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. 

Plans for Sunday 4 July 2023

Our elevenses meeting will be (as published) at Coliccio Cafe, Roehampton Gate, Richmond Park.    We will be leaving promptly at 11.00 am to ride just under 10 miles to Maida Vale for lunch, then back another way (but also about 10 miles) to Richmond Park (or Palewell Park if preferred) for tea.    The outbound journey takes in various central London sights including the South Kensington museums, Brompton Cemetery and Hyde Park.   Spoiler alert - for once we will be spared the ignominy of trudging over Hammersmith Bridge!

Shortly after leaving elevenses we will pass Barnes railway station so we can meet anyone there by prior arrangement, and also drop you off at Mortlake station on the return journey.

A reasonably strong bike lock is advised!

Acknowledgements to Kingston Cycling Campaign for using one of their routes!

Sunday 25 June 2023 - No Ride Report!

 

It was very hot today, right from the start.  Steve D, Ann, Graham, Ray W, Keith and I met for a very leisurely elevenses, al fresco, at Wetherspoons, Leatherhead, but there was no appetite for a group ride any further.   Some did their own thing, some went home a long way round, some just went home.   It happens that way sometimes!

Sunday June 18 2023

No Climping, and due to the threat of afternoon storms, no Pirbright. So just 7 of 11 were game for an untested sortie to The Herbert Wells.

From the Stoke D' cafe Plough Lane was reached well above its water line. At Bridge End Farm we climbed to barley fields (ex - Wisley Airfield, ex-Warhorse film set) and down to the metal A3 bridge and a large construction site. Here we paused to count the legs on the new bridge (three), and the slow moving vehicles (innumerable) below.

Muddy Lane has no signpost (last seen Xmas 2020). After the Anchor, Pyrford Lock and Pyrford Marina came a parting with Brian turning left for Pyrford Green, (and no doubt Pyrford Golf Course and Pyrford Village). The rump turned right climbing to Pyrford and its small parade of shops. Here we turned almost 180 degrees to re-emerge beside a seemingly isolated bus shelter on Pyrford Common Road. That's more than enough Pyrfords for one day! Up East Hill and down Maybury Hill brought us alongside the railway. A final right just after Paul Weller's Stanley Road carried us down to 'Spoons.

We dined alfresco in the muggy heat. Eventually (1330) the return took us through Sheerwater (rebuild almost complete) to West Byfleet where the lure of water proved too strong. So the Basingstoke and the bumpy Wey Navigation towpaths closed the day at Coxes Mill and Black Bridge (like last week!). 

Having said we wouldn't and despite the risk we did stop at Walton Riverside for cakes. The rain arrived  as I reached home. It did no more than settle the dust. Just under 40 miles.

 

Alternative Ride 18/06/23

 Start: Stoke D'Abernon (Cafe Barbera) 1100 hours

over or round airfield to Ripley

Old Woking (if now too hot head for Spoons Woking (lunch) and non-towpath to Addlestone(tea))

Mayford

Fox Corner

Pirbright (choice of 3 pubs(Royal Oak,White Hart, Cricketers), 1 yurt cafe or picnic) - bring food or fat wallet for lunch

Cemetery

Jacobs Well

A3

Ripley Pinnocks(tea)

25-30 miles (under 20 for Spoons option)

Postponed 18/06/23

 For various reasons (holidays, Father's day, replacement buses, the weather, etc) I've decided to postpone this Sunday's ride to the coast. Currently I've no alternative plan.

Groundhog Day - 11 June

Last year I led a ride from Effingham to Guildford, on a very hot day.   This year's ride came around and lo and behold, another hot day was forecast.   I decided that, in view of the heat, my previous short and shady route could not be bettered, so we did almost exactly the same route again.   Did anyone notice?  They were all too polite to mention it if so.

