C&M Ride into Old Money or Penny Farthing Racing

Last year the Pickwick Bicycle Club held the first Penny Farthing Racing at Hayes Track in Minet Country Park. This year it also incorporated the UK Penny Farthing championship. I advertised it on the A's & B's Whatsapp groups, the response was surprisingly good. 18 signed up for the ride.

The 11's stop was at the Pheasantry in Bushey Park, and in dribs and drabs the throng assembled. We managed to leave just before 11 and in 2 groups, myself leading the first and Simon leading the second. The route there consisted of lots off-road, along the River Crane, Hounslow Heath, a nature reserve at the side of Heathrow and Cranford Park (where we encountered, abusive travellers, their caravans, dogs and very vocal children). That soon passed and onto the little churchyard where Tony Hanncock's remains are buried.

We were then soon at our lunch stop, The Botwell Inn, Wetherspoons, in Hayes, where a friend of mine, Tony Cates from the Uxbridge CTC group, joined us. Service was a little slow for Wetherspoons, but we were soon fed and watered and ready for the 1-mile cycle to the cycle track. There were lots of bikes, Penny Farthings, old and new, there was even one on display for a company that still made them!

There was plenty of time to look at the bikes and chat with the owners, but eventually, the race was underway. The speed at which leaders achieve was a fast "A" ride pace, and the final lap would have had Mark Cavendish smiling. When the racing had finished, our whole group did a lap of the track, but at a more moderate pace.

Then heading back towards Bushey Park on a less off-road course. And at various points, the group gradually dispersed to make their ways home. A really lovely day out, only around 25 miles for me, but a great event to see, look out for the same time next year! Thank you all for your company and to Simon for leading the second group, plus those who back-marked.

Tony..

Cycling gear in Aldi from Thursday 21/09/23

 

Trying to find the Isle of Wight.....Ride Report 17/09/23

...on Bookham Common.

The day began with 9 at Stoke D'Abernon which over the next 40 minutes reduced to 5. I chose to go south-west via the Tilt Road to Ockham & East Clandon where we took Blakes Lane going east to join the rather busy A246.

There were a plethora of cyclists out on this rather humid & overcast late summers day & all were, I suspect, aware of an approaching thunderstorm.

"The Drift" is a joy to ride along with basically a brand new surface.....no hole filling here. 😀

Graham had assured me the suitabilty of the off-road section across to Fetcham (the first left after crossing Eff Junc r/w bridge).

And sure enough it was a good choice.

But it has to be said I have great difficulty choosing the correct track across Bookham Common & have got lost more than once.😬

And sure enough at a four finger post....took the wrong turning.

As Simon quite rightly pointed out much later in the pub......."you should of gone left there".

The sky was darkening and with the whiff of rain in the air we all agreed to lunch at The Edmund Tylney instead of The Assembly Rooms. (Apologies to any folk hoping to meet us there 😬)

After two hours of chit-chat, a mildly annoying chap talking nonsense, & an appearance by Keith, we went our separate ways.

Thanks to Graham, Terry, Tony, Pam & Maureen (to 11's or shortly after)....David & Jennie, Simon, Colin G for your company all day. 

PS It did rain......but not as much as the forecast indicated.

 

The delights of Bagshot - 10 Sept

It was a perfect summer day, apart from the weather forecast. 33 degrees, thunderstorms, large hailstones and downpours.   Also, it's actually autumn, but nobody told the weather.

Such trifles don't bother Cheam and Morden riders, or maybe they just don't look at the weather forecast.  Six of us arrived at Addlestone, rather hot and sweaty in the early morning humidity.   After sampling the delights of the Golden Cafe, we left Graham to do his own thing and set off, seeking shade on the Basingstoke Canal.  This worked quite well, nobody fell in, and we stayed reasonably cool as we rode all the way through Woking to Goldsworth Park for a bit more waterside fun.   This was a very pleasant route we used to do regularly with Graham about a decade ago.   A little wiggle round Chobham before offering the option of riding through Pennypot ford (no takers) and then off to Bagshot.   It was now overcast and a bit cooler than expected, so we sat outside at the Kings Arms and were treated to large portions at very reasonable prices.

