Sunday April 24 2016

A summary of Dave's ride.

There were 3 at the start and 7 at Sunningdale. Paul headed for home as we set off the opposite direction round the back of Windlesham and into Lightwater and up the climb spurning Red Road for much of its length. We then enjoyed the long long descent into Deepcut and Mytchett before turning west to a quietish Tilly Shilling in the centre of Farnborough. After lunch Dave's west, north and east through Queen Elizabeth Park saw us to Farnborough North and its two level crossings. The lunchtime vote for tea was Addlestone which was reached via Pirbright, Knaphill, Chobham (and windowless Castle Grove), and Burrowhill.

About 60 miles door to door. Chilly but bright with just a few spots of rain after tea.

2 points : Dave W, Bob, Graham, Irene, Rachel, Vic; 1 point : Paul.

5 for Ice Cream

Sunday the 17th

With Warlingham for 11's being 23 miles cycle for me and around 33 for Pam and Irene, plus the fact I hadn't clue how to get there an alternative was on the cards. So Pam's reccy ride to 11's at Savill Garden saw Ed, Irene, Pam, Ray Wren and myself (5) arrive in good time for refreshments. 

The lunch destination was the Green Man at Hurst. Through the Great park and the Peanut, Maidens Green to Moss End and onto lunch. Although Sunny there was a chill in the air that made it worse by having to sit outside. We were soon served our children's portions, mostly sausage and mash, followed by a scoop of ice cream (included in the kiddies portion). 

A wrong turn saw us on the dreaded Drift road back to the Peanut and on to tea at Notcutts GC Laleham. A nice day out in the saddle. 


Tony..

17 April - Bull's Head, Pratt's Bottom

The meeting point this week was the Amano Caffe in Warlingham. The weather was dry, the sun was out but come eleven o'clock there were only four of us there. Were the others still winching themselves up the hill? Were they put off by my reputation for wet rides? Who knew. But we waited while Jeff finished off his bacon sandwich before he headed off home for domestic duties.

That left me to lead, Dave S to backmark, and Janice to be the rest of the peloton.

As we were already at an altitude of 600 feet it would be downhill all the way to lunch. Well not really. But it was downhill until the next uphill section.

We headed off through Chelsham before dropping down into the valley and up past Beddlestead Farm to the top of the North Downs ridge. Passing around the edge of Tatsfield we reached Hawley's Corner - at 800 feet the highest point in Greater London.

Another long downhill section (followed by a short uphill bit) led us to Cudham, before more (mostly) downhill roads brought us to Pratt's Bottom. The roads had been quiet, the bluebells were in bloom in the roadside woods, and the sun was shining as we arrived at The Bull's Head.

Food was promptly served and we were on our way within the hour.

A brief loop north of the A21 to Green Street Green gave us a short hill to warm up the legs and a tour of large houses of various architectural styles. Next we climbed up to Downe and then down towards Keston before heading south to Fickleshole. From there Chelsham, Warlingham and Bug Hill took us to Woldingham Garden Centre for afternoon tea.

We then all headed off to Burntwood Lane for a hilly ride home.....

Sunday 10th April 2016

A new formula of ride today.

Basically short in distance but with more climbing than would be normal for a typical Sunday clubrun.

In part this was to allow for my mood changes associated with insomnia and visit a "new" cyclist's cafe at Bookham,which had a closing time of 3pm.

Although I was groggy in the morning,I had perked up by the afternoon.

The ride from Ashtead was via Headley and the wonderful Lodgebottom Road/Headley Lane to Rykas.

Past Chapel Farm and the ascent up to Ranmore.

White Down Lane to the A25.

Past Abinger Hatch to the triangle then Friday Street to..................Stephan Langton, Friday Street.

It was 12.20pm.The sandwiches looked tasty served on a wooden board with crisps and salad.

Ann returned to her bike to find a flat tyre.It was 1.30pm and I was aware that we had to push on so regretably, we left Ann & Steve to possibly meet later.

It was down to Ray, Janice, Lillian and myself to checkout the tea stop.

It's easy to miss.........around the corner from the parade of shops on the south side of the A246.

I was impressed for such a tiny cafe.

Friendly guy with possibly his girlfriend welcomed us.

Nice selection of cakes.

When I asked why there was limited publicity (it's been open two years) I was told Brian, the owner doesn't want hoards of cyclists because there is simply not enough room.

A fine day with a moderate easterly felt on the return.

