Annual Lunch 5/2/2017 - All Are Welcome

CTC - CHEAM AND MORDEN POST-CHRISTMAS LUNCH 5 Feb 2017 
The Angel Pub, Angel Rd, Thames Ditton KT7 0AU 
Start time 12.30 in the pub. Food served from 1.15 pm in the function room.

Cost £11.50 for two courses: 
MAIN: Beef, Lamb, Chicken or Veg Nut Roast 
DESSERT: Apple pie & custard, Sticky Toffee & custard, or Lemon Tart & Cream

If you attended last year, you should have received an email from Steve. 

For others still using them, cheques are fine and Steve's address is below. If you wish to pay by bank transfer please contact Graham. 

If you have to cancel, please contact Steve before 25th Jan for full refund. After that date Steve can’t make any promises.

Note:  There will be a short ride starting from North Cheam at 9am to 52 Whitehorse Drive, Epsom for 11s (10.45 till 12.00) then on to Lunch. All are very welcome to come to 11s whether or not on the ride.

SUNDAY 18th DECEMBER - LALEHAM to WEST END, (DONKEY TOWN)

By eleven o'clock we had a group of fourteen at Notcutts! Margaret and Bill, Don and Mike F-A (who did not join the ride) and Alan, Ed, Daniel, David, Graham, Irene, Lilian, Maureen, Paul, Terry and Tony who did - albeit Alan did not ride all the way to lunch.

A simple route was planned - via Chertsey Bridge onto the A320 - up Holloway Hill to Longcross. Down Staple Hill, right and then up Chestnut Lane to Valley End. Rye Grove led us towards Windlesham Road, West End to The Hare and Hounds.

 I didn't make a note of the mileage to lunch but I believe it was around thirteen miles. Not far but just as well for we had quite a long wait for our lunches due to the number of patrons in the pub! Graham was on a winner for he was given a dinner almost straight away which was intended for another client! David made his way home once he finished his packet of crisps!! It was worth the wait for the food was very good and the staff are most helpful. Even unlocked their garden gate so we could put the bikes inside - and it was locked behind us!

 To return, we turned left out of the pub, left into Fenns Lane, across roundabout, Beldam Bridge Road to the end. A left and right took us into Carthouse Lane, on to Horsell where we continued to the Basingstoke Canal. Terry and Paul left us at West Byfleet; Daniel left us when we turned off the canal for Addlestone where Irene, Tony and I parted company with Ed, Lilian and Maureen. No tea stop to-day!

I guess my mileage was only half of every body else today, apart from Irene!! Thank you all for your company and special thanks to Terry and Irene for back marking.

 Pam :) :)

Sunday 11th December 2016

Bromley (Waitrose) > Horton Kirby (The Bull) > High Elms

11 December 2016 - Effingham - Leatherhead

 Morning Assembly at the Vineries

Many thanks to Graham for leading us on a merry skelter from Effingham to Leatherhead on a route that studiously avoided any resemblance to the flight path followed by our feathered friends.

Change of lunch venue

PLEASE NOTE

Pams ride on the 18th December, lunch will now be at the  Hare and Hounds at West End (near Bisley).

Tony..

Sunday the 11th Additional ride update

Squires at West Horsley will be closed from 10am to 2.00pm this Sunday.

11's will now be at Effingham Vineries.

Tony..

Additional Sunday Ride

Sunday the 11th December 

The C&M official ride is Bromley for 11's and Horton Kirby for lunch. This is far to distant for a number of the club so an alternative ride will also take place.

Details are:

11's at  West Horsley Squires and lunch at Leatherhead Wetherspoons. Afternoon tea will be decided on the day.

Tony..

Concorde at Brooklands

Stopped for a photo this morning at Brooklands on our way to lunch at an alternative venue, The Saddlers Arms Send March. Nice cold but sunny ride. Thank you Graham.

Tony..

Sunday 04/12/16 Lessons To Be Learnt

A modest (40+ miles) but incident packed ride. The quirky route was designed to avoid most roads used on the previous two rides.

As I left home, I feared we might be in for a pub crawl so a prompt restart from Nutty Lane would be essential. It wasn't to be as Terry punctured en route. We waited which was fortunate for Jeff who arrived after Terry. We exited over the motorway into Shepperton and over Walton Bridge using both cyclepaths. By now it was noon and Christmas traffic was all about us.

To avoided the town centre Sidney Road led on to Walton and Weybridge stations. Then came Brooklands via railside footpaths and a photo shoot beside Concorde. In Byfleet Mike decided no more roughstuff (The Venus Trail) so a rendezvous was arranged - the Seven Stars outside Ripley. The roughstuff was rough but dry and nobody complained (loudly). But my woes continued - having already lost my computer, something jammed my front mudguard as we turned into Engliff Lane. In my panic the front disk rotor was bent (and amazing unbent) before we could continue. No Mike at The Seven Stars; we spotted a bike - was it his? We didn't know and after a short wait we headed to the Saddlers Arms which squeezed us in (just). Sometime later Mike rang Ed - he'd been inside the Seven Stars! and joined us belatedly.

