Bicycle Rambling

The C&M blog has become a bit of desert since the lockdown, so here's another attempt to spur some others to write about what you've been doing.  Come on - surely you haven't all been neglecting your daily exercise in such lovely weather?

Since the restrictions on cycling, I have been enjoying 'cycling rambling' on many days.   Rather than a bike ride, which sounds quite purposeful, I've just been setting off to explore areas not too far from home, maybe getting a bit lost, and discovering what's there.  It's been very enjoyable: even the urban rides are interesting but there are loads of parks, heaths and commons dotted around, often very quiet.

Yesterday I was a bit out of my normal area, delivering a Sou'Wester to Bill Squirrell, so I wandered off south to the area of heathland around the crossing of A3 & M25: Wisley and Ockham Common.

Woolly cows (a cross between cows and sheep?)

South along the Wey past Manor Farm with woolly cows...

River Wey by Manor Farm

Then a sort of zigzag of tracks of varying quality on Wisley Common, gorgeous pond there by Pond Farm, then across the A3 on the Wisley footbridge.

Wisley Common

Wisley Common

Farm Pond (near Pond Farm!)

Farm Pond

After several attempts, I managed to find a track taking me to Bolder Mere just south of the A3: it wasn't a good idea, quite muddy and in several places boardwalks had been laid across the mud: I wasn't brave enough to cycle along them.  Putting a foot down in the wrong place would end up with falling in the swamp!  Emerging near Ockham Bites, I then followed a route across Ockham Common that Keith showed me last year, to the semaphore tower on Chatley Heath.  Disappointingly it's covered with scaffolding at the moment.  Then down via Pointers Road to Plough Lane and Cobham, familiar territory.

Bolder Mere

Bolder Mere, adventure playground

Not quite finished with off-road rambling, I set off north-west from Cobham along Hogshill Lane and the more or less straight line of intermittent road and path (another one of Keith's routes) to Fairmile Common and Esher Common, round the back of Claremont and popping out at Claygate.   Most of the time was spent in the woods or on heathland, and the weather in late afternoon was gorgeous.  You could easily spend a few days just exploring all those areas.

Fairmile Common

Pond on Littleworth Common, Esher

Nearly home!

C&M Easter Tour - not dead, just pining for the fjords

Man walks into a shop:  "I want to return this Easter Tour" ... you can fill in the rest yourself.

This weekend, we should have been enjoying delightful company, great beer, lovely cafes, beautiful plumage, sunshine! and a bit of cycling thrown in for good measure, in the delightful environs of Salisbury, formerly best known for Novichok.  Now we have a new worry.  Not only are we not allowed to touch 'items' in case they are contaminated by Novichok; we are also not allowed to go near 'people'.  We have learned some new words: Social Distancing for example.

Last year we saw some terrible examples of failure to socially distance.  Don't do this, folks!

Awful

Disgraceful

Bellyfull (after a prolonged squawk)

The point of this post is partly to remember the good times and look forward to their return, but also to thank Steve and Ann, who did 99% of the work of organising the tour before it had to be cancelled, creating even more work, so they have now done at least 120% of the work required to organise the tour.   With luck and good behaviour by the great British public, the tour will be rescheduled to next year and be even more successful.   Plus, it will only require -20% of the work to organise it...or maybe we could revive it by putting four million volts through it.

Thank you, Steve and Ann, for this year, last year, all the years you have organised this great event.  I'm sure everyone who has been on these tours is extremely grateful to you for what you do.

The Fairfield has spoken (though few are listening)

One Less Traveled

Pour encourager les autres

Everything's closed (great!), nobody around (better!), and everything's drying out nicely so all that's needed are a few more off-roaders to flatten out the bumps.

In days gone by I'd noticed a "hole in the fence" at Gaston Bridge and wondered where it led. Well as the map shows to Ash Link nature reserve which straddles the M3 at the end of Nutty Lane (or to the clubhouse opposite the dump).

.
A number of (dog) walkers, runners and flying golf ball warnings so the public has I assume permissive access. The nature reserve has been tarted up and is next to garden centre which surprisingly was open today (but for how much longer?).

May/June issue of The Sou'Wester

The latest issue of The Sou'Wester is available on the website here.  Thanks to Colin, there is a printed version and over the next week or so, Colin and helpers are using their daily exercise to try to deliver to those who are likely not to get to see a digital version.

Solo ride reports

Anyone been out riding?    There are reports of solo rides appearing on the Beginners blog, and the Wayfarers blog: take a look if you are interested.

If you want to post something on this blog and you're not a regular author, just send an email (maybe with a picture or two) to one of the authors, and we'll try to post it for you.

Coronavirus - All Rides Cancelled

Rides Cancelled

Look up the MWW website to see the latest Coronavirus Update 3, which notifies members of the cancellation of all forthcoming rides, with immediate effect.

CUK has updated its advice, which is consistent with this decision:

https://www.cyclinguk.org/news/what-does-covid-19-coronavirus-outbreak-mean-cycling

Please pay close attention to the advice in the latest Update 3 on the MWW page.

This is no joke. The doodlebugs didn't get me and and mine, nor will this blooming bug.

Check developing NHS advice here.

Look after yourselves and your closest.