There was a deluge forecast for just after lunch, but all we encountered was a baby shower.   No, a real "Baby Shower" with the blooming mum-to-be surrounded by her friends, no doubt offering her plenty of useful advice.   When it started spotting with actual rain, we left with all haste, hoping to dodge the heavy stuff.   The route through the posh bits of Windlesham and Sunninghill allowed us to indulge in a bit of house-envying, before we joined the real upper crust at the Guards Polo Club for a few chukkas.  Then it was downhill all the way to Virginia Water and tea at Great Cockrow steam railway.   The rain seemed to catch up with us and there were more than a few spots, but once we got on the move we seemed to escape again as we all headed to Chertsey, where we bumped into Ray Youlden before all parting company in Shepperton.

Thank you to all for enjoyable company on the ride, to the weather for cooperating, and to Jennie for back marking.

Hersham to Lower Green Bridleway

It's reopened. No improvement between the two branches of the Ember but the rest is smooth tarmac and full width.

 

 

Ride report - 03/09/23

My debut lead after 7 years & we find ourselves at Dobbies, Woodcote Green.

A gargantuan of a place, in fact the 3rd largest GC in the UK with parking for 660 cars.

Chatting in the warm sun, it was a relaxed affair because lunch was a short ride away.

Great to see Ed & Lilian at 11's...& Chris rode a short distance with us while he recuperates from a nasty bout of Lymes disease..so it was Dave, Geoff, Sue, Keith, Brian, Steve, Paul & Maggie joined me via Oaks Park & How Lane to The Sportsman at Mogador.

Soup & bacon rolls were in evidence as I slapped on factor 50.

Thanks to Dave for backmarking.

Sunday's elevenses

 Hi folks,

Just some information about Dobbies GC.

It's probably like a garden centre that you've never been to before.

It has a restaurant, butchers & two coffee shops !

The one adjoining the restaurant is quieter. The other one near the main entrance has a creche but has a nicer outdoor seating area.

The weather looks fine but I'll decide on the day as to which one I'm going to.

My mob - 0731 209 5543.

As far a lunch goes it appears you can get "Sweet vine tomato & fire roasted red pepper soup served with fresh crusty ciabatta & whipped butter" for £5.50.

I hope that satisfies those sans lunch.

Ride Report - Sunday 27 August 2023

 

Simon, Andy, Pam, Tony, Terry, Keith, Christina, Geoff G and I met for elevenses at Clandon Park.   Sitting out on the patio it felt a bit fresh for the season but it is still a very pleasant location.   It was a relatively long ride for most of us to get to Clandon Park but we consoled ourselves with the generously-sized scones and teacakes on offer!   Not inexpensive but good value for money!

All of us opted to join the ride to lunch.   As we made our way off along the drive imagine our surprise to see Jeff T just arriving!   He decided not to join us for the rest of the ride but perhaps we will tempt him on another occasion!

This ride involved our customary annual climb along the flinty track up Merrow Downs.  The basic idea here is that people concentrate so much on the rough surface that they don't notice the gradient!   Unfortunately, someone took a tumble at low speed but I am happy to report that the only casualty was a a handlebar mirror!    Next we took the rollercoaster ride which is Halfpenny Lane in our stride then continued through Chilworth and Wonersh before another traditional annual feature of C & M rides, the footpath alongside Godalming sewage works, negotiable, but highly overgrown this year, fortunately with bracken, not nettles!

Wetherspoons at Godalming was busy but our orders arrived promptly and we were soon on our way back to tea, except for Andy, who took his own, mountainous route home.   To lull them into a false sense of security, I spared the group the stiff climb up to Godalming cemetery but then slipped in a ride along the lovely Sandy Lane through Littleton towards Mount Browne, which does end in a short but rather viscious climb, and where picturesque scenery gives way to picturesque language!  Then it was through the back-doubles of Guildford to Stoke Park where Garmin routing wanted us to ride through the Japanese garden area, definitely verboten!

