Thirteen of us left Waitrose, Dorking, heading into the mist en route to Colgate. After crossing the A24 at the foot of Flint Hill the peace and calm of Inholms Lane was very welcome. I then rang The Dragon at Colgate to confirm my earlier reservation but they were fully booked and couldn't accommodate us, but we decided to go there anyway and sit outside if necessary, or there was always the alternative Holmbush at Faygate. After turning into Red Lane we decided against practising for next year's freewheeling competition and carried on past Roothill to Parkgate. I considered the recent rain would make Cudworth Lane too muddy so continued along Cidermill Road. (The moated Cudworth Manor was recently sold complete with full manorial rights). Shortly before turning into Orltons Lane and its' good descent Pete Marmite punctured but it was soon repaired. The Lamb at Lambs Green appeared to be hosting an elderly tractor rally.Soon we arrived at The Dragon and decided it was just warm enough to eat alfresco.
The return route involved retracing our tyremarks beyond Faygate to turn into Wimlands Lane thence via Rusper to threes at Capel church. Arriving at about 1457 we were disappointed to find there was a service at 1500 followed by teas, so we carried on via the cycle track alongside the A24, turning into Mill Road, leading to Four Wents Pond and Dorking. Due to the ever increasing mist, at the Punchbowl Lane/A25 junction everyone decided to head for home - hope you all made it safely.
Terry
Sunday, November 01, 2015
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Monday, October 26, 2015
Exactly six hundred years on we happy few fits but not we band of brothers as the two(!) newcomers included Jennie, an occasional midweeker. As explained in the previous blog, an enforced change of lunch venue saw me playing safe and opting for an old favourite and slightly reduced mileage.
We took the my usual route from Hampton past Feltham's sheep and on to Sunbury, Ashford and Staines. The first level crossing was closed - will we ever learn? Sneakily the Editor kept to the main road so reached the Runnymede tearooms ahead of the bunch. A dozen plus Squirrels was the score with a surprise visit from the Trencherman. To avoid any confusion it was the other newcomer (also called Daniel) who took a tumble in Bushy Park. In some discomfort he turned back at 11s (the hospital later confirmed a broken arm).
I had surveyed routes through Windsor town but on such a fine day we had to use the Great Park. I can't recall when last C&M climbed Crimp Hill but today it did. As we were discovering throughout the ride, the Extra Hour generates extra traffic, and extra (jay)walkers in the Royal Parks. The New Leathern Bottle at Jeallot's Hill was reached route at 1215. Despite an entry in the 2016 Good Beer Guide, the other "customer" was a child playing on a tablet. Most opted for proper nosh but the slowish service could be overlooked thanks to our early arrival and the gargantuan portions.
The return was equally familiar - Warfield Church, North Ascot and across the Racecourse. During a second transit of the Park, we espied an extensive film set close by Ascot gate. I punctured at the top of Tite Hill; Andy was called upon to lead to Laleham while Neil produced a necessary second(!) tyre lever when I stopped twice to replace the inner tube. Despite the long delay we rejoined at the garden centere where the light was frittered away in idle gossip. By four we went our various ways. My first lights of the winter were needed for the last three miles. Around 55 miles door to door.
We took the my usual route from Hampton past Feltham's sheep and on to Sunbury, Ashford and Staines. The first level crossing was closed - will we ever learn? Sneakily the Editor kept to the main road so reached the Runnymede tearooms ahead of the bunch. A dozen plus Squirrels was the score with a surprise visit from the Trencherman. To avoid any confusion it was the other newcomer (also called Daniel) who took a tumble in Bushy Park. In some discomfort he turned back at 11s (the hospital later confirmed a broken arm).