Jeff

Sunday March 15 2020

Riding into a steady sou'wester I was joined by Paul in Effingham.  There were six of us at 11s (GFH, Bob, Paul, Dave, Terry, Vic). The roads and Squires West Horsley seemed quieter than normal. There was no great enthusiasm for Shamley Green or anywhere else and with afternoon rain forecast, most headed home.

Yesterday evening's advice from the government coupled with our age profile suggests our self isolation period should be 12 weeks rather than the previous two. Should C&M suspend all activities for an indefinite period?

Sunday - 8 March - Attendance

The instincts of a former Rides Sec. are never lost. Bob Eberhard has kindly identified most who attended the ride on 8 March. However one MWW rider has not yet been identified. In the absence of a group photo, will that rider please step forward, so that his name can be added to the roll of honour for 8 March?

Jeff

P.S. If you are a regular reader of the Attendance Record, you may have noticed that the top line giving the month seems to be missing. It is not but has a wilful mind of its own and keeps moving to the bottom of the sheet, however often I replace it. If anybody has a Google Doc solution, I shall be most grateful to hear it.
Jeff

Coronavirus Update 2

To reflect the latest NHS guidance, the Coronavirus Update that we issued on 10 March has been revised. It is replaced by Coronavirus Update 2, dated Saturday, March 14, 2020 (see below).

Cheam and Morden contacts remain unchanged:

Graham Hill: ctc.cheammorden@virgin.net
DavidWard:   cycledave23@gmail.com

Jeff

Coronavirus Update 2 – March 14th - Please Read

The advance of Coronavirus is an increasing cause of concern.

We have members who are vulnerable if infected, and we also encounter vulnerable people in the day centres we visit. 

As previously announced the committee will post regular updates in the light of our circumstances and based on government advice. 

I hope everyone is keeping well. There are several things we should all do to avoid catching the infection, and spreading it. So, for the foreseeable future could you please:-

·      Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, including when entering a day centre, or use hand sanitiser gel.

     Stay at Home for 7 Days if you believe you have symptoms (high temperature or a new cough) and contact NHS 111 if your symptoms get worse or do not get better after 7 days, or if you cannot cope at home.

      Check developing NHS advice at (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/).

Do not join one of our rides while you have symptoms and inform a member of the committee (Dave Vine or Tim Court). If you need assistance from us tell a committee member and we will do what we can to help.

Monitor this Blog and brief people you think may not read any of our Blogs.

     Ride Leaders, we are in contact with Day Centres but please identify a suitable alternative meeting place for your ride, in case we are barred at short notice.

Further advice is available on the CUK website reinforcing these messages.

Please ask a committee member if you have any questions or concerns.

Dave Vine

Dave Vine: d.vine207@btinternet.com

Tim Court: timcourt50@gmail.com

Sunday's Ride (15/03/20)

I experienced little difficulty reaching Shamley Green on Wednesday but if the truth be known I spent Thursday morning thoroughly cleaning my bike.

With the C word growing ever important and the weather conditions staying as they are, I suspect some may not wish to repeat my experience this Sunday.

The Downlink was fine but the path off to Shamley Green was watery! The alternatives are the even hillier routes from Farley Green or Chilworth or the B2128, not a road for us slowcoaches.

So the question is: should we switch the lunch to say Woking Wetherspoons? Chosen as there are no rail services through Guildford (or Kingston, or Staines to Windsor). We can decide when we meet at 11s on Sunday assuming that's still possible.

PS I've received an email from Brunel University seeking views on road cycling. If anyone cares to complete their online questionnaire, just shout and I'll forward the email. Prizes to be won.

Coronavirus Update

Advice to all members

In the light of the rapidly evolving threat of the coronavirus, the MWW Committee has met to consider its possible implications for riders and the venues that we visit. I attended this meeting as Cheam and Morden Rep. The outcome was to develop some straightforward advice for members.

It is therefore recommended that this advice, issued by Dave Vine and Tim Court (Chair and Sec of MWW), already posted on the MWW and Beginners blogs, be available to and adopted by members of Cheam and Morden. See below. 

Our Cheam and Morden contacts to notify will be:

Graham Hill: ctc.cheammorden@virgin.net
David Ward: cycledave23@gmail.com

Jeff

Coronavirus Update 

"The advance of Coronavirus remains a cause of concern.

We have members who are vulnerable if infected, and we also encounter vulnerable people in the day centres we visit. 

The committee have discussed a measured response suitable for our circumstances and based on government advice.  We are in touch with day centres and will post regular updates on our Blogs.

There are several things we should all do to avoid catching the infection, and spreading it. So, for the foreseeable future could you please:-

·         Wash your hands thoroughly, including when entering a day centre, or use hand sanitiser gel.

·         Contact NHS 111 if you believe you have symptoms (high temperature, cough or shortness of breath) and be prepared to self-isolate until you have clear NHS advice.

·         Inform a member of the committee (Graham Hill or David Ward) if you have symptoms.

·         Check developing NHS advice at (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/).

·         Continue to monitor our Blogs and brief any members you think may not read our Blogs.

Please ask a committee member if you have any queries".

