FNRttC 19 Nov 2010

The last FNRttC of 2010. Not a bad night for weather bearing in mind the time of year and 79 riders spurred on by the thought of a congratulatory drink in Brighton. Not the usual route this time avoiding Ditchling Beacon but instead Devils Dyke as can be seen from the golf club car park believe it or not at 7.05am, looks more like the dead of night.

Simon was in good form supported by his band of followers congratulating him on his latest award from LCC
The picture above shows him with Antonia from the Martlets providing some Bubbly as a thank you to all who helped and raised a magnificent sum of over £50,000. for the hospice with an even more ambitious target for next year! Come on the C&M and other men (& women) of like mind from the MWW etc try the Martlets FNRttC next year it's good fun and good for the spirit! Never before has so much been given by so many to so few and very deserved too. If you are unable to ride sponsor some one who can and put £1. a week aside from now until then!

Sunday 14 November 2010

Refuge from the deluge, sheltering beneath the Sky TV at the King William IV.
Is Paul looking into Pam's eyes or at the Grand Prix?

Sunday 14th November 2010

But for a topple this would have been John's debut ride. After a dead fox by the gasworks, there were just three awaiting a leader on the bridge including new boy, Alex from Twickenham. Bushey Park, Lower Feltham (via the spiral), BP and Charlton was thirty minutes too soon at Nutty Lane so an extra loop via Lower Shepperton and the watersplash was needed to reduce this to ten.

BBC got it right - dank and overcast become steady rain on departure with only nine (of seventeen) eager for more. After wiggles through Walton, Weybridge and Woodham the countryside round Ripley was briefly and barely in view before we reached the William IV in West Horsley - a pub in name but a creche today. After our soaking we were more than happy with the empty public bar and prompt service. The promised afternoon clearup did not happen (at least not until the evening and first frost of winter) so there was just a quartet for a short splash to Sainsbury's Cobham and home - under 50 miles including detours.

PS Last week's ups and downs: Horton Park, the Wells, the Anchor Bookham, Little Switzerland and Hurst Lane.

Brockham Bonfire Sunday Morning 7 Nov.

Cleaning up the kitchen! Reminds me of my old hosteling days and cyclo-cross.

Ashes to ashes and the church veiled in smoke. It was a hell of a site. Guy Fawkes was on top of the pole full of fireworks before he exploded!

WANTED

TANDEM - for friend of Brian Nixon. For further details contact Brian :

5 Landford Road, Putney 020 8785 3303 NIXON534@aol.com

Sunday 7th November 2010

Speeding toward Westhumble & RTA involving a motorcyclist at junc of Old London Road & Headley Lane nr Juniper Hall.

Sunday, 31 October

Reigate - Ifield - Capel

The AGM - 24 October

High Spot of the Day

Down to Earth

Sunday 24th October 2010

That's very strange - I wrote something on Sunday, the day the United Nations reached retirement age. But for some reason I failed to post it!

A bright but chilly start from North Cheam for the five including father and son, Chris and Liam. Ed was at his most devious seeking out Kiln Lane and the City of London school before dropping into Leatherhead on the A24. Then it was up the Bookhams and into Polesdon Lacey, uncrowded when we arrived. Gradually our ranks swelled to fourteen before an exit towards Burford Bridge. We were in for a surprise - a left turn setting up a photoshoot atop Box Hill. After taking the Pebblecombe plunge Leigh was soon in view for an alfresco lunch at The Plough.


The Coach Road and Gap got us back to Leatherhead where this time we used the footbridge into Ashtead for a second school meander. When we reached Ed's, two earlier birds were clamouring for the AGM (or more likely his cakes). At least we'd got there ahead on Steve and Ann. Mapless they'd reached the Seven Stars but after a phone call to Ed couldn't navigate the half mile to The Plough!

