One I took earlier

Whilst enjoying lunch at Ardingly the peace and quiet was interrupted by the music of four Rolls Royce Merlins when the Lancaster passed by very low en route to the Wings and Wheels Day at Dunsfold.

Sunday, 28 August

Hookwood - Ardingly - Redhill Aerodrome

Ed led his platoon from North Cheam, while others plotted an independent path, but all routes led to Hookwood Tesco. Simon W escaped from work to put in a brief guest appearance and we were also introduced to Stewart (Stuart?) Downey. Refuelled with tea and baked beans, we were soon following Ed on quiet and pleasant farm roads to Copthorne, where we joined the B208 for the climb to Turner's Hill.

At this point, faced with two choices, we plumped for the B2110 towards Worth, before taking Back Lane and Paddockhurst Lane to head South on a long downhill to West Hill and the descent to Ardingly reservoir. With Daniel on fixed, his legs were pumping like red hot pistons and steam was coming out of his ears, until the inevitable climb from water level to Ardingly. With a choice of pubs, we favoured the 'Oak at Ardingly' with our custom - pleasant if a little pricey - with refreshing Hophead for some, rejuvenating Harveys for Pete B, but no draught cider for Terry.

After lunch in the sunshine, Ed spurned Cob Lane and headed briefly South before taking Burstow Hill Lane and Hanningdean Lane for the long haul up to Sharpthorne. Daniel had enough time to lubricate his chain before a quick right and left took us into Grinstead Lane for another long downhill to Weir Wood reservoir, followed by the unavoidable short, sharp shock to leave the water and the scientologists behind. Then down to Felbridge, where Richard was given his head to lead the unsuspecting flock to savour the mud and flint of Stubpond Lane. John Bellamy was the puncture casualty. One dissenter preferred the A22 to Newchapel, to await the group at Church Road, for the climb at Horne to Outwood.

Here, another choice: Fanny's or Redhill Aerodrome?

Believe it or not, dimwitted, bone-headed lexicographers (now known as 'asset development managers') of the Murdoch owned Collins dictionary have decided that the word 'aerodrome' is now extinct and will no longer be included! Will the aerodrome still be there? The anoraks say 'no', the signs say 'yes'. Terry's opening time intelligence was accurate, so it was tea and cake at the phantom Redhill Aerodrome.

After tea, still a little climb to cross the A25 to Merstham and Gatton Bottom, with a halt under the M25 to cape up . Then it was the climb past Fanny's, now closed, and the parting of the ways, in time for the rain to stop. My Cateye told me 58 miles, though all others will have done much more. Our thanks to leader Ed.

Jeff

Sunday, 21 August

Savill Gardens - Hurst - Shepperton Lock

Sunday August 21st 2011

Just four were present for a meander through Thames Ditton, Walton and Addlestone then a brief semblence of countryside at Lyne before a return to (rather superior) surburbia in Virginia Water and the only hill, Callow Hill. We met the leader at Savill Gardens where numbers swelled to 11 at least temporarily. The ride along the Maidens Green, Nuptown, Moss End byways attracted a few spots of rain but six reach a less than crowded Green Man at Hurst well before one. Surprising (?) sandwiches though not on the menu were available and with 45 pence for orange squash there were few complaints. Back we went through Shurlock Row (Royal Oak re-opening though as what?) and onto Drift Road where your correspondent was in disgrace for dropping the leader! Passing through the park again, we exited down Tite Hill into Egham and Staines. After Shepperton Studios, a right down Sheepwalk brought us to the lock for afternoon sun and teas. About 70 miles door to door

London Surrey Cycle Classic

Filmed from the London Road just north of the Denbies roundabout.
Video 1 breakaway riders.
Video 2 peloton.

Sunday, 14 August

Henfold - Oakwoodhill - North Holmwood

Breakfast at Henfold Lake

Lunch at Oakwoodhill

Tea at North Holmwood

The planned ride to Wisborough Green was somewhat dislocated by the London - Surrey pre-olympic road race. Andy led Ed and Richard to spectate from the middle of the A24 near Dorking, while Peter and I chose to ride straight to Henfold for a leisurely breakfast. Very leisurely. By the time Andy's group arrived at the Lake, the appetite for Wisborough Green was clearly very blunted. Delay had been anticipated; however, discussion soon led to plan B (The Haven) morphing into plan C (Rudgwick) and finally plan D (Oakwoodhill). We therefore made our way via Weare Street to lunch at the Punchbowl, where Andy even bought a sandwich!

