Info from the AGM

A big thanks to Ed for hosting the meeting again.

Simon's proposal of Colchester as the destination for the Easter Tour was accepted by the meeting, so that will be 3 night's B&B in somewhere in Colchester.

The question of somewhere to stay on the way there, and on the way back was mentioned.
If someone would like to come up with a suitable destination, depending on which way you want to go to get there (Lee Valley, or Epping Forest hostels being two possibilities) I am sure that something can be arranged - or do you all want to make your own plans/arrangements to get there and back?

Lisa

Sunday 21st October 2007

Wow!!! fourteen riders at NC, it must be a special event.
Well actually just the normal hill climb weekend in Kent but I was taken aback with the turnout.
"Are we going to leave?" muttered one of the KP crowd "but it's only 8 minutes past", I said.
The route: Croham Valley, Featherbed Lane, Fickleshole, Beddlestead Lane then Pilgrims Way, Brasted & Ide Hill to Yorks Hill and a massive queue for 11's which Ed, Ian and myself felt the need to join.
As Pete has mentioned, the results can be found elsewhere.
Unsuprisingly, we all split up and the Fox and Hounds at Toys Hill was my destination joined by Andrew, Pete, Daphne, Keith, Mick & Ian.
Retracing back to White Lane, Titsey and Gary's defence of his joint win last year. (He lost)
I really liked the knowledgeable and drama inducing p.a man and the brioche as provided by the Bec ladies.
C & M members gaining a point not already mentioned (for what it's worth):
Steve, Ann, Jake, Pete & Lisa.
The weather all day was quite beautiful with barely a cloud in sight.

Bec hill climb

The Bec Hill climb winner full result and pictures on this link
http://www.londoncyclesport.com/

Catford & Bec Hill Climbs

Catford & Bec Hill Climbs

Glorious weather and a fantastic day out by all. I trekked out on my own to York's Hill and there I met Andy and his merry band of men. Catford had 101 riders and Bec 95. The hills were alive with the sound of grunting and gasping and that was just the spectators. Lunch was partaken at Toys Hill. I was very grateful to Ian for sharing his Rolls (cotton wool jobs) and cheese with me as the pub only did cooked lunches. See photo.

Unfortunately for Gary (Dodd), his old Bec record was just beaten!

Mike Morley

Sunday 7th October 2007

There was an element of doubt that the NT tea rooms at Runnymede would be open, given it's proximity to the latest foot and mouth restrictions. After all, the surrounding countryside is currently out of bounds to all but residents.
I arrived to find leader Pete attending a puncture. Inside gaining a point: Jake, Neil G, Steve, Bob, Frank, Terry, John, Ed, Daphne & Stephanie.
With WGP off limits, Pete had to take an unconventional route through Windsor to join the B road (B3024) going west to lunch at The Beehive (White Waltham).
Arriving early (12:20) we seemed to have the pub to ourselves sitting outside enjoying the watery sunshine.
Pete & Lisa soon appeared swelling numbers to a dizzy 13.
Pete's insistance of changing the tea venue paid off as we enjoyed a pleasant stop at Shepperton Lock where Ann found us.
The subject of the annual dinner arose and it was disclosed by Steve that we were charged extra for drinks (in the hired room) compared to the saloon bar in the main pub.
Time for change I feel.

Cycle Show Pictures

Pictures from the show can be seen on
http://www.londoncyclesport.com/

Burnham Beeches Cafe

A Picture of the recently opened cafe 'The Beeches'

I have been in shock all week: firstly our esteemed councillor does not know who Ken Joy of Medway Wheelers was (shurely some mistake?) , and secondly Wester Ross was admitted for emergency bottom bracket surgery and will be out of action for weeks. Thus it was with some relief that I set out on a sunny but cool day to join Ed, Andrew, Janice, John M, and Richard at North Cheam. The latter's attendance proved fleeting thanks to chain and puncture problems before Tadworth.

