A visit to Camden Lock

Having seen seen the article on BBC News on Saturday morning I decided to to take a trip along the Regents Canal from the Olympic Stadium. It is a route that Bob Stairey showed me some time ago but beforehand I visted a church with a depiction by an artist of the origins of man by Leonardo a replica of what you can aparently see in the Cistene Chapel in Rome!

This is a telephoto shot of the emptied lock exposing the floor with its brickwork completely intack!

At the lock I came across some peculiar sights!

While journeying alon the canal I came across these figures by a barge which regretably had been disfigured by yellow paint. In all I biked 67 miles B4 returning home. Not that it would be a mystery anymore I would be happy to conduct a ride next year to the church if anyone is interested?

Sunday, 17th November

Gomshall - Okewood Hill - Capel

Tellings at Gomshall

Some of the C&M at 11s

Our mid-morning watering hole at Gomshall was close to the flows of the Tilling Bourne and the A25, at a venue new to me called Tillings. Until recently it was a Thai restaurant, before that a pub called the Black Horse and before that please let me know. Generously tabled, nearly all were occupied and the spacious room was buzzing with a surprising number of people out for Sunday morning coffee. How does it attract such numbers? Breakfast portions were generous, with prices to match. The cake looked super-scrumptious, but remained intact. However, with the numbers to serve, service, while attentive, was not of the fastest.

Ed with his Trophy

With lunch just a hop away we dallied over elevenses and did not saddle up until gone 11.30, some for lunch and some for home. Our route from Shere was simple, due south up Sandy Lane and Hound House Rd to cross Winterfold Forest, down to Ewhurst and a sprightly pace along Horsham Rd and Froggetts Lane to Okewood Hill and the Punchbowl Inn. We were expected, with a comfortable corner of the Public Bar set aside for us. In great contrast to the previous Sunday at the unwelcoming Holmbush Inn at Faygate, our welcome was warm, the food and beer good. Special mention must be made of the excellent Badger ‘Hopeful Hop’. Here too we dallied, with ample time to digest our lunch, refresh our glasses and discuss with those with local knowledge the authentic name for Okewood Hill, Oakwood Hill or Oakwoodhill.. The road signs are not in harmony and the judgment of our friendly hostess was countermanded by the sign above the bar.  She claimed that ‘oke was a rivulet, though I can find no authority to confirm her belief.  It seems to be a Middle English form of ‘oak’.

Capel - I think I must scrap that camera!

With Capel Church close enough for us to hear the bells summon the faithful to tea and cakes at 3pm, we made another late departure, to arrive at Capel in good time tor the final cakefest of the year. Having taken our last rites, with dusk fast approaching, one by one we look our leave for home, most I imagine arriving on their thresholds in the dark and recording a late autumn mileage total of some 50 miles. We did do some cycling. The ladies of Capel are next due to regale us on Mothering Sunday, 30^th March 2014.

Jeff

Sunday 10th November 2013

Fifty minutes is all it took to get to Bromley (Waitrose) where Bob was enjoying his (free) pot of tea.
We were probably away well before 11am which at this time of year is a good idea.
I continued east,through Jubilee Park where some careful navigating was required,the intention being to reach the lanes going toward Hextable.
This involved climbing three sets of steps going over a junction of  railway lines between London and Chatham/Tonbridge.
After the last set it was mucky to say the least (this was part of the London Loop) but we soon emerged into a valley going toward Tongs Farm.
Just after the pleasant Swanley village,under the M25 to South Darenth and Horton Kirby,our lunch stop.
At 12.50pm we parked our bikes and headed into The Bull where Keith,Ed & Jeff dined.
Richard,Paul and myself sat outside enjoying the bright sunshine and views down the Darenth valley.
After new roads for most all morning,we returned via Eynsford and Lullingstone Park Visitors Centre,climbing the only real hill of the day to freewheel down to Chelsfield.
Change of tea stop to High Elms to save time but lights were required upon leaving and a ETA of 6pm.
An enjoyable ride in Kent and by staying north we were able to avoid hills,just gentle undulation.

Sunny with little cloud,less than 10 degrees.

Between 50 & 60 miles.

Waitrose Bromley

Approaching Tongs Farm

Looking north,you can just see the Queen Elizabeth bridge above Keith's head

The view from The Bull's beer garden

Sunday, 3rd November

Reigate - Faygate - W. Humble

.