We lingered long over lunch before, on a majority vote, deciding to head for tea at North Holmwood. By the time we reached Mole Street, Richard the Dissenter had forked off to follow his own inclinations. The rest of us made our way to the church of St John the Evangelist, where we met that long-lost soul Keith taking tea and cake in the company of his mountain bike. Here, we soaked up the sunshine, before reluctantly setting course for home, or in Andy's case, for filial duties in Dorking.

The cyclometer recorded 45 miles, though calorie input very seriously exceeded calorie output. But who is counting?

Jeff

Sunday, 7 August

Gomshall - Godalming - Ockham BitesTongue in cheek?

Ed

Elevenses at Jordans, Gomshall

All that's left at Ockham Bites

Sunday August 7th 2011

There was only Ed for company at the start and soon we were overtaken by Bob's first of the month ride featuring Keith and Roger. I took my usual Hospitals route to Ashtead then Leatherhead station to the Mill Pond where grazed three roe deer seemingly unconcerned by our passing. After the Bookhams, Orestan Lane et al there was a parting of ways as Ed declined to continue at my pace along Green Dene. The fine weather had sprouted a fine crop of cyclists on what next Sunday morning will be closed roads.  I arrived at Jordans to find Bob, Brian and Peter but Dave already gone . Five minutes later the good companions were complete when Jeff then Ed put an appearance.

 That was far enough for Bob and Ed so just four turned left at Gomshall Mill. I don't recall the last time we passed Farley Green's Roman Temple and south towards Run Common. After a brief but mercifully short ride on one of my least favourite roads (A281) it was time to introduce newcomers to the delights(?) of Brookwell Lane and sometime later Alldens Hill. The usually sandy lane wasn't but the hill saw the leaders slithering in a sea of mud at the bottom and all gasping on the steep section. Godalming was reached just on  one; excuse enough (plus Pete's "The Squirrel looks a bit pricey on the web") for the Jack Phillips.

After a sharp shower, we took a left after the old HQ to thread a way through the backstreets to Loseley, Guildford High Street and the A3 for cakes at Ockham Bites.  66 miles door to door.

Sunday, 31 July

Sunday's Cheam & Morden CTC Ride

to
Marlow - Turville - Windsor Great Park

With an 8am start from Kingston Bridge, Dave led an excellent route at a good pace to arrive at 10.30am for 11's at the Café in the Park, Marlow. Lunch stop was picture postcard Turville and tea was taken at the Post Office in Windsor Great Park. The parting of the ways was somewhere between Chertsey and Shepperton. A good long ride in bright sunshine, with just over 101 miles on the clock.

Jeff

Our Off- road Saturday morning ride developed into an all day ride on 30th July as Keith and Andy enticed us over the North Downs and through the beautiful Colekitchen valley to Gomshall. From there we followed the delightful Route 22 back to Dorking. A Corking days ride. Here we are crossing the Denbies Estate.

(This blog was posted by Simon M)

Sunday, 24 July

Staines - Taplow - Shepperton Lock

A warm welcome to Peter Carpenter

Fed and watered at Taplow

Lunch at the Oak and Saw with the Mystery Monk in the garden.

Tea in sunshine at Shepperton Lock

Sunday 24th July 2011

First of all, my apologies for such a late report.
Not a large group to-day -all but Jeff had arrived at elevenses by the time I got there. Graham had kindly led Ed, Ian, Peter, John G.and Tony (I think) to Nutcutt's. Terry, Alan, Bob, Bill and Margaret were also part of the group - as was Irene who come to join us for coffee but could not stay out all day.
We left Notcutt's around 11.15, making our way into Staines, continuing to Wraysbury, Horton, Datchet and Eaton. From there we cycled across the common at Eaton Wick and turned left to go past Dorney Lake (next years venue for the Olympics rowing). After the motorway bridge we turned to follow the Jubilee river for a short distance leading us to the A4 which we crossed to go up Berry Hill to our lunch venue. A very nice pub, our table had been reserved in the garden and we enjoyed a very pleasant hour there.
Our tea stop was Shepperton Lock which we reached via Maidenhead to Bray. From here we followed a cycle route - Monkey Island to Fifield then Oakley Green, over Clewer Hill to enter the outskirts of Windsor Great Park. We exited at Bishopsgate and took the road to Englefield Green to go over the lights so that we could fly down Prune Hill! Knowing that Jeff is not partial to off-road cycling (and we had already been over some rough bits), I decided it would be wise to stay on the road to Chertsey and so to Shepperton.
We were very lucky with the weather - plenty of sun enabling us to enjoy sitting outside at each of our stops. No incidents - just a very enjoyable day out!
My thanks to Graham and Terry for watching the 'rear end' - Pam :) :)

