Margaret Squirrell

It is with much sadness that I announce the passing of  Margaret Squirrell. Margaret had a massive stroke in the early hours of Friday morning the 22nd and passed away in the early hours of Saturday the 29th.

We will keep you posted about funeral arrangements and anything else relevant as soon as we know.

Our deepest sympathy and thoughts are with Bill and the family,

A lovely lady, always had a smile and a joke.

Tony..

New Years Eve Ride

As it was new years eve the plan was for just 11's at the Golden cafe Adlestone. Dave, Done and Bob were already seated when I arrived. Graham, Irene and Pam, Alan and Vic arrived around 11 as did Terry and eventually Ray. Big discussion as to the possibility of going on to lunch somewhere and a split decision was reached. Dave, Don, Alan, Graham and Bob headed home, Vic and Terry opted for the Saddlers arms at Send and Pam, Irene, Ray and myself headed  for Windsor and the Windlesora for lunch with Pam leading.

 

 

A pleasent lunch and off home via Datchet where I left the other 3 and headed towards Poyle. Just as I reached Harmondsworth the heavens opened and it was torrential for the next 5 miles, like riding along a stream!  It eased off just before I reached home but by then water ingress was nearly total, Still it meant I reached my mileage goal. A Happy new year to all and safe cycling in 2018.

Tony..

Annual Mileages for 2017

Please Remember, don't Forget.

Now is the time to check your current mileage and decide how many miles you would like to add before the witching hour of 11.59.59pm on Sunday 31 December 2017. The qualifying period is unsurprisingly from 1 January to 31 December 2017. However modest your mileage may be, do not yourself be too modest, but please send it to me to populate our 2017 spreadsheet. 

There is a 'mileage' tab on the MWW blog page that reveals all. The column for 2017 is waiting for your mileage. It can be revealing to see the annual ebb and flow of our cycling dynamics. Not only that, but there is a gong to be won for the lady and gentleman (if any), reporting the greatest annual mileage, as well as the greatest increase over the previous year's reported mileage.

Please send your mileages to: jeff.tollerman@lineone.net and then check that I have successfully recorded your mileage on the spreadsheet. You cannot record it yourself .

To all those that I have not recently seen, may I wish you a positively memorable and enjoyable cycling New Year.

Jeff

Sunday December 17 2017

The forecast was morning dull, afternoon dire so it served no purpose by booking. But I was surprised by our number (10) at Squires Holloway Hill. A decision had been made: Wetherspoons Woking.

Eight set off on an obvious route : Stonehill Road, Philpot Lane, past the rebuilt but not reopened Plough to Horsell Rise then jostling with Christmas traffic in Woking town centre. Unsurprisingly our arrival time was an early noon.

The rain (as forecast) came around 1230 so the second vote was to miss tea and return via Maybury, Sheerwater and Scotland Bridge. Ed and I tarried, accepting an invite to tea at the White House (New Haw). Home in light and heavy rain after a desultory 40 miles. Happy thought: next Sunday's sunset is later.

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

Snowday, 10 December 2017

On Saturday night I fell asleep to a meteorological omen of an impending deluge and heavy snow. Vowing to ignore it, I awoke to the distant refrain of a carol from the Occident:

"Born a King on Twickenham's plain,

Cold I bring to freeze them again,

Rain forever, ceasing never,

Over them all to reign."

I opened the curtains and lo, the omen had come to pass. I closed the curtains, gave praise and fell into a deep, warm and blissful sleep.

Jeff

Sunday 10 December

Leader Simon overslept

near the feast of Stephen

When the snow lay round about

Not very deep or crisp or even

Brightly shone the morning light

Though the frost was cruel

Forgot to set the alarm last night

What a silly foo-el.

The assembled masses (after David had left)

David, Bob and Graham were waiting patiently at the Moat Garden centre near Epsom as I put on my warmest clothing and cycled at top speed against the wind to meet them.   When I arrived at 11.10, nearly melting, the assembled group had taken the sensible decision not to ride any further, so we sat and chatted for a bit and returned home.   I lingered a bit to cool down and was entertained by Epsom & Ewell Silver Band playing carols.   By this time it was snowing heavily - very Christmassy.