The expressions on the faces below might sit well in a Dürer

 Fortunately a fast day, as the reception at the Holmbush to a group of cyclists seeking lunch was as frosty inside as chilly outside. Food was provided but no table. We might charitably suspect that the vacant tables were already booked. Stools for some and a two tiered cocktail table had to suffice.

Sunday November 3 2013

Today saw the first nip of winter in the form of a fresh northwesterly. At Morrisons I counted 13 including Clive Oxx, now a Reigate resident. Ed's XI headed west along the A25, and over Reigate Heath. From Leigh we climbed to The Fox Revived when Ed caused a minor surprise by turning right. Thus we descending into Charlwood via Stan Hill. Any traffic disappeared after we turned into Prestwood Lane and soon a fornlorn looking Gate hoved into view. It's not for sale! After Lamb's Green we halted in Faygate. As Ed put it, "Colgate is a hill too far."

We headed back through Rusper, turned right before Newdigate church down Hogspudding Lane and so to Brockham where as Bob had predicted the church was closed for teas. Large crowds peered into the smouldering and occasionally flaming remains of last night's bonfire. And so we departed for Pilgrim Bikes at West Humble station. With 3 tables and 11 chairs it's probably too small for our groups. Just a lucky four got cakes.

Sunday, 27 October

West Horsley Forest Green - Capel

The things that a telephone can do these days!

Outside the Parrot after a nourishing lunch of mussels and home baked bread.
Quiz: Identify the shrinking violets with their backs to the telephone.

Sunday 28 October 2013

A recent calamity saw me deleting(!) myself from the blog (hence the missing photos, maps, etc). So I thought it best to get straight back into action with a new id but the same alias, RaasayWarden.

I was most surprised by a phone call at 0840 so a hurried twenty minutes later at Kingston Bridge I met up with temporary visitor, Martin, from CTC Winchester. This proved the perfect excuse for blustery detours to the University, back of Sandown Park, Fairmile Lane, a watery Cobham Tilt and The Hautbois. Thus we approached Squires West Horsley from the west.

16-18 riders was my best guess though several turned back leaving Ed to tow the remaining ten along the A246, up Staple Lane and down Coombe Bottom and into Shere via the ford. Peaslake and its MTBers came next then Ewhurst where we turned left picking up a strong tailwind which propelled us to a crowded Parrot at Forest Green. Most settled for substantial though I do wonder how miles one can ride on a bowl or mussels.

Capel was but a short distance away and we arrived well before the opening hour(1500). That wasn't a problem so a now thinned down eight enjoyed cakes and tea before dispersing. Pushed along by the wind, I reached home before five (still in the light - just) after a modest 58 miles.

Capel Church Teas 2014

March 30, April 20 & 21, May 4, 25 and 26,
June 8, July 6 and 27, August 24 and 25,
September 14, October 5 and 19, November 2 and 23.

Tour de France 2014

Route Presentation.
Click on "Route Presentation On-Demand" for coverage from Paris (with English translation).


http://www.steephill.tv/tour-de-france/

Sunday, 20th October - C&M AGM

BikeBeans - Walton on the Hill - W Ewell

  Cosy AGM with tea and cake thanks to Ed

 New water jump (not there in the morning) by the grandstand at Epsom.

Sunday 20th October 2013

BikeBeans cycle cafe,Ashtead

Member group AGM today where amongst discussion was the (possible) demise of the Hilly 50,possible increase in value of attendance winner's prize,next years club lunch (26th January 2014) & Easter Tour 2014 (Market Harborough).

Have your say - before 1st November

Not for the Silent Majority

Surrey County Council Draft Cycling Strategy  Consultation and Questionnaire

Dear All,

Surrey County Council has published a Draft Cycling Strategy for the period 2014 - 2026:

http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/roads-and-transport-policies-plans-and-consultations/roads-and-transport-consultations/roads-and-transport-consultations-in-surrey/surrey-cycling-strategy-consultation

 

The consultation period ends on 1st November. This document contains a wealth of worthy and laudable objectives and how they might be achieved. It is well worth a read:

 http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/685264/Surrey-Cycling-Strategy-Consultationv3.pdf

There is also a survey/questionnaire which we are invited to complete online before 1st November. www.surveymonkey.com/s/Individual-Consulation.  This does give you the chance to say what you would like to be done to improve cycling in Surrey. Please look at it and take the time to complete it. Do not rush it as it gives you the chance to state your own views on cycling  and what might be done to encourage and develop cycling and cycle safety in Surrey. It is worth giving each question some thought  before clicking on 'continue'. Do give your views, whether it be on cycle lanes, particular road hazards, potholes or whatever.

