Fairwarp
Ed taking a well deserved rest after climbing The Wall
What are they so interested in?
Fairwarp and Wray Common
Monday, July 27, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Sunday 26th July 2009
From Mike
Eight of us left a rather cloudy ‘summer of 2009’ day to head for elevenses at Lingfield. Passing by Chaldon church it seemed we might be joined by another group of riders – headed by a team Katyusha jersey – but they stopped for a break at Bletchingley golf club. At elevenses, some of us tackling the huge scones at the garden centre tea room, Mike announces the competition of the day. Why is the Wetherspoon pub at Redhill, our tea stop, called the Sun? The prize is tea.
Slightly late – the scones take some eating – we set off for the High Weald. Along the delightful lane between Dormansland and Cowden we pass the South-East Road Club heading East Grinstead way. Then we are through Hartfield and making our way across Ashdown Forest past Chuck Hatch. Paul’s Garmin computer registers 211 metres and there are great views, especially towards the South Downs. Continuing southwards past Duddleswell we turn off to the little village of Fairwarp and lunch at the Foresters Arms. This is in a great location, has a pleasant garden, and was enjoyed by all.
However we cannot laze about for too long as we have to head homewards. We take a little country road across to Nutley thence to Chelwood Common. At this stage ‘summer of 2009’ sets in and we contend with light but incessant drizzle. Through Sharpthorne, Turners Hill and Smallfield we then pedal around Redhill Aerodrome and on to tea.
But nobody has won the prize! The answer is that Richard Carrington built an observatory in 1861 at Redhill and made observations of sunspots (see jdwetherspoon.co.uk). While at the Sun we celebrate Cav’s stage win and Wiggo’s fourth place and talk about travelling to Rotterdam for the start of next year’s tour.
It may not be a ‘BBQ summer’ but the great thing is it still gives us the chance for longer rides. Mike finishes with 89 miles on the clock but then again he does cycle from the ‘gateway to the south’.
Slightly late – the scones take some eating – we set off for the High Weald. Along the delightful lane between Dormansland and Cowden we pass the South-East Road Club heading East Grinstead way. Then we are through Hartfield and making our way across Ashdown Forest past Chuck Hatch. Paul’s Garmin computer registers 211 metres and there are great views, especially towards the South Downs. Continuing southwards past Duddleswell we turn off to the little village of Fairwarp and lunch at the Foresters Arms. This is in a great location, has a pleasant garden, and was enjoyed by all.
However we cannot laze about for too long as we have to head homewards. We take a little country road across to Nutley thence to Chelwood Common. At this stage ‘summer of 2009’ sets in and we contend with light but incessant drizzle. Through Sharpthorne, Turners Hill and Smallfield we then pedal around Redhill Aerodrome and on to tea.
But nobody has won the prize! The answer is that Richard Carrington built an observatory in 1861 at Redhill and made observations of sunspots (see jdwetherspoon.co.uk). While at the Sun we celebrate Cav’s stage win and Wiggo’s fourth place and talk about travelling to Rotterdam for the start of next year’s tour.
It may not be a ‘BBQ summer’ but the great thing is it still gives us the chance for longer rides. Mike finishes with 89 miles on the clock but then again he does cycle from the ‘gateway to the south’.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Sunday, 19 July, 2009
Staplefield and Brockham
“North Cheam or not North Cheam?” That was the first question of the day. Whether ‘twas nobler to lead the ride from Cheam or sally forth direct, to join the ride at the mid-morn meet of Beare Green. Cheam won, whence Keith, Paul and Jeff accelerated southward over the Downs, through Walton-on-the Hill, down Pebble Hill to Betchworth, Brockham, Root Hill and soon the Blu- Moon Café at Beare Green, where Bob was already in waiting. As numbers swelled, tea flowed and bacon sandwiches multiplied. At the tolling of the half hour it was time for the off, some opting for a shorter ride, some opting to go all the way, the ladies alas in the former camp, but promising a tea-time rendezvous at Brockham.
