Sunday 7 Feb 2016 C&M Lunch Angel

Hearty congratulations to Steve Gordon & Ann for all the arrangements, rides lead, sharing their new lovely  home with delicious home made cakes & aperitifs. The lunch was excellent  and shared by around 34 members (?).
Steve led the ride from North Cheam up through Nork Park and onto the pond at Walton on the Hill where Jeff, Dave and I joined.
The sun was shining as can be seen from the following photo.

31 January - Neil's Mystery Tour

All week the forecast for Sunday had been bad. Some days a little bit bad, some days dire. So when I woke today and it wasn't raining I thought we may be lucky.

But by the time I left home it was already raining. Not heavily but that light drizzly rain that hangs in the air and soaks you. I was certainly soaked and miserable by the time I got to Morrisons, Reigate.

However there were seven happy souls inside, drying out and eating and drinking. We took our time in the hope that the rain would abate but finally we had to leave with it still raining.

Bob, Mike and Dave W left for places various. Janice toyed with riding on but finally decided she was too wet and went home. That left a quartet of Lilian, Dave S, Jeff and me to cycle on to lunch. No-one had any appetite for a long ride so any thoughts of Tandridge were abandoned and we agreed to see how the weather went and make it up as we went along.

Heading south we took Lonesome Lane to Meath Green, then past Hookwood to Norwood Hill where The Fox Revived was closed, fenced off and looking very unloved. Whether it will ever be revived again remains to be seen.

We headed for Newdigate before turning north to Leigh. By this time the rain had finally relented and there were even brief glimpses of  blue sky and the sun! Zig-zagging to Brockham we then took the A25 and Pixham Lane to reach Pilgrim Cycles at Westhumble.

Whether this was lunch or afternoon tea no-one knew but we sat in front of the open fire, eat, drank, and discussed bikes and accessories. There was even a book about Frank Patterson with a copy of his drawing of "The Angel at Thames Ditton" on the cover.

See you there next week!

January 24 2106

Just on nine, Ed phoned with a p-fairy tale so four delayed for 15+ minutes allowing Neil also to join. The fairy must have been busy as we soon passed faster looking but stationary riders. We stayed north of the Thames to Walton Bridge then took NCN4 to Weybridge. As is often the case the Addlestone level crossing was closed. The leader was crossing the bridge when it reopened (much to his chagrin) after only a minute or so. Via Common Lane we inspected the New Haw viaduct (underside thereof) before continuing parallel to the canal to Scotland Bridge. Now south of the canal West Byfleet and Sheerwater led on to Maybury. From here we climbed through a more salubrious Woking before dropping down through Woking Park to the Kingfield stadium. And so after 20 miles and two hours the Mayford garden centre hoved into view.

Half a hour later Alan went one way and a dozen went t'other - over Pyle Hill, through Sutton Green and down to Jacob's Well. Just after passing Sutton Place on the A3, the p-fairy struck again. This  victim was Lillian so Ed's skills were called upon for a second time. After turning east at Burnt Common,  the farm road between Sussex and Jury farms meant just 100 feet of climbing separated us from lunch at the King William IV. Here Bob joined us. Most settled for starters but Neil's roast  appeared before he'd even taken his seat! An almost unaminous vote was for tea at Sainsburys Cobham which was reached via Ockham and Martyr's Green. Nine then spent a good hour setting the world to rights before heading home

After the recent cold snap, it was back to dull but very mild though we were treated to bright sunshine on the farm road. 50 miles door to door.

1 point  : Alan, Bob
2 points : Graham, Ed, Lillian, Neil, Paul, Tony, Irene, Pam, Vic, Terry, Dave, Ray

Post Christmas Lunch 7 Feb 2016 - Final Reminder

The Angel, Angel Rd, Thames Ditton KT7 0AU

Cost          : £10 for two courses:
Main          : Beef, Lamb, Chicken or Veg Risotto
Dessert     : Apple pie & custard, or Lemon Tart & Cream
Start time  : 12.30 in pub. Food served from 1.15 pm in function room.

Final date for payment is January 30th. Preferred payment is by bank transfer; email ctc.cheammorden@virgin.net if you don't have Steve's details.

After paying, email Steve(steveandann61@btinternet.com) with your choice.

Last call for mileages for 2015

If you haven't yet sent me your mileages for 2015, the sands of time are fast running out!