Dave Vine

Dave Vine: d.vine207@btinternet.com

Tim Court: timcourt50@gmail.com

Sunday March 1 2020

Just for a change it wasn't raining when we gathered at Wetherspoons, Leatherhead, for elevenses.  There were some complaints about the lively westerly breeze, but the morning sunshine had still tempted quite a few riders out.   Richard, Pam, Ed, Maureen and Bob didn't continue for the rest of the ride, leaving Graham, Ged, Ray, Terry, Keith and me to cycle off for lunch at Redhill, with Mike Morley, still recovering from his recent op, planning to head there  by car.

At about 12 miles, it wasn't a very long ride to lunch, but Mike still beat us fairly and squarely in his car!  In our defence we we did take quite a hilly route up to Headley, then down the dip and back up to Walton-on-the-Hill, before some short, sharp shocks around Mugswell and Upper Gatton.   And Ged got inveigled into helping a horse rider with a loose saddle and an uncooperative horse.   This operation was unsuccessful, but, fortunately, they were heading the opposite way to us! 

We met up with Mike again at The Sun at Redhill.   The service was particularly good at this Wetherspoons despite the busy Sunday lunch trade, and we were ready to leave well before 2.00 pm, just as well with the brisk head wind.  After saying our goodbyes to Mike we headed west via paths and back streets to skirt Reigate, then crossed Reigate Heath towards Brockham.   There was no appetite for either the Coach Road, or for tea, so we took a longer than usual stretch of the A25 to reach Pixham Lane, after which we all soon started to head off our own ways home.

Many thanks to all for your company

Reminder - Changes to Ride on Sunday 1 March 2020

Elevenses on Sunday 1 March will now be at The Edmund Tylney, Leatherhead, and lunch will be at The Sun, Redhill.   As the crow flies, the distance between these two points is only about 10 miles.  Depending on the weather, and the wishes of the group, we will either take a short but quite hilly route through some delightful and little-visited lanes (via Walton-on-the Hill, Mugswell, and Upper Gatton), or else a slightly longer, more familiar route with fewer climbs, although not altogether flat (via Punchbowl Lane and Leigh).   The return route, via Betchworth, Pixham Lane, and Leatherhead, isn't too hilly, and has plenty of tea stop options.

Apologies for this change which is shown on the new rides list.   The ride originally planned for this day has been moved to 29 March.

A Windy Ride Westward

Sunday the 23rd.

Having moved to Hampton the cycle ride to Squire's at Upper Haliford for 11's was short and,  considering the wind, welcome. About half mile from Squire's Carolin joined me.

As usual Dave was already there with his cooked breakfast chatting to Vic.   We were soon joined by Graham, Pam, Simon, Gemma, Ed,  Brian Bent, Steve Duffin and Paul Day.

Paul, Carolin, Graham and Ed had decided not to venture further and headed home.

We left 11's around 11.15 into a headwind which at times was gusty. We headed North through Ashford and onto Poyle, Colnbrook and across the M4 and the outskirts of Slough where the rain started and caused a brief stop to don waterproofs. Only another half mile and we reached our lunch stop at the red lion. By now the rain had stopped.

The food was soon delivered to our table ranging from a packet of crisps for some to full blown Sunday roasts along with dessert for others. Brian and Dave left lunch early to head home. Vic Pam and Gemma headed due South while Simon and Steve followed me eastwards.

Now with a tailwind progress was more rapid. At Cranford I turned South and crossed Hounslow Heath then onto the Crane river path. As we got to the Shot Tower it was a surprise to see it open, and so a brief stop to look inside. We were met by a very enthusiastic volunteer who explained the history of the Shot Tower, which in fact is not actually NOT a ShotTower as it is not tall enough for that purpose. We did however climb the spiral staircase to the top, see photo courtesy of Simon.

Just over another miles saw us reach tea at Squire's, Fulwell. Even after a full Sunday roast some still managed cake! After some enjoyable chat we all headed our separate ways home. Only 32 miles for me but very enjoyable and nice to be back cycling after time off the bike through injury and moving house.

Tony..

Sunday 16 Feb - the ride that wasn't

The two Sundays I've been able to cycle so far this year have been named Storm Ciara and Storm Dennis.    Just my luck.  Here are some pictures from Pete Beyer of braver souls, the Tadworth Fat Boys, showing that they are hardier than myself.

Tadworth Fat Boys, Underwater Section

David Ward and I both made it to elevenses, him on a bike and myself part train, part bike.  The weather wasn't awful, just bad: fairly heavy rain showers, a strong wind and a lot of standing water on the road.   But we both decided that it would be more fun to ride on a different day, and caught the train home.

One point for attendance, minus ten for weather awareness.

Sunday's ride - weather contingency

I have been made aware that there could be some weather this Sunday (again!)  The original plan was to ride to Eton, a ride that can be made longer or shorter depending on the weather.   It now seems that "even shorter" might be a better option.    So at least David Ward and I plan to turn up at Laleham (Notcutts) for elevenses.   We can then decide as a group whether do a very short ride, try and get to Eton, or go straight home.

Roll on spring...

Hilly 50 in 2010

I thought you might enjoy this video of the Hilly 50, which was posted on the C&M blog after the 2010 event.   Recognise anyone?

