Easter Tour 2023: Exposé and Photo Special

This year's Easter Tour to Bournemouth was organised by Steve and Ann with their usual attention to detail,  including excellent weather for the weekend.  Forty-six came for the weekend at the Hotel Collingwood, with Keith staying at a hotel two doors down the road, after places filled up pretty quickly.  As usual there were a mix of road riders and trail riders, with several partners joining us for the social attraction of the weekend, plus of course the option to spend time around Bournemouth.

This report covers the road activities.

Le Tour de Purbeck

Mass start

On Saturday Pete Beyer led us on a surprisingly hilly ride around the Isle of Purbeck, with lunch at a renowned pub, which I was unfortunately unable to visit due to the mutiny.  But more about that later.

Chain Ferry stage

Details of the ride were a closely-guarded secret.  About thirty of us (estimates vary) set off along Bournemouth sea front, a few miles to Sandbanks and the chain ferry to Studland.  A scenic route which we later learned was only 'undulating' took us west to within sight of Corfe Castle, then north to a nice cafe at the Arne RSPB reserve.  Lovely.

Looking back towards Poole Harbour and Bournemouth

Then it was on to the mountain stage of the tour.  We headed south over several mountain ranges towards the fabled pub.

Hills

Fossils

More hills

Eventually at a place called Steeple, our leader's intentions were revealed.  We were to attempt the North Face of Swyre Head, previously untamed by road bikes.  The climb was only short, about 1/2 km but with 100m of ascent, and an extremely rough stony track.  Ahead of us, a long stream of bikes were being pushed up the mountain.  The legendary pub was just over the mountain,  reached by a 2km off-road track along the summit ridge and then a descent.

This is when the mutiny occurred.  A group of six remembered that they didn't want to climb another mountain.  I cannot reveal names in case of repercussions, but the mutineers plotted a flat route to the nearest pub instead.

Some of the mutineers

The loyalists clambered up the rocky slope, to be rewarded by panoramic views from the top, before traversing the ridge, fastening safety belts and descending to the pub, the Square and Compass at Worth Matravers.

The Ridge route

Summit photograph

The pub is just round the corner

Unfortunately, some others had heard about the pub, and it was packed.  Worse still, it had run out of the famed pasties, the only food on offer.   Julie and Daniel were lucky, the others, not.  

The Square and Compass, Worth Matravers

Shortly after this, Lilian punctured, and despite the assembled experts and many, many bike pumps, the replaced tube could not be inflated.   A faulty valve was to blame.  Time was now getting short, so it was every man and woman for themselves.  The group scattered in the return to the ferry, showers, bar, and much appreciated evening meal.   Not to mention the evening entertainment,  which was incredible, but off-limits for this blog.

It was a memorable, adventurous, challenging and outstanding ride in all sorts of ways.  Several people felt they had achieved something they didn't know they were capable of.  What more can you ask for?  Thanks to our leader, Pete Beyer for planning and leading us. 

Sunday ride to Wimborne Minster

Sunday's ride was a complete contrast to Saturday's expedition.  Steve had planned a more gentle route, to another excellent pub, but this time with food.   While the Saturday ride had mountains, ridiculous slopes, sheep poo, amazing views from high places across the south coast, Sunday's ride had an intimate charm with gentle climbs through blossom-hedged lanes, quaint villages, and the odd deer in the fields.  We set off through the expensive-looking West Cliff area of Bournemouth, and then had an extensive ride around beautiful Poole harbour.  

Poole

The Cowshed

Just outside Poole we stopped in Lytchett Minster for tea at a craft café, The Cowshed.  After a few purchases had been made, we meandered north and then back east to just outside Wimborne Minster before descending en masse on an unsuspecting pub, The Vine Inn at Pamphill, winner of a Camra award for the most unchanged pub interior.

Pub interior

We were soon queuing out of the door, which wasn't difficult as the bar could only hold about four people.   The sole lady serving calmly took our orders and served drinks, breaking off every now and again to serve the locals in the other room.   We were given a number and took our drinks out into the garden.  When food was ready, there was a knock on the window and a large number was put up the the window.   Simple and effective.

After lunch we had a short ride around Wimborne Minster, meeting up with a few of the group who had opted for lunch in Wimborne.   The return route was along a disused railway line, the Broadstone Way - nobody even blinked at the off road after Saturday's exploits - which led us back to Poole and a bit more harbour-side cycling before returning to the hotel along the sea front.

