C Group July 30th

Pictures from Albert

Plenty of sunshine with some breeze to take off the heat at Walton where our turnout was quite high. The Powneys arrived on their tandem as did Tom but did not come with us on the ride to Nonsuch Park. With Lynda in the lead their was John C., Bill H., Dave, Helga, Beryl, Roger, Mark, Dennis, Harold, Ron, me and as I made it around eighteen at the start, a few I cant remember. We went straight on to the towpath at The Swan and made for Hampton Court. We encountered quite a number of other cyclists, walkers, dogs etc., happily without mishap on such a nice day and on arrival at Hampton Court Bridge turned right along the Hampton Court road on the cyclepath for around 300 yards before turning left to find the rail crossing gates closed. After a short wait we pressed on until I found myself in uncharted territory. I know I have taken this route before but i mentally decided to keep in touch with Roger who lives in Kingston, for company on the return journey. Some way into the park everyone stopped and a number pressed on. It was then I realised I was the one of the remaining party without sandwiches. In my feeble attempt to catch up with the others I got hopelessly lost and found myself by a main road at an entrance to Cheam Park. To make the best of my predicament I headed west through Ewell village and eventually found I had made it to the Kingston Bypass (not quite the place to be with traffic overtaking at 70 mph plus) but with my guardian angel working overtime I got to Esher and Hersham. having used up most of my water bottle and feeling the need of better stuff, I stopped for a pint at The Barley Mow. The beer was welcome but watch out for the price; £3.15!! With 35 miles on the clock at a quarter to four I made it home. Sorry I missed the rest of you but will do my best next week.---------Albert

"B" Group 30 July

Wednesday 30th July 'B' ride. Les Johnson and Liz contemplating a speedy descent.

Picture and words by Stephanie Wyatt

A Group July 30th

Picture from Pam

Picture from Jen

A Group at Compton

Prelude to a week in Brittany

Thanks to Simon and Jen for a wonderful week in Brittany. Their Cottage is fantasstic, sleeps many all in one bed! We also learned that in France they have a wonderful way of making bread in an outdoor oven. Ian and Maureen had organised the trip and some how or other I invited myself along. THanks to all for putting up with me!!

The Cheer leaders much appreciated the antics of British cyclists and we were amazed how many Brits we met living in Brittany, including a Morocan who Pam & Marureen seemed to fancy. More on that later.

A Group July 23rd

Ten set off from Dorking on a sunny if overcast morning (Pete M. Graham, Irene, Bob, Neal, Julian, Vic, Jeff and John B, led by Pete B). A quick leg stretch up to Ranmore Common and then on to Netley Heath and an exhilarating drop down Coombe Bottom and through Albury and Chilworth. The cut across the railway to Shalford was made interesting by a BT van on repair duty blocking the road and that necessitated a clamber through the hedge before reaching Guildford for lunch. Then a few miles along the Wey Navigation Towpath to Jacobs Well and along the A3 before a diversion through Send Marsh and Pyrford to stop at Ockham Bites. A dash for home enabled some of us to catch Sastre's attack on L'Alpe d'Huez giving him the yellow jersey, at least for now.

From Pete Barnard

Second Hand bike wanted

If any one has an old bike to pass on contact Les or barbara Johnston

B Group July 23rd

On a lovely day Cliff led, amongst others, Gill Norman Harold Adam Terry Johns S&M and, Les from Dorking bound for Leigh and the Plough. Having misjudged the distance we arrived a little early for lunch so by consensus continued to Norwood Hill and TheFox Revived only to find that it had changed hands and wasn't yet open for lunches so back on the bikes and on to Newdigate and The Bell where we were successfully fed and watered. After a convivial lunch whiic seemed to take a little time to arrive we returned via Henfold to Leatherhead for tea at the new Blue Cafe near the Theatre,run by the Polish, very nice but not a huge selection of cakes! Tea takers included Gill Harold Norman Terry and Cliff the rest having decided to go on. Norman and Cliff split here and headed home where practically home and opposite Nonsuch Park gates Cliff clipped the kerb and went down smashing his second helmet in four weeks.Lesson here wear a helmet!!

C Group July 23rd

As Albert attended a funeral today, I was volunteered to do the write-up.