Epsom & Ewell Silver Band (with the building works behind)

ADDLESTONE - WINDLESHAM (then home!)

A mean dank day to start with; some what brighter in the afternoon.

I went to Staines to meet Alan and a new rider..neither appeared after 15 minutes so I continued to elevenses, calling  into  bike shop first.

Graham, Bob, Dave and Alan (yes..Alan) at one table and Bill and Margaret at another.  Then Tony (who had punctured on the way in)Terry and Vic arrived.

There was no rush to get going as the route was not much of a challenge. Five left with me for Windlesham, Dave, Graham, Tony, Vic and Terry who turned for home via Chobham after Staple Hill. 

Our route was via Holmwood Park, Accomodation Rd., Longcross, Staple Hill, Chestnut Lane to Valley End. We were all curious as to what stage the bridge was at in Woodlands Lane,...still no access but looks as though it will not be long before it opens. So onwards into Rygrove, Church Road, Updown Hill and into The Sun for lunch where we received the usual good service and food and was on our way just after 1.30.   It was decided not to stop for tea during our lunch time chatter!

We turned left onto Chertsey Lane, then right into Highams Lane to Burrowhill. From there it was the well used route to Green Lane, Addlestone.

I turned off for Chertsey whilst t'others continued homeward bound. 

My thanks to you chaps for coming out today,  to Tony for putting this on the blog..and Dave for the photo.

Cheers Pam

03/12/17 Pam's Ride - Windlesham

Capel Teas 2018

   
Credit to Terry for the following.


11/03, 30/03(Good Friday) 

 01/04(Easter Sunday), 02/04(Easter Monday) 

06/05, 07/05(May BH), 27/05, 28/05  

10/06

 01/07, 15/07, 29/07

26/08, 27/08  

 09/09, 23/09

07/10  

18/11, 25/11 

C&M Sunday the 26 November

A Very cold morning and ride to Windsor. Graham, Irene, Alan and Bob had already arrived were warming up. Soon after I arrived John and Carolyn Arrived as did Vic. John and Carolyn were not going to join us and Vice was off somewhere with his camera. So just Irene, Graham and myself set off for the Bear at Maidenhead, Bob was going to make his own way there. Off heading west to Clewer then Oakley Green and onto Fiffield.  Then onto Bray and the nice off road section at Braywick and across the Bath road heading toward Cookham with a loop round just past Bolters lock and back the Bear for lunch to meet Bob who had just arrived.

Wined and dined we headed back towards Dorney and along the Jubilee river to Datchet, having decided not to stop for tea we left Irene heading towards Wraysbury and Graham and myself towards Poyle where Graham turned to Stanwell Moor and me to Longford and home. A very cold day but the Sun did help. Very short on numbers but not surprising considering the temperature.

On the track through Braywick

Tony..

Sunday the 26th Lunch Venue Change

Lunch will now be at The Bear (Wetherspoons) Maidenhead.

Tony..

Sunday 19 November - Woodham and Windsor

Graham, Vic, Paul, Ed, Irene, Pam and I met for the ride at the ever-busy and newly-refurbished Bourne Valley Garden Centre café, and Alan, Bob and Terry joined us for elevenses only.   It was a glorious morning but rather chilly, so I thought a few climbs to keep us warm would be the best thing!   Accordingly, we set off for Virginia Water via Ottershaw, Kitsmead Lane and Wellington Avenue.  I decided the preferred route, the shared path around the lake, would be a little busy on such a lovely day, so we headed west to Blacknest and entered Windsor Great Park at Cheapside instead, much quieter but still with delightful scenery.   We left the park at the Rangers Gate and picked up the cycle route to Spital, then dodged round some backstreets to reach The Windlesora, Windsor’s other, less touristy Wetherspoons!    Service was quick and friendly, and we all enjoyed good meals.   No hills at all on the return trip, just a few hump-backed bridges as we motored through Datchet, Wraysbury and Staines at a steady 12 mph to reach the tea stop at Laleham just after 2.30 pm.    Many thanks to all for a problem-free ride and I hope you enjoyed it.   Mea culpa – I forgot the customary group photo hence the map!