Wimborne Minster Minster

The hotel was excellent, with superb food and great service from the staff.    Apparently it was owned by a retired racing cyclist, and used to advertise regularly in the Vets' Time Trial Association (VTTA) magazine.   Since changing hands it seems to have maintained standards and was very welcoming to us cyclists.   Steve Gordon and Ann Bath organised the venue and bookings and it all ran extremely smoothly.   Many thanks are due to Steve and Ann for making it such a huge success.

Thanks to many people who contributed photos via WhatsApp, and to everyone for making it such an enjoyable sociable weekend.

Plans for Sunday 9 April 2023

Have a good time if you'll be away this weekend on the annual Cheam & Morden Easter tour!

As so many of the group will be away on Sunday, a large turnout for our normal ride is not anticipated!    However, the elevenses meet at The Rodboro' Buildings, Guildford (Wetherspoons) will take place as published, and, if there is any interest, we can continue to lunch, either at Aldershot as planned, or elsewhere.

Happy Easter!

Sunday the 2nd of April

Well what a surprise, 22 turned up for 11's! Did someone trick them into coming out with promises of prizes at the end? Anyway, it was great to see so many up for a, relatively, sunny day on the bike.

The Golden cafe was bulging at the seams with so many cyclists, but not all ventured forth on the ride. Graham Ed, Paul &. Maggie, Terry, who had other plans. Also Carolyn, but she did make her own way lunch.

Those who did join the 20-mile trip to lunch were Grant, Dave W, Lillian, Geoff, Dave E, Keith, Alan, Robert, Liz, Pam, Diane, Sabina, Bernard and Simon.

Geoff kindly took on the role of back marker while Simon, kept in a position to split the group in two if and when required.

I had planned a route with no off-road, but with a few undulations. Up to Virginia Water via Lyne crossing road, across the A30 and into Blackness road. From here the undulations started. On up to Cheapside, Cranbourne, then a couple of miles of the Drift road, then Fifield, then the heading East into Windsor and lunch at the Cinnamon cafe.

It was very busy but service was swift, although under cover, it was still outside, and there was still a slight chill in the air. It was nice to sit and chat over lunch and we did arrive just gone 1. pm, so we did have a little time. But away we must.

 

My route back also had some undulations, heading South we soon picked up the A332, Sheet St Rd, headed through the park, stopping at Ranger's gate, to get into groups of no more than 6, a park rule, before heading up Prince Consort Drive and turning left past the post office. Leaving the park at Bishop's gate, heading for the descent of Prune hill.

Just as we turned onto Prune hill, a lady coming up waived us down, luckily for us, to tell us the level crossing gates at the bottom were stuck down, and everyone had to turn round and come back up, Phew. So a diversion to the climb/descent of Callow hill and back down through Virginia water, onto Chertsey and down Docket Eddy lane to tea (and cake) at Nauticailia, Shepperton lock. Not everyone made it to tea as some had headed directly home.

As usual lots of banter and the gradual nodding of heads as weariness set in. Dispersal then as we went mostly went our separate ways home. A really great day on the bike and no rain, and we did see the Sun at times Thank you all for your company, with a special thanks to Geoff for back marking and Simon for group marshalling. Lovely to have a big turnout for C&M, let's hope the trend continues.

Tony..

26 March - Changing the Hour at Greenwich

You wait all winter for a London ride, and then two of them come along at once!   The fault was all mine: the annual Wayfarers London ride is always in March.   However I had been gestating an idea for a ride through the parks of South London for over a year, and I couldn't hold it in any longer.   The Cheam and Morden section has not been seen in Morden for many a year, so it seemed a good idea to start from there.  A new elevenses venue for us, the Morden Cafe, attracted a surprisingly big crowd, despite forecast rain all morning.

Graham, Robert, Paul & Maggie, Steph, Diane, David W,
Lilian, Keith, David & Jennie  (Alan and myself not pictured.)

It was merely damp by the time all thirteen of us set off through Morden Hall Park, Tooting common, and Brockwell Park to admire the view of a grey and cloudy London.  Steph left us sometime around here as she had other commitments in the afternoon.  Dulwich and Peckham parks led us eventually to the Waterlink Way, which leads down towards Greenwich.