By the time we were ready to leave it was well after two so could we get home in the light? We left in all directions. I made it with ten minutes to spare.

Sunday November 27 2016

It wasn't the brightest of days; nevertheless thirteen of us descended on the Golden Cafe Addlestone. By 11 we were ready to roll. Ed then claimed a senior moment so I found myself leading at short time!

Like last week Liberty Lane got us over the motorway into Rowtown but here we diverged. A sharp descent past the garden centre and the subsequent climb brought to us to the canal at Woodham lock. It was now a case of following the Ceres Trail signs (more or less) into the centre of Woking. For fans of Paul Weller, we descended Stanley Road after which a left brought us to HG Wells (Wetherspoons) at an embarassing early 1140! There was no obvious way of extend the ride so looking on the bright side we concluded that an early lunch merited an early tea. We settled on Wetherspoons Walton, or so I thought!

Ed was now back in charge. He left the canal at Scotland Bridge and continued on familar ways (B385/A318) into Addlestone and Weybridge and along the river to Walton bridge. Here I stopped briefly. Passing the Riverhouse cafe I noted it was open (1400). Not long afterwards I met Ed et al coming in the opposite direction! Others were missing so a vigil outside Wetherspoons was needed. In time I was rescued by Irene and we returned to Riverhouse. In the confusion only Ray was lost.

Not even 40 miles (but all in the light), and three "meals" in just over three hours.

2 points (Ed, Bob, Dave W, Don, GFH, Irene, Maureen, Pam, Ray, Simon, Terry, Tony, Vic)

Change of lunch venue

P L E A S E   N O T E

Next Sunday the lunch venue has changed to Wetherspoons Woking.

Tony..

Upper Haliford-Send Marsh-Esher

Sunday the 20/11/16

Not sure if the ride would take place according to the weather forecast, heavy rain all night and blustery wind but by 9.00am the wind was moderate and the rain barely a drizzle. I met Dave Ward going through Lower Sunbury and we cycled the last mile or two together, I had been sitting in a group from Chiswick cycling club on their way to Chobham and sheltering from the headwind.

Not expecting many at 11‘s I arrived early as did Alan but not before Bob. Soon to be joined by Pam and Irene. Graham joined us as did Simon, Ed and Vic. We left 11‘s around 11.15 and headed over Walton Bridge to Weybridge, Adlestone, Ottershaw, West Byfleet to Pyrford and through Send to Lunch at the Saddlers Arms Send Marsh. Terry was already there and had cycled direct to lunch.

It was great to get inside in the warmth as we all had felt the cold. A good hour spent eating and chatting before we reluctantly headed outdoors to continue to tea. Most though had opted to head directly home. We said our goodbyes to Pam, Irene and Vic and headed to Ripley and a right into Rose lane and the road to Cobham.

At the Black Swan, Terry and Ed turned right for home while Simon, Graham me continued to Cobham and the Portsmouth road to Esher, Graham continued towards Kingston and Simon and me to Hampton court through Bushy Park to Twickenham and home for Simon. Another 4 miles for me in the dusk and home to thaw out with a mug of tea.  A very cold but nice, if short, day on the bike. Thank you all for your company and Simon for back marking.

Tony..

Remembrance Day, 13 November

Rusper

Memorial at Rusper

One minute's silence

Church of St Mary Magdalene

Many thanks to Rachel for these photographs.

Cheam and Morden - November 13th

Lunch - minus Terry

Lunch - minus Maureen



 

With the sun shining and roads and leaves almost dried out from yesterday's rain seven of us (including guest Chris Jeggo) set off south from Beare Green, soon turning left into Newdigate Road. Passing through Capel (too early for cakes) we soon saw the A24 again but left it for the pleasures of Rusper Road, Friday Street and Green Lane where, after months of leaking, the water pipe has been repaired. Not wishing to arrive too early for lunch I followed Plan B which meant turning into Wimland Road then Wimland Lane, Faygate Lane and East Street to arrive at The Plough and Attic Rooms, Rusper at 1300 hrs. Here we placed our orders at the bar and were promptly banished to an Attic Room (see photos above). Our delicious food arrived quite soon.

After lunch we headed north from Rusper to Newdigate, turning right into Church Road which led to Parkgate. I noted the telephone box there saved by the pub landlord now houses a defibrillator, and his car park was full. We then continued northish but turned into Brockhamhurst Road to have another whizz down Root Hill. This week however we forked left into Parkpale then Tilehurst Lane, Punchbowl Lane to tea at Pilgrim Cycles. We then went our separate ways in the daylight (I expect some needed lights later) having had a pleasant dry ride in good company. Thanks, Rachel for keeping an eye at the back.

Terry

Eight went to 11s and lunch, Ray joined us for 11s.

Second Sunday Ride

Sunday the 13th November

For those living Northwest of the catchment area Vic White will be leading a ride.