After our 11's at Leatherhead, which included home-made cakes by Sonia, (as she has recently had a big birthday), and sips of Indian whisky from Harold (to give us extra energy); we were a baker's dozen. Mike, our leader; and Helga, Lynda, Beryl, Pat and Bill, Bill H, John C, Charles, Mark, Roger, Dennis and Harold. We went past Mill Pond; where we saw a swan and 4 signets enjoying the good weather, to Fetcham and into Bookham Common (tunnel car park). Into Effingham Common to Old Lane. It was a nice track, off road, before getting to the A3 foot-bridge near Wisley Gardens. It would be nice if they made a gulley over this bridge, but after getting all our bikes over, it was a nice ride down through Wisley Village to Pyrford; where we stopped for lunch at The Anchor Inn. It was looking very busy so Mike went in to ask what the waiting time for food was. We were told 20 mins, so decided to go in and order. I was pleasantly surprised how organised the waiting staff were and our meals came very promptly. After an enjoyable lunch, we took the towpath opposite the Anchor to make our way to Ripley. We passed Newark Priory and the house of John Dunne. This was a new route to some of us and a good one. We came past the Seven Stars then made our way to Cobham Day Centre via Ockham. I phoned the day centre in advance, so they had tea and muffins ready for when we got there. lAfter tea we all went our separate ways home.

Bye for now,
Lynda.

A Group July 16th

Group “A” Ride 16thJuly 2008


A multi-national group left Addlestone Day Centre rather late, due to the distance some of us had to travel to rendezvous. A local was recruited to lead us on an impromptu ride, which turned out better than expected. Starting with Green Lane, the route included Lyne, Trumps Green, Wellington Avenue and a Great Escape kind of dash through Wentworth Golf Club before they could head us off. To Cheapside, the Peanut roundabout, Cranbourne, Drift Road, Fifield, Moneyrow Green and Holyport for lunch. The group dispersed into three of the pubs in the area , depending on taste. All cost more to patronise than your average Wetherspoons, so to quieten muttering from the ranks, the leader took us to see the tariffs posted outside the restaurants in Bray, owned by Heston Blumenthal and the Roux brothers respectively.
Having thus quelled a potential rebellion, he took us to Monkey Island, where is a cycle path alongside the M4 convenient for crossing the Thames to Dorney, thence Eton, Windsor,Datchet and Old Windsor for a brisk run across Runnymede, redolent of a flat stage of the TdF of our dreams. Tea was had at the bakers shop in Staines High Street (you know, the one near the statue to two blokes who used to steal rolls of lino)Afterwards we dispersed in groups to our respective televisions to see the real TdF.
From Vic White

B Group duplicate

From Addlestone I led Christine, Francoise, Gill, Judy, Liz (try as I might, I couldn't lose her),Adam, Bernard, Charles, Frank, Johns G,M and S, Les, Norman and Robin to Coxes Lock where fortunately a narrow boat was in the lock so we could cross the Wey Navigation by the footbridge to the towpath which we followed to the junction with the Basingstoke Canal. We used the canal towpath to West Byfleet then took to the roads to Pyrford Lock, crossed the A3 (now moving) at Wisley, straight across the airfield to Lollesworth Lane, East Horsley to the newish track to Effingham (noting you have to pull the gate marked 'Push'). Up Beech Avenue, down White Down and we soon arrived at the Abinger Hatch for a latish lunch. The ducks were missing - but we didn't see last night's menu ! A shortened afternoon route via Coldharbour, Logmore Lane (with good views to the east) led to Westcott and the joys of the A25. We turned into Milton Court Lane and saw a heron flap off leisurely on our approach, then rejoined the A25 briefly to the outskirts of Dorking. Along the cycle track then up the zig zag, turning off at the second hairpin to have a quick look at Broadwood's Folly, then tea and cakes at the cafe at Box Hill. A very pleasant day in ideal cycling weather. I did 52.5 miles - I expect others did much more. Terry

C Group "Just Remembered"

Although I figured there were around ten of us on the ride to The Red Lion, I forgot to mention the presence of Dennis who was with us all the way around. One other thing;as you may have noticed, one photo was taken at elevenses at Addlestone day centre. I am afriad I shall have to miss out next week since I will be attending the funeral of an old school friend at 10 a.m. next wednesday.
--------------------Albert

