Where We Went On Our Easter Holiday

More Or Less!

More Lechlade Easter Pics

You may wonder why Steve was seen stalking on all fours in a Cotswold meadow? Yes you have guessed it he was looking for his Fritillary! Meanwhile Jake and Ian were expressing much happiness after a great weekend made even better by the fantastic weather and the view of the Thames from the towpath opposite our hotel was idyllic.

Easter at Lechlade

Most of the Easter group out side The New Inn where we stayed for 3 nights

picture from Pam

Easter Pics

Sunday, 24 April

Burnham Beeches and Hedgerley
The Alternative Ride

After 35 miles of solo sweat and grunt, I arrived at Burnham Beeches just in time for Bob to tell me: "You've missed them". Never mind. It is only a couple of miles from 11's to lunch at Hedgerley. I'll have a cake and cuppa and see them at the White Horse - or shall I? No sign of them! They must have gone elsewhere. Time to see the parish church, then a gentle spin for an early tea back home. I wonder where they went.

Jeff

Sunday, 17 April

Brooklands - Er? - Ripley

Today, machine took over from man and decided where we should go. Windlesham? Computer say: 'No'. Paul, who understands these things, will explain in his report. Suffice it to say that we were magnetically drawn to cycling's Pole Star, the Anchor at Ripley.

Today's ride went well....for a few miles. Steph, Geoffrey, Jeff, Don, Dave, Graham, John G and myself left Tesco Brooklands and headed up to Addlestone, then on to Ottershaw and into Chobham as planned. My Satnav then decided to try and help me by ignoring the route I had loaded and directing me in the wrong direction and away from Windlesham and the planned route to lunch. This, with a helping of dodgy map reading, sent us down to Woking and followed my planned afternoon route, which would have taken us to Ockham Bites. I didn't realise that I had taken a wrong turn until it was far too late, by which time Don and Dave had decided to follow a different compass heading. When I finally did stop, we were very close to the Anchor, so we lunched there.

When I create the routes in Memory Map and load them into my Satnav, if the route does not line up with the road exactly, it tries to take a different route, which I normally ignore. Lesson learned. Be more careful in creating my routes and do not just follow what it says. This is the first time this has happened and hopefully the last!

Paul

Note from Jeff:
Another supermarket café to tick off today: Brooklands Tesco Extra. Even Barnes Wallis would have got lost in a hangar that size! A shock for Terry on arrival - bumbag missing. Retrace cycle tracks back home to Effingham - no sign. But a call to Mrs L solved all: bag (with mobile) had been found in Byfleet by a good Samaritan and was reclaimed later with all present and correct. Three cheers!
Jeff

Sunday, 10 April

Gomshall - Rudgwick & Buck's Green - Tanhurst Farm

Sunday April 10 2011

Evidence (daffs, bluebells, lambs) that spring had arrived was all around on a glorious sunny day; its warmth gently tempered by a visit from Eurus or maybe Kaikias.

We took the (Epsom/Ashtead) Commons route. Descending level crossing gates forced us south but there was no delay when the trains crossed just as we reached the foot crossing. Familiar ways (the Bookhams, Dirtham Lane, etc) brought us the top of Coombe Bottom with hordes of cyclists going in the opposite direction. I opted for Shere village rather than its bypass and we soon were joining the early comers in Jordans Caravans making 18.

Thirteen turned left at Gomshall Mill to begin an obvious line to Pitch Hill, Ewhurst, Ellens Green and The Queen's Head in Rudgwick. Here a minor international misunderstanding sent three onto The Fox. Food was quickly served with Frank well pleased with his £5 two courses.

An hour later the rats returned and a much travelled route brought us to Newdigate where Irene and Pam turned left and the rest turned right for Tanhouse Farm. A good 45 minutes in the company of CQ was spent showing up our lack of knowledge sheepwise. 70 miles door to door.

Charity Vote - John Meudell resigns from CTC National Council

Dear All,

In the light of the voting papers that you will have just received, you may be interested to read the following letter of resignation from John Meudell, who represents members in SE England on the CTC National Council. I share his concerns.

