At Runnymede

Janice on her 'Ferrari Red' machine
Picture by Lisa

Sunday July 22nd 2007

This ride should have been Pam's but understandably Irene and I would have to do. We rode through Lower Sunbury and Upper Halliford to Laleham and Staines. As on a previous occasion Irene was AWOL! But she soon realised that we were not coming along the towpath and returned in time to lead us over the bridge. The first level crossing was under repair but they kindly let us through. So Egham town centre was next before we cut across to Runnymede. Sixteen was our number being Irene, Graham, Bob, Daphne, Ed, Francoise (long time no see), Frank, Grant, Jake, Janice, Keith, Lisa, Pete C, Pete M, Stephanie, and finally John(Pam's friend, down from Scotland). Much elevenses' talk developed the theme "How deep was your flooding?" - too deep for Grant and Frank, on behalf of his mum. Grant (no surprise), Pete M, Lisa and Janice (on new Ferrari Red? Roberts Roughstuff) were for home. That left twelve who climbed up into Great Windsor Park and through Maiden's Green to Moss End where west and then south took us to the Stag and Hounds in Binfield. Unexpectedly this was closed for renovation. A brief pow-wow, and we headed east. By luck we headed off Bob on Cabbage Hill. The revised stop was the Cricketers in Winkfield Row where the staff turned a blind eye to our BYO brigade. Tea was too close so it was taken instead at Shepperton Lock, reached via Ascot Racecourse, Cheapside, the Park (again), Egham (again), Thorpe and Penton Hook. Around 60 miles on a day very fair by this year's standard.

Sunday 15th July 2007

A select bunch gathered at Beare Green being the Cheam Four (Ed, Daphne, Keith, Pete C) with Andy, Bob, Graham, Ian and Terry who arrived one by one. It was Ian's first outing since completing an Island Hopping LEJOG in 19 days. On the way most had (almost literally) run into riders in the Capital to Coast charity event.


Bob and Terry were for home. Thus only seven carried on through Capel, Ockley, Ewhurst and Cranleigh before we stopped rather unexpectedly at the Three Compasses, Laker's Green. No objections were raised; wisely as later we learnt that its 'roast only on Sundays' rule has been scrapped. We dined, or more accurately supped alfresco, as there is now ample outdoor sitting (is the large gazebo smokers only?).

Around two we set off under darkening skies and the first hint of rain. Near the Japanese school, the taps were fully on with flashes of lightning and claps of thunder. Although it lasted no more than thirty minutes, we were soaked; the roads, awash, and trees, a scant shelter - personally the worst storm in at least five years. Near Ellen's Green, Keith and then Daphne and Peter opted for home. The rest continued through Walliswood and up past Leith Hill Place. Debris was everywhere, evidence of the storm, and we were halted at a large and uninviting puddle. The footpath from the Windy Gap car park offered the quickest way up but it's very steep which did Ed's back no good at all. Unsurprisingly Leith Hill tower was quiet so we settled into a leisurely tea and cakes. Andy's rear tyre deflated just before Dorking so then was the time for farewells. Around 70 miles on a day that stayed sticky despite the storm.

Tour de France en Angleterre (July 8th 2007)

The thoughts of our great leader are set out elsewhere

(www.anothercyclingforum.com/index.php?topic=34156.0)



so I'll restrict myself to the C&M details. The very early start did not deter Simon (naturally), Andy, Frank H, Graham, Jake, Keith, Roger and Steve and KPRC irregulars: Andy, Jackie, Rachel, and eventually Paul (complete with Dad). Around 24 set off on a very non-C&M route and at a very non-C&M pace: A2043 to Cheam, A232 to Beddington, B275 to South Croydon, A235 and B269 to Titsey Hill, B2024 to Westerham before long stretches of A25 and A21 to northeast of Tunbridge Wells. Here we got "lost" due to the road closures before finding the Halfway House at Brenchley well ahead of the caravan but behind our leader who had been shepherding the stragglers. This was a fine spot to view the Tour as viewing numbers were limited to those prepared to walk or ride.

Simon mentioned "Titsey Hill" for the return so I formulated a more leisurely alternative. Our initial stages coincided - along the Tour route to Colt's Hill before heading towards the B2017 and the centre of Tonbridge. To my surprise and later perhaps theirs, everyone followed my roughstuff route to Leigh. They survived and continued towards Four Elms. Here again there was a surprise - again they went my way towards Edenbridge and Tandridge. I should have been more precise and said Marlpit Hill. Only five reached there - the rest were just too quick. Halts at various junctions didnt re-establish contact but eventually in Tandridge a phone call located them in Oxted. Thus an excuse had been found for drinks before heading along Jackass Lane where Andy and Jackie were spotted on the A25 just before we reached the junction. The rest was routine, Godstone, Bletchingley, Merstham, Fanny's, etc.