We start at 11's from Addlestone, Golden Cafe,if its not open the Olive Tree,near Addlestone Cycles,11 o’clock. Then Green Lane,Lyne Lane,Trumps Green, Chobham Common,Valley End,Lightwater, Red Road Hill,through a posh estate to Church Hill,Camberley, past the station to Wetherspoons nearby. After lunch across the A30 to College Ride, up through the common estate ,a bit of off-road to Church Road, Bagshot the quiet way, probably Windlesham, Valley End again, briefly,Burrow Hill,Red Lion Road, Stonehills, Holloway Hill, where people will probably want to peel off or back to Addlestone for tea.

Tony..

November 6 2016

For completeness though no photos

A bright but cold and windy start (with worse forecast) did not deter the dozen who made it to 11s at Bourne Valley GC. Four (Alan, Richard, Steff and Terry) went no further; the rest carried on past Ottershaw, Burrowhill, Broomhall, Blacknest, Ascot Gate, Jubilee Statue, Rangers Gate, NCN 4  to lunch at the Windlesora (Wetherspoons) in Windsor.

With a darkening sky and increasing wind after lunch, the vote was no tea. The wind was now at our backs as we powered past Windsor and Eton Riverside, Datchet, Poyle to Ashford. Minutes after I've arrived home the promised rain arrived. Out all day: Dave, Brian, Graham, Irene, Pam, Paul, Simon, Vic. 

Lamb Inn, Lambs Green

Six happy eaters

                                                            

Upside-up leader Neil with upside-down pudding 

                                        

Four horsepower vehicle outside The Lamb 

30 October. Buckland - Lamb's Green - Denbies

Despite the misty morning and the allure of another Squires Garden Centre further west, ten made it to Buckland. From Bob, who arrived so early he had time for an extra coffee in The Pheasant before moving on to the Garden Centre, through to Graham who arrived just as we were leaving with claims that Buckland had been moved further from Kingston.

We had to start with a short climb along a very busy A25 but soon turned across Reigate Heath, through Trumpets Hill and over to Doversgreen to reach Lonesome Lane. Turning right in Meath Green we crossed back over the A217 to go via Norwood Hill, Charlwood and Ifield Green before heading west towards Lamb's Green.

We had left Bob and Maureen in Buckland, Graham had left us en route to Lamb's Green, and Janice left us as we arrived at The Lamb. Leaving Lilian, Rachel, Ed, Terry, Jeff and me to have a very pleasant lunch in a proper country pub. The majority went for small roasts but I did also manage a pineapple upside-down cake and custard to fuel up for the return journey.

While lunching, four horse-drawn carriages arrived at the pub for what appears to have been a Halloween pubcrawl with riders in various fancy dress. Hopefully others will be providing the photographic evidence.

The afternoon's route was more direct, taking us through Rusper and Newdigate and down Root Hill to Brockham. Here we admired the large bonfire, almost ready for next weekend, before heading on to Denbies for tea and cake as the sun went down.

Lambs Green

The Lamb Inn

Should be called the Nags' Head. Batman seems to have flown

Notice for 2016 AGM

The AGM for CTC South West London will commence at 11:00 in the Hersham Amenity Hall on Wednesday 9th November.

Signing in sheets will circulate once you are sitting down. The Agenda, Minutes of the 2015 AGM, Treasurer's Report and our Annual Report will be available for you to read.

Please be considerate about where you park your bikes.

Tim Court
Secretary

Sunday the 30th October

Dave is organising a second ride this Sunday, 11's  at Squires West Horsley then the Sun pub at Windlesham for Lunch.

Tony..

Cheam and Morden 23rd October...

                                    ...at The Wheatsheaf, Woking

                                    Photo by Maureen

Claygate to Woking to Addlestone 23rd October

A new venue for me, Capitol Café in Claygate. The staff were very patient for we almost filled the café!  Bob, Alan and Graham, (testing his injury from previous week),  returned or did their own thing.  Irene, Rachel, Lilian, Maureen, Ed, Mick, Dave W. Brian, Simon (was that a first with the C+M?), and Ray W.  Terry met us at lunch as he had only returned from his holiday 11pm night before!  All this information for your records Jeff!

Bright and sunny after the morning mist with a cool breeze.  We headed for Church Rd which led us to the path, named New Road to Fairoak Lane. We turned right to Princess Drive (which I almost missed), Birds Hill Ride, straight over A244 down to Stoke D'Abernon where I almost missed a right turn but fortunately there was a service road which helped get me back on track! The track being River Lane to Downside Common. From here we followed well known lanes to Ripley, Pyrford, then to Sheerwater to ride along the canal to Woking where our lunch stop, The Wheatsheaf pub is just up on the left in Chobham Road.

Our table was set, the food was very good as was the service - a must for another visit :)

Some weeks ago a Wednesday ride had passed The Plough, Horsell and news got back to me that there had been a fire at the pub (17th July according to the web), hence another pub had to be found in the area for my ride.   As I was curious to see the pub and what was going on, our return went past it.  It is completely shrouded in plastic and I only hope it will be back in business soon.

