Any folk intending to be out for Jeff's ride to this new 11's maybe interested in this voucher for "The Revival Breakfast".............five items for £5.
http://www.thefoxrevived.co.uk/offers/
Thursday, November 06, 2014
Wednesday, November 05, 2014
Sunday 2nd November 2014
 |
| Your photographer was puzzled by the bell |
 |
| We were keen to leave before nightfall |
 |
| Grateful thanks to Sally & Terry |
Monday, November 03, 2014
Sunday, November 02, 2014
Sunday November 2 2014
With the skies looking worse by the minute, I left hurriedly around nine after a late stowing of waterproofs (well that's what they claim to be). As I headed towards Surbiton, it occurred to me that I should have been going to Kingston Bridge where someone might be waiting - there was, six of them!
We'd reached Esher from Hinchley Wood (by the "back door") when rain started to fall heavily. So the waterproofs put in a appearance. We continued down A307; most cars had lights on - a stygian gloom reviving memories of the 2014 Pru Ride. The rain persisted until well beyond Ockham where the Hautboy conversion to flats appears complete. By now we were thoroughly soaked and the roads were awash with water.
Arriving at a very crowded Seasons Restaurant made a baker's dozen but only five were prepared to carry on. Waiting for an improvement meant we left just after twelve. Sheepleas, Shere and Jesses Land got us to Peaslake (almost devoid of MTBers) and Radnor Lane saw us to Holmbury St Mary from the south. After a chance meeting with Jeff, Daniel had reached the King's Head ahead of us. Just in case he'd also checked out The Royal Oak!
We had not pre-booked so there was no food until after two (the trencherman had his usual roast plus two pints). Terry now made an offer of tea which was accepted with alacrity. The revised route took in Friday Street but that plan only lasted four hundred yards (to the start of the Pasture Wood climb) where Dave shouted problem. I lingered at the top of the climb and eventually was persuaded to retrace by his continuing absence - his rear mech had detached from the frame! As a more or less a terminal condition Dave retreated to the pub to phone for assistance from his daughter while I rejoined the others at Abinger Common. Another snip - we now headed directly to the A25. As most had not tried NCN 22, we turned off in Westcott to sample a couple of miles into Dorking. Either side of the tea stop came yet another drenching. I got home in the dark (1730) after 48 hard earned miles.
We'd reached Esher from Hinchley Wood (by the "back door") when rain started to fall heavily. So the waterproofs put in a appearance. We continued down A307; most cars had lights on - a stygian gloom reviving memories of the 2014 Pru Ride. The rain persisted until well beyond Ockham where the Hautboy conversion to flats appears complete. By now we were thoroughly soaked and the roads were awash with water.
Arriving at a very crowded Seasons Restaurant made a baker's dozen but only five were prepared to carry on. Waiting for an improvement meant we left just after twelve. Sheepleas, Shere and Jesses Land got us to Peaslake (almost devoid of MTBers) and Radnor Lane saw us to Holmbury St Mary from the south. After a chance meeting with Jeff, Daniel had reached the King's Head ahead of us. Just in case he'd also checked out The Royal Oak!
We had not pre-booked so there was no food until after two (the trencherman had his usual roast plus two pints). Terry now made an offer of tea which was accepted with alacrity. The revised route took in Friday Street but that plan only lasted four hundred yards (to the start of the Pasture Wood climb) where Dave shouted problem. I lingered at the top of the climb and eventually was persuaded to retrace by his continuing absence - his rear mech had detached from the frame! As a more or less a terminal condition Dave retreated to the pub to phone for assistance from his daughter while I rejoined the others at Abinger Common. Another snip - we now headed directly to the A25. As most had not tried NCN 22, we turned off in Westcott to sample a couple of miles into Dorking. Either side of the tea stop came yet another drenching. I got home in the dark (1730) after 48 hard earned miles.
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Sunday 26th October 2014
 |
| Pee stop somewhere north of Stoke Poges |
 | |||||
| The café at Stanwell Moor can be noisy |
Postscript to "The Chossy" building.
