Fall Back

Clocks go back this weekend

Don't forget that the clocks go back this weekend or you could miss the ride🕥

Tony.. 

C&M Whatsapp Group

To keep us all well informed of last minute ride details/changes or getting seperated from the group or whatever info needs to get to all the group fairly urgently we have setup a WhatsApp group.

If you want to added then download WhatsApp, its free, onto you mobile phone, then contact Simon or Tony (details are on the address list) giving your mobile number and you will be added to the group.

It really is a very useful app. 

Tony.. 

Sunday's (27/10/19) Ride

The Saddlers Arms Send no longer opens on Sundays so Lunch will be at:

The Herbert Wells aka Woking Wetherspoons

Probably return along the Canal to Byfleet (it's not muddy at least compared to other paths we might choose).

Sunday 20 October - West Horsley & Godalming

After a thoroughly wet four weeks, I'd almost forgotten what a day without rain was like!    With quite a lot of cloud all day and a distinctly fresh, Northerly wind it wasn't a gem of an autumn day, but the lack of rain made all the difference, and 14 (I think) members assembled at Squires Garden Centre for our elevenses meet.

West Horsley and back is a fair distance for may of us without adding on a ride to lunch, and most opted to return home or do a shorter ride to a closer lunch venue.    An out and back morning ride, perhaps with a meeting point (for instance at Kingston) is one of the options for our future, more flexible rides programme, and today showed how it might work.   More follows - I will be e-mailing you later this week, hopefully, about our January/February programme!

Anyway, Graham, Simon, Keith, Ann and I did continue to lunch at Wetherspoons, Godalming, riding via Shere Road, Blackheath, and the trusty Sewage Works path (mud-free).   We took a reasonably hilly ride to lunch but a much flatter one home via Guildford (but avoiding the town centre), and Ripley, where we went our separate ways.

As Simon and I approached Muddy Lane, recently confirmed as a bridleway, a helpful local resident appeared, and assured us it wasn't yet a cycle path, and that it was blocked at the far end.   He offered further words of advice as we set off up the track.   It wasn't blocked, but, equally, the various barriers and gates haven't yet been removed.

Thanks to all for your company.

The Saddlers Arms

The Saddlers Arms is now closed on Sundays☹️

AGM

Well a good turnout at 11's despite the forecast for rain, but the journey from 11's to Ed's was not so for giving, constant drizzle most of the way there.

A few late arrivals at Ed's, but a good compliment of C&Mers to justify a good AGM.

I do feel a bit of relief now the rides sec has been taken on by Dave W, thank you Dave.

I must confess, if nobody had come forward to take on the roll I would have continued for another year. I know Dave has a few tweeks in mind and he will do a great job.

I think it was a productive AGM but us oldies are slow to change and a bit fearful of losing established ways. Thats my impression anyway. 

Hears to another years cycling with C&M.

Tony.. 

Sunday 6 October 2019

Headley - Rusper

Church of St Mary the Virgin, Headley

As an appetiser to Pete Beyer's report on his ride from Headley to Rusper, here is a snap of the group gathering for coffee and cake, outside the cyclist-friendly Headley Tea Room.

This was quite possibly the highest point on the ride, when a few calories are most welcome.  I was only here for the coffee and as part of the support team. Over to Pete to say where this led to.

  The Cheam and Morden Clan

 Not to be forgotten BB - The late arrival

And - the even later arrival - AB, by which time the flock had flown.
But she did catch up for lunch.

Jeff

Sunday 6th October

11s at Headley

Post lunch at Rusper

Warning in gents' loo Headley (Sally assures me there isn't an equivalent in the ladies')

Pete B led Graham, Dave W, Simon and Terry from Headley, leaving Jeff and shortly Brian to 'do their own thing'. Following a circuitous but very pleasant, traffic-free route (for details see Graham's blog) we arrived at The Star, Rusper at 1255. They have a very comprehensive menu on Sundays. Soon Ann joined us, having missed us at Headley.

After lunch Pete chose the direct route to Dorking. We were a little concerned on noticing the boss from Pilgrim Cycles (our planned 3s stop) on his bike, heading in the opposite direction to us just north of Denbie's roundabout. Our fears were justified - we arrived at Pilgrim to find it closed, so we then headed homeward unrefreshed.

Thanks Simon for backmarking.

Random Comments October 2019

09/10 Apart from mud I couldn't spot any changes in Muddy Lane but you can get through.