The 2020 event will take place on Saturday 7th March, details here.

Annual lunch 9 Feb

Storm Ciara failed to stop most of us from enjoying a delicious annual lunch, although only one brave soul (Colin Q) cycled to The Angel: the rest of us made our way there by inferior means of transport.  Unfortunately that meant there weren't many there to enjoy the delicious elevenses at Ann and Steve's - if you were there, there was more than enough to go round!   Nice to see everyone - and especially Ian and Lena.  Thank you to Pam for organising so well, to the staff at The Angel for delicious food and good service, and to Ann and Steve for hosting us at elevenses.

Top table, top company

Tony's Two Ronnies impression

Tomorrow's C&M lunch - weather warning

In view of the gale-force winds expected tomorrow,  Ann has decided not to risk riding to lunch tomorrow, so there won't be a led ride to lunch there unless it's an informal arrangement.    So the arrangements are as follows:

Elevenses still at Steve and Ann's, but Ann will be leaving at 11:30 to go to The Angel by public transport.

Please think carefully about whether to use alternative transport.  All of the royal parks will closed due to the safety risk during the severe weather.

Hilly 50 km - Saturday, March 7th

A sportive challenge. On Saturday 7th March join in the Sou'Westers' well-established Hilly 50 km event: 33 miles of the best of Surrey Hills and 3670ft of ascent, supported by route sheets and maps (available in PDF format), with GPX data for devices such as Garmin.  This is a challenging circuit starting at Ryka’s Café, Burford Bridge and finishing at the top of Box Hill.

Pre-entry is preferable and can be made by visiting:  http://www.swlondonctc.wixsite.com/ctcswlondon/hilly-50k,
or Cycling UK events page http://www.cyclinguk.org/event/hilly-50km-2020

Follow the instructions to enter, or just turn up on the day.  Entry fee of £7 payable at the start and all proceeds will go to St. Raphael’s Hospice in North Cheam.  Signing on is from 9.30 am with a start time of 10 am to finish by 2 pm.  This is a challenging unsupported event and riders participate at their own risk.

Sunday February 2 2020

The first ride of my 76th year turned out to be unusually warm, overcast and far better than the forecast as the heavy rain ceased just after six. It left plenty of surface water on Ford Bridge Road but traffic was light.

When I arrived at Bourne Valley Garden Centre we were four but eventually ten turned up including three A riders. Terry rang to request a rendezvous: I said Rodboro 1230, Pam said 1245. Anyone familiar with my rides will recognize the route so this map should suffice.

We arrived at the Rodboro at 1231 to find it full (the weekend only Brexit discount?). Later Bob rejoined.

Over a leisurely lunch I suggested we investigate a 1907 murder (google William Whiteley). We headed up the cobbles and along the A3. Pam, Terry and Vic split off as we turned after The Jovial Sailor. An oncoming MTB'er forewarned of floods along Plough Lane so we rode via Downside into Cobham. After Notre Dame and Seven Hills a right into Whiteley Village brought us to the "new" Harvest Cafe which lies in the NE quadrant of the octagon. We trebled the number of visitors at the start of our hour plus stay but when full it probably seats 40/50 in comfort. I can't comment on the cakes as few if any were on view.

About 50 miles door to door.

Two points: Graham, Bob, Brian, Dave W, Ged, Pam, Ray, Steve, Vic,
One point: Terry

Graham's Ride - Sunday 2 February

Advance notice that Graham's ride from The Bourne Valley Garden Centre may well lead us to Wetherspoons at Guildford, weather etc being favourable!  More follows....

Sunday 26 January 2020 - Effingham & Woking

Not only did the weather forecast promise a wet afternoon, it was also very dull and cheerless first thing, so it was a pleasant surprise to be joined at The Vineries by no less than Bob, Graham, Carolyn, Pete, Terry, Ed and Ann (for elevenses only), as well as Vic, Ged, Pam (who joined me for the ride to lunch).

After elevenses it did brighten up nicely, and there were even a few glimpses of the sun as we made our way to Woking via East Horsley, Ockham, Send and Maybury, but it was beginning to rain a bit as we arrived at Wetherspoons.

After lunch the rain was still with us but not yet too heavy, so we took a fast, direct route back via Sheerwater, Woodham, and New Haw before going our separate ways.

Thanks to all for your company.

Sunday 19th January 2020 : ADDLESTONE TO WINDLESHAM - (no tea stop)

Wow, what a day to wake up to, bright sunshine with very little wind.  Very cold with icy patches and frozen puddles  I met Gemma at Notcutt's G.C. on my way to elevenses.  Bob, Lena and Dave were already seated and we were shortly joined by John and Carolyn, Ed, Graham, Vic and Terry.     Bob, Lena, Carolyn, John and Terry went their own ways from elevenses whilst t'other five joined me for the ride to lunch. 

A route I have used before, out through Homewood Park to Chobham Common.   Next came Valley End then a detour into Rye Grove to Windlesham approached via Church Road and Pound Lane arriving at The Sun approx.12.45.

