April 29 2007

This was another fine day though it took awhile to warm up. Eight of us (Graham, Ann, Daphne, Ed, Keith, Mike, Pete C, Steve) took the usual route round the back of Epsom before ascending to the top of Pebblecombe. After Betchworth, we went across Reigate Heath to the A25 and elevenses at Morrison’s. Here Bob and Ian joined us. On the restart it was down Lonesome Lane before turning east to Langshott and then via Broadbridge Lane to Copthorne. Pete and Daphne headed for home as he was feeling under the weather. Turning right out of Old Hollow, we went into Worth before joining the B2036. This is a rather busy road with a nasty 250’ climb to the top of Whitely Hill and the short descent to lunch (Cowdray Arms). We were thus well placed to tackle some roughstuff, namely Whitely Hill to Parish Lane. Very uneven but dry, this is in two sections divided by stream crossing and a railway bridge. The first section was downhill but the second section over compacted hardcore climbed more steeply – overall it was downhill. Two managed most of it but the rest found a hobbyhorse style or walking more appropriate. In Pease Pottage Mike rejoined having (perhaps wisely) opted for an onroad alternative. Next it was Colgate then Rusper and finally Tanhurst Farm where cakes were enjoyed in a desultory fashion. Around 65 miles.

April 22 2007

The small turnout rather spoilt another fine day; just four (Ed, Keith, Pete, Steve) showing up at North Cheam. They rode via Tadworth and Mugswell to Fanny’s where Graham and Terry joined them. The break was lengthy but noisy as the clay pigeons were flying down the hill. Eventually we set off through Redhill and Reigate to Leigh, then climbed past Charlwood Zoo (as was) before descending to the Gate at Ifield. The Downlanders were there in strength but soon departed whilst our numbers rose by two (Irene and Pam). During another long (3 pints) break, the ayes voted for Capel and so it was a very short journey to church tea and cakes in the afternoon. We left after an hour and went our separate ways in Leatherhead. Around 55 miles at very leisurely pace - perfect!

Capel Cakes

For those suffering withdrawal symptoms (we've already missed three), the 2007 dates are:

Apr 22
May 6, 7, 20, 27, 28
Jun 10, 17, 23(Sat)
Jul 1, 8, 22, 29
Aug 5, 19 (Recreation Ground), 26, 27
Sep 9, 23, 30
Oct 14, 21
Nov 4, 18, 25

Sunday 15th April 2007

Panic stations and I can't find my keys,not in the usual place, it's 8:55 and the train goes at 9:30.
I arrived at Surbiton with 10 minutes in hand after riding like Miller in Time Trial mode.
Eight coaches arrived only to split at Woking. We were already over SWT's stipulation of 2 bikes per 4 coaches but that mattered little to the guard.
Four got out at Bentley: myself, Ian, Ed & Graham for the short ride to Forest Lodge Garden Centre near Birdworld. (We took a well surfaced path going SE past Alice Holt Lodge Research Station to join the A 325 just south of 11's where we met Steve who had ridden from Woking (21 m).
Sitting outside in the sunshine we talked of the enjoyable Easter weekend at Salisbury which was still fresh in our minds.
We retraced our route back to Bentley BR, Lower Froyle, Upper Froyle then NW to climb up towards Golden Pot (Photo).
Descend to Shalden then back up to Lasham and lunch.
Ann soon joined us and we sat under a parasol as the sun unleashed an intensity more akin to July than mid April.
A friendly chat with a quartet from the West Surrey CTC revealed their 11's (Odiham) and later tea to be taken at at Seale.
2pm and it was time to head south to Bentworth and Medstead before heading east to tea at Gilbert White's house tea parlour in Selborne where the delicious lemon sponge is £1.85 and the tea £1.40.
Just an hourly service means strict refreshment breaks or else lengthy waits on the platform.
Given the fine weather I knew the 16:20 was probably going to be a mad rush so the 17:20 proved more attainable.
Nearing the station, the 16:45 from Alton hurtled past with Steve and Ann aboard who kindly took the earlier fast service.
This part of Hampshire is in my opinion one of the finest cycling areas with good views, pretty villages, fine pubs and suprisingly little traffic on the wonderfully narrow lanes.
Total milage: 47.8 (from Ewell)
Ave speed: 11.7
Max speed: 46mph?
Temperature: 21 degrees
Winner of the Paris-Roubaix: Stuart'O Grady

