Sunday 29th December 2024

 Today we went north into the "Big Smoke".........freezing fog, mist & murk more like, so when eight appeared at North Cheam for a early departure, I was pleasantly suprised.

Most had four layers or more but Daniel was caught out by the low temperature & shivered most of the way round but Geoff was able to help out in the glove department to save on frost bitten fingers.

Nine became ten after the "welcome" ? hill of Cottenham Park Road (sorry Lilian, I know you would beg to differ).

Drivers (mostly) kept to the 20 mph speed limit along Parkside & we descended to a traffic free Putney High Street.

Fulham Road took us to West Brompton & then up to the cavernous Tesco at West Kensington.

Ordering was quick & easy using big screens that I'm more used to seeing in McDonalds (not that I ever go in McDonalds).

By the time we were ready to leave, numbers had swelled further to fifteen (Steph arrived shortly after this pic was taken).

Lunch was due east but we were to ride north & complete "a lap" of the Regents Park outer perimeter road which Komoot calls a "highlight", probably due to its wide pothole free surface, lack of traffic, road furniture & stuff to slow you down.

Bring on the fast men (& women).

Passing London Zoo, I pondered what the Zebras thought about the cold, sadly they looked too miserable to be bothered.

A Garmin malfunction caused a minor delay but we were soon in Hyde Park dodging the many pedestrians heading for the "Winter Wonderland".

Ice Mountain:

This indoor spinning rollercoaster gives you a thrilling experience of the Arctic as you ride through mountain caverns, meet the resident penguins and see dazzling northern lights.

"Not my cup of tea" says Sabine.

On reaching Trafalgar Square it appeared we hadn't lost anybody so just after 1pm, lunch was served at Kozzy café in the back streets of Holborn.

This was the bit I most feared because as the place was "walk in" only, the ride could of gone seriously pear shaped at this point.

But somehow everyone got seated, fed and I sensed a general feeling of satisfaction amongst the diners.

Photo credit Simon

A few of us stopped for a NT tea at the Potting Shed café (Morden).

Photo credit Madeleine

Thanks to Clive for back marking on his 3rd C&M ride - today with his son George, various corner markers & to use a favourite phrase by Dave W - thanks for putting up with it all.

Finally, I wish all C&M riders past & present & casual blog readers a HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SAFE NEW YEAR !

IMPORTANT - Changes to this Sunday, 29th December

 Hi all,

The ride starts from North Cheam (Lavender Corner Post Office) at 9.20am (a little later than published).

Elevenses is at the Tesco, West Kensington (Junction of Cromwell Road/Warwick Road).

There are plenty of bike racks & it may be possible to see your bike from the café.

Upon entering, immediately look for the stairs on the right where the café is located on the first floor with the toilets on the next floor up.

The recently opened café has a ordering system not unlike McDonalds where you choose from a screen prompt.

NOTE, the store doesn't open until 11am although the café opens at 10.30am.

Lunch is at Kozzy café Fast Break in Red Lion Street, Holborn where the owner Cindy will be pleased to serve us.

Tea is at the National Trust café, Morden Hall Park.

PLEASE NOTE, in areas where cycles & pedestrians share space ie, Hyde Park, please take care.

Routes:

NC - Tesco   https://www.komoot.com/tour/1991121772

Tesco - Kozzy café    https://www.komoot.com/tour/1992693916

Kozzy café - NT café    https://www.komoot.com/tour/1992701453

I look forward to your company.

Sunday December 22 2025 - Old Moat To Spoons

At the start riders were in double figures but half were there to test a new tandem plus Ed meaning only eight signed on the official ride.  Oh the shame of it - a day's total of 17.5 miles, a ride's total under 10 including 2 miles for a view of a wooden seat (search this blog for better views). As can be seen from this map the rest was edge of suburbia. 

Bright and breezy to 11s; "fresh" for the last two miles home. 

Christmas cards for all

Pete Mitchell's seat (approx TQ1862)

.

New Year's Day Elevenses Meet 2024

🎄

Everyone from all SWLDA sections is welcome at the Cheam & Morden Section's traditional New Year's Day meet at Colicci Cafe, Roehampton Gate, Richmond Park on Weds 1 January.    Arrive at any time from early on until midday and you'll be in good company!    

Wednesday 'B' group riders who are interested in a possible ride starting from the Epsom/Ewell area to Richmond Park and back should contact Madeleine Shearer for further information.

