Plans for Sunday 26 September 2021

Elevenses will be at Vineries Garden Centre, Effingham as published.   Provisionally, we will continue to lunch at The Kings Head, Guildford with plenty of off-road sections, but nothing we are not already familiar with!

This is a ride and a route which will not be remembered for a long time! Dull all day with patchy rain; plenty of traffic.

Improving Met Office forecasts encouraged me to brave half marathoners on Kingston Bridge and enter Bushy Park where the rut (at least for roe deer) has started. In Hampton I passed Tony on his way home (he'd reported in sick). Beside the Shepperton Studios extension drizzle started though never enough for action. In Lammas Park Simon was seated under a covered pergola later to be joined by Pam and  Ray. As the rain increased we talked vaguely of Dorney, Black Park, etc. By 1140 the vote was go west or go home.

Wraysbury roads were dry(!) and Datchet's gridlocked with closed crossings. Approaching the playing fields of Eton, drizzle turned to rain so waterproofs were donned and lunch was switched to the Cinnamon Cafe Windsor. It was packed but with prompt service. Next door Cafe Rouge was almost empty.

After lunch we voted again go west; not the best as the obvious way led only to the top of a six storey car park well to the west of the station! Down we went followed by a traverse of the coach park - no problem with Windsor still well short of visitors. Datchet (busy), Old Windsor, across the meads to Egham and Staines bridge brought us to a final vote outside Notcutts - Nauticalia for tea reached via a right turn at Shepperton's fish stop. 45+ miles door to door
 

Ride Report - Sunday 12 September 2021

 

It was a sunny and warm Sunday morning for a change and ideal for a very pleasant elevenses on the cafe terrace at Clandon Park Garden Centre.   Simon, Mark, Terry, Graham, Keith and I found it hard to drag ourselves away, but eventually managed to struggle off towards Merrow, from where we 'roughed it' over the downs to One Tree Hill Road.   Then it was the rollercoaster Lane to Chilworth, followed by another climb up to Blackheath.   After Wonersh we headed for the 'Sewage Works Path' towards Farncombe.   This is usually a rutted and nettle-strewn obstacle course, but today it was disappointingly well kempt!   It would have been an easy ride from here to our lunch stop, but I had the bright idea, as it was still quite early, of leading us up Munstead Heath and then attempting to find the bridleway we used to use regularly, going back to the '90's, until the long-lamented Ram Cider House at Catteshall closed for business.

Well, find it we did, but time has not served it well and it was not at all as remembered!   For much of its length it is now, in effect, a dried-up steam bed.   There were sandy patches, deep ruts, and treacherous rock steps where small waterfalls must flow in times of rain.   As such, it was only partly rideable.   Never mind, as I said last week, you have to try these things, and at least this one wasn't too overgrown!

Once we regained tarmac we were not only very relieved, but also very close to our lunch stop, the somewhat eclectic 'Hector's Bistro' at Farncombe Boathouse.   The proprietor is somewhat eclectic too!   On arrival he popped out to tell us there was no room if we hadn't booked, but this proved to be just his little joke!   Anyway, all was well and there was a very varied menu.  We our enjoyed our lunches while we sat on the bank of the Wey.

By the time we left it had clouded over and turned threatening, and having been traumatised by our bridleway experience before lunch (!), Graham, Mark and I headed for Guildford station, while the rest made their own ways home.   Thanks to all, and apologies for subjecting you to yet another challenging off-road experience!

Ride Report - Sunday 5 Sept 2021

 

For what seemed like the first time in many weeks, a pleasant summer day was forecast!    Simon, Bob, Tony, Terry, Ed, Lilian, Maureen and I met for elevenses at Walton Bridge.   Ed, Maureen and Bob made their own ways from there, while the rest of us set off for Callow Hill.  We managed to lose Tony before even leaving the car park, which did not augur well, but fortunately caught up with him again at the other end of the path from Walton to Weybridge via Broadwater.

