And the winner is.....

With the C&M calendar ending on 30 September, it is too late now to try and pip Graham at the post. His 86 attendance points from 46 attendances put him head and handlebar above the competition. Sorry Ed, but you get the silver spoon.

Today I missed a sprint along the A25 to Squires at West Horsley to offer congratulations to GFH and share the company and bacon bap, but domestic duties demanded otherwise.

I'm sure that I shall see you all at next week's AGM. If you don't know where it is, just ask!

Jeff

Sunday 30 September

A bright but cool start as Bob, Simon, Graham, Ed, Lilian, Rachel, Mike, Vic and I met at Squires, West Horsley for elevenses.   All of us except Bob and Lilian set off for Godalming just after 11.00.  I think I just saw Alan turning into the other side of the car park as we set off.   Sorry we missed you, Alan, but at least we left you some company!   The main feature of the outward ride was the climb of Shere Road and, once that was out of the way, it was fairly standard stuff to The Jack Phillips.   This is always a busy pub so those armed with the Wetherspoons app could feel quite smug as they relaxed and awaited the return of the others from the scrum at the bar!   We were still back on the road by 2.00 and did the Jack Phillips full scenic tour, that is, the pub, the new memorial, and the original memorial/grave (there was some dispute about this - it is a memorial to Jack Phillips, but also a grave (his widow's, we think)).   Then it was a brisk up and over at Littleton and the tried and tested route through Guildford and along the A3 to Potters Lane.   Send, Pyrford and West Byfleet followed on the way to Crockford Bridge Garden Centre  where some stopped for tea.   Thanks for your company all, and I hope you enjoyed the ride.

Sunday September 30 2018

Several of you have been emailed but if not read on.

With such a poor forecast (yellow warning) I suspect there won't be a full ride tomorrow. But I'll cycle to Henfold with "swimming" gear and take it from here.I did speak to our local correspondent last Wednesday - we think Henfold is open but if not 11s will be at Tanhouse Farm.

And so it proved.....

If this year is remembered, it'll be because of its weather. This was yet another C&M ride which ended at 11s. I didn't need drumming on the Velux to tell me I was in for a wet ride. Heavy before noon, and drizzle after meant  full car headlights and deep puddles.

Dave was tucking into breakfast at a rebuilt Henfold Lakes. The prices are higher (eg cake £3.50 a slice) but other things haven't changed - specifically the approach road. I'd arrived soaked despite my best waterproofs (Goretex, Sealskins, etc) so when we left around 1115 it was in differing directions! I went back the way I'd come, Dave headed for Horsham hoping for a helpful tailwind. Frustratingly the rain stopped five minutes from home and an hour later it was blue skies and patchy cloud. Sadly I don't have second sight!

1 point: GFH, Dave W

Windsor-Marlow-Windsor

Sunday the 16th

When I arrived at the Garden cafe Windsor, Pam, Alan and  Bob where already there. Soon to be joined by Graham,  Ken and Paul. Then Caroline and John arrived also Ed and Lillian arrived at dead on 11.00 and as usual Vic arrived late at 11.10.

Sadly only Pam, Vic , Ken and  Paul were joining me on the ride. We took the route across Dorney Comon and up through Burnham, Littleworth common and then the nice decent down to Hedsor and Bourne End. Then a river path and on to Little Marlow, more off road tracks took us to the edge of Marlow and then back roads to lunch at the Marlow Donkey pub. By now the sun was shinning and we managed to fined a table in the garden. Although the online menu has sandwiches but not on a Sunday, Ken and Paul had brought their lunch with them. Pam and Vic had mini Sunday roasts and I had a small Camembert cheese starter. 

 

 

Leaving the pub at 2pm we set off for the climb up Quarry Wood road and then down to Cookham where Vic left us to wend his own way home. Down to Maidenhead and the path through Braywick nature reserve and Bray (where we spotted Vic taking a path along side the M4) and on to Fifield, Dedworth, Clewer and Windsor where Ken headed home while Pam, Paul and I headed to the Cinnamon cafe for tea, they give cyclist 20% discount and the Cinnamon bun was my carbo up top for the 16 mile ride home. A lovely sunny day on the bike with good company. 66 miles door to door.