With grey skies and scudding clouds, the Met Office fortune-tellers were hedging their bets with evasive prognostications of scattered showers. With lunch at Staplefield less than 18 miles away, we could twiddle our way into the south-westerlies and hope to skirt the rain. After a quick scurry along the A24 it was a familiar route to Capel, Clark’s Green and Rusper. Then a quiet diversion through Wimlands to Faygate and the haul up Tower Road to Colgate.
When Blackhouse Road met Grouse Road, great was the amazement of the group to be led off the tarmac onto a bridleway through woods and down to a stream to be faced with a grassy hillock with little sign of a path. So granny gears it was and up over cow pats and thistles to the blustery ridge, where the path emerged, soon to become a farm track of concrete slabs through the fragrant yard of Newstead Farm to join the High Weald Landscape Trail. This led us up to the B2110 from which it was no more than a couple of miles or so through Slaugham to our staging post of Staplefield, occupied already by the MG Owners Club.
Decision Time again: The Victory or The Jolly Tanners? Victory for The Victory. Staple food taken at Staplefield, then up and away – destination Balcombe. However, at Balcombe Road, a first aid stop for repair by committee of Andy’s antique Carradice and route revision, as plan A via Ardingly Reservoir might not get us home in daylight. We therefore took to the B2036 through the outskirts of Crawley (in time to find the first and only shower of the day), then Gatwick, Charlwood, Leigh and Brockham.We arrived at the tailend of the Victorian Fair, well in time for tea and cakes and to greet some easy riding ladies, who had been on what I understand is a traditional treasure hunt. Time then to wend our separate ways in pleasant, early evening sunshine. For me, a final fling up Pebble Coombe, then home with one mile short of three score miles and ten behind me, for some no doubt a good few more.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Sunday July 12th 2009
Just four set off down my Ruxley Lane route. At St Ebba's, last of the "hospitals", I was startled by previously unseen brick mountains and an embryonic cyclepath heading towards Epsom. Jake caught us at the Wells and together we headed down into Leatherhead, along the Lower Road before finally climbing to a new teaspot at Polesden Lacey where numbers by ones and twos grew eventually to 16.
Wisely most declined an offroad sortie as extended gardening for Ed and Pam at High Barn was needed before battle could recommence with the black stuff. At the start of White Down we rendezvoused with those who had come more quickly via Bagden Lane and Ranmore Church. Sensing the mood I kept it short and sweet: The Volunteer, Hoe Lane, Albury Heath and a final swoop down to the Drummond Arms for lunch. As is becoming the norm, this was either roast or soup. Ed, Jeff and Terry holed up in a bus shelter complete with electronic indicator but no buses whilst Bob and I settled for a more salubrious spot by the church. My return to the pub prompted an mass but unexpected exodus by the rest of the C&M who had basked beside the Tilling Bourne.
Divers pressing appointments meant that only four tackled the resurfaced but already falling in disrepair Cote Du Fond De La Cuvette (Coombe Bottom for non-linguists). HMP and the Black Swan where Terry turned were familiar sights before we reached a revised and lengthy tea stop at Shoots (previously Seymours) Stoke D'Abernon. That was little more than 50 miles door to door on a fine warm day ended by a spit of rain around five.
Wisely most declined an offroad sortie as extended gardening for Ed and Pam at High Barn was needed before battle could recommence with the black stuff. At the start of White Down we rendezvoused with those who had come more quickly via Bagden Lane and Ranmore Church. Sensing the mood I kept it short and sweet: The Volunteer, Hoe Lane, Albury Heath and a final swoop down to the Drummond Arms for lunch. As is becoming the norm, this was either roast or soup. Ed, Jeff and Terry holed up in a bus shelter complete with electronic indicator but no buses whilst Bob and I settled for a more salubrious spot by the church. My return to the pub prompted an mass but unexpected exodus by the rest of the C&M who had basked beside the Tilling Bourne.