I had thought of tea at Walton Bridge but as there was quite a chill in the air we all favoured the Golden Café, Addlestone.  Our route from Horsell was almost direct to tea........Philpot Lane, Old Chertsey Road, Stonehill Road where I thought I would - maybe - introduce Homewood Park to one or two in the group.  Arriving at the café we saw it shut at three and it was now just approaching that hour...but... due to the kindness/thoughtfulness/common sense...of the staff, we were invited in to have our tea etc.

Many thanks to all who were out, special thanks to Rachel for back marking and those who kindly cornered. Also thank you Maureen for taking the photo -  a most enjoyable day - Cheers, Pam.

October 16 2016 - The case of the missing leader

Many apologies to any who reached the Vineries expecting a leader. During rain that fell near Malden Rushett, I managed to skid on something slippery; result:- a posterior dislocation of  my right shoulder for the third time and  "rouging" of my upper lip.

And it doesn't stop there: Wednesday sees my first physio session. And my slow heart rate requires a chat with my GP.

Sunday 2nd October

                               80% of today's ride at The Sussex Oak

Fortunately today's forecast was good, roads had mostly dried out from yesterday giving fine, if rather cool riding conditions. After leaving Jordan's caravans and noting the extensive (and expensive?) new footbridge at Gomshall station we briefly headed west on the A25 before turning left into Goose Green. Peaslake was soon reached via Burrows Lane, Jesses Lane and Pond Lane. A pleasant run then to Ewhurst via Ewhurst and Peaslake Roads, then south eastish to Rowhook, crossing the A29 onto the one-way stretch of Rowhook Road. This led to the A281 which we left at the first opportunity, turning into Strood Lane and shortly arriving at Warnham.

Catering at The Sussex Oak was up to its usual high standard, and after a very leisurely lunch we followed the 'usual' route to Capel, noting the former café at Langhurstwood Road has been replaced by Max's Diner (ie Jo Jo's is now a no no). The choice of cakes at Capel, as usual, was huge - it's always difficult making a decision there. After another leisurely break we headed home, having enjoyed mostly quiet roads, pleasant scenery and good company.  Thanks all.

Attendees were: elevens only - Janice, Irene, Pam, David, Donald, Keith, Vic and Alan.
Full day - Lilian, Jeff, Ed, Graham, Terry.

Terry

Sunday 2nd October...

...elevenses will be at Jordan's (caravans) Gomshall and lunch at The Sussex Oak at Warnham.
I thought I should warn 'em (sorry, you) there will be a stretch of (avoidable) quite reasonable off-road.

Terry

Sunday 25th September ride

Please note I have changed the lunch stop from Wasps Green to Horsham Weatherspoons and the afternoon tea stop will be at Pilgrims Cycles or Denbies if there is a large group.

Meet as normal at Tesco Hookwood for 11's. Prompt 11am departure required.

Thanks

Paul

Sunday September 18 2016

To keep the scorers happy....

In my confused state (eg leaving home initially with two left mitts), there was little hope of me reaching the start on time so I opted for the Ashford route to Jenners Maidenhead arriving ahead of the bunch which came via Staines. Already seated were some who'd arrived a week early after an unfortunate problem with the new website!

With 25+ miles in many legs, it was no surprise that our restart was delayed until 1130. We returned to the bridge then took the first left, Mill Lane currently a "building site" and climbed past Taplow. Before Cliveden we veered eastwards on lanes and after a little more than five miles reached the lunch stop at the Blackwood Arms Littleworth Common. It was warm enough for an alfresco lunch.

Nul point for the official teastop so we headed for Vermeulens and after a leisurely stop our respective homes. Twice we encountered Roger (and the KCC?), firstly in Burnham Beeches and secondly in Stanwell Moor as we exited Vermeulens. About 55 miles door to door.

2 points: Dave W, Ed, Ray, Paul, Ken, Pam, Tony, Bob, GFH
1 point : Alan

Lunch stop on 11th September

                                     The Fabulous Four at Smock Alley

                             Photo kindly taken by small schoolgirl Alysha

Sunday 11th September 2016

Rusper Golf Club - Smock Alley - Horsham Park

Some noticed the change........some didn't.
My apologies extend to all who made their way to Boulter's Lock to find no leader & no ride on such a beautiful day.
I'm entirely to blame as it was foreseen as early as the second week of August & Dave and I had a conversation on my ride to Bramley.
Graham changed the online rides list and I put a notice on our blog Tuesday of last week.

A few words.........

Bye Stephanie & Ed.
Perfect weather for cycling.
Foursome.
Mostly flat.
Lovely old pub.
Pint of lime squash 45p.
Southwater Country Park way to busy - some event involving loads of kids.
Horsham Park Conservatory cafe - new to Terry.
Wasps like Lemon Drizzle cake.
Blue sky all day.

As I write, 11 degrees daytime temp......after 3 days above 30 degrees!

Temperatures above 30C have been recorded on three consecutive September days for the first time in nearly 90 years.

The mercury hit a scorching 30.1C in Gravesend on Thursday, continuing a record-breaking month of weather. It is the first time such consistently high temperatures have been logged since 1929, the Met Office said.

