Sunday 22nd July 2012

Sunday, 22 July

Runnymede-Hurley-Old Windsor

I managed to pick the first real day of Summer for this ride. Only 5 left Kingston Bridge for the trip to 11's and we cycled past Hampton court to view the progress of the time trial start/finish. Still looks liked like a lot to do. At Runnymede the group grew in size to 9.

Off through Old Windsor, Datchet, Eton, Dorney with a brief spell on the Jubilee river before the climb up Berry Hill to Taplow and on past Cliveden then left for the descent of Hedsor hill and into Bourne End and onto Cookham High St and then the climb up Dean lane and Winter hill to the view point over looking Little Marlow.,

From here we took Gibraltar lane and a short off road section with a few rumblings from the rear. On to Quarry Wood road and over Marlow Bridge and left into Pound lane and a short section of the A4155 before entering Harleyford lane and the Thames path and across the massive wooden bridge to Hurley lock, Hurley, where Vic had a disagreement with a motorist. Then the nasty climb up Honey lane and to lunch at the Dew Drop Inn. We sat in the garden and enjoyed nice food and great weather before reluctantly making our way to afternoon tea.

The Dew Drop Inn being situated high meant that we had some very nice descending for a few miles. With a mile or 2 on NCN4 we passed through White Waltham, Touchen-End and onto Windsor and the Sunday crowds by the river. Through Datchet and onto Windsor farm shop for tea. Sitting in the glorious Sunshine with tea and cake it was hard to prise ourselves away for the journey home.

Tony.

St Swithin's Day

West Horsley - Witley - Guildford

 

 Parish Church of All Saints Witley (11th century)

Then (c.1823) and now

Sunday 15th July 2012

On the first completely dry Sunday in living memory, 11 of us left elevenses and took Blakes Lane to East Clandon and climbed Staples Lane. On the descent towards the A25, Dave punctured with a loud bang. He said we should go on without him and that he would catch up and re-join us at lunch, but that alas is the last we saw of him.

From the A249 at Chilworth Station we turned left uphill to Blackheath, then thru Wonersh and Bramley to Thorncombe Street. Here we turned right up the very steep Alldens Hill-only two of us felt the need to dismount and walk. We then took the Hambledon Road to Hydestile and passed Milford Station to reach the White Hart at Witley sharp at 1 p.m.

After lunch we rode South and then South East along the A283 for a couple of miles before turning North East thru’ Hambledon and then North thru’ Hydestile. At Munstead Heath we stopped to admire the two lavatories mounted high on pillars at each side of the entrance to a house designed by Lutyens! We were engaged in lengthy conversation by the owner of a neighbouring house (also designed by Lutyens) who made some highly colourful allegations about his neighbour and regaled us with lengthy stories about his own cycling and mountaineering exploits many years ago. Escaping in mid-sentence, we took Munstead Heath Road, Unstead Lane, Trunley Heath Road and then the main A281 into Guildford. We took tea at Weatherspoons, with many taking advantage of the special offer of a cup of tea and two toasted tea cakes with butter and jam for £1.95.

John Gould

Sunday 8th July (no really!) 2012

Erm..........guess the "deposit" on Jeff's computer.

Sunday July 8

Despite a very wet ride and a discouraging forecast, Andy, Graham, Jeff and Ray (11s only), joined me at Shere for refreshments. The rain had stopped by the time we left but 'waterproofs on' seemed the sensible choice. I used plan B, the most direct route to Rudgwick, which meant the climb out of Shere plus Hound House Road before descending to Ewhurst, after which it was fairly flat via Ellen's Green and Cox Green to the Italian styled King's Head. Jeff and I had a huge pannini each - we did wonder if we would be able to manage Capel church cakes later - but it didn't present a problem. The roads were quite wet with large puddles - some the width of the road.

The weather was fine when we left the pub, but still considered it advisable to use the shortest route to Capel. We returned to Ellen's Green, then along wet, empty roads via Okewood Hill and Weare Street to reach the church at 14.57 - good timing ! Graham's excuse for THREE pieces of cake was he had furthest to go. After a lengthy discussion on the complications of wardening in Scotland, we rode off into the sunshine, having removed waterproofs, only to experience approximately 2 1/2 drops of rain each, returning via Newdigate, Henfold and Dorking. 

