Sunday the 30th July Changes

This Sunday the 30th is Ride London so meeting at Hampton Court is now NOT viable. So the new meeting point is the Walled Garden Sunbury at 8.45am.

11's is still the Good Yarn Uxbridge and lunch at The White Horse Hedgerley. Vermuelens will be closed all day on the 30th so tea will be at Walton Bridge.


Dave

Fingest or.....

I arrived at Windsor garden cafe and some had already arrived. The first time C&M have used this venue, I have been here a few time.  Pam, Irene, Lillian, Ed and Graham were already enjoying beverages. Dave then turned up, late for him, but he had already been to Wetherspoons for breakfast. Vic and Paul also arrived.
Because of the weather forecast for rain around lunchtime I asked for opinions on a change of lunch venue, somewhere nearer so home would be easier in the impending rain, all agreed. With no real destination we set off, following my original route towards Marlow. Maidenhead, (Dave left us here) Cookham and into Terry's lane and onto Winter Hill then Grubwood lane and Winter Hill road to Pinkneys Green and through Maidenhead to Bray and Monkey Island to Dorney and lunch alfresco, but undercover, (no tables inside) at the Palmer Arms pub. Service was good and the majority had child's portion Sunday roasts!

A suggestion by Ed for tea at Vermeulens (now apparently Stanwell Moor Farm Shop And Cafe) was agreed by all and off we set. Tea outside in the warm Sun (b&$£% weather forecasts) and dispersal for home, still 58 miles for me and home early. Thank you all for you company and sorry we didn't get to Fingest.

Tony..

Sunday 16th July 2017

ROWTOWN - WOOD ST. VILLAGE - RIPLEY

There was a  nice manageable number at Bourne G.C. for todays ride.  Bill, Margaret, Don, Alan and Bob made their own way from elevenses whilst Irene, Graham, Ed, Vic, Terry, Dave Ward and John Bellamy continued to lunch where Chris joined us.

My intention was to turn right out of the garden centre, over the hill to Woodham Park Road thence along the A247 to Monument Road to join the Basingstoke canal.  Vic came up with a good suggestion, hence we took the off road track on the right at the bottom of the hill leading us to join my route on the A247, with cycle lane.   Thanks Vic, nice one!

Upon leaving the canal at Brookwood we turned right into Cemetery Pales to Pirbright; A324, Cobbett Hill Road, Frog Grove Lane, into The Royal Oak for lunch where we were well looked after.  

We departed some time later, turning right out of the pub then another right onto a  bridle path taking us to Applegarth Avenue.  After a couple of roundabouts it was into Guildford University, exiting on to Walnut Tree Close.  Here one has to look out for a gap between the buildings, opposite the station, which took us over the River Wey into Guildford next to the cinema.  One or two lefts and rights, a walk across the A322, then a couple more lefts and rights lead us into Nightingales Lane where we turned into Stoke Park.

Yes.....we did go along the River Wey to the A3 cycle route!   Not so bad when one is looking forward to stopping for tea at Pinnocks in Ripley!   Lot's to chat about - as well as the Tour de France!!!

A very enjoyable day, thanks all for joining me and especially for back markers and corner markers. The only photo I am aware of is the one Dave took and put on his Strava!

Sunday July 16

Rather belatedly!

Another glorious day, so good that Alan and I were ten minutes early at Runnymede. Ten arrived but only eight departed. The outward journey needed to be stretched so Ed took in Windsor, Eton, Dorney and Maidenhead before turning south to Bray. The White Hart in Moneyrow Green had plenty of beer (festival) but no food. On their advice we retreated to The George On Th Green in nearby Holyport. With no trenchermen present we settled for starters from the limited menu.

A change of teastop was debated. We headed along B3024, passedthe  Liz and Phil looking distinctly aged to Dedworth and Clewer. Here we used the road bridge (only climb of the day) to reach the towpath on the north side of the Thames. And then the very familiar: Eton, Datchet, Wraysbury, Staines, Laleham for a final stop at Cafe Mocha in Shepperton. Just under 60 miles door to door.