Aldi has limited cycling featured this week.

Unlike Lidl, Aldi can deliver via their online site.

I ordered a Garmin Edge 25 (£109.99 at Wiggle) safely arrived today for the very reasonable sum of £79.99!

Sunday April 3 2016

The day gave a hint of summer and might be described as eventful. Seven became eight on the Middlesex side of Kingston Bridge when Janice appeared after mistaking the start (HC). We took my  route across Bushy Park to Hampton, Hanworth and Ashford before starting a sort of 'Genevieve' trail near Vermeulens. In Poyle we had to edge nervously past a very skittish horse and trap and another more docile in Colnbrook. The obstacles grow ever more in Hollow Hill Lane but it remains passable (just). Soon we were in Langley Park where I spotted a muntjac moving too fast for a more accurate description. Most now crossed the A412 into Black Park, a roughstuff manoevre missed by two backmarkers. Being less than 1/2 mile from the cafe, no harm was done.

Amongst the six already seated was the Trencherman on a rare trip south. As the crow flies, it's less than six miles to lunch so we rode north to the ford (yes that ford) and Fulmer. After heading west to the now demolished One Pin PH (yes in that film) we plunged down into Hedgerley and along Kiln Lane and into the Portman Estate. This brought us to the busy A355 where a motorist halted traffic to allow us to cross. We then followed the western edge of Burnham Beeches to Dorney Wood and Burnham where lunch awaited (or so I thought). From past experience I'd not phoned the pub (bad idea) and today there were 75 guests for a christening! Fortunately T***o Express was open and not far away. We were now back to 13 as three rejoined having been detached at 11s; Bob (by arrangement), Daniel (who'd shuddered at "offroad") and Don (who'd joined up with Bob).


By popular vote, we settled on Notcutts Laleham for tea reached by way of Dorney, Eton, Datchet and Wraysbury. About 55 miles door to door and home well before five.

2 points: Graham, Tony, Ray, Roger, Lillian, Paul, Janice, Pam, Vic, Bob, Dave W, Don, Daniel

1 point: Alan

C&M Burnham Ride.

(First video with bike cam)

Good News

1. The Plough and Attic Rooms, pub at Rusper reopened before Easter.

2. Stretches of Weare Street have been resurfaced.

3. Henfold rebuilding plans are (still) with 'the authorities'.

Terry

Dave's Easter Sunday ride from Leatherhead

27/3/16

It was dry when I left home but I had a headwind all the way to Leatherhead. On arrival Dave was already tucking into a cooked breakfast and Bob was enjoying a coffee. Vic arrived and just before we left the rain started. The lunch stop was undecided but we headed in the rough direction of Windlesham. 

With the headwind and rain we eventually settled on the Saddlers Arms at Send Marsh with just 3 for lunch. Just coming into Send from up Woodhill from the London road at Burnt Common and Vic wanted to show us something, see photo. Lunch was served promptly and once we were ready to leave the rain started again but only briefly.

From here we headed towards West Byfleet where Dave left us to take the canal and Vic am I headed to Woodham where I left Vic and headed home with a very pleasant tailwind. A nice ride with some Sun. Thank you Dave.

Tony..

Not Fit For Purpose - see Tony's write up

March Equinox 2016

Sunday the 20/3/16

For me the official C&M 11's at Old Coulsdon is a 22 ride through the built up suburbs of London, not something I enjoy. So with a few others not wishing to venture that far or further an alternative ride closer to home was organised. So 11's at Dorney, 19 miles for me and pleasant cycling. On arrival Pam, Irene, Alan and Dave had already arrived and Dave was tucking into a cooked breakfast. Graham and Ed soon arrived and as we were nearly ready to depart Vic also joined us and, he did have time to mention that he recently had found a long length of wire (the bead)  protruding from his rear tyre which he had cut off. As we left Alan headed home.

Off over the river to Bray heading to White Waltham and and the North side of the aerodrome and on to NCN4 to Knowl Hill and a short section of the bath road to Kiln Green and a left into Scarletts Lane to Ruscombe and the B3024 to Twyford. A left onto the B3018 the into Hungerford lane and and some quiet lanes brought us to lunch at the Bell Inn Waltham St Lawrence where Dave said his farewells. The pub was packed and we were lucky to get a table but food soon arrived. Setting off after lunch we soon realised that Pam and Vic were not with us so we retraced our step back to the pub to find that another length of wire was protruding from Vic's rear tyre, more bead, removal of the bead had caused the tyre to relax, expand and come off the rim! No cycle shops or station within miles. 