C Group July 16th

At Addlestone Picture from Albert

We had a goodly turnout at Addlestone in fine, dry and mild weather for Phils ride to The Red Lion at Horsell. Besides me and him there was Lynda, Beryl, Lisa, Fuzz, Roger, Bill H., and Ron. We crossed the lights into Church Road, up Ongar Hill to Rowtown down that fast hill past Bourne Valley Garden centre. At the spot where one grabs ones lowest gear to get up the steep hill, we went right offroad and stayed that way until we reached the Basingstoke Canal towpath. Having followed this as far as Woking we regained the tarmac and soon arrived at our lunch destination. The food was good value if not quite, in my case, as ordered. Tea was to be at Shepperton and we made our way there via Philpot Lane, the Chobham Road and Stonehills, down Holloway Hill and over Chertsey bridge with still most of our number at Shepperton for tea.With such a short ride for elevenses I covered just 22 miles---------Albert

B Group July 16th

Broadwood's Folly

Broadwood made pianos, Bernard and Charles are familiar with them.

From Addlestone I led Christine, Francoise, Gill, Judy, Liz (try as I might, I couldn't lose her),Adam, Bernard, Charles, Frank, Johns G,M and S, Les, Norman and Robin to Coxes Lock where fortunately a narrow boat was in the lock so we could cross the Wey Navigation by the footbridge to the towpath which we followed to the junction with the Basingstoke Canal. We used the canal towpath to West Byfleet then took to the roads to Pyrford Lock, crossed the A3 (now moving) at Wisley, straight across the airfield to Lollesworth Lane, East Horsley to the newish track to Effingham (noting you have to pull the gate marked 'Push'). Up Beech Avenue, down White Down and we soon arrived at the Abinger Hatch for a latish lunch. The ducks were missing - but we didn't see last night's menu ! A shortened afternoon route via Coldharbour, Logmore Lane (with good views to the east) led to Westcott and the joys of the A25. We turned into Milton Court Lane and saw a heron flap off leisurely on our approach, then rejoined the A25 briefly to the outskirts of Dorking. Along the cycle track then up the zig zag, turning off at the second hairpin to have a quick look at Broadwood's Folly, then tea and cakes at the cafe at Box Hill. A very pleasant day in ideal cycling weather. I did 52.5 miles - I expect others did much more Terry

A Tribute to Ron Beams

Bill Squirrell, the Cabinet Maker now retired, has become a Model Maker of some repute. Amongst his collection of models is a lovely church, fully fitted out and includes its church yard surroundings. Here are 2 photos of his model church yard gates and also a grave set out as a tribute to our old friend Ron Beames. The wording on the headstone is legible and the words on the footstone are the 1st four lines of Ron's favourite hymn, "All things bright and beautiful" which we all sang at his funeral. A nice touch ! From Ken Loy

"A" group 16 Aug

Just a few photo's more. Not all the group as we got split up as the White Hart had no hot grub but served a good ploughmans with massive pickled onions. I suggested to Pam what she could do with hers resulting in a stamp on the foot. Oh how it hurt!

The picture of the Jag is for Ed's benefit an any other admirer of old crocks or vintage wine!

Wednesday 16 July - A memorable lunch

The "A" group had a very interesting day led by Vic, who was remarkably quick, we went to Bray fro lunch and their we did munch on this gloriouse lunch and fell asleep for the rest of the day. Well you have to have a dream! Maybe if Bernard had been with us he could have treated us all but in the end it was Vic's idea of a ball.

Clearly you will have to zoom in to realy look at the menu (apparently Vic regularly eats there so he didn't bother to to) Just a few highlights:

Tasting menu £125.

A'La Carte £ 95.

Supplements £6 to £10each.

Wine selection £90 per glass.

All +12.5% service (how very cicil)

More photos on separate blog and a write up to follow by Vic via Pete!