Two points: Ed, Graham, Irene,Lillian,Pam,Terry,Tony, Vic
One point: Alan,Bob

Sunday July 2 2017

This was a perfect day for cycling, not too hot, not too cold. All (most?) made it to the revised 11s (Elm Nursery), a smallish venue made more crowded by a Food and Craft Fair. We bade farewell to Bob and Don on the restart, and to Alan and Tony shortly afterwards at Jacobs Well. Beside the Wooden Bridge we crossed over Guildford's two "bypasses"  (A3 and A25) and continued to the station where Ed and Lilian were standing with backs to the traffic! Short use of NCN22 was ended besides the waterworks/church in Shalford and a direct route (Peasmarsh / crematorium) found us in Farncombe and amongst hills. Behind Godalming station we were urged on by descending traffic despite this being a footpath (though tarmaced). Business must be good for The Supervet and another Channel 4 series in prospect as a massive extension is under way. With time to spare, Eashing's Grade 1 listed double bridge came next. To the surprise of all (except perhaps Irene) - just before A3, we took a "hidden" bridleway to The Squirrel with raised voices being heard on the short sandy section. All that remained was the swift descent from Norney to Elstead. Within a minute of our arrival at The Golden Fleece we were joined by Terry (family duties) making eight for lunch.

A quick drink and a packet of crisps and Dave was off; the rest lingered alfresco for a further hour before leaving. The Wey was crossed for a sixth(! but not final) time. Cut Mill and Shackleford and the familiar route via Charterhouse, Farncombe (Chris disappears!), Loseley, Guildford (Chris reappears!!) and the A3 led to a leisurely tea stop at Pinnocks in Ripley. 65+ miles door to door.

2 points : GFH, Dave W, Chris, Ed, Irene, Lillian, Pam, Vic
1 point  : Alan, Bob, Don, Terry, Tony

June 25 2017 - The Green Man at Hurst

Dorney Court to Hurst

Our leader Irene took us through highways and byways known only to her from Dorney to Hurst for a challenging children's lunch with a cocktail of ice cream to follow.

The children's menu was more than some could take, but the leader put on a brave face and all put on a smile (well, Paul nearly did) in appreciation of a lovely ride.

J

Sunday June 25 2017

DORNEY COURT GC  - THE GREEN MAN  HURST - CAFÉ NORTH  STAINES.

 

Bob, Ed, Dave, Chris, Graham, Paul, Alan, Jeff & Irene met up at the Dorney Court G.C, for tea, coffee & cakes.  At 11.15 am Bob, Alan & Ed returned home while six went on to lunch.  We turned left out of G.C. to Dorney Reach, then onto route 4 over the Thames before turning left past Bray Marina to A308.  Here we went straight over to Fifield and right onto B3024 to Paley Street and continued through Shurlock Row to Hurst for lunch. Three partook the childrens' menu which came with ice cream for dessert (lovely).

 

We returned past Billingbear Golf course to Moss End then across Ascot Racecourse to Windsor Great Park. We left through Bishopsgate to descend Tite Hill. Dave, Paul and Jeff pushed on for home leaving just three for cake and tea at Café North in Staines.

 

Thank you for a very pleasant day. The rain tried to spoil it at lunch time but decided to wait another day.

25th June Change of lunch Venue

The lunch venue for the 25th of June has changed to:

The Green Man, Hurst.

Tony..

Change of 11s July 2

As Tony (et al) are "raiding", here's early warning that 11s will be at Elm Nursery. Sutton Green GC is on the A320 whereas the (near adjacent) Nursery is on the more cyclists friendly Sutton Green Road and has a children's farm! It opens from 1000 on Sundays.

References: elmnursery.co.uk/GU4 7QD/TQ004543/51.27915,-0.56248. Oddly the runslist link currently points to Elm Nursery!

After 11s, the ride continues via the Railway Station and Wetherspoons so you could join in Guildford town centre but do email in advance.

Phew! Wot a Scorcher!

The hottest day of the year so far:  Ten of us went to Chertsey for elevenses, but only eight found the Chertsey Café.  We found Ed and Bob in a café just up the road, which might have been a cooler option, as the Chertsey Cafe is in an arcade which is built a bit like a greenhouse.  Margaret & Bill, Bob, Ed, and Alan were not joining us for the ride, leaving just five of us to brave the heat.