A taxi for vic and his bike was the best option. But luck as surly on Vic's side as on asking the landlord for a phone number for a cab, he being an, ex cyclist, rummaged through his shed and produced and a part worn 700x28 tyre! Soon fitted, 40 minutes had now passed, we were on our way to tea. I took a direct route to Staines for tea at Norths where a delicious sponge cake awaited us.The only thing I don't like about that tea stop is that it's too cosy and it would have been so easy to doze off. Forcing myself out of the chair as it was near 5.00pm I took the direct route home along the A30 to Bedfont then the Staines road through Hounslow and home just after 6.00pm and just shy of 66 miles. A very pleasant day, the Sun did poke it's head through the clouds on occasion. Thank you all for your company and to Irene for providing a lovely afternoon tea and cake.

Tony..

Sunday 20th March 2016

Jeff, Paul, Steve, Janice and Keith were waiting in the cafe in Old Coulsdon as I arrived.  As we headed off a newcomer, Brian, arrived who had missed his ride on Saturday so found ours to join.

We headed back downhill to Farthing Downs and cycled across the downs where we climbed Roffes Lane then descended White Hill Lane towards Bletchingly.  

I had spent the time I had planned to check out the route being checked out in hospital so navigation was mainly using the route on the Garmin which was not always easy to follow.  As we meandered towards Oxted I realised at one point that we were about to rejoin a bit of the route we did earlier so we reversed and headed more directly to Oxted. 

As we entered Oxted we met Ian who joined us.  I had not been able to contact the planned lunch stop so we stopped at Weatherspoons. Jeff left us here before lunch and Ian after.

After lunch it again wasn't clear on my Garmin how to leave Oxted but after a bit of discussion we headed off and arrived at Titsey Hill as planned. We avoided the steep bit by turning along Pilgrims Lane and joined Clarks Lane to head back towards our destination.

We passed Warlingham, Purley and Coulsdon to use the bridleway to Woodmanstern.  There three of us went to Oaks Park while the rest headed home. Unfortunately the cafe had closed three minutes before we got there so no teas.

For me 41 miles.

From Dave S.

Cycling featured in Lidl from Monday 21st March 2016

http://www.lidl.co.uk/en/our-offers-2491.htm?id=795&ar=2

Easter Alternative To The Tour

If you can't face another Easter and those eggs, Dave Ward is prepared to lead a ride on Easter Sunday (March 27). His provisional plan is:

11s        Leatherhead Wetherspoons
Lunch   Windlesham

but he's flexible so if you're a better suggestion let us all know.

Capel Teas 2016

March  6th (Mothering Sunday), 27th (Easter), 28th (Easter Monday)
April 17th
May 1st, 2nd May (Mayday), 29th, 30th (Whitsun)
June 12th
July 17th
August 7th, 28th, 29th
September 18th
October 2nd Harvest
November 5th (All Souls), 20th November (Church Mission Society)

Sunday 13th March 2016

"Giro Cycles in Esher voted UK's Best Coffee Shop for Cyclists - sponsored by road.cc"

http://road.cc/content/news/151731-giro-cycles-esher-voted-uks-best-coffee-shop-cyclists-sponsored-roadcc

I made no less than six phone calls to find a suitable lunch venue today...............but settled for an old favourite.....The Saddler's Arms,Send Marsh.

Not a pub insight

Mothers Day 6/3/16

A very cold morning and Mothers day meant it would be difficult to get served for lunch in pubs so we were off to Fernygrove Farm coffee shop, which I visited about a week ago on a solo ride.I arrived at Hampton court at 8.50am and by 9.10am only Ed had arrived, I knew Irene and Alan would be at 11's so perhaps 3 to lunch wasn't too bad. I took a varied route West of Feltham on cycle paths and back roads to to Bedfont and the the usual roads to 11's at Vermeulens. A surprise awaited me as Irene, Alan, Dave, Don and Vic had gone straight there!  Soon the numbers were swelled when Roger and Graham arrived followed by Bob. As we were getting ready to leave Neal also turned up.

We followed the usual route to Datchet and Windsor then on through Dedworth and Oakley Green and the B3024 to Fifield and a right turn loop, to add a few miles, and back onto the B3024 and a left onto the A330 through Touchen End and then across the Drift road. Then onto the Ascot road to lunch at the Farm Coffee shop Hawthorn Hill. Don and Alan had already turned for home and Dave left us here. The coffee shop was crowded and we were lucky get comfy seats and tables and together.