Minor change of Lunch venue - 24th July

PLEASE NOTE - that Cheam and Morden are lunching at The Oak and Saw Village Inn, Rectory Road, Taplow, SL6 OET. The runs list states JWD in Maidenhead but neither of the JWD pubs look up to much so I have made an 'executive' decision to change to Taplow!! Do hope this change will not up set the apple cart?

ALSO - you may like to know that our elevenses venue is offering a breakfast deal of 2 breakfasts for £5 which finishes at 11am.

Pam

Sunday, 17 July

Shoreham - Shipbourne - Tatsfield

Sunday 17th July 2011

A mostly cool,dull day today with some showers too.
Met Dave at Shoreham's Battle of Britain museum but he was heading home.Just Paul & Jeff joining me to The Chaser Inn reached via Otford where a new café was spotted (11am - 16.30pm on Sundays).South to Seal then the gradual climb to Stone Street.Past Ightham Mote to the village of Shipbourne.
Jeff dined inside whilst Paul & myself sheltered under the parasol whilst a heavy shower passed over.
Being Kent,a steep climb was unavoidable today but curiously One Tree Hill near Underriver scores two chevrons on my 1981 "188" but only one on my 1998 edition.Either way it's better than the back breaking Bayley's Hill.
Tea at Tatsfield but no views of the weald today.

70 miles.

Notice the NOTW advert in the Shoreham pic.

Sunday, 10 July

Elevenses at Crystal Palace

Andy led a brilliant and complex route, with a minimum of tarmac of course, to the excellent Café St Germain at Crystal Palace with real coffee! I think the camera lens was a bit steamed up after Spa Hill. Sorry I couldn't go all the way. The cafés are more spectacular than the stadium! A warm welcome back to David Leach - he likes hills.

Sunday 10th July 2011

Today the CTC abbreviation means "Café to Café" with no less than 5 stops.
The first was at Café St. Germain reached via lower Sutton,Mill Lane Carshalton,Beddington Park and the ever so slightly steep Spa Hill,Upper Norwood.
As ever Dave & Don were already tucking in to something cooked,Stephanie settled for scrambled egg whilst the leader had a modest cappuccino £1.75.
Just Jeff heading home whilst we continued north via the delightful Turney Road,Dulwich & the cycle path that leads up to Champion Hill.
Still northerly :Camberwell Grove to Walworth and the cycle route that by-passes Elephant & Castle to pick up Cycle Super Highway 7 (CS7).
Southwark Bridge still going north to Guildhall then the back doubles around the Barbican to emerge at LMNH in Old Street (pic).
It was just after midday so just liquid refreshment here but I did "borrow" some oil to lubricate a dry chain.
A cyclist's café/workshop in relaxed surroundings it was a case of spot the "non-cyclist", plenty of memorabilia around and references to the TDF being shown on a big screen (pic).
We turned East and were shortly in Victoria Park where we picked up the canal leading to the Greenway and the Olympic 2012 site.
I didn't expect to see Simon Legg & about 20 of his ACF pals enjoying lunch but we had a nice chat all the same.
The queue in the ViewTube café was slow moving so we decided to move on and ended up at Three Mills House café,Bromley by Bow (pic).
Very reasonably priced cream tea (£1.90) and freshly made sandwiches for the starving.
The House Mill is believed to be the largest tidal mill still in existence in the world originally built in 1776.
Leaving the 4th café,it was directly south to pick up the CS3 to Tower Gateway and CS7 to tea on Clapham Common.