Terry

Sunday 1 July 2012

Laleham - Hedgerley - Savill Gardens

 Welcome to Bob McDonald

After lunch at the White Horse Hedgerley

 At lunch - some broke bread at the church. Before tea some broke ranks!

Sunday July 1

Winds easing and sunny....  they said. So when eleven of us emerged from Nottcuts at Laleham we were met with a grey sky and sufficient drizzle to don waterproofs. Fortunately they weren't needed for long and after a gentle run along the Thames we stopped at Staines to remove them. Then out to Wraysbury where we went straight on for a change and through Horton to Colnbrook. After a short detour along Hollow Hill and Billet lanes we rejoined the long straight north through Iver Heath to Pinewood. After a rough descent of Alderbourne Lane we crossed the ford and climbed Hawkswood Lane over the M40. A large hole in St Huberts Lane diverts the cars but there's enough room for bikes. From here we cut through Dukeswood Drive on the edge of Gerrards Cross and into Hedgerley Lane arriving at the White Horse from the north ( unsusually it seemed). Here Daniel joined us after missing us at Laleham. After a good lunch and the usual interesting choice of ales we headed off up Kiln Lane. It was leader's luck rather than planning that our long run down Park and Green Lanes through Burnham Beeches meant we barely noticed that this was our stretch into the wind. And so to Dorney where we took the Jubilee River path emerging across the playing fields of  Eton onto the Datchet road. Then came what can only be described as the Old Windsor roundabout mutiny! Now an amicable discussion at lunch or even a regrouping halt about the proposed tea stop is fair enough but to be abandoned by half your flock in mid roundabout is a bit much. There was muttering about it being two hours home .... and this from a group that had tea in Southwater last week! Still, five of us tackled Crimp Hill without fuss and enjoyed a sunny tea in Savill Gardens,  36 miles from elevenses. Away at 4.30 I was home in Ashtead at 6. The joy of a tailwind!

Sunday 24 June

Punchbowl Lane

I planned an early shower today, rather than a dip in the briny at Shoreham, but my ablutions were  delayed by a real road closure. A massive tree had fallen near the top of Punchbowl Lane south of Dorking. Might have been caused by the shock wave as the North Cheam brigade passed that way earlier in the day on the way to Horsham. I stayed to see the tree dismembered. The lumberjacks said that it was their sixteenth call-out that weekend in Surrey.

Jeff

Sunday 24th June 2012

Not a drop of alcohol in sight

And so our annual trip to the seaside began at a not too early 8.30 but some may of suspected a hard day ahead as I set off like "s**t off a shovel",so much so I dropped poor Stephanie who despite riding to the coast on the previous Wednesday seemed up for another go.

At Givons Grove,Daniel came up along side,a late starter so I couldn't have been that fast........erm.....just saying.

My rendezvous with Pete B at Pixham Lane (south) was a full 12 minutes early so we waited and sure enough he appeared shortly before Graham (coincidence).

With fast legs I set off via Fourwents pond and Capel to Friday Street,Rusper and the newly resurfaced lane (Old Holbrook) that drops down across the A264 into north Horsham and eventually Wetherspoons for breakfast.

Here we were joined by Jenny,Jeff & ........crikey is that Stephanie?

Ridden virtually solo from ECT.

Jenny joined us south but Steph & Jeff turned north.So our route........Sedgewick,Copsale,Maplehurst,Littleworth & Partridge Green.At this point we picked up the B road going through Ashurst to Steyning & Bramber where Steve punctured and was subsequently dropped to be later reunited (by chance) in Shoreham.

As indicated in a previous post,I intended using the Downs Link into the town.This was just about passable but with a couple of miles riding on a stony/bumpy surface.

Lunch was at a convenient café located just a few yards from the beach.

After an hour and bladders emptied we set off home.The highlight was the delightful lane going from Ashurst to Dial Post.

Tea at Southwater as is custom for this kind of trip and a muddy Peddlars Way into Horsham.

A brisk ride from there homeward with computers indicating 15's & 16's.

A cloudy but mild morning with the constant threat of rain but considerably brighter and warmer for the afternoon......low 20's.