We headed across to Lyne and then around Virginia Water, seeking shade, emerging from Blacknest Gate to climb up to the mighty Peanut roundabout.  Then downhill all the way to Fifield, and across the Thames to Dorney, where we cycled along Dorney Lake and mostly tarmac'd cycle track towards Eton.  Irene suggested a quicker route into Eton itself which worked well and got us to the Waterman's Arms a couple of minutes after one.  We found tables reserved for us, outside but with some shade, and after a lengthy wait to order our drinks and food, the food came very quickly and we were away by just after 2pm.

Still, it was still a still, hot, sticky day (see what I did there?) - 32 degrees in fact - so we took it easy along the river and along the cycle track back to Windsor Great Park.  There was a glimmer of hope that we might stop for ice creams at the village shop, but it's shut on Sunday afternoons, so we enjoyed the views over Windsor and pedalled on.  Graham suggested a diversion to Runnymede for tea and ice creams, which worked out very well.  After tea Irene took us to see the nearby sculpture (or is it an installation?) called The Jurors, marking the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta.  And I now know where it was signed.  At the bottom, of course.

The Jurors, at Runnymede

18 June elevenses location - please read!

Under the arch on the left...

Elevenses this Sunday will be at the Chertsey Café, a new venue which is not easy to find ... and NOT where the link on the rides list pointed to until a moment ago, or where Google Maps takes you to if you search.   The correct location is here.
It is in an arcade, the Sainsbury Centre, just off the main shopping street, which is called Guildford Street.   On the left, about 100yds down the road, just after the scaffolding, and before the King's Head on the other side.   If you have difficulty, call me on 07952 932 823, or one of the other riders, and we'll come and find you.

South Bucks Joint Ride Report

 Sunday 7th May: Joint Ride with S.W. London CTC.

The month started with one of the highlights of the year; it is is the third year of our spring time rides with friends from  the  South  West  London  group, who  had  ridden  up  from  the metropolis  to Hampton  Court  and  then  onto  Black  Park  for  11s.  Sadly,    Chiltern  Hills  could  only muster two (Barry and JC) to join them, but we were soon welcoming Robert, Peter E. Fred  and  Baldrick  from  the  Thames  Valley  group  as  well  as  eight  riders  from  S.W. London.    It was great to resume old friendships with Tony Hopkins and company, many of whom regularly attend the Golden Beeches rally each October. After refreshment and chat, we set off for lunch at Tylers Green Village Hall.

On these events, we try to show our visitors  the  best  parts  of  our  area,  avoiding  the  main  roads,  skirting  the  towns  and housing estates and using a selection of the prettiest lanes in South Bucks. From Black Park, it was up to Langley Corner, we avoided Fulmer and Stoke Poges, up Gipsy Lane to cross the A355 at Egypt, into Harehatch Lane, down Ship Hill, turn left into Green Common  Lane;  is  there  a  prettier  lane  in  the  County  when  the  bluebells  are  out? Lillyfee  Farm  Lane  and  Whitehouse  Lane  (down  White  Hill  on  the  A40,  opposite  the former Mother Redcap pub)must run it close and were also part of our route. So we ended up at St Paul's church in Penn, from which it was but a short ride to Tyler Green, there to be greeted by some of our regular Coffee Potterers – John & Wendy, Audrey, Eleanor and Jane together with Mac, who had just got back from acontinental holiday.

Catering  was  provided  by  Cilla  and  Simone;  an  excellent  buffet  lunch  comprising
sandwiches and homemade biscuits from Cilla, with quiches, sausage rolls, crisps and cake which Simone had purchased plus plenty of tea and coffee, all generously funded by Chiltern Hills club funds. A collection was taken for the Air Ambulance, which yielded over £60. So a successful and enjoyable day and thanks to everyone who took part, especially Cilla and Simone for the catering. Next year, it is S.W. London's turn to hostthe  event  in  their  area  and  I  would  strongly  recommend  as  many  South  Bucks members as possible take part.

Article taken from South Bucks CTC monthly magazine.

Tony..

Sunday June 11 2017

A week of blustery weather had brought sun and shade in equal portion (and minor destruction) but didn't deter the fifteen (and two squirrels) who showed up at the Vineries. By 11 we were ready. Four (Bob, Dave, Don and Ed) headed home while the rest took an obvious line (Orestan Lane, Coombe Bottom, Albury). After the rough section from Surrey Hills, we regrouped at the closed Chilworth level crossing before climbing past the monastery. An ETA of 1230 left time for the detour via Lordshill Common. Just short of the lunch the P. fairy struck down Jeff; I turned to investigate. Others soon found out that the Bricklayers offered full roasts only (contrary to advice when booking) so they settled for the alfresco Red Lion, and a surprise reappearance from Ed!