There was another slight navigational glitch by the Spectrum Leisure Centre - it was my turn to be mesmerised picking my way along the rather nasty grid paving laid in the grass and I completely missed the turn!    Tony soon had us back on the right path and we followed the cycle route, now resurfaced in places witht some very rough gravel, to Clay Lane.   Then it was the usual route to Ripley, where some stopped for tea.   Christina and Geoff joined me to ride back towards Walton.  The remains of the so-called cycle path (in effect, just the very narrow hard shoulder) alongside the A3 towards Wisley Gardens have disappeared but there is now a dedicated lane for all traffic towards Wisley which makes a much pleasanter and safer alternative from Ripley to Wisley until the M25 junction works are complete.

Well ridden everyone and many thanks for your company!    Many thanks too to Geoff for back-marking all day.

C&M ride to Chalfont St Giles

Almost a perfect day for cycling. A different coffee stop for 11's, the Chaii coffee shop at Ashford. I arrived early but Dave and Simon were already sitting outside in the Sun. The others turned up in dribs and drabs. And we soon had 10 in total. Dave, Simon, Pam, Liz, Andy, Keith, Diane, Sabina, Bernard and myself.

 

As usual, plenty of banter, coffee and cake, time for the off and heading North to part circle the airport on the inner ring cycle track emerging at Longford and heading to Harmonsworth, West Drayton and on up past Hillingdon Hospital to Uxbridge.Through the edge of Colne Valley Regional Park and The Buckinghamshire Golf Club and into Denham village and a brief stop at Sir John Mills old house. Denham village is very small, but still has 3 pubs!  Back alleys and paths led us to Moorhall Road and another brief stop to view the new section of viaduct across the road for HS2.

T

he New HS2 Viaduct

More back roads and paths lead us up to, and I mean up, Harefield. Then a lovely decent, but with traffic lights at the bottom, to the canal and past the coy Carp pub. Finally reaching Maple Cross and the steady climb up to lunch at the Rowen Garden centre, Chalfont St Giles.

 

Lunch at the Rowen GC

The weather was warming up now and dining alfresco was great. We had taken a little more time than I had planned to get to lunch, so I changed the route back making it a few miles shorter. Down into Chalfont St Giles village and into Bowstridge Ln down to Chalfont St Peter, the nice climb through the private estate of Chalfont Heights. 

 

Stockley Park

It's a nice, mainly, gradual descent now down through Denham Golf Club, which has its own station, to Denham once more, back through Uxbridge and a quick stop at the Rusty Bike Cafe, it was closed, so some off-road through Stockley Park and down to.Harlington. Discussion as to where to go for tea took place and off we cycled to the lovely little Portuguese restaurant at Cranford called Saloio. It's one I often use on solo short rides, It was very warm now, so as well as tea and cake some of us even had a beer. The owner is a lovely guy and in the past has even helped me mend a puncture.

Time was marching on, so across Hounslow Heath and along the scenic path by the river Crane, at various points from here on people left the ride to head their own ways home, Along Hampton Hill, stopping at the entrance to Bushy Park where the group finally dispersed.

A really lovely day on the bike and a big thank you to all, especially Simon for back Marking.

Tony..

Ride Report - Sunday 13 August 2023

All was going well until the Thursday before the ride.   I had a nice off-road route planned (I thought) across Walton Heath and then out to Reigate Hill and beyond.  Then, only by the merest fluke I happened to hear that the Women's Open Golf Championships were taking place nearby and it gradually dawned on me that this might affect my plans.   I checked and it did - all local bridleways were closed for the event!   It was back to the drawing board, or, more accurately, sketching pad, because only the vaguest replacement route resulted!

Anyway, Sunday dawned rather uncertainly with troubled skies, a stiff headwind, and heavy showers about into the bargain.   There were brighter interludes, fortunately, and Diane, Andy, Dave F, Keith and I all duly turned up at Walton Village Cafe (the C & M's first visit there, I think) ready for the ride to lunch, while Carolyn and Maureen gamely battled up the hills to join us for elevenses only.   We were also very pleased to see Jeff T make a very welcome return to a C & M elevenses, but no battling up hills was needed in his case as he conveniently lives nearby!