Apart from that, no formal group rides to or from Richmond Park are currently planned but it's never too late to volunteer to lead an inbound, outbound, or round trip ride!   A lunch stop is not compulsory!

Seasons greetings in the meantime, and don't forget that the C & M don't stop for Christmas - we do have a ride planned for Sunday 29 December too!

Oops!

 Call it old age. I posted this on the Midweekers blog by mistake,  Now removed! 

 Sunday's ride is as advertised from Old Moat to Spoons Surbiton. It's likely to be breezy but brief (under 15 miles).  No ride pm indeed I may not stop for lunch.  

A lot calmer than Tu/W in Kings Lynn so I'll try to arrive early (for me) at OM. 

Ride Report - Sunday 15 December 2024

Well, I've said it before and I'll no doubt say it again (it saves my little grey cells from the undue wear and tear original thought might risk), but a North Cheam elevenses meet always brings Cheam and Morden members out of the woodwork from all directions!    This occasion was no exception but had also the feel of a reunion as it was very pleasing to have both Richard and Ed join us, along with a few other faces we haven't seen recently, but which were most welcome!

If I have it correctly, I was joined for the rest of the ride to lunch by no less than Niall (many happy returns to him), Simon L, Brenda, Christina, Geoff, Neil C, Diane, Gina, Andy C, Keith, Maddie and Steph (I think I'm one name short there - apologies if I've overlooked anyone)!

(NB - Route shown above includes section from Walton-on-Thames to North Cheam which was not part of the official route)

I must admit I was taken a little by surprise by the size of the group joining the onward ride to Ockham Bites, and parts of the route weren't ideal for such a large number.  Nevertheless, with the help of Simon, Neil, Geoff and Andy, any difficulties were overcome!   

It was a day of three inaugurations for the C & M, the first being a traverse of the newly-resurfaced (well, partly, anyway) bridleway, New Road.   This proved itself to be just about tolerable for riding in what has been quite a wet autumn and early winter, but it is a pity some attention was not given to the rather gloopy turn-out onto Fairoak Lane!

(Photo courtesy of Andy)

The main event of the day, the C & M's first official traverse of the new Wisley Bridge, had to wait until after lunch, where Terry joined us.   Ockham Bites was busy but everyone that needed refreshments managed to get what they wanted and it was fortunately a mild and bright day, ideal for sitting outside!

Some headed their own ways home from lunch, but a hardcore group led by me headed the short distance to the bridge and took it by storm!   It made for a much shorter and easier ride back to Walton, even more so because we inaugurated use of a mysterious path (well, I've always wondered where it went, anyway) leading along the base of the old banking at Brooklands for where turned out to be quite a short length, but cunningly avoiding the busy shopping centre area.   With the brisk wind behind us we soon reached our destination.

Many thanks to all for you company, and for putting up with it all (!), and particular thanks to the helpers named above.    See you all again soon!

Revised Plans for Sunday 15 December 2025

Sunday's ride will start as billed from The Nonsuch Inn, North Cheam.   However, our lunch stop will now be at Ockham Bites (not The Pomelers' Rest as billed).   I was planning a rather quirky outbound route of almost 20 miles to include at least one crossing of the new Wisley Lane bridge, but now I learn that New Road, Claygate has been re-invigorated, and appears to be rideable again in winter conditions,  there are new possibilities and I may make some slight changes!

In any event, it will still be a longish ride to lunch and a much shorter route back to tea at Walton Bridge so all can get home in the light.

All welcome!

Sunday 8th December 2024 - Storm Darragh

Trying desperately to put a spin on it.

It wasn't THAT bad.

I mean yes it was cold, but it's winter fgs.

It was raining....but only light & intermittently, so it felt like it wasn't raining at all (joking).

A crowd (3) met at Oaks Park extended café indoor seating area.

Amid the constant yapping of dogs, we considered our options.

Go home or go on.

"Once you're out, you're out" was being echoed......so onwards we went.

Keith's intention was unclear (he left us shortly after) but Diane & myself continued east through Purley, Mitchley Hill & with the wind behind us made good time to find the road closed going toward Westerham.

But we were going no further.

The sawing of the tree into bits was well under way, but we headed inside for lunch.

When we emerged, the grabby, lifty truck had removed the logs & the road had reopened.

On the return there was a further incident on Featherbed Lane & a police presense (rta - petrol on the road). 

Tea was taken as planned (Coombe Wood).

Thanks to Keith but especially Diane for keeping me company.

Roll on summer.

