Ride Report - 'A' Group Wednesday 11 February 2026

 

What a meagre apology for a route this one was!  The only sights of any slight interest were Europe's largest women's prison, a major international airport, a bevy (as it were) of historic coaching inns, (including Britain's third oldest pub), one of our most prestigious public schools, a major theme park, and a mere three royal residences (one long-standing, one new, and one available to let at a peppercorn rent).  Call that a scenic ride!   Pathetic!   Admittedly, as a minor consolation, there were a couple of footbridges, one of which was a very dastardly example which would not have seemed out of place in a major theme park, incorporating as it does a fiendish spiral ramp, a bridge over the A4, and a tunnel under the M4!

Anyway, unsurprisingly, only 15 'A' groupers turned out for this farrago!   I blame the weather forecast - temperatures of up to 13 degrees Centigarde had been promised, and I fancy this would have been just too warm for some!   Fortunately, in the event the heat was tempered by frequent and refreshing rain showers which stopped those of us who did venture out from over-heating!

Thanks for your company everyone, especially my group (Simon, Jennie, Andy C, Dave B, Brian G and Sue C) and special thanks to Clive and Steve D for taking up the gauntlet of navigating a group around one of my barmy routes!  Thanks too to Simon for faultlessly back-marking for my group.

Of the other group's experiences Steve D writes:

'This ride started by signing up using Dave's online Google booking form, which I found very easy. So easy that I found myself selected to lead a group! Then of course I couldn't get access to the groups or the route. I seem to be missing some vital tech skills somewhere. Anyway Dave V very kindly sent me the missing data and so I spent an hour checking the route on my sat nav software. I decided to replot the route because for some reason the Garmin import didn't place the route exactly on the shared cycle paths, but sometimes on the main road where it would wander about ambiguously.

The day started with a car accident on the M25 with a nine mile queue to junction 11. This forced Google maps to reroute traffic away from the motorway. This made the normally quiet journey to Teddington very busy. Thankfully it was not raining, although the forecast was for rain at midday.

I set off with Hans, Mike R, Guy, Frances, Patrick, Dave V as back marker and Clive who also helped with leading the route. Passing through Bushey Park got us in the correct frame of mind for the way Dave W had planned it. Quiet, but tricky. Travelling through Hampton and past the Oak Avenue nature reserve we skirted underneath the M3 and rode back roads paralell to the A308 through Ashford and crossing the railway near the station. Then Stanwell, picking up the Southern Perimeter Road cycle path around Heathrow airport. Going west through Poyle and Colnbrook alond the cycle path next to the A4 we crossed the M4 via two 'corkscrew' risers to access the path crossing. Following quiet roads paralell to the A4 we once again crossed the M4 on a cycle way just north of Datchet. This brought us neatly onto the Eton college road and round the back to the Millenium Milepost at Eton Wick road where we used the cycle path along the railway arches. By now the sun was out and we had only experienced a small shower the whole morning! A quick scoot through the Eton one way system and we arrived at The King & Castle Wetherspoons. Here we could get our bikes under cover as it started to rain. The second group appeared ten minutes after us.

After a pleasant lunch in a 'posh' pub we again set off, but without Mike and Hans who had set off earlier. Another revelation of the route was the way through Windsor then following the King's Road south to enter the Windsor Great Park through the Village and across to exit at Englefield Green down Prune Hill. Instead of going through Egham we travelled south of it, through Thorpe and picking up the Staines Road cycle path to go through Chertsey and then to Weybridge and finally the Walton Marina cafe. How does Dave think of it all (should be 'why does he' - Ed)?

It is not until you look back on a map and find out exactly where you went that one can appreciate the ingenuity of the route. Many times on the way, I vaguely knew where I was, but how did I get there? I definitely would like to travel that route again. Thanks Dave W. Thanks also to Dave V for not only supplying me with the route and groups, but back marked the whole way. It is so reassuring when you have a safe pair of hands behind you. Thanks to Clive for being ready to step in with leading the ride also. Of course I got drenched on the way home, but who cares after a reasonably dry and sunny day out with good company?'