The roadside bungalow is encircled by tin sheds and parked vans. Further on there were more vans and test bores(?) have been dug on the airfield side of the A3 beside the Wisley footbridge. Some vans were Highways England so possibly preliminary survey work for the M25/A3 junction improvements.

06/10 Just in case Pete has forgotten where we went

Cheam & Morden Easter Tour 2020, 10-13 April

Here are details about the Annual Easter Tour organised by Ann Bath.

We have a hotel booked for next Easter.  Staying for 3 nights starting Good Friday 10th till Easter Monday 13th April at the Red Lion Hotel, Milford Street, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 2AN www.bestwestern.co.uk/hotels/best-western-red-lion-hotel

The price is £65 pppn db&b sharing a twin or a double room. £12.50 supplement pppn single and the meal is a 3 course set menu with options.

There is indoor bike storage. Being in central Salisbury, the hotel has limited, chargeable parking (only 6 spaces at £15 per night). There is a public car park nearby at £10/24 hours (Sundays free)

Contact Ann for further information if you’re interested.

~Ann

Sunday 29 September 2019

The weather seems to be wet and windy for most of the runs I lead and today was no exception!  It was a pretty filthy start and I was surprised and grateful to see both Vic and Graham not only turn up at elevenses, but also express an interest in continuing on my ride!   Even so, no one had much enthusiasm as we set off westwards from Fairoaks in steady rain, but we persevered.  Things weren't too bad until we got to Deepcut, where Vic and I  somehow, and very improbably, managed to get separated from Graham!  Search as we might, we could not find him!   Anyway, it turned out all was well as I had a call from him while  at lunch with Vic in The Royal Oak at Pirbright.   Just a communications breakdown, as usual!  A fast ride home propelled by the wind, along with further bursts of rain, finished off a mediocre day!

Sadly, changes being mooted to the C&M rides programme mean the C&M may no longer be the club for me.   This then may well have been the last C&M ride I ever lead (a good job too, I hear you say!), my last C&M blog entry, and almost my final ride with the C&M.   I hope this will prove not to be the case, but, if it does, I take this opportunity to thank you all for the rides we have enjoyed together over the past 20+ years, and to wish you well.

Dave

Sunday 22nd September

Nine jolly chaps and girls met up at Effingham Vineries for tea and buns, but the weather forecast for the day was very wet and windy, so seven of the nine decided to turn back home after tea. Myself and Pete Foster decided to cut the ride a little shorter so instead of lunch at Okewood Hill we made our way to the Royal Oak at Brockham Green for lunch. And we managed to avoid the rain !!

Our next port of call (as it was heritage weekend) was Buckland windmill which was open to the public for the afternoon. This windmill is one third scale and is the UK's only wind powered saw mill and was built around 1880. A few years later a steam powered traction engine was attached to the mill. Apparently it was never very windy in Buckland.

The owner very kindly supplied us with coffee and a flapjack, very nice too.

~ Pete

Attendance: Pete B and Pete B completed the ride and Dave W, Ed, GFH, Maureen, Pam, Vic, Brian B. were at elevenses. Carolyn and John Beer were also present.

For everyone who missed Pete's ride to Buckland Windmill look what you missed:

~ Tim

C&M AGM 2019

So far HQ has shown no interest in our AGM but I assume they will at a future date.

Once again Ed has agreed generously to stage the meeting. A usual spread is promised supplemented by any pies or whatever you wish to bring. The ride from 11s to Ed's will go probably via Leatherhead so the missing details will be:

1300 13th October 2019 at Ed's.

Sunday 15 September

GARSONS FARM - WOKING - SHEPPERTON LOCK

Shepperton Lock

C + M was well attended this week - super weather and a convenient elevenses for many!  Bob, Ed, Maureen and Lilian had arrived just in front of me, then Simon, Paul, Robert and Margaret, Terry and Graham....and then Jeff,    Bob, Margaret and Jeff stayed on at Garson's whilst Paul left with us but very soon went his own way.  Our group took the road to Cobham.  We turned into Fairmile, right into Hogsmill Lane (new for me), past Waitrose and across to pass 'our' British Legion!  Straight on until we turned into The Drift - a real lumpy road.  Almost straight over into East Lane to our next right into Pincott Lane then a long downhill towards Ripley.

