B group ride 13th May

 It was with trepidation that we set out from the YMCA Hawkers Centre in Kingston to The Ashley Park pub in Walton on Thames. The weather was not too promising. The first group set off in a heavy rain shower at 10:40 led by Mick A who had kindly volunteered to lead a sub group comprising Tony H (who left us in Bushy Park), Fixie Dave, Tim G, Jane  F  and Paul J.

After a littlle debate about the weather, my group was reduced to 3 riders, Gill F, John A and myself, we followed Tony's sinuous route via Bushy Park, Thames Ditton, Claygate and Esher to our destination. In Claygate during another heavyish shower John decided to call it a day. I also was having second thoughts, and Gill decided to carry on to the pub alone. After showing John a way back to Ewell, I had a change of heart and decided I should carry on a more direct route to the Ashley Park, where I met up with the rest of the group. 

 

We had a good lunch at the pub and five remaining riders set off to The Old Moat for tea. Unfortunately I punctured in Hersham, this was soon repaired with the help of Paul with his electric pump. I then discovered that the replacement tube was also deflating slowly, but was able to continue with a few stops to pump and dash.

Overall the weather was kind to us, with quite a few moments of bright sunshine. Thanks to Tony for the route out and too all for your company on a somewhat trying day, especially Mick who stepped in to sub-lead at short notice.

Following is Micks report: 

Keith had kindly agreed to take over lead of the ride as Tony could not do so.  He lead the 10:50 group with Mick sub-leading the 10:40 group.

 

The 10:40 left on time in freezing rain.  Myself, Tony, Fixie Dave, Jane, Paul J with Tim G backmarking.  As we looped round into Bushy park the rain subsided and the sun came out, the rain was back later.  As usual Tony had devised an interesting route on quiet roads and paths.  Although he was not able to do the full ride he communicated the route through RwGPS/gpx which Mick was able to follow with the help of the group. 

 

Six of us reached the pub where the remainers of the other group Keith, Gill F and Don E joined us. After lunch Gill and Don and Jane headed for home so Mick, Fixit Dave, Paul, Tim G and Keith set off towards the Old Moat.  Keith punctured but Fixie Dave was at hand to hold a pump so it was partially fixed.  Keith still had a slow puncture so he, flanked by Dave setoff for home.  Mick, Paul and Tim were the only three to make the Old Moat.

Invitation to ride with B group - 20th May

You are cordially invited to ride with John, Tim G and myself from Caterham on 20th May.

Due to its popularity our morning route will be very similar to one we've done before, joining NCN 21 for the delightful route which passes through the Woldingham School grounds, followed by Church Lane through the architecturally interesting Church Town, then the much loved Enterdent hilly challenge and beyond.

Lunch will be at The Farmhouse Pub on the ourskirts of Horley. We don't need to pre-order our food but see their online menu if you'd like to check out what they have to offer. Many of us will remember previous visits.

The afternoon route will be a little different from previous rides but a pleasure to ride all the same we hope, aiming for Tea in Leatherhead.

This is the route, 16 + 17.8 miles:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54694635

Please ask if you'd like it in another format.

Please reply to this invitation by Monday evening so that I can advise the folk at the pub how many to expect.

We are looking forward to seeing you

~ Tim C

 

 

MWW A ride to Dorney

A picture tells a story of a thousand words!

Hence my ride to Dorney will be short and sweet - great to see the 2 groups head out in the hail and wind, with my group first off.

It was day when I was glad the route was flat, allowed for a fast pace in sections despite the headwind and we got to The Pineapple around 12.50am for a lunch delivered promptly.  Dave's group followed soon after and the pub said afterwards that they were surprised to see such a happy bunch on cyclists in view of the downpours that day.

We held off leaving the pub to let the rain pass and made our way back to tea at Walton just before 3pm. Hans and Mike said their goodbyes at the bridge, whilst Steve, Patrick and I decided to grab a brew, missing another shower.

Overall we saw the sunshine, dodged the majority of the showers and importantly our group did not avoid the Crimp Hill climb - say no more😅

Thanks to my group, Steve for backmarking and for all their good spirits on the day. 

Dave W writes  

It didn't bode well - my phone app was telling me to expect wet weather at 2.00 pm, but I had already got heavily hailed upon by the time I reached elevenses.  In the event, although there were plenty of heavy showers all day, they didn't last long and there was plenty of time to dry off in between.  It was also pleasantly sunny for much of the time, and less cold than I had expected.   Dave F, Sue C, Andy C, and Brian G joined me, along with Jennie J who very kindly back-marked for us all day.

Frances's rides are always impeccably well organised, and it is always a pleasure to help with them.   The route was varied, but with plenty of opportunity for some fast riding (relatively speaking), which was just as well since we were convinced the weather would worsen as the day went on, and aimed to get to the finish as early as possible.   The Pineapple provided our excellent lunches very efficiently, and we did dodge a long shower while we were eating.    Then we had it dry almost as far as Shepperton.   I did take a strategic decision to bypass Windsor, Crimp Hill, and the Egham roadworks, which was cheating, I know, but may have helped keep us a bit drier!

Anyway, thanks to my group for putting up with it all, and the weather!

Advance Information - Wednesday 27 May 2026

The plan is for two separate groups to depart from New Haw on 27 May.   Both will take the same outbound route to the Fox and Goose at Greywell for lunch (about 26 miles).   

After lunch, one group will ride back from Greywell to tea at Ripley (about 27  further miles from Greywell), subject to someone volunteering to lead.

My group will initially head off from Greywell on part of the previously used route towards Winchester, but eventually loop back on a completely new route (interminable thatched cottages, village ponds, quaint bits, fields etc etc) ending up at Basingstoke station (about 20 further miles from Greywell), completely avoiding the busier parts of Basingstoke.   

For those wishing to book advance train tickets, expected arrival at Basingstoke is 16.00 to 16.30.   From there, there are normally four accessible trains per hour back towards Waterloo (two stopping at Surbiton), and two towards Reading (change for the Elizabeth Line).    As well as advance fares, group tickets giving a third off are also available for more than three people booking together to the same destination, but check the details first.

I'll post fuller details, routes, menu choices etc  late next week.  Booking will be by Spond.

Simon's Coastal Adventure - the final episode?

As some of you know, I've been riding round the coast of Britain, in stages, a little bit each year.   This year I have a good chance of completing it.   I'll be setting off tomorrow (Sunday) to Hove and riding east around Kent, to reach the starting point back at London.

If you're interested to follow my progress, you can have a look at my blog for the trip, Simon's Coastal Adventure.  I'll post some photos and give you a daily update on there.

Invitation B Goup ride from Kingston YMCA 13th May

 You are invited to ride to the Ashley Park pub at Walton Station, about 16 miles mostly flat.The route to the pub planned by Tony includes several off road sections.

Tea at The Old Moat near Horton Park.

If you would like to join me please contact me by email kr@keithrook.plus.com by 6pm on Monday 

A Ride 13th May Kingston YMCA to The Pineapple Dorney

Invite on Spond,  attendees please use the APP.

To Dorney 26 miles

Lunch at The Pineapple,  pre order required , see link 

Tea at The Wilde Bunch, Walton Bridge

Total mileage 43

Flat, all on road except 2 bridges at Teddington lock and Dorney

Watch rough speed bumps at Monkey  Island

there was a closed road but passable, dismount at Pooley Green Road

I have 1 sub leader Dave W so if numbers are large, someone for a third group will need to volunteer on the day.

https://www.thepineappledorney.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Pineapple-Menu-Rv-sept25.pdf

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/451531735