Wonderful(?) views of London

Herne Hill velodrome

Disaster befell us at Greenwich.   The Gate Clock had run out of fish and chips!   Also, I mis-read the table number, so my food took an extremely long time to arrive, while I presume the servers were pestering the people on a different table with my order.    After lunch, it was a bit like going back in time, to last Wednesday, where we reversed around part of Paul's route through the Rotherhithe docklands.  Eventually we settled onto C14 across to Southwark and Waterloo station, where the majority left for trains home.

The after-party

The aprés-ride was almost as exciting as the ride itself.  The select four remaining had tea and cake at the Little Bread Pedlar cafe on Lower Marsh Street before going underground to a world of graffiti artists hard at work, and then on to Westminster, the Mall, Hyde Park and Putney Bridge.  I mention Putney Bridge because it was the Boat Race, packed with excited spectators, with a helicopter overhead.   We decided to stay and watch the end of the men's race, and pushed our bikes through a tide of supporters to find a space overlooking the Thames, only to find that we'd just missed the finish.  So instead, we made our way to Richmond Park and homewards.

It always surprises me that riding in London can be done almost entirely on quiet roads or safe cycleways; there's always lots to see and usually plenty of memories to be shared by those on the ride.  Thanks to all who came along despite the forecast rain, which in the end didn't really trouble us.  I hope you enjoyed it.   And special thanks to Davids, Ward and Jackson, who back-marked for us.

26 March Greenwich ride plan

Next Sunday's ride will be to Greenwich as advertised, following a quite different route (mostly) than Wednesday's Wayfarers ride.  The route there will visit several parks, some interesting sights and with luck some great views.   Lunch at The Gate Clock (Wetherspoons), Greenwich after 17 miles and about 600 ft of climbing.  After lunch a pretty flat ride back to tea near Waterloo, some more sights and only about 7 miles.   If there is demand I'll lead a ride back to Putney and Richmond Park (~11 miles) after tea.

We are meeting in a place called Morden, a name that will be familiar but the location may not be.  The Morden Cafe, Morden is 100yds from the entrance to Morden Hall Park, and maybe 200yds from Morden tube station.  We'll leave there at 11am.  If you want to ride there with me from Kingston, get in touch before Sunday.  

I hope you can join us; it should be a nice ride!  PS.  Bring a decent bike lock.

PPS.   The hour goes forward one hour this Saturday night!

C&M 2 Spoons Ride

 Sunday the 19th

The weather had warmed to a temperature that made cycling reasonably pleasant and the rain held off, but a slight headwind on the way to lunch warmed me up nicely.

Arriving at the George and Dave was already ensconced. Soon the others began arriving, Grantham, Geoff and Diane, who was only coming to 11"s owing to it being mother's Day.

Then Keith arrived followed by Pam, and plenty of chatter left us departing gone 11. I had originally planned a flat route, but recent rain had left the tracks muddy.

                                                      

So into Egham and up the A30 turning into Middle Hill, that got the blood flowing. Then the lovely descent of Crimp hill, which made the climb worthwhile. Through Old Windsor, Dedworth, Oakley Green, Fifield, Moneyrow Green and Holyport brought us to Bray and the shortish off-road track into Maidenhead and lunch at The Bear (Wetherspoons), which was a good choice, it being Mother's Day, Dave had decided to leave us at this point and make his own way home.

Having the app on my phone, I ordered using that and my drink and bowl of chips arrived before I had put the phone down, amazing service, we were all fed and watered promptly.

The route back to Ashford for tea was a mixture of some Bath road and a mixture of tracks and trails through Cippenham, Chalvey and onto Datchet, and then familiar roads back to Ashford for tea. 5 reached Ashford, but on 3 stopped for tea at Chaii Coffee, Pam, Graham and I. We didn't linger for long and were soon going our separate ways for home. A very good day on the bike and thanks to all for their company.

Tony..

Sunday the 19th

The cold weather has kept me off the bike much more than usual. it seems a prolonged period of wind and low temperatures. Lets hope warmer weeks are ahead. 11's at the The George, Staines, Wetherspoons.

We are off to Wetherspoons in Maidenhead, the Bear. My route may change depending conditions, there will be some off road and on good tracks. Around 18 miles to lunch and about the same to Ashford for tea.

The weather still looks iffy but we should see the temperature up to around 12 C.

                                                                      The Bear

 Tony..