Jeff

Sunday the 17th Jan

A very cold and wet morning, a smattering of snow overnight left the roads slushy in places and the air temperature chilly. I got to Hampton court and still felt cold, Dave arrived just after me. We waited to just gone 9.00am and no other soul turned up. So off we set, Dave plumped for South of the river to Walton and in places the pace dropped due to slush on the roads. Wadebridge and onto the Golden Cafe at Addlestone. Dave said it was the shortest ride to 11's he had done. No one else had arrived, no surprises there! A nice hot coffee and I began to thaw out. Irene and Alan were next to turn their noses up at the cold weather shortly after followed by Pam and Vic. Tea/Coffee and plenty of chat followed and a debate as to the lunch destination. 

We soon departed and I took the easy route home with Alan. Roll on warmer Sundays. The rest off to lunch at..............

Tony..

Sunday, January 17 - Part 2

Vic completes the spine-chilling tale:

On our coldest day this winter I muffled up and did the mile into Addlestone, hoping no-one else would turn up, but five hardy souls had braved the early snow so a ride was on. For Tony and Alan the ride out and back home was enough, so Dave had just Irene, Pam and Vic to lead on the ride to Windsor. After crossing Chobham Common, bleak at the best of times, the plan was amended and we descended to Valley End and Windlesham and the Sun Inn for thick hot soup in plates deep enough to lose the spoon in. Then back to the cold, Valley End again, Sparrow Row, Steep, Gracious Pond and Stonehills before dispersing at Holloway Hill for home with the  glow of achievement.

Vic

17 January, 2016

Only fools and Englishmen/women .....

When I opened the curtains and saw this the decision was easy, back to bed!

Sunday, January 10, 2016

A sunny ride to Wood End with a nip in the air

A cold Sunny Winters ride

Chilly but Sunny morning but a group of 5 (Ken, Janice, Ed, Rachel, and myself) left Hampton Court for 11's at Notcutts GC at Laleham. We arrived just on opening time with Irene arriving  just behind us. We were soon joined by Dave and Bob and eventually Graham, Vic and Jeff.  We left the GC just gone 11 and headed along the river to Chertsey bridge and through the outskirts and onto the Thorpe road and Virginia water. Just past the station and opposite a parade of shops we turned right through a private estate and a short off road section to bring us out at the top of Callow hill.

On into Englefield green and a shortcut through an alley to bring us onto Brays lane and into the Wick road. A right into Wick lane and onto Bishopsgate and a small clockwise loop before exiting the park at Cranbourne Gate and onto the Peanut roundabout and to lunch at the Rose & Crown, a table had been set for 8, I had pre-booked, and most had the soup. 

Service was fine and we left just before 2.00pm in glorious Sunshine. Back past the Loch Fyne restaurant and right into Sunninghill road, Mill lane and a left onto the London road to Virginia Water. A tea stop was not required as all wanted home in day light . From this point on  the group gradually dwindled down as people went their own way home, I said my goodbyes to Janice and Jeff, the last of the group, at Shepperton and got home in perfect daylight with a decent 54 miles under my belt. Thank you all for your company and a very pleasurable ride in, mostly, Sun.

Tony..

Sunday, January 3, 2016

This fine quorum quickly unanimously decided that elevenses at Squires, West Horsley, was quite far enough due to the apparently unending precipitation.

Happy New Year to all.

Terry

New Year's Day 2016

Ed's (courtesy of Rachel)

Over time I recognised 20 or more faces at the Roehampton cafe in Richmond Park, a minority being C&M regulars. The outward ride from the Spring took the best part of two hours due to a puncture. And folks were still arriving as (and after) we departed in a rush to make up for lost time!

The return started with fifteen but shed several on a route taking in: White Lodge, Ham Gate, Kingston Barracks, Norbiton station, New and Old Malden. Thus Ed's was reached at 1300 and after ten miles but not by the route I'd intended. The usual feast awaited us and there was (and probably is) plenty left over for latecomers (of which there were many).

Once again thanks to Ed for his hospitality and to Maureen for her assistance. The regulars: Ed, Graham, Terry, Daniel, Rachel, Mike (2 points), Paul, Ken, Irene, Pam, Ray, Steve, Keith (1 point). Hope I haven't forgotten anyone in all the mayhem. Colder than of late and drizzle from 1500.

How far did you go in 2015?

