Ride Report - Sunday 28 July 2024

 

The annual Cheam & Morden coast ride, hitherto a longstanding fixture, hasn't actually taken place for quite a few years now.   Recent attempts to reinstate a ride to Climping have only met with difficulties and floundered on the rocks, so the only answer was to surprise the English Channel by an unexpected approach from its left flank and take it by storm!

This was a complex operation in several waves (as it were)!    Simon, Chris, Diane and I set off from West Byfleet at 8.30 am and were backed up by a second wave (Andy and Christina) who followed up in the vanguard an hour behind us after various technical problems!

At Little Latte, Tilford we were bolstered by reinforcements (Madeleine and Lilian).  Lilian was somewhat 'deflated', but a good coffee and the loan of someone else's pump soon restored her to fighting fitness!

We duly set off across the old Hampshire military areas around Longmoor and Bordon towards the advance camp at Hillier Garden Centre, Liss, where, after a short wait, full rations were supplied!

At this point I had to resign my command and return home (nothing, I can assure you, to do with the looming threat of the South Downs as manifested in the rather unpleasant climb up Kiln Lane, Buriton awaiting the rest of the group).   Anyway, from here Simon takes over the narrative.

It was like one of those Outward Bound courses ... we were transported to somewhere far away from home, given an objective (reach Hayling Island) and several slightly incompatible individual objectives (different modes of transport or train times to get home), and left to sort it out.

I didn't have a ready excuse, so I had to lead the group, following David's excellent route.  At Petersfield we bumped into my brother Peter, who lives there, which was a nice surprise.   Andy and Christina had to leave us soon afterwards to catch trains home, leaving six.   We struggled up the aptly named Kiln Lane into the heart of the South Downs, but were then rewarded by a never-ending descent, through leafy shade, until it ended at Rowlands Castle, where ice creams were bought by Maddie.   From there it was a short hop to Havant.   We joined the scenic old railway line along the sea, which took us to the beach at the south of Hayling Island.   There was paddling, swimming and some very conveniently located public conveniences, before Steph set off to ride back to Liss, and most of us returned to Havant for the train home.   

It was an enjoyable and memorable day out on the bike.   Many thanks to David for organising the route and ride, to all who came along for their good company, and to Andy and Diane for back-marking.

Far too kind, Simon, I'm sure, but I thank both you and Andy - without you help our mission could never have been accomplished and the sea finally reconquered!

Thanks to everyone else for your company, and for putting up with it all with good humour!   Until next year.....

To(wards) the Coast!

Will the C & M finally make it to the seaside for the first time for several years?  We'll have a stab at it, anyway!    If you do the whole ride, we'll be heading south-west across the unfamiliar pine forests and sandy heathland of west Surrey and east Hampshire.  After a scenic detour around Petersfield lake, we'll climb the wooded slopes of the South Downs and pass through Queen Elizabeth Country Park before free-wheeling down the lovely dry valley to Rowlands Castle.  There'll be a few miles of urban grit to endure then through and around Havant before we cross Langstone bridge and take the Puffing Billy Trail to finally reach the sea!   There are flatter sections here and there, but the ride is fairly hilly as a whole, and the steepest climb (Kiln Lane, Buriton) is in the final (Liss to Hayling) section, so features in all the options!

Please note that pre-booking is required for this ride - see small print at the end.  If numbers exceed about 10 then I will be putting out a call for a volunteer sub-leader.

The main ride (59 mile option) will leave West Byfleet traffic lights (close to station) at 08.30 am sharp, and continue 18 miles to Tilford for a brief coffee stop.   At 10.30 am sharp the ride will set off again reaching Liss after 15 miles.   Late elevenses/early lunch will be taken here, aiming to leave by 12.30 pm, and then continuing for a further 21 miles to Hayling Island via Petersfield and Havant, arriving approx 2.30 pm.   It is then 6 miles back to Havant for a choice of trains home.

For a shorter ride (41 miles + 5 option), you can travel by train to Milford station, then ride 5 miles approx to the Tilford coffee stop, but ensuring you arrive by 10.30 am in order to join up with the main ride.