Sunday 11th September 2016

Rusper Golf Club - Smock Alley - Horsham Park

Some noticed the change........some didn't.
My apologies extend to all who made their way to Boulter's Lock to find no leader & no ride on such a beautiful day.
I'm entirely to blame as it was foreseen as early as the second week of August & Dave and I had a conversation on my ride to Bramley.
Graham changed the online rides list and I put a notice on our blog Tuesday of last week.

A few words.........

Bye Stephanie.
Perfect weather for cycling.
Foursome.
Mostly flat.
Lovely old pub.
Pint of lime squash 45p.
Southwater Country Park way to busy - some event involving loads of kids.
Horsham Park Conservatory cafe - new to Terry.
Wasps like Lemon Drizzle cake.
Blue sky all day.

As I write, 11 degrees daytime temp......after 3 days above 30 degrees!

Temperatures above 30C have been recorded on three consecutive September days for the first time in nearly 90 years.

The mercury hit a scorching 30.1C in Gravesend on Thursday, continuing a record-breaking month of weather. It is the first time such consistently high temperatures have been logged since 1929, the Met Office said.

This Sunday........11th September 2016

I'm sure most folk are aware that the ride will be as follows:

Elevenses - Rusper Golf Club

Lunch - Smock Alley

Tea - TBA

This follows the decision to swap the 11th & 18th rides around.

So now Dave's ride will be on the 18th September.

Sunday the 4th September

Savill Gardens-Twyford-Windsor

I cycled to Osterley and collected Alan and then the fairly direct route to Egham and Egham and Middle hill up to 11's at Savill Gardens, the sky was overcast and a few spots of rained had fallen and we had a headwind which continued until lunch. Bob was already waiting and we had arrived early. Coffee and cake and by 10.40 only Paul had arrived. Soon we saw Neil wandering round looking for us. By 11.05 there were 5 of us but only 3 heading to lunch. Through the park and past the polo ground and out of Blacknest gate and into Mill lane, through Cheapside up to Ascot race course, Woodend, Winkfield Row, Moss End and Shurlock Row and Whistley Green and into Whistley Mill lane and across the field and the footbridge (we decided against crossing the Ford) to the Lands End pub at Twyford. We had passed lots of cyclists and the Marlow sportive was under way with the highlight being the crossing of the ford just by the pub! Yes some did manage to get very wet! 

The ride to afternoon tea was blessed with a tail wind most of the way. With Shurlock Row in site we decided to change the afternoon tea location to the Cinnamon Cafe in Windsor, they give cyclist a 10% discount, we had a brief stop at White Waltham aerodrome to admire the planes and then headed to Bray and the wooden bridge over the Thames and through Dorney to tea. The Cinnamon buns that they serve are enormous but none of us partook but Paul did try the Yogurt cereal bar. After tea Paul and Neil headed for Runnymede and home and I headed to Datchet and home. A very pleasant days cycling with good company.

Tip of the week: When you have more that one bike do check before you head off for your ride that you have fitted your saddle bag with tools, spares etc. I didn't. A big thank you to Alan Anderson for the loan of his spare bag inc tools etc. :-(

Tony..

28 August. Shere - Loxwood - Capel

Eleven arrived at The Dabbling Duck in Shere and sat outside with fingers crossed hoping for a dry ride but they were to be disappointed. The heavens soon opened and we tarried until after 11.30 while the worst of the weather passed.

Irene, Don and Bob headed home while Terry, Graham, Janice, Lilian, Jeff, Paul, Keith and I headed south up the hill. Passing Brook, Farley Green and Stroud Common we headed for Palmers Cross. Here we took the road past Scotsland Farm to Thorncombe Street.

As we cycled along this road we were treated to glimpses of the Red Arrows as they performed their display for the Wings and Wheels event at Dunsfold Aerodrome. Sorry no photos, they were just too quick.

Turning south again we passed through Hascombe, Loxhill, Dunsfold and Plaistow before arriving at The Onslow Arms in Loxwood. The damp weather meant it was very busy inside but after a short wait for tables, and a longer wait for the food, large portions of wide range of meals were served.

It was about quarter to three before we left and some were concerned that the cake may run out at Capel so a fairly direct route was taken via Tisman's Common, Oakwood Hill and Weare Street.

We should not have been concerned as there was still enough to feed the 5000.

Graham helping to reduce the surplus

August 21 2016 An Alternative Tour Of The Surrey Heights

First a confession : I went to bed expecting rain but awoke to dry roofs, overcast skies and an obvious breeze. Had the forecast weather arrived or was it still to come? No idea so I opted for the train (as did others).

Thus four reached The Snooty Fox together; a real find and clearly popular with locals/not so locals. Six had already arrived with Dave and Don tucking in to full Englishes. When Ray showed up we were 11. As usual Bob and Don headed home whilst we set off of a roundabout journey to lunch. Main roads got us to the crematorium then came Farncombe's backstreets. After the level crossing re-opened, we were easily bested on the hill up to Charterhouse by an electric bike (oh the shame of it!) From Norney northwest led to Shackleford and over the hill to the scene of our last employment (or if you prefer, the home of Queen's drummer). Hops aren't a common sight on Surrey's roads but they were on the road to Seale. In Sandy Cross a left turn led us to lunch at the Barley Mow in The Sands. We arrived early at 1220. It had been 11+ miles with a few undulations but only that one lung-burster.

