Sunday 19 November - Woodham and Windsor

Graham, Vic, Paul, Ed, Irene, Pam and I met for the ride at the ever-busy and newly-refurbished Bourne Valley Garden Centre café, and Alan, Bob and Terry joined us for elevenses only.   It was a glorious morning but rather chilly, so I thought a few climbs to keep us warm would be the best thing!   Accordingly, we set off for Virginia Water via Ottershaw, Kitsmead Lane and Wellington Avenue.  I decided the preferred route, the shared path around the lake, would be a little busy on such a lovely day, so we headed west to Blacknest and entered Windsor Great Park at Cheapside instead, much quieter but still with delightful scenery.   We left the park at the Rangers Gate and picked up the cycle route to Spital, then dodged round some backstreets to reach The Windlesora, Windsor’s other, less touristy Wetherspoons!    Service was quick and friendly, and we all enjoyed good meals.   No hills at all on the return trip, just a few hump-backed bridges as we motored through Datchet, Wraysbury and Staines at a steady 12 mph to reach the tea stop at Laleham just after 2.30 pm.    Many thanks to all for a problem-free ride and I hope you enjoyed it.   Mea culpa – I forgot the customary group photo hence the map!

Sunday November 12, 2017

Thirteen met at West Horsley Squires but, fortunately for the superstitious, Alan, Bob and Donald did not join the ride. We headed east, our entry to Chalk Lane being delayed slightly by about a couple of dozen Harley Davidsons burbling past in the opposite direction. Ascending Greendene and descending Combe  Lane we saw many other cyclists out on training runs. To Shere next via Rectory Lane, over rather than through the ford then a change from normal by using Church Hill before joining Sandy Lane. On to the outskirts of Peaslake where we followed Hoe Lane to Horsham Road. Just short of the junction we met a car travelling in the opposite  direction. I stopped, so did the car – I wanted to warn the driver there were more  cyclists coming. I recognised the driver as an old friend and former works colleague. He was and is very keen on motorcycle racing. Many years ago he prepared and rode his own bike in the Clubmans’ races (not the TT) in the Isle of Man and finished third in his first race there. Now his two sons are doing nearly as well. We joined the B2126 as far as Sutton Abinger then via Sutton Lane, Donkey Lane and Hollow Lane we reached the A25. Turning into Balchins Lane we avoided main road traffic and noise. There were wonderful views of the trees on Ranmore in their various autumn colours. On the outskirts of Dorking we turned left into Station Road, shortly right into Parkway then across Meadowbank to the cycle track  to Leatherhead and lunch at the Edmund Tylney. By the time we had all eaten and drunk and chatted it was 1500 hrs and it was unanimously decided to head homewards in the daylight.

Edmund (later Sir) Tylney was  the Master of Revels (I’m not joking) for Queen Elizabeth I and King James I and lived in Leatherhead. He had great influence in the censorship and developement of drama.

My original lunch venue was The Scarlett Arms but after a recce I decided it was a pub too far. Tracey, the landlady was scheduled to have left by now, (going to pastures/pub new in Cranleigh) to be replaced by one Jill. Another redoubtable lady leaving us.

Thanks to all for company, David for tec and people various for corner marking. I hope we have a few more Sundays with such agreeable weather.

Think this is correct – I’m sure Jeff will correct if necessary:                        

2 points Irene, Pam, Graham, Jeff, Ed, Ray, Vic, Terry.  

1 point Donald, Bob, Alan, David, Brian.

Terry

Cheam and Morden ride Sunday 12th November

Having recced my proposed route I have decided to shorten it. The 11s venue is unchanged at West Horsley GC but lunch will be at the Edmund Tylney at Leatherhead and 3s at Painshill if we are there by 3.30.

Terry.

Guy Fawkes Night 2017 (part 2)

A perfect autumn day (sunny but chilly NW breeze) drew a bumper crowd to the Vineries cafe. With an early lunch booked I was keen to get away so 11 (or thereabouts) set off at 11 (or thereabouts).

High Barn Road and Hogden Lanes led us to the top of the Downs. Then began the long descent from Ranmore Common into Dorking. We left the one way system at Horsham Road before crossing from west to east using St Paul's Roads. After a brief dalliance with the A24 Blackbrook was next. Here a glance at the watch indicated time for an offroad detour so we turned left at the still muddy waters of Forwents Pond. We now encountered an unexpected hazard - smartly dressed riders and horses, dozens of them! They'd done their best to ensure that any mud was well and truly churned. But soon we were through and heading for Shellwood Manor. It needed a burst of evens to ensure that we (or more accurately I) reached The Royal Oak reached at the appointed time of 1230. It was heaving but already arrived were the softies who'd used the Gap. That made 16 (more than my guestimate of 10). However by the time the food arrived the pub had emptied (to watch the Morris Dancers?) and we were all seated.

Toasting marshmallows

With no intention of stopping for tea I led across the Coach Road to the A25. In Pixham Lane came news via Ann (and presumably Steve) that a rucksack had been left at the pub. Mine! so here my ride ended. And to make matters worse - crossing Ashstead Common I punctured, a lengthy stop as it took forever to inflate the tyre with a mini-pump. Home before sunset (1630) after 50 eventful, stressful miles.