The initial way back was towards Farley Green. At the first turn, five continued but six headed along Stroud Lane back to the main road. We crossed Smithbrook Common and round the back of Cranleigh to Park Hatch. With no need to rush, I picked out a "uneven surface" near Lower Breache Farm before returning to B2127/B2126 for the last miles to Capel. The stop was gloomy but the sun reappeared on the ride home. About 65 miles door to door.

Lost property Fleet tide

Dear Sir,

We are contacting you in your capacity as Rides secretary of the Cheam and Morden CTC Members group because we have had property handed in that we believe belongs to one of your members.

A green rucksack dropped off an elderly male cyclist’s pushbike on Sunday 4/6/17 whilst travelling through a road in Fleet and from the paperwork inside we believe they are a member of your group.

We were wondering if it was possible to message the participants of this ride in the hopes of re-uniting the loser with their property. Should anyone identify themselves as having lost this item, please could the in the first instance contact Hampshire police on 101 and ask to speak with Aldershot Front counter quoting ref number 44170212209.

Many thanks

Sunday June 4 2017

Alan, Chris, Don, Graham, Ed, Lillian and I met at Hampton Court and picked up Ray Wren en route for Windlesham.  There we met Irene, Pam and Vic and had a pleasant alfresco 11s (a bit fresh in the strong breeze)!    All but Don and Alan continued to lunch via Bagshot, The Maultway, Frimley Green, The Hatches, and a dodge round the back of Farnborough, via Prospect Park and Minley, to Cove.   Terry and Bob joined us at the Prince Arthur at Fleet and lunch was well up to Wetherspoon's standards.  The £4.99 Manager's Special was especially appreciated by several members!

We set off again under threatening skies and a few drops of rain but it did improve as we skirted the south of the RAE via the Basingstoke Canal towpath, a traverse of the Army Golf Course, and some quiet, wooded lanes between military establishments.  Vic showed us army huts deep in the woods where he had once been based.  They reminded me of my old junior school which was originally an army hospital in the war.   A cycle route allowed us to sidestep the traffic through South Farnborough and North Camp to Mytchett, and the ascent of Tunnel Hill was rewarded by a long freewheel towards Brookwood Cemetery.  We stopped for tea at Mizen's Railway, Knaphill where there was the traditional parting of the ways.

Many thanks to all who took part and I hope the ride was enjoyed. Dave

Dave, Chris, Ed, Graham, Irene, Lillian, Pam, Ray, Vic (2).
Alan, Don, Bob, Terry (1) 

June 4 Change Of Lunch Venue

Dave has emailed to say it's ......

The Prince Arthur (aka Wetherspoon), Fleet GU51 4BX (or SU806539.

Sunday May 28 2017

A very warm and very humid day saw several of us arriving before Upper Halliford's opening hour. Naturally we dined alfresco and the headcount eventually reached 11.

Ed must have been in nostalgic mode as we were treated a tour of Ashford (his birthplace, his primary and secondary schools). Toss in a roadblock(unsuccessful pursuit of four youths); it's not often we see warrant cards  flashed from unmarked cars. But after the railway we're back to the familiar through Stanwell Moor and over the M25 into Poyle. A surprise left in Datchet saw us crossing from Windsor into Eton where Alan departed. Finally Eton Wick led us to Dorney and The Pineapple.

Manfully we set about the customary and enormous sandwiches but most failed to clear their plates. The return was along the Jubilee river and through Datchet and Wraysbury for a visit to North's of Staines. A hint of what was to come saw the garden furniture hastily packed away and a move indoors. A repeat in Bushy Park saw me reaching the waterproofs but so close to home they were never donned. Just under 50 miles door to door.

All  the way: Ed, Chris, Dave, Don,Graham,Irene, Lillian, Paul, Ray W, Tony.

Sunday the 28th May

Upper Haliford-Dorney-Staines

 Our leader Ed's Tour de Ashford.