Come eleven o'clock and the brave (or foolhardy) five of us set off on what turned out to be one of the C & M's occasional (fortunately!) and unintentional 'off-road discovery days'!    We rode the delightful, quiet lanes of Mugswell and Chipstead then made as if towards Reigate Hill roundabout, but cunningly veered off down Crossways Lane, a farm road which gradually deteriorates into a narrow and precipitous, stony track, at least for a bit, before burrowing under the M25.

It was a bit of a gamble since it transpired only two of us had ever tried this route before, and neither recently, but luckily got away with no casualties!   We then found ourselves opposite one of the entrances to the Royal Alexander and Albert School, and to continue through the grounds seemed a no-brainer.   Dave F expressed an interest in exploring the fabled track across an amazing and unexpected landscape towards Gatton Park Road, and this proved to be an excellent choice and a first for all of us except Keith.

After all the excitement it was then an uneventful sort of ride through the back-streets of Reigate to Reigate Heath and Leigh, our lunch stop.  The Plough proved to be excellent as ever, with very friendly service, a great choice of food, even on a Sunday, and a lovely garden.

The sky looked a bit threatening at times but we dodged any rain and it was sunny and warm for our ride back to Brockham (where we too early for tea) and Leatherhead.

It proved to be quite an interesting ride and one worth repeating, or even expanding on in the future, but probably not after wet weather!   Many thanks to all for your company and for your route suggestions and advice.

Sunday August 6 2023

When I arrived at The Queen Stage it was half full; no doubt a victim of the concurrent Tour of the Surrey Hills. Already seated are Andy, Dave, Diane, Liz, Pam, and Steve. We were soon joined by Ed, Maureen and Terry.

Having traversed New Road (Claygate) I had to assume roughstuff would be a hard sell and so it proved. All but Ed and Maureen meandered via Effingham Junction, Drift Road and Horsley station where the trackside path led us to West Horsley. After a freewheel to Jury Farm (almost missed), we now faced its broken concrete bridleway. For some Tithebarns Lane couldn't come too soon.

Halfway along it is a newish posh estate now connected by a tarmac'd footpath! leading to the A3. No idea why but 550 future homes are being built on the other (north) side of the bridge. Send Church, Cartbridge, Old Woking and the Leisure Centre took us to lunch in 'Spoons,  and the end of the ride for Dave and Terry.

Wey/Basingstoke junction (Andy)

The afternoon cuesheet couldn't have been simpler: Basingstoke Canal Woking to M25, Wey Navigation to Coxes Mill/Black Bridge. I had to stop twice to clear the mud between my mudguard and front tyre. For a change we continue on the Wey towpath to Thames Lock and another photo shoot. 

Thames Lock (Pam)

But NCN 4 was a path too far and a minor rebellion saw me last to arrive at the Wilde Brunch. Only  a trace of rain at tea to add to the deluges of the preceding days. Around 22 miles from 11s to tea.

I can't remember a ride with 50%+ off-road but that's what I'm hoping for this Sunday. By mid July everywhere was dry but now puddles and mud are reappearing, and more rain is forecast. We can discuss a Plan B at 11s.

To save the leader's legs there are few hills, Orestan Lane is unavoidable. But I've removed patches of demolition rubble (eg near Jury Farm), ferocious plants (Ockham Mill and elsewhere). Now the worst are  tree roots (Wey towpath Coxes Mill).

11s to tea at Walton would be under 25 miles so pm could be entirely off-road! 

It might look like this

Advance Notice - Sunday 24 September 2023

High Ordinary (Penny Farthing) racing will be taking place again at Hillingdon Velodrome on Sunday 24 September.   Following our very successful trip to see this event last year, Tony has kindly offered to lead a ride there again.

Because of this, Simon's planned ride from Leatherhead to Rusper has been moved to the following week (Sunday 1 October).

These changes will show on the online runs list but were too late for the printed version in the September/October 'Souwester which will appear shortly.   Please ensure anyway who relies on the printed version is aware of the changes.