Apologies for the mud; none on Wednesday's recce. Finally that letter box: TQ181591

2 points: Graham, Irene, Pam, Ed, Ian, Ray, Brian, Paul, Ann, Vic, Tony, Richard. Bob, David W, Mike
1 point: Alan, Don, Maureen, Steve.

From Pam:

Leaving? without a rucksack

Spot The Morris Dancers

Guy Fawkes' Day 2017

The Brockham bonfire (but not how you'll see it on Sunday)

Table booked for 1230 as it could be heaving. Festivities last the whole weekend so expect Morris dancers on arrival. Ranmore Common and Dorking town centre are on the official route though I hear rumours that some "softies" may be taking an alternative route with no hills! The choice is yours.

An Edward VIII letterbox spotted on my route home - not many of them about. Won't tell you where it is but there's a big clue in the background (no it's not the Virginmedia van).

SUNDAY 29TH OCTOBER ....HERSHAM-WOKING-SHEPPERTON

Another Squires, another elevenses!  This week we were at Hersham.  Fourteen gathered for elevenses, eleven stayed out for the day.   For the register....Alan, Don and Bob went their own way, albeit Alan did ride into Cobham with us.  Irene, Tony, Ed, Chris, Graham, Mick, Ray, Vic, Niall and Michi stayed with me.

Out to Severn Hills Road, past Notre Dame school into Cobham.  Then via much travelled lanes to Hungry Hill, turning into  Tithebarnes Lane traversing around Send via Woodhill and Potters Lane. Then Old Woking Road which led us to Maybury Hill and on to Wetherspoons  arriving not much after 12.30.   This gave us plenty of time to chat, also time to look at the 'road art', in the memory of H.G.Wells.

From Woking our route to Shepperton took us through more lanes to Horsell, skirting Chobham via Horsell Common Road, Philpot Lane, Stonehill Road to Chertsey.  Across Chertsey Bridge into Shepperton for tea at Café Mocha which has moved a little further along the High Street.  
Niall and Mitchi opted out of the tea stop, great having you both along on the ride today..... My thanks to Tony for offering to be back marker and for the photo....and, of course, to all for being there nd making it such an enjoyable day
Pam :) :) :)

October 22 2017

I feared worse but Storm Brian left us with blustery but bright weather, so no chance we would be emulating Sir Cloudesley Shovel on this day (OS) in 1707 .

Fourteen reached the Vineries; by 11.15 ten were ready more or less to continue on an obvious route along Orestan and Calvert Roads to the A246. Green Dene was officially closed but seemingly not to anyone who wanted to use it; something important - a rough surface and men in orange close to the sawmill turn-off. Down Coombe Bottom, through busy Shere and up the other side brought us to the railway bridge where we joined the Hilly 50 route. Thankfully there was only one car in Hoe Lane and it waited at the top of the climb. Leaving the course close to the Volunteer we reached The Royal Oak Holmbury St Mary spot on 1230. After initial confusion (loads of walkers) most settled for something substantial if I include child's portions.

After lunch our force divided with seven taking the official route along Sutton, Donkey and Hollow Lanes to the A25. Here Terry took over to lead us via NCN 22 to his abode in Dorking for tea and cake. A rather modest 48 miles door to door.

15 October - Waifs and Strays at Effingham

An Inadvertent Alternative Ride

The alert among those convening at the Pheasantry on 15 October will have noticed a discrepancy in the attendance recorded. Numbers seem to have been swelled by a quintet of ghost riders, for whom the lure of Effingham, if not of the C&M blog,  proved irresistible.  Fearing that some calamity might have befallen their comrades, their investigation on the w.w.w revealed the gulf between Teddington and Effingham. Never mind. We shall make up for it . If you have overlooked the attendance record, do not forget to click on the newly minted 2018 tab.

I have done my best to divine the attendance status of the Pheasanteers from Tony's report and Dave's snap. Please let me know if my deductions may be found in any way wanting.

So it is Effingham on the 22nd. Don't get blown off course.

Jeff

RIDE ON SUNDAYS THE 22nd

The ride is changed from that published in the paper version of Sou'Wester.

11's is Effingham Vineries, Lunch is at Holmbury St Mary and tea at Pilgrims cycles West Humble.

Sunday the 15th October

A new 11’s venue this Sunday, the Pheasantry Bushy Park. A pleasant setting, they have and indoor/out and a separate outdoor cafe, when I arrived Graham was already sitting in the outdoor cafe. Gradually numbers increased to around 12. It was nice to see Frank and Francoise out with us. A nice surprise was that Simon and Lis joined us for 11’s but alas were not able to come to lunch.

On leaving the car park to take an off road track to the Hampton court main gate we bumped into Alan Anderson who had gone to the indoor cafe all alone, my fault for not checking, sorry Alan.

