Ride Report - Sunday 15 December 2024

Well, I've said it before and I'll no doubt say it again (it saves my little grey cells from the undue wear and tear original thought might risk), but a North Cheam elevenses meet always brings Cheam and Morden members out of the woodwork from all directions!    This occasion was no exception but had also the feel of a reunion as it was very pleasing to have both Richard and Ed join us, along with a few other faces we haven't seen recently, but which were most welcome!

If I have it correctly, I was joined for the rest of the ride to lunch by no less than Niall (many happy returns to him), Simon L, Brenda, Christina, Geoff, Neil C, Diane, Gina, Andy C, Keith, Maddie and Steph (I think I'm one name short there - apologies if I've overlooked anyone)!

(NB - Route shown above includes section from Walton-on-Thames to North Cheam which was not part of the official route)

I must admit I was taken a little by surprise by the size of the group joining the onward ride to Ockham Bites, and parts of the route weren't ideal for such a large number.  Nevertheless, with the help of Simon, Neil, Geoff and Andy, any difficulties were overcome!   

It was a day of three inaugurations for the C & M, the first being a traverse of the newly-resurfaced (well, partly, anyway) bridleway, New Road.   This proved itself to be just about tolerable for riding in what has been quite a wet autumn and early winter, but it is a pity some attention was not given to the rather gloopy turn-out onto Fairoak Lane!

(Photo courtesy of Andy)

The main event of the day, the C & M's first official traverse of the new Wisley Bridge, had to wait until after lunch, where Terry joined us.   Ockham Bites was busy but everyone that needed refreshments managed to get what they wanted and it was fortunately a mild and bright day, ideal for sitting outside!

Some headed their own ways home from lunch, but a hardcore group led by me headed the short distance to the bridge and took it by storm!   It made for a much shorter and easier ride back to Walton, even more so because we inaugurated use of a mysterious path (well, I've always wondered where it went, anyway) leading along the base of the old banking at Brooklands for where turned out to be quite a short length, but cunningly avoiding the busy shopping centre area.   With the brisk wind behind us we soon reached our destination.

Many thanks to all for you company, and for putting up with it all (!), and particular thanks to the helpers named above.    See you all again soon!

Revised Plans for Sunday 15 December 2025

Sunday's ride will start as billed from The Nonsuch Inn, North Cheam.   However, our lunch stop will now be at Ockham Bites (not The Pomelers' Rest as billed).   I was planning a rather quirky outbound route of almost 20 miles to include at least one crossing of the new Wisley Lane bridge, but now I learn that New Road, Claygate has been re-invigorated, and appears to be rideable again in winter conditions,  there are new possibilities and I may make some slight changes!

In any event, it will still be a longish ride to lunch and a much shorter route back to tea at Walton Bridge so all can get home in the light.

All welcome!

Sunday 8th December 2024 - Storm Darragh

Trying desperately to put a spin on it.

It wasn't THAT bad.

I mean yes it was cold, but it's winter fgs.

It was raining....but only light & intermittently, so it felt like it wasn't raining at all (joking).

A crowd (3) met at Oaks Park extended café indoor seating area.

Amid the constant yapping of dogs, we considered our options.

Go home or go on.

"Once you're out, you're out" was being echoed......so onwards we went.

Keith's intention was unclear (he left us shortly after) but Diane & myself continued east through Purley, Mitchley Hill & with the wind behind us made good time to find the road closed going toward Westerham.

But we were going no further.

The sawing of the tree into bits was well under way, but we headed inside for lunch.

When we emerged, the grabby, lifty truck had removed the logs & the road had reopened.

On the return there was a further incident on Featherbed Lane & a police presense (rta - petrol on the road). 

Tea was taken as planned (Coombe Wood).

Thanks to Keith but especially Diane for keeping me company.

Roll on summer.

Revised ride for Sunday 8th December

 

My efforts to resurrect the rides from years past (with an earlier start & ride to a

further out 11's) have been abandoned....at least until the Spring.

Storm Darragh may affect my plans for Sunday but in any event, 11's will be at Oaks Park, Carshalton.

Lunch will (hopefully) be either Warlingham or Woldingham (Knights GC) to be decided on the day.

If the the weather isn't as bad as the're saying then it's possible (in agreement with folk) we'll make Westerham (my original plan).

