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.

Important - Changes to Planned Ride on Sunday 12 August

Please note that, owing to unforeseen circumstances, Sunday's ride will not take place as planned.  There will be no meet at Hampton Court and the lunch and elevenses venues are completely changed.   Elevenses will be at Fairoaks and lunch, provisionally, at The Lion Brewery, Ash.  Apologies for any inconvenience.

Sunday August 5 2018

Simon was "doubled booked" so I offered to deputise. With yet another hot (30+) weekend forecast I opted for a lunch closer to home. At first I choose Pirbright only to discover: Royal Oak - fully booked; Cricketers - closed for refurbishment. So it had to be Woking and a winding route under as many shady trees as I could muster.

The roads were quiet but for reasons not obvious Addlestone's Golden Cafe was  popular: fifteen of us. Five went no further : Lena and Bill S (both on tricycles!), Maureen and bikeless Peter Matthews.

Ten set off in dappled light heading west towards Windlesham then southeast towards Woking. Only Dave was brave enough for the Pennypot ford. We made two (half-) intended stops at The Plough Horsell - no chef until Wednesday and The Wheatsheaf Woking  - no sandwiches. So once again The Herbert Wells had our custom.

Afterwards we headed along the Basingstoke (still and covered in algae and apparently closed to boats west of Deepcut). In West Byfleet the traffic lights were being replaced which led to questionable riding by the group. Tea was Ockham Bites where shade was at a premium. Downside, Bookham, Leatherhead, Epsom, Chessington, and Hersham were also visited before I could finally turn for home. Under 60 miles door to door

All dayers: GFH, Bob, Dave, Ed, Ian, Irene, Lillian, Pam, Ray, Terry, Vic.

Sunday 29 July

Of all the fine, warm, sunny Sundays we've had this summer I had to go and pick the wet, windy and cool one for my ride!   Undeterred, I battled the elements (and the Pru Ride) to elevenses at Clandon Park Garden Centre not expecting any company, but was very pleased to be joined there by Bob, Ed, Lilian, Graham, Vic and Lena Clarke.  We lingered over our scones hoping for an improvement in the weather but none came, so we reluctantly decided to commute the lunch destination to Wetherspoons at Guildford.  Wind and rain continued unabated as we rode there but traffic was unusually light at least until Guildford town centre.   We paused briefly and without envy en route to watch the Pru riders turning to ride up to Newlands Corner.  After lunch and mindful of the continuing rain some chose to take an alternative route home, but Vic and I set off to ride towards Ripley.  I left him at Wisley Church and headed off up Muddy Lane where I had to dismount and force my way through the path, which is now heavily overgrown with dripping brambles, timing my arrival at Byfleet perfectly just in time to watch the London-Surrey Classic go past!

Henfold.....

.....has just reopened. Unfortunately THEY DO NOT HAVE ANY CAKE at the moment, they only seem to cater for people who want meals. They have had other cyclists visit who pointed out this grave error and are going to rectify it. Opening hours 9am - 9pm 7 day week.

Terry

Windsor-Aston-Dorney

I was not expecting a large group today as some where on a tour down Southwest. So just 5 for 11's with Alan heading home as we left.

Uneventful ride to lunch apart from Graham having problems with keeping his front wheel secure. A very pleasant lunch in a busy garden at the Flower Pot pub.The food was good and served altogether in a reasonable time.

On leaving and we had the climb up to the main road and about half way up Graham stopped to re-tighten his front wheel only to discover the the axle had completely seized. We had no cone spanners or anything to loosen it. It was decided that Graham would walk back to the pub and we would continue. Ray having parked his car at Old Windsor would return and pick him up.

Now Graham had not bought his mobile phone with him!%^$%*  Hopefully lesson learnt! So we would ring the pub to check his progress.

On to tea at Dorney where we rang the pub and briefly spoke to Graham who agreed to wait for Ray. Graham had borrowed tools and loosened the cones but could only do them finger tight. Well Graham briefly waited then  decided to risk it and ride home!

Ray did drive back and searched for Graham but to no avail. So the moral of this tail is DON'T forget your mobile PHONE!

Still a pleasant day on the bike if somewhat...........