I had surveyed routes through Windsor town but on such a fine day we had to use the Great Park. I can't recall when last C&M climbed Crimp Hill but today it did. As we were discovering throughout the ride, the Extra Hour generates extra traffic, and extra (jay)walkers in the Royal Parks. The New Leathern Bottle at Jeallot's Hill was reached route at 1215. Despite an entry in the 2016 Good Beer Guide, the other "customer" was a child playing on a tablet. Most opted for proper nosh but the slowish service could be overlooked thanks to our early arrival and the gargantuan portions.
The return was equally familiar - Warfield Church, North Ascot and across the Racecourse. During a second transit of the Park, we espied an extensive film set close by Ascot gate. I punctured at the top of Tite Hill; Andy was called upon to lead to Laleham while Neil produced a necessary second(!) tyre lever when I stopped twice to replace the inner tube. Despite the long delay we rejoined at the garden centere where the light was frittered away in idle gossip. By four we went our various ways. My first lights of the winter were needed for the last three miles. Around 55 miles door to door.
Friday, October 23, 2015
Agincourt 600 years on!
Or more mundanely change of venue.
I thought I'd uncovered a wonder of the age, a long closed but now re-opened country pub (The Star, Waltham St Lawrence). Unfortunately it closed last Saturday (18/10) after only seven months.
The lunch stop will now be that old favourite, Leathern Bottle, Jeallot's Hill
I thought I'd uncovered a wonder of the age, a long closed but now re-opened country pub (The Star, Waltham St Lawrence). Unfortunately it closed last Saturday (18/10) after only seven months.
The lunch stop will now be that old favourite, Leathern Bottle, Jeallot's Hill
Friday, October 16, 2015
2015 AGM
The AGM for CTC South West London will commence at 11:02 in the Hersham Amenity Hall on Wednesday 11th November.
The date and time coincides with Armistice Day so we will observe the 2 minute silence before the meeting starts. Please be in the hall by 10:50 to ensure that you have time to find a seat before 11 o'clock.
Signing in and distribution of the agenda and other paperwork will take place after this moment of quiet.
Should you arrive late the silence will be observed in the cafeteria and throughout the premises by the staff and regular clientele of the Day Centre.
It is the custom to award the Arthur Jessop Shield to recognise outstanding achievement in the club. If you wish to nominate someone for this award please communicate with the secretary or a member of the committee.
Tim Court
Secretary
The date and time coincides with Armistice Day so we will observe the 2 minute silence before the meeting starts. Please be in the hall by 10:50 to ensure that you have time to find a seat before 11 o'clock.
Signing in and distribution of the agenda and other paperwork will take place after this moment of quiet.
Should you arrive late the silence will be observed in the cafeteria and throughout the premises by the staff and regular clientele of the Day Centre.
It is the custom to award the Arthur Jessop Shield to recognise outstanding achievement in the club. If you wish to nominate someone for this award please communicate with the secretary or a member of the committee.
Tim Court
Secretary
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Monday, October 12, 2015
Sunday 11th October 2015
I managed to lose the only other rider with me riding to Cafe Talis,West Wickham.
Richard suspected he had a slow puncture so had fallen behind.
Good establishment that served our needs which in the case of Richard was a sizable portion of Victoria Sponge.
We were to be joined by Dave W,Ray W & a new member, Nick More all the way from Ealing.
We were Nick's 2nd ride with a CTC group (last week he was with the Central London CTC who had ventured out to leafy Surrey and one of my favourite tea stops....North Holmwood church).
The ride to Cudham was up and down.............well mainly up and lunch was enjoyed alfresco.
The former (new) leader of UKIP, Nigel Farage was spotted on an adjacent table.
Dave & Richard left us to make the short hop to the Bec cc Hill Climb event at White Hill.
We missed Mike Morley's ride but according to a local source - Ray Dare, he recorded 4' 44".
Well done Mike!
You mad fool........hahahaha.
Sunny and warm (if out of the keen NE wind).
Monday, October 05, 2015
27 September - Woldingham to Dormansland
Sorry for the delay in this report but my steam-powered computer has been in for repair.
