Sunday 1 April 2018

To avoid any potential overlap with Tony's ride next Sunday, and in view of the somewhat uncertain weather forecast for the Easter weekend (!), I am completely changing the direction of this Sunday's ride completely and, after elevenses at Polesden Lacey we will be heading, provisionally, for the Saddlers Arms at Send.   Any off-tarmac highly unlikely!

Do not be too disappointed, the Wasps Green ride will be resurrected later in the programme!

Dave (W)

Sunday March 25th

Ten rode away from Stoke d'Abernon - destination Guildford. Thanks to dry conditions we were able to use the tracks to Downside then continued westish to Ripley passing the 'exclusive apartments' in what was The Hautboy at Ockham. Lady Harberton must be laughing. A quiet stretch to Send ended by joining the Send Road but we soon left that to head for Jacobs Well. Shortly after the railway bridge in Saltbox Road we turned onto the bridleway which led to Stoughton. A short diversion was made to briefly view the CTC/Cycling UK office (see Tony's photo) before proceding to the almost empty Rowbarge. Hope that isn't a bad sign, but it was busier durintg the week Traditional Sunday roasts aren't served here but normal pub grub is, and very nice it was too.

My original plan had been to use the towpath after lunch but when doing my recce I found trees were being pollarded and other 'works' taking place which made the towpath unrideable. Perhaps we can use that route in the summer  Fortunately there is a cycle path from The Rowbarge over the A3 and alongside the A25 to the junction with London Road. A short stretch of busy road then we turned into Waylea Avenue and via various residential roads in Burpham we soon arrived at the start of the cycle track alongside the A3, from where it was a short distance to Pinnocks at Ripley.

A pleasant rainless, sunless, hillless ride, thanks all for company and backmarkers (assorted).

Two points: Lilian, Pam, David W, Vic, Graham, Ed, Ged, SimonTony Hopkins, Terry.

One point: Maureen, Jeff, Donald, Alan.

Terry

CTC HQ

Terry took us on a detour to view this CTC HQ. Pretty unspectacular.

DON'T FORGET....

....to change your clocks on Saturday March 24th or you might miss the 1100 depart from Stoke d'Abernon or lunch at The Rowbarge, Guildford.

Terry

Muddy Lane Wisley

I don’t know if anyone else is keeping tags on this saga which started way back in 2013

http://www.elmbridgecycle.org/node/195

After digging further I turned up this (on the Woking Cycle Users Group website).

Regarding Muddy Lane, we have received confirmation that the public inquiry regarding Surrey County Council requesting a map modification order to change Muddy Lane to a bridleway will be held on 22 May 2018 at the Council Chamber, Woking Borough Council, Civic Offices, Gloucester Square, Woking, Surrey, GU21 6YL starting at 10 a.m.

If we wish to be called as witnesses, we'll need to contact the Surrey County Council Countryside Access Officers.

Wisley c 1970 (no M25 or A3 Ripley bypass!)

Sunday March 18 2018

I made the survey ride on Wednesday - 55+ miles door to door. Plenty of utilities spending the last of their budgets in Kingston, Capel, Beare Green and Leatherhead. Quite a bit of run-off where one doesn't need it and offroad wasn't a good idea - worse than previous Wednesday.  I twice came to a complete standstill (on New Road and in Horton Park).

I didn't make a booking as Sunday's forecast is dire (overnight snow, chill factor of -7). If you're out and about, I doubt I'll be joining you but if there's an improvement I'll tried to reach the Vineries.

Sunday the 11th (Mothers Day)

I arrived at 11's just behind Graham and Alan. No Dave, he had said prior that he had other commitments (MD).

In dribs and drabs the throng swelled to a good number but not all were going to continue on the ride. Graham, Ed, Lillian, Pam, Vic Tony to lunch. David Vine,Terry, Bob, Richard, Don, Maureen, Bill to 11's

I had planned a nice 27 miles route to lunch with only on real hill, Callow Hill, somewhere at this point Richard took his leave, and the nice decent of Crimp Hill, then on through Windsor to Fifield and up through Braywick park. As we got into Maidenhead, around 22 miles, there was a group decision to change the lunch venue to the Bear pub.

As usual with Wetherspoons the service and food were quick and good. Setting off and onto a short stretch of the Jubilee river and into a headwind across Dorney common. On reaching Datchet Ed and Lillian decided to take the train from here.

We carried on heading towards Horton, Pam and I opted for 3's at Liquid Leisure but Graham and Vic headed off home. On leaving 3's Pam turned for Wraysbury and I continued East. At Cranford the rain started so a brief stop to don water proofs, it turned out to be a light shower and I got home virtually dry. Nice ride without full winter kit. We had occasional sunshine, a pleasant day on the bike.

Tony..

Sunday the 11th

This coming Sunday,  the 11th, is Mothers day and pubs are packed. So I have changed the lunch venue to Flowerland GC Bourne End.

Tony..

Sunday 4th March - Woodham & Staines

A bright and, thankfully, snow-free morning saw Bill S, Tony Hopkins, Graham, Pam, Vic, Terry and me meet at the Bourne Valley Garden Centre for elevenses.  It was excellent to see Vic restored to cycling so quickly after his recent cataract op, and in fine fettle!   All but Bill and Terry continued to lunch.  I had changed the lunch venue to Staines Wetherspoons as the forecast threatened afternoon rain, so we took a shortish and not especially inspiring route, although there were a few short, sharp climbs designed to reactivate corpuscles torpid after the recent cold snap!  It began to rain just as we reached our lunch stop where Ed joined us having ridden direct.  The rain didn't amount to much in the end but it stayed overcast and threatening, so we lingered over lunch.  When we did finally get going some headed direct to Upper Halliford for tea, while Vic and I peeled off at Laleham to follow the river homewards.  Thanks to all for your company.