A very sociable lunch time - plenty to catch up on before leaving just before 2pm.  Nobody wanted to stop for tea so we all agreed that we would say good bye at Addlestone.  After leaving the pub there was a wee bit of confusion as Vic wanted to show us a road from Chertsey Lane through to Woodlands Lane; not the first right! - it was second right, a little dithering there but ??  So from Valley End we went down Steep Hill, Red Lion Road, Gracious Pond, Stonehill's, Green Lane to Addlestone.   

Thank you all for your company, an enjoyable day...…... Summer is on it's way.... Cheers Pam :) :)

Update - Rides Programme

Sunday 19 Jan 2020 - Pam's ride will take us from the Golden Cafe at Addlestone to our old favourite, The Sun (Windlesham).

Sunday 26 Jan 2020 - My ride from The Vineries Garden Centre at Effingham will be to Wetherspoons, Woking.

Sunday 1 March 2020 (advance notice) -  My planned ride from Raynes Park to Wetherspoons,  Tower Bridge (south) via a variety of cycle routes, cycle paths and super highways, which I was really looking forward to (not just because of the train-assisted return from Waterloo) will have to be postponed until later in March or April, I'm afraid, owing to Network Rail engineering works!  Details of the replacement ride, and of the rearranged date for the London ride, will follow on the March/April rides list.

C&M Post-Christmas Sunday lunch - 9th February

A reminder. ALL are invited!

Elevenses will be hosted by Steve and Ann at their home - 52 Whitehorse Drive Epsom KT18 7LY followed by a ride to the Angel Inn, Angel Road Thames Ditton, KT7 0AU to be at the Angel Inn approx 12.30 for 1 o'clock lunch.   OR make your own way to the pub!

To book your place - you can give me an envelope with your menu choice and £12 -  as stated in previous notice which shows the 2 course menu.  OR email = pwjjones@talktalk.net  or text me 07900 335 256, with your choice so I can give you my bank details if you wish to make a bank transfer.

Pam :):)

As previously advertised, here is the menu:

Fish Pie - White wine, leek and cheese sauce with cod chunks, with a grilled cheese potato top

Braised Steak - Beef cooked in a rich meaty sauce
 
Nut Roast - Served with vegetables and carrot and swede mash

Chicken in a Mushroom Sauce - Grilled chicken breast with a mushroom sauce.
______________________________

Pear & Apple Crumble - Served with custard

Pavlova - Raspberry and whipped cream on a meringue bed

Trifle - Home made trifle with cream, custard and a fruity topping.
 ______________________________

This menu is £12 for the 2 courses

Sunday 12 Jan 2020

There was a good turnout for elevenses at Stoke d'Abernon. Pete Beyer then led 'the other Pete', Graham, Vic, Ray W, Daniel, Lilian, Terry and me to lunch at The Plough, Leigh, Daniel and Ed leaving us part way there.  Maureen, Pam and Bob just did elevenses.

The day wasn't too bad for January, if a little breezy, with increasing sunshine as the morning wore on.   Pete's outbound route took us via Bagden Lane and Punchbowl Lane to keep us in practice at hill climbing, and then we had the chance to practice on no less than all of one, and part of another of the Wayfarer's two freewheel competition courses!

I rode straight home from the pub, not actually stopping for lunch, so can't report further, except to say it was a jolly nice ride, and many thanks, Pete!

Sunday 12 January 2020

For Sunday's ride from Stoke d'Abernon Pete Bayer will be leading us to lunch at Leigh.    This will be a bit of change in direction from recent rides.   At the moment the weather forecast for Sunday doesn't look too bad, if a bit breezy (as long as you don't leave home too early), so I hope to see you there!

C&M post-Christmas Lunch

The Menu options for February 9th are as follows:


Fish Pie - White wine, leek and cheese sauce with cod chunks, with a grilled cheese potato top 

Braised Steak - Beef cooked in a rich meaty sauce
Nut Roast - Served with vegetables and carrot and swede mash
 
Chicken in a Mushroom Sauce - Grilled chicken breast with a mushroom sauce.
______________________________

Pear & Apple Crumble - Served with custard
 
Pavlova - Raspberry and whipped cream on a meringue bed
 
Trifle - Home made trifle with cream, custard and a fruity topping.
 ______________________________
 
This menu is £12 for the 2 courses

I will collect menu choice and payment in the same way as I collect for our Xmas lunches....   i.e....write name and menu choice on front of envelope with your payment inside the envelope!!
I shall be out on Wednesdays, apart from this coming week and hope to be out each Sunday.

~ Pam

Sunday 5 January 2020

It was a dull, no wind, no rain forecast but I was surprised when thirteen found Clarke's Cafe in Leatherhead, a haven for those of a parsimonious bent. I'd aborted the previous Wednesday's (including PM's seat) recce due to excessive mud meaning there would be only 100 off-road yards on this ride. Also I'd not booked so was keen to reach lunch (wherever it might be) soon after noon.

Leaving Bob behind, we began by reversing the previous Sunday's ride to Bookham railway station.  Then it was up to and past the Vineries, down to Effingham station and up and over Drift Road. At 1201 I tried the Barley Mow, one landlord, one customer but no food before Monday! The nearby William IV was able to fit us in at no notice and we settled into our usual spot close to the toilets.