Some achieved the magic 100 miles,but for me..........I'm happy to settle for 92 :-)

Sunday 17 June

Cranleigh - Amberley - Tanhouse Farm

 

 Andy can still smile after his tribulations at the hands of British Rail or whatever it is called these days. Was that just a ploy to avoid the tribulations of Bedham Lane? I shan't forget Fittleworth for a long time!

Sunday June 17

Along with about thirty members of the fairly recently formed Dorking Cycling Club, Pete, Ray, Paul and I met at Dorking Sports/Leisure Centre on by far the best day of the week. The DCC departed eastward bound (they tend to do morning rides on Sundays), we four headed south via Coldharbour to elevenses at Cranleigh Sports and Leisure Centre. Here we were soon joined by Graham and Jeff whilst Ray returned home. Continuing south via Knowle Lane and further shady, green, quiet lanes we passed through Tisman's Green, noticed anglers near Drungewick Aqueduct on our route to Wisborough Green. To avoid the wrath of Jeff I chose not to use a roughish track I'd found on recce but instead to tackle the Heights of Fittleworth. It was now a fairly undemanding run to The Sportsman at Amberley via Coldwaltham and Greatham.

The lunch (taken outside) was very adequate and we spent a little time unsuccessfully studying Jeff's vintage OS for nearby airfields from where a light aircraft towing a glider might have come. After lunch we retraced our tyremarks briefly, to be joined by Andy who'd spent much of the morning trying to catch up with us by trains. The return route was less demanding than the morning's, plus we had a little assistance from the wind. After a short stretch of the A283 we turned off to Nutbourne and West Chiltington then via Broadford Bridge, Barns Green, Broadbridge Heath, Warnham and Rusper to fours plus (not plus fours) at Tanhouse Farm - and very welcome they were.

After refreshments I only had a short distance to go home to Dorking - I recorded just under seventy miles - others will have done more.

Terry     

Sunday June 17...

...elevenses will be at Cranleigh Sports/Leisure Centre located at the end of Village Way (south off the B2128, see Surrey Cycle Guide no. 6) and NOT at Cranleigh Notcutts. Hope to see you at Dorking at 0900.

Terry 

10 June 2012

Burnham Beeches - Fingest - Savill Gardens

Many thanks to Irene and her Grey Eminence for a most enjoyable ride. The rain, however, did catch the hindmost before they reached home! I didn't go back to try and find my new Cateye computer which jumped ship in the Ashford area.

Sunday 10th June 2012

How lucky we were. After the terrible weather forecasts all week we got away with a beautiful day's ride.

Graham met five plucky souls at Kingston Bridge and led them past sixteen muzzled greyhounds in Stanwell and onto Colnbrook where Pam and I were waiting. When we got to Burnham Beeches, Bob, Tony and Dave were already there. After tea and bacon butties nine continued to Fingest in the beautiful Chilterns via Bourne End, Cookham and Marlow. After lunch in The Chequers we returned to Hambledon Mill (lovely setting) for afternoon tea and cakes at Savill Gardens.

I think a good day was had by all; some had never been to this part of the country, but it did make it a very long day (85 miles from Kingston) for anyone living in Epsom and Tadworth areas. Just to say "Tartan socks was greatly missed!!" Thanks to one and all for making it a great day. Don’t know how many calories I used up or how many hills I climbed but it doesn’t matter so long as I didn’t blow. I live to fight another day. 

Post lunch at The New Leathern Bottle

Happy faces due to at least two of the following:

(1) Main courses two for price of one.

(2) Thatchers cider.

(3) John doesn't realise he has a puncture.

(4) The afternoon rain hasn't yet started.

Sunday 3rd June 2012

On a depressing day of non-stop drizzle and rain I arrived at Kingston Bridge fully expecting to be able to turn round and go home again because no-one else would be so stupid as to voluntarily cycle all day in such awful weather. But Steph, Ed and Paul were there and raring to go; and at elevenses at Fairoaks we were joined by four additional nutters riders, namely Pam, Jeff, Terry and Vic.

Avoiding Central Chobham (closed for a Jubilee parade), we proceeded through Windlesham and crossed the A30. We took Coronation Road to South Ascot and on to Ascot High Street. Then through back roads and a short path to emerge into the car park of North Ascot Library. Ignoring Jeff’s complaints, we cycled half mile or so off-road (Sandy Lane) to Winkfield Row. From here it was only about three miles through delightful unspoilt countryside to lunch at the Leathern Bottle at Jealott’s Hill. We were joined at lunch by Lisa who had come by car (eminently sensible given the weather conditions) from nearby Maidenhead.