Coast Ride

April's Friday Night Ride to the Coast was a bit of a success. We had moonlight. There was no wind. It was cold, but not too cold. 25 riders departed Hyde Park Corner at midnight. All 25 rolled in to Brighton. We weren't quick, but we had a good time. There were familiar faces and some newcomers. We had a recumbent, but, this time, no tandems. And Tourist Tony opened his door to us at 3 in the morning and sent us on our way warmed by food and coffee.

These rides have been very gentle affairs, with an open invitation to all to come along whether they were experienced or not, on whatever kind of bike. May's ride is a departure from this formula. The ride will be longer, hillier and faster than previous rides. Not an all out eye-popping blast, but steady, and with fewer rests. A rolling average speed of 14mph, over a 73 mile route. For those of you who haven't joined us before this is a group ride - we don't leave people on their own, and we do keep tabs on all the riders.

We'll depart Hyde Park Corner at midnight and go through Kingston, Esher, Cobham and Guildford. There is a tricky right turn at the Robin Hood roundabout, and we're going to have to have a plan if there is traffic behind us. There are two possible routes from Cobham to Guildford, and I'm inclined to take the A3 to the Burpham turn. This is a stretch of six lane road that we've used before, and it's pretty clear of traffic at 2 in the morning, but it will require a degree of cohesion and discipline on our part.

I don't have an absolute objection to people taking the midnight train to Guildford and meeting us there - it just means a good deal of hanging around.

At Guildford we stop briefly for refreshment chez Mr. Simon Page, who will accompany us for the remainder of the trip.

From Guildford we go to Godalming and then we take God's Own Cycling Highway, the A286. This is the finest road I know at any time of the day or night, but it does go up and down. Somewhere in West Sussex we depart from the A286 and make our way to the coast.

There will be a surprise.....

Arrangements are being made for breakfasting... The return to Chichester Railway Station for those of us not joining the EvilKiwi chaingang will be about seven miles. Trains depart Chichester for London at approximately quarter hour intervals.

Now - could I have some expressions of interest? The reason I ask at this early stage is that there are certain measures to be put in hand, and I've got to have an estimate of numbers...

June's ride will be a return to the gentle pastures of East Sussex - shorter, flatter and slower.

Simon

Follow discussions on this here - Lisa

Easter – The Naked Truth

Saturday April 7 – Gold And Zig-Zag Hills

For once someone had a plan and an unwieldy 24 (it seemed more) signed up. Initially their faith was misplaced as the leader set off in the wrong footwear and got lost before Wilton! Fortunately a rough off-road section of the Wiltshire Cycleway was on hand and soon we were back on course. 11’s were taken alfresco in Tisbury where the deli was open. Regrouping after Semley Hill we rode into Shaftesbury where most were content with hazy views from the terrace. Naturally others went in search of a liquid lunch and Mike M amused (?) the crowds by riding up Gold Hill. After lunch Zig-Zag Hill added a competitive element with the leader quickly reduced to also-ran. At the top we split up - some stayed onroad whilst the rest went on to Win Green. Another mile, another split - some descended to rejoin the waiting roadies in Berwick St John. This group continued down the Ebble valley to Broad Chalke where the open Queens Head proved irresistible. In time Pete and Lisa rejoined after a puncture and Simon and Jen appeared from the Salisbury direction. Meanwhile the off-roaders were “enjoying” the Ox Drove (said by Pete B to be paved). Untrue as it turned out and Pete F had a lengthy repair to a tubeless tyre. Eventually they too descended to Broad Chalke just as the back markers were leaving. For the record, the leader returned to Salisbury via Homington – around 50 miles.