Tony..

Sunday, 9 September 2018

Hail to the Leader

A very warm welcome to Pete Beyer, joining the C&M this time not as TEC,  but for the first time, I believe, proudly wearing  the leader's jersey. May this be the first of many.

From Graham's generously written ghost report, it seems that Pete put everybody through their paces, at some risk of inducing altitude sickness. That might explain the apparent omission of a ghost rider from Graham's list of enthusiastic attendees. Like our Hon. Sec., I too counted out a dozen riders. However, for me it was a baker's dozen. Or did those rheumy eyes imagine the misty form of Bob emerging from the the shadow of the nearby church? I'm sure that Bob will tell us: he never fails to chide me if his name is absent from the attendance record.

It was a pleasure to read of the ride I missed, with my leg up and a warm beer in hand.

Jeff

Sunday September 9 2018

In case the scorer's memory isn't what it was!

A surprisingly dozen gathered at a well used Headley Tea Rooms with scarcely a regular among them.

Those who expected a gentle spin perhaps along NCN22  were wrong! Firstly it was down to Burford Bridge then up to St Barnabas where we encountered the Denbies half marathon. The undulations continued down Crocknorth and up Green Dene. After Shere's ford and a final climb the William IV in Albury Heath was soon in view - the front garden packed with customers. But the menu was limited due to refurbishment - sausages on a stick!

Here Radnor Lane and Friday Street got a mention so Ray and I decided to bail out over Newlands and down to Salisburys and home.

2 points: the two Petes, David Leach, Dave Stott, GFH, Ian, the Jacksons, Keith, Paul, Ray

1 point: Jeff and Bob(how could I forget?)

Ripley Bike Jumble

Autumn Cycle Jumble at Ripley Village Hall:  9 - 12pm Saturday 15th September

Entry 9am £1...…..early birds 7am £5 !

If one should wish to sell at the Jumble - please contact John Lattimore 01932 247614  j.lattimore@sky.com

Sunday 2nd September

On a perfect day for cycling, Lilian, Jeff (welcome back!), Ed, Paul, Pete Marmite (aka Beyer) Bob, Alan and Terry met at the newish South Down cafe, Brockham for elevenses. Suitably refreshed Bob and Alan set off to do 'their own thing', the rest headed south. A somewhat circuitous route was required to get us to Faygate for lunch so we went via Snower Hill, Leigh, almost Irons Bottom, Norwood Hill to Charlwood. Passing what  was The Gate public house years ago, we soon passed The Lamb at Lambs Green to arrive at The Holmbush, Faygate in good time for lunch. Few other customers meant our food came fairly quickly.

After lunch we briefly retraced our tyremarks before turning off towards Wimlands and Langhurst. Sadly we noted The Royal Oak (where else ?) in Friday Street is now closed. Threes was planned for North Holmwood church, reached via the straightforward route to Capel then alongside the A24 briefly before taking to the lanes. Some didn't stop for tea but the chocolate cake was wonderful. After tea we made our various ways home.

Thanks to Pete for backmarking and to all for company.

Terry 

26 August - Not the Frog & Nightgown

I was very disappointed and surprised to see a large turnout at elevenses today.   There was some kind of weird weather thing going on, with water falling from the sky - I forget what it's called.   But it didn't deter eleven riders from turning up at the Musette café in Dorking - the record going to Alan with a 24 mile ride into a fresh wind.   

Not shown: David W & Simon (who rode to lunch)
and Alan who rode home from 11s.

Having swapped with Graham so I could attend my brother's surprise birthday party a few weeks ago, it was my turn to lead, and the route was straight into the wind.  I was secretly hoping that no-one would be foolish enough to ride in such conditions.   But the C&M crowd are made of stronger stuff.   Slightly stronger anyway - there wasn't much enthusiasm to go south, so we settled on a compromise destination of Leatherhead Wetherspoons where we enjoyed an early lunch before going our separate ways.

Thankyou all for your company, and thankyou also for not voting to go to the Frog & Nightgown.   Another time.
 