Sunday November 12, 2017

Thirteen met at West Horsley Squires but, fortunately for the superstitious, Alan, Bob and Donald did not join the ride. We headed east, our entry to Chalk Lane being delayed slightly by about a couple of dozen Harley Davidsons burbling past in the opposite direction. Ascending Greendene and descending Combe  Lane we saw many other cyclists out on training runs. To Shere next via Rectory Lane, over rather than through the ford then a change from normal by using Church Hill before joining Sandy Lane. On to the outskirts of Peaslake where we followed Hoe Lane to Horsham Road. Just short of the junction we met a car travelling in the opposite  direction. I stopped, so did the car – I wanted to warn the driver there were more  cyclists coming. I recognised the driver as an old friend and former works colleague. He was and is very keen on motorcycle racing. Many years ago he prepared and rode his own bike in the Clubmans’ races (not the TT) in the Isle of Man and finished third in his first race there. Now his two sons are doing nearly as well. We joined the B2126 as far as Sutton Abinger then via Sutton Lane, Donkey Lane and Hollow Lane we reached the A25. Turning into Balchins Lane we avoided main road traffic and noise. There were wonderful views of the trees on Ranmore in their various autumn colours. On the outskirts of Dorking we turned left into Station Road, shortly right into Parkway then across Meadowbank to the cycle track  to Leatherhead and lunch at the Edmund Tylney. By the time we had all eaten and drunk and chatted it was 1500 hrs and it was unanimously decided to head homewards in the daylight.

Edmund (later Sir) Tylney was  the Master of Revels (I’m not joking) for Queen Elizabeth I and King James I and lived in Leatherhead. He had great influence in the censorship and developement of drama.

My original lunch venue was The Scarlett Arms but after a recce I decided it was a pub too far. Tracey, the landlady was scheduled to have left by now, (going to pastures/pub new in Cranleigh) to be replaced by one Jill. Another redoubtable lady leaving us.

Thanks to all for company, David for tec and people various for corner marking. I hope we have a few more Sundays with such agreeable weather.

Think this is correct – I’m sure Jeff will correct if necessary:                        

2 points Irene, Pam, Graham, Jeff, Ed, Ray, Vic, Terry.  

1 point Donald, Bob, Alan, David, Brian.

Terry

Cheam and Morden ride Sunday 12th November

Having recced my proposed route I have decided to shorten it. The 11s venue is unchanged at West Horsley GC but lunch will be at the Edmund Tylney at Leatherhead and 3s at Painshill if we are there by 3.30.

Terry.

Guy Fawkes Night 2017 (part 2)

A perfect autumn day (sunny but chilly NW breeze) drew a bumper crowd to the Vineries cafe. With an early lunch booked I was keen to get away so 11 (or thereabouts) set off at 11 (or thereabouts).

High Barn Road and Hogden Lanes led us to the top of the Downs. Then began the long descent from Ranmore Common into Dorking. We left the one way system at Horsham Road before crossing from west to east using St Paul's Roads. After a brief dalliance with the A24 Blackbrook was next. Here a glance at the watch indicated time for an offroad detour so we turned left at the still muddy waters of Forwents Pond. We now encountered an unexpected hazard - smartly dressed riders and horses, dozens of them! They'd done their best to ensure that any mud was well and truly churned. But soon we were through and heading for Shellwood Manor. It needed a burst of evens to ensure that we (or more accurately I) reached The Royal Oak reached at the appointed time of 1230. It was heaving but already arrived were the softies who'd used the Gap. That made 16 (more than my guestimate of 10). However by the time the food arrived the pub had emptied (to watch the Morris Dancers?) and we were all seated.