Skirting the the A309 and  the A307as much as I could to turn left at Cobham into Fairmile Lane and a left into Miles lane, Knipp hill and a roundabout way Blundel lane and across the A245 into the Tilt, then across Cobham park to Downside and into Horsley rd and a right turn at the Drift and onto Ockham. Missin Hungry Hill and a left up Grove Heath road , Portsmouth road to lunch at the Saddlers arms where Dave Ward was already seated outside. John and Carolyn didn't stop for lunch.

Ray had had a mechanical and a arrived a touch later, also Alan had departed for home as usual. The food arrived very intermittently and was basic but welcome.  Dave made his own way from here. Off now to tea at Squires Upper Halliford via Send, Pyrford, West Byfleet, where Terry left us, and Woodham, Row Town and Adlestone and across the moor to Chertsey bridge and the short ride to tea.

It was very pleasant sitting outside in the warm even if there was no Sun. A pleasant Sundays cycling thank you all who joined me.

Photo Courtesy Dave Ward

Tony

I M P O R T A N T--R I D E --C H A N G E

The ride on Sunday the 15th October will now be the ride that was billed for the 22nd October and vica versa.

11's at the Pheasantry Bush Park.
Lunch at the Saddlers Arms Send Marsh.
Tea at Squires Upper Haliford, this is a change from that listed.
The Leader is Tony Hopkins.
Tony

Sunday October 8 2017

As an official ride It's best I document it! but a short ride (<15 miles) merits no more than a short report.

Ed was the official leader but his mind was on other matters so I deputised. The eighteen at Sainsburys Cobham showed no inclination to leave but leave we did sometime after 11. Our ride headed for Downside and Bookham Common. For a change we exited in Little Bookham. The general store was closed (permanently?) but Ye Olde Windsor Castle appeared open for business. Further south are hills so next we turned left for the long downhill through Fetcham and past the pond. The short rise from the Leatherhead Pumping Station got us to lunch in The Edmund Tylney aka Wetherspoon's.


Once again there was reluctance to leave. I jettisoned plans of offroading and settled for the obvious : Ashtead, A24, left towards the Wells, Stamford Green and Horton Park. We were 10 minutes late for the AGM; no matter as this proved to be the quietest in a long while.

C&M AGM Sun 8 Oct 2017

Prior to Ed hosting the AGM and providing the usual delicious homemade cakes lunch was taken at Wetherspoons Leatherhead with a large turnout having had elevenses at Cobham. Photo below shows a number of dinners prior to setting off for Ed's lead by Graham who will issue the MOM.

It is a dead heat

A Result

In the light of nuggets now mined from the deepest recesses of the C&M collective memory, we have a result. It is a dead heat between Ed and Graham. I cannot remember this having happened before, at least not in my time. It takes a lot to compete with Ed on this front. It should also be noted that, although Graham posted the ride report for 16 April, 2017, the leader was Dave Ward.

So congratulations to Ed and Graham.

This result will no doubt be formally presented to Sunday's AGM, which I am sure that you will all be attending. The main item on the agenda may be: how to apportion the winning lunch to the Siamese gold medal winners? We may need Herr Junker or M. Michel Barnier to adjudicate. This might need referral to the supranational authority of the European Court of Justice, unless Boris Johnson objects. Otherwise, we shall decide for ourselves.

Jeff

Testing

Random cycle touring image for test purposes.

Attendance - Urgent - Who was there on Easter Sunday, 16 April 2017?

Dear All,

Please ransack your memories. 

Our attendance record is blank for 16 April 2017. There was a ride, led by Graham Dave Ward, from Polesden Lacey to Godalming and Ripley. I have copied the ride report and map below, from which we can identify Graham and Keith as riders on that day. We know that there were 8 at Polesden Lacey and 5 at Godalming. Who else was on that ride? The report and map should jog your memory (though there is nothing like a photo).


This is of some significance, as if Ed was on that ride, he pips the attendance competition by two points. If he was not there, we have a dead heat between Graham and Ed, both on 81 points. This might mean they have to share the free lunch: mains course for one, dessert for the other. We want to avoid this at all costs.

 We need to know this before the AGM next Sunday, so please rack your brains.

Jeff 

P.S. Perhaps Graham could copy and circulate this request to those on his circulation list.

Sunday April 16 2017

Sunday dawned sunny but with a biting wind which plagued us all day.  Eight members gathered at Polesden Lacey for elevenses and five hardy souls continued to Godalming. The ride to lunch took us along five off road sections including a long section of the North Downs Way.   Given the recent dry spell, there was no problem with mud and our road bikes coped admirably, although Keith was taking no chances on his mountain bike!   The ascent of Shere Road was slipped in to give a bit of relief from all the rough stuff!

Lunch was served with the usual efficiency at Godalming Wetherspoons and we then set off  via Mount Browne and the towpath to the Wooden Horse, eventually ending up at Ripley for tea after a quirky route to Jacobs Well and the A3 path.   With another two off road sections from lunch to tea and the two I also rode to 11's and from tea, that makes nine in one club ride (including two sewage works paths). Is this a record?