Golf at Lancing

On the greens at Lancing

Hostel Trip July 9th & 10th

YH Trip to Telscombe & Truleigh Hill Hostels

Wednesday July 9^th

The weather forcast was very bad – (It was right). In torrential rain we met at Tesco’s Hookwood, the eight dedicated hostelers floated off eventually leaving the area after a series of committee style decisions found a suitable direction to” The Cat “ at West Hoathly for lunch, warmth and food restored our spirits – but it was still pouring as the shortest way was taken to Lewes for food supplies (Self cooking at the hostel).

Armchairs & Costa coffee at Tesco’s, thankfully the rain had stopped allowing a dry climb up to the hostel snug in the valley at Telscombe for a pleasant evening of banter and chat as hostelling should always be.57miles (50 in the rain)

Thursday dawned bright and warm making yesterdays efforts definitely worth the effort. A short tour of the church yard to visit the grave of the brother of Gracie Fields (A Star of the thirties!), oil for the chains & away over the hill into a fresh westerly head wind found us at the foot of the cliffs on the under cliff way at Peacehaven taking us as far as Brighton past the skeleton remains of the old pier, through via cycle way behind Shoreham Power Station over two huge sea lock gates onto lunch taken at the wonderful Art Deco restaurant at Shoreham Airport.

An afternoon in the sun on Lancings immaculate putting green found Ian & Ed both making holes in One! Eventual winner being Ian (Beginners luck?). Italian multi flavoured icecreams at Macari’s Italian Restaurant by Worthing Pier befor climbing past Somptings Norman Church on a stiff climb over the downs offering clear views inland and dropping quickly down to “The Steyning Tea Rooms” for Cream Tea etc.

Time was running out if we were to make the Hostel in time to order an evening meal

So the ever efficient organiser Terry phoned in our request plus estimated time of arrival Neal, Ray & Ian chose the shorter (6 miles less) but very steep rough ascent

Pete, Pam, Ed & Terry the scenic but longer via the cycle way over the Old Toll Bridge at Shoreham (Closed for repairs!) so even longer. Norman with a private plan took off and got lost arriving much later in the evening. Neil had waited until the evening to anounce the putting champions and generously presented Ed & Ian with bottles of wine. 39 miles

Friday again wonderful panoramic views whilst eating an exceptionaly good hostel breakfast. We all descended the steep way down to Steyning and now a good tail wind through quiet lanes to coffee at “Camelia Bothar Garden centre” switch back lanes by the Hammer Ponds to meet Mike M for lunch at “The Holmbury Inn” Faygate, a leisurely tea at Denbies and home via Ashtead Common. 48 miles.

Thank you Terry for the inspiration and organising such a memorable and enjoyable

Trip.

From Pete Mitchell

C Group July 9th

The best description of the weather is abysmal. it rained like the clappers all day. Nevertheless a goodly proportion of hardy souls turned up at Hersham. It seemed Roger, who was designated leader, being unable to attend, had handed the job to Harold whose only answer to queries about our lunch destination was "a mystery ride". He spent some time taking photos of us before starting off, then we pressed on all the way along Queens Road to the top of Monument Hill, down Baker Street to the centre of Weybridge. Our company included Fuzz, Bill H.,Mark, Dennis, Ron, a chap called Les, me and our leader. We turned right at St.James church, then right again into Portmore Park Road, then Thames Street and Walton Lane. Myself and three of the others was at the rear when we turned over Walton Bridge and no idea where the other four had gone; either towards Shepperton or straight on. We decided to make for Lower Sunbury and a pleasant watering hole, The Flower Pot, but while locking up the bikes outside the pub, the rest of the group arrived as if by magic, just as wet as ourselves but quite thirsty. We enjoyed at good meal after which most of us thought it prudent to make for home. As if I was not sufficiently wet, a large truck passing through a puddle down Woburn Hill, gave me a complete shower. Even so; pleasant company made it a memorable ride and I was`nt far from home.--------------Albert

Hostelers return

Plent more on the trip from the official spoksman. Just to say I met the merry bunch on their return at Faygate and enjoyed the luch alongside a wedding party. My distance there was hardly fair a mere 17mls it be, so to bolster my total I did 43 via Cobham and Headly common. Talking of COBham its seems Ray, dare to leave his cobs and haversack at Telstrom YHA, where they may remain for ever and a day! More I expect from Terry and whoever. Must say its seems I missed lots of fun.