Toasting marshmallows

With no intention of stopping for tea I led across the Coach Road to the A25. In Pixham Lane came news via Ann (and presumably Steve) that a rucksack had been left at the pub. Mine! so here my ride ended. And to make matters worse - crossing Ashstead Common I punctured, a lengthy stop as it took forever to inflate the tyre with a mini-pump. Home before sunset (1630) after 50 eventful, stressful miles.

Apologies for the mud; none on Wednesday's recce. Finally that letter box: TQ181591

2 points: Graham, Irene, Pam, Ed, Ian, Ray, Brian, Paul, Ann, Vic, Tony, Richard. Bob, David W, Mike
1 point: Alan, Don, Maureen, Steve.

From Pam:

Leaving? without a rucksack

Spot The Morris Dancers

Guy Fawkes' Day 2017

The Brockham bonfire (but not how you'll see it on Sunday)

Table booked for 1230 as it could be heaving. Festivities last the whole weekend so expect Morris dancers on arrival. Ranmore Common and Dorking town centre are on the official route though I hear rumours that some "softies" may be taking an alternative route with no hills! The choice is yours.

An Edward VIII letterbox spotted on my route home - not many of them about. Won't tell you where it is but there's a big clue in the background (no it's not the Virginmedia van).

SUNDAY 29TH OCTOBER ....HERSHAM-WOKING-SHEPPERTON

Another Squires, another elevenses!  This week we were at Hersham.  Fourteen gathered for elevenses, eleven stayed out for the day.   For the register....Alan, Don and Bob went their own way, albeit Alan did ride into Cobham with us.  Irene, Tony, Ed, Chris, Graham, Mick, Ray, Vic, Niall and Michi stayed with me.

Out to Severn Hills Road, past Notre Dame school into Cobham.  Then via much travelled lanes to Hungry Hill, turning into  Tithebarnes Lane traversing around Send via Woodhill and Potters Lane. Then Old Woking Road which led us to Maybury Hill and on to Wetherspoons  arriving not much after 12.30.   This gave us plenty of time to chat, also time to look at the 'road art', in the memory of H.G.Wells.

From Woking our route to Shepperton took us through more lanes to Horsell, skirting Chobham via Horsell Common Road, Philpot Lane, Stonehill Road to Chertsey.  Across Chertsey Bridge into Shepperton for tea at Café Mocha which has moved a little further along the High Street.  
Niall and Mitchi opted out of the tea stop, great having you both along on the ride today..... My thanks to Tony for offering to be back marker and for the photo....and, of course, to all for being there nd making it such an enjoyable day
Pam :) :) :)

October 22 2017

I feared worse but Storm Brian left us with blustery but bright weather, so no chance we would be emulating Sir Cloudesley Shovel on this day (OS) in 1707 .

Fourteen reached the Vineries; by 11.15 ten were ready more or less to continue on an obvious route along Orestan and Calvert Roads to the A246. Green Dene was officially closed but seemingly not to anyone who wanted to use it; something important - a rough surface and men in orange close to the sawmill turn-off. Down Coombe Bottom, through busy Shere and up the other side brought us to the railway bridge where we joined the Hilly 50 route. Thankfully there was only one car in Hoe Lane and it waited at the top of the climb. Leaving the course close to the Volunteer we reached The Royal Oak Holmbury St Mary spot on 1230. After initial confusion (loads of walkers) most settled for something substantial if I include child's portions.

After lunch our force divided with seven taking the official route along Sutton, Donkey and Hollow Lanes to the A25. Here Terry took over to lead us via NCN 22 to his abode in Dorking for tea and cake. A rather modest 48 miles door to door.

15 October - Waifs and Strays at Effingham

An Inadvertent Alternative Ride

The alert among those convening at the Pheasantry on 15 October will have noticed a discrepancy in the attendance recorded. Numbers seem to have been swelled by a quintet of ghost riders, for whom the lure of Effingham, if not of the C&M blog,  proved irresistible.  Fearing that some calamity might have befallen their comrades, their investigation on the w.w.w revealed the gulf between Teddington and Effingham. Never mind. We shall make up for it . If you have overlooked the attendance record, do not forget to click on the newly minted 2018 tab.