At lunch most of us found a partner to share the bargain “two lunches for the price of one” offer and the staff went out of their way to be friendly and helpful. We emerged just after 2 pm to find that the drizzle had been replaced by heavy rain.

It is now becoming an established tradition that I have a puncture each time I lead a ride; and today was no exception. Just as I was about to lead the party out of the pub car-park, Lisa pointed out that I had a flat back tyre so we were delayed at least 15 minutes for a change of inner tube in the pouring rain. The cause of the puncture, a sharp stone sticking into and out of the tyre, was immediately obvious. Jeff’s comment: “What else do you expect if you take us off-road?”

The first half of the return journey should have been straightforward being straight on all the way along the A330 and B3034 Lovell Lane to Sunninghill Road. But, looking at the map, I now realise that at Winkfield I must have mistakenly taken a left fork along the B3022 towards Windsor, and this added an extra mile or two to our journey. However, we eventually regained the Sunninghill Road and went through Sunninghill and Wentworth to Virginia Water and Chertsey. At Shepperton we were all so wet that we unanimously agreed to skip tea and make for home.

John Gould

Sunday 27th May 2012

The definitive list.

I counted 17 at 11's (Vineries) including new face Jenny from Putney,formally a Oxford CTC member.

Ed led 13 to lunch over the North Downs,down Coombe Bottom,through Shere & Peaslake to Ewhurst.

A short drink then Ellens Green,Rudgwick to The Blue Ship at The Haven.

Not too busy,pint of orange squash......£1.30.

After photo calls it was time to leave...............but I managed to get the dates wrong at Capel so confident North Holmwood would be open,we rode on.

Awwww gawd......wrong again.......they don't start until 10th June (postponed until 17th June).

So Dorking Halls it was for some.......Denbies for others.

A very warm day with virtually cloudless skies.

49 miles (from Ewell).

Effingham - The Haven - Dorking

Put in our place by a strong woman

Lunch at the Blue Ship

Tea? To err is human; to forgive divine

Weather was hot with five riders at the North Cheam start. Andy gives me the easy rides but with the temperature reading 32 degrees I began to wonder. I took a back street route to meet up with another twelve at the Vineries. Then off we set uphill and downhill to Coombe Bottom, Shere, Ewhurst, Ellens Green, Rudgwick and the Haven.

After a quiet lunch we retraced our way via Bucks Green, Cox Green and Okewood to Capel Church, which was closed. Next venue  North Holmwood Church which was closed. Tea for some was at Dorking Halls and at Denbies for others.

Being hot the group was sedate with the odd burst from Pam downhill. I had to make a stop at Leatherhead Wetherspoons before returning home. Distance for me was 65 miles; for Pam, Vic, Richard, Tony, John and Paul it may have been 80 miles or more. Thanks for coming out.

Leader Ed

Recce of Downs Link (Shoreham)

Two-tier cycle racks at Horsham station.

Just after leaving Bramber.

The River Adur.

If there was any doubt this used to be a railway line.................

Shoreham Beach.

Looking North with Lancing College on the horizon.

I plan to use this as part of a forthcoming ride to Shoreham on Sea.

The last train to use this route was the 21.28 Brighton to Horsham (via Shoreham) on Sunday 6th March 1966.

Read more here

:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steyning_Line

Olympic Road Race Boxhill update

Some may already know that on Tuesday 29th May,LOCOG release tickets for Boxhill spectator viewing.

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/news/article/ticket-prices-revealed-for-box-hill-area-of-olympic-road-race-33950/

Here is a map of the arrangements for the area.

http://www.london2012.com/mm/Document/Documents/Venue/01/24/20/94/VENUEBXHCycleRoadRace_Neutral.pdf

Also for those planning to cycle/walk to Boxhill.

http://www.london2012.com/mm/Document/Documents/Venue/01/24/06/79/travel-to-box-hill-o_Neutral.pdf

The National Trust has Q's & A's here:

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/local-to-you/london-and-south-east/view-page/item718550/


Alternatively,you may want to see the race from Denbies where a bike fest is taking place.

http://road.cc/content/news/57742-surrey-hills-road-race-festival-announced-olympic-road-race-weekend-27-29-july

Sunday 20th May 2012

The Beehive,White Waltham.





