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!