Mileages for 2015

For those ladies and gentlemen of C&M who do not tune in to the MWW wavelength : your time is up!

The hooter has sounded and it is now too late to cram in those last miles for the period 1st January - 31st December 2015. Now is the time to reset your Cateye/Garmin to zero for 2016 and send me the result for the 12 months ending at midnight on 31 December 2015.

There will be a New Year's Honour for the Lady and Gentleman who, riding regularly with a Section of the DA, have pushed themselves further than the rest and for the member with the greatest increase in mileage over 2014.  These honours cannot be bought and are not for hacks or time-servers. They have to be earned. This is a true meritocracy.

Whatever the figure, please let me have your achievement to record on our Honours Board.

A Very Happy New Year to all.

Jeff

Sunday, 27 December 2015

Animal Farm (Bockett's)

 All life is there

Gluttony and Sloth, get thee from me! Not sure about the rest.

Sunday 27th December 2015

                                                           The Old Crown,Weybridge

Sunday 20th December 2015

A rainy day in late December brought out the highest attendance of the year so far (from October 2015).
As unconventional as you could get with a new venue for 11's.........a pub at West Byfleet (The Yeoman).
Unfortunately, there was a problem with the advertised breakfasts............they were lacking due to equipment breakdown.
So after liquid refreshment I took a route past Silvermere Golf Club to meet the A3 just north of the M25 junction 10.
Under the A3 to find a muddy lane that took us down to Ockham Lane.
Through Cobham where the rain came down.
Leatherhead - Barnet Wood Lane and the track across the railway to The Wells.
Lunch was at The Cricketers.

On the subject of The Wells estate, I came across this reply to a question regarding information on the merits or otherwise of Epsom.
The person was moving out of London due to a job relocation and had wondered the suitabilty of the area for a family.

"Having lived in Epsom for 18 months myself and my parents having bought there, I'd almost go against what people are saying above.

Yes there is the Longmead Estate, where people would rob their own gran for a fiver. Yes there are council estates but they are well contained.

I never felt intimidated at night at all and certainly have never had a knife pulled on me. That was New Malden.

Avoid Longmead estate, Hook Road, Watersedge and The Wells and go for places like Tadworth, Walton on the Hill, Epsom Downs which are very nice.

You'll only get a feeling for a place by visiting. Visit at night, day, during school runs etc and educate yourself on the area.

I certainly had no problems in Epsom even though I lived on Hook road which runs into the Longmead Estate."

Not Exactly What I meant.

Photo competition 2016

Further to the great success of the photo competitions since we went digital for the first time we invite you to take part again this year. Please submit your photos before the end of January.
There is now a category for the Best Group Photo thus catering for the many photographers who have taken good photos of a mixed group of cyclists. The winner in this category will receive the brand new Pete Mitchell Memorial Trophy.
Please use this method for sending the photos to us:

•     Visit this website: https://dbinbox.com/swlda_competition
•     Enter the access code: "WingedWheel"
•     Using your File Manager locate the photo(s) on your computer and drag them onto the big turquoise rectangle.
•     You may find it easier to click on the "+Choose Files" button and select, then 'open', each photo using your file manager.
•     Repeat this for each of the photos you intend to submit.

N.B. When using this website to transfer photos it is not necessary to sign up to dbinbox or Dropbox even if you are invited to do so.

Send an email to me, Tim, confirming the name and CTC membership number of the photographer, and for each photo list:

•     the filename (e.g. P1040276.jpg)
•     the competition category for which the photo is being entered
•     a short, descriptive caption

The rules and categories are simple:

Competition Period: Photos taken during the 2015 calendar year.

Your photos must all illustrate a connection to cycling by depicting a bicycle for example, or other cycling association.

You may submit a photo or photos for every category.

    6.1. Person (male) or people
    6.2. Person (female) or people
    6.3. Action
    6.4. Scenery/landscape
    6.5. Building/buildings
    6.6. Humorous or funny
    6.7. Best group photo

Note that he award for a winning photograph in each category will be given to the photographer who took the picture, not to the model.

[If the method for submitting photos described above does not work for you please let me know as there may be a work-around. As a last resort I will ask you to email your photos to swlda.photos@gmail.com . Attach a single photo to each email and in your message give the information about the photographer, category and each photo, as above.]

~ Tim

Were you there on the day?