Divers pressing appointments meant that only four tackled the resurfaced but already falling in disrepair Cote Du Fond De La Cuvette (Coombe Bottom for non-linguists). HMP and the Black Swan where Terry turned were familiar sights before we reached a revised and lengthy tea stop at Shoots (previously Seymours) Stoke D'Abernon. That was little more than 50 miles door to door on a fine warm day ended by a spit of rain around five.
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Friday Night Ride To The Coast (August 2009)
It's to Felpham near Bognor. For details see
http://www.cyclechat.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=38071
http://www.cyclechat.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=38071
Monday, July 06, 2009
Sunday 5th July 2009
As Cody might have said "Made It Ma! Top Of The Beacon" - that's enough of Saturday (see CycleChat or Yacf for more).Half a dozen at Kingston Bridge joined the authentic Wayfarers' route in Weston Green and sampled Hersham Walton Weybridge and Addlestone. Fine weather drawn 19 (plus Squirrels) to a packed Fairoaks Airfield. Custom cars gave some clue to other visitors but was Jacques Rogge present in Jag 1OC?
Thirteen opted for Irene's serpentine route. Gracious Pond led on to Valley End and Sunningdale. In at Blacknest and out by Forest Lodge placed us near the Peanut from whence we headed through Cranbourne. After momentary hesitations in Maiden's Green we selected B3022 and its second left got us to The Cricketers for lunch. Here we split into haves and have nots (sarnies). In boisterous conditions our parasol was an early victim.On automatic pilot we cruised back across Ascot and racecourse (though four must have switched off by Chavey Down and had to be shouted at). In at Watersplash and out at Bishopsgate completed our set. After Tite Hill and level crossing 1 we were held at the second by Staines. The Squirrels were awaiting; Lemon Drizzle vanished instantly but Honey and Marmalade needed pushing. And so after a decent interval another ride was over.
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Simons FNRttC 3rd July
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Sunday 28th June 2009
From Mike:
At the start of this summer’s heat wave Ed, Andrew, Steve and Mike set off at 0910 – it is quite a way to Chartwell so no lazing about at N. Cheam on this Sunday.
Across Farthing Down (Mike says he prefers this to Beddington and Purley but in truth it’s the only south-east route he knows) and then to Caterham. A few hills until the welcome downhill from Botley Hill. Pity the poor souls at Westerham going to the Biggin Hill air show, a hot morning stuck in their cars and, with horns blaring, signs of impending road rage. Fortunately it is only a short distance to the Chartwell turn-off and, a little after the appointed time, we arrived to meet Andy, Jeff and Ian. Although the car park at the home of the nation’s former leader was beginning to fill it was pleasant to sit outside at the coffee shop.
Shortly before noon we set off for Penshurst. A little way down the road and we turn onto Puddledock Lane. This is a little like those hills you climbed years ago in the Lakes; it is not far to the top now, what was all the fuss about, only to realise that it is not the summit at all and there is a long slog ahead. Puddledock starts with a short climb and then a nice stretch of downhill before the relentless steep climb. The reward is the view at the top across the south-east.
It was the ride leader’s initial plan to continue up and loop round Ide Hill but, he facing the fate of Captain Bligh on this sultry day, we headed down to Bough Beech reservoir, at this time of the year not many twitchers there.
Penshurst is another ‘false friend’. Pedalling past the station the expectation of lunch is in the air. But no, it is another couple of uphill miles to the village. Lunch at the Leicester Arms (Mike recommends the beetroot soup) and lazing at the foot of the garden by the stream with an in-depth discussion on the musical legacy of one M. Jackson.