Your District Committee opposes the proposed conversion of the CTC into a full charity. You can still oppose the conversion by voting against Motion 1 on the voting form. Do not forget to put your signature in box 2a (beneath your membership number) and put a X in the appropriate box for Motion 1 in section 3, headed Charity Vote - Direct your proxy how to vote. The other blank columns are for family members, who may wish to vote differently from you.

Don't forget to vote on Motions 2 - 9 on the back of the page - and don't throw it away!

Please contact me if you would like to discuss.

Comment to follow.

Jeff

Sunday, 3 April

Rusper - Ashfold Crossways - Denbies

Photo from Pam

Sunday April 3 2011

Memo to ride secretaries and leaders: Never rely on family run enterprises in Mother’s Day! Arriving at the Blue Moon café it seemed that Michelle was probably having her breakfast cooked for her on Mother’s Day and the café was closed. A few phone calls and miles later everyone was assembled at Rusper Golf Club. Pam, Irene and a few others having already ridden 30 miles decided on a shorter loop to Charlwood and rejoin us for tea. So 9 of us set of to rejoin the original route at Wimlands Lane and make our way via Faygate and Grouse Lane to the Wheatsheaf at Ashfold Crossways. Most if not all had brought sandwiches forewarned of the likely difficulty of getting food promptly. Fortunately it was bright and fairly sunny so an enjoyable hour was spent in the garden. From there we went via Coos Lane to Handcross and then through Pease Pottage and up the drive to Cottesmore School. A short stretch of bridleway, new to most, including a tunnel under the A264 led us into the edge of Crawley. Then through Bewbush to the path over the railway at Waterfield which leads to Ifield Mill. From there its only 100m to Rusper Road and a straightforward run to Parkgate via Langhurst Lane and Partridge Lane. Then a phone call from Pam to say that tea at Brockham had also fallen victim to MD and they were off to Denbies where we regrouped for tea. A very pleasant day even with a bit of adhoc rescheduling.


Brian Greenwood

Forthcoming 03/04/11 ride........

Now is the time to try out that breadmaker that someone bought you many years ago................
Food at the published lunch spot is let's say......limited..........something to do with a certain (heavily promoted commercial) annual event.

Btw.........HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY mum!

Sunday 27th March 2011

Ohhhhhhhh what a lovely day.
Just a few lines on my ride into Kent which began from Carshalton at 9.10am.
Joining me was Janice,Jolanta,Ed,Paul & just before West Wickham......Dave.
Arriving in good time at Lullingstone Park Golf Club we sat outside in the warm sunshine in this peaceful spot overlooking the Darenth Valley.
The track down to the River Darenth was a little stony in places but perfectly rideable.
Under the viaduct at Eynsford then a steep climb to Romney Street and a short distance to Heaverham for lunch.
Another nice spot and if this was Surrey you could be sure of a packed pub.......but this being Kent plenty of space,although it's not 1pm yet.
Some lovely lanes to Shoreham where a closed museum(opens next weekend!) mean't High Elms was to be the tea location.

A fantastic day (not my words......lol).

60 miles.

Nice little film on this annual event........http://vimeo.com/20622427

Sunday, 20 March

Runnymede - Binfield - Walton on Thames

Sunday March 20th

Including Canadian newbie Margaret from Morden the double figures at the start said it’s Spring! A northern route began at Hampton Wick gate now much easier for cyclists. Hampton, the Hanworth spiral and BP Sunbury would have been familiar to anyone on last Wednesday's B ride.
Then it was right into the back streets of Ashford and Knowle Green. Staines town centre was reached via the council offices. Instead of turning for Pooley Green, Ian who had gone to the front was last seen heading towards Thorpe. Meanwhile the rest endured a delay at the level crossing before Hummer Road lead the way to 11s at Runnymede. (Thanks Graham)

As I left my house in Egham my phone rang with a plea for help from Ian - he was lost, not far from where I live! At least I got one or two miles in before 11's. Oh my goodness, so many cyclist in the cafe, as Graham said, Spring was definitely in the air!
Our route took us up Priest hill which I always find a struggle so I, and a few others left the cafe before the faster/fitter riders! We then made our way into Windsor great park via Bishopsgate and out on to the A332. After turning right at the peanut roundabout we headed for Maidens Green. A right turn into Bishops Lane, then after a few more lefts and rights we passed Moss End Garden Centre. We then took the next right, left into Ryehurst Lane, up past the cemetery to take the
turn to Binfield to have lunch at the Victoria Arms. I had phoned earlier with our expected number and boy, didn't they do well!!
Tables had been put together to seat the dozen or so who were dining and the food was good and the service was incredibly fast!! There was actually seventeen of us at lunch, not all eating in the pub!