Clearly Ed had sprinkled something extra on his cornflakes as at fair pace we sped up Chalk Lane and through Walton On The Hill (sightings of heron and Crystal) to Pebblecombe and thence via The Fox Revived to Tesco Hookwood where we joined Andy, Bob, Ian, Petes B and F and Terry over a drink or two. Andrew, Bob and Janice now exited. The rest sampled Charlwood, the "Zoo" road, and Lambs Green before tackling the final climb to The Dragon, Colgate. During a protacted lunch, Ian was seen buying off the barman after being caught redhanded with firstly cheese and secondly roll in hand. At my suggestion we added Wimlands Lane to the return but still reached Capel well before three o'clock. John and the Petes went for an early bath whilst the rump headed for the cakes (3 if I'm being honest).

Warm when the sun was out; autumnal when it wasn't - about 65 miles.

Sunday 23rd September 2007

Ken's triumphed again on a brilliant day in the capital with 38,000 cyclists competing in a slow bike race around the capital.
Simon took the reins as far as 11's at Butlers Wharf then joining the route at London Bridge,we rode along closed roads with thousands of Londoners enjoying a (very)leisurely cycle on a 9 mile route.
The course and public areas coped well with the large volume of novice riders with only short waits at pedestrian crossing and route convergence points.
The largest bike park London has ever seen was the compulsory area to leave your bike,whilst visiting the "Bike Festival" that consisted of a dozen interested parties.
I noticed considerably more interest in the LCC than the CTC probably on account of the free T-shirt on joining(a good marketing ploy?).
Following meeting up with my sister and 11yr old Hannah,who had travelled up from the coast,we followed the signed route back to Clapham .The remaining C & M members taking tea at the Italian cafe on the Common.

Perhaps more refreshment establishments would help reduce queues at the finish but that aside,I liked the general feel good atmosphere,the cute STOP/GO boards,the free water bottle/bell,the bloke with the masterblaster and the bell ringing/cheering/singing under Blackfriars Bridge.

Jenny Jones(Ken's Green Advisor) has plans for additional road closures next year "to cope with demand" but where were the press photos on Monday?

Bargain of the Week:Boss S1200 Rigid Workstand £42.00 delivered(ribblecycles.co.uk)

Bec Hill Climb

http://www.londoncyclesport.com/

Our Councilor at Tour of Britain

Rather belatedly but better late than never, as an interloper to the C&M Sunday ride on 9 Sept, I spotted Simon with his charming wife slumming it in the VIP Hospitality suit while the earthling riders, Andy Coxhill, Graham Hill, Ed Sharpe and others, pushed and shoved to get a view of the Prologue from the spectators side. There was a veiled promise of Champagne for the troops but sadly it never came. We had to console ourselves with a Hero "T" shirt from the CTC tent and the odd orange polka dot flower pot hat from Eon but it was worth it for a British win.

Sunday 16th September 2007

Readers may spot similarities with the 26/8 ride (the teastops, for instance) so new roads had to be sought. At North Cheam regulars were joined by newcomer, Rob, on MTB with panniers. The route was familiar: Epsom, Leatherhead, the Bookhams (surveillance zone), Orestan Lane to West Horsley. We were ten minutes early! In time numbers swelled until we were 13 (Graham, Andy, Daphne, Don, Ed, Irene, John M, Keith, Pam, Pete C, Pete Matthews, Rob, Terry).

Past Sheepleas to Coombe Bottom, Shere, Farley Green, Run Common and Thorncombe Street and into Godalming was the route. But after our rapid start, why didn't we reach Hurtmore? Well a combination of factors, and being discreet I'll mention no names. Firstly another summery day meant longwinded elevenses. When finally we left, Pam, Pete M, Rob and Terry stayed on to enjoy the sunshine. Then A and B turned back thinking that C was behind - not so and 20 minutes were lost. Finally D and E footed the climb out of Thorncombe Street towards Munstead. So it was Jack Phillips for four including Keith who got his money back but no meal due to staff shortages. Meanwhile the BYO mob picknicked in the courtyard.

