Sunday 5th February 2012

On the road since 7.30am................allegedly :-)

Pete & Jake.........whatever happened to really short shorts? ;-)

Thanks to Simon for bringing back memories of happy days :-)

The top table.

Snow is not welcome on a Sunday........or a Saturday night come to that.But our locality got several cm which meant only the hardy would enter out on two wheels.

I arrived at Ashtead Garden Centre to find the gate firmy shut.Ten minutes later the NC posse appeared (a solitary Steve),then Pete B,followed by Jake.After a phone call,Pete F showed up all riding from home,alone on MTB's.

It was approaching 11am so with no sign of life inside the gates,we(on Pete B's recommendation) pedalled the short distance to Café 1 in Epsom Town Centre.

Here we were to spend the next hour or so increasing our caffeine intake.Terry joined us too making our tally up to six.

Good place this.........serves hot milk with the coffee,so thoughtful on a bitterly cold day.

For the first time,non-cyclists were in the majority at the annual lunch.According to my figures, just 12 cycled out of 45 attendees.

Thanks to Horton Park Golf Club for their excellent meal and hospitality & Steve for his faultless planning...........even down the printed slips to remind you what you had ordered.

Cities fit for cycling

Please support The Times newspaper in their efforts to bring about improvements for cyclists.

Read about it and add your name here:


.http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/public/cyclesafety/contact/


Thankyou.

Sad postscript..........the first cyclist to die in London this year was crushed by a Stansted coach this afternoon.

http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/public/cyclesafety/article3308569.ece

Sunday 29th January 2012

A little more detail...

Winter had definitely arrived - overcast, temperature hovering above zero all day. The route was to keep us guessing all day. In Thames Ditton we disentangled two Kingston Wheelers who'd inadvertently joined us. After Imber Court and Island Farm Road we went between the reservoirs to Walton. Passing under the bridge(s) and beside the contstruction site, we continued to Weybridge then Addlestone via Poets Corner. With tea at 60p, the Golden Cafe was packed and the cold ensured our stay was long. Eventually we were turfed out (politely). Stonehill and Sandpit Hall Roads were further snakes but after Chobham we took the familiar past Bisley to The Cricketers at Pirbright. We hadn't booked but no problem (only four other customers).

After an hour or so, the last of the food had been served and eaten and we were away to Fox Corner, Mayford and Old Woking. The next wriggle took us down Potters Lane to Send Hill and back to Tannery Lane. After Ripley we caught up with Paul and pere who'd been audaxing. Eleven for tea at Stoke D'Abernon. Just over 50 miles

Sunday, 29 January 2012

Addlestone - Pirbright - Stoke d' Abernon

Our thanks to leader Dave (or was it Rides Sec Andy?) for introducing us to the Golden Café (formerly known as Muffins)
in Addlestone, where it was standing room only...

.....and for a bracing ride to Pirbright for lunch, followed by tea in chilly sunshine in Stoke d' Abernon at Squires
(the garden centre formerly known as Shoots)

Ready for the off after lunch

The weather can change very suddenly in these parts

Jeff

Sunday 22nd January 2012

Outside the café in Downe.

Attending the front wheel blowout.

Pilgrims Way

Meerkat

Tamarin

I cycled past Carshalton ponds at 9.50am so already 30 minutes behind the club.No worries though as Richard was leading and I suspected he would take a more devious route to Downe.

The café with no name is a lttle cramped but ok for our small group of seven.

Welcome to Gary Bonsall from Wallington,a regular with the Pollards Hill crowd.

The route to lunch was pretty straightforward via Knockholt, turning right downhill to Sundridge,Bessels Green and lunch at The George & Dragon,Chipstead arriving at 12.24pm!!!!

I had to pass comment on this (rare) accomplishment as Richard has a nonchalant attitude to time.

It was interesting to hear from Gary his experiences with the Pollards crowd - quite slow,very urban & no rides over 30 miles...............ever!

We were away well before 2pm which was just as well because I suffered a front tyre blowout and the leader had amnesia just north of Riverhead.We found ourselves on a slippery footpath trying to find the lane that goes to Otford.

Back on route along the Pilgrims Way had me thinking how Richard was gonna get to High Elms,surely a mountainous hill is inevitable?

But no,unknown to me,we were confidently heading toward Tatsfield's "WaterBeaverWorld" for tea.

No-one waited at the junction to the church so leaderless,myself and Ed followed our noses to finally arrive..........but where's Richard?

I took some photo's and Ed ordered the tea..........still no sign of them.

After 20 minutes they arrived puzzled at how we had beaten them.

It soon emerged that they had gone uphill to the further right turn (signposted) and waited for us and Paul alledgedly cycled to the bottom of the hill to look for us.