Ride Report - Sunday 12 March 2023

Elevenses at Vineries Garden Centre always seems to attract a good turn-out  and today was no exception.  One contingent (Pam, Jill, Ed, Ray Y and Graham) did not join the main ride, and Geoff headed for home, but Simon, Diane, Terry, Dave J, Jennie J, Keith and I set off for Godalming with Brian G joining us for part of the way.

Recent heavy rains sadly forced me to modify my plans to include several off-road sections in the route, so we headed pretty much the obvious way to lunch with a few very slight nuances!    The return to Ripley was of a similar nature but with a modified back street route around Guildford side-stepping the busier parts of town.

Many thanks to all for your company and to Simon for back-marking.

Rides Planned for 12 and 19 March Have Been Swapped Round!

The online rides list has already been updated but if you have a printed rides list you'll see that on 12 March we were due to meet at Staines with Tony kindly leading us to lunch at Maidenhead.   That ride will now take place on Sunday 19 March instead.

On Sunday 12 March we'll be doing the ride originally planned for Sunday 19 March, with elevenses at The Vineries Garden Centre, Effingham, lunch at The Jack Phillips, Godalming, and tea at Pinnocks, Ripley.

The distance is 26 miles, start to finish.   There is only one significant climb (Combe Bottom towards Shere) and nothing unsurfaced.   The route is different from the one used for the MWW 'A' group on Weds 15 Feb.

The Slow Road to Tehran

The plans to celebrate International Womens Day reminded me that I have a book written by freelance journalist Rebecca Lowe about her solo 11000km ride in 2015 from London to Tehran. If you would like to read it then I'm happy to pass it on. Just let me know and I can bring it to elevenses.

Ride Report - Sunday 5th March

The weather was dull but the company at Café Barbera was most certainly not - Lilian, Alan, Sabina and Bernard, Simon, Maureen, Ed, Terry, David, Keith, Anne, Graham and Pam all arrived for elevenses with Geoff arriving just in time for the off, having got befuddled on the way. We left Pam, Maureen and Ed in the café for a bit more chit-chat in the warm, while the rest of us, fuelled by individually wrapped coffee beans, headed out towards Effingham via Downside and Bookham Common. 

I had devised a route which was a little longer than the direct one, and with a climb up Critten Lane and over Ranmore Common. Unfortunately the surface at the bottom of Critten Lane included a pot hole which Bernard found and promptly it caused him a puncture - splitting the group further into those who went on and those who very kindly stayed to help. 

St Barnabas' Church on Ranmore Common

The first wave (or more technically the second as Ed and Maureen had ridden straight to lunch from elevenses and arrived first to secure our table at The Running Horse) paused for some photo kerfuffle and then continued swiftly down through Westhumble and along the A24 and into Leatherhead for lunch. 

A carpet of snowdrops beside the Church (credit: Simon)

Alongside the River Mole into Leatherhead 

Keith, Geoff and David went off to do Keith, Geoff and David things, while the rest of us were made most welcome at the historic Running Horse - today sandwiches were not on offer but there was still plenty of choice available. We agreed that afternoon tea would be at Court Farm Cafe in Tolworth since that was more on the way home and less back in Cobham. We left Leatherhead and followed an acceptable level (on the Diane scale of surfaces) of off-road through Epsom Common, Horton County Park, Castle Hill Reserve and along the Bonesgate. We were no longer a democracy with some folks following the route on faith alone, but miraculously seven made it to afternoon tea before the cafe closed at 4pm. 

Being respectful in Horton Country Park 

You can have your photo taken so long as you leave by 4pm 

Thanks to everyone for coming out today, and to Geoff and Simon for back-marking. Diane. 

    

Pam has asked me to post this notice:

VCC Ripley Road (Surrey) Section

Spring Cycle Jumble

Saturday 15th April, 2023

9am to 1pm

Note the new venue:

The Effingham Scout Hut, The Milestone, Guildford Road (A246), Effingham KT24 5NP

Admission to Buyers: £5 before 9am, £1 after 9am

Note that there is no parking for buyers' vehicles on site; car parking is in the King George V Playing Fields Car Park on Browns Lane which is just a short walk to the venue.

 

~ Tim C

 

Sunday the 26th, A Good Yarn

As the Pheasantry in Bushey is closed for refurb, a change of 11's venue was called. So the golden Grill in Ashford was deemed a suitable replacement, it is also nearer the lunch stop, The Good Yarn in Uxbridge.