There were no votes for Newlands, so the route back took in Farncombe, Loseley and Guildford town centre before heading along the A3 to Ripley. Back roads lead to Ockham (exit from the surveillance zone), and Downside and across the Tilt to a new venue, the Ivy Tea Rooms at the Old Plough, Stoke D'Abernon. Outstanding hours but how will this outdoor venue survive in winter? About 65 miles.

Mike Morley

Is now invited to be a blogger on the C&M and accepts the kind invitation. Whatch out! there's a new blogger about.

Sunday 9th September 2007

Robert Garbutt writing his editorial in this week's Cycling Weekly is less than enthusiastic about last Sunday's opening prologue of the Tour of Britain. His main bone of contention was the lack of any big screen, poor timing information and general "amateurish"feel to the whole event.
Apparently, the electronic timing required an operative who failed to materialise so the organisers were left to a manual system.
In any case, Graham, Ed, Keith & myself enjoyed an double 11's at the Parador cafe, Crystal Palace waiting for things to get started on the course.
We saw Malcolm Elliot triumph in the preceding event with plenty of choice for viewing (we chose 50m from the finish line).
The main event was a pretty lacklustre affair it has to be said, even the free e-on hats were being refused by the box full (I had 4 thrust into my hand by staff keen to get rid of them).

C&M members seen on the course gaining one point?-Mick Morley, Andrew H, Crystal, Pete & Daphne.

TV coverage is provided on both the BBC & B. Eurosport from 16/09/07.

Tour of Britain

http://www.tourofbritain.com/therace_stage_pages/therace_index.asp
Info for the Tour of Britain on this site

Sunday 2nd September 2007

Apparently Pete B tried phoning me last night in order to find out my route to Shere, just as well I was unavailable because I was making it up as I went along-first climbing to Headley then harder than expected Ranmore arriving to find Graham, Terry, Pete B, Frank plus wife in The Lucky Duck.

Another "endless coffee" & flushed of £1.80 we were away climbing up past the council workers responding to fillthathole.org.uk and a steady 14mph? ensued as I felt good on the bike and everybody appeared to be keeping up.

Just after Cranleigh Ed made some comment about my speed and him being over 70 which I ignored and just before 1pm we rolled into Wisborough Green.

Some chose the Cricketers PH, the rest a public bench overlooking the green.

After a take-away coffee from Penelope's, we assembled (Graham, Simon, Don, Ed, Pete B, Terry, Keith, Roger and myself) for the return.

"What's the hurry" says Keith as we paused to survey damage caused by low flying metal. Well as it turned out, Holmwood was open and welcoming, a good substitute for Capel.

Distance-too far.

Ave speed-too fast.

The picture shows a sodden Brompton rider in the Smithfield Nocturne.

Sunday August 26 2007

As I passed, the (new to me) Ivy Tea Rooms at the back of The Old Plough in Stoke D'abernon were open; seating alfresco (something warmer in winter?) Meanwhile Deputy Ed was leading from North Cheam via Malden Rushett, Cobham and The Hautboy to West Horsley where a decent crowd(19) was enjoying the long delayed summer. Half were out for the morning only. So it was the other half which witnessed Jake's distress at losing her lock key. However a blunt hacksaw and lusty efforts from Ed and Steve cured that. Belatedly ten (Ed, Ann, Daphne, Graham, Jake, Keith, Paul, Pete, Steve and Terry) headed off towards Guildford.

Unusually we rode Staple Lane to the top of Coombe Bottom; the rest was obvious: Shalford, first left after the crematorium, second left after the level crossing and we were in the garden of The Cricketers at Farncombe. Barbecued fare was to be had at around £3 and we bathed long in the sunshine before heading back on a slightly devious route. Backroads took us to Wonersh then Chilworth and up Halfpenny Lane; Terry and I stopping to admire alpacas in Chilworth Manor. In normal years the track from White Lane to Newlands is rutted concrete but 2007 is very different. Most walked and those with mudguards had gardening to do when they reached tarmac. The waitress service at The Barn was in some confusion and we ended up with an extra pot of tea - it could have been more if we said "we're number 28". Noboby fancied more of the NDW so it was down to the Epsom Road and a split at East Clandon.