When I arrived at Woldingham Garden Centre Ken, Paul, Janice, Lilian, Bob and David Ward were already sitting in the sunshine tucking into refreshments. We were soon joined by Graham and Jeff.
A prompt departure was preferred as lunch was over twenty miles away and an early arrival at the pub had been agreed with the landlord to avoid conflict with two large groups. As a result Jeff agreed to finish his large bacon sandwich at his leisure and meet us later.
We started with the quiet and gentle climb up through Marden Park and past the school before swooping down Flower Lane to the A25. My suggestion to shorten the route by cutting out the next hill was rejected by some and so we passed through Church Town and up the rather steep The Enterdent to reach the top of Tilburstow Hill. Down the hill and left just past The Fox and Hounds into Hart's Lane had us heading towards Oxted. A right turn at Perrysfield Farm took us to Merle Common.
From here Dwelly Lane took us past Haxted Mill, St Pier's Lane took us to the outskirts of Lingfield, leaving just a short ride into Dormansland and The Old House at Home.
A warm welcome and good food was promptly served and soon Jeff and Bob joined us.
After lunch the B2028 was used to get to Newchapel and then the quieter lanes to pass through Smallfield, north of Horley to Meath Green, and then Lonesome Lane to Doversgreen.
A vote was taken for the afternoon tea location and Reigate Garden Centre lost out to Denbies. So Trumpets Hill, Wonham Mill and Betchworth brought us to a short length of A25 to reach Pixham Lane and Denbies.
Four stopped here for re-hydration while others pushed on for home.
An enjoyable 38 miles from 11s to tea in the very late summer sun.
When I arrived at Woldingham Garden Centre Ken, Paul, Janice, Lilian, Bob and David Ward were already sitting in the sunshine tucking into refreshments. We were soon joined by Graham and Jeff.
A prompt departure was preferred as lunch was over twenty miles away and an early arrival at the pub had been agreed with the landlord to avoid conflict with two large groups. As a result Jeff agreed to finish his large bacon sandwich at his leisure and meet us later.
We started with the quiet and gentle climb up through Marden Park and past the school before swooping down Flower Lane to the A25. My suggestion to shorten the route by cutting out the next hill was rejected by some and so we passed through Church Town and up the rather steep The Enterdent to reach the top of Tilburstow Hill. Down the hill and left just past The Fox and Hounds into Hart's Lane had us heading towards Oxted. A right turn at Perrysfield Farm took us to Merle Common.
From here Dwelly Lane took us past Haxted Mill, St Pier's Lane took us to the outskirts of Lingfield, leaving just a short ride into Dormansland and The Old House at Home.
A warm welcome and good food was promptly served and soon Jeff and Bob joined us.
After lunch the B2028 was used to get to Newchapel and then the quieter lanes to pass through Smallfield, north of Horley to Meath Green, and then Lonesome Lane to Doversgreen.
A vote was taken for the afternoon tea location and Reigate Garden Centre lost out to Denbies. So Trumpets Hill, Wonham Mill and Betchworth brought us to a short length of A25 to reach Pixham Lane and Denbies.
Four stopped here for re-hydration while others pushed on for home.
An enjoyable 38 miles from 11s to tea in the very late summer sun.
Sunday, 4 October
Hookwood - Colgate - Capel
Sunday, October 04, 2015
Sunday 4 October 2015
A dozen of us left Hookwood in cool but dry and mostly sunny conditions on a fairly circuitous route to Colgate. I had devised this route to keep us off busy roads and to be able to make a short cut to lunch if the weather changed (fortunately, it didn't). We headed north, briefly, forking left off the A217, shortly turning left to Norwood Hill where the Fox Revived is temporarily closed (awaiting reviving?). Passing through Charlwood we turned right into Lowfield Heath Road, past the Aviation Museum ('closed until early spring') and soon passed a house for sale which was a popular pub lunch destination - The Gate - which has been closed for some time. A gentle climb to Orltons led to Rusper (beware the car boot sale traffic), past the Royal Oak ('Pub to Let') then we headed south via Faygate, straight over the roundabout at the A264 and a further climb before a slight descent to The Dragon at Colgate.