Rosemary Gardens Ashford

 

 Clarendon School

 

Thomas Knyvett College

Ed had planned a cunning route to pass his house where he was born in Ashford and his school and college with a photo stop at each.

Sunday 21st May

                                                        Lunch at Rusper

 

After 11s at Tanhouse Farm seven of us (including Angie and friend John) headed north to Newdigate, turning right into Church Road then via Parkgate to Charlwood. It was good to note the Aircraft Museum (under new management) is now open more frequently. There will be a Shackleton engine run on August 5. Keeping to the lanes we soon reached Ifieldwood and passed The Lamb at Lamb's Green. This was my first choice of lunch stop but on my recce I learned the pub would have limited accommodation due to renovation so we carried on, via Wimlands Lane, to The Plough and Attic Rooms, Rusper.  

 

Here we chose from the children's menu and the food appeared pretty quickly. We had a leisurely lunch, near the end the chef came out for a chat - apparently in the future they are going to cater even better for cyclists.

 

The Frog and Nightgown at Wimlands has reopened but only serves pasties and sausage rolls on Sundays.

 

After lunch Paul headed for home (thanks for backmarking), the rest of us set off along East Street and the gentle climb up Langhurst Lane then via Partridge Lane to Parkgate and onwards to Brockham cakes - well up to standard. 

 

A very enjoyable day, endless sunshine, negligible wind, dry roads and good company, thanks all.

 

Terry

May 21st Lunch Venue Change

P l e a s e  N o t e

 

The lunch Venue for next Sundays ride has changed to the Plough & Attic Rooms, Rusper.

Sunday the 14th May

Addlestone - Jealotts Hill - Shepperton 

Don and Dave were already seated in the Golden Café when I arrived just after 10am.  No Bob or Margaret and Bill this week?  By eleven o'clock Tony, Alan, Simon, Terry, Ray and Vic had arrived, and after their refreshments were ready for the off!
Don had other plans, Alan stayed with us to Englefield Green and Dave peeled off just before the lunch stop.
Our exit from Addlestone was via Green Lane to the two roundabouts.   From there we passed through Thorpe Green, Great Fosters and up Prune Hill to Englefield Green and into Windsor Great Park.  Our exit via Cranbourne Gate took us to the 'Peanut' roundabout, a short stint in Drift Road before turning off towards Winkfield.  Bishops Road, plus a few more lanes to our lunch destination, The New Leathern Bottle.  Our lunches were good but we did have to wait rather along time before the last lunch was served.  We arrived at one o'clock and it was two thirty before we were ready to leave.
Off we went on a route well known to some. A left turn after Moss End, past Warfield Church where a right turn took us to the A3034.  Mill Ride Golf Club now has a security gate but luckily one can just get through the side gate (with bike).  On to Ascot Race Course, Nine Mile Road, Cheapside then passing Blacknest Gate we continued to the A329, A30 , turning right at Virginia Water.
We were now heading for Chertsey then  Shepperton as we would not have got to Notcutts before 'last orders'.   Shepperton Lock came into my mind for tea........and that is where we enjoyed tea, cakes and chat...then it started to rain!!!   Not heavy for me on my way to Egham but I believe others may not have been so lucky!!!
Thank you Tony for the photo, and my thanks to all for joining me, making for an enjoyable day..... Pam :)
PS...Best wises to Simon when he returns to Scotland on Tuesday to continue with his 'Big Bike Challenge'!!!!

Pam

Sunday the 7th May

Great Joint ride today with South Bucks CTC who lead us from Black Park to Tylers green village hall where they had a buffet lunch waiting for us.

Many thanks to John Capel for leading and the crew at the village hall and those who made the cakes and sandwiches, a special thank you to Cilla for the home made Ginger biscuits.

Afternoon tea was at Norths of Staines, thank you Irene. A nice 76 miles into the Chilterns and a nice Sunny afternoon.

Photo courtesy Simon Lambourn.

Tony.

Sunday the 7th May

J O I N T   R I D E

This coming Sunday we will join South Bucks CTC at Black park for 11's then they will lead to Tylers Green village hall for lunch.

Meet at Hampton Court main gate toilets for an 8.30 start.

Lets have a good turnout.

Tony..

Where We Went Last Sunday Afternoon

Missing out most of the boring bits