Standard SWL zimmer frame pose

Most settled for child's portions though Ed and Lilian were grown ups. The pub wasn't busy when we arrived (no surprise) but worringly neither was it as we leave just before one thirty. The way to Cutmill is downhill so speeds of 30+ mph soon brought the lake into view. Shortly afterwards we turned right and headed past Peper Harrow's entrance. On the cross-country to Eashing, Ed had a close encounter with the sand but seemed unharmed. And that left just one more surprise though probably of interest only to habitual television channel hoppers: Channel 4's Supervet clinic high above Godalming. From the Jack Phillips memorial, we took an all too familiar route: Farncombe, Loseley, Guildford High Street. the A3 cyclepath, and Ripley to tea at Ockham Bites. Just over 30 miles from 11s to teas (plus a further 20 miles for me).

Lunchtime Conversation (or Where I Went On The Recce)

Finally if I read the notice correctly, the "infamous" footpaths between Byfleet and Wisley are to be upgraded to bridleways. Don't get too excited just yet - appeals don't close for another three weeks.

Two points : Dave W, Vic, Irene, Ed, Lillian, GFH, Ken, Paul, Ray
One point:   Bob, Don

Sunday 14th August 2016

Cobham - Bramley - Newlands Corner

Your leader returns for a jaunt into deepest Surrey.

We meet at a comfortable Sainsbury's cafe in Cobham where a phone call was made to the new lunch destination (nine to dine. not including me)

One day I'll actually do the published ride!

A lapse of concentration in Cobham High Street sent us toward Leatherhead but I swiftly retraced before anybody had noticed.

We head toward East Horsley, Britain's richest village in 2011 & 2015.

Up and over the North Downs and left to Albury (where the difference between the 2001 & 2011 census was one person!)

The above pictures show Bramley station in 1961 & after renovation.

Trains ceased due to Beeching cuts in 1965.

Lunch was at the Wheatsheaf in the High Street.

Tea was at the renamed Squirrel Hill cafe, Newlands Corner.

I returned home via the NDW to Staple Lane car park where I noticed a little van serving tea and cake.

The weather was dry and warm with a sunny ride home for all.

Forthcoming Sunday change of lunch.....

Due to the unsuitabilty of the Witley pubs, I propose one of the following ......to be decided by a vote on the day.

Winkworth Arboretum

The Wheatsheaf - Bramley.

The publican has requested he know in advance any food orders as he only has one person in the kitchen.

Sunday 7th August

Having left Bob, Richard and Mike at the golf club we headed south through Rusper where tea and cakes were already available outside the church. Resisting the strong temptation we continued on the 'usual route' to Warnham level crossing. Arriving at the t-junction by The Sussex Oak we turned right, using less frequented (by us) lanes to rejoin our 'usual route' to Broadbridge Heath. David W left us here. A short, noisy spell on the A264 brought us to the welcome turning to Slinfold, where we enjoyed lunch at The Red Lyon. Daniel was waiting here to join us.

 

After lunch Jeff and Daniel chose the road route to tea, the rest of us headed west on the Downs Link,stopping for the obligatory photo at the two tier bridge. We left the Link at Lynwick Street, Rudgwick. Graham found an alternative route but sadly he didn't have to carry his bike up about twenty steps. In the wonderful but not too hot sunshine we followed the 'usual route' via Ellen's Green, Okewood Hill (where The Punchbowl  has just reopened) to Weare Street. Here, Ed punctured but soon effected a temporary repair, good enough to get him to Capel. Jeff and Daniel were here and had thoughtfully left us some cake. Whilst eating/drinking/talking Paul D and many walkers arrived. After a lengthy break during which Ed changed his tube we left to head homewards. A very modest mileage for me, thanks everybody for your company.

 

Terry

 Post lunch pose

 Rudgwick two tier bridge

 

 

 

 

Tea at Knaphill

Thank you Dave for a very pleasant ride on a near perfect day for cycling.

                                                             No Pub!

Sunday July 31 2016 - A Summary Of Dave's Ride

As others found elsewhere Plan A ("lift up thy bike and run") would have worked but we (Ed, Steph and G) used Plan B passing under the Pru ride on the Hampton Wick side of Kingston bridge then left by Sigma. Bushy Park saw numbers double with the appearance of Ken, Paul and Tony. No surprise there was very little traffic until we neared Chertsey. As the rendezvous was reached, Dave and Don were coming over Chertsey Bridge! So without delay we transversed the town and rode up the hill towards Longcross. Down to Windlesham and up to Sunninghill got us to 11s where Pam and Vic were enjoying the sun.