After lunch we pedal, along a different route, past Chartwell again, Andy puncturing at Bough Beech. Billowing cumulus threaten those without capes but in the event only a few drops fall. After a few hills the ‘open for teas’ sign at Tatsfield is welcome. It is not long before we are joined by a former cyclist and the tea-time discussion covers frame builders that we knew before we pedal home on this warm afternoon.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Sunday, 21 June 2009 - The Longest Day
Lullingstone - Ash - Downe
Ed at Carshalton, marvelling at the London to Brighton Mayhem
Evidence today, not of the tribal North/South, but of the less familiar East/West divide, as Ed and I, seated by Carshalton Ponds, surveyed the terrifying stampede of cyclists, drawn together by instinct like wildebeest, on their annual migration to the watering-holes of Brighton. But what of the springboks of the C&M? Have they been swept away in this torrent, or was it an impassable barrier? Suddenly, one maverick emerges from the dust and bounds towards us – Graham! Our number now magnified, a determined trio set forth, not for the floodplains of Runnymede, not for the ballyhoo of Brighton, but for the foothills of Lullingstone.
The hamlets of Wallington, Waddon and South Croydon flew past. We then pulled back the
joystick to climb Croham Hurst and Ballards Way to the heights of Addington, followed by the dive down Gravel Hill past Addington Palace, where the formation briefly split, before reforming to bank N.E. along Kent Gate Way. Then up again along Layhams Road, North Pole Lane, Jackass Lane and across the A 233 to Green St. Green. Another climb up Worlds End Lane, where the higher you rise, the more exclusive become the lodges. We pass the former residence of a once Lord Mayor of London, Brass Crosby, whom the roadside plaque remembers as the instigator of published records of parliamentary debate and the origin of the expression “bold as brass”. So on to Well Hill and the greens and fairways of Lullingstone Golf Club.
In the clubhouse, head buried in his broadsheet, David W had ploughed a solitary furrow. Now we are a quartet! Half-way through an excellent bacon bap, a steaming Andy appears, glowing like a nuclear reactor, having overcome mishap after mishap: forgotten water-bottle, southern rail bike ban, puncture; that attendance point not lightly to be surrendered.
A quintet therefore takes off on our second leg through Crockenhill and Farningham, where we lose David homeward bound and revert to quartet form; then the long drag up Mussenden Lane before the heady descent down Speedgate and up Billet Hill to our objective: The White Swan, Ash, nearly overshot by over-eager Ed.
The hamlets of Wallington, Waddon and South Croydon flew past. We then pulled back the
joystick to climb Croham Hurst and Ballards Way to the heights of Addington, followed by the dive down Gravel Hill past Addington Palace, where the formation briefly split, before reforming to bank N.E. along Kent Gate Way. Then up again along Layhams Road, North Pole Lane, Jackass Lane and across the A 233 to Green St. Green. Another climb up Worlds End Lane, where the higher you rise, the more exclusive become the lodges. We pass the former residence of a once Lord Mayor of London, Brass Crosby, whom the roadside plaque remembers as the instigator of published records of parliamentary debate and the origin of the expression “bold as brass”. So on to Well Hill and the greens and fairways of Lullingstone Golf Club.
In the clubhouse, head buried in his broadsheet, David W had ploughed a solitary furrow. Now we are a quartet! Half-way through an excellent bacon bap, a steaming Andy appears, glowing like a nuclear reactor, having overcome mishap after mishap: forgotten water-bottle, southern rail bike ban, puncture; that attendance point not lightly to be surrendered.A quintet therefore takes off on our second leg through Crockenhill and Farningham, where we lose David homeward bound and revert to quartet form; then the long drag up Mussenden Lane before the heady descent down Speedgate and up Billet Hill to our objective: The White Swan, Ash, nearly overshot by over-eager Ed.
After BYO al fresco, it is homeward bound along the Pilgrim’s Way to Otford, down Polhill, up Star Hill to Knockholt, up Shelley’s Lane, down the terrifying, evil-cambered one in four at Cudham, along Downe Lane to tea at the Church Hall, courtesy of Downe Am. Dram. Soc. From here on, a gentle down-hill home – well, nearly - through West Wickham, Croydon, the Flyover with the parting of the ways at Waddon. For me, a gentle climb home, 69 miles behind me; a shower and refreshing beer before me. What more could any man desire?