There was a good turnout of Ed, Simon, Pam, Dave W, Dave E, Graham, Diane, Lillian, Bernard, Sabina and Geoff, and all were joining the ride, The route to lunch was roughly 21/22 miles, which in the end I did shorten to around 19.

It was a route we had used parts of in years gone by, and I added some sneaky extra miles. The distance did take its toll on Ed, who bonked a few miles short of Uxbridge. However, he did make it to lunch with the assistance of Dave, Simon and Geoff.

The lunch venue was packed, but luckily most were just there for the booze, so food service was prompt.

Ed and Lillian headed for the station to catch a train home, while the rest of us headed South, I took a shortish route through Heathrow to Bedfont where Pam left us for her route home, on and through Hampton where I left the group and Simon guided the remaining few to Hampton court to make their own ways home. A really good day on the bike but somewhat still too chilly.

Thank you all for your company and especially to Simon for back marking

Tony..

 

Please Note - Change of Lunch Venue for Sunday 5th March

In the expectation of dry weather next Sunday, I've planned a slightly longer hillier route from Cafe Barbera in Stoke D'Abernon which will take us across Bookham Common as usual but then turn through Little Bookham and Effingham before going steadily up Critten Lane to Ranmore Common, where hopefully we can enjoy a nice view before heading back down to Leatherhead for lunch at The Running Horse. About 15 miles to lunch and then heading towards Epsom and beyond for afternoon tea at Cobham or Tolworth, to be decided on the day.

Hope to see you then,

Diane 

Sunday the 26th

Next Sunday's ride will be 11's from the Golden Grill, Ashford, as the Pheasantry is closed for renovation. Lunch will be at the Good Yard, Wetherspoons, Uxbridge.

Ride to Woking - 19 Feb

After a bit of a kerfuffle at elevenses, which I won't write about here, nine of us left Leatherhead fairly promptly, having decided to go to Woking after all, leaving Bob, Geoff, Graham, Terry and David W with cups of unlimited coffee.   

Ready to go

It was a nice spring day with a bit of sunshine, and the climb up to Effingham got us warmed up for the downhill delights to follow, as we whizzed down towards Ripley, with a few extra detours on quiet lanes.  Ed and Grant left us near Effingham Junction, having other destinations in mind.   Then the back streets of Woking delivered us almost to the pub, our second Wetherspoons of the day, where David rejoined us a bit later.

The Martians have arrived!

The afternoon was gorgeous, a bit warmer and with full sunshine and a following wind we followed the Basingstoke canal to New Haw and then through Addlestone, Walton and on to Molesey cricket club for an outdoor tea on the riverbank.   It really felt like spring - Lilian even had an ice cream!   About 30 miles in total.  Thanks to Keith and Diane for back marking.

Molesey

Ride report 12 Feb

We had a lovely warm ride to Bagshot before enjoying an al fresco lunch in the sunshine.   But that was last year.   Today was different.

It was a windless, sunless, cheerless sort of day, with a prickle of drizzle now and again.   The forecast was for a balmy eleven degrees - lovely - but that never materialised.  Despite Apple Maps saying that the Golden Cafe at Addlestone was "permanently closed", a goodly crowd of riders turned up in their warm weather gear, to find the cafe very much open as usual.   Ed, Pam and Terry stayed in the cafe for tea and chat, while Tony, Graham, Diane, Liz, Ray, David & Jennie and myself set off towards Chobham, through a blizzard* of road works.

It was cold.  One by one, like frostbitten toes, riders dropped off.  First Tony had a disagreement with his legs about whether he wanted to go on the ride.  Then Ray remembered some shopping he had to do.  Everyone else blindly followed me on many roads that promised to lead to Chobham but never arrived.  We did a sort of pirouette around Chobham, dodged the ford at Pennypot and then a near miss with Windlesham found us arriving at Bagshot.  The Kings Arms was a little short on the bargains of previous visits, but we all managed to find something reasonably priced and reasonably filling.

Graham left us to find his own way home, and the surviving five returned through Sunninghill and Windsor Great Park to tea and warmth at Nauticalia.  Thanks to Jennie for back marking and to all for your company.

* What IS the collective name for road works?   Answers in the comments please.

