26 August - Not the Frog & Nightgown

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

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

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

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

Next Sunday's ride to the Frog & Nightgown

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

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

19th August 2018

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

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

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

 The River Wey

Pam

12 August 2018 - Fairoaks and Ash

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

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.