Sunday 1st October

Irene, Lilian, Alan, David W, Ed, Graham, Paul, Terry and Vic met at West Clandon Garden Centre in unpromising weather conditions. Alan and Graham came no further. To avoid a muddy track and wrath of party I chose to go to the outskirts of Guildford, then turned south into Tangier Road. This led to One Tree Hill Road and a duplication of last week’s route to Chilwoth. Irene left us here. A fairly quiet run through Wonersh and Bramley brought us to the A3100 until we could turn onto the B3000 to Compton and Puttenham. After crossing the A31 another decision had to be made – Christmas Pie Trail or main road ? I opted for main road and a happy party. We had lunch at The Royal Oak, Wood Street which was good and generous. The landlord apologised for delay (not that bad) and hoped to see us again.

The weather was still fine when we left. Our homeward route was fairly straightforward – Aldershot Road, Gravetts Lane, Keens Lane and Cumberland Avenue led to Saltbox Road and Jacobs Well, then alongside the A3. A brief discussion unanimously decided Pinnock’s at Ripley would be ideal for tea, and so it proved, after which we made our separate ways home.

Thanks to all for company and tec (assorted), hope you all got home dry (better than we were led to believe).

Terry

Attendance Record - 1 Oct 2016 to 30 Sept 2017

Present or Absent?

The Cheam and Morden Attendance Year has now run its full course There are now no more points to be gained, however hard you try. Except of course that the record is still subject to audit and it is very tight at the top. There are gaps. For example, the scorekeeper was unable to identify the rider in a yellow top in the bottom right corner of the photo at Great Cockrow on 17 September. Stand up please and be identified. As the scorekeeper is no longer the diligent attender on every ride that he used to be, he now relies on a combination of ride reports and photographic evidence to fill in the blanks. He has in the past asked for help by posting comments at the end of ride reports. These are ignored. For some reason, the photographer rarely appears in the photo.

You are therefore exhorted to click on the C&M attendance tab on the blog and carry out your own audit, to ensure that no attendance of yours has been omitted. The responsibility is yours, even though that is unlikely to affect the final outcome. But let us be accurate. 

If there is any omission or inaccuracy please speak now or forever hold your peace. Today's ride (1st October) is the first of the new attendance year, so now is your chance to ride for glory - and a free lunch at the C&M annual beanfeast in the New Year.

The Scorekeeper.

Sunday September 24 2017

It was a lovely morning and a baker's dozen of us (Don Clarke, Bob, Vic, Graham, Ed, Lillian, Alan, Pam, Maureen, Jeff, Brian Bent, Ray Wren and me) met for elevenses at West Horsley.

Maureen, Jeff, Don, Bob and Alan didn’t join us for the rest of the ride and Brian left us en route. We ‘roughed it’, for the first time in a long while, over Merrow Downs to One Tree Hill then tackled the blind bends and ups and downs of Halfpenny Lane while alpacas gazed on impassively.  After Blackheath we made a short detour into the cemetery where Vic showed us a stylish cyclist’s grave.  The customary, benettled sewage works path from Shalford led us smartly to Wetherspoons at Godalming.

After lunch we stopped to regroup by Nightingale Cemetery in the dizzy heights of Farncombe.  Through the railings Ray noticed that, by an astonishing coincidence, we had stopped exactly opposite the grave of one John George "Jack" Phillips, senior wireless operator on the Titanic, and now honoured with the ultimate accolade by J D Wetherspoon, no less!

The onward route was by Littleton and Mount Browne to Guildford, very pretty but on reflection perhaps a little harsh given the climbing we had already done (my Strava said 831 metres of ascent for the whole ride home to home but this does include one footbridge).  Then it was straightforward stuff, dodging the main centre on the path between railway and cricket ground then taking the customary route to Ripley.   Many thanks to all for another very pleasant and trouble-free ride (barring the near loss of one valuable season ticket) in excellent company!

Dave W

17 September - Addlestone - Jeallots Hill - Great Cockrow

Well it wasn't the balmy late-summer ride that I'd imagined.   Sunday was a day for knocking the icicles off your bike before leaving the house - grey but thankfully windless.   We huddled in the Golden Café for warmth and nobody seemed in a hurry to venture out.  Eventually we set off leaving Maureen, Alan and Bob plus Margaret and Bill to return home from 11s.   Familiar roads through Lyne led to a risky detour through Wentworth - past the clubhouse in fact - trying to act as if we had left our golf clubs with the caddie.  But we got away with it, riding through across Ascot Racecourse to arrive at the New Leathern Bottle just before 1pm.    The pub looked strangely familiar - and then I remembered: we had been there on Neil's ride, only the previous Wednesday.  We were served good food very quickly, opting to sit indoors as it was still cold.


Then came the most dangerous part of the ride: climbing into the play tractor for a photo, before heading back through Maidens Green and Cranbourne towards Windsor Great Park, dodging the crowds around Virginia Water (the lake) and exiting towards Virginia Water (the village) on the way to Great Cockrow, site of the miniature railway.   Decision time: should we brave the outdoor café at Great Cockrow, or play it safe by going back to Addlestone?  The lure of the nearby café won the vote.  While we were there the sun came out for the first time, making it almost warm.  On the way home from tea we had a couple of heavy showers, which I hope most will have missed.    32 miles from 11s to tea: a very enjoyable day out, but definitely autumnal.