We bypassed Addlestone by Coxes Lock footbridge, then I showed the group the new route off the Addlestone to Chertsey cycle path which neatly avoids the railway footbridge.   Hardwick Lane was very busy with traffic but we were soon on quieter roads again, and, from Thorpe Green, embarked on a traffic-free, off-road route of several miles all the rest of the way to lunch.  The culmination of this was Hollow Lane, a bridleway from Stroude to Callow Hill.   None of us seemed ever to have done the first section before, and it is not easily forgotten - a shady, steeply sloping track with high-banked sides which winds its way precipitously up the thickly wooded hillside.  We bravely proved it is rideable on road bikes, but only just!

The Rose and Olive Branch, our lunch stop, was conveniently near the end of the track.  We lunched in the lovely, shady garden.   Food and service were both excellent, and a full menu, including filled baguettes, is available on Sundays, a rare thing these days!

The sight of another inviting track winding downhill from the pub car park aroused our curiosity and the planned return route was duly amended.   As it goes with these things, it started off well but narrowed as it went along, and fallen trees and difficult to negotiate plank bridges began to proliferate.   What some would call a 'technical' route, I think!   By and by it became patently overgrown in places rather than 'technical', but it was gratifying that we eventually emerged, as planned, by Prune Hill level crossing, most of us bearing injuries sustained from nettles, brambles or worse!

The planned route had also included the Monks Walk track from Thorpe to Chertsey but somehow we had all had quite enough of off-roading for one Sunday, and an on-road route was quickly substituted!   Tea was at Shepperton Lock.    Thanks to all for your company and to Simon for back-marking.

August 29 2021

C&M hasn't been on the Alton Line since 2015 so yesterday four "trainees" (GFH, Ann, Ray and Terry) were met at Bentley by Dave who'd ridden from home.

We travelled west then south to Binsted (no time for Monty) and Oakhanger where 11s was at the Chocolate Frog tea rooms. A closed road at Blackmoor caused few problems as we eased  past the southern outskirts of Bordon to Standford and over a nascent branch of the Wey South. 

Around these parts the word Hill in several streetnames explains why the next three and half miles were an continuous uphill grind to Grayshott where lunch was the Village Cafe, a greasy spoon well suited to our needs. Here Dave left us for Haslemere.

 For the survivors the next section (Hindhead to Elstead) was much appreciated as the route drops almost 750 feet. There remained one(?) more obstacle, Charles Hill, before tea could be taken at Tilford Village Shop. We  dispersed at Farnham station.

As for the Atlantic Wall it didn't featured. Apart from the author all were on smooths.

PS Apologies to Elliott - I'm off to Kings Lynn. We may be coming out of Covid but things aren't what they used to be (in 2019) so always check this blog for latest information.

Sunday August 29 2021 Change (updated)

 Last week only buses ran on the Amberley line so no survey was possible. Hence my proposed trip to the seaside will have to wait a little longer.

Sunday's (29/8) ride will be train assisted to Bentley and from Farnham. In the morning there's only 0930 (Surbiton) to Bentley (1020). It's half hourly for the return  (xx.00 and xx.30 from 1400 onward).

The provisional stops are 11s: Oakhanger Chocolate Frog (6+ miles), lunch: Grayshott all services (15+ miles) and tea: (Tilford Tea Rooms(25 miles).

The total distance is under 30 miles

Just back from measuring the miles under the watchful eye of men with guns. Definitely military but none had beards. A visit to the "Atlantic Wall" on Hankley Common could be one of:

1) 1.20 sandy miles out and back from western edge;
2) 1.20 concrete + 0.6 sandy and back from eastern edge;
3)   0.6 concrete + 0.9 sandy (east to west or west to east);

Assume sandy miles are unrideable unless you have a gravel bike or better.

And before I forget there's nearly 2000 feet of climbing.