Ride Report - Sunday 30 July 2023

 

It was a promising, if breezy start to the day and the experimental elevenses meet at North Cheam proved very popular!    Ed, Steve D, Dave and Jennie J, Dave V, Richard D, Helen, Diane and Ray W just came to elevenses while brave souls Simon, Andy C, Keith and I were joined by new (to us) riders Nikki, Debbie, Dave and John for the trip to lunch at Oxted.

Needless to say, the sun had disappeared by the time we got going and we soon felt a few drops of rain.   Undeterred, we zig-zagged dizzily through the back-doubles of South Sutton, Carshalton Beeches, Wallington and Woodcote to reach Purley.   The serious climbing began after Riddlesdown but our new members took it in their stride.   Conditions began to get more unpleasant and jackets were donned as we toiled up Botley Hill.

We were running well ahead of schedule by the time we reached the top and it was worth making a detour east then dropping down to pick up the very scenic Pilgrims Way back towards Titsey Hill.   Here there was a nail-biting problem: signs announced a road closure and the further we dropped down, the harder the climb back up would have been if the obstruction was impassable.   Fortunately, the gamble paid off and we squeezed our way past the barriers!

After lunch some braved the elements and rode home, but Oxted Wetherspoons is so convenient for a train-assist home that I could not resist the temptation!

Thanks all for your company and well-ridden!  Special thanks too to Simon for very ably back-marking throughout the ride!

Important Update - Sunday 30 July 2023

There will be no industrial action affecting train services on 30 July but, unfortunately, engineering works will mean no train services at all to Waterloo East or Charing Cross.   For this reason, our planned ride to Cudham with travel back from Orpington to London cannot take place without inconvenience.

Instead, we will meet as planned for elevenses at The Nonsuch Inn, North Cheam, and ride to lunch at The Oxted Inn (Wetherspoons), Oxted (approx 20 miles).

The Oxted Inn is very conveniently situated next door to Oxted railway station (!) and trains will be running at 30 min intervals on Sunday back to East Croydon and Clapham Junction.

As a train-assisted return was always planned for this ride the leader will not be leading a ride back from Oxted, but a return route from Oxted to Banstead (about 20 miles) is included in the gpx route for anyone who wishes to self-navigate home from lunch.

Apologies for any disappointment this change causes!   

Strictly an 11.00 am sharp departure from North Cheam please, and please be aware that this is an unusually hilly route for the C & M (mainly steady climbing but there is at least one very steep climb)!

Sunday 23 July 2023 Pirbright.

For various reasons I didn't manage a complete recce so a KISS route it would be. And heavy overnight rain banished any thoughts of off-roading. 

Outside the Golden Cafe in Addlestone I counted eleven (Andy, Chris, Dave W, Geoff, GFH, Jeremy, Keith, Ray, Simon, Terry, Tony) but memory is no longer a strong point. 

 The first days of the holidays seemed to be prime time for road closures and/or temporary lights before (Sunbury), on, and after the ride (Hersham to Esher from 24/07) and we were delayed by a brief downpour before starting. 

Our route took in New Haw, West Byfleet and Pyrford Village, Papercourt Lane and Old Woking. From Mayford we tackled the only hill (all of 165 feet) to the rear of Brookwood Cemetery (where once an unlocked gate led swiftly to the (supposed) resting place of St Edward the Martyr. Now one must enter via the main gate which we passed on our rapid descent into Pirbright.

My previous blog proved inadequate so what happened next may be a matter of debate by others. Three dined alfresco, two at the local cricket club, and the rest went unfed! Which may explain why our numbers more than halved for the return.

Fox Corner (no food), Goose Rye Road and briefly the A320 at Jacob Wells led to the A3 cyclepath. The modest 25 miles from 11s to tea ended with a sunny and leisurely stop in Pinnocks garden. Here most headed home but Simon and I headed towards Walsham Lock (where we met Colin Q peering into the weir). After leaving the canal beside The Anchor our ways parted close to Weybridge Station. 

Sunday's Ride to Pirbright

The forecast is now cloudy all day after overnight rain.