Welcome to Geoff Gregory who joined the C&M for the first time, and thankyou Geoff for back marking and taking photos.

Change of lunch venue

Please note.

The lunch venue next Sunday, the 17th, will now be the New Leathern Bottle Jealots hill. 

Tony..

Sunday 10th September 2017 Stoke D’Abernon - Guildford King's Head - Painshill Park Cafe

Nine greeted Pam, Alan and myself when we arrived at Squires GC for 11s. It was quite a dull day so we anticipated getting wet!!!  After Alan, Bob, Margaret and Bill left, eight (Simon, Ed, Terry, Pam, Vic, Graham, Brian Bent and I) started our ride to Guildford turning right out of the garden centre, over the railway bridge then left into Station Road. A first right into Bray Road led to River Lane and offroad into Downside. We continued on Chilbrook Road and Ockham Lane and over Hungary Hill. After crossing the A246, Staple Lane was climbed and Coombe Bottom descended to Albury and Chilworth before a right turn into Hornhatch Lane and over the level crossing. After Shalford Lane a right turn into Tilehouse Road led us to the Pilgrims Way. We used the cyclepath alongside the A281 into Guildford town centre. Finally the lowest part of the High Street and a right turn into Quarry Street brought us to the King's Head. There to greet us were Ray Wren, Vic and Ed. Unusually they serve sandwiches and baguettes on Sundays.

 

On leaving we walked through the lovely castle gardens which are a picture throughout the year. They are on three levels, flower beds lead up through a lovely tunnel to a second level where bowls were in full flow and then up to the top level which has a bandstand. A brass band was playing; it would have been great to have stayed a bit longer. We continued to the High Street and its cobbles and rode on past Stoke Park, and down to the cycle route on the A3. After passing the Jovial Sailor we turned right into Grove Heath Road and continued to Painshill Park and its lovely tea shop which stays open until 5 on Sundays. Although threating all day , rain didn’t materialise until evening.

 

Thanks everyone for making it a trouble free day and thanks for the company.

 

Irene

Sunday the 3rd September

Uxbridge-Seer Green-Cranford

I got to Hampton Court a tad early to find Ed already waiting with Graham arriving minutes later. Off through Hampton, Hamworth, Feltham  Bedfont and back roads to Colnbrook where Irene and Niall were waiting. Back roads again and Iver, Cowley and on to 11's the Rusty bike Cafe. Just after we arrived a friend of mine (John Hare) from Uxbridge arrived showing Mick (Furnival-Adams) the way to the cafe from Uxbridge station.

Tea-Toast, Coffee-Cake in the light Sun and off by 11. A nice little climb up to Iver Heath and past Pinewood studios. Fulmer, Stoke Common, Hedgerly and past the White Horse pub, a C&M favourite, and a loop round to Gerrard's Cross and back roads to Chalfont St Peter and a left turn into Welders lane and a brief stop outside Ossy Osbourne's estate and past Jordan's youth Hostel and onto lunch at the 3 Horse Shoes, Seer Green as the rain started to increase.

I had booked a table and we had a nice comfortable booth. Orders for drinks and food were taken quickly and arrived just as quick, 4 had the childrens roast (must be big children in Seer Green!) and 2 had soup. Off into the light drizzle to Chalfont Chllafont St Giles and into Bowstridge Lane back to Chalfont St Peter and the stiff little climb up Chiltern hill through a private estate. Then Denham lane down to Denham and past Sir John Mills old house and through the Golf coures back to Uxbridge. At this point Niall and Mick left us to take the direct route along the Uxbridge road to Isleworth and Kew receptively.

It was felt that Moniz cafe at Cranford was to far East for some so Vermeulens was the next choice. On reaching the cafe and finding it closed, it was only 3.50, Irene decided to head straight for home and Ed, Graham and myself headed for Ashford and a pub or cafe there. Graham left us just as we reached Ashford and Ed and myself found a Cafe Nero still open and settled in for coffee and cake. On leaving the drizzle still continued and me and Ed parted company, I headed for Bedfont and the Staines road nearly all the way home. In spite of the weather a pleasant day on the bike with a good crowd. 73 miles door to door.

Tony..

Sunday August 27

It was August Bank Holiday weekend and I had expected most C&M members would either be away or else sitting indoors watching the rain fall, so imagine my surprise then when no fewer than 12 arrived at Guildford to savours the delights of Wetherspoons!   Eleven wanted to continue to lunch and our route took us around the towpaths, footbridges and back streets of Guildford to Wood Street Village, and from there to the lanes of Wyke and Tongham then by the easy route over the Hogs Back.