Sunday 17th October 2010 (Completist version)

This was a day full of incident: two punctures for Francoise; close encounters for Frank (coathanger kind - entangling), John's rear light (motorcar kind - crunch) and Andy (solid barrier kind - ouch!).

As we set off there was a definite hint of winter but it stayed bright all day and even warm in the sun's rays. We sped towards Chertsey Bridge for a customary stop beside Laleham campsite then on to Staines where two joined. After Eton and Dorney we slithered between Burham and Slough (if that's possible) to reach the Beeches from the southwest. A glance at the computer told me 30+ miles, almost half the day's total.

The autumn tints weren't quite ready as we made the short 5-mile trek to a crowded White Horse in Hedgerley. On the wayback we paused before Fulmer to await a lagging trio: Ed and Andy but no Don so Dave sacrificed the lead and went in search (fruitless as it turned out). After Iver Heath, Iver and a timecheck we halted at Stanwell Moor Farm Shop (a cafe). Continuing through Ashford(Andy's nemesis), Sunbury and Hampton we dispersed in Bushy Park.

DA Competition Rules

Sunday 10th October 2010

I doubt I could have picked a better day for my first C&M lead. Cloudless skies and warm sun made for a perfect days cycling. Seven of us set off from Ashtead Pond to Henfold and our numbers rose to 13 for the run to lunch. Our outward route took us though Newdigate and Ockley and then down Mole Street and Standon Lane to Walliswood. There was some consternation in the ranks when I turned off-road up Lowerhouse Lane but the surface was firm and most signs of the recent monsoon had disappeared. Then along Lower Breache Road to Ewhurst Green and the Little Park Hatch at Cranleigh. A relaxed lunch was enjoyed in the garden before setting off for West Horsley via Shamley Green and Chinthurst Lane, taking the path through Shalford Park to approach Guildford.

Brian Greenwood

Tenth of the Tenth of the Tenth

Henfold - Newdigate - W. Horsley

A most auspicious ride in this season of mellow fruitfulness

The leader's table at the Little Park Hatch

Sunday October 3 2010

As I headed towards bed, the weather forecast did not bode well. But overnight there was a stay of execuion; it was overcast but with more than a hint of blue and sun. Six went through Ashstead to Leatherhad and up the Lower Road. By Effingham a spot or two of rain could be felt; to make matters worse a puddled Orestan Lane ensured that the unready were rewarded with wet feet. At 11s six eventually became fourteen with more tales of minor flooding and rain getting heavier by the minute. A constant drum on the garden centre roof meant there could be only one verdict : that's enough. For me, it was the right decision as it rained steadily all the way home.

Sunday 26th September 2010

Your correspondent this week is a recovering insomniac (chronic),however as I write,I'm in good spirits..............nearly 6 hours last night!
A cool day but a northerly wind helped me get up to Ranmore and a fast decent (Whitedown) to 11's at Shere and the Lucky Duck........hmmm....... the only lucky one here is the proprietor of this overpriced establishment.
Best value is the unlimited coffee at £2.10..........providing you have at least two cups........& the staff acknowledge your request for refills........grrr.
Simon led 14 to The Haven via the track through Gibbon's Mill where a large group appeared,mostly families on their mtbs.A nice sight on this distinctly autumnal day.
The ride to Capel went past in a flash.The wind had dropped by now and rain was in the air.The discussion inside the church was of that nasty jobsworth lock keeper at Shepperton and his dislike of cyclists.........or just Frank......who knows?
Going home,we all got a soaking...............summer 2010 is definately over.........one that I'll remember for different reasons.

60 miles from Ewell.