I have done my best to divine the attendance status of the Pheasanteers from Tony's report and Dave's snap. Please let me know if my deductions may be found in any way wanting.

So it is Effingham on the 22nd. Don't get blown off course.

Jeff

RIDE ON SUNDAYS THE 22nd

The ride is changed from that published in the paper version of Sou'Wester.

11's is Effingham Vineries, Lunch is at Holmbury St Mary and tea at Pilgrims cycles West Humble.

Sunday the 15th October

A new 11’s venue this Sunday, the Pheasantry Bushy Park. A pleasant setting, they have and indoor/out and a separate outdoor cafe, when I arrived Graham was already sitting in the outdoor cafe. Gradually numbers increased to around 12. It was nice to see Frank and Francoise out with us. A nice surprise was that Simon and Lis joined us for 11’s but alas were not able to come to lunch.

On leaving the car park to take an off road track to the Hampton court main gate we bumped into Alan Anderson who had gone to the indoor cafe all alone, my fault for not checking, sorry Alan.

Skirting the the A309 and  the A307as much as I could to turn left at Cobham into Fairmile Lane and a left into Miles lane, Knipp hill and a roundabout way Blundel lane and across the A245 into the Tilt, then across Cobham park to Downside and into Horsley rd and a right turn at the Drift and onto Ockham. Missin Hungry Hill and a left up Grove Heath road , Portsmouth road to lunch at the Saddlers arms where Dave Ward was already seated outside. John and Carolyn didn't stop for lunch.

Ray had had a mechanical and a arrived a touch later, also Alan had departed for home as usual. The food arrived very intermittently and was basic but welcome.  Dave made his own way from here. Off now to tea at Squires Upper Halliford via Send, Pyrford, West Byfleet, where Terry left us, and Woodham, Row Town and Adlestone and across the moor to Chertsey bridge and the short ride to tea.

It was very pleasant sitting outside in the warm even if there was no Sun. A pleasant Sundays cycling thank you all who joined me.

Photo Courtesy Dave Ward

Tony

I M P O R T A N T--R I D E --C H A N G E

The ride on Sunday the 15th October will now be the ride that was billed for the 22nd October and vica versa.

11's at the Pheasantry Bush Park.
Lunch at the Saddlers Arms Send Marsh.
Tea at Squires Upper Haliford, this is a change from that listed.
The Leader is Tony Hopkins.
Tony

Sunday October 8 2017

As an official ride It's best I document it! but a short ride (<15 miles) merits no more than a short report.

Ed was the official leader but his mind was on other matters so I deputised. The eighteen at Sainsburys Cobham showed no inclination to leave but leave we did sometime after 11. Our ride headed for Downside and Bookham Common. For a change we exited in Little Bookham. The general store was closed (permanently?) but Ye Olde Windsor Castle appeared open for business. Further south are hills so next we turned left for the long downhill through Fetcham and past the pond. The short rise from the Leatherhead Pumping Station got us to lunch in The Edmund Tylney aka Wetherspoon's.


Once again there was reluctance to leave. I jettisoned plans of offroading and settled for the obvious : Ashtead, A24, left towards the Wells, Stamford Green and Horton Park. We were 10 minutes late for the AGM; no matter as this proved to be the quietest in a long while.

C&M AGM Sun 8 Oct 2017

Prior to Ed hosting the AGM and providing the usual delicious homemade cakes lunch was taken at Wetherspoons Leatherhead with a large turnout having had elevenses at Cobham. Photo below shows a number of dinners prior to setting off for Ed's lead by Graham who will issue the MOM.

It is a dead heat

A Result

In the light of nuggets now mined from the deepest recesses of the C&M collective memory, we have a result. It is a dead heat between Ed and Graham. I cannot remember this having happened before, at least not in my time. It takes a lot to compete with Ed on this front. It should also be noted that, although Graham posted the ride report for 16 April, 2017, the leader was Dave Ward.