Our next turn was into Grove Heath Road..... crossing the Portsmouth Road to Send where Terry punctured in Tannery Lane!   Graham, Robert and Simon waited; then, what bad luck, Robert punctured just as they were on their way to join t'other four who had continued up the 'hill'!   Newark Lane - Church Hill - Pyrford Common Road, East Hill Maybury - to Woking Wetherspoons.

To Let?  Not quite outside the pub

It was approx. 1.30 when we arrived.   It was but a few minutes later that Graham and Robert joined us.   Another enjoyable lunch time chat then on our way by 2.45, having decided there was little time left to get far to have the obligatory afternoon tea (and cake) stop!  So we plumped for the Addlestone GC (aka other names)!  Our direct route was through Sheerwater but we did so well time wise we continued on to - my favourite tea stop - Shepperton Lock :)   Great !!    A nice long relax in the sun with all but one rider  - it is just a bit too far out of Terry's way to continue beyond Byfleet!  Nobody was in a hurry to leave - but - eventually we had to depart to wend our way home.

Sorry you missed us Vic....but thanks for phoning.

My thanks to Simon and Robert for photos and Graham and Simon who watched out at the rear!  Great company - my thanks to all :) :)

~  Pam

Sunday the 15th CHANGE

Sunday the 15th lunch venue will now be at Wetherspoons WOKING.

Pam..

Sunday 8th September

I arrived early to the new 11’s venue of the Tiltyard cafe in Hampton Court Palace grounds, Ed was already taking in the Sun in the still rather chilly cafe outside seating area.

Soon swarms of members arrived, probably the largest turnout this year! Obviously the location is near to the centre of the C&M universe making it a very short ride to get there for most.

Right the group consisted of:Ed, Graham, Pam, Simon, Ray W, Ged, Richard D, Maureen, Dave, Dave V, Bob, Vic, Carolin, Brian B and me.

Carolin, Dave V, Richard and Bob did not continue to lunch.

It was still rather chilly but sunny when we set off over Hampton Court Bridge, (where for some unknown reason Ray crossed the road by himself and we had to wait for him when he realised his mistake), and along the cycle path to Summer road, left and across the level crossing and a right turn into Speer Road. From there we headed West and past Ember Court and and an off road path across the Ember River and onto Walton.

From there it was the usual route through Weybridge, Addlestone and Ottershaw and past Fairoaks airfield and a left turn into Philpot lane, over the Mill Bourne river and the next right and into Chobham and Pashas (a Turkish eatery) for lunch, plenty of seating on comfy armchairs and a real welcome from the maitre d.

We did arrive a touch early but that didn't stop us lingering and enjoying chitchat, banter and good food. But all good things must come to an end and so the next leg of the journey began.

Heading Northish out of Chobham and into Red Lion Road that becomes Gracious Pond road, a left at the end and an unexpected left, for the group anyway, into Accommodation road and a right at the end taking us on an undulating ride back to Addlestone, Weybridge and tea at the Riverside barn at Walton.

Sitting in the sun drinking tea and eating cake made it hard to leave. It was so cosy that Ron even fell asleep much to the amusement of the group! But leave we must.

A very pleasant sourjon to Cobham with a good crowd on a warm(ish) Sunday in Autumn. Thank you all for good company and to Simon for back marking and waking Ron from his slumber.

Tony.

Pete's pics September 1st

Elevenses at Henfold

Graham, Simon, Victoria and Terry enjoying lunch at Warnham

Post lunch photo including Pete and Digby

Sunday September 1 2019

It's more than twenty miles from home to elevenses so I set out early on a perfect September day. The forecast: no rain, not much wind, temperatures ten degrees down on the previous Sunday.

Once again I took an off-road route from Tolworth to Ashtead though not enjoying the refurbished clinker of Horton Park. By chance I headed through Leatherhead town centre and chatted briefly with Irene who was waiting for Christina. Fly-tipping (and a pony and trap) were sights not normally witnessed on the Mickleham bends cycle path. At Henfold numbers reached eventually double figures (Graham, Dave, Pete, Simon, Terry, Bob, Christina, Ed, Irene, Lillian) though only the first five would continue.

Basically there are two routes from Henfold to Warnham; we took the longer out and the shorter back.