It was warm enough to dine alfresco, the food was good and appeared fairly quickly. Lunch was fairly leisurely, we only had to ride to Capel where tea and cakes were to be served at three o'clock. We returned to Faygate, soon turned into Wimlands Lane and nearly saw another closed pub, The Frog and Nightgown then rode northwards to Capel, arriving at 1440 ie twenty minutes early but we were allowed in. After a leisurely break we headed for home via Newdigate and, for some, Dorking.
Terry
It was warm enough to dine alfresco, the food was good and appeared fairly quickly. Lunch was fairly leisurely, we only had to ride to Capel where tea and cakes were to be served at three o'clock. We returned to Faygate, soon turned into Wimlands Lane and nearly saw another closed pub, The Frog and Nightgown then rode northwards to Capel, arriving at 1440 ie twenty minutes early but we were allowed in. After a leisurely break we headed for home via Newdigate and, for some, Dorking.
Terry
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Monday, September 21, 2015
Sunday 20 September 2015
Once again for the record!
In dribs and drabs 13 turned up in bright sunshine at Hilliers Sunningdale; many indulging in the special offer of bacon bap and pot of tea for £4.50. All my informant could recall was that the official party came from Hampton Court via Windsor Great Park.
Leaving Don behind, we continued westward along the A30 then turned towards Windlesham, Bagshot and back onto the A30(!) near to the newly opened Waitrose. One mile later we turned at the American Golf (ex Jolly Farmer) roundabout onto the B3015 to begin the gradual descent to Deepcut. Frimley Green was reached via B3012 and the familiar track (now widened but not resurfaced) brought us to Farnborough North. Tilly Shilling (Wetherspoons) just before 1230 was the lunch stop with Terry already in attendance.
One hour later and after a swift tour of central Farnborough (including the Queen Elizabeth Play Area) we headed back the way we'd come. Unusually Dave took us past the home of darts and down to Deepcut thus repeating a part of the morning's ride. We continued through Pirbright, Bisley, Chobham, and Burrowhill and finally past St Peters Hospital. Here the early bathers turned right and the cake eaters turned left for Great Cockrow. Around 65 miles door to door.
Out today: Dave W, Don (11s), Ed, Graham, Irene, Janice, Keith, Ken, Neil, Pam, Paul, Terry (lunch), Tony, Vic plus the Squirrels.
In dribs and drabs 13 turned up in bright sunshine at Hilliers Sunningdale; many indulging in the special offer of bacon bap and pot of tea for £4.50. All my informant could recall was that the official party came from Hampton Court via Windsor Great Park.
Leaving Don behind, we continued westward along the A30 then turned towards Windlesham, Bagshot and back onto the A30(!) near to the newly opened Waitrose. One mile later we turned at the American Golf (ex Jolly Farmer) roundabout onto the B3015 to begin the gradual descent to Deepcut. Frimley Green was reached via B3012 and the familiar track (now widened but not resurfaced) brought us to Farnborough North. Tilly Shilling (Wetherspoons) just before 1230 was the lunch stop with Terry already in attendance.
One hour later and after a swift tour of central Farnborough (including the Queen Elizabeth Play Area) we headed back the way we'd come. Unusually Dave took us past the home of darts and down to Deepcut thus repeating a part of the morning's ride. We continued through Pirbright, Bisley, Chobham, and Burrowhill and finally past St Peters Hospital. Here the early bathers turned right and the cake eaters turned left for Great Cockrow. Around 65 miles door to door.
Out today: Dave W, Don (11s), Ed, Graham, Irene, Janice, Keith, Ken, Neil, Pam, Paul, Terry (lunch), Tony, Vic plus the Squirrels.