Sunday April 8 – Imber And Wylye Valley

A smaller but still considerable group set off up the Test valley and through the Woodfords to Amesbury where the Friar Tuck Café served as temporary home. After crossing the A303, the delights of Larkhill and Rollestone Camp were next before a brief stop outside the Bustard Inn. For the majority it was too early for lunch and so we went on past Westdown Camp to lunch at the Rose And Crown at Tilshead. The service was patchy – whilst Neil was delighted with a ½ pound Stilton Ploughman’s, Mike ended up with nothing* save donations of chips and a gingerbread man. At Gore Cross we turned off onto MOD land and Imber where there was a bizarre mix of daytrippers, and army cadets engaged in a mock battle completed with the crackle of gunfire. The leader was last to arrive - not unusual this weekend. The long and dusty Heytesbury road leads us down into the Wylye Valley and NCN24. Once again the ride came to a premature halt as the village of Stockton was staging its annual Pheasant (Egg) Chucking festival and of course the pub (The Carriers) was open all day! For the record the leader returned to Salisbury via Wilton without getting lost! – about 53 miles

* Leaving plenty of room for the 32oz chicken, which he consumed later that day.

For the "where the **** did we go" brigade, I've added the intended routes (966 and 967) to CTC's routes website eg www.ctc-maps.org.uk/routes/route/966.

Easter Pics

Easter Tour 2007

Many thanks to Simon and Jen for their hard work in locating the digs.
Also thanks go to Graham for his faultless routes and navigation.
It is also worth mentioning all the other C&M/KP members that made for a fantastic weekend.
The weather was the icing on the cake,can't wait till next year!

April Fools Day 2007

Under half of the eventually 19 sunworshipers came the official route via Cobham and East Horsley to the Mucky Duck in Shere. That was far enough for some (Bob, Deanna, Pam, Pete M). The rest (Daphne, Ed, Florence, Graham, Ian, Irene, Jake, John, Keith, Mike, Pete B, Pete F, Steve, Terry) followed Pete C along Jesses Lane to Peaslake and then with half-hearted protest up Radnor Lane to the shoulder of Holmbury Hill. Descending we went past Ewhurst Green and the brickworks. After the Chequers at Rowhook, the A281 was sampled before branching off to the Greets Inn in Warnham. Here we were joined by Ann who had earlier competed the Kingston (foot) races. After seating ourselves, there was just room for 4 locals to prop up the bar! The route back was via Rusper where things hotted up. By Newdigate the leader was unable to catch the breakaways and only a hasty phone call brought the group back together. Tea was taken at Brockham Church, rather crowded with Easter Egg hunt competitors. A fine but hard day; the sunny, warm weather being balanced by a strong and boisterous northeasterly - not a day for hard lens wearers (as I can attest).

Burnham Beeches

The Dell Cafe at Burnham Beeches is now just a flat grassy area with two benches! The Glade Cafe has also been flattened but work is underway to build a new larger building in its place. The section has used The Dell Cafe for over 50years.

Sutton Benger in 1941

A picture from the Picton collection of The Volunteer as used by the club in the past

Sunday 25th March 2007

A good turn out today for Jake's run to Sutton Abinger.
But first we assembled at Henfold Lake: Bob, Terry, John, Richard, Ray, Pete, Daphne, Keith, Mike, Ed, Irene, Graham, new lady - whose name I've forgotton, sorry - Jake & myself.
With good prospects of warmer weather and a few sunny breaks, some sat outside where a mug of coffee will set you back 65p.
We were away by 11.30 only to suffer mechanical in Capel (Keith's jockey wheel parted company and he was only able to continue with a screw that was kindly supplied by a friendly white van man).
A little behind schedule, Keith hit the front (as if he had something to prove) and the speed gradually produced 2 groups which only came together on approach to Holmbury.
Bob was already at The Volunteer looking for a discreet place for sandwich eating.
Soup seemed to be order of the day (£3.95) and the place got a general thumbs up despite the rather exotic menu (Crayfish anyone?).
Up & down Hoe Lane to Shere, Coombe Bottom and tea at West Horsley GC where numbers had reduced by 50%.
The dim wit providing the teas managed to put 1 tea bag in a 2 person pot and filled it to the brim producing a virtually undrinkable beverage then charged me £1.20.
Total 54.4 miles (from Ewell).

