‘A’ Group ride to the Annual Picnic, 19/08/26

Due to us being in the ‘holiday season’ and some riders choosing to make their own way to the pavilion at Brockham cricket ground the numbers were somewhat down on the usual and therefore we only had two groups leaving the Leatherhead Fairfield Centre. Whilst most riders experienced a very few drops of rain on their way to ‘elevenses’ when either group set off the weather remained good and dry, as it did for the rest of the day.

The ride was undulating, from the centre up to climb Critten Lane and then take the fast decent into Dorking. Sharp right at the lights we continued with the undulations until we came to the ‘wall’ just after Henfold Lake. Fortunately once over that the remaining miles were mostly flat or downhill before we were able to turn into the car park at the pavilion.

There we found other members of the club, from all sections, and our lunches that Diane P had taken for us as well as tea and coffee on demand, many thanks to Julie B for organising the event, including the amazing cakes she and her daughter made for the birthday celebrations.

After taking time to chat with others, sing Happy Birthday to Terry and Grant and celebrate an deserved award to Tim G it was time to make our way via Punchbowl Lane then Leatherhead, again, and onto Epsom and The Horton Cafe for afternoon tea. 

Thanks to everyone in the groups for their company, a very enjoyable day!

Yours

Jennie 

B Ride Invite Wednesday 26 August 2026

You are invited for our B Ride next Wednesday 26 August 2026 from Banstead Community Center (BCC) to Farm House Horley for Lunch and Tea is around Leatherhead, can be choosen by yourselves riders. Total mileage from BCC to Tea is around 37 miles.

RwGPS informs me that we have 3 Climbs and 6 Descents , elevation 1,792 ft (Up) and -2,171 ft (Down). 35 out of 37 miles are on paved surface.

Please note BCC cafe opens from 9am, it will takes us just over 2 hours to get to lunch. It is still school holiday times, depending on numbers of riders, we might depart from BCC from 10.15am onwards. Keith R, Pete B and I will be leading the ride.

Please email cberkley33@gmail.com if you would like to join us for the ride.

Invitation to A group ride from Banstead on 26 August.

Another Downs adventure.

Warning: This ride does include some mixed terrain (hardpack or gravel) and shared use sections that mostly have been ridden on my previous A rides (May 22 from Caterham and August 24 from Leatherhead) and may not appeal to some riders. It includes some sections of NCR 21 but NOT the steep downhill from Gravelly Hill as ridden in 2022. I recced on 32mm heavily worn road tyres. Do not attempt on 25mm slicks.

The route is Banstead, Farthing Down, Caterham, Woldingham school, Gravelly Hill, Nutfield, Redhill, Gatton Park, Markedge Lane, Colley Hill, Walton Heath, Tadworth, Epsom Downs, Epsom Common.

The ride may appeal to either A group or A/B group riders, as I will be leading a more leisurely paced subgroup to enjoy the scenery. On a warm dry clear day expect to share some of my favourite views, explore some less trodden territory and where possible avoid traffic. The ride is only 39.5 miles and total ascent (2,150 ft) Three significant hills (one quite challenging) and ample “offroad” will mean a slower pace than usual.

The ride to lunch at a new venue, the Inn on the Pond, Nutfield is 19 miles. The pub has been booked without the need to pre-order. The food was a limited choice but fine on my recce. Plenty of outside tables.

The afternoon leg is to tea at The Old Moat Epsom Garden Centre (closes 4pm), or Ashtead Park (closes 17:30) if running too late, is 20 indirect miles with one of the hills.

There will ideally be one leisurely, one moderately (thanks Clive) and one quicker paced group (thanks Steve). Departures will be between 10:40 to 11:00

Spond Invite should be issued to A group users at 5pm on Friday.

For those not wanting to apply via Spond, please email me at dlferrett@hotmail.com asap, but by Monday 5 pm latest to register for the ride with your preferred pace.

B Group Picnic Ride

For the first time in weeks - nay, months - the skies were grey and overcast as we assembled at Leatherhead for the annual Picnic Ride.  Some had even rummaged in the deepest recesses of their wardrobes to dig out long forgotten rainjackets.  But although the clouds looked initially threatening, they gradually cleared and conditions proved excellent for the ride - dry and cool instead of the excessive heat of recent weeks.

The ride itself went well.  Francis lead the first group with Brenda, Keith, John, Anne and Tim C kindly backmarking.  The route took us to Effingham, then up Critten Lane to the pleasant ride along Ranmore Common Road before a steep plunge down to Dorking.  We emerged south onto Flint Hill and North Holmwood before branching east via Red Lane and Dawes Green before heading back north to loop round to Brockham.

Stephen lead the second group.  As well as Paul, Mick and Steph we were honoured by the presence of the two 'birthday boys' Grant and Terry, and were humbled to see that, for them at least, Critten Lane proved no obstacle.   The photo shows us breathing heavily at the top. We murmured that we'd be proud (and surprised!) to manage it at 80, let alone 90.   The final member of our group was Tim G - later to receive a well-deserved award for going the 'extra mile' (which, it was explained, involves you contributing an awful lot more for the club than riding one more mile than last time).  Tim's record in leading, sub-leading and back-marking is remarkable - and he demonstrated it once again this time by volunteering as our back-marker.

The Picnic was a fun occasion, with a chance to mix and relax with all the groups.  Diane had managed the  transport logistics and Julie produced impressive (and delicious!) birthday cakes for Grant and Terry, plus a large tray of smaller cakes.  Clearly she knew her audience.  'Happy Birthday' was sung, Tim G was presented with his award, and everyone had a good time.  Thank you to all those involved in organising such a successful event!

Stephen

Team Francis riders in the hills:

Brenda

Francis leading

Anne

Keith

John

Martin out on the prairie on an eBike

B Group Picnic Ride List

 The ride list for tomorrow's picnic ride from Leatherhead is on the B Group WhatsApp.  Let me know of any omissions or issues.  Look forward to seeing you - looks like pleasant conditions!

B Group ride 19 August

 You are invited to join the B Group 'picnic' ride from Leatherhead on 19 August.  It's a morning route only to Brockham, where we will be reunited with our lunch packs, which will be transported separately from Leatherhead.   Please see the separate post on the blog about the picnic arrangements, and link    https://ridewithgps.com/routes/56106102 for the route (about 19 miles).

Let me know by Monday if you'd like to join.  Email to shfhickey@gmail.com

Weather should be more pleasant next week!

Stephen

Invitation to Wayfarers annual picnic at Brockham Green cricket club

 To all club riders!

Following the ride next Wednesday August 19th you are cordially invited to the Wayfarers annual picnic at Brockham Green cricket club. The address of the club for those who are making their way separately is:

The Recreation Ground, Middle St, Brockham, Betchworth RH3 7JT

Light refreshments will be provided - but please bring your own picnic lunch. You can leave these in a bag labelled with your name at Leatherhead 11s venue and they will be collected by Diane and delivered to the picnic for you, after your morning ride.

The weather so far is looking dry and a bit cooler - slight chance of a bit of rain!  Fingers crossed for a lovely day!