Around 90 miles on a sunny and warm day. After the last six weeks I think we deserved it but it's just started to rain (2100 hours)!

Fag Free Britain (Sunday July 1st 2007)

By the time I reached the start, the skies were displaying familiar grey tones and we (Ed, Andrew, Daphne, Graham, Keith, Pete) set off fully prepared for the rain which soon began to fall. The route was a familar one: the back of Epsom, Headley, Pebblecombe, Brockham and thence to Henfold Lakes. Already here were Petes B and F and Andy, plus a fair chunk of the KPRC who had been in action around Crawley. Any thoughts of an early return were soon dispelled as the weather settled down to blustery and cloudy. Our departure (all but Andrew) was delayed by the discovery that the resident rook had "decorated" PC's saddlebag. Down Weare Street we rode to Okewood Hill, Ellen's Green and Rusper where there was a sharp reminder of recent weather. This was sufficient to demand a vote and the Blue Ship easily carried the day. Ed's route back was via Walliswood and Forest Green where we tackled a farm road(TQ124407) leading to Mole Street. Ockley lead on to Capel and the church where Frank and Francoise were setting about the cakes. The best weather of the day (sunny and warm with a strong tailwind) was reserved for the last stage of the ride.

Sunday June 24 2007

Whether one trusted one's instincts or John Kettley, it did not bode well. It was not surprising to find only four (Graham, Andrew, Ed, Richard) sheltering under the awnings at Cheam. The route was straightforward: Epsom, Leatherhead (where we met up with Pete B), and Orestan Lane. By now the rain had eased but it was back to full strength by the time we reached Shere. On we plodded past Farley Green and Rowly before turning in Cranleigh towards a welcome refreshment stop at Smithbrook Kilns. Still the rain came down so a second round was ordered. Still the rain came down so "head for home" was the concensus. Some dallied in the bike shop. Still the rain came down, but eventually we were off in our various directions. Naturally it eased not long after and a light drizzle became my constant companion. Will anyone regret the decision? I doubt it - one hard earned point for each of us.

Nuthurst June 17 2007

A baker's dozen minus one showed at Beare Green on a day during which the sun made only occasional showings. It stayed dry but steamy all day. Bob, Don and David W were there for the tea but the rest were out for the day. The group had come over the top to Betchworth and, now swelled to nine (Keith, Andy, Daphne, Ed, Graham, Irene, Jake, Pam and Pete), continued into Capel, past the Royal Oak in Friday Street before heading down the Rusper Road into the centre of Horsham. After several roundabouts and a moment's hesitation on Hammerpond Road, we went south to Copsale and Maplehurst before turning north to the Black Horse, Nuthurst for lunch. The return was through St Leonards Forest to Colgate and Rusper and finally Capel (again) for cakes and tea at the church. It was Open Gardens week so many houses were decorated with scarecrows and other "stuffed" figures. Most enterprising and ingenious as there are no prizes!

Smithfield Nocturne

Smithfield Nocturne

On the evening of Saturday 23rd June, two weeks before the Tour de France visits the capital, David Millar and Brad McGee will join other top cyclists in a 1 km race around London’s Smithfield Market. Earlier in the evening there will be a folding bike race, and also a race for people who work in cycling – expect an appearance from some CTC staffers.

Andrew was interested in this when it was mentioned to him, but no one was 100% on the date.
So here's the info if anyone else is interested.

Lisa

Sunday 27th May 2007

The fourcast was c--p and come the morning, sure enough it was raining.
Now as leader what am I to do ?
I was all ready to go then I had second thoughts.
"Ed,it's Andy,I'm not going out today".
Four hours later I began to have regrets as the day improved.
Apologies to anyone who made an effort.

The Highland Brigade 27/05/07

After ten days of more or less rain, the cleaning was over by 1000 hours thanks to 10% cloud cover – in truth a beautiful clear day but with a biting northerly wind. Calum’s road (see www.ctc-maps.org.uk/routes/route/570) was the chosen route; a mere 16.5 miles there and back with 11 (or is that 22?) arrows. At the far end (Arnish) we visited Calum’s house before doing the Fladday circuit on foot. At least three cars passed us with another ten parked at either Brochel or Arnish. To complete a busy picture we met 3 walkers and 4 MTBers who were on a similar outing to ours. Judging by the tyre marks, they had ridden short sections of the Fladday circult and walked the rest. No punters after tomorrow so we may be in for a quiet end to our stay.