After discovering that monsters do lurk in the muddy waters of Henfold Lakes, Newdidate and Capel came and went. For "new" (post 1987) members, the bouncy bridleway beside the Elim Bible College (as was) took us over the railway and into Weare Lane with no traffic before Paynes Green. As forewarned Dave headed for Ellens Green whilst the rest continued past Rowhook and down to the A29. At the A281 junction a misunderstanding left Pete with a blooded elbow and me with (minor) mudguard damage. The Sussex Arms was reached early well before 1230. We dined alfresco regretting our decision when dark clouds rolled in but not for long. Later we were joined by Pete's daughter and her wire haired Dachshund.

It'll be no surprise that the return was via Warnham Stattion, the dump, etc. But our early running led to a hasty rethink on my part. In Rusper we turned right towards The (infamous) Mount then north by way of Orltons, Parkgate and Dawesgreen. Brockham church was reached minutes after three. Imagine my chagrin when we discovered cakes had been on sale since 1430 so the detour had been pointless! The mileage was just 28 miles (or 68 home).

More Muddy Lane

See latest comments at :

 http://www.g-bug.org/muddy-lane-wisley-confirmed-as-bridleway/

Good turnout at Fairoaks

25 August 2019 - Fairoaks & Windlesham

It was a hot start but Bob, Graham, Tony, Terry, Ray, Ed, Ken, Vic and I all met for elevenses at Fairoaks.    All except Bob and Ken continued on the rest of the ride.    In view of the exceptionally hot weather, we opted to do the first part only of the planned route to Camberley, and stop instead for an early lunch at The Sun at Windlesham.    By a fortunate coincidence, a good part of the route was along shady lanes, and there was even the chance, surprisingly taken up only by me, for a cooling foot spa in Pennypot ford! 

It was far too hot to sit in the full sun in the garden at The Sun so we stayed indoors.   As ever at this pub, the welcome was friendly, the service good, the prices reasonable, the choices wide, and the portions large!    Because of the shortened morning route, we were early getting away from lunch and had plenty of time to linger over an early tea and an ice cream or two at Great Cockrow, where the garden was relatively shady, before going our separate ways home, or in furtherance of our horticultural endeavours!

Thanks to all for your company and to Tony for back-marking.

Muddy Lane

The wait is over......

http://www.g-bug.org/muddy-lane-wisley-confirmed-as-bridleway/

or

https://elmbridgecycle.org/

Sunday Lunch at Henfold Lakes: 18 August

All's well that ends well, but it started badly.   A few spots of rain as I was leaving home turned into a lasting downpour.  I cursed the luck of the leader: I was tempted to go back home, but I couldn't really abandon the one or two that might have braved the rain to go to Stoke d'Abernon, could I?   Passing loads of cyclists who had been similarly caught out, (but without waterproofs), I made my way to Squires at Stoke d'Abernon where I was amazed to find a big turnout.   Cheam & Morden riders are a hardy lot; perhaps they like the rain. 

Ed and Lilian at Henfold Lakes

It was still raining at 11 but we were still drinking coffee.  Hah!  By 11.30 it had cleared. Bob left us to do his own thing, and the remaining eleven set off into a rather cold grey morning.   A questionable choice of route led us straight down the main road towards Fetcham, and then even more questionably, along River Lane, which was a rather muddy track in parts, back towards Leatherhead, where we met Bob again.  The sun came out as we headed towards Dorking, temperature and spirits were lifted and waterproofs removed.  We took the track across Brockham golf course which was also very muddy, probably due to "plant crossing" for the re-modelling of part of the golf course.   The peloton took it in good heart, or at least were diplomatic enough not to complain within earshot.

Happy eaters

Happy Ann

I said "SMILE"

A steady climb south took us to Parkgate and Newdigate, and then it was a short step and a whizz down the hill to Henfold Lakes cafe for lunch in the sun.   We were the only customers for most of the time, but the food was good and we were entertained watching the fishermen, one in particular landing a series of large fish.    Dave W and Ann went straight home after lunch, and the remainder went back directly up Henfold Lane and Punchbowl Lane towards Pixham, Leatherhead and across Ashtead Common, popping out the other side on the doorstep of The Old Moat garden centre for tea and wasps.  The joy of the English summer!

Tea and wasps

Thank you to all for braving the weather, and the muddy bits, sorry about getting your bikes dirty.  And special thanks to David W and Terry for back-marking, and to Pete B for the photos.

