Trenchermen Take Note!

I'm instructed to provide you with this Sunday's menu and a little of the pub's history. I'll be leading from Kingston Bridge to Colnbrook where a familiar face or two will be lurking in the bus shelter at the far end of the High Street.

Saturday 30 March 2013

Despite incidents at Caen Hill, Farleigh Hungerford and Penleigh, we covered most of the planned ride - a modest and very chilly 45 miles. Praise to Daniel and Paul for getting to Imber when the rest of us headed for the warmth of the hotel. After reliving childhood memories, Irene and I used the farm track between Westbury and Bratton thus avoiding (most of) the B3098 which everyone else took.

 

Easter Sunday Night

The end of 2013 le tour de Vizes turned out to be free drinks in the pub. The Landlord was celebrating 5 years as publican & the first drink was free! Daniel took a shine to the bar staff one of whom took a shine to my hat. Saffy the dog took a shine both to Jen & me! Guess what it was a bitch and recognised tallent when it saw it!

Dinner on Tour de Vizes

A resounding thanks to Ann & Steve for yet another great Easter Tour. It was good to have Peter Southworth join us from South Bucks CTC & you are invited again next year! Dinner was taken on Friday & Sunday night at the Castle Hotel.

Devizes & Bradford on Avon

More from the Easter Tour

Easter Tour Devizes

Some highlights from 2013 tour. Familiar white horse, Devizes to Westminster canoe marathon, Daniel inspecting monument & "The 3 Musketeers"

C&M Sunday Ride - Easter Sunday - End of Lent

Boulter's Lock - Hedgerley - Walton-on-T

An auspicious day. Clocks put forward one hour to give us more evening light; Easter Sunday and early traffic on the roads to Kingston Bridge was light; despite a crisp frost, the roads were dry and mostly ice-free; for those who had just spent forty days in the wilderness, today marked the end of a self-imposed Lenten fast. So it was that three ladies and five gentlemen (let’s give Simon the benefit of the doubt) converged on Kingston Bridge. Has the word ‘lady’ really become a term of offence and disrespect to the female of the species? So I was informed this week on Woman’s Hour.

 

Notwithstanding, all happily followed Dave’s lead across the sun-lit Thames towards our Thames-side mid-morning destination at Boulter’s Lock near Maidenhead. With the river as our guide and the altimeter firmly stuck at sea-level, there was barely a ripple in the road surface to slow our progress through Sunbury and past Shepperton Studios to Staines, Runnymede, Windsor, Eton Wick, Dorney and the Fat Duck at Bray. Somehow, Dave managed to steer us across the Bath Road without our noticing to a well-earned bev and bun at Jenner’s Riverside Café by Boulter’s Lock. Here we were joined by a bemused foursome who, for some reason, had been waiting for us at Boulter’s Lock Café. How could there have been any doubt?

Refuelled, we left a swollen Thames for the gentle climb into Taplow, turned East just short of Cliveden to enjoy the narrow lanes of Littleworth before a short circuit along the A355 and beside the M4 took us up and down to Hedgerley and the whinny of the White Horse.

With a good choice of sandwiches and a bewildering selection of beers for those so inclined (my choice was a very tasty Churchill’s Pluck), we were soon being gently roasted by the volcanic heaters beside our table in the tented extension. By the end of the meal there was more lycra on the floor than on our shoulders, as well as the spleen we had vented on such objects of our discontent as our unworthy inheritors of the ‘rotten boroughs’ and in particular the dimwits now devaluing the BBC. How far down can dumbing-down go? Much further still it would seem.

What better therapy for discontent that the steep climb out of Hedgerley and then the mostly downhill glide through Fulmer, past Pinewood Studios, Shredding Green, Poyle, Stanwell, Ashford and Charlton back to the banks of the Thames at Walton. With the Garden Centre at Upper Halliford already shuttered, we took what cheer we could at Dino’s amid the building works of the reincarnated Walton Bridge. Our thanks to Dave for taking advantage of the extra hour of daylight and giving us an excellent and what for some may have been the longest ride of the year, my Cateye reading 83 miles.