Next Sunday's ride to the Frog & Nightgown

We are heading to the Frog & Nightgown near Faygate, a delightful community pub rescued from closure by a local group.   Until recently there was no food on Sundays but they have recently started to serve pizzas.   I've checked and they are happy if we bring food, for those who don't fancy pizza.  We will stop at the Rusper village stores en route for supplies.

About 17.5 miles from Dorking to lunch, then only 9 back, but there are a few hills.

19th August 2018

19th August 2018
UPPER HALLIFORD - SEND - CHOBHAM 
It was a dry, cool morning as I cycled to Squires where Bob, Graham and Dave were already seated. We were joined by Alan, Ray, Terry, Bill and Lena.    Upon departing from Squires, Bob, Bill, Lena and Alan went their own ways whilst the rest of us made our way to Walton, along the river road to Weybridge then used a path by the church to Weybridge station.  Through the car park where, at this point for a few yards?, we opted for Graham's suggested route. After crossing the railway on our way to New Haw Lock, Graham showed me another path which I had not reccied! 

We stayed on the River Wey, crossed over Dodd's Bridge along Dodd's Lane to Pyrford Road.  From here it was a straight forward ride to The Sadler's Arms at Send.  It was easily one o'clock before arriving at the pub - and I had been concerned we would be early!  Whilst t'others continued to the pub, I called on V-CC members Ann and Les, who live in Send to collect my raffle prize.   They had kindly bought it back from camp for me. Couldn't manage a track pump on my Moulton on the train!
Whilst at lunch, Graham had worked out a route to take us to afternoon tea in Cobham.  I should explain that when I reccied this ride The Barley Mow at W, Horsley wasn't serving food and no sandwiches at The King William 1V, hence the change of lunch venue.  Send to Ripley, just a little too close! - hence tea at Cobham.

We followed Graham through roads and paths which led us on to Clandon Road, into Tithe Barns Lane and straight on along the concrete farm road, across Ripley Lane into Silkmore Lane. The surface here was a little too soft to ride so we turned back and continued along Ripley Lane, then familiar roads to Cobham where Terry left us for home whilst four stopped for tea in Sainsbury's.
Thank you all for coming on the ride and Graham for sharing the lead :)  I truly enjoyed the day for it suited me as I was feeling a little weary from riding my Moulton Super Four (14" wheels and only 3 gears, not 4!) around the Sussex country side last week. We stayed at Plumpton College near to Ditchling.

 The River Wey

Pam

12 August 2018 - Fairoaks and Ash

Just my luck to pick the two wet Sundays in an otherwise dry summer to lead Sunday rides!  The weather forecast for today wasn't good and there were lots of C & M riders away or with good alibis, so I scarcely  expected any company at all for this ride.  I was very pleased then when Graham joined me at elevenses, and we duly set off for lunch at Ash.  The on and off rain, which had been more off than on, gradually became more on than off once we were on our way, so we took a fairly direct route, making only one brief detour to inspect The Cricketers at Pirbright, now closed, and sadly showing no signs of any imminent re-opening.   This was our first visit to the Lion Brewery at Ash and it ticked all the right boxes - friendly service, competitive prices, sandwiches (with chips), jacket potatoes and all day breakfasts all on the Sunday menu, and not a roast dinner in sight!   A jazz band plays every Sunday in a separate bar.   Again it was a pretty direct but completely different route home in view of the rain which, although still intermittent, had become heavier.  Graham briefly took over navigation to take us on a cunning back street route from Mayford to Sheerwater so we could avoid the unpleasant main road, then it was straightforward stuff to Walton Bridge where there was a parting of the ways.   Many thanks to Graham for his company.

Important - Changes to Planned Ride on Sunday 12 August

Please note that, owing to unforeseen circumstances, Sunday's ride will not take place as planned.  There will be no meet at Hampton Court and the lunch and elevenses venues are completely changed.   Elevenses will be at Fairoaks and lunch, provisionally, at The Lion Brewery, Ash.  Apologies for any inconvenience.

Sunday August 5 2018

Simon was "doubled booked" so I offered to deputise. With yet another hot (30+) weekend forecast I opted for a lunch closer to home. At first I choose Pirbright only to discover: Royal Oak - fully booked; Cricketers - closed for refurbishment. So it had to be Woking and a winding route under as many shady trees as I could muster.

