B Ride Report 15th July from Claygate

Francis starts with …..

22 riders opted to join the ride from Claygate with most enjoying coffee and a chat at the Parade & Albany, made even more enjoyable with Paula dropping in.

With the continuous very hot weather in recent weeks, I decided to incorporate over 6 miles off-road through shady paths through forest and commons on the morning route. Thank you to Tim C for his many hints and tips on my morning and afternoon off-road sections.

My first group (Stephen H, Tim G, Sabina, Bernard, Peter Bts and Jane F) left on time towards the start of the off-road section on Common Lane at Claygate Common, from where we snaked our way through to New Road. Parts were rather loose gravel and sand but nothing too haphazard.

Soon we reached the gate to the Crown Estate’s Prince’s Coverts. A little interesting bit of history courtesy of Wikipedia – “Prince's Coverts is named after Prince (later King) Leopold I of Belgium, who lived at Claremont Park, Esher 1 mile (1.6 km) north-west, which remains linked by a bridleway across Arbrook Common and Farm which has two white-painted metal coal tax posts. The Claremont Estate was purchased for him in 1816. He later acquired nearby common land which became a shooting estate. This area became known as Prince's Coverts. Following his death, the estate was repurchased by the Crown since which it has been managed by the Crown Estate.”

Soon we were crossing into Ashtead Common following the shady paths up and around the Common, exiting by Ashtead station. The rest of the route was all on road heading through Leatherhead, Effingham and West Horsley and our lunch stop, the Barley Mow and a warm Thai welcome.

After a delicious lunch, we departed for the short trip to the Old Moat garden café, Horton Lane for tea, as the temperature started climbing.

Rather than the usual route towards Blundell Lane, we headed instead towards the quieter Water Lane and Littleheath Lane and off-road through Oxshott Heath, a pleasant experience. In no time at all, half my group arrived at the tea stop with the other half heading home.

My thanks to Tim C for his support on my route, my subbies Steph and Tim C and my back marker Peter and later on, Bernard. An enjoyable day out with the usual great company.

Steph continues with ….. 

I managed to ride the 8 miles from home in good time, arriving for Elevenses 9.45. It was nice relaxing and chatting with others before my group set off in perfect weather. Jennie proved her worth as backmarker correcting the approach to Princes Covert. The route was skillfully put together to avoid the obvious and take us down the unexpected. Lots of shade and the ups seem balanced by the downs. I particularly liked Water Lane in the afternoon, not often used but more direct than heading for Esher or Blundells Lane.

Great company (Julie B, Christina, Grant, Keith, Karl and Jennie J).Perfect weather.

 

Tim C ends with …..

Shortly after leaving home, I found that my freshly inflated front tyre was going soft. After some problems using my mini-pump I succeeded in rendering the bike roadworthy. With tubeless tyres in this situation what usually does the trick is going for a ride which redistributes the goo inside the tyres. And although I felt a bit anxious about it during the ride down to Claygate I didn’t have to pump it up again during the day.

In view of the difficulty I might experience whilst leading, Francis suggested that I ask Mick to swap with Grant. So Mick kindly joined our third team, ready to lead with his Beeline if I had any more issues. And Grant joined Team Steph.

So with our sporty little team, Mick, Ray, Dawn, Diane, Martina, Anne and Ian, I departed from Parade and Albany soon after 11. I hope that everyone shared my sentiment that the nicest aspect of the morning ride was the succession of serene and shady paths through much of our favourite woodland. Beyond the trees there was very little climbing to challenge us.

After Ashtead Common, Diane led us though a suburban shortcut which brought us neatly onto the cycleway alongside Barnett Wood Lane, then safely around to the turn down onto the path leading to Leatherhead Station.

Our team hadn’t hurried through the morning at all but arrived at around a quarter after 1 pm. At The Barley Mow many of us chose our dishes from the Thai Menu, green and red curries, Pad Thai and so it says, ‘Drunken Noodles’, etc.