Dave (W)

Sunday 4th March

Unfortunately, Sunday looks like being damp for at least part of the day, although it is difficult to tell which part(s) because the forecast keeps changing!  In view of this, and to give us an easier transition back into cycling following the end of the Second Ice Age(!), I will be changing the lunch stop, probably to Staines Wetherspoons.   Elevenses will still be at the Bourne Valley Garden Centre.   Fear not, the ride to the Tilly Shilling will be resurrected in due course!

Dave (W)

Sunday 25th February

Having thawed out and refreshed themselves at The Vineries, Lilian, Maureen, Ed, Alan and Bob promptly went home/in search of lunch leaving Dave, Jeff and I to pedal off to occupy the booked table for eight at The Plough, Leigh. We passed the string of shops in Effingham, noting the long since closed Post Office has now become The Coffee Cup (open on Sundays). Proceeding up Beech Avenue (High Barn Lane apparently closed but don't know about bikes) we soon turned left at the crossroads heading into the wind to cross Ranmore, forked left passing Ranmore Church, for a roughish descent. Crossing under the A24 we used the cycle track to Pixham Lane then had to briefly join the A25. We enjoyed a few minutes' peace and quiet by using the Old Reigate Road, then straight through Brockham and Strood Green to arrive at The Plough just before 1300 to our table for three, having revised our requirements en route. Jeff went straight home, Dave and I went in for warmth and refreshments, then returned home.

Terry

Sunday 25th February

Elevenses unchanged but lunch is booked at The Plough, Leigh.

Terry

18 February 2018, West End - Epsom

Irene's last ride with Cheam and Morden? I don't believe it!

I bet she will soon get tired of the windy potato and turnip fields of Norfolk and come racing back for some sunny CTCSWLondon cycling. Good luck Irene and hope to see you soon!

What on earth are they looking at?

That's better

Sunday February 18

The Year Of The Dog started in spring like conditions and for once I had company on the way to 11s when I joined JB at the Assembly Rooms (Surbiton). Of our route all I'll say is the Edward VIII letterbox in Littleworth Road.

At a much expanded Garsons Farm the clamour at the doors abated when they swung open just after 1030. We numbered a dozen with Tony and Don in mufti. I'd less than 48 hours to prepare and Friday's mini survey revealed that off-road wouldn't be an option so "the road not taken" approach it would be.

We left the Portsmouth Road (and much younger, much fitter cyclists) at Fairmile and wiggled via Ashcroft Park and Knipp Hill to Little Heath and the Diggers' signboard. Next came Chelsea and the long drag up and beside Yehudi. We crossed beside Fetcham's pond to the waterworks. On my survey I'd entered the one-way system but thought better of it today so up the High Street and an illegal right into Linden Road saw us over the motorway into Ashtead. The A24 was crossed into Ashtead Park and later recrossed into Castle Road (foreknowledge of town centre roadworks). Thus we descended beside the railway to the Assembly Rooms (Epsom) where Terry and Bob were waiting.

After an extended lunch Ed peeled off in West Ewell and the last six continued to Chessington South railway station and the A3 Travellers' site. In Long Ditton (the unused tea stop) we went our various ways. Home at 3 and only 30 miles.

As Wednesday is Redhill, this was Irene's final ride after 20+ years' regular attendance. We wish her well; with everything crossed the King's Lynn move should be this coming Friday.  

Tony Is Unwell

Unless he makes an miraculous recovery, he won't be leading tomorrow(18/02). As some will know, I made a quick recce yesterday - less than 30 miles door-to-door so if you want to build up your mileage, there'll be plenty of time before 11s and/or after tea.

11s and lunch are unchanged. On the way back we'll be passing Squires Long Ditton (where I'm hoping to leave you) but note: it's less than six miles from lunch. Roads and bumpy tarmac so you shouldn't get too muddy.  

Sunday, 11 February 2018

The Cheam and Morden New Year Lunch

 Our warmest appreciation to the man who made it happen, Steve, showing what he is made of, while the lady behind the throne, Ann, entertains the guests.

 The two Tadworth Fat Boys, Pete Beyer and Pete Foster plus Terry, sunning themselves beside an ice-free Walton pond, before being swept up and away by Steve's North Cheam peloton.

 A select elevenses chez Ann and Steve, with tea, coffee and amuse-bouches, followed by:

a mind-numbing selection of highly spiritual and therapeutic beverages, concocted by Ann from a portfolio of arcane recipes, in her secret distillery. Warmly fortified, the flock set off for the Angel. Tony has ably illustrated the whole congregation at table.

 

Putting it all together.

More from the Annual lunch

It would be nice to see more of these members on Sunday rides.

Very well attended annual lunch

A big thank you to Steve for organising.

Tucking in to the C&M annual lunch

Sunday 11/02/18 Ride Details

Message from Steve

Sunday’s ride will be a short ride starting from North Cheam A24/A2043 Crossroads at 9. Alternative pick-up at the pond on Walton-on-the-hill about 10.15, getting to 52 Whitehorse Drive at 11.

The lunch at The Angel Thames Ditton is booked to be served at 1.15.