In this video,watch the car at the top waiting at the lights.........cyclist seems unharmed..........amazing!

http://www.break.com/index/worlds-luckiest-bike-rider.html

Sunday, 3 July

West Clandon - Puttenham - West Horsley

The C&M pilgrims at lunch and at tea.
Please forgive the self-indulgent flaunting of the splendid new FNRttC shirt.

Sunday 3rd July 2011

A warm and sunny morning and the prospect of a perfect day for cycling. Surprisingly the group assembled at Clandon didn’t include Andy but as nine of us set off towards Guildford we came across a lone figure waiting at the Clandon traffic lights.

Excuses made we all set off into Guildford, down York Road and round the one way system before leaving the traffic to follow Milmead and Porridge Pot Alley. Then back to the main road and up Sandy Lane to Farncombe. Having tackled Farncombe Hill it was an easy run through Hurtmore to Shackleford. Then a left turn along Lombard Street ( not in EC3) took us through the hamlet of Gatwick ( no planes here) to turn right at Cutmill crossroads. A long gentle climb across Puttenham Common was followed by a short descent bringing us into Puttenham directly opposite the Good Intent.

Lunch was swiftly served and by this time your leader had exercised his prerogative of changing the tea stop from Newlands to W Horsley. So we tackled the last 40 metres or so of the Hogs Back to drop down to Normandy and the Christmas Pie trail into Wood Street village. Then around Guildford via Gravetts Lane and Jacobs Well to the A3.

At Send we said goodbye to Graham, Irene and Gill who headed home while the rest of us went on to West Horsley via Tythebarns Lane and Jury’s Farm.

To view route:

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/39926356

Brian

Sunday 26th June 2011

I arrived at Beare Green to find Bob & Don sitting outside the Blue Moon café but sans refreshment.Grrrr .........the place was closed AGAIN.Keith & co considered alternatives whilst I removed 2 thorns from my rear tyre.Thanks for the inner tube with longggggg valve Ed and soon we were heading toward Rusper Golf Club.
Nice spot this with plenty of outside seating on this,a non-typical summer's day 25°+ temperature.
Post midday we departed for lunch at Staplefield via Rusper,Colgate & Slaugham.Another nice spot with most drinkers avoiding the strong sun in the shady garden.
A late tea was enjoyed at Brockham by all..........including Brian Greenwood with his family.
Pebblecombe Hill was a nightmare with a combination of closing of the Betchworth crossing twice in 3 minutes & a broken down car stuck half-way up.

62.3 miles (from Ewell).

I spot North Holmwood church serving teas right through the next 2 months until the end of August every Sunday.
http://www.stjohns-northholmwood.info/diary/events_diary.php

LOL corner.......

My mate's missus left him last Thursday, she said she was going out
for a pint of milk and never come back!
I asked him how he was coping and he said, "Not bad, I've been using
that powdered stuff."

Sunday, 26 June

Beare Green - Staplefield - Brockham

Pub sign with two heads. Judge on the right, but who is the figure on the left? The Victory Inn has no nelsonian connection but commemorates a legal victory in obtaining a licence, in the face of local opposition, in 1848.

Sunday, 19 June

Fleet - Long Sutton - Hatch

Sunday 19th June 2011

On train assisted rides,there is always a degree of apprehension..........will anyone turn up and if they do........will we all get on the train without causing guard rage/delays or oil on the seats.
Happily, all went smoothly today with 6 at Surbiton but at Woking,why is Terry & Pam getting on the portion of train going to Alton?
A sprint down the platform and we were soon all together in a shortened train to Fleet where Dave was tucking into a bacon buttie having ridden the 25 miles from home.
Dave's lunch cooking duties sent him east whilst we continued south towards Crookham & Crondall pop 3463.
I decided with time on our hands,to do a couple of loops going to Bentley,home of Robert Baden Powell (Scout movement) & the owner of the White Star Line - Harold Sanderson who learnt of the sinking of the Titanic at home in Jenkyn Place.
Lunch was at The Four Horseshoes,Long Sutton.A quiet pub in a generally quiet part of the world.Little traffic make the lanes a joy to ride along,in fact you are more likely to come across horses than cars!
The route was to continue west through Upton Grey then north to Mapledurwell and early tea at Conkers Garden Centre,Hatch - cake & tea £2.99.
We departed at 3.15 to head back to the station via Newnham,Rotherwick & Hartley Whitney.
All safely aboard the 4.32,my first train assisted since October 2008 passed without a hitch.............well almost.The 21 degrees forecast by BBC News was a non-starter in fact it was a distinctly cool feeling day for June.
At anyrate thanks to Graham,Pam,Terry,Sally,Ed,Richard & Jeff for their company.Such a great area to ride a bike and only 37 minutes away!

