FIRST AID COURSE OFFERED ON MONDAY 14th SEPTEMBER (AM)- APPLY NOW!

 Have you ever wondered what you would do if you were faced with a medical emergency whilst out on a ride? I know some of you have had to deal with situations whilst on our weekly rides and it can be a pretty scary experience. Knowing basic first aid is an important life skill and can be a life saver if you are faced with a medical emergency in any aspect of your life.

 The  trainer is an experienced nurse Jen Craven who runs Wimbledon First Aid. As a cyclist herself she perfectly understands our needs and tailors the learning to situations we may encounter on a ride. The course will run for a morning and you will be awarded a certificate which is valid for 3 years.

We are hoping to get funding from Cycling UK as we did last year, but there may be a small charge if they do not fully cover the cost.

There are up to 10 spaces available - to sign up please contact me juliembuckman@btinternet.com or 07803 005516. Closing date for applications Friday August 7th.

Here are some thoughts from Sue F who attended last year:

Jen proved to be a great trainer and placed a lot of emphasis on not immediately diving into a situation, but pausing to assess first using the DRABC (Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing and Circulation) mnemonic. We returned to this when discussing almost all medical emergencies. Jen knows our riding territory well and had an excellent idea should an accident occur around a blind corner: place a bike with a bright coloured jacket draped over it to warn any oncoming vehicles or riders that there was a casualty on the road. 

Perfecting our CPR skills occupied a good part of the course. Jen uses dummies that light up when you are using the correct technique. Many of  the group found it surprisingly exhausting giving effective CPR for a prolonged period of time.

She  highlighted the importance of locating a defib quickly and having the locator app What 3 Words and medical info on our phones for a helper to find should we be unable to give this information. I have  now set up the Apple Health app with emergency contact numbers and any medical issues that can be accessed quickly from the locked screen. 

Being faced with a medical emergency can be challenging, especially if it happens in a remote and isolated location. Following the course I think we all felt more confident to deal with a potential situation and give some emergency care. I felt I learned a lot despite having done First aid training in the past. Techniques (particularly CPR) have changed considerably over the years so even if you have done some training this course is great refresher. 

Invitation to the A Group ride to Horsted Keynes, 15 July

Wednesday 15th sees our annual A Group Ride to Horsted Keynes, where we meet the East Sussex CTC “veterans” on their home ground. Elevenses is at Tesco's, Hookwood  just off Reigate Rd RH6 OAT. The Café upstairs is hi-tech with screen ordering only. Thankfully there is Greggs downstairs.

As an indication, Hookwood Tesco is about 19 miles from N Cheam, so if you need guidance getting there please let me know.    

Lunch at the historic Green Man pub, Horsted Keynes, complete with CTC Winged Wheel. About 20 miles. The route includes the nicely-shaded gravelly Worth Way, which is easily rideable with road tyres. One longish climb at Weir Wood, but beautiful views and rarely visited lanes. With luck you may be able to witness the arrival of the Bluebell Railway’s daily steam train to Horsted Keynes.

Tea at Banstead after about 28 miles, and a couple of climbs, but downhill home for all.
The Green Man has requested us to pre-order lunch so please let me know if you are coming, by email or Spond, and your lunch choice by Monday evening, thanks. 

d.vine207@btinternet.com

 

Ladies cycle clothing (Size M) offered

A neighbour of mine who no longer cycles wondered if anyone was interested in some clothing she has. One new pair of shorts and some other mostly little used items. 

If anyone is interested please contact me.  No payment is asked for though if you wish to make a donation to charity my neighbour would be grateful.  

Lusso Coolmax shorts (unused) Size M black

 

 

 

 

Used CTC logo shorts (M)

Almost new CTC logo jersey

 Amost new blue/black jersey

 Short finger gloves (hardly used) and pair of socks (navy)

 

 

 

Invitation to B Group Ride 15th July

You are all most welcome to join the ride from outside Claygate station (Elevenses coffee at 'Parade & Albany') heading towards New Road, Ashtead Common, Leatherhead and finally West Horsley. The morning ride will comprise of nearly 6 miles of scenic off-road near the start.

Lunch is at the ever-welcoming Barley Mow pub in West Horsley. No pre-orders are required.

The afternoon ride is short at just over 11 miles to The Old Moat for tea.

I will be joined by my ever-dependable co-leaders Tim C and Steph.

If you would like to join the ride, please email me directly on fdsilva82@gmail.com before 6pm Monday evening please.

Wishing for a cooler weekend ahead.

Francis

B Group Ride Report - 8th July ’26

In 1931 Noel Coward wrote the lyrics to “Mad Dogs and Englishmen”. Its famous refrain mocks the British habit of braving the tropical midday sun while locals seek the shade. No doubt if he were alive today he would have a field day remarking on the similar behavior of CTC cyclists. Undeterred by the forecast for hot weather fourteen determined riders braved the heat and met at Weybridge to embark upon today’s adventure.

Team TG at Virginia Water

We set out in three groups led by Mick A, Tim G and Julie B towards Chertsey then via Virginia Water to Windsor Great Park. We had our first photo opportunity beside the lake. It may look timeless today but 300 yrs ago the landscape looked very different.