Jeff

BST GMT

Don't forget that the clocks go forward one hour at 1am this Sunday morning. If you are out for a ride, don't get left standing on Kingston Bridge and  wonder where everybody is. The Royal Museum Greenwich has some QI facts.

Jeff

24 March 2013

 North Easterly Bites at Ockham

What is that bird on Terry's shoulder?

Vic and Terry sit it out in the hothouse at Ockham Bites, after Alan, Irene, Pam and Graham beat a tactical withdrawal.

On getting home, Jeff discovers his front mech iced up; explains why it was a bit sluggish. On the way out, the rims iced up.

Sunday 24 March 2013

There was snow on 'them thar hills' (Box and Ranmore) and in the air when I left home this morning. By the time I reached Ockham Bites and joined Irene, Pam, Alan and Graham sheltering indoors it was fine but cold. Soon Vic and Jeff arrived and after refreshments, chat and destination discussion it was decided to return home. Meanwhile the Bites had become a meeting place for large dog owners (ie owners of large dogs), most numerous being Alsatians, Labradors and Husky/Husky variants. Snow was still falling gently south of Leatherhead on return.

I checked out part of my proposed route last Thursday and found one road being resurfaced (not before time, there was also a water main to be repaired but we could have squozen by) but the wallows on the  Drove Road leading to Newlands Corner were almost impassable due to mud, certainly not rideable. I stopped to clear mud from mudguards etc and one three year old walking by with her Mum wondered if my chain had broken.

My last lead on January 20 was also 'snowed off'' - I am next scheduled to lead in June - perhaps the weather will be a little more seasonal ?  

Terry

Sunday, 17 March

Banstead - Westerham - Home

No problem, Andy, and you have our sympathy. How on earth do you make yourself sleep if it doesn't just happen?  Any contact between pillow and head knocks me senseless. Same with a cushion on the sofa and the television; a real Micky Finn. I wish I could give you some of my sleep! It was very thoughtful of you to let us know. Given today's weather, you may well have been guided to the right decision.

A fabulous five gathered outside the shuttered M&S in Banstead High Street: Helene, Steph, Geoffrey, Jeff and Paul. A hastily formed coalition rapidly failed to come to a decision about how we might best navigate our way to Westerham. Steph forced the issue by getting into the saddle and cycling off. We duly followed her lead to Coulsdon, Farthing Down, Chaldon and Caterham on the Hill, at which point Jeff took control of the compass. Having passed St Trinian's at Woldingham, his choice of Haliloo Valley Road was not greeted with universal joy (hullabaloo rather), by those with greyhound rather than granny gears, for whom a chevron does not arouse the same degree of excitement. He therefore had to maintain a safe distance along Croydon Road to Botley Hill. At this point, gravity took control and the ladies showed their mettle by sweeping ahead in a cloud of spray and showing their tails all the way into Westerham, before stopping outside the Tudor Café, beneath the glowering stare of Churchill's statue on Westerham Green.

Here we found a welcoming party of Ian and Richard, with whom we shared a cocktail of peppermint tea, hot chocolate, tea and black coffee to wash down toasted tea cakes and bacon sandwiches. After chat and banter, a combination of cold, damp and common sense fostered a consensus that home might be a more sensible destination than the Old House at Home in Dormansland. So it was, and each then chose his favoured route to home and hearth. Rain came and went without relent all the way to the steaming hot shower and comforting noggin in front of the sputtering fire. A truncated ride gave a truncated mileage of 43 miles. I didn't even have the opportunity to unsheath the camera, but our decision to retrench was right.

Jeff

Insomnia & me

I have some explaining to do.
Last night I didn't sleep a wink.....literally.Not an hour,minute or second.
For that reason,I was unable to lead the ride today and pretty much explains my lengthy absence on and off since 2008.
It has taken control of my life and I together with the medical profession are struggling with solutions.
I apologize to the riders who were out to support me today.

Andy.

Capel Teas 2013

Thanks to Terry, we now know the dates:

Mar 10 and 31; Apr 1; May 5, 6, 26 and 27; July 7; Aug 4, 25, 26; Sep 15; Oct 6 and 27; Nov 17

Sunday, March 10

 West Clandon - Puttenham - Ockham

 The heights of Guildford

The Pilgrims' Progress

Sunday March 10 2013

To keep them guessing it was Sandown, Brooklands, then West Byfleet, Send and the long drag up to West Clandon's garden centre.