Before lunch Dave W and Keith went in search of extra miles. After lunch Trencherman (one adult meal, one dessert, three pints) and Dave F were for Epsom. After 100 yards Pam and Vic were for Ripley, and the rest for Ockham and Cobham. Plough Lane was flooded but we rode on. There was a final parting of the ways in Sainsbury's. Ray and I headed up Seven Hills in search of Whiteley's cafe - huge, well signposted so easy to find within the "Octagon".

40 miles door to door.

2 pts: GFH, Daniel, Dave Ferrett (A Rider), Dave W, Ed, Keith, Lillian, Pam, Ray, Terry, Vic, Jackie "KPRC",
1 pt: Bob

Sunday 29 December 2019

A mild and sunny morning saw a good crowd meet for elevenses at Stoke d'Abernon.  Sunday regulars Bob, Graham, Ed, Lilian, Maureen, Vic, Keith, Terry, Pam, Ray and me were joined by occasional Sunday rider Daniel, and by Grant, Neil,  Tim and Pat from the Wayfarers.

As our last group ride of 2019, this was always going to be more of a social occasion than a mile-bashing one, and, by popular demand, I chose a short, flat route across Bookham Common and through the back-doubles of Fetcham.   Vic, Ray, Graham, Neil, Keith, Terry and Daniel rode with me, while Pam who had found a flat tyre awaiting her on leaving elevenses, made her own way to lunch with Lillian and Maureen.   We all reached Leatherhead Wetherspoons, where Colin joined us, soon after noon, and were able to linger over lunch on what was more !

After lunch Ray, Pam, Vic and I headed towards home via Cobham while the others went their separate ways.   Everyone had plenty of time, I hope, to reach home before dark.

Many thanks to all, especially the Wayfarers contingent, for your company, and best wishes for a happy cycling New Year!

How far did you go in 2019?

Annual Mileages 2019

Dear All,

As I said last year and as I now repeat almost verbatim, (yawn), old hands will know that, at this time of year, we request members to submit their mileage record for the past 12 months: that is, from 1st Jan to 31 Dec 2019. We keep an annual running total on the MWW blog under the tab 'mileage'. Perhaps you have never noticed it. 

 https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1MII1T_mRI2kgw34FQDojN-LiQwr48vRImUGYaQH0Fzs/edit#gid=0

It is of personal, though sometimes perhaps sobering interest, to see one's annual and cumulative mileage and it is of value to the Group to be able to report how many miles our members have ridden.

Please therefore take the trouble to remind yourself to take note of your annual mileage for 2019 before the witching hour of 23.59.59 on 31 December and then to send it to me by whatever communication method you feel most comfortable with. Apologies to W. Churchill for ending that sentence with a preposition, up with which he would not put. Pigeon post or snail mail welcome.

email: jeff.tollerman@lineone.net

Otherwise, a grubby piece of paper will suffice, if identifiable.

For the male and female member (those are at present still the only categories that we recognise), who clocks up the greatest annual mileage, your achievement will be recognised at our annual lunch. There will also be recognition for the member who has cycled more miles in 2018 than any other member, and for the greatest personal increase in mileage over the previous year.

Please note that entries will only be eligible for a prize from members who are regular riders with at least one section of the club. 

I look forward to receiving your mileage, however modest. It is most unlikely to be less than mine. Make the most of every opportunity to tuck in those extra few miles. You may be closer to that target than you realised.

Seasons greetings to all,

Jeff

2019 The Shortest Day

I'd promised the pub that we'd arrive around noon so the shortest day demanded the shortest (well almost) route of the year.

Wisely Bob had arrived early at Squires Upper Halliford. The rest faced long queues but nine were almost ready at 11 for more. After Shepperton station we turned left at the chip shop into Sheepwalk and right onto Chertsey Road. It was too fine a day to ignore the towpath so I turned right at the Kingfisher and waited. Unfortunately some continued over the bridge but quickly rejoined. The beach beside the Laleham campsite was under water and a full width puddle was our intro to the muddy towpath. There were plenty of walkers so progress was slow until Staines railway bridge where I switched to the roads thinking it would be quicker. Bt it wasn't! Once past Two Rivers the last three miles were stress free and only ten minutes late we arrived at an empty Perseverance.

After much discussion the ladies had soup, the men roasts. Following the Trencherman's example, Pat and Ray elected to share a rather small Christmas pudding, a source of great merriment.

After a visit to the "windmill" we headed north to Horton and Poyle. Kids were go-karting on the Junction 14 cycle path so we opted to stay on the bridleway only to discover a very muddy exit onto Horton Road!. We shed Pam, Gemma and later Dave and Daniel before continuing to Hanworth and Hampton Hill where our ways parted. After a quick wipe off we were off for a Christmas in Kings Lynn

The 9: GFH, Daniel Dave Gemma Pam Ray Simon Steve Vic

SUNDAY 15th DECEMBER 2019

Fabulous.....A dry and bright morning for today's planned ride from our elevenses venue, Squires at Hersham with lunch at Pashas in Chobham.  Four of the folks gathered around our table joined me on the ride, Vic, Ed, Terry and Graham, whilst Lena, Maureen, Lilian, Bob, Tony and Dave Vine stayed for awhile or left with us for their preferred destinations.    