After lunch Dawn left us to visit her grand-daughter in Effingham and Ray peeled off for home soon after we had left. As she had planned to do, Diane caught a train home after lunch. Martina said goodbye at Martyr’s Green. Ian kindly invited Mick, Anne and I to afternoon tea with himself and Sonia. Mick decided to press on to the Old Moat to reunite with Francis and the two earlier groups, leaving just Anne and I to succumb to Ian’s kind offer of tea on the terrace.

Anne hadn’t been around to join our ride from New Haw on 27th May when on the afternoon leg we all turned off Sandy Lane to skirt around Fairmile Common, ride through Esher Common then Arbrook Common on the way to Claygate. So on the home run yesterday we took that very scenic route.

Thanks to everyone in the team for your good company, and especially to Ray as back marker, and to Mick for being ready to pretend to be me if I suffered an unfixable flat tyre.

Ride Report - A Group ride to Horsted Keynes, 15 July

We had 11 riders for our annual pilgrimage to mee the East Sussex CTC at Horsted Keynes. Not bad for present times on a challenging route in hot weather, but quite do-able if you take it in stages. We had two groups with Janice leading the speedier riders.

Mark Gladwyn’s classic route gives the rider everything, from the Gatwick Terminal underworld, a long cool section on the shady Worth Way, one big climb out of Weir Wood Reservoir followed by a glorious scenic descent to Horsted Keynes. The afternoon is different, a long climb up through Highbrook which felt challenging but in reality no higher than Box Hill, a few busy roads, followed by three notable hills.

My group of 5, Brian, Sue C, Neil C and back-marker Ged – many thanks Ged, left the scenic Tesco carpark promptly on time, and arrived at the Green Man for lunch just on 12.30. Janice’s speedier riders were already there, as well as the East Sussex, including many familiar faces from previous meetings.

We all sat together on one long sociable table and it was good to see Bob P who rides with both groups. Pre-ordered lunches were served promptly, good portions and reasonable prices too.

                                     

The Green Man has been looking after CTC riders for many years, evidenced by the venerable CTC sign displayed on the front wall.

        

Too soon it was time to leave, but we parted the E Sussex with agreement to meet again next year.

At 28 miles the return was longer and hillier and hotter than the morning, with a NE breeze to provide cooling and a little extra challenge. Brian left us at Smallfield seeking less headwind and fewer hills homeward. The rest of us got stuck into the three remaining climbs, compensated by some great descents.Three of my group stopped for “tea” on Banstead park where the lure of ice-cream proved irresistible.

Janice’s report follows.

Neil W, Andy C and I made a select group in the upstairs cafe at Hookwood Tesco’s and it was a relief to find that most of the rest of my group, Peter S and Patrick were ready and waiting downstairs. As our departure time drew near, I started writing a text to Steve W to say that we had gone on when he arrived with impeccable timing on the dot of 10.35. 

As we travelled the busier roads after the Beehive of Gatwick airport, I missed a left turn (the first of 3) but Andy C had already spotted it. This led to us thinking we’d lost him for a while but thankfully the group were together again for the cool shady Worth Way.

As we arrived back on my more comfortable territory of tarmac roads we passed Dave’s group. There was a glorious descent with fabulous views on our right before the final sharp climb to the pub in Horsted Keynes. 

    
It was good to meet up, and share the lunch table, with several familiar faces from East Sussex CUK. 

Suitably refreshed it was back on the bikes for the hilly-ish ride to Banstead. The climbs started more or less immediately on leaving but it was Coopers Hill into Nutfield leaving some to regret their choice of bike for the ride. A rehydration stop at the top was certainly warranted! 

After that there were ‘only’ 2 hills to climb, Markedge Lane and Park Rd into Banstead where all but Peter stopped for welcome refreshments at Cafe Italia. 

A lovely route, beautiful views, challenging hills, nice weather and great company including our counterparts from E Sussex. Many thanks to Peter S for expertly back marking.

Finally, thanks everyone who rode and made the day a success, especially Janice for expertly leading her group.
 

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.