Dave led 10 riders from Windsor Farm Shop via Eton and the towpath to Dorney.
West to Bray to arrive (less Alan) at White Waltham (12.15).
Bob joined us after suffering a puncture in Windsor................but it was 1.30 and no time to waste so we hit the road.
Maidens Green,Winkfield,Cheapside & Virginia Water to tea at Lyne.

A rather cool cloudy day,courtesy of a fresh northerly wind.

Great Cockcrow Railway (tea stop).

South West Trains & Southern have released special timetables for 28/29 July for Olympic Road Races.

There will be 6 trains an hour from London stopping at WestHumble station between 8.53am and late afternoon.........53"10"14"23"40"44".

All London bound passengers may have to travel via Dorking to return home.

There will be NO bikes carried other than folders on both days.

Special Timetable - Box Hill & Westhumble - Saturday 28th July & Sunday 29th July

Box Hill & Westhumble, London Victoria, London Waterloo, Vauxhall, Clapham Junction, Balham, Mitcham Eastfields, Mitcham Junction, Hackbridge, Carshalton, West Croydon, Waddon, Wallington, Carshalton Beeches, Sutton, Cheam, Earlsfield, Wimbledon, Raynes Park, Motspur Park, Worcester Park, Stoneleigh, Ewell East, Ewell West, Epsom, Ashtead, Leatherhead, Dorking, Holmwood, Ockley, Warnham, Horsham

(856.26kb) Download as PDF

Keith Rook Update

Barry Togood informs that Keith has broken his arm see KPRC blog for more details.

Sunday, 13 May 2012

Hookwood - Maplehurst - Tanhurst Farm

On Sunday morning freak weather revealed a bright yellow orb in a blue sky. This frightened the natives who were reluctant to venture out. However, Ed was relaxing by the pond at Walton on the Hill and watching the wildfowl mating, or trying to. Three riders (Dave, Ed and Matt) made it undaunted to the pond, before heading downhill towards the temple of the sun god Tesco at Hookwood. On the way we lost one and found one. When Terry arrived we were just four in number for elevenses. On the way out we lost Matt, who succumbed to temptation and went back in to examine the vfm of Tesco cycle helmets. Thus it was four musketeers who shot off south heading via Charlwood, Ifield, Colgate, Pen Ponds and Lower Beeding to our lunch time target of the White Horse in Maplehurst.

On an earlier visit I had been the solitary customer, but this time the bar was fairly busy, with East Surrey and Croydon CTC having settled in before us. After a sandwich and a locally brewed cider for Terry, we resumed our circuit, still in fitful sunshine, via Copsale and Horsham to an unplanned tea-stop at Tanhurst Farm. Here we were joined by our Chairman Colin, surprised to see us as we were programmed to be at Brockham. After a leisurely tea, we struck a leisurely cadence to find our way to the gas works at Pixham and the parting of our ways, with 60 miles untouched by a single raindrop.

Jeff

Sunday 6th May 2012

Yep.........we're into May and the birds are singing,there's rapeseed in the fields,bluebells in the woods & the days are getting longer,but.......sadly today feels more like February.

Daniel & Steff joined me from a new start venue at Banstead M & S which was open at 9am.

If it wasn't raining............. it was due to anytime soon but not enough to cape up.............for now at least.

We left Godstone in light drizzle by now our numbers had risen to 5 (Jeff & Graham).

Steff peeled off approaching Lingfield,we continued to arrive at Cowden but were soon to continue to Edenbridge on account of a "shooting party" taking over The Fountain..........damn!

It was roasts all round bar a certain individual.

The highlight of the day was finding a new tea stop in Godstone where a steaming cup of hot tea is just 90p.So welcome on this the most miserable of days.

Sunday 6 May 2012

Godstone - Cowden - Edenbridge - Godstone

 

This is the sign we like to see.

 

Pub hopping for lunch

The saloon at the Fountain Cowden was full of gun-slingers.

We took the hint and looked elsewhere

 Godstone Green Tea Rooms

Definitely one to add to the CTC Handbook - Oh, Sorry!

Forgot we don't have one any longer. Well, it's now on OUR database!