So congratulations to Ed and Graham.

This result will no doubt be formally presented to Sunday's AGM, which I am sure that you will all be attending. The main item on the agenda may be: how to apportion the winning lunch to the Siamese gold medal winners? We may need Herr Junker or M. Michel Barnier to adjudicate. This might need referral to the supranational authority of the European Court of Justice, unless Boris Johnson objects. Otherwise, we shall decide for ourselves.

Jeff

Testing

Random cycle touring image for test purposes.

Attendance - Urgent - Who was there on Easter Sunday, 16 April 2017?

Dear All,

Please ransack your memories. 

Our attendance record is blank for 16 April 2017. There was a ride, led by Graham Dave Ward, from Polesden Lacey to Godalming and Ripley. I have copied the ride report and map below, from which we can identify Graham and Keith as riders on that day. We know that there were 8 at Polesden Lacey and 5 at Godalming. Who else was on that ride? The report and map should jog your memory (though there is nothing like a photo).


This is of some significance, as if Ed was on that ride, he pips the attendance competition by two points. If he was not there, we have a dead heat between Graham and Ed, both on 81 points. This might mean they have to share the free lunch: mains course for one, dessert for the other. We want to avoid this at all costs.

 We need to know this before the AGM next Sunday, so please rack your brains.

Jeff 

P.S. Perhaps Graham could copy and circulate this request to those on his circulation list.

Sunday April 16 2017

Sunday dawned sunny but with a biting wind which plagued us all day.  Eight members gathered at Polesden Lacey for elevenses and five hardy souls continued to Godalming. The ride to lunch took us along five off road sections including a long section of the North Downs Way.   Given the recent dry spell, there was no problem with mud and our road bikes coped admirably, although Keith was taking no chances on his mountain bike!   The ascent of Shere Road was slipped in to give a bit of relief from all the rough stuff!

Lunch was served with the usual efficiency at Godalming Wetherspoons and we then set off  via Mount Browne and the towpath to the Wooden Horse, eventually ending up at Ripley for tea after a quirky route to Jacobs Well and the A3 path.   With another two off road sections from lunch to tea and the two I also rode to 11's and from tea, that makes nine in one club ride (including two sewage works paths). Is this a record?

Sunday 1st October

Irene, Lilian, Alan, David W, Ed, Graham, Paul, Terry and Vic met at West Clandon Garden Centre in unpromising weather conditions. Alan and Graham came no further. To avoid a muddy track and wrath of party I chose to go to the outskirts of Guildford, then turned south into Tangier Road. This led to One Tree Hill Road and a duplication of last week’s route to Chilwoth. Irene left us here. A fairly quiet run through Wonersh and Bramley brought us to the A3100 until we could turn onto the B3000 to Compton and Puttenham. After crossing the A31 another decision had to be made – Christmas Pie Trail or main road ? I opted for main road and a happy party. We had lunch at The Royal Oak, Wood Street which was good and generous. The landlord apologised for delay (not that bad) and hoped to see us again.

The weather was still fine when we left. Our homeward route was fairly straightforward – Aldershot Road, Gravetts Lane, Keens Lane and Cumberland Avenue led to Saltbox Road and Jacobs Well, then alongside the A3. A brief discussion unanimously decided Pinnock’s at Ripley would be ideal for tea, and so it proved, after which we made our separate ways home.

Thanks to all for company and tec (assorted), hope you all got home dry (better than we were led to believe).

Terry

Attendance Record - 1 Oct 2016 to 30 Sept 2017

Present or Absent?