Too kind I'm sure, Steve, but thanks for a proper ride report and your fulsome praise!   On the subject of the e-booking experiment, it is working well, but there was a glitch (again) with the sharing links which are supposed to enable participants to easily access the route and ride information.   A team of boffins are working on this and e-booking will rise again!

B Ride Invitation for 18th February

We shall be meeting in Redhill for our ride that makes its way southwards before turning west and heading for lunch in Westhumble. The morning ride is 19 miles and then we shall head for tea at the Old Moat in Horton.

Please email me by Monday evening at: johnaustin04@yahoo.co.uk

I look forward to seeing you next week.

Take care,

 John A

Ride report for B Group - 11th February

Unfortunately Sue had to miss today’s ride so she did not experience the mild, almost pleasant and occasionally sunny weather we had today. Ray kindly stepped into her shoes to the lead the third group, and I believe added his own few tweaks to the route! 

Karl led the first group

We were the first group out of Teddington. Seven of us out and seven of us back, under a mostly leaden sky. Fortunately the rain held off and, as we approached Cobham, we even spied patches of blue and had a tailwind ! "What more could we ask for?", I asked our group. "Free beer", was the response. Well, we didn't have any of that. Honestly, there is no pleasing some people, but overall it was a good ride. I certainly enjoyed it, and judging by some of the post ride Whats-app comments, others in my group did too.

It just leaves me to say thank you to the group for your good company, thank you to Geoff for back marking, Sue for the route and Dave F for taking the lead into Cobham avoiding the floods on Plough Lane. Until next time..

~ Karl

from Gill, leader of the second Group

Stephen had a difficult puncture and was not expecting to join us but happily managed to make it to Bushy Park as his group came through, so with Grant replacing Steph, who couldn’t make it, the second group had a full house including Tony Hp, Paula, Julie, Martina and Gill H. 

Despite the potholes trying to catch us out we had a pleasant, uneventful route to lunch. A comfort break at the Longacres garden centre was welcome but Stephen’s yearning to stop for that missed morning coffee had to be thwarted as we set our sights on lunch in Cobham. The last few miles past Wisley and the back lanes of Cobham, where the sun joined us, were particularly pleasant. 

The Fairmile were very prompt with our meals and very friendly. Lovely to see Terry and Ian who joined us for lunch. Most enjoyed their food though my cheese toastie did not live up to its promise! 

Karl offered an informal group route to the Old Moat for tea, the rest headed home. 

A good route and lunch venue, thank you Sue. Sorry you were unable to enjoy the results of all your organisation. And thanks to Tony for back marking and to everyone in the team for your good company.

~ Gill

from Ray, leader of the third group:

We were the last group away and left Elleray Centre in Teddington via Middle Road, on our way to Bushy Park. The group consisted of Tim C, Tim G, Mags, Ian, Gill F, me and Liz who said her goodbyes to the group for the last time before she moves house. The weather was good with the occasional glimpse of the sun making it all worthwhile. We left Bushy behind, via the gate along Hampton Court Road and proceeded through Sunbury and Shepperton until we arrived at Chertsey Bridge, where my local knowledge was used to turn left after the bridge and cycle through the Meads before briefly rejoining the route at the fire station, just before the underpass under St Peter’s Way. After crossing the rail bridge, we then continued, along Prairie Road, turned right on to Green Lane and left along School Lane before rejoining the official route, just before the roundabout on Church Road.

Then on to New Haw, West Byfleet, Pyrford before turning left into Lock Lane. At the lock, it was noticeable how much rain had recently come down with the overflow channel working overtime and the canal looking much more like a river than a canal. After crossing Wisley Bridge we then entered an area that resembled a building site, with several potential routes to choose from, all going in the same direction as we wanted? After talking to a group of workmen and negotiating a small digger that was blocking our route we were quickly back on our way along Elm Lane and Old Lane where there was a large quantity of water running off adjacent fields on to the road making cycling unpleasant but, with motorists being considerate, quite doable.

At the entrance to Plough Lane, we were greeted to the normal road closure signs, so a quick deviation along Chilbrook Road and Downside Road and we then entered Cobham. With under a mile to go before lunch we quickly made our way along Hogshill Lane and Ickenham Road to arrive at Portsmouth Road where a quick right and a left took us to The Fairmile pub which turned out to be a real find. Service was quick and friendly and there was more than enough space for all of us to sit down and reflect on the ride we had just done.