The Barley Mow at The Sands has a very pleasant garden and it was the ideal day to enjoy it!   The menu and prices are somewhat quirky but most of us found something to satisfy.   After lingering over lunch we set off back towards Shackleford with Brian and Keith soon peeling off to make their own ways home.    The main group first took the pretty roads along the foot of the Hogs Back, then the cycle route to Compton which was reasonably passable given the recent rainfall.  After the stiff climb up to Guildford there was another parting of the ways.   Jeff, Paul and I continued to Ripley after traversing yet more of Guildford's footbridges and alleyways, with the rest following by another route.

Thanks to all for a very enjoyable day.

11's - Don Clarke, Vic White, Paul Day, Keith Rook, Graham Hill, Irene North, Ed Sharpe, Rachel, Bob Eberhard, Brian Greenwood, Jeff Tollerman, David Ward

Lunch - Vic White, Paul Day, Keith Rook, Graham Hill, Irene North, Ed Sharpe, Rachel, Bob Eberhard, Brian Greenwood, Jeff Tollerman, David Ward

Lunch Venue Change for Sunday the 27th August

The lunch venue has now changed to The Barley Mow at The Sands GU10 1NE

Dave.

20th August - Runnymede-Bourne End-Windsor

It was a tale of four tea stops: but more of that later.   A lucky 13 met for elevenses at a sunny Runnymede, including new riders Michiko and Niall, friends of Tony & mine through another cycling group.   Bill & Margaret, Alan and Bob were heading home after elevenses, so nine set off towards Bourne End, through Datchet, crossing Slough via a couple of parks and a cycleway with several chicanes to make life interesting.   A few short sharp hills, through Burnham Beeches and some quiet lanes on the way to Hedsor with a steep downhill into Bourne End.  

At the Cinnamon Café.  Niall and Michiko in foreground.

The Bounty at Bourne End is not reachable by road, so bikes had to be carried across the railway bridge, down & up steps before a short walk along the towpath to reach it.   The situation, right on the river bank, and the eccentric nature of the pub, is worth the extra effort, although when we reached the pub and found it full to overflowing, I was worried whether we'd get served before sundown.    I needn't have worried - we found a table outside and the service was very efficient.    The original plan for tea had been Vermeulens, but the route developed in a different way so was changed to Savill Gardens: then there was a prospect of late afternoon rain so we shortened it to Windsor Farm Shop, but finally Tony came up with the idea of the Cinnamon Café in Windsor, where we ended up.  Only about 30 miles in all but a good day out with good company.   Thank you to Niall and Michiko for offering to back-mark and we hope you will join us again on a Sunday.

20 Aug - Change of tea stop

The Bounty

Just to let you know that the tea stop after our ride to Bourne End will be Saville Gardens, rather than Vermulens as previously advertised.   In the morning I plan to visit Burnham Beeches on the way to the rather eccentric but beautifully sited Bounty pub at Bourne End, with a couple of short off-road stretches along the Millenium river.  There is no road access to the Bounty - it's reached over a pedestrian bridge across the Thames, but I'm sure help with lifting bikes up the steps will be on hand, if needed.

Sunday 13th August 2017 Dorney Court - Green Man Hurst - North’s Cafe Staines

 

It was a lovely warm day for the ride to Hurst. Alan and I were first to arrive at Dorney Court soon followed in by Ed & Graham which turned out to be the full group as most had been on the Birthday Rides last week and/or V.C.C. rides this week and/or holidays. Chris turned up at 11.30 am but was too late!!  

 

Undaunted by the size of the group, Alan returned home so three turned left on leaving and continued on NCN 4 over river Thames to Monkey Island. There we turned left and went straight over the very busy A308 through Fifield and right on to B3024. After a left to Touchen End and a right fork through Paley Street, we took a left just before the M4 bridge. Through Beenham and Shurlock Row led to Hurst.  As usual the food was first class. All three tucked into child size roasts (goodness knows how big the adult size must be) 

 

On leaving pub we turned left, left and left again wending our way back through Billingbear to Moss End then across Ascot racecourse and into Windsor Great Park., down Tite Hill through Egham and home to Staines where we had tea and cakes.

 

Thank you Ed (who had a very long day but I gave him cake to help him on his way) and Graham.

Sunday the 6th August

After leaving a very crowded (with cyclists) Dabbling Duck at Shere, Lilian, Jeff, Brian, Keith, David, Ed,Vic and I (leaving Bob) headed south. Brian left us at the railway bridge, we carried on via quiet, deserted lanes to Brook, Farley Green and Winterfold Heath before entering a rather congested (roadworks) Cranleigh. The eagle eyed amongst us might have noticed a couple of Irene and Graham lookalikes munching lunch on a bench. We continued south, eventually turning onto the A281 briefly near Bucks Green then turning off it to The Blue Ship at The Haven. Lunches had been pre-ordered and were ready and waiting for us. What service !

David left us after lunch, for the rest the afternoon route was the ‘usual’ – Rudgwick, Okewood Hill, Weare Street (quiet geese today) to Capel. A brief discussion here – everyone was in favour of Brockham cakes rather than Denbies. Jeff left us here, the cake fanciers rode on via Newdigate and Parkgate to the usual wonderful display. Worth remembering – as closing time approaches a ‘two for one’ offer may be made.