Once refreshed Steph and Don headed home. Save for a brief detour into Windlesham and Bagshot the rest had to endure traffic on the A30 and B3272. No water babies were sighted in Eversley. Just after Bramshill Police College a minor road brought us to The Shoulder Of Mutton at Hazeley with cows at bottom of garden as a backdrop for an alfresco lunch.

The afternoon was more countrified at least as far as Fleet!(Mattingley, Phoenix Green and Winchfield Hurst) after which basically we followed railway through Farnborough, Pirbright and Brookwood. Here we turned northeast for tea at a popular Mizen railway. About 75 miles door to door.

Sunday 24th July

No pub photo this week, but here's a recent pic of our leader. Anybody recognise her ?

Sunday 24th July

FAIROAKS AIRPORT - PUTTENHAM - OCKHAM BITES

A 'good weather' day had been forecast, possible afternoon showers - which we did not get!  Bob and Ed were already at Fairoaks when Lilian and I arrived just after ten with others arriving soon after.   Stephanie, Miles, Alan and pal John, Carolyn and hubby John. All but Ed did not continue to lunch.   So, Ed, Lilian, Dave, Don, Terry, Ray and Vic joined me for the ride to Puttenham; joining the Basingstoke canal at Woking and leaving it at Brookwood.  Down Cemetery Pales to Pirbright onwards towards Normandy on the A324. A left turn into Corbett Hill Road, right at A323, left into Bailes Lane where we continued along the bridle path to Westwood Lane.  Then it was up Wanborough Hill where a right turn took us to Puttenham.   Unfortunateley Ed took a wrong turn at the top of hill causing a little concern and Terry made a big effort to find him (you never know) but they both arrived at the pub OK.   Graham is on Warden duty at Puttenham Barns so he and Irene joined us for lunch after their morning ride! 

Our return was on a well known route - cycle route 22 alongside the golf course, Pilgrims Way, left past the Watts Gallery and then right along the Hogs Back, leading to a very steep drop into Guildford.   Up the High Street, across Stoke Park, River Wey and then the cycle path alongside A3 leading us to Ockham Bites for a welcome cuppa accompanied by plenty of chat and giggles!!  Then it was time to say goodbye.  Ray and Vic led me over the A3 on a bridge I had not used before, crossing Wisley Common; a short ride along the River Wey into Byfleet.  Made a nice change from the usual way I would go home.

Thank you all for your company, with  a special thanks to Terry for back marking. 

 Cheers Pam

Sunday 17th July 2016

Gibbons Mill

Next to Rudgwick Brick Works

Michael Jordan Caravans - The Haven - Capel

Felt good today.6 at 11's, 5 to lunch via the bumpy track past Gibbon's Mill.
Dave had a quick drink and was off............we lingered for around 2 hours.
Graham mentioned this new tea/coffee stop near Cox Green.We called in........not for refreshment though, just a look.
Long stop at Capel too.

Humid with the sun breaking late pm.
 

Change Of Start (31/07/16) and Who's To Blame

The more observant will have noted a potential clash with a larger event - the Pru. We could try "pick up thy bike and run" at Hampton Court but both Dave and I feel that it could be undignified and perhaps chancy.

So the start will be Kingston Bridge. The centre of town (including the station) should be clear as their route is the one way system in reverse, that is, twice passing under the railway. Any one coming from the north should use either of  the underpasses at the ends of Kingston bridge to reach TK Maxx. Conversely there'll be a rendezvous at Chertsey Bridge (car park opposite Kingfisher). Say 0915 to 0930.

For those who may mutter "Glad I wasn't on that ride". Last Sunday (10/07) this bunch went: Cobham, East Clandon, Bramley, Hambledon, Lodsworth, Bignor, Houghton Bridge (lunch), Fittleworth, Wisborough Green, Rudgwick, Weare Street.

Potters Arms Winchmore Hill

On the way to 11's the rain started and by the time I arrived at the NT cafe at Runnymede I was fairly wet. I was first to arrive soon joined by Bob who had been sheltering under a tree by the river. Don, Dave, Ken and Alan soon joined us. Very soon Irene arrived dressed for walking as she was off on her hols the next day. Terry, Ed, Graham, Rachel and Vic also braved the rain. Setting off, Don headed home,  with a break in the rain we headed to Windsor and over the Thames to Dorney where Alan and Graham headed for home. The rain was off and on all the way to lunch. Up through Taplow to the A40 and across onto Forty Green and past Alfriston school where Dave had had enough of the rain (also having cycled to Bedford the previous day) onto Horseshoe lane past Winchmore hill then doubled back to the Pub.

The Potters arms is a typical pub that now does dinning and we were welcomed, drinks and the bar and food orders taken at the table, the food took a little while to arrive but was of good quality. As we were eating our lunch the Sun popped its head through the clouds and stayed with us for the rest of the afternoon. Stomachs full we headed off to tea at Windsor farm shop. Magpie lane to the A355 and across into Bottrells lane and Back lane to Chalfont St Giles and on through Gerrards Cross, Fulmer and across the Bath road and M4 to Datchet and onto to Tea. Vic and Ken headed home so only 5 had tea and cake in glorious sunshine at Windsor farm shop. A nice venture to a new lunch stop in the Chilterns. Thank you all for your company.