Sunday 11th August

Delicious cakes at Capel

Terry

Sunday 11th August

Leaving Bob and Paul D, I led Petes B and F, Brian, Ray W and David W from Headley tea rooms to Dorking via Lodgebottom Lane, then Coldharbour Lane and Broomehall Lane to a short stretch of the A29 Stane Street. We soon turned into Coles Lane then the peace and quiet of Weare Street, soon arriving at the Punchbowl, Okewood Hill.  After a refreshing drink Dave left us for other duties.

After a leisurely outdoor lunch and a quick study (favourable) of the clouds I decided to stick to my plan A, heading southish (into the wind, as Ray pointed out - never mind, it won't last for very long), via Rowhook to Warnham after which we headed north with a tailwind (what did I tell you ?). Very soon we arrived at Capel and had to make the difficult choice of which cake ? There we got chatting to an Australian couple living near Reigate - we may see them on future rides. After tea we rode to Dorking where we went our separate ways.

Thanks to Dave and Brian for watching the rear and all for company, a very nice sunny, windy day out.

Terry

Sunday 4 August 2019

Only Lilian and I met at Banstead, but we were joined at elevenses, at Purley Wetherspoons, by Richard, Keith and Ray Wren.   The five of us set off through the quieter backroads of Purley Bury and Riddlesdown, but the North Downs were always looming!   There was no postponing the inevitable and Mitchley Hill eventually had to be tackled!   After Warlingham Richard decided to turn for home, and at Titsey Hill, Keith, armed with his mountain bike, decided to take the track down to Oxted, while the remaining three of us set off east down the gentler slope towards Westerham, eventually turning back west to head for Limpsfield and Oxted via the Pilgrims Way.  We paused for a while to watch paragliders attempting to take off from the hillside in the rather blustery wind.

At lunch at the Oxted Inn we were rejoined by Keith and also by Bob, who had ridden from East Grinstead.  Not the fastest lunch service we have ever had, and, choosing to sit outside,  we were also plagued by wasps.   Apart from that it was fine!

After lunch Lilian and Bob headed for home by train, Oxted station being right next to the pub, leaving Keith, Ray and I to loop back to the A25, Flower Lane and Woldingham School, by  way of Barrow Green Road.  At Marden Park Keith went his own way home leaving Ray and I to whisk downhill to Purley.   I had planned to take the train from there, but Ray persuaded me to continue and we ended up at Squires, Long Ditton.

It was nice to refresh our knowledge of this part of Surrey,  and thanks to all for your company.

Sunday 4 August 2019 - Slight Change to Arrangements

Apologies, I didn't check and assumed when planning this ride that the Ride London event would be held on the last weekend in July.  In fact, Ride London will be on 4 August so coinciding with this ride.  That makes the Raynes Park meeting point impractical for several reasons, so I am changing the meeting point to Banstead (roundabout at junction of Sutton Lane/Winkworth Road/Croydon Lane) at 09.30.

I can also pick up at other points between Walton-on-Thames and Banstead if required, by prior arrangement.

All other details of the ride are unchanged as published.

Dave

SUNDAY 28th JULY 2019

David and Bob were seated in the café before I arrived at 10.15.  Brian Bent arrived as I was locking up my bike, then Vic, Ed, Maureen, Lilian, Ann and Grant joined us.   By the time coffees and buns were consumed it was nigh on 11.30 before we were on our way. David very kindly took up the back markers position.

Our route to Woking was over the motor way bridge to Shepperton. Left and right into Manygate Lane then Walton Bridge to Weybridge, via the path through the woods!   Ann left us here whilst the rest of us continued to Weybridge station car park to connect with the path leading us to Brooklands Estate passing Mercedes-Benz World test track on the left and the historic Brooklands racing track on our right. Moving on we came to the roundabout where The Concorde is on display!!  A perfect spot for a group photo which was taken by a very kind passer by - who halted his running to offer to take it :)

Through Byfleet to Murray Lane, with a short ride along the river Wey to cross over into Dodds Lane.   Grant had left us at Lock Lane before we took a right at the end of Warren Lane for Woking. No deviations as time was moving on and I had agreed to meet Graham at Wetherspoons. - and as we arrived at 13.10 - so did Graham.  Brian left us here to eat his own lunch else where
we lingered a while, no rush.... leaving near to 14.30.

 David made his speedy way home; Maureen and Lilian headed for the train station leaving Vic, Ed and myself to decide on our route home. The Basingstoke Canal being the chosen route.  Tea was to be at the Golden café but they had shut a few minutes before our arrival so The Olive Tree Caffe was a good substitute.   After some time spent discussing various aspects of cycling, including the Tour de France, we bade farewell, heading off in various directions.