It would be nice to get to Coombe Wood for tea but we'll see.

Hope you can join me. 

Ride Report - Sunday 1 December 2024

 

It was one of those day when you wish the weather forecasters would give up using super computers and just go back to seaweed.   Or may be artificial intellingence would do a better job, to pick up that theme up again....  Anyway, a bit of patchy light rain was expected, quickly clearing through.   Of course, it didn't do what was expected and, after a largely dry start we got increasingly heavy and persistent rain!

Tony, Steph, Colin G, Graham, Steph, Robert and Maddie are made of sterner stuff than to be put off by a liitle bit of rain and duly assembled at Cafe Barbera for elevenses.   I'm not made of sterner stuff, but I had to be there to lead the ride, so no effort of will or strength of character was required on my part!

Anyway, all of us except Tony (who sagely decided to head for home) set off on my shortish route to Epsom.   However, while the route might of been short on distance, it seemed to take forever as my gloves progressed through damp to wet and I cursed myself for not bringing a spare pair!  And a helmet cover or jacket with a hood.  Never trust weather forecasts!

That was just a state of mind and in reality it didn't take us too long to reach the shelter afforded by The Assembly Rooms.   Ann had arrived before us and reserved just the right number of seats.  It wasn't too busy and there was no queue at the bar.  Wetherspoons festive fare was duly consumed in abundance!

It was still raining steadily when I set off for home, but, as it goes with that sort of day, it dried up and the sun suddenly started to shine brilliantly just as I turned the last corner before my road!   You couldn't make it up although AI might be able to!

Thanks all for your company on such a horrible day!

Plans for Sunday 1 December

Sunday's ride will go ahead as planned (from elevenses at Cafe Barbera, Stoke d'Abernon to The Assembly Rooms, Epsom).   There were no volunteers to lead, so I'll lead to lunch.   If anyone wants tea and is going that way, I'll be passing near to Squires, Long Ditton on the way home.

We'll leave elevenses at 11.00 am sharp (NB, this is our actual departure time, not starting to get ready to leave time!) and do a shortish ride with the intention of arriving at The Assembly Rooms before it starts to get too busy.   If anyone happens to be going straight to lunch and could arrive at the pub before 12.30 pm and grab a couple of tables for us then that would be even better!

In the New Year we'll try a ride starting from The Assembly Rooms instead - details will follow.   In the spring I hope we can resume our very well attended, normal length rides from Cafe Barbera to The Assembly Rooms.   Cafe Barbera is an elevenses venue which has proved very popular with members and makes a nice change from visiting too many Wetherspoons!  And when temperatures are reasonably warm it's always possible to get a table for lunch outside The Assembly Rooms without the crowds!   It's a good lunch spot and invariably attracts a number of our members who aren't usually able to join our other rides for one reason or another.

Where Should We Lunch When in Epsom - Your Views Please!

For several years now we have had a regular (and very popular) ride every two months from Stoke d'Abernon to Epsom.  It's only a short way as the crow flies but it's been amazing to see how many different ways there are of stretching it out.... Anyway, the real idea behind the ride is not to test our route-planning ingenuity but rather to give us the chance to meet up every few weeks with a few long-standing members who wouldn't otherwise be able to join us on our rides.

Until now on these rides we have stopped for lunch at Epsom Wetherspoons (The Assembly Rooms).   It's nice to sit outside there in summer but in winter the inside can get very busy and crowded.   To dodge the crowds it has been suggested we try M & S cafe nearby instead.  But you wouldn't be able to get a pint there so another suggestion is that we stick with Wetherspoons but, in winter months, make sure we arrive early before it gets too busy.

Do you have any views on this please, or can you suggest another venue in Epsom town centre large enough to take us and serving the sort of lunch time fare we like?

Please respond on WhatsApp or e-mail me (cycledave23@gmail.com) if you prefer.

Ride Report - Sunday 24th Nov 2024 - Blowin' Bert Away

I'd heard the rumour days back. Some punk called Bert was blowing into town. Then came the tip off from a couple of dames - he'd shut down the Park. I was already mad and now I was madder. I stared long and hard into the bottom of my whiskey glass, and I put out the call. Someone had to draw the line, and this time it was down to me. 