Ride Report - Sunday 5 February

 

In the good old days of yore, I remember school masters banging on about 'intelligent Martians'.  I suspect this is now an 'outmoded concept' since it is not inclusive of less intelligent Martians, or those who are just plain stupid.  But I digress, my point was that a putative if outmoded intelligent Martian who had landed in Epsom today, and who happened to join the Cheam and Morden ride, would have taken back to his, her or their planet a completely wrong impression of one of our club rides!   For a start, it was sunny, dry and not too cold all day.   Secondly, not even one visit to a branch of Wetherspoons was involved, and thirdly, and almost unbelievably, we climbed up and crossed over the North Downs!

From a pleasant elevenses at The Old Moat Garden Centre we made for Headley bathed in sunshine, and were only briefly thwarted by the unexpected closure of the railway bridge at Castle Road.   After Headley Heath we zoomed down Pebble Hill, then ambled through Betchworth to reach  Leigh.

We had not booked for The Plough but they were able to find us a table and offered a full menu, including sandwiches, unusual these days for a Sunday.   It should have been a straightforward ride back through Brockham and the Mole Gap to Leatherhead but, embarrassingly, I had mudguard problems en route which delayed us a bit, although there was still plenty of time for tea at Leatherhead for those who wanted to stop.

Bob, Graham, and Ed were at elevenses only, but Mark (making a welcome return after a few weeks absence), Diane, Keith and Geoff joined me to lunch along with Simon who very kindly back-marked all day).  Many thanks all for your company!

Ride Report for Sunday 29 January 2023 - a Tale of Two Wetherspoons!

 

I begin by apologising if I omit to mention anyone who was out on today's ride but I have forgotten about!   New Malden starts are still an experiment for the Cheam and Morden and I never expected to see quite so many out to elevenses, let alone on the ride, on yet another cold, gloomy Sunday!

The Watchman, New Malden proved to be a good gathering point - not too busy and with plenty of seats near windows to enable an eye to be kept on bikes locked to the railings just outside.   However, all good things come to an end and all too soon it was time to hit the road for a rather quirky route to Putney, the main objective being to avoid climbing Wimbledon Hill!   So it was that we progressed through Motspur Park, Cannon Hill and Merton Park to reach the back streets of Wimbledon, then on through Wimbledon Park and Southfields to Wandsworth where we followed first the river Wandle then the Thames to Putney Wetherspoons.

The last time we lunched here was on a very hot summer Sunday when we sat in the shade on the riverside terrace with a gentle breeze to cool us down, got served reasonably quickly, and said 'it's nice here, we must come again'.   For some reason there was no appetite today for all fresco dining and we had to find tables indoors.   It was quite crowded but there were enough seats (it was also almost as cool indoors as out).   The real problem came with serving delays - we arrived just after 12.30 but did not leave until just before 2.00, quite a long delay for a Wetherspoons.

Anyway, at least everyone got their food, and, after dodging through the Putney traffic, we set off homewards via Richmond Park where we split to go our different ways home.

If I have it correctly, Maureen, Ray, Pam and Dave V were at elevenses but not lunch.   Simon was at lunch but not elevenses.   Bernard, Sabina, Diane, Lilian, Ed, Keith, Ged, Dave E, Graham, Tony and I managed the Wetherspoons double, along with Jeremy on his first Cheam and Morden ride!  But I may be wrong, it was confusing, and the cold may have dulled my perceptions!

Many thanks to all for turning out on another dismal winter day, special thanks to Tony for back-marking, to Ged for navigational advice and background information, and Dave E for leading a sub group back towards Hampton Court.

Plans for Sunday 29 January 2023

Sunday's ride will begin as planned at The Watchman (Wetherspoons), New Malden.

However, the lunch stop has now been changed from The Pommelers Rest, Bermondsey to The Rocket, Putney. 

The online rides list reflects this change but if you have a printed version, please note the change.

IMPORTANT UPDATE - Sunday 22 January 2023

Sunday's weather forecast is now worse, and there is a severe weather warning out for freezing fog until 11.00 am tomorrow in all the surrounding area (Leatherhead, Cobham, Banstead etc)!   I don't think many of you (if any) will be tempted out in such conditions but, regretfully, I think it would be sensible for us to cancel tomorrow's planned ride.

Plans for Sunday 22 January 2023

The weather forecast for Sunday is currently for slightly less cold conditions but there may well still be icy patches about.   

The plan remains for us to meet at The Vineries Garden Centre, then ride to lunch at the Rodboro' Buildings, Guildford but this will be reviewed at the end of the week, especially if the forecast changes.

Any updates will be notified via our blog and WhatsApp group.