We started by turning left on Burwood Road, right right onto Seven Hills Road.  Left, left again to pick up my usual route to Weybridge via Ellesmere and Gower Roads, Weybridge station, down the hill, Heath Road, turning left to go along the canal taking our usual route into Addlestone and New Haw - where we joined the Basingstoke canal to Woking.  Along Brewery Road, through Horsell to  Carthouse Lane where a right into Castle Grove Road took us into Chobham for lunch - arriving approximately 12.45. 

A table had been set for us, including crackers!  After spending sometime reminiscing and talking of current affairs which makes the time fly by - we were on our way at two o'clock after receiving good service and enjoyable food.

It was doubtful anybody would be stopping for tea albeit it was agreed to stop in Addlestone if a tea stop was required.  Terry left us and returned to Dorking via the route we had arrived in Chobham whilst the rest of us traversed the well used route to Addlestone by taking the road towards Fairoaks Airport then turning into Old Chertsey Road, Stonehill Road, Green Lane to Addlestone High Street.  Ed was keen to keep going in the hopes of getting home before dark, Graham also, so Vic and I continued to our respective homes!

Thank you guys for joining me - not a long ride - made up for with good company and a fine day with plenty of sunshine! 

Cheers, Happy Xmas - Pam :) :)

Sunday 8th December. Ride to Brockham Green

A very good attendance at Squires Garden Centre at Stoke D'Abernon for elevenses. Seven of us made our way via Bookham and Effingham to the top of Ranmore Common where we turned left along the top. We then made our way down through the Denbies Wine Estate up Pixham lane and across the A25 to Punchbowl Lane and Root Hill Lane into the Royal Oak at Brockham Green. After lunch just three of us ventured up Little Switzerland to Headley Tea Room for a cream tea.

 

Unfortunately Ged suffered a broken chain just fifty yards from the tea room. Once the tea and cake had been consumed Julie the owner of the tea room very kindly gave me the use of her vehicle to convey Ged and bicycle down to Epsom where he could catch the train home. Three cheers for Julie.

Another very enjoyable day.

Pete

Sunday, 17 November - Holmbury St Mary

 A good attendance at Squires Garden Centre Stoke D'Abernon for elevenses, I think somewhere in the order of a dozen or so.

After coffee and buns six of us made our way over to Ranmore via Bookham and Effingham and onto The Royal Oak at Holmbury St Mary where we tucked into a piping hot bowl of soup and crusty bread followed by a glass of ale, very nice too.

After lunch we headed around the back of Leith Hill into Coldharbour and down into Dorking.

Lots of moaning from Ray about all the blooming hills, but that is Surrey for you.

Afternoon tea was abandoned due to shortage of daylight hours.

A most enjoyable ride.

Pete

December 22 Change Of Venues

This is a short ride with the high point probably being one of the roads over the M25! We'll go out via Chertsey, Staines to Wraysbury and back via Stanwell Moor, Ashford, BP, Hanworth to Hampton Hill.

Lunch - Wraysbury The Perseverance

Table reserved; I said we'd arrive around noon as they have music on Sunday afternoons.

Tea -  Hampton Hill (Paws For Coffee or Thyme In The Park)

I don't anticipate many for tea with a choice of two almost adjacent cafes open until 1700. Probably I won't stop as (provisionally) I'm off to see you know who.

Sunday 1 December 2019

A cold, but promising start and seven of us (me, Ed, Pam, Terry, Vic, Graham and Steve Duffin) toiled up the hill to Polesden Lacey for elevenses, dodging the heavy traffic already queuing to get into the car park.  Once refreshed all seven set off rather tentatively with me down Bagden Hill (there had been ice about earlier), then on towards Westhumble and Juniper Hall.  Ed then made his own way to lunch, while the rest of us continued to Epsom via Little Switzerland and Headley.  A brisk cold wind had got up, and it was disappointingly cloudy at times, but there were sunny spells when the scenery was at its best.

Vic left us before lunch, but Bob and Ann joined us at Wetherspoons, and Ed rejoined us, and we had a good natter over our meals before making our separate ways home.   Somehow I hadn't expected the overcast sky and light rain which quickly set in on the ride home, but at least it had stayed dry in the morning!   Thanks to all for your company,  to Pam for making the long trip from Egham, and to Steve for joining us (I think) for the first time on a Sunday.   We have welcomed many other Midweek Wayfarers into our fold over the years and they are always more than welcome!

A Chance to See the Last of the Autumn Leaves....

It should be fine but cold for Sunday's ride from Polesden Lacey to Epsom.    I'll decide the route from 11's to lunch depending on who is out, but there's always an option for an easy ride to lunch anyway, and you're also welcome to join us just for lunch (please save us a table if you get there before us)!

I'm not promising, but, if anyone is interested, we could try the higher Norbury Park route (from Crabtree Lane), but there won't be any unsurfaced, off-road riding whatever happens!

This would make a nice, long morning ride if you don't want lunch, or want an early bath, but I don't plan to be out late into the afternoon anyway!


If you'd like to meet me at Cobham or Leatherhead to ride to elevenses at Poleseden Lacey then let me know.

Dave

Sunday 17 November - Whiteout?

