

Sunday 30 September

A bright but cool start as Bob, Simon, Graham, Ed, Lilian, Rachel, Mike, Vic and I met at Squires, West Horsley for elevenses.   All of us except Bob and Lilian set off for Godalming just after 11.00.  I think I just saw Alan turning into the other side of the car park as we set off.   Sorry we missed you, Alan, but at least we left you some company!   The main feature of the outward ride was the climb of Shere Road and, once that was out of the way, it was fairly standard stuff to The Jack Phillips.   This is always a busy pub so those armed with the Wetherspoons app could feel quite smug as they relaxed and awaited the return of the others from the scrum at the bar!   We were still back on the road by 2.00 and did the Jack Phillips full scenic tour, that is, the pub, the new memorial, and the original memorial/grave (there was some dispute about this - it is a memorial to Jack Phillips, but also a grave (his widow's, we think)).   Then it was a brisk up and over at Littleton and the tried and tested route through Guildford and along the A3 to Potters Lane.   Send, Pyrford and West Byfleet followed on the way to Crockford Bridge Garden Centre  where some stopped for tea.   Thanks for your company all, and I hope you enjoyed the ride.

Sunday September 30 2018

Several of you have been emailed but if not read on.

With such a poor forecast (yellow warning) I suspect there won't be a full ride tomorrow. But I'll cycle to Henfold with "swimming" gear and take it from here.I did speak to our local correspondent last Wednesday - we think Henfold is open but if not 11s will be at Tanhouse Farm.

And so it proved.....

If this year is remembered, it'll be because of its weather. This was yet another C&M ride which ended at 11s. I didn't need drumming on the Velux to tell me I was in for a wet ride. Heavy before noon, and drizzle after meant  full car headlights and deep puddles.

Dave was tucking into breakfast at a rebuilt Henfold Lakes. The prices are higher (eg cake £3.50 a slice) but other things haven't changed - specifically the approach road. I'd arrived soaked despite my best waterproofs (Goretex, Sealskins, etc) so when we left around 1115 it was in differing directions! I went back the way I'd come, Dave headed for Horsham hoping for a helpful tailwind. Frustratingly the rain stopped five minutes from home and an hour later it was blue skies and patchy cloud. Sadly I don't have second sight!

1 point: GFH, Dave W

Windsor-Marlow-Windsor

Sunday the 16th

When I arrived at the Garden cafe Windsor, Pam, Alan and  Bob where already there. Soon to be joined by Graham,  Ken and Paul. Then Caroline and John arrived also Ed and Lillian arrived at dead on 11.00 and as usual Vic arrived late at 11.10.

Sadly only Pam, Vic , Ken and  Paul were joining me on the ride. We took the route across Dorney Comon and up through Burnham, Littleworth common and then the nice decent down to Hedsor and Bourne End. Then a river path and on to Little Marlow, more off road tracks took us to the edge of Marlow and then back roads to lunch at the Marlow Donkey pub. By now the sun was shinning and we managed to fined a table in the garden. Although the online menu has sandwiches but not on a Sunday, Ken and Paul had brought their lunch with them. Pam and Vic had mini Sunday roasts and I had a small Camembert cheese starter. 

 

 

Leaving the pub at 2pm we set off for the climb up Quarry Wood road and then down to Cookham where Vic left us to wend his own way home. Down to Maidenhead and the path through Braywick nature reserve and Bray (where we spotted Vic taking a path along side the M4) and on to Fifield, Dedworth, Clewer and Windsor where Ken headed home while Pam, Paul and I headed to the Cinnamon cafe for tea, they give cyclist 20% discount and the Cinnamon bun was my carbo up top for the 16 mile ride home. A lovely sunny day on the bike with good company. 66 miles door to door.

Tony..

Sunday, 9 September 2018

Hail to the Leader

A very warm welcome to Pete Beyer, joining the C&M this time not as TEC,  but for the first time, I believe, proudly wearing  the leader's jersey. May this be the first of many.

From Graham's generously written ghost report, it seems that Pete put everybody through their paces, at some risk of inducing altitude sickness. That might explain the apparent omission of a ghost rider from Graham's list of enthusiastic attendees. Like our Hon. Sec., I too counted out a dozen riders. However, for me it was a baker's dozen. Or did those rheumy eyes imagine the misty form of Bob emerging from the the shadow of the nearby church? I'm sure that Bob will tell us: he never fails to chide me if his name is absent from the attendance record.

It was a pleasure to read of the ride I missed, with my leg up and a warm beer in hand.

Jeff

Sunday September 9 2018

In case the scorer's memory isn't what it was!

A surprisingly dozen gathered at a well used Headley Tea Rooms with scarcely a regular among them.

Those who expected a gentle spin perhaps along NCN22  were wrong! Firstly it was down to Burford Bridge then up to St Barnabas where we encountered the Denbies half marathon. The undulations continued down Crocknorth and up Green Dene. After Shere's ford and a final climb the William IV in Albury Heath was soon in view - the front garden packed with customers. But the menu was limited due to refurbishment - sausages on a stick!

Here Radnor Lane and Friday Street got a mention so Ray and I decided to bail out over Newlands and down to Salisburys and home.

2 points: the two Petes, David Leach, Dave Stott, GFH, Ian, the Jacksons, Keith, Paul, Ray

1 point: Jeff and Bob(how could I forget?)

Ripley Bike Jumble

Autumn Cycle Jumble at Ripley Village Hall:  9 - 12pm Saturday 15th September

Entry 9am £1...…..early birds 7am £5 !