Revised ride for Sunday 8th December

 

My efforts to resurrect the rides from years past (with an earlier start & ride to a

further out 11's) have been abandoned....at least until the Spring.

Storm Darragh may affect my plans for Sunday but in any event, 11's will be at Oaks Park, Carshalton.

Lunch will (hopefully) be either Warlingham or Woldingham (Knights GC) to be decided on the day.

If the the weather isn't as bad as the're saying then it's possible (in agreement with folk) we'll make Westerham (my original plan).

It would be nice to get to Coombe Wood for tea but we'll see.

Hope you can join me. 

Ride Report - Sunday 1 December 2024

 

It was one of those day when you wish the weather forecasters would give up using super computers and just go back to seaweed.   Or may be artificial intellingence would do a better job, to pick up that theme up again....  Anyway, a bit of patchy light rain was expected, quickly clearing through.   Of course, it didn't do what was expected and, after a largely dry start we got increasingly heavy and persistent rain!

Tony, Steph, Colin G, Graham, Steph, Robert and Maddie are made of sterner stuff than to be put off by a liitle bit of rain and duly assembled at Cafe Barbera for elevenses.   I'm not made of sterner stuff, but I had to be there to lead the ride, so no effort of will or strength of character was required on my part!

Anyway, all of us except Tony (who sagely decided to head for home) set off on my shortish route to Epsom.   However, while the route might of been short on distance, it seemed to take forever as my gloves progressed through damp to wet and I cursed myself for not bringing a spare pair!  And a helmet cover or jacket with a hood.  Never trust weather forecasts!

That was just a state of mind and in reality it didn't take us too long to reach the shelter afforded by The Assembly Rooms.   Ann had arrived before us and reserved just the right number of seats.  It wasn't too busy and there was no queue at the bar.  Wetherspoons festive fare was duly consumed in abundance!

It was still raining steadily when I set off for home, but, as it goes with that sort of day, it dried up and the sun suddenly started to shine brilliantly just as I turned the last corner before my road!   You couldn't make it up although AI might be able to!

Thanks all for your company on such a horrible day!

Plans for Sunday 1 December

Sunday's ride will go ahead as planned (from elevenses at Cafe Barbera, Stoke d'Abernon to The Assembly Rooms, Epsom).   There were no volunteers to lead, so I'll lead to lunch.   If anyone wants tea and is going that way, I'll be passing near to Squires, Long Ditton on the way home.

We'll leave elevenses at 11.00 am sharp (NB, this is our actual departure time, not starting to get ready to leave time!) and do a shortish ride with the intention of arriving at The Assembly Rooms before it starts to get too busy.   If anyone happens to be going straight to lunch and could arrive at the pub before 12.30 pm and grab a couple of tables for us then that would be even better!

In the New Year we'll try a ride starting from The Assembly Rooms instead - details will follow.   In the spring I hope we can resume our very well attended, normal length rides from Cafe Barbera to The Assembly Rooms.   Cafe Barbera is an elevenses venue which has proved very popular with members and makes a nice change from visiting too many Wetherspoons!  And when temperatures are reasonably warm it's always possible to get a table for lunch outside The Assembly Rooms without the crowds!   It's a good lunch spot and invariably attracts a number of our members who aren't usually able to join our other rides for one reason or another.

Where Should We Lunch When in Epsom - Your Views Please!

For several years now we have had a regular (and very popular) ride every two months from Stoke d'Abernon to Epsom.  It's only a short way as the crow flies but it's been amazing to see how many different ways there are of stretching it out.... Anyway, the real idea behind the ride is not to test our route-planning ingenuity but rather to give us the chance to meet up every few weeks with a few long-standing members who wouldn't otherwise be able to join us on our rides.

Until now on these rides we have stopped for lunch at Epsom Wetherspoons (The Assembly Rooms).   It's nice to sit outside there in summer but in winter the inside can get very busy and crowded.   To dodge the crowds it has been suggested we try M & S cafe nearby instead.  But you wouldn't be able to get a pint there so another suggestion is that we stick with Wetherspoons but, in winter months, make sure we arrive early before it gets too busy.

Do you have any views on this please, or can you suggest another venue in Epsom town centre large enough to take us and serving the sort of lunch time fare we like?

Please respond on WhatsApp or e-mail me (cycledave23@gmail.com) if you prefer.