Jeff
Monday, June 15, 2009
Sunday, 14th June, 2009
Soirée at Staines chez Hostess Irene.
Many thanks to the Queen of lemon drizzle, fruit cake and honey and marmalade.
This could become a regular tea stop
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Sunday 14th June 2009
I start with a recent reminder from Raasay of the Great Leader.As usual she wasn't present at the start. With many raiders away in France, it was a strange brew at Kingston with welcomes back for Frank, Francoise and Matt and a welcome for Nick. Working to the strict deadline we headed through Hampton Court, Lower Sunbury, Shepperton and Laleham to Staines where she awaited. Rather unwisely I tried to find Malt Hill without a map; it proved elusive and too steep for many but we still reach Savill Gardens before 1030.
On the route to lunch the uncommon (Cumberland Lodge) preceded the familiar: Forest Lodge, the Peanut, Maidens Green, Moss End and up Tickleback Row to the New Leathern Bottle on Jeallots Hill by 1215. Naturally service was prompt but it lead to the pariahs (BYOs) being banished to the roadside where they were later comforted by the departing David.
Andy arrived having found the way open through the research establishment! Roused from our torpor we sought out Warfield Church, headed down B3034 and then via Chavey Down (a lot drier than on our previous visit) reached Ascot racecourse. Blacknest Gate was perhaps a surprise choice for our second entry into a Park now busily preparing for Polo. After Tite Hill we were delayed at the Pooley Green crossing but the tea was jolly fine especially the Lemon Drizzle Cake. Only 50 miles door to door on the pleasantest of days
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Sunday 7th June 2009
A naff forecast coincided with a coast run so we were back to single figures........a shame because it proved one of the most enjoyable rides of the year so far.
I met up with Steve(L),Jeff,Paul,Richard & Dave at the Spoons in Horsham where at least one "breakfast" was consumed.
So with showers forecast,the destination was unclear but we were soon at Dial Post and the wonderful lane that emerges at Ashurst.
B road to Steyning where Dave parted company and we climbed Steyning Round Hill,a couple of arrows on my OS 198 where everybody got off (not me though) with either mechanical (excuses) or just exhaustion.
Downhill (29 mph) then straight to the pier at sunny Worthing.
As Steve headed off to the nearest Spoons,we sat munching our sandwiches in unbroken sunshine,quite remarkable except that it felt like April.
The return.........easterly along the front NCN 2 as far as Shoreham.
This is where we joined "Lard Armstrong" & "Tubby Merckx" training for a forthcoming ride:
http://brighton2barcelona.blogspot.com/
Back through Steyning avoiding the SD,then north on the traffic free B2135.Downs Link from West Grinstead straight into Southwater Country Park (Cowfold is now a Indian Restaurant).
A conventional route home mostly wind assisted.
98.3 miles.........no I wasn't gonna ride round the block.
Sunny but cool with just puffy cloud.
Photos..........
1.Richard & Steve atop Steyning Bowl.
2.Worthing.........fortunately no sign of deckchair man.
3.Ready for the off.
4.NCN 2 around Lancing.
5.Crossing the Adur,Old Shoreham,Lancing college to the right.
Monday, June 08, 2009
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Sunday 31st May 2009
On the way to Occasionally Yours,I spotted "SKS Camping" on the A22.I wasn't interested in the tents but the advertised coffee shop appeared suitable for a future 11's stop.
It was Ed's annual jaunt to Horsted Keynes with Pam,Brian G,John G,Keith,Steve,and myself in tow.Returnees included Terry & Alan.
After the environs of East Grinstead,the lanes were a delight,past Saint Hill's Church of Scientology and the slow climb to Tyes Cross.