Monday, September 14, 2015
Sunday 13th September 2015
BMC Racing - 45 - Danilo WYSS - Swiss
Novo Nordisk - 113 - David LOZANO RIBA - Spanish
Freebies and paid for merchandise
Tour of Britain in London means only one thing.............riding the Wandle Way to Merton Abbey Mills.
From there I wanted to see if the ridiculous barrier at the northern end (Figges Marsh) was still in place...........it was.
With some careful manoeuvering we all emerged unscathed.
I decided the route as I rode along but trying all the time to ride parallel to CS7.
Amen Corner,Tooting then the climb of Rectory Lane.
At the top you can ride across Tooting Bec Common to Cavendish (poor Cav) Road then Abbeyville Road.
Right then left to Bedford Road and Landor Road by Clapham North tube.
Going east - Sidney Road,Robsart St & Loughborough Rd to pick up a signed cycle route going north to Kennington Park cafe for coffee.
We were in the Lord Moon of the Mall by 12.15 and after a leisurely lunch, I thought a walk over to Trafalgar Square would pass the time.
Here we found a number of cycling related companies including http://www.splash-maps.com/ - fabric maps that at first I thought were t-towels.
The race started on time at 15.30 and from our position on Whitehall we saw the riders pass at regular intervals.
Mike M joined us for a short while before I decided to leave an hour into the race.
It was CS7 for the bulk of the return ride.
Result:
ITA 1 VIVIANI, Elia (SKY) 1:50:16
ESP 2 LOBATO DEL VALLE, Juan Jose (MOVISTAR) ST
ITA 3 TRENTIN, Matteo (ETIXX - QUICK STEP) ST
Overall:
NOR 1 BOASSON HAGEN, Edvald (MTN - QHUBEKA) 34:52:52 NED 2 POELS, Wouter (SKY) + 13 GBR 3 DOULL, Owain (TEAM WIGGINS) + 42
Monday, September 07, 2015
Sunday 13th September (Tour of Britain finale)
My plan is to basically aim for the Lord Moon of the Mall (Wetherspoons) for an early lunch and a viewing point as the race passes right in front (in both directions).
Because the race is starting late (15.30) I plan to leave at around 16.30 and arrive home around 18.00.
Because the race is starting late (15.30) I plan to leave at around 16.30 and arrive home around 18.00.
Sunday 6 September
Tanhouse Farm - Oakwood/Okewood Hill - N. Holmwood
Lunch at the Punchbowl
Tea and sing-song at St John's N. Holmwood
Our appreciation to Dave for a most enjoyable early autumnal ride. We shall forgive him the slight ambiguity between Tanhouse and Tanhurst!
Our appreciation to Dave for a most enjoyable early autumnal ride. We shall forgive him the slight ambiguity between Tanhouse and Tanhurst!
Sunday 6th September 2015
Bob was already at Tanhouse Farm when I got there; Jeff, Paul and Allan arrived later.
The route to lunch had to meander a bit since Okewood Hill was not that far from the revised elevenses stop so we left Bob and headed northward towards Newdigate. Allan was heading home so he continued onwards as we turned onto Church Road. We continued along the road toward Partridge Lane passing a sign saying that driving slowly would preserve the road surface - it hadn't.
We rode to Rusper, then past Capel to cross the A24 onto Cole's Lane towards Forest Green. I had added an optional climb up Holmbury Road but no-one seemed keen so we stayed on the low road. After Forest Green we looped round to the south eventually passing though Walliswood to approach our lunch stop, the Punchbowl Inn, from the west. Lunch was in the garden under the sun.
Later we headed South again circling round to ride a zig zag route back to Forest Green. I had modified this part of the route to avoid a duplicated section after the reconnaissance using the little Google man. Unfortunately I hadn't sent him quite far enough down one of the legs so we had a short traverse on an unsurfaced path. Luckily the weather had been dry so no mud.