We all kept together for the return until Gary & Richard peeled off in Stafford Road.

Note: If you ever feel the inclination to visit WaterBeaverWorld,be careful where you leave your bike.The zoo's owner is unconnected to the café and will tell you in no uncertain terms where to put your bike!!!

Sunday 15th January 2012

The smell of sausages fill the air.......

Grateful thanks to Pam & Irene for making sure we were fed & watered.

Steve modelling the latest jersey from PlanetX.

Despite the sunshine,it was probably -5 windchill.

Windsor Castle in the distance.

What a fantastic day!!! A frosty start did not deter several hardy riders from making their way from Kingston Bridge to Egham, kindly led by Graham. Was it the lure of sausages in crusty bread and tea and coffee that bought them out?! I don't think so....but it was a very sociable elevenses with 19 people in my little house (so I was told)!We eventually got away before 11.30?

I'm sorry, but I'm not sure of the number for a few of the gang were unable to stay out all day, I think it was fifteen!Our route to Binfield was a well trodden route for Irene and myself (yes-and others)...up Egham Hill, Middle Hill and into Bishopsgate, across Windsor Park, exiting at Cranbourne Gate. From there it was a right at the 'peanut' roundabout, (so many daffodils in bloom?), left at the next roundabout, 1st right, 1st left towards Maidens Green and then a couple more turns which took us past Moss Green garden centre where we did another right and left etc. eventually rolling into the Victoria Arms pub in Binfield before 1pm.

Unfortunately,the publican did not reserve any tables for us, but not a tragedy for he put the heaters on in the marquee so we did not spend our lunch time shivering!! The food was served quickly and pleasantly and I believe we were all well satisfied with our orders. My soup was more like a bowl of 'hot-pot' - oodles of it!!

Nearly 2pm, time to go, (after the group photos)! Downhill to start with then a drag up Cabbage Hill making our way towards Moss End our route took us into Westhatch Lane, Church Lane, Malt Hill into Haley Green, 2nd right, Forest Road through to Hatch Lane, Lovell Lane and so back to the 'peanut' roundabout where we retraced our steps through the Park. Time was not in our favour at this point as far as getting to Halliford for tea, hence we stopped at Notcutts between Staines and Laleham.Ten of us stayed to chat over the day, plus many other subjects....and it was after four when we all decided it was time to make a move and continue with our journeys!

A very, very enjoyable day - thanks to all for making it so!

Pam :-)

Award Winners

Will all 2011 DA award winners please return their highly polished awards to Jake at: jake@kprc.org.uk or 01372 720061.

Sunday, 8 January, 2012

Gomshall - Cranleigh - Effingham

Sunday 8th January 2012

Despite being very mild though dull, I decided "shortest is best" though we did detour to Chez Janice for a change of gloves. So it was A24 from Cheam to Ashtead, Craddocks Avenue to Leatherhead and up the lower hill to the Bookhams and Dirtham Lane. Passing a large crowd of gasping Olympic aspirants, we plunged down Coombe Bottom to Jordans Caravans. Just six were eager for Greensand  bypassing Peaslake on dry but debris strewn lanes. Horseblock Hollow quickly saw us to lunch at the Little Park Hatch; our early arrival (1220) quadrupling the punters.

After the usual gargantuan portions (Jeff dnf), we were ready for the off, not one I would normally relish in early January. Lower Breache Road, Holmbury and The Volunteer were preludes to White Down which all managed at no speed. After a well earned round of cakes at the Vineries GC it was time to wend our separate ways home. On the Tilt I was dumped in the mud by an errant micro cyclist(I was stationary). Through gritted teeth I graciously accepted  his parents' apology! Just under 60 miles door to door.
  

Post-Christmas Lunch 5 FEB

Steve Gordon was out today at Jordans Gomshall and wishes to remind us that the C&M Lunch is being held again in 2012 at the Horton Park Golf & Country Club on Sunday 5th February 12.30 for 1pm. Booking should be made via him £12. in advance for 2 courses. Choice Beef or Chicken or Veg Lasagne with Fruit Crumble or Chocolate Fudge and Tea/Coffee. Bookings please before 22nd Jan to 0208 398 2775 or 07751319621 or steveandann61@btinternet.com. Cheques made payable to S.Gordon & sent to home address. The more the merrier last year we had around 45 bookings so far around 25. There will be a ride beforehand with elevenses at Ashstead Park Garden Centre.

New Year's Day 2012 - A Tale Of Two Leaders

Continuing the New Year's Day tradition had been an easy decision but Ed's foot meant we needed two leaders. Following more or less the Hogsmill got the ride from Ewell to Malden Manor. Ed then headed for Motspur Park (where his wife lived in their courting days and "where Carters used to be"). After Beverley Brook (no beavers) and Malden Golf Club came Traps Lane, start of the climb to leafy Coombe. Warren Road had its Eisenhower plaque and was handy for Ladderstile Gate. By road or by trail, all reached the Roehampton Gate cafe where the headcount was over 30.