Tony..

Four for lunch

Only 5 at the garden cafe Windsor, Alan headed home and the rest took the scenic route to the Flower pot at Aston.

29 July 2018 - Change of Elevenses Venue

Because of a potential clash of routes with the Prudential Ride on 29 July I am going to change the elevenses venue from Squires West Horsley to Clandon Park Garden Centre.   This will also enable you to reach elevenses by train to Clandon if wished and so avoid the Pru Ride altogether!   Lunch venue unchanged.  Please pass this on to anyone without access to the blog.   Apologies and thanks

Dave W

Pam's group photo

WOODHAM - WOOD STREET VILLAGE - RIPLEY

SUNDAY 15th JULY 2018

Twelve guys and gals met at the Garden Centre - David and Alan who didn't join the ride and Bob who took his own route to lunch, Graham, Simon, Vic, Terry, Ray, Paul, Rachel and Ged, plus myself!

We made our way to the Basingstoke canal by an off road route very close to the garden centre.  Wonderful shade all the way to the A332, Bagshot Road.  An enjoyable gradient down to Pirbright along Cemetery Pales, along the A324 turning into Cobbett Hill Road to the T.  a left and right, up the hill and into The Royal Oak for lunch where we sat at a well shaded table for lunch.

Bob joined us very soon after our arrival, Ged left us straight after lunch to get back to watch footie whilst the rest of us took our time getting back onto the road......it was very hot!!   Bob made his own way home, hence rather less people in the 'after lunch' photo.

Very soon after leaving the pub we turned right onto part of the Christmas Pie Trail leading us to Applegarth Avenue. From this estate we cycled into the grounds of Guildford University, exiting onto Walnut Tree Close.  Then through a gap between buildings, almost opposite Guildford station, over the river Wey, past the Crown Court, weaving our way to enter Stoke Park off Nightingale Road.
Leaving the park we crossed the A25, past Spectrum Leisure Complex, under the M3 to join the trail along The Wey which led us to the path along side the A3 to Ripley where we all stopped for tea at Pinnocks.

My thanks to back marker Graham and to all for joining me on such a hot day; plus a day full of sporting events!!

Happy cycling, Pam :) :)

Sunday 8th July 2018

The heat may have frazzled my brain but as I recall:

Alan (11s), Bob (11s), Dave, Ed, Graham, Lillian, Pam, Ray, Terry, Vic

so SHOUT if anyone excluded/included!

The route: Upper Halliford - Ashford - Stanwell Moor - Eton - Dorney - M4 Crossing(N) - Maidenhead (via NCN 4) - Bray (via B3028) - M4 Crossing (S) - Jubilee River - Datchet

Did we have a photo shoot? Well not me! But here's one from Pam

And here's a sibling of the horse we encountered in April. It's near Oxshott (TQ146623) and viewable from the A3. Barbed wire and electric fence so not close-up of a horse's head standing on its nose!

Adsum or absum - 8 July 2018

Cleatless

Circumstances beyond my control keep me out of the saddle, out of the pedals and out of circulation.
Having been out of the country at no. 1 son's wedding, I celebrated the event by following a  murky pathway to join the dance, only to plunge into the darkness and break an ankle. No dancing. For those with a morbid interest in such things, the fracture was the common or garden lateral malleolus.

On my return (grateful thanks to the disabled services at Edinburgh and Gatwick airports) and having the fracture diagnosed and booted at our friendly Epsom District Hospital, my second thought was of course to update the C&M attendance record. But what happened on 8 July? A ghost ride, it seems. Who were the spectres to take to the road? Who can put flesh on the bones? Or was this really a ride of Medusa?

Please forgive the lame jokes. I'm not quite myself.

Jeff

CHANGE OF RIDE FOR THIS SUNDAY

Please note that this weekss ride has been swapped and is now as follows.

11's Bourne GC Rowtown

Lunch

The Royal Oak, Wood Street

Tea  is at Pinnocks Ripley

Pam is leading..