Daniel's father ( Councillor for EEBC ) writes:
I recall Chossy saddle bags as a schoolboy ( C 1948-52) they were highly regarded and our headmaster recommended we had one.
The
site of 168 East Street was granted planning permission for 9 units of
housing earlier this month. It has a large site with an entrance on to
Dirdene Gardens.
I recall the owner, Mr. Osborne and can picture him with a 1950 Humber Hawk.
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Sunday October 26 2014
Once again for completeness
After turning back the clocks, I set off for Hampton Court; no contact with street furniture this time! Relative to the start, Windsor Farm Shop offers few options - Dave choose Shepperton Studios and the Causeway (with the usual frisson of excitement when passing under the M25). If squirrels count, there were over twenty of us for 11s, and sixteen were keen for more.
After Datchet came a surprise. We headed northeast for a M4 close-up before turning north onto NCN 61 (new to me) through Langley. Then the compass swung round to northwest as we rode on through George Green and along the west side of Stoke Poges (no lowing herd or weary ploughman today). Hedgerley was reached at the unusually early hour of 1220. For once The White Horse wasn't packed to the rafters so some even managed an inside seat though most had to settle for the tented garden.
We could have switched on automatic pilot for return bypassing Fulmer then heading down the long straight from Pinewood through Iver Heath to Colnbrook and Poyle. Not wanting to test lights on the first day of GMT, the majority headed home with the rump stopping for tea at Stanwell Moor. I was back before 1530; a modest 55 miles and one hill (where Janice unshipped, the rest not wanting dirty fingers rode on).
After turning back the clocks, I set off for Hampton Court; no contact with street furniture this time! Relative to the start, Windsor Farm Shop offers few options - Dave choose Shepperton Studios and the Causeway (with the usual frisson of excitement when passing under the M25). If squirrels count, there were over twenty of us for 11s, and sixteen were keen for more.
After Datchet came a surprise. We headed northeast for a M4 close-up before turning north onto NCN 61 (new to me) through Langley. Then the compass swung round to northwest as we rode on through George Green and along the west side of Stoke Poges (no lowing herd or weary ploughman today). Hedgerley was reached at the unusually early hour of 1220. For once The White Horse wasn't packed to the rafters so some even managed an inside seat though most had to settle for the tented garden.
We could have switched on automatic pilot for return bypassing Fulmer then heading down the long straight from Pinewood through Iver Heath to Colnbrook and Poyle. Not wanting to test lights on the first day of GMT, the majority headed home with the rump stopping for tea at Stanwell Moor. I was back before 1530; a modest 55 miles and one hill (where Janice unshipped, the rest not wanting dirty fingers rode on).
"The Chossy"
I write in memory of "The Chossy" saddlebag.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/onetwentyeight/2207597783/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/20137331@N07/2366352830/
I just got outbid on ebay...........grrrrr.
I do have one though, kindly donated by Ed.
All the manufacturing was done on a site a stones throw from where I am now.
Built in the 1930's, C.T Osborne made saddlebags here until the early 1990's.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/sludgeulper/6148253752/
Remarkably, the building still remains today and is virtually unaltered but puzzling to me is.......what is its use now because I pass it most days and there is no activity at all.............no parked cars,people entering the building,etc.
Does anyone know?
A contributor to LFGSS.com (London Fixed Gear and Single Speed) writes:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/onetwentyeight/2207597783/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/20137331@N07/2366352830/
I just got outbid on ebay...........grrrrr.
I do have one though, kindly donated by Ed.
All the manufacturing was done on a site a stones throw from where I am now.
Built in the 1930's, C.T Osborne made saddlebags here until the early 1990's.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/sludgeulper/6148253752/
Remarkably, the building still remains today and is virtually unaltered but puzzling to me is.......what is its use now because I pass it most days and there is no activity at all.............no parked cars,people entering the building,etc.
Does anyone know?