For an even shorter ride (27 miles +2 option), you can travel by train to Liss station and ride approx 2 miles to the elevenses/early lunch stop.

The route and details of the refreshment stops/meeting points will be sent to registered participants after the deadline.

Please let me know by e-mail (to cycledave23@gmail.com) by 5.00 pm on Friday 26 July at the very latest if you would like to join the ride, and tell me whether you are opting for the 59, 41, or 27 mile ride.  No bookings by WhatsApp, please.

Details for Pat Matthews' funeral

We have received the details for Pat Matthews' funeral from her son Kevin:

The funeral will take place at 2:20pm on Tuesday 6th August at

The Kingston Crematorium

Bonner Hill Road

Kingston on Thames

KT1 3EZ

After the service everyone will proceed to The Earl Beatty which is very close to Motspur Park Station.

365 West Barnes Lane

New Malden

KT3 6JF

We are welcome to join them there.

~ Tim C

 

Ride Report for Sunday 21 July - Ten (I think) go to Kent!

Everything has gone west these days, it seems to me, so I thought the C & M had better head east to buck the trend!   Brian, Steph, and Niall joined us for a very pleasant elevenses at Morden Hall Park and went their own ways from there, while, if I have it right,  Chris H, Andy, Simon, Lilian, Diane, Martina, Christina, Linda, Keith joined me and ducked and dived around the inner city of Croydon, before ploughing through the leafy, south-eastern outer surburbs of London.   At last at St Mary Cray, the semi's and retail parks magically gave way to fields of ripening wheat, fruit farms, and quaint villages!    Alas, the climbs became also more pronounced and the traffic became more congested!

We eventually made it into the picturesque Darent valley.   It is lovely, but a bit of sunshine might have made it lovelier still (and inspired a few photos)!    After meandering along dodging cars and walkers we arrived at Lullingstone Country Park and joined the meandering queue for food!

At length all did get their lunch orders.   The plan was to return by train but Andy gamely offered to lead a ride home, resurrecting an old C & M route back to Croydon.   Talk of a flat route persuaded all but me to join him!   They stopped for tea at Coombe Wood, once a regular C & M haunt, but these days no longer run by the 'abacus man'!

Thanks to all for your company and for putting up with it all, and particularly to Andy without whom it wouldn't have been possible.

Pat Matthews in Scotland (and other places)

 https://www.rsf.org.uk/uk-routes-archive/scotland-loch-builg-revisited.html

03/08/24 https://www.rsf.org.uk/south-america-routes-archive/chile-where-s-that-bridge.html

Plenty more adventures if you can find copies of the RSF journals.  

NOTE - CHANGES TO PLANNED RIDE FOR SUNDAY 21 JULY

The ride originally planned for 21 July was swapped and took place on 30 June.    The ride on 21 July was then intended to be from Morden Hall Park to Downe with a train-assisted return.

Unfortunately, 'planned improvements' on the line from Orpington to Charing Cross have necessitated a further change!

Sunday's ride will still start from the Stableyard Cafe, Morden Hall Park but lunch will now be at the visitor centre, Lullingstone Park, an old C & M haunt!   

We'll traverse a few unfamiliar Kentish lanes, and see a delightful stretch of the Darent valley.   There might even be some lavender fields, a castle gatehouse, an impressive viaduct, a ford, and a Roman villa!

The official return will be train-assisted from Eynsford to Blackfriars, with a short, fast and quiet back-road ride from there to Waterloo for onward connections.

