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

B Ride Report 6th May Cobham

Similar to previous Wednesdays, chilly at the start of the day, leading to sunny and warm weather all day and so we had 18 B riders gather for their usual cuppa and chat with fellow riders. The warm and courteous welcome at the RBL is always something to look forward to before a ride.

The first group (Alan C, Brenda B, Dave C, Martin C, and Mick A, back-marker), left promptly at 10.30am followed by Tim G’s group (Alan I, Sabina, Bernard, Margaret M, Jane F and Peter Bt back-marking) at 10.45am and lastly John A’s group (Martina, Julie B, Grant and Terry L, back-marker), 15 mins later.

The morning ride, in terms of time, was probably one of the longest we’ve had for some time, at 2 ¾ hours. Though a reasonable 21 miles to lunch, the long climbs up High Barn Lane and Green Dene and the off-roads through Bookham Common and Drovers road, added to the time. But the rewards I’m sure outweighed the slog up the hills. The vista at Newlands Corner over the South Downs, takes some beating as does the wonderful 100m long wattle fencing at the top of High Barn Lane. Combined with empty sun dappled lanes, fresh air and jovial company, it was a beautiful day to be cycling.

Team GB at Newlands Corner

... and in action up High Barn Lane

Team Francis (minus Mick A, our official photographer)

A deserved rest and a hearty thai lunch at The Barley Mow pub, managed to revive the legs and spirits.

Just 8 riders headed to tea on the short 12 miles route to Garsons Farm while the rest all dissipated homewards for a long soak in the bath, no doubt.

Well done to everyone on the ride and a special thank you to my subbies Tim G and John A for their diligent leadership and their back-markers for keeping everyone safe on the route.

~ Francis

Report for 6th May A group ride to Rudgwick

 I have to say the planning of this ride was a challenge. I was planning to ride to The Fox Bucks Green via Baynards Estate, Cranleigh, across country, which we had done four years ago. However In October last year the Fox was sold and the new owners have gone 'gastro'. No sandwiches on the menu and a row of single stars on Trip Advisor. So the only viable option was The Milk Churn. Then on the recce I found Ripley Road closed, even to cyclists and Baynards farm have put a huge steel gate across the private road we had travelled easily before, cutting access to the A281. The good news was that my new route shaved 2 miles off the route and I found Bar Hatch Lane and the B2128 out of Cranleigh had new tarmac. So from Cobham, West Horsley, up Sheepleas, through Shere and up Hound House Road, then down to Cranleigh.

So fourteen riders signed up on Spond which made two neat groups of seven. Fiona kindly led the first group away with Janice, Jacky B, Hans, Frances, Dave B and the, now professional, back marker Peter S. I was concerned by the amount of climbing on the route, but they made rapid progress. They were tucking into their food as we in the second group arrived.

I set off after Fiona with Neil W, Dave F, Dave E, Gina, Sue C and the equally professional Simon L back marking us. We were slower mainly because of the climbing and so it was a relief to find ourselves at Bar Hatch Lane ready for a fast descent into Cranleigh.

We were served quickly by the efficient staff at The Milk Churn where we ogled the magnificent Buick Lesabre 6 litre V8. What a beautiful car.

After lunch we rode on the lovely Horsham Road, through Walliswood to Forest Green and then up Tanhurst Lane, Coldharbour and down to The Old Clunker Cafe. We were just in time to see Fiona and her group leave. Dave B seemed to have sorted out his slow puncture.

Many thanks to Fiona for leading her group so successfully (look at the smiles) and to Simon and Peter for back marking. We were lucky with the weather and a bit of sun which always helps, but it is the company of everyone that made the riding special.

Steve D.