A congenial day out - not many miles (for me)!
Thank you all for your company, Pam :) :)

Joint Ride with South Bucks CTC

Arriving at Staines bridge half an hour early I decided to have a coffee in Wetherspoons, Ray also joined me. Having forgotten my lock Ray kindly used his for both bikes, only to discover later that he had left it on the wall at the pub.

Returing to th bridge I was pleasently supprised to see Pam, Simon, Graham, Vic, Dave and a new chap, Clive on an electric bike. As we only had an hour to get to 11's at Burnham Beeches I had planned the most direct route, Wraysbury, Datchet, Slough and the Northern cycle route through Godolphin Recreation Ground and thr cycle path upto Farnham Royal and then Crown Lane right upto Burnham Beeches.

Arriving at the cafe to find 3 South Bucks cyclists, John Capell, Brian Ellis and David Winterburn, supping tea, we did arrive 15 minutes late at 10.45. A few of our group were keen for bacon butties so we were delayed and our departure a tad late. Dave had a need to retun home so headed South.

This year it was South Bucks turn to lead and  John got the group moving, on through the Beeches on a metalled road to emerge into Hawthorn lane. and down through Burnham village, Taplow and through a new estate and a new footbridge arcoss the Thames to emerge at Boulters lock. Then down to the Bear at Maidenhead for lunch.

We sat outside in the Sun and Bob joined us there. The usual quick service, I used the phone app and was the first to tuck into lunch. There was plenty of chit chat with the South Buck group but we eventualy made the move towards our bikes with one of the South Bucks group heading directly for home, John asked me to lead to Dorney for tea so I set off along the Strand waterway to Desbourgh Bowing club and then onto track through Braywick nature reserve to Bray and the wooden bridge to Dorney at which point another South Bucks member headed for home, so only John Capell left to join us for tea at Dorney.

We really did linger over tea sitting in the Sun, with lots of chatter but eventully we set off with John turning left to head North and the rest of us turning right to Eton and then Datchet where those left parted company, with Graham, Ray and myself heading for Poyle where Rsy and Graham headed for Stanwell Moor and me for Harmondsworth and home.

An enjoyable day on the bike. 

Tony..

Sunday the 14th July

A Change of Plans.

I arrived at the Golden cafe to find Bob, Graham and Dave already seated and awaiting food. Soon the deluge of riders began to arrive. Ed arrived with me and soon Pam and Gemma appeared, then Ray Wren, Stephanie, Ann, Terry and Vic. The biggest turnout for some time.

I had debated Saturday night over the route to Dinton pastures and decided to change to Jealotts hill which was 3 miles shorter, meaning just 18 to lunch. Bob was not going to join us for lunch and neither was Ray who was going to do the rounds of bike shops looking for tubeless valves for his new wheels.

The route took us to Virginia Water and a brief spell on the A30 before turning into Blacknest road and onto Cheapside, where Steph left us, then through Ascot racecourse and through the edge of New Mile golf club and onto Chavey Down and the outskirts of Bracknell which has some lovely cycle paths that I took advantage of. Before touching the edge of Warfield and back roads to the New Leathern Bottle at Jealotts Hill. I hadn't booked but the pub had no trouble in feeding 9 hungry cyclists. After lunch Terry had decided to cycle onto Wokingham and catch the train back and Dave headed off for his own route home.

Tea was planned for Windsor far shop via Cranbourne, Woodside and Windsor Great park and the welcome decent of Crimp Hill. We lost a few more before tea and only Pam, Gemma, Ed, Ann and myself stopped for a cuppa after which we headed for Runnymede with Pam guiding us over the meads and into Egham where Ed headed for the station, Gemma for Staines and I took Ann as far as Chertsey where she turned for Adlestone.

Lovely to see such a good turnout, the weather was good for cycling. Thank you all for swelling the ranks and for your company and to Dave for his back marking. A very pleasant 70+ miles for me.

Tony..

Sunday July 7 2019

Dampness was continuous from around five so just the two of us at Bourne Valley was no surprise. But Dave was only out for the morning so I headed home with wet feet but in the dry (naturally). The sun appeared around one thirty.

Sunday 30 June 2019

This being the weekend of the Dieppe Raid I wasn't expecting a large turn-out so was pleased to be joined by Keith and Graham at the start at Raynes Park.   We made good progress to Petts Wood, arriving just before 10.30 and  having been only slightly slowed by a road closure for the cycling leg of a children's triathlon event!