Graham and (2 hills walked) Irene

Sunday 20th May 2007

With a new set of wheels, chain & cassette I set off for Wisley.
On approaching Epsom, I eyeball the clubrun and shortly expect to be tail end Charlie. However on West Hill the chain breaks apart and I stop whilst the club, unaware I was behind, disappear over the hill.
It turns out the connecting link was not properly attached (by me) and 15 mins later I had some catching up to do. So it was somewhat of a suprise to find the early arrivals sans clubrun.
The RHS was busy with the car park being relocated and the sunny weather bringing out the day trippers, the queue wasn't too bad but the prices were, £1.45 for "organic" tea (no Typhoo?) in a paper cup.
It's only the second time we've used the stop and I'm not sure if it's practical in the future after all we all have a budget.
We exited via the old road led by Simon to lunch at Puttenham, leaving Bob, Matt, Roger & Mike to make their own way home.
The route chosen was not one I would have taken but then again I like direct routes including rough stuff etc.
The assembled mass that was Simon, Ed, Ian, Steve, Ann, Pam, Keith, Janice and myself were delayed by lousy service on the food front but soon got going with a route largely influenced by me and the obvious route that took us via the NDW to Watts Gallery then uphill to join the A3/A31 junc then back onto the track that drops down into Guildford, up the cruelty that is Pewley Hill to rejoin the NDW all the way to Newland's Barn.
A fine picture of the cafe taken in 1955 hangs inside with a lady cyclist who, Keith thought, looked like Amy (Addiscombe) but with the sun still shining we sat outside.
Simon's Colnago which up until now had suffered several miles of good quality rough stuff was subjected to a further lack of tarmacadam when I suggested the "obvious" NDW route taking us down to W. Horsley.


If anybody read CTC Newsnet 25/05/07 and thought about going to the "cycle jumble" at Bosham, they would probably feel it's inclusion would guarantee a decent number of stalls.
Well there were less than 8 and I'm not happy!


As I write this, BST is on temporary hold, so my run tomorrow will reflect this. Anybody for Ashurst?

Sunday 13th May 2007

Mike writes:

The soaring temperatures of last month seemed a distant memory as five of us (Andrew, Ed, Keith, Simon & Mike) set off in drizzling rain with the weather forecasters only promising worsening conditions. Leaving Westerham after elevenses the weather seemed to ease but this was just a brief respite as Ed, Keith and Mike pedalled through downpours, and claps of thunder, on our way to Chiddingstone. The weather seemed even to deter the twitchers at Bough Beech reservoir as only a couple of binoculars were sighted. The pretty village of Chiddingstone is now largely owned by the National Trust and gets its name after a large carved sandstone boulder called the Chiding Stone. The power was off when we arrived at the pub and candles were lit as the rain poured down outside. The pub is very pleasant and friendly and at least the power cut saved us from the Spanish grand prix on the TV which was hastily turned on when the power resumed for a brief period. Then it was pedalling through more rain round Oxted and over the little hill to the Woldingham garden centre where Ed and Mike stopped for tea before heading home.

1955 Train Assisted

1955 Train Assisted nostalgic Film 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyz5d3entBw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGYngjxJP1I

May 6 2007

There was 12 of us at East Horsley; the official party coming via Stokeheath Road and the Hautbois. By name they were Daphne, Ed, Graham, Irene, Jake, Keith, Pam, PeteC. Bob, Pete Matthews, Ray and Terry were also there to enjoy a break but headed for home afterwards. The onward route was : Coombe Bottom and Ewhurst to a less than crowded Scarlett Arms at Walliswood. Until lunch it seemed the recent spell of fine weather was over but it improved slightly as we dawdled in the garden. Daphne's route back was energetic: to Forest Green and then past Vaughan Williams' Leith Hill Place before the long descent to Dorking. The afternoon stop was different: the Surrey Wildlife Trust's Open Day at Norbury Park where we met up with Andrew, Jen, Roger and Simon. They had done the guided tour (logs, saws, charcoal, etc) but we settled mostly for the working display of steam engines. The plastic cup of tea or whatever was free with some even grabbing a biscuit or two.

Sunday May 6th

Pictures from Pam of Sundays ride to Norbury Park Open Day

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