The Cheam and Morden Attendance Year has now run its full course There are now no more points to be gained, however hard you try. Except of course that the record is still subject to audit and it is very tight at the top. There are gaps. For example, the scorekeeper was unable to identify the rider in a yellow top in the bottom right corner of the photo at Great Cockrow on 17 September. Stand up please and be identified. As the scorekeeper is no longer the diligent attender on every ride that he used to be, he now relies on a combination of ride reports and photographic evidence to fill in the blanks. He has in the past asked for help by posting comments at the end of ride reports. These are ignored. For some reason, the photographer rarely appears in the photo.

You are therefore exhorted to click on the C&M attendance tab on the blog and carry out your own audit, to ensure that no attendance of yours has been omitted. The responsibility is yours, even though that is unlikely to affect the final outcome. But let us be accurate. 

If there is any omission or inaccuracy please speak now or forever hold your peace. Today's ride (1st October) is the first of the new attendance year, so now is your chance to ride for glory - and a free lunch at the C&M annual beanfeast in the New Year.

The Scorekeeper.

Sunday September 24 2017

It was a lovely morning and a baker's dozen of us (Don Clarke, Bob, Vic, Graham, Ed, Lillian, Alan, Pam, Maureen, Jeff, Brian Bent, Ray Wren and me) met for elevenses at West Horsley.

Maureen, Jeff, Don, Bob and Alan didn’t join us for the rest of the ride and Brian left us en route. We ‘roughed it’, for the first time in a long while, over Merrow Downs to One Tree Hill then tackled the blind bends and ups and downs of Halfpenny Lane while alpacas gazed on impassively.  After Blackheath we made a short detour into the cemetery where Vic showed us a stylish cyclist’s grave.  The customary, benettled sewage works path from Shalford led us smartly to Wetherspoons at Godalming.

After lunch we stopped to regroup by Nightingale Cemetery in the dizzy heights of Farncombe.  Through the railings Ray noticed that, by an astonishing coincidence, we had stopped exactly opposite the grave of one John George "Jack" Phillips, senior wireless operator on the Titanic, and now honoured with the ultimate accolade by J D Wetherspoon, no less!

The onward route was by Littleton and Mount Browne to Guildford, very pretty but on reflection perhaps a little harsh given the climbing we had already done (my Strava said 831 metres of ascent for the whole ride home to home but this does include one footbridge).  Then it was straightforward stuff, dodging the main centre on the path between railway and cricket ground then taking the customary route to Ripley.   Many thanks to all for another very pleasant and trouble-free ride (barring the near loss of one valuable season ticket) in excellent company!

Dave W

17 September - Addlestone - Jeallots Hill - Great Cockrow

Well it wasn't the balmy late-summer ride that I'd imagined.   Sunday was a day for knocking the icicles off your bike before leaving the house - grey but thankfully windless.   We huddled in the Golden Café for warmth and nobody seemed in a hurry to venture out.  Eventually we set off leaving Maureen, Alan and Bob plus Margaret and Bill to return home from 11s.   Familiar roads through Lyne led to a risky detour through Wentworth - past the clubhouse in fact - trying to act as if we had left our golf clubs with the caddie.  But we got away with it, riding through across Ascot Racecourse to arrive at the New Leathern Bottle just before 1pm.    The pub looked strangely familiar - and then I remembered: we had been there on Neil's ride, only the previous Wednesday.  We were served good food very quickly, opting to sit indoors as it was still cold.


Then came the most dangerous part of the ride: climbing into the play tractor for a photo, before heading back through Maidens Green and Cranbourne towards Windsor Great Park, dodging the crowds around Virginia Water (the lake) and exiting towards Virginia Water (the village) on the way to Great Cockrow, site of the miniature railway.   Decision time: should we brave the outdoor café at Great Cockrow, or play it safe by going back to Addlestone?  The lure of the nearby café won the vote.  While we were there the sun came out for the first time, making it almost warm.  On the way home from tea we had a couple of heavy showers, which I hope most will have missed.    32 miles from 11s to tea: a very enjoyable day out, but definitely autumnal.

Welcome to Geoff Gregory who joined the C&M for the first time, and thankyou Geoff for back marking and taking photos.

Change of lunch venue

Please note.