Bob was already ensconced at elevenses but didn't join us for the rest of the ride.   After setting off from Petts Wood we were quite quickly into leafy, but rather hilly, Kentish lanes, making first for Chelsfield, and then dropping down into Shoreham.   From there it was a long but scenic grind up to Twitton and Otford.  Approaching Dunton Green we took a shady, lakeside path to avoid at least some of the main road into Sevenoaks town centre, but there was no way of  avoiding that final long, hot, busy, steepish climb up to Wetherspoons (The Sennochian)!

Cycle parking was poor near the pub so we were kindly allowed by the staff to carry our bikes through to the garden.   It had been a fairly hilly ride for the relatively short distance and, after lunch,  none of us had the appetite to ride back home, so Keith made a beeline for Zone 6, and Graham and I redeemed some of our potential energy gain by heading the mile or so down to Sevenoaks station and hardly turning a pedal in the process!   Thanks to all for your company.

Threes Sunday 23rd June

                                                  Choice of cakes at Capel church.

Sunday 23rd June

Suitably refreshed, I led Ann, Keith and David south from a very popular Tanhouse Farm, leaving Lilian, Jeff and Graham to 'do their own thing'. A familiar route via Rusper and Warnham led to a less familiar bridleway from Broadbridge  Heath avoiding Horsham. After a short stretch of the A264 we turned off to Slinfold, shortly joining the A29 briefly before turning off to The Haven. The Blue Ship served the food pretty quickly, but Dave only quenched his thirst before heading home for allotment duties. 

After lunch we had a leisurely familiar ride to Capel via Rudgwick, Ellens Green, Okewood Hill and Weare Street ensuring we didn't arrive before opening time (1500 hrs). The usual splendid choice of cakes was available, still all produced by one shy lady. We then proceded in a homeward direction.

A very pleasant day, thanks to all for your company, also to the Clerk of the Weather.

Terry

Sunday 16th June

Lunch at The Bear

Happy Shepperton-bound cyclists

Sunday the 16th of June 2019

Fathers Day'    .... and there were lots of families in Notcutts, maybe celebrating with breakfasts and not lunches ?!?!... As I walked out of my back door - the rain came down - so waterproofs on - but it had stopped during my short ride to elevenses.  Terry arrived the same time as me and there was already a welcoming group inside.  Bob, who didn't go to lunch, Tony who cycled with us to Horton where he left us to join his family.  For the rest of the day (almost), Graham, Ed, Terry, Steve Duffin (a very pleasant surprise), Gemma who joined us for the first time, then Carolyn arrived as we were leaving.

Now I am excusing myself because the route was pretty flat!  I chose not to go into Windsor Great Park (a more challenging route) as I had heard there were several events going on...One in particular was the V-CC's (Veteran Cycle Club) annual 'very old bikes' ride when all dress in period clothing and it is very well attended.   Hence,we cycled to lunch via Wraysbury, Datchet, Eton, Dorney, along side the M4 to Bray then cycle route 4 into Maidenhead where we had a very sociable lunch in The Bear pub (Wetherspoons).  Seems, generally speaking,  one does not celebrate Mothers Day or Fathers day in a 'Wetherspoons' for there were plenty of empty tables.Our group photo was taken on the way to lunch and then a couple more photos at lunch time.

Our route to tea....... along the A4 to Marsh Lane, the Jubilee River, turning off for Windsor along side the railway arches.   Over Eton Bridge and up past Windsor Castle to Old Windsor, Runnymede, Egham, Thorpe, Chertsey to Shepperton.  Ed stopped for a breather along Runnymede with instructions for us to continue.  (Ed text and told me he had cycled home in his own time).

Tea was at Nauticalia, Shepperton where Steve, Terry, Graham, Gemma and I spent some time talking of 'all things cycling; !!!!   Carolyn had left us to get home asap!

We were so lucky for it stayed dry - bright and very breezy as from the time we left Notcutts.  Welcome to Gemma - we look forward to you joining us again and  my thanks to all for joining me: it was a lovely day....until next time, happy cycling, Pam :) :)

An Anniversary Circumnavigation - 9 June

In 1519, Magellan set out on the first circumnavigation of the globe.   Only 500 years later, a brave crew of Cheam and Morden riders set out to mark this occasion by successfully circumnavigating Woking.   Well, that's how it worked out anyway.   We were originally planning an even more ambitious journey to The Sun - the one at Windlesham - but a rather stressed landlady told me that she couldn't accommodate us because she had no staff.

