Plans for Sunday 4th June

Dear C&M'ers

I invite you to join me on Sunday's ride, starting from The Old Moat in Epsom to lunch at a Wetherspoons no less, this time The Sun at Redhill. I won't tell a lie, there is some uphill to get out of the way before we can enjoy some downhill so I've shortened the morning route to 15 miles and the only off road is a short stretch over Epsom Common to avoid the seemingly now defunct bridge over the railway line by The Wells estate.

After lunch it's all wiggly windy out of Redhill and then onto flat country lanes, heading for 13 miles all the while towards St Margaret's Church in Ockley for tea and homemade cakes.

So 28 miles in total, flat in the afternoon sunshine and with amazing fare on offer - what's not to like? 

Planned route available by WhatsApp shortly.

Enjoy your week meanwhile! 

Diane   

Sunny Sunday the 28th

What a glorious day. 11's at Magna Carta tea rooms, Runnymede. I arrived early to find Simon already sitting in the Sun, The rest of the troops arrived in dribs and drabs., Dave was the next to arrive and soon there was a good group chatting and sunning themselves.

Tony, Simon, Dave, Pam, Carolyn, Paula, Ann, Geoff, Niall (CEO EFR), Dave and Jennie, 11 in total. Virtually dead on 11 we left, and only got around just over a mile when the dreaded puncture Fairy struck Paula's bike. Experience shone through and we were soon on the move again and battling a headwind some of the time. We were soon at Bray and heading to White Waltham on lovely quiet roads. At Waltham st Lawerence added in an extra loop down to Baileys Lane, then back into West End Lane.

We were soon at Hurst and passing another C&M favourite Pub, The Green Man.  It would be right not to stop at the Castle Inn and a group photo as the pub has a lovely original Winged Wheel plaque. another mile and a bit and we were entering Dinton Pastures Country Park, our timing was impeccable as the dinner time queue at the cafe had abated, meaning virtually instant service.Dave decided to make his own way home after lunch.

It was lovely to sit outside, some under trees and some in the Summer Sun. Most had a light lunch, we did linger, but away we must. On quiet back lanes out of Hurst and the Straight Mile to Shurlock Row, Beanhams Heath, Paley Street, Touchen End, and the road past Fifield to Windsor, Old Windsor and onto Egham for afternoon tea at Libertos, cafe bar. Again sitting in glorious sunshine and not wanting to get back on the bikes. At this point dispersal sort of started, Simon led from here and we soon met up with half of the group that went a different way.

 

Staines and Ashford were soon far behind us, on the edge of Feltham and were soon in Hampton and minutes from my abode, at this point farewells to Simon and Paula, the last 2. A great days ride, with fun friends and fantastic weather, many thanks to Simon, Geoff, Dave and Jennie for shepherding the throng when required.

Tony..

Goldeneye Sussex & South Surrey Cycling Map 1996

 

Ride Report - Sunday 21 May 2023

 

This is a rather complicated one to get your head round!    Tony and Carolyn joined us for a pleasant ope-air elevenses at Cafe Barbera, Stoke d'Abernon (still now preferred to another venue in the area we have always used until recently)  but than made their own ways home!    Ed made his own way from elevenses to lunch, and Keith joined us for the first part ride of the ride to lunch but left the rest of us before we rediscovered, for the first time in some while, what Plough Lane, Cobham looks like when not submerged!    Helen turned for home just before we reached Epsom, leaving Mark (making a welcome return after a few months off his bike), Diane, Terry and me to continue to Epsom Wetherspoons for lunch.  Here we were joined by no less than Bob, Ray, Ed, Ann and Graham!  I make that 13 members altogether out for some part of the ride!   

The route had a lot of off-road sections including Green Lane, Cobham, Oxshott Woods, Princes Coverts and Ashtead Common (where Diane and Helen provided invaluable navigational help and assistance on mud-avoidance).   Generally, considering how wet the past few months have been I should mention that the paths and tracks we used were pretty dry, thankfully!    And I must not overlook the highlight of the route, the florally-decorated pill box on Stokesheath Road!

It was nice, for the first time in a long while, to enjoy both elevenses and lunch al fresco, and it was lovely to see everyone out today.  I hope you enjoyed your ride or part of it, whichever one it was!