Sunday, 26 September

Shere - The Haven - Capel

Welcome to Robert from Canada
The Haven and Capel

Sunday September 19 2010

With the start well to the east of Staines, I was made to lead to elevenses. A northern line took us through Esher, Hersham and Brooklands from whence a newish kissing gate on Muddy Lane brought us briefly to countryside. All too soon we were in Old Woking and by Mayford there were fifteen of us despite my emailed warning. Less two we headed over Pyle Hill into Guildford suburbia. In Wood Street Dave + 2 took the onroad branch whilst the rest paused beside the White Hart (closed for refurbishment! see 2009 gents) before tackling the Christmas Pie trail. Its fourth offroad section (ex Guildford to Alton line; last passengers: 1937) brought us to the White Hart at Tongham where we more than trebled the custom. Save a barked suggestion the return was simplicity itself (North Downs Way aka NCN 22) followed by A25/A246 to West Horsley where we disbanded. 65 miles door to door.

Sunday 12 Sept 10

Breakfast at Henfold or at least for Don, accompanied by Bob, Ed, Terry, Jeff , Matt & Keith. Lunch was taken at Bax Castle and excellent it was too, even Bob Starey, having been persuaded not to go to W'Spn Horsham remarked how good the food and beer was. The return via a short part of the Downs Link was uneventful except that the leader had not done his homework properly and after unintentionally transgressing into Christ Church School grounds. We escaped by Keith appearing from the downs link on the other side of the electric gates to activate them and let the wondering sheep out! After exploring Christ Church BR Station subway twice just for the sake of it we made our way via the tarmac to Broadbridge Heath, Warnham station subway and Friday St. to Capel.

At Capel again Bob got a big shock, where in the world can you get two enormous pieces of delicious cake for a £1 and a cup of tea for 50p. Excellent value. My thanks to both Ed & Terry for acting as both back marker and assistant leader and guiding me on my first C&M lead ride. Hear they are enjoying the afternoon sunshine without a care in the world, not realising what a grave situation they were in!

Sunday, 5 September

Godstone GC - Marsh Green - Reigate GC

Leader Ed shepherded his flock from N.C. to Godstone G.C. to refuel on toasted bacon sandwiches. He then took us the easy way up Tilburstow via Bletchingley, then via Crowhurst (where Simon responded to some road rage), past Haxted Mill to Edenbridge and on to our lunchtime watering hole, the Wheatsheaf at Marsh Green. Earlier, Ian had somehow become detached from the group when something had become detached from his bike.

However, his map reading skills ensured that he was waiting for us at the pub, which sported a good choice of food and drink, including some reasonably priced water. We sat outside, where Ian was accosted by some rambling club buddies and an Addiscombe CC lady with a broken elbow. Our meal was washed down with a light drizzle.

After lunch it was Westward'Ho to Lingfield, Newchapel, Smallfield, Salford and Lonesome Lane to Reigate G.C. Our tea drinking was disturbed only when we were invited to leave at closing time. Simon insisted on chasing me home up the A217, distracted only at Lower Kingswood by another motoring lunatic, who he decided to chase down at 40mph to express his disapproval. I watched from a distance and got home safely with 49 miles on the clock.

Our thanks to Ed for an artfully crafted ride which somehow managed to smooth out all the hills.

Jeff

Martlets FNRttC

Sunrise over Ditchling Beacon at 6am 4 October 2010. Well done Simon for a brilliantly organised ride and I am sure much money for a good cause. At my marshaling point in Chipstead top of How Lane they came thru like a train almost bang on time 1.30am

As usual cannot resist a picture. The sweetie on the left gave everyone a Dolly mixture or was it a Jelly baby as we surmounted the Beacon, the Dolly on the right was a rabbit "Ear Ear" both were highly visible in "Hi Vis" jackets and the beautiful lady standing behind was not so visible and appeared to have no ears! Thanks to them all for making riders so welcome and for the fantastic catering at Copthorne school.