Six of the best showed up at Local Hero next day, good guys one and all, I knew they'd have my back. One remained on watch and the rest of us headed South, to look him straight in the eye and run him outta town. Through them fancy neighbourhoods Esher and Oxshott, he tried throwing us off balance with some left and right hooks but no cigar, we got to Stoke D'Abernon Squires unscathed. One of the gang went on alone while the rest of us holed up for a time. Food came slowly, I could'a robbed a Bank quicker, but it was decent provisions and I had other things on my mind. 

We hit the road again, this time it was into Leatherhead and Lower Ashtead, then skirted the Common and made for The Old Moat. We had him then, just one more roll of the dice. Two left for home and the remaining three settled in for a time, chewing the fat. We own this town, and that's just how it's gonna stay.

My thanks to The Gang for their company, photo credit to Dave and thanks to Alan for back-marking all day. About 10 miles to lunch and 8 miles to tea in strong gusts of wind - well done all! 

L-R: Robert, Simon, Graham, Alan, Diane

L-R: All of Santa's Reindeer, Robert, Martina, Simon, Alan, David

Any way the wind blows doesn't really matter

   

VERY IMPORTANT - MORE CHANGES TO SUNDAY'S RIDE!

We are now advised that all the Royal Parks will be closed tomorrow due to Storm Bert, so the C&M will meet at Local Hero in Thames St, Kingston, just south of the bridge and close to TK Maxx. I'm hoping it will be fairly empty in Kingston tomorrow because of the weather, and will aim to get there early to secure a table. 

Bike parking is available outside TK Maxx and the use of strong locks has been recommended. 

There are a few options available for lunch, depending on how far we want to go. To be discussed over elevenses. 

No pressure to attend, please review the weather in the morning and do what is right for you. Also check WhatsApp for any last minute changes. 

Roll on Spring! 

Short Sunday Tide

Yes, small group though we band of three were, a very enjoyable and stress free repeat of my recent B ride lead.  We set off under sunny skies and took it easy though Richmond park to Roehampton gate and enjoyed plenty of on and off road through to Putney, stopping for lunch in Bishops’s Park. We locked our bikes securely, since this was the site of 2 famous bike thefts on an all day Saturday ride a year or two ago.

Bikes safe, we continued to -and over - Hammersmith Bridge and onto Barnes where Geoff, our back marker, left us.

Adventuring on, we Hardy pair made it token Bridge for a Banksey ibex viewing and on through various backdrops of Tony’s childhood, which was a treat to hear about. Syon Park was as lovely as ever, but our plans to follow the river back to the Hampton were scuppered by a phenomenal high tide from Richmond to Twickenham. Quite dramatic! Tony took the lead through the mean streets of Twickers to Fulwell and Hampton Hill where we parted ways - happy and ready for another glorious autumn day to cycle through.

Mady

Sunday 17th November 2024

If you're reading this & went to North Cheam for a 9am start.....my humble apologies.

But I suspect no-one did having read my previous blog post, but where was the rain?

North Wales apparently where it probably rains quite alot anyway.

Nine assembled at The Nonsuch Inn all with the intention of at least riding to Godstone.

And you know that delay waiting for everybody to stop gassing & get on their bikes meant Simon spotted a large crack in the head tube of his Dawes bike & he was forced to abandon the idea of joining us.

Foxley Lane took us to Purley & the A22 south along which Bernard punctured.

A (galvanised) nail evidently, & we reconvened at the "Ann Summers" roundabout.

Ann Summers has 144 retail stores & sells 2 million "Rampant Rabbits" (whatever they are?) a year!

We took the delightful lane up past Woldingham school, then a fast descent to The Flower Farm at Godstone for a one 'o clock lunch, saying goodbye to Dave W & Keith.

After lunch, up to Tilburstow (The Enterdent), South Park, Cuckseys Lane, Henshaw Farm to Philanthropic Road.

We were making our way to Wray Common Road & Wray Lane where there is a worrying signpost.

Whilst not up there with Whitedown, Tanhurst, Barhatch & the like, it's still pretty steep, especially near the top.

Just when you're starting to enjoy the view & wondering what all the fuss is about, Wray Lane kicks up considerably as you curl around to the left, nearing 22% for 200 metres or so.

Well earned tea stop at Junc 8 café.

Thanks to Dave W (backmarking), Dave V (Reigate Hill pic/backmarking), Diane, Alan, Keith, Sabine & Bernard (Reigate Hill pic #2) for your company.