Phewley Down

Most of us started with outdoors elevenses at Effingham Vineries.  Just before setting off, Terry noticed that his bar bag bracket had cracked on one side, so had to return home in case the whole thing came off.  The rest of us set off up Green Dene.  Once we got to the top, it was all downhill to Guildford, across the parched earth of the North Downs Way to Newlands Corner, and continuing on to Pewley Down.   A brief discussion about semaphore language at the Semaphore Tower before re-entry into Guildford for an early lunch.

Semaphore

Lunch

After a while, Graham joined us, bloodied, after making his own way from Effingham through the jungle which is the A3 cycle path, and also Ray, who had unfortunately missed us by a few minutes at Effingham.   It was still cool enough to sit outdoors at this stage, but on the way home it became stiflingly hot and humid.  David W made his own way home from Guildford.

Our return route was along the Wey navigation, up to check on Jacob's health (he was still well), and then along the Basingstoke canal, all very similar to a year ago, but then!   Graham led us on a detour, new to most of us, under the M25 to avoid Woodham Lane, where we met with the Banksy family just redecorating the underside of the M25 bridge.   At my request, Graham also showed us the route from Crockford Bridge farm/garden centre to Coxes Lock, and we made our wey back along the river to Weybridge.

Coxes Lock

By now the air was thick and sticky with humidity and the scent of hedgerow flowers, and the sky had turned black ahead of us.   Our relaxed riding pace became a little more purposeful for the final few miles towards Walton Riverhouse Barn.   Keith left us to head for home at this point, and the rain came just as we were ordering, first a few spots and then a deluge, to cheers from the people inside the cafe (not us of course: we were hoping that Keith had found shelter).  Ironically, there was a choir performance  happening in the attached theatre:  "Songs for a Summer's Day".  There were some extremely close claps of thunder as we were re-hydrating, and we were forced to wait a bit until the rain had subsided before heading home on wet and steaming roads, with newly-washed bikes.

Thanks to all for your company, especially to David, Tony and Keith for back-marking at various stages, David for the photos, and Graham for the  Frank Patterson drawing below.

Black Bridge on the Wey Navigation,
showing a youthful Graham?

Ride report - Sunday 4th June

Today’s ride to Redhill was a proper team effort, leveraging the collective knowledge of the C&M members present. But first we played a game of how many cyclists could we get around one table at the Old Moat – the answer was 11 (Bob, Steve, Ann, Pete & Pete, Graham, Ed, David, Terry, Mark and myself). Mark had made it in good time after an emergency dash to Halfords, but Ray missed out on elevenses altogether due to a broken spoke. 

Elevenses at The Old Moat 

Leaving Bob, Graham kindly led us out of Epsom via the Stew Ponds and the level crossing at the edge of the Common to avoid the closed bridge. Mission accomplished, 9 of us (with Ray and without Graham and Ed) climbed up Hurst Road to Walton on the Hill, where Pete took over to guide us enthusiastically through the aptly named Warren at Kingswood and up the second climb to Chipstead. 

Pete about to try educating us about a house in The Warren
(or about a previous owner, I was distracted)

Then it was all downhill to Gatton Bottom, where David was keen to show us a shortcut over a little bridge into Quality Street, Merstham, and eventually we all landed up at The Sun in Redhill. Now down to 8 with David heading straight off, we sat out the front in the sunshine and were quickly fed and watered. 

Quality Street - charming houses but where's the chocolate?

At this point we decided that one delicious church tea with homemade cakes is as good as another delicious church tea with homemade cakes, so rather than head as far south as Ockley we would cut short to Brockham. So now without Mark and down to 7, we wiggled through the back streets south of Redhill and Reigate to come out on the delightful Flanchford Road and from there on to Brockham, where we once again sat in glorious sunshine, supporting charity by consuming large slices of cake.

Supporting the Brockham Village Church Cake Sale

Ann made a move towards home first, then the rest followed along the usual roads towards Pixham, after which cyclists started peeling off left, right and centre. Thanks to everyone for your inputs and good humour, for helping to lead and to David and Steve for back-marking.