Golden Beeches

Golden Beeches

CTC South Bucks has issued an open invitation to its Golden Beeches Weekend, 27-28 October, at Great Kingshill near High Wycombe. Choice of led rides each day, slide show, catering at hall. Booking information and form, and accommodation list, now at www.southbuckscycling.org.uk

Free London Maps

Transport for London (TfL) has today launched the latest edition of its popular free bike maps covering the whole of London.

The new set of 14 maps, developed with the London Cycle Campaign, are double-sided, hard-wearing and contain a wealth of information about 4,000km of routes. This includes the London Cycle Network Plus (a network of signed routes for cyclists across the capital), the National Cycle Network and routes through parks and canal towpaths.

The easy to use maps help cyclists to identify quick or quiet routes wherever they want to travel in the Capital. The cycle routes featured have all been ridden and recommended by experienced cyclists.

The cycle maps are available to order a month ahead of the Hovis London Freewheel, a fun, free bike ride open to all Londoners taking place on Sunday 23 September. Tens of thousands of riders are expected to cycle into a 14km central London route free of non-cycle traffic passing some of the Capital's most iconic sights. For more information and to register for the event, visit: www.londonfreewheel.com.

Ken Livingstone, the Mayor of London, said:
“'Cycling is the fastest, cheapest, most healthy and environmentally friendly way to get around London. These new cycle maps will make cycling in London easier and help cyclists explore a whole new side to the capital by discovering literally thousands of short cuts and little known paths.”

Jenny Jones, the Mayor's Green transport advisor, said: 'Londoners are realising that cycling is fun as well as efficient. These new maps and the Hovis London Freewheel will give everyone a chance to find that out for themselves.'

Charlie Lloyd, London Cycling Campaign, said:
"The London Cycle Guide maps have proven to be the most useful aid for anyone cycling in London. They provide all you need to make cycling the quickest, most effective way of getting around London. The wider coverage of the new edition Cycle Guides is exactly what we need. Discovering new areas and new routes is easier than ever. "

The maps can be requested online from www.tfl.gov.uk/cycling or by calling TfL’s customer service helpline on 020 7222 1234. They are also available in cycle shops throughout the Capital.

Sunday 19th August 2007

Greetings all after a enforced break because of technical problems to do with signing in to Blogger, cookies, passwords, Firefox, IE6 and anything else that shortens my attention span.

A few words about my run to Denham via Grand Union Canal. Just Ed and myself took Thames path to Teddington Lock then north to Syon Park where we found the cafe shut. On leaving the park we met Bob coming the otherway. Osterley Park was to be the alternative and this to was to prove a fruitless trip since it was also shut. Bob left us as we headed toward the GUC and a late 11's at Hayes (Bulls Bridge) Tesco.
My Dutch Vico Perfect, from the Gazelle stable, sustained a puncture, but apart from that our route was incident free arriving at Denham Visitor Centre at 1pm.
Tea was at The Orangery (Upper Halliford).

The rain was coming down but that didn't stop me, I'm keen (on points).
Unusually, I chose the higher road (A246) on account of light traffic to 11's at Shere.
The Lucky Duck produces mixed reactions amongst members with Simon ("hate it") to Ed ("I like it here") the latter more to do with his affection for attractive, young staff than the prices.
That said, by opting for £1.80 unlimited filter coffee (I managed 4 cups), dare I say VFM?
It was midday and we clearly had no intention of going any further so Simon and Keith headed off in the direction of Dorking via the lanes which left Ed, Ray and myself to ascend White Down.
Puffing, Panting, Sweating I arrived at the top with Ray barely a wheel length behind, he's 81 you know, quite remarkable. I think he said his resting heart beat is 43 bpm. Crikey, we have a super fit human being in our ranks.
33 odd miles, 35 max, 12.3 ave.
I'm handing the reins to Ed next week, I'm returning a colleague a favour and working his shift as well as my own, I hope it rains (only joking!).