July 1 2018 - Tismans Common

Today's destination in West Sussex is perhaps a ride too far so I was surprised that eleven turned up at Effingham's Vineries. Several (Alan, Bob, Maureen, Mike M) went no further as the bunch headed for the all too familiar "Dog Alley" and Green Dene. Just after the Irving church in Albury, Ed, Lilian and Pam continued on the A248 going who knows where. This left five (Graham, Dave, Ian, Simon, Terry) to climb to Winterfold via Farley Green. This is a longtime favourite and we were rewarded with just two passing cars. You know who fell off near the top but at least the landing was soft if prickly.

As usual Cranleigh was busy but not the way to the border and A281. The Mucky Duck was reached just before one for an alfresco lunch. There were two more escapees: Dave heading for his allotment, and Ian for Horsham station (without a map?) so only three enjoyed Capel's cakes. 65 very hot quiet miles door to door. 

Over the last two weeks the road between Downside and Bookham Common has been resurfaced. I do wonder who paid for it?

Sunday 24 June 2018 - Petts Wood & Cudham

On paper I wouldn’t have expected many to turn out for this ride which was out of our (recent) normal area and also clashed with the Dieppe Raids and an England World Cup match, so I was very pleased to see Ed, Lilian, Keith and Graham at the experimental meeting place.   It was lovely morning which made the ride through Morden, Mitcham Common, Croydon North End, Addiscombe, Shirley, West Wickham and Norman Park a little more palatable.  We had a good elevenses at Petts Wood Wetherspoons and were joined there by Bob and Richard.   All continued to lunch at Cudham, Bob taking his own route.   The rest of us rose and fell (but mainly rose) through some lovely, quiet lanes via St Mary Cray, Chelsfield, Pratts Bottom, Halsted and Knockholt.   There were some steady climbs but there was also plenty of shade.   I was introduced to the Blacksmiths Arms at Cudham several years ago by Andy Coxhill and was impressed then by the efficient service and beautiful gardens.   I am pleased to report there has been no change, but we should probably have devoted more attention to the Little Titch memorabilia in the bar!   After lunch some opted to ride back home but I felt it my duty as leader to show Ed and Lilian the way to Orpington station, a gruelling downhill ride of at least three miles, and to accompany them to Waterloo to ensure their safe passage!  No train problems today!    Many thanks to all for your company and for what I hope was an enjoyable visit to what were old haunts for some of us and new territory for others!

Sunday 24 June 2018

Sunday's ride will be to Petts Wood for elevenses.   The ride from Petts Wood to lunch at Cudham will take us along main quiet lanes and is fairly short, but there is a steady uphill theme!    Lunch will be at the Blacksmith's Arms, a delightful pub with a large garden and menu choices to suit all.   From lunch it is but a short, straight (and almost all downhill) ride of about 4 miles to Orpington station, where, even on a Sunday, there is a very good train service to London Waterloo East (about 20 mins by fast train).  Depending on demand, I will either lead a ride back from lunch via Botley Hill, Warlingham and Purley, or else return by train myself.   Optional meet at Raynes Park Waitrose (Coombe Lane side) leaving 9.00 am sharp.

17 June: The Pilgrims' Way to Guildford

Something a little different this week:  After a long dry spell I planned to ride along the top of the Downs to Guildford.  Off road for about five miles on a decent track that can become slippery and muddy after rain.   At Elevenses with me were Vic.  Ed. David W, Keith, Lilian, Ian Appleton, Steph, Terry, and we were very pleased to be joined by a new cyclist, Yasmin, who had found us on the web.

Despite a few showers before elevenses, everyone was keen to do the ride, so we set off from Effingham, up Green Dene to the summit, and then along the North Downs Way, also the Pilgrim's Way at this point, through woodland to Newlands Corner.  Terry left us at the top of Green Dene as he was leaving for France later that day, and Steph left at Newlands.  Continuing along the track, which is very gently downhill all the way, we reached Pewley Down, stopping for a few minutes to admire the view and inspect the monument recording the gift of Pewley Down to the people of Guildford.