Attendance Record

I have been using up oodles of vulcanising solution to try and patch the very leaky innertube of our attendance record. I have been helped in this by our ever diligent Graham and Neil plus elliptical /absent ride reports/ slurred photographs taken in front of motley gin palaces frequented by the C&M. The oxygen of perfection is still escaping.

If this is of interest or concern to you, please click on the attendance tab and examine the record with some care, with particular reference to your own whereabouts on all these Sundays. A free lunch at the 2017 Cheam and Morden Annual Banquet, as well as some questionable kudos and a gong, may depend on your due diligence. Please do not blame somebody else if your name is absent; a free lunch has to be earned!

Jeff

Sunday, 13 December 2015

The one that got away

As Pirbright was not on my travel plan, I treated myself to a leisurely, though rather damp, pootle to Fairoaks, not expecting to arrive before the flock had flown the coop. However, I had little chance of catching up with a group already twelve months ahead of me! I shared a coffee and the company of a lady from Woking, who was planning a route for her walking group. After a pleasant chat we parted company, she to ramble and me to ramble on home.

As I left I did take a photo over my shoulder of the now receding aerodrome. Only later did I reflect that, with a mobile, it should perhaps have been a selfie. I'm sure that the powers that be will consider if a challenge is required.

Jeff

Sunday December 13 2015 (was 2016!)

By 0902 Ed and I were ready to roll then Steve appeared and by 0905 we were six. After traversing Bushy Park to Hampton Station, we reached the lower road but not before an unintended detour into a cul-de-sac! Crossing Walton Bridge our route continued along the river bank to Weybridge, then Poets Corner, the back of Addlestone and thus to Fairoaks. We're weren't the first to arrive with Dave already halfway through a full English.

On leaving thankfully the drizzle had ceased and we used Sandpit Hall Lane to reach Chobham. After passing the boarded up Castle Grove, one way Warbury Lane brought us to Bisley and just after noon, The Cricketers Pirbright hoved in view. On Saturday they'd seemed unconcerned that a large group (ok, a dozen) might turn - their judgment was spot on.

We now started to shed riders, Ken and Dave during lunch, Vic with a puncture on Goose Rye Road(graciously he waved us on), etc so only four stopped at the revised tea stop (Ockham Bites). Home around 1545 and 50 miles door to door. A cheery thought : from now on the evenings get longer.







2 Points : GFH, Ed, Steve, Ken, Paul, Irene, Pam, Terry, Vic, Dave, Ray, Neil
1 Point  : the Beers, Alan

Sunday 6th December 2015

Best to get punctures out of the way early

The conservation area around the church is a delight, with ramshackle timber-framed buildings dating from the late medieval period to the 18th century. On the lane leading to the churchyard is a terrace of listed buildings including Star Inn Cottages and Church House, with Georgian frontages hiding a much earlier Tudor core. 

This property was recently sold:
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/house-prices/detailMatching.html?prop=45702691&sale=53534003&country=england

The children's menu seemed to go down well.

Andy, Paul and Ken were parking their cycles as I arrived at Hookwood
Tesco.  Paul and Ken were just there for coffee then off to a birthday
party but we were joined by Terry and Jeff before we set off.  As we
approached the cycles Andy pointed out that my front tyre didn’t look
right – a puncture! After a quick change we left the car park.

The weather forecast was dire with high winds and showers but the
showers at least held off as we headed to our lunch stop.

First up through Horley then into the wind down Balcombe Lane. Then a
wind assisted leg East and North through Smallfield before passing the
mill at Oakwood which brought us to an interesting descent of Home
Court Hill where the wind was definitely not assisting!   Southeast to
cross the A22 at Newchapel then into Lingfield for our stop at The
Star.

I had emailed to check the availability of bar snacks on Sunday and
had been assured that they did serve them but they didn’t.  They did
however have options for little appetites, presumably for children,
but were perfect for us.  Terry had sausage and mash, Jeff roast lamb
and I had roast beef.  Andy joined us for a coffee later.

There was a slight drizzle as we left but that didn’t last long.  The
wind had also died down.  We headed back through Crowhurst eventually
crossing the Godstone road to Harts Lane bringing us to Tillburstow
Hill and Rabies Lane to Bletchingley.