Not many miles separated us from lunch so eight were shown the undulating hills of Guildford with views of cathedral and castle. Close to Shalford I was lambasted for sticking to the road rather than a footpath (which incidentally ends with a flight of steps) - you can't win them all! After Charterhouse, the A3 marked the start of countryside but all too soon we were in Puttenham. As we arrived, Mike Fricker paused to say hello. Fortunately the mums of Puttenham dine late at the Good Intent and we squeezed in somehow.


The temperature had dropped and occasional somethings fluttered on the rising breeze. A direct route home was the answer but the NDW to Watts proved sticky, and the Hogback's track into Guildford watery. Now only the A3 cyclepath separated a remaining five from hot drinks at Ockham Bites - we were the only customers. A day for many layers and two pairs of gloves; even this proved inadequate and I was pleased to be home after 60 miles.

Hilly 50 Saturday 9 March 2013

Well done Ed & Graham for yet another great event. Graham advises that there were 104 signed on at start plus 4 latecomers. Despite the forecast the weather was not too bad and thanks very much to Ray Dare (& others?) for checking the course on Friday when the weather was not so kind. I am reliably informed that Ray was so soaked that he had to get in the bath and get warmed up before extricating himself from his clothes. Thanks also to Irene, Jake & Terry for helping out at the signing on. There were ques of riders at 9.30 and we were almost over-run but thanks to all riders for being so patient! I have to say Graham despite your apprehension that the numbers might be down you obviously did a fantastic job in getting the message out! Definitely an event to try and continue with so I hope you can stand the pace for another year. Thanks must also go to Ed for marshaling at Leith Hill, it was a cold and long job. Good also to see Mick Ayeliff at the top of white down and thanks for the shove just what the Dr. ordered! Great to see so many racing clubs take part particularly De Laun who if we had a puncture reward would certainly have won. I think I saw Geraldine more that 4 times as Merik and she passed me only to be overtaken again and again. Good also to see Amanda (KPRC) on new CUBE bike 1st time out & Stewart but alas they were not on the hilly 50. Pity there were not more KPRC riders supporting this CTCSWL event as they are the racing offshoot!

Hilly 50K

This was grey and overcast but far better than yesterday's torrents. It never ceases to amaze me that people look forward to our event each year. So perhaps I should not have been surprised when over 100 turned up (plus four latecomers who appeared as we were packing up). With Ed, Irene, Jake, Mike and Terry on hand, all were quickly signed in and sent on their way. Thankfully the road works encountered on Tuesday were gone so 1:47 was the time of the first one back. I'll have to believe him as we were still at the bottom of Box Hill!

Thanks also to Ray for his re-survey of the route on Friday.  

Sunday, 3 March 2013

Hookwood - Cowden - Godstone

Sunday 3rd March 2013

I can't say I'm keen on the A217 as a road for cyclists but today I decided on a direct route to Hookwood and this road serves that purpose.
I left the tea hut (Epsom Downs) at pretty much dead on 9.15am but this was a BIG mistake.
In a matter of seconds I was surrounded by folk coming in all directions who had read the runs list "Meet at 9.15" as precisely that......not leave at  9.15am.
Apologies to those concerned including Janice & Daniel who arrived moments after we had left.

This Tesco now serves Costa coffee.........unfortunately at Costa prices.
Leaving Bob and an unshaven Ray,Graham & Daniel we made for Smallfield and Lingfield to lunch at Cowden's "Fountain".
After half a cider made by Badger I think,it was a short hop to tea at Godstone having a quick look at the"Crowhurst Yew" on the way.
The following is a piece written by Clive Aslet of The Telegraph:

I understand why our pagan ancestors worshipped trees. Last week, I made a pilgrimage to the Crowhurst Yew, in the churchyard of that Surrey village. I had visited it before, but this time, having formed the idea that the BBC needs a documentary about trees, I was with a film crew, and the constant need to pause and retake because of passing planes and traffic allowed me to deepen my acquaintance.