This was partly a time-wasting exercise by me, as with only 10 miles to lunch, we were a little early.   From the wilds of Pewley Down there is a sudden transition into urban Guildford, with a steep hill down to the King's Head, where we enjoyed lunch outdoors, and since we were under an umbrella, we also enjoyed a small shower that passed by.   Just as we were leaving, Ray Wren phoned to say he'd missed us at elevenses, and gone by a rather circuitous route to the top of Green Dene, but was still some way from Guildford, so we agreed to meet him for tea.

After lunch we rode along the Wey for a bit to avoid the centre of Guildford, then headed through Jacob's Well towards Old Woking before turning south again through Pyrford and Wisley to Ockham Bites, where Ray found us just after we arrived.   Thanks all for your company and welcome to Yasmin!   Special thanks to David W for back marking, and also to Mark Gladwyn who showed the Wayfarers the Pilgrims' Way route.

STOLEN WAYFARERS BIKE

Van Nicholas model Yukon frame size 50cm Serial No. S1402134

Stolen on 3rd June between 12.30 and 13.30 in Kingston across the road from TK Max John Lewis side. Police and Bike Register informed.

Please contact Cliff or Maureen if you come across any information regarding this bike.

Sun 17 June - ride to Guildford (off road warning)

Something a bit different this Sunday: we will follow the Pilgrims' Way along the top of the North Downs to Guildford - a route pioneered with the Wayfarers by Mark Gladwyn.     A gentle ascent up Green Dene from Effingham to the top of Combe Lane, and then it's level or gently downhill all the way to Guildford.    It's a lovely ride, and it's nearly all off road.   The surface is generally good but there are tree roots to avoid, and a few big muddy patches which you can generally cycle round.  It's less than ten miles to lunch so we can take it gently and act like pilgrims, if the desire takes us.   After lunch, a bit along the Wey Navigation before we get back on tarmac to head to tea at Ockham Bites.

If there's significant rain before then, we will be taking a different route to avoid the Pilgrims' Way.

PS.  When parking your bike at Effingham Vineries, please could you either park behind the cafe (but not obstructing the access path) or against the fence in the car park.   Now the Vineries have an outdoor seating area, these are the best places to avoid getting in the way.  Thanks.

South Bucks Joint Ride Report.

Sunday 13th May: Joint Ride with South West London CTC. 

This year, it was the turn of our friends at SW London to organize our annual get together and what an excellent event it was.

Tony Hopkins was in charge and he had planned two rides, 20+ and 12 miles in the Cobham/Ripley area of North West Surrey. The rides had attracted a large group of local members, probably 25+ from SWLondon, which stretches from Hillingdon to Croydon, including one lady who had recently moved to Kings Lynn and made the journey back especially to take part.South Bucks mustered about a dozen, of which five came from Chiltern Hills and the others from the Thames Valley group. No doubt, Anona or Robert will report on the outing from the Thames Valley perspective.Us old 'uns from Chiltern Hills, Barry, Brian, David W. Simone and JC had an easycar assist along the M40 and M25 to meet the others for coffee at the giant supermarket in Cobham. With the exception of super-fit Brian (who despite his 75 years has hardly aged since his days at Anfield he was chased round the pitch by the stewards after he crept under the turnstiles into a match without paying), we had opted for the shorterride, joining five SW Londoners.

We were somewhat delayed by David, who had snaffled an abandoned bike in the car park, but eventually we set off on a bridleway over the flood plain of the river Mole to Downside, then to Effingham and the Horsleys before turning north west to Ripley, where Tony had hired the Village Hall for lunch. The catering was superb and a collection was made for the Air Ambulance, which raised over £64.

Replete, the whole group set off to return to Cobham, passing the famous “Anchor Inn” on Ripley High Street, scene of some historic rides in the early days of cycling,when young bucks would ride out from London on the High Ordinaries, and then in Ockham, the infamous “Hautboy Hotel” which made the news in 1898 when it refused admission to the coffee room of a lady cyclist wearing “rational attire”. This was challenged by the Cyclists’ Touring Club who challenged the hotel proprietor’s right to refuse admission to part of a licensed establishment. Of less interest perhaps, we also rode by the abode of the current Chancellor of the Exchequer, before reaching Pains Hill Country Park for tea.This was a really enjoyable day out and many thanks are due to our friends at South West London CTC.