Ride Report - Sunday 22 August 2021

 

Pam, Ann, Graham, Bob, Simon, Tony, Terry and I met for elevenses at Nauticalia, Shepperton.  Choices were somewhat limited by a lack of bacon, but we managed to compromise!  Terry and Bob wisely went their own ways while the rest of us pursued a somewhat quirky itinerary to lunch, taking in the remains of a disused ford at Shepperton, Europe's largest women's prison at Ashford, and the impressive causeway between the two Staines reservoirs, beloved of twitchers, but today bereft of them!  There weren't many birds to spot anyway, but plenty of activity visible at Heathrow.  The gate to exit the causeway on the west side is not bike-friendly, but we managed by team effort, continuing then to Stanwell Moor and close to Horton to reach The Perseverance at Wraysbury.   

This is a terrific pub with really friendly staff and a lovely garden.   The one drawback is that Sunday lunch choices are a bit limited.  Unfortunately, it was only me, who wasn't eating, who noticed the availability of child's roast meals at £6.95.   Never mind, home-made minestrone soup and  somewhat larger bowls of chips kept people happy!

Unfortunately, it came on to rain as we were about to leave, but it soon stopped and gradually grew sunnier and warmer as we headed via Staines Bridge and Thorpe for a long-overdue tea stop at Great Cockcrow railway (photo courtesy of Simon).   Fortunately, the railway and tea shop still just the same as on our last visit two years ago - except that they now take card payments!    Thanks all for your company.

Ride Report - Sunday 15 August 2021

Although many of our number were away on holiday, we still managed to muster six members (Tony, Graham, Keith, Bob, Brian B and me) at our meeting point for the day at Squires Garden Centre, Stoke d'Abernon.   This must have been our first visit there as a group in 18 months!    It was raining while we were having our elevenses but had miraculously brightened up by setting off time.   Tony had devised a route to Woking, but had to return home before lunch.   Bob didn't join us for the ride and  Keith eventually went off his own way, leaving Graham, Brian and I to continue to Woking.

Our lunch stop was at the The Herbert Wells.   Again, it is so long since we visited this old favourite haunt that we were flummoxed to find no trace remaining of the railings to which we used to lock our bikes!  Brian set off straight away for home, while Graham and I installed ourselves outside the pub.   Being a Wetherspoons app user, I didn't even have to walk to the bar!    Lunch over, it was a straight ride home, Graham leaving me at Walton Bridge.   Thanks all for your company.

Sunday the 15th

 Due to the Melton Mowbray trip, a few of the regulars will be away this weekend and numbers obviously depleted, especially as lunch was planned for moss End. 

Therefore I have changed 11's to Squires at Stoke D'Abernon, the lunch venue will be decided on the day.

Tony..

Old Slade lane bridge

 I recently email highways England re the bridge and have just had this reply.

Dear Mr Hopkins

Thank you for your email on 6 August 2021 regarding Old Slade Lane bridge.

I can confirm Old Slade Lane bridge in Langley is now open to pedestrians.

Thank you once again for your email. If you have any further queries or require any information, please contact us on the details below or visit the Highways England website.

 

Kind regards

Anu Vashisht, Administrator (Smart Motorways Programme)
Highways England |

M4 J3 to 12 Smart Motorways <M4J3to12SmartMotorways@highwaysengland.co.uk>

 

Old Slade Lane Bridge

Due to recent rain I postponed a survey of Amberley and other points south and instead choose to head northwest. The good news the bridge has reopened and has been resurfaced (mostly). The barrier nearest to the industrial estate is still padlocked. Many feet have trampled a path on the the left hand (west) side of the barrier so no obstacle at all!

Word of warning: don't try the bridleway that starts opposite the A4 cafe and continues beside the Colne unless you're a fan of ferocious nettles, brambles and a fallen tree which hasn't moved for at least 460 days. 

 

Southern Refreshments

Tea 'n cake are now available at...

 Brockham Church hall every Sunday afternoon to October 24th.

 Capel Church 15th, 29th, 30th  August, 12th September, 3rd October, 7th and 28th November, 12th December..

Ockley Church (new) !st Sunday of each month - but no end date quoted.