After that a climb on Tanhurst Lane passing Coldharbour to the outskirts of Dorking where we descended to the church at North Holmwood. There, as well as tea and cake, we were treated to music from a visiting choir.
Afterwards I opted for the scenic route along Inholms Lane and Punchbowl Lane while the others headed along the A24. I rejoined the A24 after Pixhams Lane in time to see Jeff waving from the far side of the road. Then Box Hill and home via Kingswood. For me 65 miles and another day of pleasant weather.
From Dave S.
Monday, August 31, 2015
NEXT SUNDAY ......6th September
Some folk may be aware of the sudden closure of both The Jolly Farmers at Buckland and The Fox Revived at Norwood Hill..........both pubs had been visited by the club in recent months.
According to The Surrey Mirror they WILL reopen........
http://www.surreymirror.co.uk/Shock-popular-pubs-Jolly-Farmers-Fox-Revived/story-26906856-detail/story.html
This Sunday's elevenses IS NOW Tanhouse Farm,Newdigate.
According to The Surrey Mirror they WILL reopen........
http://www.surreymirror.co.uk/Shock-popular-pubs-Jolly-Farmers-Fox-Revived/story-26906856-detail/story.html
This Sunday's elevenses IS NOW Tanhouse Farm,Newdigate.
Sunday 30th August 2015
There were eleven of us at Rusper Golf Club on Sunday morning: Bob, Terry, Angie , Jeff, Neil, Lillian, Janice, Peter, Paul, Ken and me. When Angie arrived she said she had just passed Janice on a hill approaching Newdigate. We thought it was surprising for anyone to pass Janice on a hill until Angie explained she was in her car because of a recent back op.
We spent a few minutes choosing the most favourable weather forecast and selected one that didn’t have showers on our route. It was warmer than some of us had planned for so those that could adjusted their clothing for the temperature. Bacon sandwiches were very popular. Once everyone had eaten nine left Bob and Angie and headed south towards our destination.
At Rusper we turned southwesterly in the direction of Horsham then right on Green Lane to aim for Warnham. After Warnham we arrived at Broadbridge Heath where Neil suggested a cycle path to avoid the stretch I had planned on the A264. We rejoined the planned route at Weston’s Hill, turning onto Christ’s Hospital Road before the hill itself. We skirted Christ’s Hospital heading for Southwater, passed through Southwater and crossed the A24 bridge just before Newfoundout. From there it was south to Copsale turning towards Maplehurst where we joined the road to take us to the Windmill.
We elected to eat outside with most having sandwiches, Lillian a ploughman’s and Jeff soup. Jeff’s wasp arrived as we were at the table but this time didn’t invite any friends. Janice couldn’t face lunch after her bacon sandwich so helped Peter with his chips. It was a very pleasant pub but we couldn’t find the windmill it was named after. Apparently it was almost certainly named after Jolesfield Windmill, an eight-sided tarred smock mill that stood in the village until the early 1960s.
The return route was more direct, starting northwards towards Mannings Heath. I had a slight mishap while waiting after the first T junction. I unclipped my left foot but the bike decided to lean right. Luckily Peter had a first aid kit so we were able to patch everything up and continue on our way. And as Janice pointed out it was lucky it was just me I landed on so didn’t damage my kit.
So we eventually passed through Mannings Heath then right on Hammerpond Road and along Grouse Road. A couple of turns took us to Colgate where we descended towards Faygate then up to Rusper. Another historical snippet - the Gates around Crawley, e.g Faygate, Colgate, were usually gates to medieval deer parks that the king had given his nobles permission to keep. Janice, Ken, Peter and Lillian left us on this leg so five of us arrived at Capel for cakes.
I narrowed my choice down to three cakes. The others went for one or two. Soon after I left Capel I realised I probably should have eaten less. For me 75 miles door to door.
The weather stayed dry all day so we must have chosen the right forecast.
Dave S.
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