We were all ready to leave by 1.30. Our return route took us along a couple of bridle paths (I didn't hear any complaints!) Oh dear!
Jeff's rear mudguard did get mangled but I understand it had happened before - sorry Jeff! First bridle path was after the sewer works approaching Moss End and our next was after the Carnation estate.
The third bridle path led us towards Ascot Race Course. The weather was truly kind to us and it was a real pleasure cycling with friends in all these open spaces - for after the race course we headed for Windsor Great Park again, this time entering from Water Splash Lane, Ascot Gate to exit at Bishops Gate.
Irene (who's ride I was leading) had booked us in for tea at the Riverhouse Arts Centre cafe at Walton for 4pm, (closing at 4.30pm).
The previous Sunday it had taken Irene and I two and half hours to get from Binfield to Walton - hence - I was for ever conscious of the time all afternoon!!
Thus we could not dally for too long, so from this point we took a direct route to Walton. Down Tite Hill into Egham, where we just had to stop to answer natures call! We then continued along the Avenue to take the cycle/pedestrian path under the M25 into the Causeway to Staines, Laleham Road to Shepperton, Manygate Lane, over Walton bridge and so to tea - arriving at 3.50!!!
My apologies for going ahead of a couple of riders but it was very satisfying to know they were in the capable hands of Graham AND Ian was well looked after by Steve - 'cos Ian told us all at tea!!!
At least a dozen folks stayed for tea and cakes, sitting in the open air! Again,we had wonderful service! A huge pot of tea at one pound each and free top-ups of coffee!
As Graham said, 16 miles from Kingston to Runnymede - I know Francoise and Frank's total mileage was 64 miles: mine a paltry 50!!
Thank you Graham, and thanks to all for a great day out... Pam :)

Milano - SanRemo 2011

For those, including me, that missed the race on Saturday........here is the last 10km.

http://video.gazzetta.it/gran-finale-classicissima/4b1bb1c8-524f-11e0-b9ca-66d1ff1246c2

Sunday, 13 March

Godstone - Cowden - Bletchingley

Report from Mike follows:

Sunday 13th March 2011

The best country lane

Spring is not far away – just before setting out I made a quick change from winter gloves to lighter mitts. Five of us set out from Cheam and rode up Farthing Down, past the spruced-up car park, in mild but cloudy conditions. We arrived in good time at Bletchingley but to no avail as we discovered the tea place would not open for another 25 minutes or so. Propping a message on the window sill we rode off to the Café Nova at Godstone garden centre where our numbers rose to eleven.

This change of elevenses resulted in an unscheduled encounter with Tilburstow Hill but from then on it was plain sailing, so to speak, past the Crowhurst yew and Lingfield racecourse to Dormansland. Shortly after we turned into Smithers Lane. Rolling past the farmyards, one or two hillettes, good views at this time of year and the delightful Furnace Lake this was unanimously declared the best lane for cycling in the south-east of England. Nine of us lunched in the garden at the Fountain pub, notable for its prominent CTC sign. It was a little chilly outside until the temperamental outside heater burst into life. Across from the pub the red phone box is now without its telephone but, with piles of second-hand books, continues in service as a library.

Avoiding the main road we rode to Mark Beech and a good long downhill stretch to Edenbridge. Darkening skies finally gave way to steady rain. Another change of plan, we decided to ride up Tilburstow again and back to Lamingtons at Bletchingley for tea. This was a good decision. It is a fine place for tea and the cakes are especially recommended. There will be another chance to sample them on 5 June.

From the gateway to the south I covered 74 miles, not bad at all for this time of year.

..............from Mike.

Ripley Cycle Jumble

The next date for Ripley's jumble is Saturday 21st May 2011.

Hilly 50k