I cannot believe that this ghost ride to Stoke D'Abernon, Holmbury St Mary and Pilgrim Cycles was a white-out.

Can somebody please provide some snippets of information and an identity parade?

Gone, alas, are the days when I was on every ride. Four score years of determined and unremitting abuse do take a toll on the knees. I do now rely on leaders' ride reports.

Jeff

Sunday 24 Nov - Addlestone - Windlesham - Shepperton

The manifesto for the ride said "Autumn Extravaganza" - who could resist?   Well, quite a few, as it turned out.   Autumn was firmly in charge, with a dank and misty ride to elevenses.   Despite my glowing advert for the ride, only four had gathered at Addlestone by 10.30, but this doubled by the time we left to a respectable, if not massive, peloton.   We were pleased to be joined by Gemma, who rode with the C&M a few times in May prior to a charity ride from Brussels to Frankfurt.

It started simply enough via Ottershaw and down Stonehills road.   By now it was bright but cloudy.  The sun came out briefly but didn't make much of an impression.  After that the  route plan was simple: avoid the direct route.   A zigzag circuit through the lanes led us almost a complete circuit around Chobham, back to the main road at Burrowhill before attempting the not-very Steep Hill, and another loop through more lanes, decidedly less leafy than a week ago, led us eventually to Windlesham and lunch.   We were served quickly with good food, and we were on our way before 2pm.

The Magnificent Eight
(Vic & Simon not pictured)

I had a nice bit of off-road lined up to start the afternoon, but in view of the heavy rain last night, I saved it for another day, so it was avenues of mansions leading through Sunninghill and into Windsor Great Park, where we took our chances with walkers and dogs around Virginia Water for some more autumnal views.  Pretty straightforward riding back from there to Chertsey and to the Ferry Cafe at Shepperton for tea and cake.   A nice day out with good company, no rain, and very few potholes.  Thank you all for your company, and especially to David W and Graham for back-marking.

Autumn Extravaganza - next Sunday 24 Nov

A Tree

Well, all our rides are extravaganzas in a way, but the Autumn colours are particularly good at the moment, so next week's ride is designed to visit some of Surrey's finest (lanes that is, not hills).  If the sun comes out it will be extra-special!

The peloton gathers for Elevenses at Addlestone - the Golden Cafe, and leaves (geddit?) at 11, proceeding at our usual steady pace (about 13mph on the flat) to The Sun at Windlesham.   About 18 miles via a series of leafy lanes to lunch, and then another 15 miles back to tea at Shepperton (Ferry Cafe).  Bring some lights if you're riding home from tea.

You're invited - hope you can join us:

Capel Teas 2020

Out yesterday morning I was musing how nice it would be if Capel had a cafe (because Henfold was really too far past halfway on my ride) when I spotted the Coffee Morning sign outside Capel church. As well as a warm welcome, good coffee and cake I was also given a copy of next years tea dates.

C&M Sunday the 10th Nov

C&M Sunday the 10th Nov, 11's at Chertsey.. Leading the ride we set off along Guildford street, just after the roundabout we turned right onto NCN4 and a bit of off road, within 3 metres a stick caught in my rear derailleur sending it up into my wheel and splitting the rear derailleur hanger, see pic. Luckily we were only 3 minutes walk from Chertsey station. Dave W kindly took over as ride leader.

Sunday 10 Nov 2019 - Chertsey & Windlesham

A funny old day in more ways than one!   For a start, it wasn't raining when I set off for elevenses, and it stayed fine and sunny all day!   Secondly,  all tables in our chosen elevenses venue in Chertsey were already taken by 10.00 am when I arrived, and we had to quickly find an alternative.   Just down the road I came across Revive, to all appearances a normal coffee shop, and Tony quickly sent out a Whatsapp message to advise everyone.    It turned out Revive does open as a coffee shop from Monday to Saturday, but holds a church service on Sunday mornings!    Nevertheless, they welcomed us in and provided coffee at no charge (we did make donations).   If you're ever in the area, I strongly recommend you give the Revive cafe a try.   The church community do many good works and deserve our support.

The third bizarre event of the day was a freak accident to Tony's rear mech as we were taking the Goggins Farm shared path alongside the River Bourne in Chertsey.  A twig apparently got caught in it and Tony's ride was over for the day!   Fortunately, there did appear to be a convenient train service.

That left me to take over as leader, and I quickly came up with a route via St Ann's Hill, Lyne, Staple Hill and Chestnut Lane to Windlesham.   The autumn trees were at their best in the glorious  sunshine, but I can't take any credit for carefully planning a scenic ride!

As usual, The Sun offered us a warm welcome, good menu choices and prices, and friendly service, and everyone was very satisfied.   That should have set us up nicely for an easy ride home via Sparrow Row, Gracious Pond and Addlestone, but the fickle finger of fate intervened once more, with Graham having to return to the pub for forgotten items, and Ray Wren's front wheel developing 'issues'!   We still got to Addlestone in time for some to stop for tea, while Graham and and I rode Ray back to a bike shop in Walton.

Graham, Ray, Ed, Ray, Vic, Maureen and I did the whole ride, and Bob, Terry and David Vine joined us for elevenses only.   I hope you all enjoyed the ride despite the surfeit of 'incident's!