Pre-Christmas Clear-out Opportunity - Calling for C&M Logo'd Kit!

We've had some requests for C&M logo'd kit, but currently have none in stock. So before we go trotting off to the printers with what could be a very small order, I'd like to know if anyone has any C&M kit in new or good used condition which they would be happy to part with, either free to a new owner or in exchange for a modest sum (to be agreed). 

If you have such kit languishing now unloved in your wardrobes and drawers, please email me (dianelporter@hotmail.com) with:

• the type of item 
• condition
• size

Equally, if you're looking for an item you can let me know now, so that I can start marrying up supply and demand. I'll gather up your responses and take it from there. 

Thanks everyone! 

Diane - C&M Chair 

Some photos from the archives.....

IMPORTANT - Changes to this Sunday's ride - 17th November 2024

Hi folks,

In light of the wet weather due on Sunday, the following will now be the plan:

Elevenses - North Cheam (The Nonsuch Inn - Wetherspoons) departing 11am.

Lunch - Flower Farm,Godstone.

Tea - Junc 8, Reigate Hill (or Walton-on-the-Hill if raining).

Routes:

Garmin:

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/319127112 - am

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/319428506 - pm

Komoot:

https://www.komoot.com/tour/1953215503 - am

https://www.komoot.com/tour/1953234852 - pm

I hope you're able to join me.

Ride Report - Sunday 10 Nov 2024

 

I've just seen I can try Google Gemini artificial intelligence, so , providing I can remember my password, this may well be the last ride report I ever actually pen myself.  You may therefore expect better quality ramblings from now on!   Or perhaps you're already looking at a a deep fake....?

Anyway, I digress.   It was a typical Remembrance Sunday morning - cold, overcast and miserable.  It wasn't actually foggy but it made me recall a Remembrance Sunday morning in my childhood when there was very thick fog.   On the valve radio, Wynford Vaughan-Thomas was commenting from the Cenotaph and the guard's band were lingering over the Nimrod variation.   The service once over, I went out with my dad, on foot since we had no car, likely to get some fags (for him, that is, not for me).  I came back with a packet of Callard and Bowser's butterscotch, then one of my favourites.   Mais où sont les bonbons d'antan, as the man almost wrote!

To return to the subject, it was 'implacable November weather' (as another bloke wrote) but that did not deter Dave V,  Diane, Steph, Terry, Andy, Brian, Keith, Jennie, Clive, Graham and, surprisingly, me from gathering for a convivial elevenses at a very cosy Vineries Garden Centre!   It was hard to drag ourselves away but we were ready to leave promptly at 11.00, pausing for two minute's silence before actually setting off.   

We left Dave V and Graham at the Vineries and set off into the gloom, taking an improbable route through the implacable weather - we reached Horsley station via some pointless back-doubles, then took the railway path to West Horsley and headed for the Ryde Farm track.  I had promised no unsurfaced tracks, and, strictly speaking, kept my word, although in truth the broken up concrete of the first part of the farm track resembled an earthquake zone!   Miraculously there were no casualties!   Brian disappeared into the gloom after this, off to quality control the new Wisley Lane bridge works!

We fended off some implacable drizzle and at length we reached Guildford where Steph left us.   Wetherspoons wasn't too busy for a Sunday lunchtime and service was quick.  Unfortunately, wifi and the internet were both too slow to use the app and we had to suffer the ignominy of going to the bar to order!   I envisaged countless university students all around us lazing in bed in their garrets while artificial inelligence was busy writing their essays and assignments for them, just in time for the start of the new week, and draining the internet of power.  Walk to the bar, what a humiliation!

After lunch Terry left us.  It continued implacable and the rest of our dwindling group headed off in the direction of Jacobs Well, crossing the Brutalist concrete footbridge which is inexplicably juxtaposed with a pub proclaiming itself to be 'the Wooden Bridge'!

The ride continued and we were fortunately spared any 'events'.    Clive and Keith wisely left us on the outskirts of Woking.   The rest of us plodded on to tea at Walton bridge.  We didn't pass a single sweetshop en route, just as well since C & B's butterscotch has long since disappeared!   The implacable in pursuit of the unobtainable, as someone else might have said!

Thanks to all for your company and to Steph for back-marking.