Yews grow wild in Surrey and this one certainly predates the 12th-century church, perhaps by several thousand years. It is difficult to date ancient trees because the trunks, as with this one, are generally hollow; carbon dating cannot be applied because the tissue is still living. But the accepted wisdom is that this tree is about 4,000 years old.

Like other very old beings, the yew is in need of a little support, and rests its limbs on wooden supports. But it still puts forth a great bush of green. The experience of walking inside it, though, is astonishing. With all the soft wood worn away, the walls look as though they are part of a grotto, formed by lava that has solidified.

Even in Charles I’s reign, the girth measured 10 yards; 400 years later, it is a few feet bigger still. At some point, somebody put a door in it; that was presumably before another fissure opened up in the trunk, allowing you to step through without using the door. I suspect the local publican; he was charged with looking after the tree. Perhaps he also installed the table and chairs that it was supposed to have contained at one point. In 1820, a cannonball was found in the trunk: the tree had absorbed it presumably during the Civil War, and carried on.

I am told that yews can sprout again, long after they have been turned into beams and built into houses. Not surprisingly, they became symbols of regeneration, as well, in the Christian context, as resurrection. They are an appropriate accompaniment to churches. I would only note that, if you happen to be sitting on an iron bench on a bright but biting day, it can be awfully cold underneath one. 


A mostly cloudy day with occasional glimpses of sun.
Mileage around 50,I parted company with my computer sometime after tea :-(

Sunday, 24 February

  High Elms - Heaverham - Downe

 Carshalton War Memorial refurbished

 

Assembly point Carshalton Ponds, so it must be Kent. The ponds were not frozen, so it can’t have been too cold. However, the cocktail of Kent and a north-easterly wind chill deterred all but the most determined. Richard thus had two penitent Canterbury pilgrims to follow his lead and chastise the flesh.

Within a few hundred yards, Richard had abandoned the main road and wove an intricate route through parks, cycle tracks and quiet roads to the sleepy hamlet that is Croydon. We then rejoined the combustion engine through West Wickham and Jackass Lane to our coffee stop at High Elms, with Richard reluctantly escorted away from the Golf Club to the Country Park, where Bob awaited us. The pond was frozen over, but the smiles from staff were warm and welcoming. After a natter with Bob we set off to embrace some Kentish hillocks and occasional flurries of snow via Shoreham, Otford and Kemsing to the modest yet impressive 15 century Chequers Inn at Heaverham.

Outside, the dripping tap was a three foot icicle; inside were roaring log fires, briefly steamed up spectacles and a warm welcome. No sooner had we settled than I was approached by an elderly stranger, asking if I were Graham Hill. It seems he has been in contact with our Secretary and is keen to join us. However, at present he lacks a bicycle. He had come from Wandsworth, I am not sure whether by car or train. On the hour we departed and passed through Otford and Twitton, where Richard introduced us to a novel route partly along an abandoned road to the top of Polhill. After Knockholt Pound, our leader found another couple of chevrons to keep us warm before tea and bread pudding in Downe.

Then it was all downhill, well nearly, to West Wickham where we said farewell to our leader and made our way home in fading light, with for me some 60 miles on the clock and for Paul I would think quite a few more. Our thanks to Richard for a bracing day on the bike!

Jeff

Sunday, 17 February

Wheatsheaf Bagshot

No time for dawdling as Dave makes an early start after early lunch

Sunday February 17 2013

Before the route departs our collective memories...

This was easily the best Sunday of the year though it started chilly. That was soon rectified as Dave set off at a spirited pace. So it was Hampton Court, Hersham, Walton and along Walton Lane after an updated view of the bridge. From Addlestone a long climb to Longcross and beyond led onto a gentle descent into Windlesham and finally to Notcutts, Bagshot.

Most of the assembled dozen ground a way up the A30 to the Jolly Farmer (as was) where thankfully we parted left. Plunging into terra incognita for me, Heatherside, we were not long among sylvan surroundings before a familiar landmark appeared  - the home of darts, Lakeside. A change of venue meant we reached the Old Wheatsheaf Frimley just after twelve! Despite soup cold and salty, we dined alfresco; in time to be joined by three laggards.

The way back was via Pirbright, West End, Burrowhill and Ottershaw for a leisurely tea in Cafe 2 Addlestone - around 55 miles door-to-door.