Sunday August 29th

Leader Ed.
Elevenses Horley (Waitrose)
Route to Turners Hill. Smallfield, New Chapel, Effingham Park, Fell Bridge, High Grove, Turners Hill (Took a wrong turning!) Lunc at The Red Lion.
Tea change to Brockham via Copthorne, Smallfield, Horley, Meath Green, Reigate, Betchworth, Brockham church. 4.15 not many cakes left. Separate ways after tea. Distance 70 miles.
Weather stiff breeze some rain
From Ed Sharp

CTC Birthday Rides Cornwall Aug 2010

Andrew taking centre stage at Pendenis Castle for the Birthday Tea with twins Caroline (Beer) and Christina. I think Andrew met his match in height and good looks!

Sunday, 22 August

Boulter's Lock - the Flower Pot Aston - Great Cockrow

Welcome to David Leach on his second ride
with the C&M.

Elevenses was at Boulter's Lock.

...where the KPRC Easy Riders turned up just
as we were about to leave!
Simon decided to stay with us to stretch his legs.

Locked out at Hambledon Lock, lunch at Aston
and tea at Great Cockrow.

Our thanks to leader David W for a good long ride with no rain and apologies to Pete and Lisa! Distance on the doorstep was 94.65 miles.

Jeff

Sunday Aug 22nd

It seemed a good idea to meet at 11s Boulters Lock (Jenners Cafe) in order to ride on to lunch and beyond, it all went astray 100yds up the road with a gap rapidly growing! Simon bridged the gap effortlessly we saw in the distance the last rider turning left at Cookham, when we arrived no sign of anybody, is it to much to ask for people in a group to make sure all are there before moving on? we turned left and followed the cycle route up Winter Hill wondering if the group would stop at the top, look at the view and get all together again, but no luck so we realised we had been abandoned and made our own way to lunch.
From Pete

Sunday Ride 12 Sept 2010

Dear Folks I have committed to lead my first ride on the above day with 11's @ Henfold Lake. I now realise that the KPRC Hilly 12m TT and Hill Climb is on that same Sunday morning and so apologies for not keeping my diary properly organised.

I still propose to lead the ride but will not be able to start at Nth. Cheam, so please make your way to Henfold directly where I hope to arrive by the skin of my teeth by 11am.

If anyone is willing to be a standby leader please let me know. Lunch is at Bax Castle PH and tea at Capel. I will contact Bax C to inform of our lunch arrival.

Sunday, 15 August

Godstone - Hever - Tatsfield

C&M + KPRC at Godstone Garden Centre

Lunch was taken at the King Henry VIII, in the shadow of St Peter's, Hever

Tea amid the gravestones of St Mary's Tatsfield

I'm sure that leader, Mike, will add a few words to tie these images together.

Jeff

8 August, 2010

Sunday Colour Supplement
Guildford - Hascombe - Newlands Corner

Hascombe and Fountain - click on links

Sunday 8th August 2010

It was not the best of start: dull and only three at North Cheam; soon two when Ed "mechanicaled" at Hinchley Wood. I could think of no satisfactory route from Cheam to Guildford so it was Esher, Cobham, and the A3 cyclepath where we were spared the indignity of being overtaken by more of cycling's fledgings. We arrived under clear and warm skies and in good time swelling the group to ten (or so we thought). After many a Wetherspoons' breakfast, we arose only to be accosted by mufti Jake proclaiming that Jeff lurked in some deep recess and thus had missed the comings and our soon to be going. Swilling a fraction of his recent purchase, he joined for a detour into Littleton and Godalming's backstreets. The steepness of Holloway Hill surprised even the leader but there was no dropping the bunch as we climbed towards Hascombe via Enton Green. At the turnoff, glances at watches confirmed time to spare so more down and up meaning we reached Hascombe via Loxhill.

Our punctuality had its reward with a near empty pub and several feasts were soon landing on our tables. Within ten minutes of our arrival and courtesy of SWT, Ed appeared differently mounted quickly followed by Keith who'd came via the Greensand Way. A more direct return took in the pump, Thornecombe Street, Wonersh and, for the exercise, Blackheath. In Chilworth a mistaken right missed the llamas in Halfpenny Lane; instead there was the steeper Guildford Lane. Even diehard roadies managed the tracks to the Barn Cafe and a final scoff. Re the website discussion, can you spot any difference(s)? Around 70 miles door to door.