Plans for Sunday 10 November 2024

As billed, we'll be riding from elevenses at Vineries Garden Centre, Effingham to lunch at the Rodboro' Buildings, Guildford (aka Wetherspoons), then back to tea at Walton Bridge.

15 miles out to lunch and 15 miles back to tea.   No big climbs will be involved and while plenty of paths will be used, they are all surfaced.

In view of the early dusk and recent gloomy conditions I'm aiming to get us to an early lunch at 12.30 pm so we can get back to tea by 3.00 pm and all reach home before nightfall.   For this reason we will be leaving elevenses punctually at 11.00 am (bearing in mind the traditional one minute's silence for Remembrance Sunday).  

Please arrive in plenty of time to order your elevenses refreshments as on this occasion leaving at 11.00 am will really mean leaving at 11.00 am, not at 11.00 am starting to get ready to leave!!!

The route is here https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/318301732

Sunday 3 Nov - to Uxbridge

The ride started with grander ambitions to reach Ruislip Lido, but was shortened to fit the available daylight.   A sizeable majority assembled before 10 at Bushy Park, for a bonus ride to 11s, catching the sight of Mogden Sewage Works on the way to the Stables Cafe at Osterley Park.  Of fourteen at 11s, a lucky thirteen joined the ride.

Very stable geniuses

The ride itself was assembled from a multitude of lockdown rides done by myself and Tony Hopkins during Covid, seeking out usually interesting and sometimes impassable new routes.   It's surprising how much green space you can find in London if you go looking.  There was plenty of green, and a bit of 'blue' (if you call canal water blue).   We crossed the canal three times - work that one out! - and three rivers (Yeading Brook and Rivers Pinn & Crane).   Southall, Yeading and Hillingdon were the backdrop, and suddenly we were at the top secret Battle of Britain Bunker at Uxbridge for a few photos and perhaps a bit of time for reflection about earlier generations, ahead of Remembrance Sunday.

Top secret

After lunch at the Good Yarn, it was a pretty simple route back to Sipson and along the north of Heathrow before heading down through Hounslow Heath and Crane Park on the way to tea at Bushy Park.    Thanks to everyone for your good company, and many photos, to Tony, Diane and David W for variously co-leading or back marking, and to Tony for inspiration for many bits of the route.   Next summer, all being well, we'll attempt to make the next step northwards to Ruislip Lido.

Change of plan for ride on this Sunday 3 Nov

Three things to note:

1. 11s is still at Osterley Park, the Stables Cafe.
2. If you're not sure how to get to Osterley Park, I am happy to lead a bonus pre-ride from the Teddington gate of Bushy Park (at the end of the main road through the park), leaving at 09.45 sharp.
3. It's come to my attention that the nights are drawing in, something which I had not foreseen when I planned my ride.  So I've shortened the ride, giving you a better chance of getting home in the light.   We will go to a different Lido instead, before lunching at a local Bistro, The Good Yarn in Uxbridge.  Tea will now be at Walton on Thames, which I think will be more convenient for people to get home from.

I do hope you will be able to join us!

Not this one.

Sunday 27th October 2024

I arrived at The Coronation Hall (Surbiton) to find Dave, Niall, Diane, Sabina & Bernard at the lookout point with bikes in full view.

Over the next 25 minutes we were joined by Simon, Graham, Tony, Martina, Keith & Madeleine.

Ten set off leaving Niall (front brake issue) & Madeleine to do a recce (for a future ride B group?)

The recce........an almost essential part of leading these days, although back in the day we never bothered.

Taking a wrong turn or getting lost was all part of the fun...but some navigators were better than others.

Step forward Graham & Dave.

Most of the route knowledge pre-Garmin was from doing the same routes countless times until even the front wheel knows which way to turn.

Over the years my knowledge has dwindled & I too rely on a route planner & Garmin.

But as Graham quite rightly pointed out at lunch "it's not a route I would of chosen".

Indeed, even with my route plotted on a device, I still managed to overshoot a turning & required Dave to bail me out as I didn't have a clue of how to correct my mistake.

We passed Brooklands museum & the Concorde in the grounds.

Concorde Delta Golf never entered service & was used for training & spare parts but it was 50 years ago this year, when it took its maiden flight from Filton to Fairford & 20 years ago when it arrived at the museum in pieces to be restored.