After a suggestion by yours truly,we continued south downhill to a bridleway past Broadhurst Manor and fishing lakes to the church at HK.
The Green Man was busy with a large walking group so some had a 25 min wait,while others sat across the road,watching the swifts screeching overhead.(Pint of OS - 40p)
My intention was to take a movie of the 14.20 from HK - Kingscote.Don't forget to turn your speakers on!
Tea was at Haskins,Domewood.A gargantuan "garden centre" west of Felbridge.
Evening drink was at The White Hart,Chipstead.........thanks Ed.
Sunny and warm.........76 miles.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Sunday 24th May 2009
The regulars returned this week to be joined by "old" friends Pete & Daphne and new member Lawrence Ying from Tooting.
A bog-standard route to Leatherhead where Andrew made contact with the tarmac and Daphne did the first aid stuff. Simon L kindly escorted the shaken rider home and we continued to Clandon Park Garden Centre but not before a narrow escape when a motorist decided to pass so close as to cause my handlebars to be knocked by his chassis.
A plethora of cyclists were enjoying the sunshine but on leaving we were down to 9. My decision to take the "private" road to Merrow was misjudged as two gates had to be negotiated (see pic).
It was across the golf course to One tree Hill Road and the NDW to Pewley Down. Across the River Wey, Ferry Lane, Littleton to The Cricketers, Farncombe.
According to BITE, Hurtmore's Squirrel closed unexpectedly last November and hasn't been open since.
A fine Fullers pub (I picked), pint of squash - 70p. Up to double figures now thanks to Bob and MM.
Off by 13:55 and the climb known as Holloway Hill. The reward was the delightful descent from Busbridge to Thorncombe Street where Pam overtook me.....weeeeeeeeee!
Slow climb to the top again and the road drops down to Gate Street Farm and the little used road that comes out on the A281.
Whilst we regrouped at the top of Farley Heath I dropped a bombshell....................Capel was clearly a cake too far on this hottest day of the year. Most appeared reticent on the management decision as Abinger is a poor substitute (not enough seating and pricey).
However, Shere's Antique and Collectors fair in the village hall came to our rescue and we were all smiles after homemade cake and cup of tea - £1.80.
Very warm, first time in shorts this year.
Ripley's summer cycle jumble - Saturday 20th June............thanks to Pam for info.
A bog-standard route to Leatherhead where Andrew made contact with the tarmac and Daphne did the first aid stuff. Simon L kindly escorted the shaken rider home and we continued to Clandon Park Garden Centre but not before a narrow escape when a motorist decided to pass so close as to cause my handlebars to be knocked by his chassis.
A plethora of cyclists were enjoying the sunshine but on leaving we were down to 9. My decision to take the "private" road to Merrow was misjudged as two gates had to be negotiated (see pic).
It was across the golf course to One tree Hill Road and the NDW to Pewley Down. Across the River Wey, Ferry Lane, Littleton to The Cricketers, Farncombe.
According to BITE, Hurtmore's Squirrel closed unexpectedly last November and hasn't been open since.
A fine Fullers pub (I picked), pint of squash - 70p. Up to double figures now thanks to Bob and MM.
Off by 13:55 and the climb known as Holloway Hill. The reward was the delightful descent from Busbridge to Thorncombe Street where Pam overtook me.....weeeeeeeeee!
Slow climb to the top again and the road drops down to Gate Street Farm and the little used road that comes out on the A281.
Whilst we regrouped at the top of Farley Heath I dropped a bombshell....................Capel was clearly a cake too far on this hottest day of the year. Most appeared reticent on the management decision as Abinger is a poor substitute (not enough seating and pricey).
However, Shere's Antique and Collectors fair in the village hall came to our rescue and we were all smiles after homemade cake and cup of tea - £1.80.
Very warm, first time in shorts this year.
Ripley's summer cycle jumble - Saturday 20th June............thanks to Pam for info.
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