Plans for Sunday 21 May 2023

As published, Sunday's ride will be from elevenses at Cafe Barbera, Stoke d'Abernon, to lunch at The Assembly Rooms, Epsom, with tea at Long Ditton (or Hampton Court if preferred).   The route to lunch is about 14 miles long and will take us in a less familiar direction, featuring a number of off-road sections, some of which you may know, some not!

Scam!!

 If you have received an email purporting to come from Graham about a way to make a quick profit, please ignore and delete it as it is another scam, I'm sure that Graham will advise asap. It seems that Graham is now a student/academic at Alexandria University in Egypt. He does get about.

Jeff

On behalf of GCHQ

Sunday 14 May 2023

I didn't spot Dave's text until Saturday evening leaving only early Sunday for a revised route. A partial from 2018 would have to do; the rest would be from memory (not that reliable these days). Silently I hoped someone else would lead!

At New Malden we were six (Bernard, Diane, Geoff, GFH, Keith, Sabine). By 1115 no more could be expected. We started more or less as intended : BeeLine Way - Raynes Park - Wimbledon(Gap Road) -  Summerstown. 

Approaching Clapham Common it became clear that an alternative strategy might work. Geoff had a copy of Dave’s route so "Speak the directions to me Geoff" became my mantra. We found Albert Square (not that one) easily and Burgess Park, an open space created in the 50s/60s was new and well patronized. For me the Old Kent Road is a frontier to terra incognita so I switched to the off-route Quietway1(C10). At Waterloo Station Keith departed. After refreshments in Lower Marsh we crossed the Thames and followed it through Chelsea Wharf to Putney Bridge. Finally the climb to Putney Heath led to the Windmill on Wimbledon Common where we dispersed.

I managed to drop all of you at one time or another and got lost on too many occasions – apologies.

30+ miles on a fine summery day with huge crowds in the parks and commons, a Royal Marsden charity run/walk in Raynes Park, tourist hordes in Parliament Square, Whitehall, etc, etc

Plans for Sunday 14 May 2023

As shown on the rides list, Sunday's route will take us from elevenses at The Watchman, New Malden to another Wetherspoon's on the south side of Tower Bridge.   There may be a few short overlaps but it is in the main a completely different route from other recent Wednesday and Sunday rides to London and features the delights of the Wombles' bench and Albert Square (no, not that one)!

On the way back there will be a Waterloo Station option (if required), or else, continuing the Wombles' theme,  a continuation to tea at Wimbledon Common!

UPDATE - The ride leader is unwell and will not be able to lead the ride, so the route and lunch stop will be decided at elevenses.

Bob Eberhard - Arthur Jessop Shield award

I'm delighted to tell you that Bob Eberhard has been awarded the Arthur Jessop Shield, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to our club.   David Ward proposed Bob for the award but was unable to attend due to illness, so the following citation was read by Dave Vine, and unanimously supported at our AGM. 

Those of you who have never ridden with our Sunday section, the Cheam and Morden, may be wondering who Bob Eberhard is, but, if you have ever ridden with the Cheam and Morden you will certainly know him.  Bob has been a fixture on Sunday rides since forever. Exactly when he did join is now lost in the mists of time, but we know that by 1969 he was already sufficiently established to be Auditor for the group. Between 1972 and 2001, a period of about 30 years, he was Rides Secretary for the Cheam and Morden, and he also ran the annual map reading competition for most of this time. We know Bob was a loyal member and serial attender because he regularly won the group's attendance points competition. Bob is still a frequent attender at Sunday elevenses today even if, understandably, he now limits himself now to venues within a reasonable distance of his home.

More generally, Bob has been a very active campaigner for cycling and walking interests in Epsom and Ewell, Reigate and Banstead, Mole Valley and Tandridge and he has given considerable time and energy to improving access for cyclists in his home area of Epsom & Ewell. Since 1990 he has served on five forum groups and Epsom Borough can now claim to have the most extensive cycle routes network in Surrey. It is rumoured that Bob once single-handedly defeated the introduction of a one-way traffic scheme in Epsom! Bob is well known for his opposition to the motor car with its damaging effects on cycling and the environment. There are anecdotes about Bob's unexpectedly fierce, verbal treatment of motorists whom Bob has believed to be behaving unreasonably. His opposition to the car was also seen in his advocacy of train-assisted rides. He planned these for the Cheam and Morden with a special knowledge of Sunday timetables, platform changes, best value ticket buys and bike capacity.