Speak now or forever hold your peace.

Jeff

Sunday, 13 October

Runnymede

There was no one in sight when I arrived at Kingston Bridge but joy was short lived as first Stef then Ed showed up. The consensus was continue so we splashed along my standard route to Runnymede. Perhaps I should add more or less as briefly we pay our respects to General William Roy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Roy). From Hampton we continued through BP and Ashford to Staines and Egham where t'others were caught at the first level crossing. Soon we were heading down Hummer Road and across the A30 to the Runnymede road. Dave W was going out as we were going but seated in the comfy leather armchairs were Irene and Pam.

The thought of continuing never crossed our minds so after a decent interval back it was with a following wind (and the continuing heavy rain). Home just after one and 32 miles.

 

Graham

Next Sunday October 13 - Tea Stop

 Change of tea stop

 For those out next Sunday, leader Irene has notified us of a change of venue for afternoon tea. Instead of being at Savill Garden, tea will now be at The Old Staines Café. I don't know where this is, other than in Staines, but if we follow our leader's back wheel, I'm sure that it will lead us there.

Jeff

Sunday 6 October

 Buckland - Lamb's Green - Capel

Terry & Co - before the Stowford Press kicked in.

Sunday 6 October

Nine met at Buckland Squires for 11s but this became six after a few miles. We briefly headed west on the A25, soon turning south into Old Road. Sandy Lane led to Wonham Lane and the sight of many deer. Past Wonham Mill, now apparently expensive dwellings after years of neglect. We crossed the A217 into Lonesome Lane where the teddies watched our progress from their balcony. We rejoined the A217 to Povey Cross where we turned right towards Charlwood. Taking the Ifield Road we soon passed The Gate, our planned lunch stop but now closed and continued to The Lamb at Lambs Green. Here we dined well on child's portions which were quite adequate. After a leisurely break Terry, John G and a tub of flowers gave an impromptu demonstration of 'Domino Effect'.

A leisurely ride to Capel via the 'usual route' saw us arrive at the church at exactly 3pm - what timing ! After studying the vast display of cakes and goodies (some even purchased two!) the next most important thing was Dave's multi-bulging rear tyre. Hope you got home safely, Dave!

Overall a leisurely ride in dry, comfortable and frequently sunny conditions - how many more will we enjoy before winter ?

Terry

Sunday 29 September

Westerham - Dormansland - Fanny's Farm Shop

After lunch at the Old House at Home

Quiz: What is unusual about this sign?

Pete points out an old quarry tunnel

Question time

M&S on Sunday morning found an early queue of a resurgent Lilian and two TFBs ready and eager to go Westerham, reached by a series of ups and downs. Down to Banstead Woods, up to Chipstead, down to the A23 Hooley, up to Caterham on the Hill, down to the A22, up to Warlingham and Botley Hill before the final swoop on Westerham, where Bob and Dave were already settled in the Tudor Café. After some time off the bike, Lilian’s legs were complaining a little. With his wallet safe at home, the leader was not tempted by the pheromones of bacon sandwiches, though he welcomed a pay-day loan from Dave.

Soon it was time for the up of Hosey Hill and the down to Crockham Hill and Marlpit. From now on it was level as a billiard table as we meandered through Staffhurst, Crowhurst and Haxted, before heading for Dormansland and the Old House at Home. Warm enough to eat outside, we took a casual lunch before heading for Lingfield, Blindley Heath, Tilburstow and Bletchingley. Here Lilian’s legs insisted on a change to train assisted, while the rest continued on to Merstham and a very welcome Fanny’s Farm. After tea, cake, rest and relaxation all headed off for home, where the leader's mileometer recorded a modest 55 miles.

Jeff

Tour of Britain weekend 21/22 September 2013

Epsom Downs Racecourse.The (new) grandstand was open to all.

Team buses arrive

Alex Dowsett signs on

Wiggo queues to sign the stage map to be later auctioned for charity

Cav heads back to the team bus after signing on

Riders ready for the off

Team buses leave the start

Opposite Tower of London (outside Wetherspoons ,The Liberty Bounds)

Andreas Schillinger from Germany

Federico Canuti (Italy) & Juraj Sagan (Slovenia)

10 laps and a breakaway quickly forms

The Liberty Bounds (football free zone,with two screens broadcasting the the race)

Last lap and Helene keen to get some action on her mob

The "Cheese Grater" left and the "Walkie Talkie" right nearing completion

Last Lap video

Tour of Britain Epsom Downs Grand Depart

Steve Gordon inspecting the Sky Team  bikes at the Gra nd Stand Epsom Downs. See also KPRC blog for more!