Sunday, 1 August

Lullingstone - Plaxtol - Tatsfield

After a sudden outbreak of 'who's the leader?', I wondered if this might be a solo ride, with nobody to half-wheel except myself. In fact, Carshalton Ponds spawned a brace of riders looking for a leader - Janice and Keith. After a chat about the merits of glucosamine sulphate, we set off apace, with J &K chasing my tail like a pair of playful Jack Russells - a pattern that was to persist all day. They would not get tired.

The way to Lullingstone was urban at first and mostly uprising. We passed the Croydon Flyover and West Wickham library, where my SERC clubmates were long gone after their 9am start. After Jackass Lane it was past High Elms and up to Chelsfield and Well Hill, to arrive at Lullingstone GC well before 11am. There were no additions to the family, but ample time for a very filling bacon sandwich. Off again, keeping to the tarmac, not the fairway, en route to Plaxtol. No risk of J or K half-wheeling me, so long as I kept turning left and right, as I was the only one who knew the way.

We passed through Shoreham (why are there always so many cars?), Twitton, Otford; followed the Pilgrim's Way awhile, then Seale, Stone Street, Ivy Hatch, Plaxtol and the Papermaker's Arms. Maybe the pace had been too easy, as our appetites were not that keen, blunted perhaps by the earlier intake, so it was straight into desserts. Janice was introduced to greengage pie. We ate outside, the skies still pretty overcast.

Well before the Plaxtol parish church tolled two, we were off again, our tea-time target changed from Downe to Tatsfield. After Stone Street it was south of Sevenoaks, along Gracious Lane to Ide Hill, where Janice was disappointed not to clock up 40 mph on the descent to Brasted. After a further stretch of Pilgrims Way, we were struggling to make double figures on the ascent to Tatsfield Church. Tea and cake in the churchyard were followed by the helter-skelter down to Warlingham and Purley X. The heavy, aromatic fragrance of the lavender fields of Croydon Lane saw the parting of our ways. It had been a day of Kentish ups and downs with just under three score miles and ten recorded on the Cateye.

Jeff

Sunday, 25 July

Fairoaks - Puttenham - West Horsley

Assembly point was Fairoaks Airport, with Dave Ward as captain on the flight-deck. My knowledge of the route is sketchy, to say the least, but with destination Puttenham, our flight path ghosted some of the previous Wednesday's ride to Wood Street. We passed Chobham and the lanes of Warbury and Clews, to come under heavy fire again beside the Bisley rifle ranges. Dawnay Hill led us to Pirbright, after which we followed the A323 to Normandy. A southerly tack took us to Wanborough and the chance to mount the Hog's Back (I remember that), before descending half way down Puttenham Hill. Most braked for the right turn into The Street and Puttenham, though an enthusiastic few were already so intoxicated that they carried on awhile and had to climb back for a dressing down by the leader, to guide them to the Good Intent at Puttenham.

Paul at the top of Downs Lane

Food here, as ever, was first class and enjoyed in sunshine. However, when the time came to return, the leader allowed himself to be beguiled by siren voices. Instead of remaining faithful to his good intent, this pilgrim was seduced to abandon tarmac and the strait and narrow, to take the North Downs Way as far as Watts Gallery. A smooth climb up Downs Lane beside the A3 was followed by more chalk and flint before we regained the soft caress of tarmac into Guildford, where we dismounted to avoid the cobblestones.

The final flourish was a scoot along the A246 to Squires at West Horsley, with a delightful diversion along Blake's Lane, parallel to the main road, to bring us to the garden centre, where our leader left us to take tea, before then heading home. A distance for me of three score miles.

Jeff

(Apologies for font size - it has a will of its own!)