Yes another pub photo

Tony..

Cycling in Kingston

Once again the Council is seeking (and based on previous experience will ignore) your views on  proposed changes for cyclists. The next tranche covers roads which I rarely use. If you do, you may wish to comment. See

https://www.kingston.gov.uk/gocycleconsultations

Sunday July 3 2016

Five joined the annual ride to the coast with Graham joining the group until Horsham before he headed off to meet Ed and others in Guildford.

Starting at Dorking, first stop was in Horsham where Bill's was unable to accommodate the group so we moved to an adjacent cafe where perfectly adequate refreshments were available. Timing was perfect as the only shower of the day happened whilst we were there.

Dropping south into a testing headwind the group arrived in Shoreham by 12.30 and stocked up at The Bakery with lunch and also rock cakes and bread pudding for the journey home. Although windy the sun came out and the sea was turquoise for lunch on the beach.

The break allowed time for much speculation as to the source of the loud clanking from Janice's bike (bottom bracket, gears, fly wheel, spokes or who knows what). Fortunately the bike still worked and with a tail wind the group headed down cycle route 2 to Hove and then north to a pub stop at Warninglid. Drinks washed down the rock cakes and bread pudding and then it was head down and homeward bound for the last 30 miles or so.

An enjoyable day out!

Sunday July 3 2016 (Ed)

Ed will be at West Horsley for 11s and at Wetherspoons Guildford for lunch. He'd welcome your company if you've nothing better to do!

Sunday June 26 2016

Dave's ride.....

To avoid the deluge of fitter riders, we headed north into Bushy Park. After the wheat and sheep of Felthamhill we continued on familiar ways round the east and north of Heathrow (Feltham YOI, Bedfont, Hatton Cross and Harlington). After Yiewsley, Dave produced a novelty - the long closed Uxbridge Vine Street branch line which took us past Brunel and into the very centre of Uxbridge. In time our numbers swelled to nine as we breakfasted in Wetherspoons (The Good Yarn).

Two squeaky (for anyone in cleats) bridges over the Denham roundabout led to a sketchy track south of the M40 which we soon crossed to Tatling End. After the M25, our (moist) route lay southwest towards (but not into) Fulmer where Alan departed. From southern Gerrards Cross, the aptly named Hedgerley Lane led directly to The White Horse just before 1230. There we dined under the awning though in truth the pub was never busy during our stay.

The return was familiar: Slough's outliers (Stoke Poges, Wexham, George Green, Langley) then across the A4 into Colnbrook, Poyle (usual litter) and Stanwell Moor. Vermuelens was closed for the day so we called it quits. 35+ miles from start to Vermuelens on warm but tiresomely blustery day.

2 point: Dave, Don, Ed, Graham, Irene, Paul, Ray, Tony
1 point: Alan.

Sunday 19th June 2016

The church of Saints Peter and Paul at Chaldon, in Surrey, England was built before 1086 and contains a large wall painting of around 1170 depicting images of the ways of salvation and damnation and their result ^[a] and is in length 17' 2". Malden in 1911 described it as "perhaps the most interesting ancient wall-painting in England".^[1] This Grade I architecturally listed building ^[2] retains its west and east walls (of nave and of chancel/chantry) of their original dates, both with "extraordinarily high-pitched" gables, round window in the west and three windows in the east.^[1] The mural is divided in two by a cloudy band, with the lower half decorated to torments and punishments of the wicked; the upper half devoted to the judgement and salvation of souls. In the centre is a ladder with Jesus Christ above. The main figures include the Tree of knowledge, with the Serpent (bottom right), the Seven deadly sins and a cauldron for boiling murderers. Across the top are depicted the three Marys and the Ascent of Elijah and Enoch to heaven, Jesus defeating the Devil, and Jesus preaching to the spirits in prison.^[2]

Nathaniel Westlake wrote:^[3]

It is evident that this painting was the work of a very studious man, probably one of the learned monks of Chertsey, and the school of the art of this monastery here finds valuable illustration for comparison with that of Canterbury, Winchester, Lewes and Durham.

Several fundraising bike rides take place between London and Brighton each year. The most famous is the British Heart Foundation event which has taken place each summer since 1976,^[1] and in 2014 involved an estimated 30,000 riders. Despite most roads being closed to cars, the number of bikes is such that traffic jams occur, especially at hills. The toughest part of the route is the climb over Ditchling Beacon which once featured in the Le Tour de France; having already cycled some 50 miles (80 km), cyclists must then tackle a 1 mi (1.6 km) climb with an average grade exceeding 1 in 10. Several sections are somewhat steeper, and whilst the fittest will try to cycle up, the vast majority will walk. To date, over 650,0000 riders have taken part and have raised over £40 million so that the BHF can fund pioneering research, patient care and the provision of vital information. In recent years, the BHF have introduced a night ride and an off-road ride. These are on separate dates, and some competitors will ride all three routes in the same year.