Sunday 14th July from Stoke d'Abernon, Cafe Barbara

I have enjoyed many Cheam and Morden rides over the years so decided I d better step up and lead one. Carolyn and I reccied a route that we thought might be enough to keep people happy. There was a good crowd at 11s, good to see Dawn, Geoff Gregory, Carolyn,Tony Hopkins, and Diane who got their 1 point apiece for 11s attendance. We set off at 11, being 10 - Terry, Colin, Eric, Simon, Dave W, Andy, Lillian, Madelaine,Chris and myself. The route was direct, we didnt turn at the Drift as it would have brought us out at West Horsley with the slightly more difficult part of Shere Road. Instead we passed the attractive brickwork of the houses at East Horsley and took Green Dene onto Chalk Lane, joining Shere Rd higher up. at the top 3 decided to take the North Downs Way direct to Newlands Corner. The remaining 6 descended to Shere and took first right to the ford. It was here that the differing opinions of the group resulted in a three way split. I had hoped that the whole rambling community would be in front of the TV as the footpath we took has an excellent surface and no gradient and avoids the traffic climbing out of Shere. Eric on a mountain bike took the bridleway that exited in the same place as us but had involved a tree rooty uphill narrow path through woods and which he reported not suitable for our bikes. Dave W sensibly backtracked to the usual route through Shere and met us. Perhaps on a Sunday the best option. New Road, Blacksmith Lane and the delightful ascent of Ha'penny Lane (Llamas lurking almost out of sight on the upper slopes of Chilworth Manor) brought us to lunch. The tables were in the shade and well chosen . There was a plea from Maddie over lunch for an extra point for wearing a dress but Andy's notebook remained firmly closed. After lunch all returned to the top of Staple Lane via the North Downs Way, apart from Lillian who went home direct and Eric who went to join his family for lunch.. A further split sent the majority Leatherwards with Terry, leaving a trio of Steph, Chris and Simon to legitimately claim their point for being at tea in Esher. A very pleasant day out in sunshine and good company.

Sunday 7th July 2024

 The three riders that signalled their intention to join my ride were indeed the only riders that joined me today on this beautiful Summer's day.

Except it wasn't.....I don't normally wear merino wool in July.

Picking up Diane at Banstead, we arrived at 10.15 to be shortly joined by Brian who was pleased to find the A25 closed to vehicular traffic due emergency works between Buckland & Reigate.....bliss.

Dave made the quartet & we sat by the window in Morrisons enjoying our free doughnut/free drink refills but it really wasn't a day to sit by the window.

All we wished for was the rain to stop.

Just after 11, the rain stopped....but for how long?

Erm, not long at all & for the next 45 minutes it was either raining or raining heavily & I thought at some point somebody would holla out " I'm done...see ya later".

But no, this quartet was made of made of strong stuff & onwards we rode through the river that was our road.

At Parkgate, hurtling towards us was the annual Addiscombe Cycle Club Race.

Starting from Newdigate, these hardy souls with no mudguards or rain gear seemed to lap it up (no pun intended).

By a strange coincidence, whilst researching refreshment places, I found myself on their website which gave me the idea for today's lunch spot.....true story I kid you not.

https://addiscombe.org/cafes/cafes-in-west-sussex/

It was drying up a little when we passed the Frog and Nightgown pub (mains only on Sundays but tea/cakes pretty much anytime during opening hours).

Quieter than a normal Sunday I suspect, the drying up continued at the Strawberry Fields café.

As I tap the keyboard, the email alert goes off.

Diane reminds me of the danger that bungee cords can cause if left unattended.

The busy & frankly dangerous crossing of the A264 again but further east to a bridleway crossing the railway where an unclosed gate could cost you £1000, to emerge at Sunnybrook Farm.

We just about got to Denbies when the heavens opened again.

But we cared little.

We were inside, it was warm & looking up at the vast glass roof witnessing a torrent of water with thunder & lightning thrown in for good measure.

Thankfully, the ride home was in warm sunshine.

Thanks to Dave, Diane & Brian for your company.

Avenue Verte Day 3 Beauville to Chantilly

 Wednesday dawned bright and sunny but unfortunately it was to be the worst day for many.  Over half the party rose itching terribly with raised spots and had had an extremely uncomfortable night.  Bedbugs were the cause though the reception staff looked blank and in denial.  The bedbugs became a secondary issue when it was discovered Helen's bag had been stolen with her passport, money, phone and other stuff.  She was distraught and plans were made to backtrack to the police station in Beauvais to begin the slow process of getting a temporary passport to enable her to travel home.   WE REALISED THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING YOUR PASSPORT NUMBER WRITTEN DOWN SOMEWHERE OR A PHOTO OF IT ON YOUR PHONE .