The food here is all from the farm and good quality, we were soon catered for. On leaving Neal left us to head for Guildford to visit a relative. We had a shortish off road section down Hawthorn lane into Bishops lane to Maidens Green, Winkfield, Woodside and the B383 Sunninghill road to the Ascot gate of Windsor great park. Leaving the park at Bishops gate and the descent of Tite Hill and through Egham to find the barriers coming down on level crossing for the second time we took a detour through the industrial estate to come out on the causeway and into Staines for tea at North's teashop. where we were treated to loads of cake and tea with the added bonus of watching the recorded track cycling. We were getting too comfy and all good things must come to an end so time to depart and head for home. I headed for Wraysbury to add a few miles. I really lovely day on the bike with some Sun and no rain. Thank you all for your company with a special thanks to the tea lady at Norths of Staines.

Tony..

Hilly 50 2016

Please see SWLDA Blog for initial report more to follow!

Sunday 28th February 2016

No food at the Inn.............well The Pheasant at Buckland anyways.
Newly opened and a to a high standard........breakfasts NOW available (from Sunday 6th).
The coffee was decent and we shared a cafetiere for £2.60 (two cups).

http://www.brunningandprice.co.uk/pheasant/menus/breakfast-menu/

I had intended to take the track past Dungates Farm going south - east to join Flanchford Road but I actually took the track to the right of a house at the end of Dungates Lane (south) to emerge opposite Wonham Manor.
A mistake......but as it turned out, nobody appeared to notice.
From there it was across to Lonesome Lane and Salfords.
Over the M23 to pass The Castle at Outwood.
Ed flew down Scott's Hill ahead of me not expecting a fork left (Cogman's Lane).
Suffering from a mild cold I dined on soup.........which was far from hot......disappointing since Jeff and Terry seemed to enjoy their ciabattas.
Home for me was via Wray Lane & Asda,Burgh Heath..........a baguette for 15p anyone?

Around 8 degrees with a north-easterly,and some brightness too.

Date for your diary:

Ripley Jumble dates - Saturday April 16th and Saturday September 17th 

http://www.campyoldy.co.uk/bike-jumble-diary/

This Sunday.........28th February 2016

Due to a mix-up, The Pheasant at Buckland have told me they will be doing breakfasts from Sunday 6th March 2016.
NOT this Sunday as I had originally thought.
Although they will open at 10.30am.........it will be for tea/coffee only.
As folk arrive we may decide to move to Squires - Buckland instead if people so wish.

Sunday 21st February 2016

Eight at Poppy Cafe,Coulsdon.........a place I haven't visited for probably 20 years or so.
It's certainly in the same spot,overlooking Coulsdon Memorial Park.

http://www.poppycafe.co.uk/

The bacon sandwiches looked enticing but sadly my cappuccino wasn't up to my standard (too watery).
I will return no doubt.........I love the view over the park!
Leaving Jeff & Dave we straight away climbed Marlpit Lane to fork left past Coulsdon Common and a swift decent to Whyteleafe.
Across the A22 and the climb of Hillbury Road (B 270) to Warlingham.
Still going east to briefly join NCN 22 (the surfaced bit) past St Leonards church and north on Skid Hill Lane.
Right Sheepbarn Lane into Jewels Hill then the climb of Salt Box Hill.
Left onto the A233 past the Kings  Arms where an eagle eyed rider spotted Ian.
We took lunch in The Crown,Leaves Green.
The landlady offered sandwiches despite them not actually being available on a Sunday.........that's them sorted then I said to myself.
A direct route home for all through Selsdon and Purley past Oaks Park (no takers).

A mainly dull day with (very) occasional brightness pm.
Above 10 degrees.

CTC Tri-ennial Vets 100 Mile Ride

 
Every three years since 1928, the Cyclists’ Touring Club has organised a challenge ride for members over 50. As many of the Wayfarers would just about squeak over the age limit, on 15th June we will be organising a CTC Tri-Vets ride, starting and finishing at the Cricket Pavilion in Brockham. We will offer a 100 mile ride, which will qualify for the CTC Tri-Vets Badge, and we will offer a 100 km ride, for those who want a good day out but don’t fancy the full distance. We will also be offering a 50 km ride suitable for any member who chooses it. The shorter distance rides do not qualify for the badge.  Of course, if you’re lucky enough to look under 50, as the signs say in pubs, you can still ride 100 miles but you can’t have a badge. Something for the youngsters to look forward to.