Check the London Calling link on this cycling videos site.Whatever you may think of the riding........it beggars belief!
http://www.digave.com/videos/

Stop Press...........according to Countryfile (on BBC iplayer) spectators will have "roped off" areas on Boxhill to view the Olympic Road Race.

Sunday 12th June 2011

The Chilworth Alpacas.

Following the awful weather of today,I've found this from the Met Office.
The rainfall radar in real time.Images at half hour intervals for the last 6 hours.

Might be useful in deciding the chance of rain in our region.

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/radar/index.html

Sunday, 12 June

Newlands Corner - Milford - Farncombe

See Graham's report below. The photoshoot at Farncombe was rained off!

Sunday 12th June 2011

Bad weather albeit of a warmer, calmer and drier variety has followed me South from Raasay. There were just three (Steph and John) to witness a dull start and  by Epsom we'd stopped twice to improve our weatherproofing. A steady drizzle set in as we splashed our way to Oxshoot, Stoke D'Abernon and Ockham and past the Prison being overtaken (as is usual these days) by other cyclists relishing(?) the conditions. I'd forgotten just how steeply the A25 climbs to Newlands Corner where Jeff and Andy were seated.

Around noon Jeff stuck to the road whilst Andy and I slipped and slid along the NDW to greet the Chilworth Manor alpacas. We regrouped at the level crossing;  (eventually) Jeff being confused by two Chilworth level crossings! Wonersh and Bramley led to the Munstead climb without traffic thanks to a "gas board" hole. The tardy restart meant the lunchstop was well out of reach so we sampled firstly Milford's Secretts Farmshop (cakes only) before settling into Secretts Garden Centre.

Tea was now but 3 miles away so a loop was needed to preserve respectability. Thus we rode near Elstead, Hurtmore and down Farncombe Hill to the Boat Centre which regular teapot refills kept us chattering for over an hour. After that it was each man for himself - the near deserted Guildford High Street summed the day up well. 72 miles door to door.

Sunday, 5 June

Godstone - Dormansland - Bletchingley

1. Putting a brave face on it. 2. Raleigh Rapide - Mike has had it since 17! Look at those friction-free steel rims. 3. Let them eat cake- but somewhere else!

Sunday 5th June 2011

Flaming June

At North Cheam I was glad to see Brian who on this Sunday had decided to cycle there for the start rather than go to elevenses direct otherwise it would have been a solo ride for me to Godstone. Making good time we arrived at Café Nova around 1045 where we met Andy, Jeff, Bob and Terry.

It was near Bletchingley that the first drops of rain suggested that I had paid insufficient attention to the weather forecast as I had been under the impression it was going to stay dry. For most of the day it was fine drizzle rather than heavy showers but not the sunny 27˚ we had enjoyed the previous day. Let’s be positive, we do need this rain in the south-east.

Leaving Godstone I feared that I would be the last to be left struggling up Tilburstow Hill. The reason – my usual bike is in for a service which meant bringing out an old friend, the Raleigh Rapide that I have had since my teens (the bike has given good service, that was many moons ago). It is not exactly as it was when first I rode it, gone is the 5 speed Simplex derailleur and cotter pins. I still have the Brooks saddle (I should have re-fitted it for the ride) but the rather natty white saddle bag that once accompanied it has long been lost, probably left in the garden shed or loft in a house move. Those on the ride on Sunday will agree – it is not a light machine!

The bike does not quite live up to its name (maybe it did when I was 17) but nonetheless I think our pace was reasonable. We approached Dormansland from the north east having skirted Lingfield. Beef sandwiches were on the menu at the friendly Old House at Home pub. The weather had not improved as we made our way to tea via Bones Lane and Cogman’s Lane but we were sustained by thoughts of the cakes awaiting us at Bletchingley. Sadly this was not to be. Lamingtons, so highly praised on our last visit, is now closed on Sundays.

Distance covered: unknown, there were no cycle computers in the 70s and the little counter once attached to the front wheel hub has long gone the way of my saddle bag.

Mike