Bob is a very modest and self-effacing person who avoids the limelight and will certainly play down what he has achieved over the years, but he is an extraordinary person. Cycling is far from his only passion - he also travels all over south-east England tracking down and recording examples of stained glass, and maintaining a website for this. Others in the field describe him as a 'stained glass hero'!  He is also a long-term member of the Ramblers' Association, and still regularly leads walks for them. HIs walking activities take place on Wednesdays which explains why, although he would have been an ideal
member, he has never joined us as a Midweek Wayfarer!

Bob's long-term commitment to our club and to cycling in general is surely an unparalleled achievement and, in 2001 the South West London DA went so far as to nominate him for a CTC 'certificate of merit' in recognition! I know Bob's wife had this framed and that it has a proud place on his wall. After another 20 years it is high time we gave him the award he now so richly deserves. We are honoured that Bob has been able to make an exception and join us this Wednesday and I am delighted to nominate him to  receive the Arthur Jessop Shield for 2023.

Janice Dawes, also a long-time Cheam & Morden rider in earlier days, added the following

When I first started cycling with C&M Bob would be there riding with us. He would be dressed in every day clothing, his trousers held in with cycle clips and he’d be wearing a shirt, jumper and jacket. This must have been in the mid to late 1980s and mountain biking was making its presence known. I recall that on ‘rough stuff’ Bob, dressed as he was and on his touring bike, flying past fully Lycra clad mountain bikers with surprising speed and skill that must surely have shocked the mountain bikers!

When Bob stopped cycling regularly he would still pop up at elevenses and sometimes lunch, even if it was a long distance ride to the coast. 

Congratulations, Bob, on this very well deserved recognition.

Well done Bob.

Mallorca 2023 - Day 5 - Acudia

 Overnight rain and a cloudy start but undeterred riders were in their kit and ready for the briefing at 9.30.  We wheeled off with visions of strawberries and a promise for time to walk around the world heritage site of the walled town of Acudia.  

It was a day of indulgence....

Sunday the 7th May

With a large number off cycling in warmer climbs, I wasn't expecting a large group, and sure enough, just 5 for 11's at the George, Staines, Simon, Robert, and myself, Graham and David V just to 11's. But just 3 ventured forth for the ride to Velolife at Warren Row.

                                                                         Eton     

                                            

                                                                           Velolife

The usual route out to Dorney, and Bray where a large Coronation celebration was taking place. Onto White Waltham and a few miles of NCN4 to the Bath road, then Knowle Hill and upto Warren Row to sit in the sun at Vellolife,

                                                          

                                                             All at Waltham St Lawrence

It was busy with cyclists, but we 3 were soon served. My route back was to head back to White Waltham, but it was now such a pleasant day, I decided to carry on towards Cockpole Green, then a left Upper Wargrave, then crossing the Bath road at Hare Hatch and down to Waltham St Larence, where another celebration was going on. Then the B3024 to Touchen End.

                                                                         NCN4

 

Back roads to Old Windsor, but it was very busy crossing the Long Drive, upto Windsor Castle, as revellers were making their way to the Castle concert. We were soon seated outside in the Sun at the NT tea rooms at Runnymede. We didn't dally as time was getting on. Back through Egham and the cycle path on the Staines road, at this point, a severe mechanical happened to Roberts's bike, his rear Derailleur snapped off, with no injuries to Robert. The chain was shortened, making the bike into a single-speed, and he managed to cycle to Hampton Court station for a train home, accompanied by Simon.

It turned out to be a really good day cycling apart from the mechanical, Thank you, Robert and Simon, especially Simon for back marking.

Tony..

30/4/23 C&M ride to Greenford

Well, what a good turnout, 17 met at the Bonjourno Cafe, Hampton Hill/ We split into 2 groups with me leading the first group, with Geoff as backmarker and Simon leading the second group and Dave W back marking that group.

A straightforward route was done to Twickenham and on through Isleworth and into Syon Park. We joined the Grand Union Canal at Brentford but only to the Great West road, as my previous Friday reccie had meant my bike needed severe mud removal when I got home when I ventured further along the canal. Boston Manor Road has a newish cycle path up to Boston Manor station. At Hanwell we joined the Grand Union again briefly, then a short section of the river Brent, using the tunnel under the Uxbridge road, a brief stop for a photo of the delightful Thatched cottage near Hamwell mini Zoo.