All rides will be largely on the Surrey Cycleway, which is a network of pretty lanes with little traffic. It is not flat - Surrey isn’t - but it’s certainly not a hilly route, as none of Surrey’s famous hills is included. 

To earn your badge, which you will have to order from CTC at a cost of £4, you will need to complete your 100 miles in twelve hours. For many Wayfarers eight hours riding and an hour for stops will be plenty; some may choose a slower pace, some may choose a shorter distance. Every finisher, at every distance, will get a Finisher’s Certificate. 

Based on the Cricket Pavilion at Brockham, the first riders will leave at 0800. For each distance, there will be led rides of small groups, with the normal leader/back marker/corner marker arrangements. Times for these led rides are as follows:

0800:  100 miles, 12.5 mph

0830:  100 miles, 13.0 mph

0900:  100 miles, 13.5 mph

0930:  100 kms, 12.0 mph

1000:  100 kms, 12.5 mph

1030:  100 kms,  13.0 mph

1100:  50 kms,  10.0 mph

 

To join the event you do not have to participate in a led ride - you can ride by yourself, or with a couple of friends, if you prefer. There will be route cards and GPS files for those who want them. Every rider will have an Audax-style ‘Brevet Card’, that is stamped as proof of passage. This will serve as evidence for CTC Badge Claims, but it is not meant to be a rigorous thing. It’s a ride with friends and clubmates - claims are made on trust. 

As an illustration of how it works, here is the 100 mile route. It’s a figure of eight, almost all on the Cycleway, that starts at Brockham, returns to the Pavilion for lunch and then finishes there for tea and cakes. The 100 km and 50 km routes will be similar, taking shorter loops away from Brockham.

The Pavilion will be open from 0730, serving teas, coffees and biscuits to riders before they set off. Sandwich lunches will be available there from 1100 to 1500, with teas starting after that until the last rider is accounted for.

The rules are that twelve hours are allowed for the 100 mile ride. The first riders will leave at 0800, and the finish control will close at about 2030, depending on who’s still out on the course. It may be that for some, the finish control is one of the pubs on Brockham Green ...

The Wayfarers will charge £5 for the CTC Tri-vets ride, which is well below CTC’s recommended charge. For this you get teas and coffees, a sandwich lunch, cake at tea- time, a certificate, the organisation of the event and the use of the hall.

The event will be advertised on the CTC Web Site. As other CTC groups are doing, we plan to cap the number of riders at 80, as we can’t really cope with much more than that. Being close to London, the event may be very popular, so if you are interested you would be well advised to get your name on the list early. Speak to Simon, or drop him an email, to secure your place. 

Mark

St Valentines Day - The Herbert Wells Woking

14th of Feb...and 14 of us were ready to leave Squires for Woking at 14 minutes past eleven !!!! (more or less)!  It was the same route as planned for my 2015 lead to Horsell but this Sunday we diverted to Wetherspoons which was not such a bad choice, (Horsell pubs were fully booked), for we all sat together with no complaints about food and service.

OK....the route....towards Cobham station, River Lane (good surface), Downside, Horsley Road, The Drift, East Lane, Ripley Lane to Ripley where there had been a time trial that Mike had hoped to see one or two of the participants but it was all over when we passed the headquarters!  From there we passed Newark Abbey continuing to Maybury then via the canal towpath to Woking.

Alan and Richard had already gone their own way so twelve for lunch. After lunch Dave, Mike and Tony pushed on whilst the rest of us went to Addlestone via the towpath and New Haw.  Terry said goodbye at Byfleet; Nigel, Graham and Rachel - no tea - so five of us stopped at the Golden Café where we were invited to meander as long as we wished!

I must add that it was 14 miles from elevenses to lunch...how is that for all the fourteens on the 14th???A very nice day, albeit very chilly - but NO rain!! My thanks to all for coming, particularly to Ray for taking photos and to Graham for back marking.

Sunday 14 February

Irene and I called into The Plough, Horsell today and was told 'no room at the inn' on Sunday - so plan to have lunch at Wetherspoons, Woking instead!   Not sure yet where we shall have tea? 

See you all at Stoke D'Abernon, on the way to lunch by 11.15 !?     Pam :)

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