Ride Report - Sunday 24th Nov 2024 - Blowin' Bert Away

I'd heard the rumour days back. Some punk called Bert was blowing into town. Then came the tip off from a couple of dames - he'd shut down the Park. I was already mad and now I was madder. I stared long and hard into the bottom of my whiskey glass, and I put out the call. Someone had to draw the line, and this time it was down to me. 

Six of the best showed up at Local Hero next day, good guys one and all, I knew they'd have my back. One remained on watch and the rest of us headed South, to look him straight in the eye and run him outta town. Through them fancy neighbourhoods Esher and Oxshott, he tried throwing us off balance with some left and right hooks but no cigar, we got to Stoke D'Abernon Squires unscathed. One of the gang went on alone while the rest of us holed up for a time. Food came slowly, I could'a robbed a Bank quicker, but it was decent provisions and I had other things on my mind. 

We hit the road again, this time it was into Leatherhead and Lower Ashtead, then skirted the Common and made for The Old Moat. We had him then, just one more roll of the dice. Two left for home and the remaining three settled in for a time, chewing the fat. We own this town, and that's just how it's gonna stay.

My thanks to The Gang for their company, photo credit to Dave and thanks to Alan for back-marking all day. About 10 miles to lunch and 8 miles to tea in strong gusts of wind - well done all! 

L-R: Robert, Simon, Graham, Alan, Diane

L-R: All of Santa's Reindeer, Robert, Martina, Simon, Alan, David

Any way the wind blows doesn't really matter

   

VERY IMPORTANT - MORE CHANGES TO SUNDAY'S RIDE!

We are now advised that all the Royal Parks will be closed tomorrow due to Storm Bert, so the C&M will meet at Local Hero in Thames St, Kingston, just south of the bridge and close to TK Maxx. I'm hoping it will be fairly empty in Kingston tomorrow because of the weather, and will aim to get there early to secure a table. 

Bike parking is available outside TK Maxx and the use of strong locks has been recommended. 

There are a few options available for lunch, depending on how far we want to go. To be discussed over elevenses. 

No pressure to attend, please review the weather in the morning and do what is right for you. Also check WhatsApp for any last minute changes. 

Roll on Spring! 

Short Sunday Tide

Yes, small group though we band of three were, a very enjoyable and stress free repeat of my recent B ride lead.  We set off under sunny skies and took it easy though Richmond park to Roehampton gate and enjoyed plenty of on and off road through to Putney, stopping for lunch in Bishops’s Park. We locked our bikes securely, since this was the site of 2 famous bike thefts on an all day Saturday ride a year or two ago.

Bikes safe, we continued to -and over - Hammersmith Bridge and onto Barnes where Geoff, our back marker, left us.

Adventuring on, we Hardy pair made it token Bridge for a Banksey ibex viewing and on through various backdrops of Tony’s childhood, which was a treat to hear about. Syon Park was as lovely as ever, but our plans to follow the river back to the Hampton were scuppered by a phenomenal high tide from Richmond to Twickenham. Quite dramatic! Tony took the lead through the mean streets of Twickers to Fulwell and Hampton Hill where we parted ways - happy and ready for another glorious autumn day to cycle through.

Mady

Sunday 17th November 2024

If you're reading this & went to North Cheam for a 9am start.....my humble apologies.

But I suspect no-one did having read my previous blog post, but where was the rain?

North Wales apparently where it probably rains quite alot anyway.

Nine assembled at The Nonsuch Inn all with the intention of at least riding to Godstone.

And you know that delay waiting for everybody to stop gassing & get on their bikes meant Simon spotted a large crack in the head tube of his Dawes bike & he was forced to abandon the idea of joining us.

Foxley Lane took us to Purley & the A22 south along which Bernard punctured.

A (galvanised) nail evidently, & we reconvened at the "Ann Summers" roundabout.

Ann Summers has 144 retail stores & sells 2 million "Rampant Rabbits" (whatever they are?) a year!

We took the delightful lane up past Woldingham school, then a fast descent to The Flower Farm at Godstone for a one 'o clock lunch, saying goodbye to Dave W & Keith.

After lunch, up to Tilburstow (The Enterdent), South Park, Cuckseys Lane, Henshaw Farm to Philanthropic Road.

We were making our way to Wray Common Road & Wray Lane where there is a worrying signpost.

Whilst not up there with Whitedown, Tanhurst, Barhatch & the like, it's still pretty steep, especially near the top.

Just when you're starting to enjoy the view & wondering what all the fuss is about, Wray Lane kicks up considerably as you curl around to the left, nearing 22% for 200 metres or so.