A contributor to LFGSS.com (London Fixed Gear and Single Speed) writes:
Sunday, October 19, 2014
19 October 2014, The Day of the AGM
Reigate - Stamford Green - W. Ewell
No room at the Inn for Neil and Paul
The top table
Our thanks to Ed for hosting the AGM
The serious business of the day
A tribute to Simon Legg & the FNRttC
It is 2 years since I did my last FNRttC. Simon has decided to go to pastures new but I decided that I would try and take part in his last two rides (Bognor & Southend). Frankly I found this it a big challenge and as Simon suggested I am getting past it and I am sure that my wife would agree it happened 20 years ago! Not withstanding that I made it and will do my utmost to get to Southend a ride I have never yet done!
Before the start on 10 Oct for Felpham I met a friend in London and after a few pints (too many) I came across the Bomber Command Memorial which I have not seen before. Personally I think it is appropriate and clearly the Queen felt the same! See photo's below along with a dawn stop near Arundel where we waited for a multiple puncture culprit! There is always one and he was a very nice chap!
Before the start on 10 Oct for Felpham I met a friend in London and after a few pints (too many) I came across the Bomber Command Memorial which I have not seen before. Personally I think it is appropriate and clearly the Queen felt the same! See photo's below along with a dawn stop near Arundel where we waited for a multiple puncture culprit! There is always one and he was a very nice chap!
Friday, October 17, 2014
More photos from Sunday 12th October ride
Resting after a hill climb
Kent countryside
The Blacksmith's Arms flowers
The Blacksmith's Arms flowers
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Sunday 12th October 2014
Mini disaster at the start.
My water bottle (not bidon) had leaked into my musette causing my Nokia 3210 circa 1999 to flood with water.
As I write, it's drying off but the chances of it actually working again seem slim.
I led three to Purley then the quiet A22 to the "Ann Summers" r/b.
Uphill past Woldingham station and the North Downs Golf Club.
From there you're just a short distance to Westerham via the long downhill sweep.
Cyclists were coming from all directions...............not suprising since this was the "hill climb" weekend with the Catford CC's Yorks Hill just a stones throw away from our elevenses at Chartwell.
Friend of Dave, a nice chap called Ian was nearing the end of his twice yearly stay in the UK and was due to fly back to South Africa this very evening after emigrating there.
A 10.10am arrival at the deserted café allowed for a leisurely alfresco break on this bright early autumn day as first Bob then Ian and finally Daniel made their appearances.
A long downhill to Brasted swiftly followed by Hogtrough Hill to The Blacksmiths Arms at Cudham for an early lunch.
The pub has a history going right back to 1628 and has one of the most lavish "smoking areas" I have ever seen with books and a tv too.
Apparently the garden has won awards which doesn't suprise me.I've never seen so much colour in a pub garden in early October as witnessed today.......probably due to the warmest September since 1910!
We were at the Bec CC hill climb shortly after it's 2pm start and Daniel not suprisingly and perhaps wisely aimed straight for the tea & cakes............I queued for 20 minutes at 3pm.
In one of the biggest crowds that this event is ever likely to see, most were here for just one reason.................to see Garmin-Sharp professional rider David Millar ride his very last cycle event and first hill climb, before retiring.
His wife (Nicole) also rode joining many more women,juniors and vets.
A whopping 142 riders and he was number 130............about 4.15pm.
ITV's cycling front man Ned Boulting told the PA guy he would ride next year..........possibly a joke but who knows?
Dave's time was 2.03 and the winning time remained at 1.53 as we headed home. (update in due course).
Light rain and a strengthing wind meant many left before the last rider (including us).
STOP PRESS............Winner - Jack Pullar of Starley Primal Pro Cycling (1.49) for the third time in as many years.
David Millar was 21st..........Nicole was 137th (3.23)
Her tweet :
If you want to see what 700yds uphill looks like.......unnamed rider has a helmet cam:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hENH_bVgzw
William Fotheringham's article on David Millar in The Guardian
http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/oct/10/david-millar-cycling
My water bottle (not bidon) had leaked into my musette causing my Nokia 3210 circa 1999 to flood with water.
As I write, it's drying off but the chances of it actually working again seem slim.
I led three to Purley then the quiet A22 to the "Ann Summers" r/b.
Uphill past Woldingham station and the North Downs Golf Club.
From there you're just a short distance to Westerham via the long downhill sweep.