Sunday September 15 2013

Five became nine at Newlands Corner after the shortest route from Cobham (past The Hautboy, over Hunger Hill and down West Clandon).

The dire weather forecast sent four packing. And I took no chances by dropping down to the Silent Pool before veering towards Bramley. The only significant climb was that out of Thorncombe Street to discover more road spending, the descent into Godalming (more or less complete).

Prompt service at The Jack Phillips saw us heading for home(!) just after one; thoughts of Capel teas banished for at least two weeks. After Farncombe, we split; three heading for the A25 and two for the A3.
A downpour before Ripley saw me donning a cape; naturally it stopped before we crossed the aerodrome. After a final split in Cobham, it was dry roads until I reached the royal borough (meaning the Met Office forecast was spot on).

55 miles door to door; plenty of cyclists about - disturbing most passed me with ease.

Sunday, 15 September

Newland's Corner to  Godalming

 The Famous Five (4 + 1 behind the lens) at the Jack Phillips, Godalming.
Graham authoritatively informed us that Jack Phillips was the radio operator on the Titanic. Not still transmitting, but his legacy lives on through Wetherspoons.

I leave it to others to identify the pressure group picketing Wetherspoons. At first I thought that it was the Salvation Army, then Morris Men, then I took the Fifth Amendment.

Tour of Britain live feed coverage

ITV 4 are taking a live broadcast each day.

http://www.tourofbritain.co.uk/tv/coverage.php#.UjYLNFeP1h9

In addition,this website:

 http://www.frombar.com/

gives British Eurosport's live feed (with audio) for those who are frustrated with ITV's frequent ad breaks.
Click on the "cycling" tab.
There are occasional "pop-ups" but just look for the small "x" in the right hand corner and these can be removed quickly.

Sunday 8th September 2013

Four of us rode a favourite lane (Lonesome) to a favourite cafe (Waitrose Horley).
Free drinks all round?....................well not quite but the message is get a MyWaitrose card.

http://www.waitrose.com/content/waitrose/en/home/mywaitrose/splash_page14.html.html


I overshot a turning on the way to Tandridge so a fairly ok stretch of roughstuff was included on the way to lunch.
We lost Jeff on the way but we were all reunited at The Barley Mow together with the rare sight of Bob at a location beyond 11's.
After a flatish ride in the morning,the delight of Chalkpit Lane lay in front of us on the way to tea at Farleigh.
I suffered a rear tyre puncture at the top so we sent Ian on his way along the main road.
Tea was taken in cramped conditions in the church hall courtesy of the cool and wet conditions outside.



51 miles.
Mostly cool and wet,particularily around lunchtime when we avoided a beefy shower.

Sunday, 1 September

Cranleigh - Balls X - Dorking

Sunday September 1 2013

Richard doesn't; I couldn't leave a blog page empty so here's a precis.

Eight rendezvoused in Cranleigh, each with a tale to tell. For Bob, it was the Downslink from Guildford. The rest had to find ways round, under and through the wire cage which separates Ewhurst from Cranleigh (google Bookhurst Road for more). With prior knowledge I played safe and came the lumpy way via Coombe Bottom and Farley Green. For the benefit of the Runs Secretary, £2.20 buys you a paper cup of tea plus DIY toast!

Refreshed six went forth down Alford Road to the A281 and thence on to Dunsfold (where Dave flatted), Plaistow, (close to) Kirdford and finally The Stag at Balls Cross. There we joined an already seated and munching Terry in the garden. Despite a motoring / steam fair in the field opposite overspilling into the pub, we were soon served with portions which would have satisfied our trencherman had he not turned back at 11s.

During lunch it became clear that only Richard and Dave were for Farncombe. So the rest sped through Kirdford and past Brewhurst Mill and Baynards to Ellen's Green; the rest should be obvious. Terry kindly offered to be mum so five became four as we headed for Dorking West. To my surprise, just beyond Leatherhead Station I got within shouting distance of the Farncombe Two. We were turning in opposite directions so their route I know not.

To keep Virgin Media happy, the route to and from B****s Cross