A very enjoyable day, no rain, not much wind and plenty of sunshine. Thanks to all for company, also corner markers and back markers.

Terry.

Sunday 6th August

Lunch on Sunday 6^th August is at The Blue  Ship, The Haven. They don’t normally do sandwiches on Sundays but  will if we order in advance. I will  have a copy of the menu on Sunday but you could also look it up and choose. The long range weather forecast is better than today.

SANDWICHES

A CHOICE OF WHITE OR BROWN BREAD. SERVED WITH A SALAD GARNISH.

PRAWN MAYONNAISE

£6.50

CHEDDAR CHEESE & PICKLE

£5.75

BACON & BRIE WITH CRANBERRY SAUCE

£6.25

HOME COOKED HAM WITH MUSTARD

£5.75

O'HAGAN'S OXFORD SAUSAGE

£6.45

AVAILABLE IN CIABATTA FOR AN EXTRA £1.50

GLUTEN FREE CIABATTA ROLLS ALSO AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST FOR AN EXTRA £2

ADD A PORTION OF CHIPS FOR £2.00 OR SWEET POTATO FRIES FOR £3.00

 

 

PLOUGHMANS

SERVED WITH A WARM MALTED COTTAGE LOAF, GHERKIN, PICKLED ONION AND CHUTNEYS

 

WITH A CHOICE OF CHEDDAR, STILTON, BRIE, MIXED CHEESE OR HAM

£10.00

 

OMLETTES

SERVED WITH SALAD & FRIES

PLAIN - £8.00

CHEESE - £9.00

CHEESE & HAM - £10.00

CHEESE & MUSHROOM - £10.50

 

YOUNG & NOT SO YOUNG MENU

SAUSAGE, SCAMPI OR CHICKEN DIPPERS      

GLUTEN FREE FISH FINGERS

SERVED WITH CHIPS & A CHOICE OF BEANS OR PEAS

HAM, 1 FREE RANGE EGG AND CHIPS

SAUSAGE, MASH 7 PEAS WITH GRAVY

£6.50

 

SIDE ORDERS

CHIPS - £3.00

CHEESY CHIPS - £4.00

SWEET POTATO FRIES - £4.00

SIDE SALAD - £3.00

HOMEMADE COLESLAW - £3.50

GARLIC BREAD - £2.00

BREAD - £1.75

 

SUNDAY ROASTS

ROAST TOPSIDE OF BEEF

ROAST LOIN OF PORK

SERVED WITH ALL THE TRIMMINGS £10.50

SMALLER PORTIONS AVAILABLE £6.50

 

ALL OF OUR FOOD IS COOKED FRESH TO ORDER SO WE ASK THAT YOU PLEASE BE PATIENT DURING OUR BUSY TIMES. WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON QUALITY FOOD NOT FAST FOOD.

Terry.

Sunday July 31 2017

Flooded roads and the threat of rain have jinxed this ride in the past two years so I did hope for better this time, but the very large puddles I had to dodge after risking life and limb to cross the Pru Ride London route did not bode well!   Nevertheless, Tony, Ray Wren and Graham were not deterred and joined me in the sunshine at Sunbury.    We took a quirky route close to the western perimeter of Heathrow, and Tony helped us cut off a corner into Harmondsworth, from where it was a straight road to Uxbridge.  Several members were missing with cast iron excuses, but Pam, Irene, Lillian were already ensconced in Wetherspoons when we arrived.

The route to Hedgerley was not a long one but the clouds were gathering all the while and we had to to struggle through undergrowth on the Denham roundabout and minor floods at Tatling Lane.  Despite this, we made it to the shelter of the White Horse just in time to miss two very heavy showers.

After a good lunch we toiled up Hedgerley Hill where Ray detected bottom bracket trouble.   He bravely soldiered on with us past the Genevieve ford and many splendored Pinewood and through the eastern outskirts of Slough.  Tea was not possible at Vermeulens, the obvious stop, as it was closed for the day, so we soldiered on to Shepperton's Cafe Mocha, avoiding the centre of Ashford thanks to Graham this time.   Rain threatened again but we made it to tea in the dry.   Thanks to all for good company and we'll hope for better weather next year!

Sunday the 30th July Changes

This Sunday the 30th is Ride London so meeting at Hampton Court is now NOT viable. So the new meeting point is the Walled Garden Sunbury at 8.45am.

11's is still the Good Yarn Uxbridge and lunch at The White Horse Hedgerley. Vermuelens will be closed all day on the 30th so tea will be at Walton Bridge.


Dave

Fingest or.....

I arrived at Windsor garden cafe and some had already arrived. The first time C&M have used this venue, I have been here a few time.  Pam, Irene, Lillian, Ed and Graham were already enjoying beverages. Dave then turned up, late for him, but he had already been to Wetherspoons for breakfast. Vic and Paul also arrived.
Because of the weather forecast for rain around lunchtime I asked for opinions on a change of lunch venue, somewhere nearer so home would be easier in the impending rain, all agreed. With no real destination we set off, following my original route towards Marlow. Maidenhead, (Dave left us here) Cookham and into Terry's lane and onto Winter Hill then Grubwood lane and Winter Hill road to Pinkneys Green and through Maidenhead to Bray and Monkey Island to Dorney and lunch alfresco, but undercover, (no tables inside) at the Palmer Arms pub. Service was good and the majority had child's portion Sunday roasts!