Blog of the week: http://adrianfitch.wordpress.com/

Cycling kit at Lidl

I see that Lidl are advertising cheap cycling kit & accessories for the week starting Monday 26th March - if anyone is interested.

http://www.lidl.co.uk


Lisa

Home to Salisbury

Route for Good Friday, from Ann:

START THAMES DITTON, THRU CLAYGATE, SA AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS

A244 THRU GOLF COURSE, BEAR R,

LA307, OVER A3, L FAIRMILE LANE

R @ XRD LEIGH HILL ROAD

R A245 COBHAM

3RD L DOWNSIDE,

R PLOUGH LANE, OVER M25 SA AT XRD

AT T BEAR R, IST L GUILLISHALL LANE

R @ XRDS TO RIPLEY

L IMM R NEWARK LANE

TWD PYRFORD VILLAGE

L @ 7 STARS PH PAPERCOURT LANE TO SEND

R THEN L AT RAB A247

AT 2ND RAB SA THEN L VICARAGE RD

B380 2ND EXIT GUILDFORD RD AT RAB

SA AT RAB B380 TO FOX CORNER

BEAR L ASH RD B380

L ONTO A 324TO ASH

1ST L AFTER LEVEL CROSSING ASH GREEN

1ST R POYLE RD NO SP

L IN TONGHAM, UNDER A31 TWDS RUNFOLD

L @ XRD IGNORE CYCLE ROUTE

@A31 L ON TRACK@ ROCK HOUSE

SA KILNSIDE FARM

R (NOT L ROUTE 22)

L MILL HOUSE

WALK BIKE OVER GRAVEL PAST HOUSE

BEAR R NORTH DOWNS WAY

@ A31 L ON TRACK THEN L ON CYCLE WAY

TO TRAFFIC LIGHTS NEAR STATION

CROSS OVER INTO FARNHAM

FOLLOW ONE WAY SYSTEM, BEAR R

@ T L THEN ON RHS LYONS YARD FOR CAFES

OR R @ T & CAFE ROUGE ON LHS.

OUT WEST IST R BEFORE RAB CRONDALL LANE

ALT ROUTE INTO FARNHAM:-.

SA OVER A31 USING CYCLE PATH ON LGE RAB,

L B3208 BADSHOT LEA,

AT RAB CROSS ROAD CYCLE PATH RHS

INTO FARNHAM

AT XR WHERE NO ENTRY SA GO L

FOLLOW ROAD R, AT T L

THEN SOON R INTO LYONS YARD

PEDESTRIANISED WITH CAFES AND WAITROSE

OUT WEST IST R BEFORE RAB CRONDALL LANE

L TWDS WELL, @ TRIANGLE R WELL

L LOWER FROYLE, R AT T

SA AT XRDS @ GOLDEN POT PH

2ND L LASHAM

GARDEN CENTRE WITH CAFE ON LHS

R IMM L DOWN HILL

SA AT A339 TO BENTWORTH

SA MEDSTEAD , L @ RAB MEDSTEAD

R THEN 1ST L BIGHTON/ ARESFORD ROUTE 23

L AT T TO NEW ALRESFORD (NO SP)

R AT T & DOWN HILL TO TIFFINS CAFE ON RHS

SA THEN R B3047, 1ST L NO SP WEIGHT LIMIT (FORD)

R AT T THEN L BY PUB UP HILL

IST R NO SP BY WALL & PHONE BOX

THRU AVINGTON, R EASTON,

L @ CRICKETERS PUB THEN R NO SP (SW)

(IGNORE SIGN FOR WINCHESTER)

AT XR SA MARKED NO THRU RD

FOLLOW UNDER MAIN ROAD,

BEAR R FOLLOW OVER MOTORWAY,

BEAR L UNDER MAIN ROAD

L WINCHESTER SP WINNALS TRADING ESTATE

FOLLOW ONE WAY SYSTEM

UNION ST / FRIARSGATE / ST GEORGES ST

R WETHERSPOONS THE OLD GAOL HOUSE

11A JEWRY ST SO23 01962 850095

OR LEFT PEDESTRIANISED AREA CAFES

OUT SP ROMSEY UP HILL

PAST HOSPITAL, R @ RAB

IST L SARAM ROAD, (6 MILES OF V QUIET ROAD!)