 

 

Then across Brent Valley Golf course, to Perivale Park and past the memorial seat to Nicky Hopkins (no relation), Rock's greatest session man. Over the A40 to Horsendon Hill and then Whitton Ave to lunch at the Greenwood Hotel, Wetherspoons, a fantastic old building.

As the weather was warm enough we all sat outside for lunch. As usual in Wetherspoons, the service was prompt and we were all soon fed and watered. And now eager to wend our way to tea, A straightforward route to Northolt station where we encounter a massive traffic jam due to road works. We were soon passed the holdup and crossing Northala fields which jas very very busy due to the good weather. Then various paths and cycle paths bought us to the Paddington arm of the Grand Union canal, which has a good, firm tarmaced surface, a few miles of this bought us to Bull's Bridge and mainly cycle paths and across Hounslow Heath, the legendary haunt of Dick Turpin, the highwayman. 

Then through the lovely woods along the Crane River to tea at Kneller Park, not all stopped for tea, but a few enjoyed coffee/tea and cake, the weather had taken on a definite chill by now, and we were soon saying our goodbyes, adding extra layers for the last few miles home.

Lovely to see so many on the ride today, and 16 making it to lunch. Many thanks to all, especially to Geoff for back marking the first group, closely followed by Simon for leading a second and Dave W for back marking this group.

 Tony..

 

Change of 11's

11's change for Sunday the 30th. 11's will now be at cafe Bonjourno, Hampton hill

Cafe Bonjourno Link

(Non) Ride Report - Sunday 23 April 2023

 

The recent run of awful weather still shows no sign of relenting and the forecast for today was particularly discouraging!   In the event, (at least for most of the time) today didn't turn out to be quite as wet as had been forecast, but it was still a very indifferent day for the time of year!   Aside from the weather, given the Hilly 50 the day before, reactions to booster jabs, late nights, and so on, it would have been no great surprise if no one else had ventured out to elevenses, so it was a great pleasure to be joined by Robert, Pam, Tony, and Liz.

There was no great appetite to continue as a group to lunch so we made our separate ways from Addlestone.   I wasn't planning to go to Pirbright, our planned lunch stop, but I did end up passing through it.   I didn't stop so don't claim a point!

Thanks all for your company and we will hope for some more spring-like weather soon!

Sunday April 16 2023

Sunday's ride is: Addlestone-Pirbright-Ripley around 25 miles. Both pubs in Pirbright have gastro aspirations. The Yurt Cafe is a separate part of the Cricketers serving hot drinks and snacks at gastro prices. There's no shops so you could BYO and feed the ducks. 

Well the recce didn't go well! Close to Fox Corner the left crank came loose. The bike limped three miles to Pirbright Station stopping regularly to have its pinch bolts tightened. Back home I found and fitted a replacement crank bolt so in theory it's back in service.

A test run and Saturday's Covid jab might mean no time for a second recce. Mud is definitely ruled out. I can make no promises about the Worplesdon Station underpass....

AGM 2023

When I arrived at the Old Moat, I found 15 regular C&M'ers. "Best day of the year so far" was a common sentiment so we settled on a picnic/AGM in Richmond Park. Eleven (Ed, Tony, Alan, Simon, Terry, Robert, Dave W, Pam, Maureen, Anne and GFH) were keen to attend. The rest (Diane, Bernard, Sabine, and Bob) had other ideas.

Early morning inspection ruled out off-roading so Ed led us through West Ewell to the Hogsmill River. Here a change of leader saw me steering the group through Malden Manor and Berrylands to the Stanley Picker Gallery. Across Fairfield and east along the newish London Road cyclepath came next. Here some raided Asda, and later others pop into the Coop. The picnic site was close to Kingston Gate. The AGM started promptly at one and was soon over leaving time for leisurely tea 3/4 mile away in Latchmere Road Rec. 

A very modest 19 miles door to door.

Easter Tour 2023: Exposé and Photo Special

This year's Easter Tour to Bournemouth was organised by Steve and Ann with their usual attention to detail,  including excellent weather for the weekend.  Forty-six came for the weekend at the Hotel Collingwood, with Keith staying at a hotel two doors down the road, after places filled up pretty quickly.  As usual there were a mix of road riders and trail riders, with several partners joining us for the social attraction of the weekend, plus of course the option to spend time around Bournemouth.

This report covers the road activities.