A suggestion by Ed for tea at Vermeulens (now apparently Stanwell Moor Farm Shop And Cafe) was agreed by all and off we set. Tea outside in the warm Sun (b&$£% weather forecasts) and dispersal for home, still 58 miles for me and home early. Thank you all for you company and sorry we didn't get to Fingest.

Tony..

Sunday 16th July 2017

ROWTOWN - WOOD ST. VILLAGE - RIPLEY

There was a  nice manageable number at Bourne G.C. for todays ride.  Bill, Margaret, Don, Alan and Bob made their own way from elevenses whilst Irene, Graham, Ed, Vic, Terry, Dave Ward and John Bellamy continued to lunch where Chris joined us.

My intention was to turn right out of the garden centre, over the hill to Woodham Park Road thence along the A247 to Monument Road to join the Basingstoke canal.  Vic came up with a good suggestion, hence we took the off road track on the right at the bottom of the hill leading us to join my route on the A247, with cycle lane.   Thanks Vic, nice one!

Upon leaving the canal at Brookwood we turned right into Cemetery Pales to Pirbright; A324, Cobbett Hill Road, Frog Grove Lane, into The Royal Oak for lunch where we were well looked after.  

We departed some time later, turning right out of the pub then another right onto a  bridle path taking us to Applegarth Avenue.  After a couple of roundabouts it was into Guildford University, exiting on to Walnut Tree Close.  Here one has to look out for a gap between the buildings, opposite the station, which took us over the River Wey into Guildford next to the cinema.  One or two lefts and rights, a walk across the A322, then a couple more lefts and rights lead us into Nightingales Lane where we turned into Stoke Park.

Yes.....we did go along the River Wey to the A3 cycle route!   Not so bad when one is looking forward to stopping for tea at Pinnocks in Ripley!   Lot's to chat about - as well as the Tour de France!!!

A very enjoyable day, thanks all for joining me and especially for back markers and corner markers. The only photo I am aware of is the one Dave took and put on his Strava!

Sunday July 16

Rather belatedly!

Another glorious day, so good that Alan and I were ten minutes early at Runnymede. Ten arrived but only eight departed. The outward journey needed to be stretched so Ed took in Windsor, Eton, Dorney and Maidenhead before turning south to Bray. The White Hart in Moneyrow Green had plenty of beer (festival) but no food. On their advice we retreated to The George On Th Green in nearby Holyport. With no trenchermen present we settled for starters from the limited menu.

A change of teastop was debated. We headed along B3024, passedthe  Liz and Phil looking distinctly aged to Dedworth and Clewer. Here we used the road bridge (only climb of the day) to reach the towpath on the north side of the Thames. And then the very familiar: Eton, Datchet, Wraysbury, Staines, Laleham for a final stop at Cafe Mocha in Shepperton. Just under 60 miles door to door.

Two points: Ed, Graham, Irene,Lillian,Pam,Terry,Tony, Vic
One point: Alan,Bob

Sunday July 2 2017

This was a perfect day for cycling, not too hot, not too cold. All (most?) made it to the revised 11s (Elm Nursery), a smallish venue made more crowded by a Food and Craft Fair. We bade farewell to Bob and Don on the restart, and to Alan and Tony shortly afterwards at Jacobs Well. Beside the Wooden Bridge we crossed over Guildford's two "bypasses"  (A3 and A25) and continued to the station where Ed and Lilian were standing with backs to the traffic! Short use of NCN22 was ended besides the waterworks/church in Shalford and a direct route (Peasmarsh / crematorium) found us in Farncombe and amongst hills. Behind Godalming station we were urged on by descending traffic despite this being a footpath (though tarmaced). Business must be good for The Supervet and another Channel 4 series in prospect as a massive extension is under way. With time to spare, Eashing's Grade 1 listed double bridge came next. To the surprise of all (except perhaps Irene) - just before A3, we took a "hidden" bridleway to The Squirrel with raised voices being heard on the short sandy section. All that remained was the swift descent from Norney to Elstead. Within a minute of our arrival at The Golden Fleece we were joined by Terry (family duties) making eight for lunch.

A quick drink and a packet of crisps and Dave was off; the rest lingered alfresco for a further hour before leaving. The Wey was crossed for a sixth(! but not final) time. Cut Mill and Shackleford and the familiar route via Charterhouse, Farncombe (Chris disappears!), Loseley, Guildford (Chris reappears!!) and the A3 led to a leisurely tea stop at Pinnocks in Ripley. 65+ miles door to door.

2 points : GFH, Dave W, Chris, Ed, Irene, Lillian, Pam, Vic
1 point  : Alan, Bob, Don, Terry, Tony