Sunday 10th June

Four people at Walliswood

Four horses at Capel

Terry

Don Clarke - funeral details

Pam has forwarded these details:

The funeral will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday 27th June at the Woking Crematorium, Hermitage Rd, Woking GU21 8TJ.

This will be followed by a wake at The Cricketers in Horsell Birch, Woking GU21 4XB.

Lena Clarke has requested that we indicate how many cyclists she should expect so please let me know as soon as possible, by email (timcourt50@gmail.com), if you intend to come.

Thank you

Tim

Sunday 10th June

After leaving Lilian, Maureen (sorry to hear about bike theft), Ed, Bob and Alan to 'do their own thing' I led Rachel, Graham, Simon and Ian southwards from Pinnocks. The effort required to ascend Staple Lane was worth it for the view. Quickly descending and crossing the A25 we were in Shere, then after  another couple of climbs and a descent we were in Ewhurst from where it was flattish to lunch at The Scarlett Arms, Walliswood. My original plan was to visit The Punchbowl,Okewood Hill but they only reopened a few days ago and don't expect service to be back to normal until July 1st.

After a pleasant, leisurely lunch we set off, via Standon Lane and Mole Street to Ockley for Brockham teencakes. However on approaching Capel a 'Teas at the church' sign was noticed so minds were quickly changed and we stopped there instead. Somehow various people managed to consume multiple portions of cake but  they did have further to go home than me. After another leisurely break we set off for Dorking keeping off the main roads and gradually peeled off for our various routes home.

Thanks all for company on a good day for cycling.

Terry

LONGACRES G.C. Shepperton - NEW LEATHERN BOTTLE, Jealotts Hill - EGHAM

3RD JUNE 2018

A beautiful morning and I, like Bob,  was at elevenses before the G.C. opened.   We were joined by Alan and Graham, Bill, Tony, Terry, Ed, Maureen, Christina...then Ian who arrived just as we were leaving!  Bob, Bill, Alan and Maureen went their own way, whilst the rest of us cycled off for lunch at Jealotts Hill.
To get to Warfield (Jealotts Hill) I went via Chertsey Bridge, Chertsey, Thorpe Green, Prune Hill and Englefield Green into Windsor Park at Bishopsgate; past the Village shop, leaving at Forest Gate.
Then the Peanut roundabout, down to Drift Road.  By now we were on a familiar route for our regular C+M'ers!   Into Winkfield Road, Bishops Lane, Wellers Lane to Jealotts Hill.    I had phoned the pub on Friday but as the weather forecast was so good, I said it was more a courtesy call and not to reserve any seats for us as we would no doubt be outside.  To our surprise we had a table reserved for us in the garden, under cover.  The pub was very busy and we were told a 30 minute wait for our food....OK...but it was 1 hour 30 minutes before the last meal arrived!   We got to the pub at 1.30, a little later than expected as there was a puncture at Thorpe, making it 3.30 when we left!

Our return was via Ascot race course, again, over familiar ground.   Back into Windsor Park via Watersplash Lane and this time we took the route past the Long Walk.  We did see a notice to say the Deer gate was not working but...as cyclist do...we carried on.  Well.......the gate was not working but luckily we were able to get our bikes through the pedestrian gate - even Ian's electric bike!
By now the time was pushing on and we realised that we would miss all the tea stops.  Graham and Christina had already said they would not be stopping so whilst  waiting to get together out side the park, I suggested they continued.....then on my way down Tite Hill I thought - oh well - I'll put the kettle on at my house.  Once there, Ed went across and bought buns whilst I made the tea.   So, it wasn't so bad but it did mean others had a late ride home and for me - my mileage was well reduced by early end to ride.
Thanks all for your company, for the chats, the buns, the photo - and I trust you all got home before dark!!
Cheers Pam :) :)

Sad News - Donald Clarke

Some more very sad news I'm afraid.   Donald Clarke has been (uncharacteristically) unwell since earlier this year, although he has, very bravely, put in some appearances at recent elevenses meets.    Probably we weren't aware of quite how unwell and quite how unlike the Donald we knew he had become.  Sadly, Lena Clarke tells me he passed away at the weekend.

More details to follow.