The lunch venue next Sunday, the 17th, will now be the New Leathern Bottle Jealots hill. 

Tony..

Sunday 10th September 2017 Stoke D’Abernon - Guildford King's Head - Painshill Park Cafe

Nine greeted Pam, Alan and myself when we arrived at Squires GC for 11s. It was quite a dull day so we anticipated getting wet!!!  After Alan, Bob, Margaret and Bill left, eight (Simon, Ed, Terry, Pam, Vic, Graham, Brian Bent and I) started our ride to Guildford turning right out of the garden centre, over the railway bridge then left into Station Road. A first right into Bray Road led to River Lane and offroad into Downside. We continued on Chilbrook Road and Ockham Lane and over Hungary Hill. After crossing the A246, Staple Lane was climbed and Coombe Bottom descended to Albury and Chilworth before a right turn into Hornhatch Lane and over the level crossing. After Shalford Lane a right turn into Tilehouse Road led us to the Pilgrims Way. We used the cyclepath alongside the A281 into Guildford town centre. Finally the lowest part of the High Street and a right turn into Quarry Street brought us to the King's Head. There to greet us were Ray Wren, Vic and Ed. Unusually they serve sandwiches and baguettes on Sundays.

 

On leaving we walked through the lovely castle gardens which are a picture throughout the year. They are on three levels, flower beds lead up through a lovely tunnel to a second level where bowls were in full flow and then up to the top level which has a bandstand. A brass band was playing; it would have been great to have stayed a bit longer. We continued to the High Street and its cobbles and rode on past Stoke Park, and down to the cycle route on the A3. After passing the Jovial Sailor we turned right into Grove Heath Road and continued to Painshill Park and its lovely tea shop which stays open until 5 on Sundays. Although threating all day , rain didn’t materialise until evening.

 

Thanks everyone for making it a trouble free day and thanks for the company.

 

Irene

Sunday the 3rd September

Uxbridge-Seer Green-Cranford

I got to Hampton Court a tad early to find Ed already waiting with Graham arriving minutes later. Off through Hampton, Hamworth, Feltham  Bedfont and back roads to Colnbrook where Irene and Niall were waiting. Back roads again and Iver, Cowley and on to 11's the Rusty bike Cafe. Just after we arrived a friend of mine (John Hare) from Uxbridge arrived showing Mick (Furnival-Adams) the way to the cafe from Uxbridge station.

Tea-Toast, Coffee-Cake in the light Sun and off by 11. A nice little climb up to Iver Heath and past Pinewood studios. Fulmer, Stoke Common, Hedgerly and past the White Horse pub, a C&M favourite, and a loop round to Gerrard's Cross and back roads to Chalfont St Peter and a left turn into Welders lane and a brief stop outside Ossy Osbourne's estate and past Jordan's youth Hostel and onto lunch at the 3 Horse Shoes, Seer Green as the rain started to increase.

I had booked a table and we had a nice comfortable booth. Orders for drinks and food were taken quickly and arrived just as quick, 4 had the childrens roast (must be big children in Seer Green!) and 2 had soup. Off into the light drizzle to Chalfont Chllafont St Giles and into Bowstridge Lane back to Chalfont St Peter and the stiff little climb up Chiltern hill through a private estate. Then Denham lane down to Denham and past Sir John Mills old house and through the Golf coures back to Uxbridge. At this point Niall and Mick left us to take the direct route along the Uxbridge road to Isleworth and Kew receptively.

It was felt that Moniz cafe at Cranford was to far East for some so Vermeulens was the next choice. On reaching the cafe and finding it closed, it was only 3.50, Irene decided to head straight for home and Ed, Graham and myself headed for Ashford and a pub or cafe there. Graham left us just as we reached Ashford and Ed and myself found a Cafe Nero still open and settled in for coffee and cake. On leaving the drizzle still continued and me and Ed parted company, I headed for Bedfont and the Staines road nearly all the way home. In spite of the weather a pleasant day on the bike with a good crowd. 73 miles door to door.

Tony..