The return began quite unexpectedly! Alan, Irene and Tony set off for home closely trailed by others thinking the ride had started. After a hectic chase I caught up at the Royal Ballet School so allowing the backmarkers to rejoin. Left by Ham Gate took us past the recently closed Latchmere House prison and my old school (no connection). After Norbiton's station and estates we crossed Kingston Road en masse from Elm Road thanks to a considerate motorist. A rash of painters beyond South Lane meant we were now in Malden Manor where once again I use the Paddock Close alley to bypass Barrow Hill. Swiftly descending from Cuddington church we soon reached the Ruxley Lane turn-off. Ed went on ahead so I delayed using Pam's Way; our arrival coinciding with the onset of rain.

Thanks to Ed's baking and Maureen's savouries, most were full though soaked by the time they reached home.
   

More Thanks to Ed OneJan2012

Ed what a wonderful spread of cake and thanks to all who contributed the "Rocky Road" was splendid my ride home was very wet but the day was enjoyable thanks to to all those men and women of like mind - Cyclists!

Good to see Ruth & Rob on Tandem and welcome to Nancy your first experience of Ed's renown cake cooking!

More pics on KPRC Blog.

New Year's Day

Ewell - Richmond Park - Ewell (Chez Ed)

Bourne Hall. Can anyone tell me about that dog?

Gathering of the clan outside Bourne Hall to greet the New Year

Elevenses at Richmond Park

Rounding off the day with high tea at Ed's
Our grateful thanks to Ed for multi-tasking as morning leader and afternoon host

Sunday 1st January 2012

Thanks to Ed for his continued hospitality & Graham for 50% leadership duties.

Happy (Safe Cycling) New Year!!!

Saturday 24th December 2011

A nice leisurely start for everyone as the ride is a 10am meet at Ewell's Green Man,although your section secretary managed to go to NC......& Richard had us down for Ryka's for 11's.But it was the servery at Boxhill we were heading via the rather expensive houses in Ewell Downs Road/The Green where it's typically "4 beds,4 baths,4 receps" and an asking price of £1.2 million.Why would a house need 4 bathrooms?

We pedalled over Epsom Downs,Langley Vale up to Headley and arrived at a little after 11.15am to meet amongst others Ian,Pete Beyer & wife,Irene & most importantly,my mother & father who with no arm twisting whatsoever,provided the gathered with warm mince pies & bread pudding fresh from an oven in Dorking

The intention for the short ride to lunch was Westhumble,across Bookham Common then Downside to The Old Plough at Stoke d'Abernon.But the majority decided that the previous day's considerable amount of rain and/or the 20% incline of Bagden Hill was enough to persuade them otherwise.

As it turned out,it was maybe just as well because I managed to get lost on the way!

Bookham Common is the Bermuda Triangle of Surrey but Terry and myself emerged unscathed to find some tucking into mushroom soup.

After an hour or so,we all went our separate ways and for me I had time to buy some (rare) food bargains in Sainsbugs.

Merry Christmas!!!!

(unless your reading this sometime in the coming days in which case........hope you had a good one :-)

Sunday 18th December 2011

It has been a great idea to meet at differing locations this autumn rather than at the aesthetically challenged North Cheam junction of the A24.
This Sunday I met Steve and Andy at the Oaks Park café.
We decided to have a coffee before setting off.
Although not in keeping with the spirit of the discussions at the AGM there was on this occasion good reason – as the temperature had dipped below zero during the night this would leave a little more time for the ice to melt.

With our caffeine boost we pedalled up to Woodmansterne thence to Coulsdon, across Farthing Downs to Chaldon. By and large any ice that had formed had melted but there were a few frosty patches around Spring Bottom Lane to keep us, so to speak, on our toes – we want to keep our collar bones intact for the festive period. No such concerns along the A25 and by the time we reached the Oxted turn-off the rising temperature ensured a frost-free pedal to meet up with Ian and Terry for elevenses at Morrisons.

Setting off through Oxted old town we joined Tandridge Lane. Then along Croydonbarn Lane turning off to Horne and the only hillette on this leg to take us to the windmill at Outwood and on to our lunch stop at Wasp Green.

By now the temperature was falling and the sun paling and there was some discussion as to whether to stop for tea. Generally the feeling was to go straight home. Pedalling up Markedge Lane we saw a rainbow. But this was not good news. Pausing at Fanny’s Farm for a breather we decided not to stay for tea. This was a good decision. The sky soon darkened, at first drizzle and then a short sharp hailstorm as we cycled down Hazelwood Lane.