August 8 2021 - Torsion at Brookwood or the Tale of the Twisted Derailleur

 

A wet start and not the best of mornings, but the Cheam and Morden are made of sterner stuff than another local cycling club (not worth their salts, if you see what I mean) who apparently cancelled their ride because of the weather.   These flighty thoroughbreds!   Admittedly, we did have a few apologies but Mark, Pam and Graham still joined me for elevenses at Fairoaks.   It was dry when we arrived so the outside seating was preferred, but the rain soon set in again and we retreated inside to save my sausage, egg and chips from getting too soggy!

The worst of the rain was over by the time we were ready to set off, although the weather was hardly cheery!   I was rather looking forward to trying my ingenious (I think) route to Windlesham, which after the backwaters of Woking and Hook Heath, would have taken us to Brookwood, then to Bisley and West End using a few roads and paths new to me.   However, the fickle finger of fate had other plans for me and, for reasons unknown, my rear mech suddenly plunged into my rear wheel during a gear change, and was wrecked.  Fortunately, the wheel was intact.

There was only one solution.   I saw it done about 1988, and I have always remembered it lest I should ever have the need!   The trick is to remove the derailleur, then break and shorten the chain with the aim of it running on one cog only of the cassette.   With help from the others we pulled it off.   My Wolftooth missing link pliers weren't of any use in breaking the chain, but the chain tool on my Topeak multi-tool did the job in breaking, shortening and refixing the chain (just as well I had realised much earlier that the Topeak tool needs a separate hex key to operate it - there is one of the right size built into the tool, but it can't be removed to work the built-in chain tool - design fault or what).

It all seemed to take ages, but actually it didn't take all that long.   I would describe it as a get you to the nearest station fix, rather than get you home.  To make it work properly, you really need old-style dropouts with a bit of adjustment in them, otherwise it's difficult to get enough tension in the chain and it jumps about, gradually working its way onto the smallest cog then off!

Anyway, the others kindly rode with me towards the nearest train and I got home without too much trouble, although I won't be looking to repeat this experience if I can avoid it!

Graham, Pam and Mark took to the towpath after leaving me and eventually found some lunch, although not as planned.  Thanks to them for their company and their help, and we'll try my route again another time!

August 1 2021

 So finally C&M's year19-21 has been laid to rest. At Old Moat there were a surprising number of mourners (Anne, Bob, Dave W, Ed, Elliott, Gemma, GFH, Irene, Jeff, Maureen, Pam, Terry, Tony). 

For Bob and Maureen this was far enough. The rest crossed over into trees and the first stop was the Pete Mitchell bench(in use). The trackbed of the long vanished Horton Estate Light Railway led us finally to tarmac in Rollesby Road. Beside the Bonesgate Stream we reached the Kingston Road A240 where traffic was stationary just as it had been more than an hour before! Seeking an escape a procession of at least 20 mourners (cars) trailed us on the short rise to Old Malden. Here they turned left as we went right and down into Worcester Park and first left after the station. After the edge of Morden Cemetery came more suburban roads on the way to Raynes Park. C31 (and its continuation) delivered us to Elm Road and home.

Here Irene and I stopped to pick up supplies (largely unneeded); the others were sent on ahead to Richmond Park. Just inside the park they discovered the toilet card machine out of commission and two fallen logs which were to serve as the forum for the AGM. 13 miles

Change to Planned Ride - Sunday 8 August 2021

Our ride on Sunday 8 August 2021 will now start from the Hanger Cafe, Fairoaks Airfield, Chobham, lunch stop to be confirmed, but Windlesham is a distinct possibility.

The planned ride to the London area will now take place in October with slightly changed arrangements.

AGM August 1 2021

At lunch last Sunday we agreed that the 2019-2021 AGM should be a picnic in Richmond Park weather permitting.

Leaving the Old Moat garden centre Epsom(KT19 8PQ) no later than 1130, the ride will be largely off-road but there'll be no muddy sections! ETA at Richmond Park around 1300.