Everyone was planning to make their own way from there with Terry
continuing along the A25 and the rest of us going through Merstham to
our destinations.  Andy and Jeff turned towards Merstham earlier as I
carried on to turn at Nutfield.  I met Jeff again briefly approaching
School Hill in Merstham before I continued north along the A23. For me
46 miles.

Sunday the 6th December

Unofficial C&M Alternative Ride

With the shorter days not all like to venture miles from home. And Hookwood for 11's with tea at Redhill is really a Summer ride for the few who live North of the Thames or West of Heathrow.

So an alternative was undertaken. 5 met at Notcutts Laleham for 11's. Pam, Irene, Ed, Alan and myself. Santa was ensconced in the cafe with a queue of Children waiting to sit on his knee, we all declined. We set off into the wind  to Lunch at the Rose & Crown Woodside.  

Chertsey bridge and on through Thorpe to Virginia Water where Alan disappeared off the back of the group with a broken chain. He had the means to repair the chain told us to continue, he wasn't coming to lunch. On Through Englefield Green and into the park via Saville Gardens and past the polo ground, with a brief stop to put on waterproofs, to exit at Blacknest Gate and up Mill lane upto the cut through just before the Peanut roundabout and on to lunch.

The pub was packed but in a short time we were seated and all enjoying hot Tomato and Basil Soup. Tea was changed to Norths of Staines and we took the direct route through the park and down Tite hill through Egham, where Pam left us for home. And on to tea, we were soon enjoying tea and warm mince pies with Ed having custard as well! Leaving the eatery just as it was getting dark Ed (with his brand new ultra bright front light) and myself set of through Laleham, Shepperton, Sunbury to Hampton where we said our farewells. Home in the dark and a pleasant if wet and windy day.

C&M Attendance Records and Ride Reports

For motley reasons, I have not been a regular rider with C&M since mid-April. Andy's attendance has also been disrupted. As we complete the attendance record for C&M, if we are not on a ride we depend on a ride report, supplemented by photographic evidence to join up the dots.Without the dots, we have no way of knowing who attended elevenses and lunch, though Graham is a most efficient mole.

Can we therefore ask that leaders provide a ride report, however minimalist, so that we have a record of the ride and who attended. If not, there will be no reliable attendance record. The ride report is of course of interest to other members who may not be able to participate in all the rides. I'm sure that this would be appreciated by all.

Jeff

Sunday 29th November 2015

Fortunately for me, I only had one and a half miles to get to elevenses!   I say that because the weather forecast did not induce one to go on a bike ride today so I was pleased to see four people already in Wetherspoons when I arrived.  Surprisingly another five 'clubbers' arrived before eleven!  Bob and Ian planned to make their own way to Dorney, Carolyn returned to Teddington, Graham took the opportunity to check out one of his future rides whilst Don, Dave, Alan, Roger, Mike and myself headed off to Windsor Great Park via Egham. The rain started as we rode up Egham Hill!   Don turned back and Dave, minus one of his over shoes also decided to return. I shortened my ride in the park because of the rain... then was held up at the peanut roundabout (where we turned right), due to a very long procession of motor bikes and scooters.  The riders and bikes were dressed up with Xmas lights and decorations etc...!! Xmas is on the way!!! 

Along Drift Road, through Fifield, past Bray Marina, right along the track taking us on to the bridge which led us to the path around Dorney Lake and so to The Pineapple for lunch where we were joined by Bob but no Ian?!  This pub is well known for its sandwiches but today they also had roast dinners on the menu.  I ordered a child's roast and it was surprisingly generous and very tasty!
 
Our return journey was 'the norm'!  Back to Staines asap after lunch for the wind had become very strong and blustery which gave us a tremendous boost cycling through Eton Wick - glad I wasn't going in the opposite direction!!    A tea stop was not required so we all went our separate ways from Staines.

Thanks to all for their company :) A good day even though rather short, Pam ) )

22/11/15 Lunch at the Sun Windlesham on a very cold day.

Not outside a pub this time. Thank you Dave for a very pleasant ride.

Sunday November 22 2015 Change Of Lunch Venue

Our scout tells me that a visit to the Jolly Farmer would empty the deepest of pockets so lunch will now be at the Sun in Windlesham (GU20 6EN / SU933642)

Sunday 15th November 2015

Many thanks to Irene for many enjoyable rides over the years..........she's calling it a day on leadership duties.


Some folk may remember a recent post on the sudden closure of The Jolly Farmer at Buckland.