If one should wish to sell at the Jumble - please contact John Lattimore 01932 247614  j.lattimore@sky.com

Sunday 2nd September

On a perfect day for cycling, Lilian, Jeff (welcome back!), Ed, Paul, Pete Marmite (aka Beyer) Bob, Alan and Terry met at the newish South Down cafe, Brockham for elevenses. Suitably refreshed Bob and Alan set off to do 'their own thing', the rest headed south. A somewhat circuitous route was required to get us to Faygate for lunch so we went via Snower Hill, Leigh, almost Irons Bottom, Norwood Hill to Charlwood. Passing what  was The Gate public house years ago, we soon passed The Lamb at Lambs Green to arrive at The Holmbush, Faygate in good time for lunch. Few other customers meant our food came fairly quickly.

After lunch we briefly retraced our tyremarks before turning off towards Wimlands and Langhurst. Sadly we noted The Royal Oak (where else ?) in Friday Street is now closed. Threes was planned for North Holmwood church, reached via the straightforward route to Capel then alongside the A24 briefly before taking to the lanes. Some didn't stop for tea but the chocolate cake was wonderful. After tea we made our various ways home.

Thanks to Pete for backmarking and to all for company.

Terry 

26 August - Not the Frog & Nightgown

I was very disappointed and surprised to see a large turnout at elevenses today.   There was some kind of weird weather thing going on, with water falling from the sky - I forget what it's called.   But it didn't deter eleven riders from turning up at the Musette café in Dorking - the record going to Alan with a 24 mile ride into a fresh wind.   

Not shown: David W & Simon (who rode to lunch)
and Alan who rode home from 11s.

Having swapped with Graham so I could attend my brother's surprise birthday party a few weeks ago, it was my turn to lead, and the route was straight into the wind.  I was secretly hoping that no-one would be foolish enough to ride in such conditions.   But the C&M crowd are made of stronger stuff.   Slightly stronger anyway - there wasn't much enthusiasm to go south, so we settled on a compromise destination of Leatherhead Wetherspoons where we enjoyed an early lunch before going our separate ways.

Thankyou all for your company, and thankyou also for not voting to go to the Frog & Nightgown.   Another time.
 

Next Sunday's ride to the Frog & Nightgown

We are heading to the Frog & Nightgown near Faygate, a delightful community pub rescued from closure by a local group.   Until recently there was no food on Sundays but they have recently started to serve pizzas.   I've checked and they are happy if we bring food, for those who don't fancy pizza.  We will stop at the Rusper village stores en route for supplies.

About 17.5 miles from Dorking to lunch, then only 9 back, but there are a few hills.

19th August 2018

19th August 2018
UPPER HALLIFORD - SEND - CHOBHAM 
It was a dry, cool morning as I cycled to Squires where Bob, Graham and Dave were already seated. We were joined by Alan, Ray, Terry, Bill and Lena.    Upon departing from Squires, Bob, Bill, Lena and Alan went their own ways whilst the rest of us made our way to Walton, along the river road to Weybridge then used a path by the church to Weybridge station.  Through the car park where, at this point for a few yards?, we opted for Graham's suggested route. After crossing the railway on our way to New Haw Lock, Graham showed me another path which I had not reccied! 

We stayed on the River Wey, crossed over Dodd's Bridge along Dodd's Lane to Pyrford Road.  From here it was a straight forward ride to The Sadler's Arms at Send.  It was easily one o'clock before arriving at the pub - and I had been concerned we would be early!  Whilst t'others continued to the pub, I called on V-CC members Ann and Les, who live in Send to collect my raffle prize.   They had kindly bought it back from camp for me. Couldn't manage a track pump on my Moulton on the train!
Whilst at lunch, Graham had worked out a route to take us to afternoon tea in Cobham.  I should explain that when I reccied this ride The Barley Mow at W, Horsley wasn't serving food and no sandwiches at The King William 1V, hence the change of lunch venue.  Send to Ripley, just a little too close! - hence tea at Cobham.

We followed Graham through roads and paths which led us on to Clandon Road, into Tithe Barns Lane and straight on along the concrete farm road, across Ripley Lane into Silkmore Lane. The surface here was a little too soft to ride so we turned back and continued along Ripley Lane, then familiar roads to Cobham where Terry left us for home whilst four stopped for tea in Sainsbury's.
Thank you all for coming on the ride and Graham for sharing the lead :)  I truly enjoyed the day for it suited me as I was feeling a little weary from riding my Moulton Super Four (14" wheels and only 3 gears, not 4!) around the Sussex country side last week. We stayed at Plumpton College near to Ditchling.

 The River Wey

Pam

12 August 2018 - Fairoaks and Ash

Just my luck to pick the two wet Sundays in an otherwise dry summer to lead Sunday rides!  The weather forecast for today wasn't good and there were lots of C & M riders away or with good alibis, so I scarcely  expected any company at all for this ride.  I was very pleased then when Graham joined me at elevenses, and we duly set off for lunch at Ash.  The on and off rain, which had been more off than on, gradually became more on than off once we were on our way, so we took a fairly direct route, making only one brief detour to inspect The Cricketers at Pirbright, now closed, and sadly showing no signs of any imminent re-opening.   This was our first visit to the Lion Brewery at Ash and it ticked all the right boxes - friendly service, competitive prices, sandwiches (with chips), jacket potatoes and all day breakfasts all on the Sunday menu, and not a roast dinner in sight!   A jazz band plays every Sunday in a separate bar.   Again it was a pretty direct but completely different route home in view of the rain which, although still intermittent, had become heavier.  Graham briefly took over navigation to take us on a cunning back street route from Mayford to Sheerwater so we could avoid the unpleasant main road, then it was straightforward stuff to Walton Bridge where there was a parting of the ways.   Many thanks to Graham for his company.