Pembroke Lodge and Roehampton Gate have both cafe and toilet but are very busy at weekends. Other places have one or the other, or none at Ham Gate. Kingston Gate has a toilet (charge 20p card only) and a small "garden shed" selling snacks and drinks.

Our rallying point will be the solitary tree in the middle of the grassy area marked on the map by an "X". Elsewhere might involve a significant climb (for example 100 feet to King's Clump, site of the 1948 Olympic Village). Also shown are my house and ASDA Kingston (charge 0p).

Hopefully you'll bring all you need. I expect to stop off at my house to pick up food, drink, pens, papers, seats(tarps and rubble sacks), tick remover, etc. I may walk to the picnic (<1/2 mile) if the load is great! Better Irene did this as she's no longer a registered C&M volunteer.

After the meeting some may wish to visit the Wych Elm and/or Norbiton Hotel gardens. Don't expect them to be quiet. Or the Willoughby, Park Tavern, Black Horse, Albert, Canbury Arms, etc. all within a half mile radius of home.
 

July 26 2021 Silchester 2

The forecast wasn't promising but three (Simon, Tony, me) at Surbiton station became four (Pam) at Woking and six (Anne, Dave) at Winchfield. And as we entered Hartley Wintney from the northeast, we espied Ray emerging from a side street.

Tony felt unwell and headed home. The now six left the A30's roar for the quiet of narrow lanes and a plague of cyclists. A right turn after Hazeley's closed Leg Off Mutton saw us beside the one time Police College in Bramshill. The Devil's Highway (London's roman road to the west) was met at a ford (SU743634); fortunately it wasn't on our route. It must be around 60 feet wide and there's no bridge. So some tarried when a man, a dog and a 4x4 attempted knee-deep uneven crossings. Meanwhile just up the road I had my own problem (a pirouetting horse spooked by a fallen and long decayed tree!).

To avoid byway (= muddy) sections of the Devil's Highway we used NCN23 until it turned south for Basingstoke. A sharp shower near one of the entrances to Strathfield Saye saw us caped but it eased before we reached the amphitheatre at Silchester (more correctly Calleva Atrebatum). It was now after one and from the outside the Calleva Arms looked packed. But the garden was empty and the service prompt.

The MetOffice had been more or less right about noon rain; the four o'clock sounded a lot more threatening. So plans were changed. Dave headed for Mortimer(3 miles) whilst the rest decided Hook station (12 miles) was best. This plan was almost unseated when Ray punctured on the two mile descent through Little London and later on in Old Basing a missed unsigned turn added a mile to the journey. But we weren't in a great hurry.

Ray's car was in Hartley Wintney so in Hook he departed hoping that a dualled section of the A30 could be avoided. The skies were ever darkening but still no rain fell as we reached the station where the 1623 was on time. Before Fleet the skies opened and in Surbiton roads were awash and headlights on. Just two miles to go; Ann, Pam and Simon weren't so lucky. Revised miles:31 + 1! The rain finally stopped around eight.

FNRTTC (August?) / Silchester (25/07) / AGM (01/08)

FNRTTC (August)

It was never intended that this ride would be on a Friday night from London to the coast! Starting from Leatherhead two surveys have thrown up a problem south of Amberley.

On survey 1 (North Stoke to South Stoke) the path was guarded by three tight kissing gates; on survey 2 (Houghton to South Stoke) the path was rootsy and slippery chalk. Apart from a puncture I got through but both paths are walkers only.

This might work!

Buy return ticket from home to Ford (West Sussex). Freedom Pass holders (me)  home = East Croydon so a return would be £14.60 (single is £14.50!).

Ride to Amberley (roughly 40 miles). 11s : Broadbridge Heath (Tesco or Garden Centre) 20 miles; Amberley has a pub and tea rooms adjacent to the station and a further two pubs in the village.

If interest catch train(xx.56) south to Arundel, ride to Climping beach and back to Ford station (A259 has cyclepath); only 8 miles

Catch train(xx.58  from Amberley, xx.48 and xx.06 from Ford) north to home.