Oop north to Hedgerley - 15 Jan

It is only January but I decided to aim for Hedgerley for lunch.    Could we make it there and back before sunset?   The day dawned cool but sunny, a nice change after all the recent downpours.   A good turnout at Staines for elevenses:   David and Jennie, Pam, Dave Ellis, Diane, Sabina and Bernard as well as Pam, David W, Graham and myself made a decent crowd.   David J had something even more important than cycling to do, so he left us after 11s, as did Graham.  The remaining eight set out towards Datchet, where Pam decided to migrate south for the warmer climes of Shepperton.    

The White Horse in Hedgerley was very busy, with a lot of walkers I think, but we found a table in a marquee with two heaters, and were served pretty promptly.   All finished by 1.30pm and back on our way to face the lovely 12% downhill into Hedgerley, only in the other direction.  Sabina was a bit worried about her e-bike as the battery was down at 44%, so she decided to walk up the hill to try to preserve it.   It's a newish bike and it seems it might need a bit of tweaking.   Maybe it's not designed to work in such northerly parts?   

A bit of off-road by Stanwell Moor to avoid the M25 roundabout turned out to be the low-light of the ride, as there were maybe a dozen motor-bikers zooming up and down in the mud, with very little regard for anyone else.  We emerged shaken but unscathed, but by now Sabina's battery was less than 20%, so we rode slowly to try and eke it out.    By Ashford it was down to 11%, so a train home seemed a good idea.   Luckily, this was one of the rare days when the trains were actually running.    It was only 3.15 or something, so we had the idea of a cup of tea and a cake - and found a very welcoming cafe near Ashford Station, ChaiiCoffee, a perfect way to round off the day.   Thank you to all for your most enjoyable company, and to David W & Jennie for back-marking.

Tea stop in Ashford

Weird lighting installation.
Tea comes out of the tap on the left.

Ride Report - Sunday 8 January 2023

Despite the forecast for wet and windy weather, an intrepid 9 cyclists - Tony, Pam, Dave W, Simon, Sabina and Bernard, Lilian, Ed and Keith - joined me for elevenses at Squires in Stoke D'Abernon, plus 2 cycling friends who came to wave me off on my first official CTC ride as leader. 

Pam and Tony had other plans for the day, so 8 of us set off just as the first heavy shower started. We followed the usual route to Downside, bumping into Colin Quemby on the way who gave us the news that Shirley is unfortunately back in hospital, we wish them both well. Keith left us in search of a longer dry ride, I hope he found one, while the remaining 7 pedalled on, crossing Bookham Common towards Fetcham. A small discussion about mud resulted in a slight detour, after which we picked up the lane down to the River Mole behind Fetcham train station. The sun came out briefly for a photo stop on the second bridge, we were then on our way via Randalls Park and the back streets of Leatherhead, Ashtead Park and Epsom to lunch at Wetherspoons where we were joined by Bob. The service was quick as usual despite the place being rammed. 

As the skies were dark again we decided to move the afternoon tea stop closer, with many deciding to head for home instead between the showers. Sabina, Bernard, Simon and myself cycled to The Old Moat across the Horton Park estate, and holed up there for a time. Luckily the sun came out once more just after we departed for home, and we were treated to a lovely rainbow.

Thanks to all the brave souls who came out today and humoured me, and to Dave for back marking. 

Plans for Sunday 8 January 2023

It is my pleasure to invite you to this Sunday's ride, which will begin at the Cobham Squires Garden Centre (confusingly in Stoke D'Abernon - 85 Stoke Rd KT11 3PU) where the café opens at 10am on Sundays. 

We will loop around familiar lanes to Bookham Common, then follow a long stretch of stony path across the Common as far as Fetcham, before taking a further similar off road track across the River Mole to bring us into the back of Leatherhead, and then staying on tarmac for the rest of the ride. All stretches were rideable today apart from two very short muddy sections - if these haven't dried out during the week then they are quick to walk and we have time on our side. 

The lunch stop is at Wetherspoons in Epsom High Street, after 11.5 miles. After lunch those wishing for some tea and cake can join me for a further 7.5 miles into Esher, where we can try getting into the G!ro café or anywhere else serving the same. 

Planned route is here: https://www.komoot.com/invite-tour/1003012402?code=m6v6gr-RecwMnrvnWboRicILbJ_i-NGqxqEILrBgdufyqjIep8. If that doesn't open for you then I can email the GPX file. Or you can wait for the surprises on Sunday.   