The new owners seem keen to open up ASAP:

http://www.brunningandprice.co.uk/pheasant/

Sunday November 15 2015

On a bright breezy day a baker's dozen set off from Cafe Two in Addlestone. We left at 11 proceeding along Church road towards the Otter Roundabout, then along Foxhills Road and Stonehill. A left into Old Chertsey Lane and right into Philpot Lane brought us to Horsell Common. We crossed over the Basingstoke Canal on a footbridge to Goldsworth. After passing Evans on our right we proceeded down White Rose Lane to the Old Woking Road, turning right to Send and Send Marsh. We arrived in good time at The Saddlers Arms where a table was reserved. This serves a full menu 7 days a week so the choice wasn't roast dinners or starve - very good food and plenty on the plate.

After lunch we continued along Marsh road into Ripley and on to Ockham Bites. A right along the lane to the Black Swan, and left soon found us in Cobham where we went our separate ways.

Thank you one and all for a very nice day, hope you all arrived home before blackout set in.

Sunday November 8 2015

From memory for completists!

With a prompt start and just eight in the batch, a northern route was chosen past the Young Person's Estate and Bedfont to arrive at Stanwell Moor's garden centre well before ten. Here we were joined by Irene and Alan compensating for the departing Paul. And early arrival meant an early departure which proved fatal for the late arriving Neil.

Poyle and Colnbrook were all too familiar but after a transit of the rapidly disappearing Hollow Hill Lane there was a surprise (at least for this author). We turned west to enjoy Orchards Residential Park, and Slough’s northern suburbs (Wexham, Manor Park and Britwell). The escape to the country took us along Walton Lane and past the Burnham Recycling Centre. We then circled Burnham Beeches going first west then north then east. The Royal Oak (a pub only in name) was approached from the west down a footpath from Egypt Lane.

Over lunch we decided to forego tea and head for home in the light. The revised route went past the One Pin pub (no longer extant but featured in Genevieve)  and on to Pinewood Studios where three very large sheds are appearing on green belt land. Tony left just after the incinerator, and Vic and Irene in the middle of Colnbrook where Janice shown off her pumping skills following a puncture. Only Ed stopped for a second time in Vermeulen’s so here the story ends.

  

About 60 miles door to door.

Sunday November 15 - Change of 11s

According to the website, Tesco Addlestone and its cafe are not open until 1100 hrs. So Irene will be in the Golden Cafe from around 1000 hours. This is some 50 yards further west on the left hand side of the main road. Opposie is the local bike shop. 

Easter Tour/Annual Dinner 2016

Many will have received an email from Steve and Ann  so for those who didn't ....

Next year's Easter tour will be based at the York House Hotel Eastbourne BN22 7AP. The cost for 3 nights will be £126 (plus £45 if you want a sea view!). This includes dinners on Friday and Sunday. To express an interest please contact Steve and Ann before November 24.

The email address is: steveandann61@btinternet.com.

You may also interested in the Annual Dinner. This will be on February 7th - same venue, same price last year. A ride will start at 9am from North Cheam to Thames Ditton via  Steve and Ann's place in Epsom. Further details in the next week or so.

8th November 

I arrived at Hampton court early and soon had a group ready to head off just after 9.00 off 11's at Vermeulen's, not a long ride and we did arrive not long after 10. With the short daylight available I was keen to get off to lunch and we left 11's at around 10.40am. 9 set off through Colnbrook and past Iver golf club crossing Langley park road and into Trenches lane. With a shortcut through Orchard residential site and to Middle green and across the A412 to Stoke green. Through Farnham Royal and East Burnham and a loop round to Egypt. We arrived at the Royal Oak early with 7 sitting down for lunch. The Royal Oak is a very popular lunch time venue so I had pre-booked a table.

The food was good and served quickly and we set off for tea well ahead of schedule. Heading just South of Hedgerley  and on through Stoke Poges. At this point the general consensus was to skip tea and head for home. A route change and to Iver and Thorney. where I took my leave of the group and headed towards Sipson and home.

I later discovered that as Janice headed through Colnbrook she punctured. Also that Neal had arrived at 11's 5 minutes after we had left but did make his way to Farnham common but couldn't remember which pub we were going to. sorry Neal.  I arrived home well before dark and did manage to take Ed on roads he had not cycled before!

Tony..