Sunday, 10 February

Bocketts Farm - Ifield - Home

The highlight of the ride was the log fire, well tended by the landlord of The Gate, though still not able to dry out some sodden gloves. Reluctantly abandoning the hearth, we don oilskins before taking to the waters to head for home.

Sunday February 10 2013

Had I been less responsible I might have stayed in bed for the rain it was relentless. So it was something of a surprise that we numbered eight at Bocketts - in truth seven as Dave was headed home. Our outward route went via Gadbrook Lane, Norwood Hill (where Richard call it a day) and Charlwood. Prestwood Lane is demonstrably not a priority for West Sussex's highway department. Soon we were huddling beside an open fire in the Gate with all clothing which could be decently removed steaming gently on the available radiators.

With dipping temperatures the unanimous vote was for home so after Parkgate and Pixham Lane we went our various ways. No cars at the stepping stones, no bikes at Rykas so perhaps no surprise when the A24 cycle path bow waves went over the tops of my boots. It could have been worse; snow flurries as I climbed into bed.

Annual Lunch - 3 February

 A Few Words of Thanks

Steve celebrated his return to Blighty the previous evening by leading a chain gang from North Cheam around Richmond Park, before taking them to his home for Ann to take over the baton and offer coffee, cake and tasty morsels, accompanied with a splendid variety of home made juniper and vodka  cocktails to warm the cockles and sharpen the appetite.

With our cheeks flushed and our speech already slightly slurred, the cycling congregation was gently shepherded to the venue for our Sunday Service at the altar of the Angel, Long Ditton. Early arrivals were already occupying pews in the Saloon Bar, while the new arrivals soon sought out the Doom Bar. Shirley Quemby entertained us with some fascinating Patterson prints and images of the Angel and its history. All too soon it seemed, we were summoned to table to be smilingly served an excellent lunch, which was hopefully enjoyed by all. I heard no complaint. We must thank Steve for organising this annual beanfeast, and all the staff of the Angel for serving us so well. It was all over so soon that I am already impatient for next year. Steve, you have got the job!

Many thanks to everyone for coming and making it so enjoyable an occasion

Long live the Cheam & Morden!

Jeff

Sunday, 27 January

Apostrophic confusion

 

Waiting for the late arrivals

On a mostly dry day, a dozen of us turned out for breakfast at a new venue, the Ladybird Cafe in Guildford Street, Chertsey, and it seemed to meet general approval.

Since lunch was less than 12 miles away by the direct route, we took a long traffic-free detour thru the Wentworth Estate, Blacknest and Windsor Park, exiting the latter via the Guard's Polo ground, Wick Road, and Blay's Green. Our lunch stop was the Rose & Olive Branch at Callow Hill, where a table for 10 was already laid out for us. Initially only 8 of the places were occupied, but we were later joined by Daniel. His story was that, on finding it raining when he originally woke up, he had decided not to join our ride. Having gone back to sleep, he woke up some hours later to find non-stop sunshine and decided to join us after all.

We returned via Egham and Chertsey, but at the latter decided to skip tea and make for home. I punctured at Lower Sunbury (piece of coloured glass) and took the train home from Sunbury station. My record is now as follows:

Number of C&M rides as leader:5
Number of rides as leader in which I have punctured:3
Total Number of punctures while leading C&M rides:4

Incidentally:
Q: why can't my bicycle stand by itself ?
A: because it is two-tyred!

John

Sunday, 13 January 2013

Horsell

The KPRC drop in for 11's at Squires West Horsley

Sunday January 13 2013

Leaving Andy, Bob, Steve and Ann and a KPRC contingent in the warmth, eight rode out from Squires West Horsley and down into Ripley. From here we "main roaded" (Newark Lane, Pyrford Common Road, Monument Road) into Woking. Then it is left at the giant roundabout down Woodham Road to Cheapside Horsell for lunch at “The Plough” where Daniel arrived belatedly to enjoy a belated roast dinner and pudding. The restart was in brilliant sunshine and we joined the Basingstoke Canal in the middle of Woking. At West Byfleet, we split into two groups, one heading for Ockham Bites, the other for Addlestone where Ed and myself has a warming drink in the Golden Café.