Le Tour de Purbeck

Mass start

On Saturday Pete Beyer led us on a surprisingly hilly ride around the Isle of Purbeck, with lunch at a renowned pub, which I was unfortunately unable to visit due to the mutiny.  But more about that later.

Chain Ferry stage

Details of the ride were a closely-guarded secret.  About thirty of us (estimates vary) set off along Bournemouth sea front, a few miles to Sandbanks and the chain ferry to Studland.  A scenic route which we later learned was only 'undulating' took us west to within sight of Corfe Castle, then north to a nice cafe at the Arne RSPB reserve.  Lovely.

Looking back towards Poole Harbour and Bournemouth

Then it was on to the mountain stage of the tour.  We headed south over several mountain ranges towards the fabled pub.

Hills

Fossils

More hills

Eventually at a place called Steeple, our leader's intentions were revealed.  We were to attempt the North Face of Swyre Head, previously untamed by road bikes.  The climb was only short, about 1/2 km but with 100m of ascent, and an extremely rough stony track.  Ahead of us, a long stream of bikes were being pushed up the mountain.  The legendary pub was just over the mountain,  reached by a 2km off-road track along the summit ridge and then a descent.

This is when the mutiny occurred.  A group of six remembered that they didn't want to climb another mountain.  I cannot reveal names in case of repercussions, but the mutineers plotted a flat route to the nearest pub instead.

Some of the mutineers

The loyalists clambered up the rocky slope, to be rewarded by panoramic views from the top, before traversing the ridge, fastening safety belts and descending to the pub, the Square and Compass at Worth Matravers.

The Ridge route

Summit photograph

The pub is just round the corner

Unfortunately, some others had heard about the pub, and it was packed.  Worse still, it had run out of the famed pasties, the only food on offer.   Julie and Daniel were lucky, the others, not.  

The Square and Compass, Worth Matravers

Shortly after this, Lilian punctured, and despite the assembled experts and many, many bike pumps, the replaced tube could not be inflated.   A faulty valve was to blame.  Time was now getting short, so it was every man and woman for themselves.  The group scattered in the return to the ferry, showers, bar, and much appreciated evening meal.   Not to mention the evening entertainment,  which was incredible, but off-limits for this blog.

It was a memorable, adventurous, challenging and outstanding ride in all sorts of ways.  Several people felt they had achieved something they didn't know they were capable of.  What more can you ask for?  Thanks to our leader, Pete Beyer for planning and leading us. 

Sunday ride to Wimborne Minster

Sunday's ride was a complete contrast to Saturday's expedition.  Steve had planned a more gentle route, to another excellent pub, but this time with food.   While the Saturday ride had mountains, ridiculous slopes, sheep poo, amazing views from high places across the south coast, Sunday's ride had an intimate charm with gentle climbs through blossom-hedged lanes, quaint villages, and the odd deer in the fields.  We set off through the expensive-looking West Cliff area of Bournemouth, and then had an extensive ride around beautiful Poole harbour.  

Poole

The Cowshed

Just outside Poole we stopped in Lytchett Minster for tea at a craft café, The Cowshed.  After a few purchases had been made, we meandered north and then back east to just outside Wimborne Minster before descending en masse on an unsuspecting pub, The Vine Inn at Pamphill, winner of a Camra award for the most unchanged pub interior.

Pub interior

We were soon queuing out of the door, which wasn't difficult as the bar could only hold about four people.   The sole lady serving calmly took our orders and served drinks, breaking off every now and again to serve the locals in the other room.   We were given a number and took our drinks out into the garden.  When food was ready, there was a knock on the window and a large number was put up the the window.   Simple and effective.

After lunch we had a short ride around Wimborne Minster, meeting up with a few of the group who had opted for lunch in Wimborne.   The return route was along a disused railway line, the Broadstone Way - nobody even blinked at the off road after Saturday's exploits - which led us back to Poole and a bit more harbour-side cycling before returning to the hotel along the sea front.

Wimborne Minster Minster

The hotel was excellent, with superb food and great service from the staff.    Apparently it was owned by a retired racing cyclist, and used to advertise regularly in the Vets' Time Trial Association (VTTA) magazine.   Since changing hands it seems to have maintained standards and was very welcoming to us cyclists.   Steve Gordon and Ann Bath organised the venue and bookings and it all ran extremely smoothly.   Many thanks are due to Steve and Ann for making it such a huge success.

Thanks to many people who contributed photos via WhatsApp, and to everyone for making it such an enjoyable sociable weekend.