The roads were quiet but for reasons not obvious Addlestone's Golden Cafe was  popular: fifteen of us. Five went no further : Lena and Bill S (both on tricycles!), Maureen and bikeless Peter Matthews.

Ten set off in dappled light heading west towards Windlesham then southeast towards Woking. Only Dave was brave enough for the Pennypot ford. We made two (half-) intended stops at The Plough Horsell - no chef until Wednesday and The Wheatsheaf Woking  - no sandwiches. So once again The Herbert Wells had our custom.

Afterwards we headed along the Basingstoke (still and covered in algae and apparently closed to boats west of Deepcut). In West Byfleet the traffic lights were being replaced which led to questionable riding by the group. Tea was Ockham Bites where shade was at a premium. Downside, Bookham, Leatherhead, Epsom, Chessington, and Hersham were also visited before I could finally turn for home. Under 60 miles door to door

All dayers: GFH, Bob, Dave, Ed, Ian, Irene, Lillian, Pam, Ray, Terry, Vic.

Sunday 29 July

Of all the fine, warm, sunny Sundays we've had this summer I had to go and pick the wet, windy and cool one for my ride!   Undeterred, I battled the elements (and the Pru Ride) to elevenses at Clandon Park Garden Centre not expecting any company, but was very pleased to be joined there by Bob, Ed, Lilian, Graham, Vic and Lena Clarke.  We lingered over our scones hoping for an improvement in the weather but none came, so we reluctantly decided to commute the lunch destination to Wetherspoons at Guildford.  Wind and rain continued unabated as we rode there but traffic was unusually light at least until Guildford town centre.   We paused briefly and without envy en route to watch the Pru riders turning to ride up to Newlands Corner.  After lunch and mindful of the continuing rain some chose to take an alternative route home, but Vic and I set off to ride towards Ripley.  I left him at Wisley Church and headed off up Muddy Lane where I had to dismount and force my way through the path, which is now heavily overgrown with dripping brambles, timing my arrival at Byfleet perfectly just in time to watch the London-Surrey Classic go past!

Henfold.....

.....has just reopened. Unfortunately THEY DO NOT HAVE ANY CAKE at the moment, they only seem to cater for people who want meals. They have had other cyclists visit who pointed out this grave error and are going to rectify it. Opening hours 9am - 9pm 7 day week.

Terry

Windsor-Aston-Dorney

I was not expecting a large group today as some where on a tour down Southwest. So just 5 for 11's with Alan heading home as we left.

Uneventful ride to lunch apart from Graham having problems with keeping his front wheel secure. A very pleasant lunch in a busy garden at the Flower Pot pub.The food was good and served altogether in a reasonable time.

On leaving and we had the climb up to the main road and about half way up Graham stopped to re-tighten his front wheel only to discover the the axle had completely seized. We had no cone spanners or anything to loosen it. It was decided that Graham would walk back to the pub and we would continue. Ray having parked his car at Old Windsor would return and pick him up.

Now Graham had not bought his mobile phone with him!%^$%*  Hopefully lesson learnt! So we would ring the pub to check his progress.

On to tea at Dorney where we rang the pub and briefly spoke to Graham who agreed to wait for Ray. Graham had borrowed tools and loosened the cones but could only do them finger tight. Well Graham briefly waited then  decided to risk it and ride home!

Ray did drive back and searched for Graham but to no avail. So the moral of this tail is DON'T forget your mobile PHONE!

Still a pleasant day on the bike if somewhat...........

Tony..

Four for lunch

Only 5 at the garden cafe Windsor, Alan headed home and the rest took the scenic route to the Flower pot at Aston.

29 July 2018 - Change of Elevenses Venue

Because of a potential clash of routes with the Prudential Ride on 29 July I am going to change the elevenses venue from Squires West Horsley to Clandon Park Garden Centre.   This will also enable you to reach elevenses by train to Clandon if wished and so avoid the Pru Ride altogether!   Lunch venue unchanged.  Please pass this on to anyone without access to the blog.   Apologies and thanks

Dave W

Pam's group photo