Cyclists were coming from all directions...............not suprising since this was the "hill climb" weekend with the Catford CC's Yorks Hill just a stones throw away from our elevenses at Chartwell.
Friend of Dave, a nice chap called Ian was nearing the end of his twice yearly stay in the UK and was due to fly back to South Africa this very evening after emigrating there.
A 10.10am arrival at the deserted café allowed for a leisurely alfresco break on this bright early autumn day as first Bob then Ian and finally Daniel made their appearances.
A long downhill to Brasted swiftly followed by Hogtrough Hill to The Blacksmiths Arms at Cudham for an early lunch.
The pub has a history going right back to 1628 and has one of the most lavish "smoking areas" I have ever seen with books and a tv too.
Apparently the garden has won awards which doesn't suprise me.I've never seen so much colour in a pub garden in early October as witnessed today.......probably due to the warmest September since 1910!
We were at the Bec CC hill climb shortly after it's 2pm start and Daniel not suprisingly and perhaps wisely aimed straight for the tea & cakes............I queued for 20 minutes at 3pm.
In one of the biggest crowds that this event is ever likely to see, most were here for just one reason.................to see Garmin-Sharp professional rider David Millar ride his very last cycle event and first hill climb, before retiring.
His wife (Nicole) also rode joining many more women,juniors and vets.
A whopping 142 riders and he was number 130............about 4.15pm.
ITV's cycling front man Ned Boulting told the PA guy he would ride next year..........possibly a joke but who knows?
Dave's time was 2.03 and the winning time remained at 1.53 as we headed home. (update in due course).
Light rain and a strengthing wind meant many left before the last rider (including us).
 |
| The garden at The Blacksmith's Arms |
 |
| David Millar's wife |
 |
| ITV's Ned Boulting |
 |
| It's Millar time! |
 |
| The journo's were on him straight away |
David Millar was 21st..........Nicole was 137th (3.23)
Her tweet :
What an awesome day. #BecHillClimb was quite horrible and hard but brilliant. David is done, done, done. I am in bed I am soooo tired. :-)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hENH_bVgzw
William Fotheringham's article on David Millar in The Guardian
http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/oct/10/david-millar-cycling
Monday, October 06, 2014
Sunday 5th October
Rudgwick and Capel
 |
| Holy Trinity Rudgwick |
.bmp) |
| The King's Head Rudgwick |
The devout pilgrims of C&M wended their way first to Holy Trinity at Rudgwick and then to the Church of St John the Baptist at Capel. Quite incidentally, their devotion was rewarded at the King's Head with crayfish tail sandwiches washed down with ale and at Capel with temptations not to be resisted.
 |
| Five pilgrims attained the Holy Grail at Capel, three fell by the wayside |
Sunday, October 05, 2014
Sunday October 5 2014
Either longer breaks or extra miles would be needed to prevent an premature arrival at Capel. I settled for the latter.
Of the eight at a crowded Tanhouse Farm, five rode forth to Rusper, Capel and Ockley. After a mile on the B2126, we turned into Mole Street but not for long. The Gosterwood Manor Farm road has fine view of the Greensand Hills (that's my excuse) and at one time must have been paved. Now it's "patchy" west of the farm but even the editor came through unscathed! In Forest Green we encountered backmarkers on Cycling Weekly's Box Hill Original Sportive. Still too early for lunch we changed directions heading northwest from Walliswood to Hurtwood Park Polo Grounds and south past the Wheatsheaf to Ellens Green and more backmarkers. Bob and Ed now rejoined for a leisurely lunch having taken shorter routes to the King's Head in Rudgwick. After the morning meandering, we settled for a crow road to Capel.
A bright but autumnal day with a chill which persisted until ten and reappeared before three. Around 75 miles door to door (only a third between 11s and tea).
PS: This is a lot more fun.