Brooklands did bid for one of the seven BA Concordes after they were retired in 2003 but were unsuccessful.

Also on show, a Wellington Bomber that was recovered from Loch Ness in 1985, one of only two that remain from the 11,461 that were built.

Incident Report - Diane's rear derailleur cable breaks.

Three choices.

1. Carry on the ride with two gears - one high & one very high.

2. Ride to a bike shop.

3. Ride to a train station.

Or find a random stone & wedge it in the gear mech so that the chain is forced to a bigger rear cog.....hence easier to ride.

Thanks to Simon & his ingenuity, Diane was able to continue without further incident.

At lunch, Astelet café in Send, Dave left us but we were joined by Terry.

Keith was aware of a rear slow puncture in Ripley but after a quick pump we made our way to the new Wisley Bridge.

Due to open on 11th November 2024.

"A view through the lens" is a youtube channel that gives drone footage of the bridge & is updated frequently.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6e0zJgchGVk

Seven stopped for tea at Squires, Stoke D' Abernon.

Thank you to Simon for backmarking & everyone else for their company.

Happy Halloween!

Thanks also to Simon & Sabine for the photos.

Info re: Sunday 27th October

There is no secure parking outside W'spoons, Surbiton so we use the cycle racks/street furniture on the other side of the road.

18 miles to lunch.

In the afternoon, we check on progress at the new Wisley Bridge before its provisional opening date of Monday 11th November.

The new cycle sign is already in place:

9 miles to tea.

REMINDER: Sunset is at 16.42.

Hope you can join me.

Sunday 20th October - C&M vs Storm Ashley

The first named storm of the year coincided with our ride from Dorking to Leigh.   The weather forecast was dire: heavy rain and strong winds.   It was hard enough just getting to Dorking against the wind and in lashing rain, but six hardy adventurers either forgot to look at the forecast or else decided to brave the odds anyway.   We dripped and shivered in the air-conditioned cafe at Waitrose, drinking lashings of coffee and watching lashings of rain through the picture windows.   Repeated checking of the weather forecast didn't seem to improve things, but they did seem to predict a slight lessening of the torrent around 11.30.   David W left us to do his own thing while more coffees were called for, as we delayed our start time.  There were debates about whether Ranmore Common was becoming slightly visible through the rain.  Eventually we just had to go out and brave it.   After all, we were already wet - how much worse could it get?

Look cheerful!

Brian on the phone to the Met Office;
Ranmore Common in the background? 

In fact, it wasn't quite as bad as it looked - more steady rain than monsoon.   We had voted to shorten the route from my gorgeous 19 mile route via Partridge Lane and The Mount by as much as possible.   After about six miles we were a bit surprised to arrive in Leigh, and the rain had nearly stopped.   The Plough was warm and welcoming, and we spent an enjoyable hour discussing all and sundry, including many happy memories of our good friend Ian Appleton.  But alas, the rain had returned with a vengeance.   Weather apps were consulted and once again we decided to delay our departure with another coffee.   More chat, and eventually we left.   Hurray - the rain had stopped again, more or less, and we enjoyed a wind-assisted ride back to Leatherhead for tea.

Long lunch at The Plough

Thanks to all the hardy heroes who turned out today, for your company and stoicism in facing the elements, and thanks to Diane for back marking.   The ride was only about 17 miles from 11s to tea, but each mile was hard-earned.  Brian informed me that his average speed for the whole ride, including stops, was 4 mph, which may be a record of sorts.  Ten bonus house points (but no extra attendance points) for all!

Heroes  (photo: Andy)

Sunday 20 Oct info - Dorking to Leigh

The Dorking sinkhole

Sunday's ride will be as advertised on the rides list:   Dorking Waitrose to The Plough, Leigh. 

Two things to note about the ride:

1. Major roadworks in Dorking mean that West Street is closed between Station Road and North Street.  (if in doubt, look at Google Maps and choose the traffic view).   It's best to approach Waitrose from the east (through the town).  From Terry: "I suggest not turning right off A24 into Ashcombe Road but to continue further on A24 to next turning right Old London Road (just past ped lights, filling station at junction). This leads to the High Street."  Bike parking is available down the side of Waitrose, outside the cafe.
2. The route to lunch will be between 6-18 scenic miles depending on the weather forecast.    From there, it's about 10 miles back to Leatherhead for tea.