AFTER 2 MILES SA @ XR

THEN @ 1 MILE FORK R

THRU ASHLEY TWD KINGS SOMBOURNE

R @ T CHURCH ROAD

R @ A3057 IST L (BYWAY) IST L AT TOP OF HILL

MARKED PRIVATE RD (FOOTPATH)

SA WHERE ROAD BEARS R

L AT END TEST WAY (FOOTPATH BUT LIKE BRIDLEWAY)

R AT END (OR L TO PUB AT HORSEBRIDGE, JOHN O GAUNT)

ALT ROUTE TO HOUGHTON AVOIDING TRACK

BUT THIS ROAD CAN BE V BUSY LORRIES ETC

L A3057 SOON GREAT CARE WHERE

A ROAD NARROWS ON BLIND RISE &

NO PAVEMENT THEN SOON

GREAT CARE FORK R HOUGHTON

R SP HOUGHTON (GBG PUB JOHN O GAUNT)

OVER SEVERAL OLD BRIDGES

SA THEN R OPP MOTTISFONT GDNS

L DUNBRIDGE, OVER LEVEL CROSSING

R TWDS LOCKERLEY,

R @ T, L SP EAST DEAN/WEST DEAN

R @ T TWDS EAST GRIMSTEAD

THEN L WEST GRIMSTEAD

TWDS ALDERBURY, OVER A36

R IN ALDERBURY, FOLLOW SUSTRANS ROUTE

L BEFORE HILL SP NO THRU RD

TO A36, SHORT BIT ON PAVEMENT

THEN GREAT CARE PAVEMENT ENDS

V SOON IST R PETERS FINGER WAY (NO NAME AT BEG)

UNDER RAILWAY, BEAR L MILFORD MILL RD

L SHADY BOWER, L MILFORD HILL

L FOWLERS ROAD NO 31 BYWAYS HOUSE B & B

TO GO INTO SALISBURY FOLLOW MILFORD HILL

UNDER A36, SA MILFORD ST / NEW CANAL

R HIGH ST, L BRIDGE ST FOR NON SMOKING

WEATHERSPOONS!

Sunday 18th March 2007

The morning rendezvous was Squires at Godstone where a pot of tea is still £1.
Whilst glancing through "FridayAd", Mike arrived with Andrew, Ed, Pete, Daphne, Steve & Ann with Graham arriving via a different route and much later, John & Terry.
Within 200yds of the entrance to Squires, Pete punctured. This proved to be bad timing when 30mins later we encountered a nasty hailstorm whilst ascending Tiburstow Hill.
Despite this, the day was fine although with a significant windchill.
En route to Cowden, Graham turned back at Lingfield concerned that the N-Westerly may hamper his progress back to Kingston.
The climb up past Dormansland BR was rewarded with the wonderful Smithers Lane, surely one of our most prettiest roads.
I have fond memories of Cowden stretching back to the mid-eighties when we lunched at "The Crown" situated opposite the church. This pub was converted into cottages in the nineties which left the perfectly acceptable "Fountain".
On this occasion there was nothing more substantial than crisps but the jovial landlord and comfortable surroundings made up for the lack of food and it meant I could eat my sandwiches inside the pub.
Mike's chosen route home was blocked at the BR bridge in Edenbridge where heavy cranes appeared to be hard at work.
Remarkably all 7 of us stopped for tea in Tandridge LC then it was straight up Tandridge Hill Lane to join route 21 past Woldingham School.
On nearing home LEDs were activated probably for the last time until October. (BST next weekend - Hoorah!).

11 March 2007

It's been a funny old day - very warm but blustery, two points hard earned from 70 miles, not one behind the designated leader. An early start did not deter Richard, Ed, Jake, Mike, Ray D and Steve. They set off past Royal Marsden, Kenley Airfield, Warlingham School and Jackass Lane Tandridge before hitting the flatter roads which lead to Occasionally Yours. There they were joined by Bob and belatedly by Graham after an injudicious offroad on Banstead Heath. Everyone had plans so the party split. Ray was in search of miles before his opening 25 of the season; Jake and Steve headed off to a TdF extravaganza in Sutton, The leader's preference was Penshurst so he went off with Mike (on a visit to Uckfield). Led by Bob the rest went through Edenbridge to a busy Hever (unvisited surprisingly in the last five years). Lunch was taken in the graveyard though Ed popped in for J2O. Numbers were further reduced when Bob went in search of a train. Tea was taken in Squires Godstone; eventually and reluctantly we left. Then it was past Fanny's and Banstead before the long downhills to home.