In fact the Cheam and Morden crew were suffering staff shortages too - Pam and Vic were away at a Veteran Cycle Club rally, and Tony was away on holiday.   So the regulars at 11s comprised just Bob, Ed, Graham, Lena. and Ray, along with myself.   Only Ray and Graham were planning to ride, but the day was saved by a group of riders from the Ealing Friday Riders, mostly new to the C&M,  who joined us for the day:   Niall, who has been before, Ruth, Jan, Guy and Roger.

Arthur's Bridge:
Ray, Guy, Graham, Roger, Niall, Ruth and Jan

It was a good day for a sailing voyage: bright and breezy, just like us as we set off via Addlestone and Ottershaw to Stonehill Road, bound towards Chobham.   Tacking south along Philpot Lane brought us to Horsell, where we turned right to cross the Basingstoke Canal at Arthur's Bridge.   Then it was plain sailing down White Rose Lane, across Woking Park and through to The Saddlers' Arms at Send Marsh, where we took on victuals for the return journey, this time with the wind behind us.

Leaving via Pyrford, again we sailed dangerously close to Woking itself, in order to get on to the Basingstoke Canal, which led us to New Haw and then on familiar roads to Addlestone and Chertsey.    We had kept dry up to now but the sky was filling with threatening clouds, and Niall and Guy made a dash for home.  Graham left us around this point too, leaving five who decided that outdoors tea at Shepperton Lock was unwise, so we went to the nearby Nauticalia cafe for tea and cake, just as a long spell of rain started.    It was still raining when we finished, but there were promises of "it's brightening up over there" so we lingered, and indeed it did stop raining for our triumphant journey home after our massive achievement.   Well done all and thank you for your company, especially to Graham who back-marked.

Let's hope The Sun at Windlesham is back to it's normal hospitable self soon.

Incidentally, it took Magellan's crew almost three years to complete the circumnavigation.   Magellan himself died in 1521 in the Phillipines and the journey was completed under the command of Juan Sebastian Elcano, but only after the two joint captains elected to replace Magellan were captured and murdered.  They set out with five ships and 270 men, and returned with one ship and 19 men, so we should count ourselves lucky.

Advance Notice - Sun 30 June

Just to fill in the blanks on the Rides List, our lunch destination on 30 June will be The Sennochian (Wetherspoons) at Sevenoaks.   The (hopefully) scenic route will take us via Shoreham (Kent).   Not a totally flat ride but no really long, steep climbs.   The lunch stop is very convenient for Sevenoaks  station so, if you are travelling out to elevenses and back from lunch by train, it might be cheaper to buy an Anytime Return to Sevenoaks and break your outward journey at Petts Wood.   I'll lead a ride towards home from lunch if there is any demand, but might stop at (eg) Purley as the ride onwards from there to Walton on a Sunday afternoon is not congenial!

Change of lunch venue - Sunday June 9th

Due to a staffing crisis, we are unable to visit The Sun at Windlesham this weekend, so I plan to go to The Saddlers Arms in Send Marsh instead.   Elevenses will still be at The Riverhouse Barn, Walton, and tea will still be at Shepperton.   My apologies for the late change.

Sunday the 2nd June

A nice bright day and blue skies, the first day that it really felt like summer. Cycling into Longacres GC I arrived just behind Pam. Soon to be followed by Ed, Graham, Terry, Ray and eventually Vic.

The route was up through Windsor great park via a very short section of the A30 and Middle hill. Just before reaching the park we dropped Ed who has not yet recovered from 3 weeks off the bike due to illness. He headed for Savill garden and some food before heading for Egham Station.

Back roads and private estates took us into Windlesham and lunch at an old favourite, the Sun pub. Lunch in the sun, what a treat.

Fed and watered we set off for the return trip. We stopped briefly in Gracious  Pond road to view the replaced memorial plaque to Alf Whiteway of Clarence Wheelers(see picture). Through Burrowhill and onto Addlestone and dispersal as no one really wanted to stop for tea. And I had my granddaughters 1st birthday party to attend. Vic headed home as did Pam and Terry while Graham and Ray followed me as far as Hampton. A lovely warm day on the bike.

Tony.. 

All Smiles

Memorial plaque