This was the day with two ride options, a long and a short.  The majority had opted for a shorter day and this enabled them to support Helen in Beauvais but still ride in the afternoon to reach Chantilly.

Lillian, Christina and I set off in very hot weather but did have a great day on the Avenue Verte route, visiting  Bresles, Clermont, Sacy le Grand (where we lunched at a traditional restaurant) , Senlis and finally climbing up to an area of national forest with many footpaths running through it.  We descended to the magnificence of Chantilly with its extensive parkland, stabling and chateau.  A memorable day for many reasons.  We were pleased to learn that Helen now had an online form to complete however it was difficult for her to access her mail accounts on someone else's phone so she would not easily be able to receive the document they wanted to send her.  (In the end a visit to the Embassy in Paris on Friday secured the temporary passport at the very last minute and she caught the train with us to Dieppe.)

Accommodation at Le Avenue in the centre of Chantilly provided us with comfortable rooms, a garage for the bikes and good dinner. 

Day 4 - Chantilly to Pontoise

The group set off together to view Chantilly chateau before joining the route to Pontoise.

A lovely day on small roads that followed the River Oise and the small villages along it.  A lovely lunch was had at Beaumont-sur-Oise with supplies from an award winning boulangerie and drinks at a bar opposite.  More gentle meanderings, at one point on a narrow track by the edge of a field of sweetcorn until we climbed to the significant village of Auverrs sur Oise where Vincent van Gogh and his brother are buried and where he painted some of his most famous paintings.   It was a very relaxing afternoon in glorious sunshine.  At Pontoise Lillian, Paul and Maggie stayed at L'Hermitage, Tim and Pat said their goodbyes and headed off for further adventures, and the remainder lodged in Le Petite Reine, apartments a little too close to Pontoise Station, but very bike friendly with bike parking on the ground floor below the apartments. The 3 storey town house was tradionally shuttered and charmingly decorated with a bike mounted on one wall and 3 wheels on another.  We felt at home until the hourly express trains made themselves felt in the rooms at the front !

Day 5 -Pontoise to Paris

Helen got an early train to get to Paris first and obtain the vital temporary passport.  Pinky's cousin who lives in Paris was a huge help at this point.  The remainder of the party were ably led by Paul and Maggie in an impressive debut partnership to get us directly to Gare Lazare for the 3.45 train to Dieppe.  There was no time for anything but the briefest of photos and we were so glad we'd left time to negotiate the lifts, the platforms, the carriages (we were looking at the wrong numbers ...1 and 2 being first and second class).  Eventually on carriage 3  - some had there allotted bike spaces others just had to stack them and help bemused Parisians lift their suitcases over us to find their seats.   Helen arrived in the nick of time.  Madelaine was staying on in Paris.  With a combined sigh of relief we departed to raid Dieppe.

Avenue Verte - Day 2 Forges les Eaux to Beauville

Fortified by a better than expected breakfast we wheeled forth into brilliant sunshine, crossed the purpose-built cycle path over the railway and entered the green rolling hills of the open country towards Gournay en Bray. 

Having pushed the pedals over flat terrain the previous day the pleasures of rolling downhill were enjoyed and the party was in good form knowing we had a full day to do our mileage rather than the mid afternoon start from Dieppe the previous day.  Gourney en Bray has a market on Tuesdays so the town was pleasantly busy and we lingered in the sunshine over various provisions from the local bakeries.

We were then on another long straight stretch of off road cycle path beautifully surfaced and through attractive woodland towards Beauvais.  The highlight of this town is the magnificent towering cathedral with its astronomical clock.  More time for refreshments and chat.  We sorted out the glaces from the glasses and the iced coffee from the coffee ice cream at a cafe opposite the cathedral.  

Onwards, led valiantly by Tim through the rush hour traffic into the out of town supermarket zone where our beds for the night awaited.   KFC sufficed for some , others went on a tour of the huge supermarket opposite finding enough to picnic on on the outdoor tables.  Forty miles in fantastic weather.