March 4 2007

All of Irene's rides start at "Chez Lui" so in dribs and drabs and from diverse directions 12 assembled for breakfast and a viewing of Pete M's Hilly 50 2007 DVD. The sausage eaters were: Irene, Andy, Bob, Daphne, Ed, Graham, Ian, Keith, Lisa, Pete C, Pete M and Stephanie. Most had avoided the impending rains but a mile short of Staines, Ian's rear tyre had exploded requiring a LBS visit for Ian and Ed. On the restart Bob and Stephanie headed for home; there was no escaping the rain and the route of two weeks ago was taken through Egham to Englefield Green. In the middle of the Great Park we were overtaken by a very recent Oscar winner(!?) in a Range Rover which headed off down the Long Mile. Could it be? Who knows but the registration was OXR 1. We exited by Cranbourne Gate but it was clear that we would not reach the lunch stop. After brief inspections of Crispin's and Royal Oak (meals only), once again the Duke Of Edinburgh was blessed with our company. The rains would not relent so there were no takers for tea. Back was direct and familiar: Ascot racecourse, Cheapside, Virginia Water and on to Thorpe. Just short of Chertsey Graham's front tyre exploded but his saviour (Pete C) appeared with a spare tyre. Still raining when I got home - a thoroughly miserable outing!

Sunday 25th February 2007

Today, I was duty Runs Leader after Mike had to pull out due to ill health.
I'd already decided Reigate was to be reached by the most direct route which involved the A217 but that was OK because the speed limit is 40mph and the traffic was fairly light anyway.
Morrison's coffee 79p was good value likewise the cakes (39p - scone).
Jake, John & Terry soon made an appearance that swelled our number to 8 only to drop back to 6 for the ride to Newchapel. (Jake, Ann, Steve, Keith, Ed & myself)
As we were leaving, Ray arrived to be directed the two "old codgers"still in the cafe.
The Blacksmith's Head is a fine pub, if a little quiet but Steve let it be known his intention to lead a run back to Newchapel in the summer.
We were away by 1.30pm and with a brief stop to cape up, I was home with a mug of tea, toasted hot cross bun and my feet up watching the Beeb's coverage of the Manchester World Cup. Well done Chris Hoy, Victoria Pendleton and the rest.
Mileage 50.2 (from Ewell).

Sunday 4th March 2007 - Due to an oversight, the ride to Irene's will start from North Cheam. (Not Kingston Bridge)

DA Hilly 50k 2007

Sunday 18th February 2007

Compared to the Hilly 50, a rather smaller number, 5 to be precise (Graham, Ann, Ed, Keith and Steve) assembled on Kingston Bridge. There we were entertained by Keith's twice attempted puncture repair before setting off through Bushey Park emerging at its NW corner in Hampton Hill. The railway bridge at the end of Prior Road was closed requiring a retreat to the level crossing by Hampton station. We dropped down to Lower Sunbury Road and from there to the Orangery. There to greet us were Andy, Bob and Irene and after a while Richard put in an appearance. Past film studios and Laleham, we sped joining the tow path to Staines. Delayed at both level crossings in Egham, Tite Hill was tackled before entering Windsor Great Park at Bishopsgate. With time in hand, a left turn after the village meant the behorsed ER2 and an exit at Cheapside. One more climb ended with a left turn into Lovel Lane and another to Woodside and the busy Duke of Edinburgh where Pete and Liza joined us. After lunch we explored a not too muddy Hodge Lane before sampling Ascot racecourse and passing through Cheapside. Here we turned right and reentered the park at Blacknest. We skirted south of Smith's Lawn before mingling with the crowds near Savill Gardens. Englefield Green and Virginia Water pointed us beside M3, M25 and Great Cockcrow railway to tea at Tesco's Addlestone and a parting of the ways. Around 50 miles on a dry mild and cloudy day.