Team MA in front of the lake.

Although a smaller pond did exist the entire valley didn’t take shape until the 1750’s. William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland (then Park Ranger) and son of George II was initially responsible for its future development into a Royal pleasure ground. The project began in 1752 and took almost 40yrs to complete. We also cycled past ‘The Cumberland Obelisk’ erected in 1750 in commemoration of the Duke’s success in leading armies in Britain, Europe and the Americas.

Team JB enjoying a shady spot.

We then passed by ‘The Savill Garden’ commissioned by George V in 1932. The gardens a 35 acre haven of gardens, woodland and seasonal displays.

Our next encounter was the 100ft (30m) ‘Totem Pole’, gifted to the late Queen Elizabeth II in 1958 by the government of British Columbia, Canada to celebrate the province’s centenary. Apparently its undergoing plans to be lowered and ‘laid to rest’ after reaching the end of its natural lifespan.

Once north of these landmarks we headed towards and out of Ascot Gate and made our way to Woodend for lunch at ‘The Duke of Edinburgh’. Tables had already been reserved for us, with water jugs and glasses, under canopies and shaded areas. A welcome relief after a morning in the sun. Service was prompt and efficient and we were all well catered for. A venue well worth another visit in the future !

Chilling in the shade !

Our afternoon ride took us on a slight detour into Ascot racecourse where we saw the grandstand from the horses point of view and another photo opportunity.

A few old nags in front of the grandstand.

Back into Windsor Great Park via Blacknest Gate we cycled past the polo field and the equestrian statue of Prince Albert. Queen Victoria unveiled this monument in commemoration of the the Prince’s contribution to the Windsor Estate in 1890 and the ceremony drew over 7,00 well-wishers and guests.

Paying homage to Prince Albert.

Having had our fill of cultural landmarks we headed out at Bishopsgate and on via Englefield Green, Thorpe Green, Chertsey, Shepperton to Walton Marina. By now everyone had had enough of tropical temperatures and were pleased to take sanctuary in the shade, with a cool drink and enjoy a welcome break.

Many thanks to everyone who made today’s ride a success and especially to my two subbies for their dutiful and diligent leadership. Very much appreciated. A good day out despite the hot weather ! 

TimG.

A Group Ride from Weybridge to Aldershot and Cobham, 8th July 2026.

 Aldershot is an army town. On our last trip here, in October 2022, David W. led us to view a military man on a horse - Wellington. This year I paused my group (Dave V and W, Brian and Neil W) at a memorial stone cenotaph with a bronze lion atop. Plaques commemorated the Great War horse cavalry, but also mentioned a new weapon in the First World War - the bicycle. The 8th Cyclist Brigade was formed in July1916, as the bicycle began replacing the horse for reconnaissance and patrolling. Perhaps early CTC cyclist soldiers were deployed?

Geoffrey S joined us just before our early departure - with a bloodied knee from a fall following a skirmish with a dog. (He pealed-off at Chobham). Fiona's group (see below) passed us, and were installed in the Queen Hotel as we arrived. On a hot day we topped-up bottles with the plentiful supply of iced water, and were away before 1pm. My errant navigation was corrected by Neil, picking-up the lovely new cycle path before Ockham bites and over the M25, before emerging in Pointers Lane. The air-conditioning in Gails made us very reluctant to leave!

 Fiona commented as follows. Another glorious sunny day. Setting off at 10.00 the temperature was quite pleasant. We went along many leafy lanes that gave us some shade, we arrived at Wetherspoons in Aldershot ready for some fluid.
I think in the afternoon all of us started to feel the heat particularly when we stopped pedalling.
Thank you to Dave B for back marking and to my group - as always, good company.

Thanks for Fiona for sub-leading, Dave W and V for backmarking, and for all coping admirably with the hot conditions.

A Group Ride, Weds. 8th July 2026 from Weybridge to Aldershot and Cobham.

 You are invited onto the A Group Ride on 8th July from Weybridge to Aldershot and Cobham. Elevenses will be at Cafe Verditer, 34 Baker Street, Weybridge, lunch at Wetherpoons, The Queen Hotel, Aldershot, and tea at Gails, Cobham. 

It's 21 miles to lunch, with 24 miles to tea - all on road. (The route is based on David Ward's ride to Aldershot, and the Queen Hotel in October 2022).

https://connect.garmin.com/app/course/482937064

In view of expected high temperatures I plan to start the ride early, with the weather cooler, and with the first group away at 10am. Should riders wish, a 'train assist' return from Aldershot could be taken.

Fiona and David are your sub-leaders of the faster and medium paced rides respectfully, whilst I will lead a leisurely paced group.

(Please note there are no secure bike anchor points at the pub, and bikes should be chained together on the forecourt of the pub off Victoria Rd.).

Please reply on Spond by Monday 6th July, or by email if you wish, should you want to join the ride.

Groups and departure times will be sent out on Tues.

(What with child-minding, four months injured off the bike, and trips to Nepal and New Zealand, this is my first lead ride since August 2025: be prepared to get lost!).

I look forward to riding with you.