So undemanding miles should take us from Addlestone to Pirbright which has three eateries (Cricketers, White Hart, Yurt Cafe) - all rather "gastro"; one mile further on is Royal Oak. You could picnic on the green.

Tea is notionally Ripley and 25 miles from the start. The only off-road is along the A3 cyclepath so look out for marauding plants. If new houses excite 550 are under construction at Burntcommon. 

Ride Report - Windy Sunday 16th July

Hold on to your hat – if the wind didn’t blow it away earlier - as this ride report might have you scratching your head with all the comings and goings and route options!

Today’s ride was from Café Barbera in Stoke D’Abernon, where 15 were present for elevenses. I had planned a slightly hilly route for those who wanted a longer ride to Epsom, with the option of the flatter, more direct route for those who were happy to make their own way and meet us there. And so six came with me – Bernard, Terry, Ray W, Chris, Mark and Dave – and four went directly – Ed, Sabina and long-standing CUK friends Audrey and David. Tony, Carolyn and John, and Graham had other plans but nevertheless it was lovely to see them if only briefly.

My group followed the usual route round Downside and over Bookham Common, where today’s ride version took us left through Great Bookham and up Dorking Road turning into Chapel Lane. We paused for some photos by the 12^th century chapel wall, and then continued to the Bypass where Terry peeled off to lead himself on to Epsom. 

It's how Chapel Lane got it's name apparently.....

The rest of us scooted past Ryka’s and up Little Switzerland and Tumber Street to Headley, our second and last climb of the day. Downhill into Epsom was much easier going, and we re-grouped at The Assembly Rooms to find we were now 14, having been joined by Bob, Ann and Colin – fabulous to see them. Lunch was as expected, we sat outside in the fresh air and chatted for a time.

Epsom Spoons

I wasn’t sure how many could be persuaded to come on for afternoon tea, as there were so many other things to be done, and in the end it was five who continued on towards East Molesey, the long way round. Ray was quite enthusiastic about having been introduced to an off road stretch along the Hogsmill, but time was marching on and Chris decided to leave us at Green Lane. Ray, Sabina, Bernard and myself continued on through Kingston and along the Thames Barge Walk to the cricket club at East Molesey where a match was being held. Sabina convinced a chap he wanted to give us his table and so we were able to enjoy a final drink, chat and cake (hmm maybe that was just me with the huge slab of cake) in the sun before heading for home.

 

A fine day for cricket

Thanks to everyone for coming out on such a windy day, to all who offered to back mark for me, and to Dave the Unstoppable who once again took on the job.          

Various changes to our July/August programme

 Please note the following changes:

Sunday 23 July

Elevenses still at The Golden Cafe, Addlestone

Lunch changed from The Tilly Shilling, Farnborough to The Cricketers or The Yurt, Pirbright

Graham now leading.

Sunday 6 August

Details unchanged but Graham now leading.   Off-road emphasis remains!

Sunday 20 August

Elevenses changed from Magna Carta Tea Rooms, Runnymede to Chaii Coffee, Ashford

Lunch changed from The Hope & Champion nr Beaconsfield to Rowan Garden Centre, Chalfont St Giles

Tony still leading

 

Sunday 27 August

Elevenses still at Clandon Park Garden Centre

Lunch changed from Shamley Green to The Jack Phillips. Godalming

Dave now leading

Sunday 3 September

Elevenses changed from The Edmund Tylney, Leatherhead to Dobbies Garden Centre, Woodcote Green (NB - opens 10.30 am).

Lunch still at The Sportsman, Mogador

Tea at Headley or Headley Heath

Andy leading (welcome back)!

Plans for Sunday 16th July

This Sunday's ride will be departing from Cafe Barbera in Stoke D'Abernon, heading towards lunch at The Assembly Rooms in Epsom. There will be two routes after the off road stretches leading to and through Bookham Common - one heading the short flat way through Fetcham and Leatherhead while the other takes in a couple of climbs up Chapel Lane to Westhumble and then via little Switzerland / Headley to come down into Epsom by a more, well frankly, hilly, route. About 10 or 15 miles to lunch. 