Well earned tea stop at Junc 8 café.

Thanks to Dave W (backmarking), Dave V (Reigate Hill pic/backmarking), Diane, Alan, Keith, Sabine & Bernard (Reigate Hill pic #2) for your company.

Pre-Christmas Clear-out Opportunity - Calling for C&M Logo'd Kit!

We've had some requests for C&M logo'd kit, but currently have none in stock. So before we go trotting off to the printers with what could be a very small order, I'd like to know if anyone has any C&M kit in new or good used condition which they would be happy to part with, either free to a new owner or in exchange for a modest sum (to be agreed). 

If you have such kit languishing now unloved in your wardrobes and drawers, please email me (dianelporter@hotmail.com) with:

• the type of item 
• condition
• size

Equally, if you're looking for an item you can let me know now, so that I can start marrying up supply and demand. I'll gather up your responses and take it from there. 

Thanks everyone! 

Diane - C&M Chair 

Some photos from the archives.....

IMPORTANT - Changes to this Sunday's ride - 17th November 2024

Hi folks,

In light of the wet weather due on Sunday, the following will now be the plan:

Elevenses - North Cheam (The Nonsuch Inn - Wetherspoons) departing 11am.

Lunch - Flower Farm,Godstone.

Tea - Junc 8, Reigate Hill (or Walton-on-the-Hill if raining).

Routes:

Garmin:

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/319127112 - am

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/319428506 - pm

Komoot:

https://www.komoot.com/tour/1953215503 - am

https://www.komoot.com/tour/1953234852 - pm

I hope you're able to join me.

Ride Report - Sunday 10 Nov 2024

 

I've just seen I can try Google Gemini artificial intelligence, so , providing I can remember my password, this may well be the last ride report I ever actually pen myself.  You may therefore expect better quality ramblings from now on!   Or perhaps you're already looking at a a deep fake....?

Anyway, I digress.   It was a typical Remembrance Sunday morning - cold, overcast and miserable.  It wasn't actually foggy but it made me recall a Remembrance Sunday morning in my childhood when there was very thick fog.   On the valve radio, Wynford Vaughan-Thomas was commenting from the Cenotaph and the guard's band were lingering over the Nimrod variation.   The service once over, I went out with my dad, on foot since we had no car, likely to get some fags (for him, that is, not for me).  I came back with a packet of Callard and Bowser's butterscotch, then one of my favourites.   Mais où sont les bonbons d'antan, as the man almost wrote!

To return to the subject, it was 'implacable November weather' (as another bloke wrote) but that did not deter Dave V,  Diane, Steph, Terry, Andy, Brian, Keith, Jennie, Clive, Graham and, surprisingly, me from gathering for a convivial elevenses at a very cosy Vineries Garden Centre!   It was hard to drag ourselves away but we were ready to leave promptly at 11.00, pausing for two minute's silence before actually setting off.   

We left Dave V and Graham at the Vineries and set off into the gloom, taking an improbable route through the implacable weather - we reached Horsley station via some pointless back-doubles, then took the railway path to West Horsley and headed for the Ryde Farm track.  I had promised no unsurfaced tracks, and, strictly speaking, kept my word, although in truth the broken up concrete of the first part of the farm track resembled an earthquake zone!   Miraculously there were no casualties!   Brian disappeared into the gloom after this, off to quality control the new Wisley Lane bridge works!

We fended off some implacable drizzle and at length we reached Guildford where Steph left us.   Wetherspoons wasn't too busy for a Sunday lunchtime and service was quick.  Unfortunately, wifi and the internet were both too slow to use the app and we had to suffer the ignominy of going to the bar to order!   I envisaged countless university students all around us lazing in bed in their garrets while artificial inelligence was busy writing their essays and assignments for them, just in time for the start of the new week, and draining the internet of power.  Walk to the bar, what a humiliation!

After lunch Terry left us.  It continued implacable and the rest of our dwindling group headed off in the direction of Jacobs Well, crossing the Brutalist concrete footbridge which is inexplicably juxtaposed with a pub proclaiming itself to be 'the Wooden Bridge'!

The ride continued and we were fortunately spared any 'events'.    Clive and Keith wisely left us on the outskirts of Woking.   The rest of us plodded on to tea at Walton bridge.  We didn't pass a single sweetshop en route, just as well since C & B's butterscotch has long since disappeared!   The implacable in pursuit of the unobtainable, as someone else might have said!

Thanks to all for your company and to Steph for back-marking.