Of the eight at a crowded Tanhouse Farm, five rode forth to Rusper, Capel and Ockley. After a mile on the B2126, we turned into Mole Street but not for long. The Gosterwood Manor Farm road has fine view of the Greensand Hills (that's my excuse) and at one time must have been paved. Now it's "patchy" west of the farm but even the editor came through unscathed! In Forest Green we encountered backmarkers on Cycling Weekly's Box Hill Original Sportive. Still too early for lunch we changed directions heading northwest from Walliswood to Hurtwood Park Polo Grounds and south past the Wheatsheaf to Ellens Green and more backmarkers. Bob and Ed now rejoined for a leisurely lunch having taken shorter routes to the King's Head in Rudgwick. After the morning meandering, we settled for a crow road to Capel.
A bright but autumnal day with a chill which persisted until ten and reappeared before three. Around 75 miles door to door (only a third between 11s and tea).
PS: This is a lot more fun.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Sunday 28th September 2014
 |
| That'll be Dave,Moira (brother & sister) ,Irene & Alan |
 |
| Graham's singing at elevenses is just a little tedious :-) |
 | ||||||||||||||||||||
There was around 13 at Michael Jordan's Caravans basking in the late summer sun.
Very pleasant it was too.
Daniel was the last to arrive having been marshalling..........no rush though, today was a day to linger.
No posh coffees here but tea & filter coffee satisfied the majority.
I detected a Canadian accent coming from the peloton - Dave's sister was over for a visit - welcome Moira!
The Downs Link provided a few miles of easy riding taking time for a photo at Bramley.
We're on the very platform that saw steam trains stop running 49 years ago.
NCN 22 was stony around Shalford as it snaked around houses to emerge in Shalford Park.
Food arrived quickly at this efficient "Spoons"........my tuna baguette & chips (£5.39) was delicious!
By now half of Dave's family had joined us but Pewley Hill beckoned.
Daniel rode his fixed and no-one climbed off.
Onto the NDW and a short stretch of rough-stuff with fine views down the valley, apparently it's the driest September for 65 years.
Early tea.........before three!
Substandard scone but okay tea albeit in a paper cup at this Tillings aquired place formerly The Barn now called the Cornerhouse café.
Everybody took the NDW homewards where we became aware of an enthusiastic 6 yr old pedaling like mad away from his parents.I was doing 10 mph and never caught him.
Janice decided that it was time to reel him in and point him back toward his elders."Mummy said I could ride as far as I want..............then turn round and go back"
By now his sister had appeared and we were satisfied he would eventually be reunited with M & D.
I found it quite suprising a young child could be allowed to cycle so far from his parents when it seems children go missing ever more frequently.
A very warm day...................Kew recorded 25C!
44 miles.
Talk about near miss!
http://road.cc/content/news/130745-video-incredibly-close-call-cyclist-russia-caught-middle-crash-between-lorry-and
Monday, September 22, 2014
This Sunday's ride (change of lunch/tea)
This Sunday, 28th September, Michael Jordan Caravans will be the elevenses.
Due to a party of 75(!) at The Sun in Dunsfold, lunch will be at W'spoons,Guildford.
Tea will be at the newly opened Cornerhouse café at Newlands.
ADVANCE WARNING - That means Pewley Hill and the NDW ............ little or no rain due but rough stuff all the same :-).
Sunday, 21 September 2014
Runnymede - Marlow - Egham (PJ Tea Parlour)
The C&M's very own Dyson has reinvented the truly aerodynamic wheel. demonstrated at Runnymede. Carbon disc wheels, goodbye! Alan had to keep stopping to let us catch up - then he got bored. I hope that he has taken out a patent.
No, not you Vic!!
To the sound of gnashing molars, our venerable leader grinds out a winsome smile.
Lunch in the sunken garden in somewhat wan and reluctant sunshine. Longs recommended.
Our shy and retiring Pam makes an elegant entrance for the photoshoot
I'm told this is a viewpoint, though Vic may be disapointed about the view. Where are the hills?
Beside the towpath we came across the Church of St Mary Magdalene, Boveney, adopted by the Friends of Friendless Churches. We should have lingered to find out more about this gem, but at least we can click on the link to discover a little of what we missed.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
-one who is still around to this day riding in West London DA, but thankfully his boxer underpants (they weren't called that then) aren't on show nowadays. His used to hang out of the black cloth cycling shorts he wore, much to the amusement of very young girls, and the embarrassment of other riders nearby..."