Sunday 1st November 2015

Sunday 1st November 2015

Thirteen of us left Waitrose, Dorking, heading into the mist en route to Colgate. After crossing the A24 at the foot of Flint Hill the peace and calm of Inholms Lane was very welcome. I then rang The Dragon at Colgate to confirm my earlier reservation but they were fully booked and couldn't accommodate us, but we decided to go there anyway and sit outside if necessary, or there was always the alternative Holmbush at Faygate. After turning into Red Lane we decided against practising for next year's freewheeling competition and carried on past Roothill to Parkgate. I considered the recent rain would make Cudworth Lane too muddy so continued along Cidermill Road. (The moated Cudworth Manor was recently sold complete with full manorial rights). Shortly before turning into Orltons Lane and its' good descent Pete Marmite punctured but it was soon repaired. The Lamb at Lambs Green appeared to be hosting an elderly tractor rally.Soon we arrived at The Dragon and decided it was just warm enough to eat alfresco.

The return route involved retracing our tyremarks beyond Faygate to turn into Wimlands Lane thence via Rusper to threes at Capel church. Arriving at about 1457 we were disappointed to find there was a service at 1500 followed by teas, so we carried on via the cycle track alongside the A24, turning into Mill Road, leading to Four Wents Pond and Dorking. Due to the ever increasing mist, at the Punchbowl Lane/A25 junction everyone decided to head for home - hope you all made it safely.

Terry

Sunday 25th October 2015

Exactly six hundred years on we happy few fits but not we band of brothers as the two(!) newcomers included Jennie, an occasional midweeker. As explained in the previous blog, an enforced change of lunch venue saw me playing safe and opting for an old favourite and slightly reduced mileage.


We took the my usual route from Hampton past Feltham's sheep and on to Sunbury, Ashford and Staines. The first level crossing was closed - will we ever learn? Sneakily the Editor kept to the main road so reached the Runnymede tearooms ahead of the bunch. A dozen plus Squirrels was the score with a surprise visit from the Trencherman. To avoid any confusion it was the other newcomer (also called Daniel) who took a tumble in Bushy Park. In some discomfort he turned back at 11s (the hospital later confirmed a broken arm).

I had surveyed routes through Windsor town but on such a fine day we had to use the Great Park. I can't recall when last C&M climbed Crimp Hill but today it did. As we were discovering throughout the ride, the Extra Hour generates extra traffic, and extra (jay)walkers in the Royal Parks.  The New Leathern Bottle at Jeallot's Hill was reached route at 1215. Despite an entry in the 2016 Good Beer Guide, the other "customer" was a child playing on a tablet. Most opted for proper nosh but the slowish service could be overlooked thanks to our early arrival and the gargantuan portions.

The return was equally familiar - Warfield Church, North Ascot and across the Racecourse. During a second transit of the Park, we espied an extensive film set close by Ascot gate. I punctured at the top of Tite Hill; Andy was called upon to lead to Laleham while Neil produced a necessary second(!) tyre lever when I stopped twice to replace the inner tube. Despite the long delay we rejoined at the garden centere where the light was frittered away in idle gossip. By four we went our various ways. My first lights of the winter were needed for the last three miles. Around 55 miles door to door.

Agincourt 600 years on!

Or more mundanely change of venue. 

I thought I'd uncovered a wonder of the age, a long closed but now re-opened country pub (The Star, Waltham St Lawrence). Unfortunately it closed last Saturday (18/10) after only seven months.

The lunch stop will now be that old favourite, Leathern Bottle, Jeallot's Hill

2015 AGM

The AGM for CTC South West London will commence at 11:02 in the Hersham Amenity Hall on Wednesday 11th November.

The date and time coincides with Armistice Day so we will observe the 2 minute silence before the meeting starts. Please be in the hall by 10:50 to ensure that you have time to find a seat before 11 o'clock.

Signing in and distribution of the agenda and other paperwork will take place after this moment of quiet.

Should you arrive late the silence will be observed in the cafeteria and throughout the premises by the staff and regular clientele of the Day Centre.

It is the custom to award the Arthur Jessop Shield to recognise outstanding achievement in the club. If you wish to nominate someone for this award please communicate with the secretary or a member of the committee.

Tim Court
Secretary

Bec (Tooting) Hill Climb 2015

Check out their faces!