After lunch we will return through the suburbs to Kingston, with another little off road stretch beside The Hogsmill before eventually coming into Kingston, and a final 3 or so miles along the Thames Path Barge Walk heading for tea and cake at The East Molesey Cricket Club. A flat 12 miles after lunch. 

Hope you can join me. GPX available on request. 

Thanks

Diane   

C&M ride to Warren Hill

A reasonable turnout to 11's at Windsor Farm Shop, Old Windsor. Dave & Andy were already there when I arrived, Eventually Graham joined us followed by Carolin and John. It's a few years since we have used this venue, there were other cyclists turning up for coffee. 

 

 

11's at Windsor Farm Shop

It was soon 11 and time to leave, alas only Andy and myself had elected to do the ride. The original destination was Henley, but in view of the diminished numbers, I shortened the ride to Velolife at Warren Row. We had a few spits of rain but nothing to cause any concern. Through Eton, Dorney, Bray and onto the edge of White Waltham and then NCN4 to Knowle Hill and onto Velolife, the cafe was buzzing with cyclists, but we did find a vacant table outside. Apart from last Sunday, it had been 7 years since Andy had last cycled with C&M, so we had a lot to catch up on, so an hour soon sped by.

 

 

Velolife

After lunch I headed further North for a few hundred metres and the turned left heading roughly for Wargrave, across the Bath road at Hare Hatch, Through Waltham St Lawrence, Paley Street and a stop at Fifield as Andy had never seen the giant heads. As luck would have it, the chap who owned the house and giant heads was in the garden and was happy to chat, even offering us into the garden for a closer view, but we declined as time was marching on.

 

 

Andy and theb Fifield Giant Heads

We were soon through Windsor and Old Windsor and at our tea stop at the NT cafe, Runnymede, eventually we took the hint that it was time to leave as they were putting chairs on the rest of the tables. I took the rarely used path alongside the M25 to bring us onto the Wraysbury road and then bypassed Staines high street by using the river path.

Down through Ashford and the edge of Feltham and onto Hampton. Where we parted, and Andy headed for Hampton Court. Another lovely day on the bike and great that Andy is back with C&M.

Tony..

 

Ride Report - Sunday 2 July 2023

 

Could this be the Cheam and Morden on tour in Italy, pictured among ruins?   Sadly not - in fact this was us at large in Brompton Cemetery (no, it's not a graveyard for folding bikes!) on our Sunday ride.

Anyway, to begin at the beginning, exactly 6 months and one day since we held our  last elevenses meet here, on New Year's Day, we were back at Roehampton Gate Cafe, Richmond Park for elevenses.

Tony, Ed and Brian B were out just to elevenses, but regulars Simon, Graham, Pam, Liz, Paula and I were delighted to be joined for the ride to lunch by Chris and Christina B, and also making a very welcome return was Andy C, out for his first Cheam and Morden ride in a long time!

For once the group were in relatively safe hands as the route wasn't one of mine - it came to us from Kingston Cycling Campaign and Roger via Keith, so full thanks and acknowledgements to them!

London is a big place but there is an established network of cycle routes and as we twisted and turned through the backstreets (mainly) of west London through what I thought was unfamiliar territory, I began to recognise parts of Simon's route to Ally Pally a few year's back, and Dave B's London ride last year.   After a lovely, traffic-free ride through Hyde Park, things did become less familiar but the clever route took us neatly to our lunch stop at Maida Vale.

The Carlton Tavern should really be renamed 'The Phoenix' as a few years back a developer who had razed it to the ground was obliged by the council to completely rebuild it!  Apart from some of the facade, it was hard to tell it had been rebuilt from scratch!  Anyway, it proved to be a good lunch stop, not too crowded and not overly expensive.

After lunch the clever route continued and eventually took us under the Westway and along the Chiswick super highway before we crossed the Thames.   I recognised more parts of Dave B's route and some of Graham's as well.   After a few disappointments a cafe was eventually found (thanks to Graham) which was open for business!

Many thanks all for you company, and thanks for sticking together so well.   Special thanks to Simon for back-marking all day.

Dieppe Raid 2023 trip report

See the Tours blog here.