Sunday July 25 2021 (Train Assisted to Winchfield)

The start is once again Winchfield Station and a ride of 36 miles will bring us back to the start. It's anticlockwise with  some of last year's route tackled in reverse. Be warned some roads could be described as "single track without passing places"! Optionally we could finish in Basingstoke (30 miles), Hook (31), or Fleet (40 but half hourly trains from 14.02).

Not bumpy - elevation is 150 to 350 feet and no Devil's Highway (roman road) means no mud. Not too many shops, pubs, or whatever so best to pack emergency rations.

Some (DW?) will ride to the start (25+ miles). For others the only option is hourly semi-fast (CJ 0915, Wim 0922, Sur 0930, Wok 0942, ..., Winchfield 1009). Buy a return to Hook as it's the same price. Any(first 9?) carriage will do seems to be the rule for cycles!

11s

Hartley Witney: the north side of High Street (A30) is Costa Coffee (0700-1700) and Tesco (0600-2300); opposite are Courtyard Cafe (1000-1600) and Wagon and Horses (1000-2200).

Lunch

A definite stop is Silchester Roman Amphitheatre just before Calleva Arms (same pub as last year). Little London and Pamber End pubs are unlikely alternatives.

Tea

Conkers Old Basing (1000-1600 but only 10 miles from lunch) or Odiham pub (Waterwitch?). Last year's farm shop closes at 1430. Arm twisting may see us back on the Basingstoke as Odiham is uphill. 

Route has been added to Google Drive which I haven't used in quite awhile - hope you can view it!

GPX (text file for those with GPS software)
PDF (for those content with a pretty picture) 

Sunday August 1 2021 (AGM)

Before Boris changes his mind again I intend to stage an AGM at my house. Bring your own but I'll pop into ASDA to see what savouries and sweets they have. We may have to wrestle large pieces of furniture to ensure everyone gets a seat! A Norfolk based member may be present but without her raffle winning e-bike.

11s will be the Old Moat Garden Centre Epsom (opposite Horton Park) followed by a 10 to 15 mile ride to north Kingston. No planned lunch or tea stops but several local options.

Draft Secretary's report deleted 03/08/21

 

 

 

Sunday the 18th

11's at Cobham, the Bakery or Brontes.

Lunch will be at the Assembly rooms, Epsom. And tea at Nauticaliar,  Shepperton lock. About 16 undulating miles to lunch and 15 miles to tea.

Designed to meet the needs of most current  C&M regulars.

A ride 'down' to Rusper - 11 July

Rusper is the highest village in West Sussex, so even though it's south of Leatherhead, it's hardly a ride 'down' to Rusper.   Still, it could have been worse.  My original plan was to go to Reigate Hill, lovely views but very definitely 'up'.   And it was a mud-bath on the North Downs Way, so it wouldn't have been that popular.

Nine ... (including the photographer)

+ 1  (was it something we said?)

There was a good number at elevenses at Leatherhead.  Bob, Graham, Terry, Ray, Brian Bent, Keith, Lillian, David, and myself were very pleased to be joined by new rider Elliot.   Bob was doing his own ride, so nine of us set off in two groups via Pixham and Brockham.  David, Graham and Ray said they would have a relaxed ride and meet us there, so we were a bit surprised to find them in front of us as we approached Rusper!   It turned out they had gone a slightly different route, missing Betchworth and Partridge Lane.

Mid-munch

The Star initially had some doubts whether they would be able to fit us in when I phoned in advance, but in fact there were only a handful of tables occupied, and they were happy to serve small portions or sandwiches in addition to the regular Sunday menu, so we were all well fed.  Brian and David left us at lunch time (after Brian had thoroughly inspected the cart pulled by two huge horses - possibly for a future work of art).  Then it was almost all downhill to tea, with a gentle tail wind to help us along.   We elected for tea in Leatherhead before going our separate ways home.  Graham, Ray and I went back over Ashtead Common and with Graham's help we visited Pete Mitchell's bench in Horton Country Park.  A very enjoyable day out in good company.