I hope you can join us.

Sunday 13th October 2024

I had my £1.56 ready............"£1.04 please".

One pound four?

Wetherspoons coffee guess the price game & I failed.

I handed over £1.05, & waited for that penny.

Who waits for a penny?

Well me at least......I make my pension work for me which I started contributing to on this very site way back in 1978.

Replacing the counter shop (who remembers that?) in London Road.

My career in food retail came to an abrupt end in the building next door.....but enough about that!

Incidently, Sainsburys opened the current store in the mid-nineties & Wetherspoons redeveloped the site as we see it today.

Brocks, the firework company had a factory close by too.

So to the ride & we said goodbye to Graham, & Diane who had more pressing duties back home...ironing, but also recovering from her (successful) ride to the coast with the Beginners the day before.

Read here: https://swlctcbeginners.blogspot.com/

Colin G & Sue B heeded my advice & also went their separate ways.

Because today we went in search of climbs.

The first, a right turn off the A22 that climbs to Kenley's airfield where we spent a few minutes reflecting on past lives lived but mostly lost.

Motorised aircraft are banned but the airfield is used by Ministry of Defence for glider training which we witnessed today.

Dave left us shortly after & we descended rapidly to cross the A22 & commence the second climb past Woldingham Golf Club.

Slines Oak Road rises to the Limpsfield Road & earns its single chevron on OS 187 (1 in 7 to 1 in 5).

An explainer:

The gear I was using had 28 teeth on the chainring (front) & 28 teeth on the rear sprocket (largest).

A gear ratio in inches of 27.

https://www.bikecalc.com/archives/gear-inches.html

The higher the gear ratio the harder it is to turn the pedals, conversely the lower the number, the easier it is.

Bernard who had to get off was geared much higher but didn't have the muscle strength to turn the pedals.

After lunch at Seasons café in Knights Garden Centre, Chelsham we took a short detour to enjoy the view.

If I had decent photo editing software, I could put these pics side by side to create a panoramic single shot.

Dobbies, Woodcote Green provided afternoon refreshment & free tea to holders of their Club Plus loyalty cards.

Fast forward to Monday morning, thanks to Bernard's help, I successfully had my first perculator coffee!

Thanks to my supporters today on the coldest October 13th for 22 years.

Info re Sunday 13th October

In a change to the published paper copy of the Sou'wester, lunch will be at Knights Garden Centre, Chelsham.

Tea will be at Dobbies Garden Centre or Oaks Park.

From W'spoons North Cheam, we'll ride in a south-easterly direction to Purley then climb up to Kenley airfield, where the runway & some buildings remain from it's use during the Battle of Britain (1940).

A further climb via Halliloo Valley road & Slines Oak road to lunch.

On the return, a short detour to a viewing point over the valley should provide a wonderful photo opp.

A distance of about 25 miles (11's to tea) but with some punchy climbs to warm you up on what's likely to be a cold day.

Hoping to see you.

Ride Report - Sunday 6 October

 

Today there was yet another very welcome large turnout of loyal members at elevenses at Staines!  Despite the dismal weather, no less than Martina, Niall, Simon, Tony, Pam, Madeleine, Andy, Ray, Graham, Diane, Ruth and Gemma (apologies if I have omitted anyone) joined me at Wetherspoons.   Gemma and Ray were both, I think making welcome returns to the fold after several months' away (but we're always pleased to see them) and Pam was on her first ride after being grounded for four weeks through injury!

Anyway, the general plan was to re-enact our rather eventful ride of 7th January.  We all duly set off (in the opposite direction from our destination, Windsor, obviously)!    Disappointingly (or perhaps not), wild horses did not this time block our passage across Shortwood Common, but the difficulties of getting all of us through the two kissing gates there convinced me that this time we wouldn't be attempting to traverse the causeway across the Staines reservoirs, and, in particular, the stile at the far end!

The rest of the ride was pretty tame compared with 7th January - not a single flooded road to negotiate, and no diversions due to closures!   We made it to the Cinnamon Cafe without incident, and the only 'event' on the way back to tea was the onset of drizzle!

Thanks to all for your company, and thanks to Diane for tirelessly back-marking throughout the ride!   Photo credits to Andy for the best picture!