Sunday 1 January 2023

 

In contrast to the past four Sundays, the weather was reasonably mild (despite the strong wind), sunny, and dry, to start with at least, for our first ride of 2023.

After a slow start SWLDA riders began to gather in increasing numbers.   There were too many to remember them all, but among Cheam and Morden regulars present were Diane, Lilian, Ed, Tony, Pam, Graham, Simon, and Keith, with occasionals Paula, Steph, Gill, Daniel, Dave V and Christina (accompanied by Pliny, no less!).

Helen, Paul J and Pete B were among riders from other sections.

Lovely to see you all, thanks for your company, and happy cycling in 2023!

Plans for Sunday 1 January 2023

After very cold and gloomy weather of one sort another for all our Sunday rides in December, it is just possible that Sunday 1 January might see slightly better conditions (sunshine might be asking too much)!

We will be meeting for elevenses, as published, at Colicci Cafe, near Roehampton Gate, Richmond Park from 10.00 am.

No lunch ride has been planned on this occasion, but a short trip is possible if there is any interest.

Happy cycling for 2023!

(Non) Ride Report - Sunday 18 December 2022

 

Yet another bleak and cheerless Sunday (a rare event, the third dud in a row)!    Dire Met office warnings of ice and freezing rain had caused us to move elevenses closer to civilisation (although prices at The Pheasantry could hardly be described as civilised)!   Despite this, my expectations that any other Cheam and Morden riders would be mad enough to brave the elements were low.    Imagine my surprise then when I was joined by no less than Diane, Tony, Simon and Paula!   Well done and thanks all!   Rain began to set in as we sat and chatted and there was understandably no appetite to go anywhere but back home!

For some reason there will be no C & M ride on Sunday 25 December (when the weather will very likely be sunny, dry and mild) but on Sunday 1 January 2023 we will continue our tour of Royal Parks cafes with our traditional first-footing elevenses meet at Colicci Cafe, Roehampton Gate, Richmond Park (all welcome)!

The next 'normal' ride (the first in what seems like a long time) will be on Sunday 8 January and we will hope for better things!

Merry Christmas to all C & M members and thanks for your company during 2022!

Change to Ride for Sunday 18 December 2022

A severe weather warning for icy surfaces and freezing rain is in force for today.   Rain may now begin any time this morning.   In view of this, our elevenses meet today has been moved from The Old School Cafe, Longcross to The Pheasantry, Bushy Park.   Apologies for the short notice, but this will put most people closer to home.

The Longcross and Chobham ride will be rescheduled for 2023.

If you are coming to elevenses, do take great care and look out for any worsening of conditions!

Ride Report - Sunday 11 December 2022

Today was very, very cold and unrelievedly gloomy day, probably the antithesis of good cycling weather!  Still, not for nothing is 'Per ardua ad Wetherspoons' the unofficial motto of the Cheam & Morden and no less than two of us (Keith and I) mustered at elevenses at The Old Moat Garden Centre to fly the flag. 

Flag flying is one thing, but continuing to lunch on such a beastly day would have been going over and beyond, so we unanimously resolved to end the official ride at elevenses and make our own ways home from there.   

The catering arrangements at The Old Moat were fine but the heating arrangements were less than optimal and I started off from elevenses already cold, so the next part of my ride found me 'well chilled'!   I hope Keith fared better!

Ride Report - Sunday 4 December 2022

To say today was somewhat gloomy would be an understatement - it was like twilight all day from sunrise to sunset, and bitterly cold.   However, these intemperies failed to deter Tony, Ged, Graham, Ray and Terry from joining me for elevenses at Morrisons, Weybridge.   Disappointingly, their catering arrangements were rather less than optimal on this occasion (a very slow moving queue only to be told there was no coffee available) and I think we will put them on the subs bench for a while!

It was such a revolting day that only Ged, Ray and I were tempted to continue to the planned lunch stop at The Cinnamon Cafe, Windsor.   The cold got to Ray after we had descended Crimp Hill and he decided to turn straight for home and add new gloves to his Christmas wish list, once his fingers had thawed out, that is!

That left Ged and I to soldier on to the Cinnamon Cafe where the catering has never been found to be at all lacking, and where you move through the long queue at remarkable speed!    Refreshed and inspired we rode back to Shepperton at remarkable speed too, and went our separate ways.   Thanks all for your company.