Hostelers True

Spot the difference!

Brave hearts and hardy hostelers assemble at Tesco, for lunch Al Fresco, Ian with toothbrush, cheese and saop, what a combination he has no hope!

The weather was wet and yet! wait for it! You bet it was wet, wetter and wet. My draws were so soaked I needed some heat, so into the ladies to sit on the seat, the drier was warm it worked like a charm, even the hairs right under my arm!

The road ahead was lead by Ed, what a wonderful job he made my heart throb. With lunch Alfresco, we ate the cheese and from then on we flew like a breeze, after a pint of beer that gave us some cheer. (To be continued):

Meanwhile back at the ranch, Jeff left Tesco in a hell of a trance. He flew up the A217 as if in heaven. Me and he flew like a bee, he on the one way and me up the tunnel. We met on the crossing to face Reigate Hill, it was more like chasing Jack & Jill. Finally home I had to moan, Frank Cubis had had cancelled the ten! I then thought of Toni, what a load of balonie, we couldn't do battle again. I got out the wine and started to wail, where the hell is my Daily Mail! Barbara said patient I got you the Times and for dinner its spam, better than Pam! Ah.... (also to be continued). By the way folks they're only jokes and yes poor jokes at that but lifes for a laugh and we should all be merry following the hostel leader called Terry.

C Group at Lunch

Helga & Lynda

Pictures from Albert

C Group July 2nd

Picture from Albert

We had a good turnout at Cobham in rather cooler weather than of late and John C., led around ten of us to lunch at The Stepping Stones near Dorking. There was Fuzz,Beryl, Phil,Carole, Ron,Mike, Harold (on fixed) Dennis,and Bill (A)plus me over Bookham Common to a left turn at Bookham church down Lower Road, passing our good watering hole The Anchor and after that, at the second roundabout we went right and then immediately left for a bit of offroad which brought us out at the lower end of the steep hill south of Leatherhead. Here we joined the cyclepath along side the main road in the direction of Dorking in The Mole valley until reaching our lunch destination. Here we were joined by Lynda and Helga after their sojourn im West Germany. Tea was to be at Epsom but being far from home already, I made a beeline for Leatherhead, Stoke d`Abernon, Cobham, Brooklands, New Haw and home with around thirty miles on the clock.---------------------Albert

B Group July 2nd

Ten of us set off from Cobham on route to Holmbury St. Mary - Norman,Bernard,Robin,Christine,Steph,Harry,Gill,Judy,Terry and myself. We passed through The Drift to East Horsley then up Chalk Lane to Shere. Unfortunately shortly after Gomshall we mislaid 3 of the party, Judy,Gill and Terry......opps. On reaching our destination an anxious 20 minutes was spent trying to contact the lost souls (the phone reception in that area is none existant) We were very relieved when they appeared, thanks to Terry's navigation, to join us for lunch. Then up to Ranmore Common and tea at Leatherhead.
Needless to say the group gave me a bit of stick. How many riders will I loose on my next expedition? Place your bets!!!

Liz Scrivens

A Group 2 July 08

The Happy Band of Brothers taking tea at Tanhouse Farm

A Group July 2nd

A stormy and Wet forcast did not deter 16 A group riders : Vic, Ed, Jeff, John B, John S, Rob, Ray, Frank C, Bob, Pete B, Mike M, Neil, Irene (Not grumpy at all!), Toni, & new comer Dave Vine (Not Vines!) our Airnimal friend. Under overcast skies we crossed Bookham Common onto the track through the woods and tunnel to East Horsley emerging by the butchers and surprisingly the smell of fresh bread! Onward on the climb up to Netley Heath slight drizzle, rain jackets on befor Pitch Hill and the whoosh down to The Bull at Ewhurst. A mixed reception prompted several to move on to Little Thatch Park, four bought sandwiches in the village and the rest dined happily inside. Leafy lanes more drizzle turning to warm and pleasant found us at TanHouse Farm for lovely cakes a selection of teas. My skil as a leader ie keeping the riders guessing disintergrated after tea as I was soon left to find my own way home in the trail of fast disappearing back wheels! 57miles
From Pete Mitchell