All in all a good December ride for probably the first Sunday with an average seasonal temperature compared with the hitherto mild autumn this year. For me, from Balham, the mileage recorded was 62.

From Mike.

Sunday, 11 December 2011

Fairoaks Aerodrome - Cheapside
(Walton Bridge on way home)

Sunday 11th December 2011

Sunday 11th December 2011: Kingston Bridge-Fairoaks Aerodrome-Cheapside Thatched Tavern-home

A good day out in what turned out to be dry weather. But marred by the ride leader’s two back wheel punctures.

From Kingston Bridge, five of us cycled to elevenses by a mainly direct route, with minor scenic diversions at Shepperton Marina, Walton Lane and Victory Park.

I discovered my first puncture of the day just before we were due to start from elevenses. So it was nearly 11.45 when we left Fairoaks and cycled, on largely car-free roads, via Burrowhill and Windlesham to Sunningdale where my second puncture occurred. We managed to pump up the flat sufficiently for me to reach the Thatched Tavern at Cheapside near Ascot at about 1 p.m.

My grateful thanks to Terry and Jeff for their mechanical help. Jeff sacrificed part of his lunch hour to patch one of my inner tubes and then sacrificed more time to refit a rear brake pad (I had trouble releasing the brake mechanism on my non-standard brakes, so had to push the wheel and tyre past the brake pads to get the wheel back into place. This dislodged one of the brake pads and it proved difficult to refit it securely.)

After a good lunch, we left the Thatched Tavern at about 2.15 p.m. Soon afterwards, the group divided. Some went through Windsor Park to Egham, while others followed the leader through the Wentworth Estate and on into Chertsey. Most got home as or before darkness fell.

There were 13(?) of us at elevenses, but some went straight home. Attendees on the ride from elevenses to lunch were Carolyn, Irene, Nancy, Pam, Stephanie, Graham, Jeff, John, Terry.

John Gould

Sunday, 4 December 2011

Redhill Aerodrome - Fickleshole - Oaks Park

We made a two pronged approach to Redhill Aerodrome, one from N.Cheam (Andy and Grant) and one from Tadworth (Stephanie and a coughing and spluttering Jeff). The Tadworth flight path was via Chipstead, Merstham and Cormongers Lane – a novelty to Steph, whose grandmother, I learned, was a customer of Fullers Earth. We converged on the aerodrome café and were joined one by one by a number of lone wolves. The mess was crowded, a magnet for the local constabulary, Epsom RC and a large party of breakfasters filling one room. The C&M contingent was: Steph, Andy, Bob, Daniel, Grant, Graham, Mike, Terry and Jeff.

With time for a bacon baguette and reflection on the next leg to lunch, all options seemed to offer an exhilarating ascent of the North Downs, to be missed by some with suddenly pressing domestic luncheon duties. Thus it was that nine became four, with Andy, Graham, Mike and Jeff heading off for them thar hills.

With Fickleshole not a million miles away there was no rush. After S. Nutfield we took two farm tracks: one licit – Henshaw Farm, and one I am advised not so licit – Cuckseys Farm, to reach South Park Lane and up to Tilburstow Hill. Past Godstone Farm we took Love Lane and Bulbeggars Lane to Church Town, where we really should have paused to admire the exquisite St Mary’s Almshouses.

Our focus, however, was to cross the A25, A22 and M25 and embrace the swelling, sensuous contours of Gangers Hill. To a man they took our breath away and left us flushed and quivering at the summit. We then had time to gather our strength along The Ridge to Clarks Lane, a northward plunge down Beddlestead Lane and the sharp reminder of the power of gravity at Hesiers Hill. From here, it was no more that a tootle to our target, the White Bear at Fickleshole, where we arrived as the bell tolled one.

The pub was full of Sunday diners, but with not a sandwich in sight. Bread and soup met our simple needs. After lunch, Graham made an early start for home as the rain began to fall. The rest set off and were briefly tempted by the beckoning N21, High Hill Road; but the mud, the incline and the wooden sign which read: ‘STEEP DESCENT. EXTREME CAUTION’ dissuaded even the most adventurous from sure disaster. Tarmac won the day, so it was Scotshall Lane to Farleigh, Croydon High and Croham Valley Rd to S. Croydon. A twist and a turn took us past Whitgift School and along Pampisford Rd to cross the Purley Way and meet Foxley Lane. It was then just a gentle rise along the A2022 to Oaks Park, still in daylight. The Tea Rooms close at 4pm, but we enjoyed our tea and cake before heading home in the drizzle and early December gloaming.

This was a first visit to these tea rooms and will not be our last. We meet there again at 9.15am on 18 December to start our ride to Oxted and Wasp Green.

Jeff