HD Video & soundtrack:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tH5lZEgHnKI

Sunday 11th October 2015

I managed to lose the only other rider with me riding to Cafe Talis,West Wickham.
Richard suspected he had a slow puncture so had fallen behind.
Good establishment that served our needs which in the case of Richard was a sizable portion of Victoria Sponge.
We were to be joined by Dave W,Ray W & a new member, Nick More all the way from Ealing.
We were Nick's 2nd ride with a CTC group (last week he was with the Central London CTC who had ventured out to leafy Surrey and one of my favourite tea stops....North Holmwood church).
The ride to Cudham was up and down.............well mainly up and lunch was enjoyed alfresco.
The former (new) leader of UKIP, Nigel Farage was spotted on an adjacent table.
Dave & Richard left us to make the short hop to the Bec cc Hill Climb event at White Hill.
We missed Mike Morley's ride but according to a local source  - Ray Dare, he recorded 4' 44".
Well done Mike! 
You mad fool........hahahaha.

Sunny and warm (if out of the keen NE wind).

Sunday, 27 September

Woldingham - Dormansland - Denbies 

 The sun shines on the righteous

27 September - Woldingham to Dormansland

Sorry for the delay in this report but my steam-powered computer has been in for repair.

When I arrived at Woldingham Garden Centre Ken, Paul, Janice, Lilian, Bob and David Ward were already sitting in the sunshine tucking into refreshments. We were soon joined by Graham and Jeff.

A prompt departure was preferred as lunch was over twenty miles away and an early arrival at the pub had been agreed with the landlord to avoid conflict with two large groups. As a result Jeff agreed to finish his large bacon sandwich at his leisure and meet us later.

We started with the quiet and gentle climb up through Marden Park and past the school before swooping down Flower Lane to the A25. My suggestion to shorten the route by cutting out the next hill was rejected by some and so we passed through Church Town and up the rather steep The Enterdent  to reach the top of Tilburstow Hill. Down the hill and left just past The Fox and Hounds into Hart's Lane had us heading towards Oxted. A right turn at Perrysfield Farm took us to Merle Common.

From here Dwelly Lane took us past Haxted Mill, St Pier's Lane took us to the outskirts of Lingfield, leaving just a short ride into Dormansland and The Old House at Home.

A warm welcome and good food was promptly served and soon Jeff and Bob joined us.

After lunch the B2028 was used to get to Newchapel and then the quieter lanes to pass through Smallfield, north of Horley to Meath Green, and then Lonesome Lane to Doversgreen.

A vote was taken for the afternoon tea location and Reigate Garden Centre lost out to Denbies. So Trumpets Hill, Wonham Mill and Betchworth brought us to a short length of A25 to reach Pixham Lane and Denbies.

Four stopped here for re-hydration while others pushed on for home.

An enjoyable 38 miles from 11s to tea in the very late summer sun.

Sunday, 4 October

Hookwood - Colgate - Capel

Terry led us in glorious autumn sunshine from near Gatwick to the lair of the recently revived Dragon, no Faffner. This was not a  Ride of the Walkyries, though we were sped on our way by three  winsome Rhine Maidens.

Sunday 4 October 2015

A dozen of us left Hookwood in cool but dry and mostly sunny conditions on a fairly circuitous route to Colgate. I had devised this route to keep us off busy roads and to be able to make a short cut to lunch if the weather changed (fortunately, it didn't). We headed north, briefly, forking left off the A217, shortly turning left to Norwood Hill where the Fox Revived is temporarily closed (awaiting reviving?). Passing through Charlwood we turned right into Lowfield Heath Road, past the Aviation Museum ('closed until early spring') and soon passed a house for sale which was a popular pub lunch destination - The Gate - which has been closed for some time. A gentle climb to Orltons led to Rusper (beware the car boot sale traffic), past the Royal Oak ('Pub to Let') then we headed south via Faygate, straight over the roundabout at the A264 and a further climb before a slight descent to The Dragon at Colgate.

It was warm enough to dine alfresco, the food was good and appeared fairly quickly. Lunch was fairly leisurely, we only had to ride to Capel where tea and cakes were to be served at three o'clock. We returned to Faygate, soon turned into Wimlands Lane and nearly saw another closed pub, The Frog and Nightgown then rode northwards to Capel, arriving at 1440 ie twenty minutes early but we were allowed in. After a leisurely break we headed for home via Newdigate and, for some, Dorking.

Terry