The weather had been better than expected but very cold. Thanks to one and all for an enjoyable day.

Sunday, 6 January 2013

Henfold - Rusper - Denbies

Apologies for the self-promotion, but I couldn't resist it.

 Double figures met at Henfold Lakes for the first bacon sandwich of 2013 - there goes one New Year resolution. What happened to Pam and Irene? One of our number, Matt, had other fish to fry, so then there were 9 for the ride to Rusper. This was just 3 miles as the crow flies. Expectations of an early lunch were dashed, however, as the crow had other ideas.  Our feathered friend led us a merry dance via Newdigate, Charlwood, Ifield Green and Lamb’s Green. We then savoured some newly spread tarmac at Wimlands, before settling just before 1pm on our imposing lunch-time perch at the Plough and Attic Rooms in Rusper.

We were warmly welcomed and shown to a fine, oak-beamed Attic Room, set up for a baronial feast. I did rather lack my former embonpoint to adequately fill the baronial chair. Food and beer (Rudolph) were good with nobody impatient to leave. When we did set off, it really was an ‘as the crow flies’ scamper for a leisurely tea and cake at Denbies, before taking advantage of some remaining daylight to find our separate ways home.

My number of the day, to parrot Jeff Randall, was 0. That represents the number of raindrops that fell to dampen our enthusiasm during the day. Good to see you all and goodnight.

Jeff

New Year's Day

Spring Tavern, Ewell to Richmond Park

The first ride of the New Year

 

 

 

New Year's Day was a glorious exception to the recent weather; scarcely a cloud in the sky. Some were there by 1015 but Ed's merry band didn't reach the Roehampton cafe for another hour. They came a traditional way through New Malden and along Warren Road to Ladderstile Gate. With all the comings and goings the restart was chaotic; most spotted me heading towards Richmond but apologies to anyone left behind. Richmond Park were crowded as never before on these rides and our Staines rider was in waspish voice on the path between Pen Ponds and Ham. This year's tour of RBK took in HMP Latchmere House (vacant), St Luke's church (high), and Woodies (free house). Perchance our favourite Kiwi was lurking in the A3 underpass. After that the route was (more or less) as last year : Malden Manor omitting the offroad section of Royal Avenue by ‘popular demand’, Ruxley Lane and Pams Way. Three or four made their separate ways to Ed’s but there were never more than a dozen of us. A shame as there were mountains of food, too much even for our trencherman so thanks again Ed (with a large helping hand from Maureen).

Graham

30 December 2012

Hookwood - Newchapel - Fanny's

Epsom's Tea Hut was a first for me meaning I missed the start! Apparently we all passed through Tadworth, down Pebblecombe, and into Betchworth. Here I diverged taking in the festively dressed teddies of Lonesome Lane before catching up with the other post Xmas revellers in Tesco Hookwood.

The rump of the ride at Fanny's

  Donning a pilot's cap, I steered a course through Horley's shopping precinct, under the railway and into the countryside beyond. With a brisk westerly we were soon at the Bones Lane turn and shortly afterwards reached the Blacksmiths Head where a sign of times: our eight = two-thirds of the customers. Many settled for bar snacks: fatty and/or starchy like melted cheese on toast. The way back was Horne, Outwood and Bletchingley (easier on the legs than Tilburstow is my excuse). Rockshaw for our trimmest and fittest three, Merstham for our three tortoises was the prelude to a rendezvous at Fanny's. The recent rains were much in evidence but the day itself was dry with perhaps a hint of sun in the morning; 60 miles door to door.

Graham

Richmond Park 1st Jan 2013

Well done Ed for the traditional C&M ride today. A good bunch was gathered at the Spring Ewell at 10am here seen completely blocking the Bus Stop. We proceeded to Richmond Park via Motspur Park and Laddersyle Gate some how or other losing big Niel & Cliff en route! Hope you are both OK?
On a more unusual note I was intrigued by the sign in the "Gents" at Cafe. Maybe its self evident but it did not seem to take into account the amount of energy put into opening and closing the door in the first place! Are we going too far in our attempts to save energy while forgetting that a small tree had to be cut down to print the notice etc. etc.?