 

A big thank you to my group who were good company along the way and a special thank you to Tim C who back marked for us and to Tim G who took anyone who wanted to go to the Old Moat for tea.

~ Ray

Ray's route with Team 3 showing his improvisations

Ride to Ripley with a Wisley wander

I rode over to Ripley this morning which turned out to be more interesting, in all sorts of ways, than I was expecting.

The Tilt path at Stoke D'Abernon was flooded after the bridge but that was only minor and much less of a lake than at Ranmore on Wednesday. The road closed signs towards Plough Lane at the end of Chilbrook Road were hardly a surprise.

Then on to Elm Lane. The concrete blocks preventing vehicle access to Elm Corner have been replaced by a gate - locked and not much room to get round beside it without muddy shoes. The "lake" at the bottom of the new path to Wisley lane was only an inch or two deep. 

More interestingly, at the top of the path, just before going through the gap in the fence to Wisley Lane, there is now a formation veering left to join up with the new access to the airfield site about 150m down Wisley Lane from the current exit through the fence. This is where both Don Elms and I have spotted a new, blue RoW sign on Wisley Lane (pointing both ways) with a third arm (covered up for now) pointing towards the airfield. More intriguingly the latest A3 road/lane closure email that landed in my inbox a few days ago says that Elm Corner (nominally inaccessible to motor vehicles) will be closed on Friday for "tarmacking". So is the link from Elm Lane to Wisley Lane going to be tarmacked this week?  Maybe on the new formation allowing the gap in the fence to be closed? If so, sadly not in time for Sue's B ride on Wednesday. Watch this space. 

So, over Wisley bridge and there was another new RoW sign invitingly pointing along the new "bridleway" to the Heathland bridge with no fence across the road or guard in his sentry box. This was too inviting not to explore. Sadly it is only open to access Pond Farm with a barrier at the bridge - which is supposed to open this month. 

But how's this for "off road"? It's on my potential route for March 4.

At the end of Lock Lane a Road Closed sign said no access to Ripley. Surrey Roadworks webside said pedestrian access and the guy in the van at Church Hill said it was fine. Newark Lane is closed from Church Hill to the Seven Stars until March 18 but no problem on a bike with a very short pavement walk.

I came home across Bookham Common - passable but wet. I think we were right to give it a miss on Wednesday.  

 

 

Hilly 50k - Saturday 25th April - Don't Miss It!

This year’s Hilly 50k will be on Saturday 25th April 2026 from Ryka’s, Dorking. Sign on from 9.00am. Finish at the top of Box Hill.

This year we have revised the route to include friendlier hills, scenic descents, and fewer potholes. But I’m sure everyone will find it a significant challenge. For full details see our Hilly 50 web page.

If 25th April is not suitable, you are welcome to ride alone or with friends at any time of your choice.

In recent years we have attracted a good number of female riders. This year we hope to continue that trend and hopefully the new route will attract a wider group of riders who might not normally attempt such a ride.

If you are not familiar with the route, or nervous of the hills I plan to organise a sensibly paced group ride, including a welcome (for me at least) mid-ride coffee stop at Kings Head Shop on Pitland St, Holmbury St Mary. Please let me know if you are interested (d.vine207@btinternet.com).

As in previous years we ask riders to support St Raphael’s Hospice, a cause close to the heart of our late organiser, Mike Morley. Donations of £10 (or more if you prefer) via our JustGiving page to this most deserving cause.

 

 

B group ride 11th February - circular route with lunch at Cobham

You are invited to join Gill, Karl and myself for  the ride next Wednesday from the new Elleray Hall in Teddington. After 11's we will head west to Addlestone, south to West Byfleet, and finally north-east, back to Cobham for lunch at The Fairmile. I recced the off road path from Wisley Lane to Elm Lane and it was a bit muddy but ok on my road bike. We will need to pre-order at The Fairmile from the menu

As you will see from the link, we are doing a longer route of 23 miles to lunch but with only 600ft of climbing it won't feel too difficult.  After lunch, Karl and I will lead two informal groups to tea at The Old Moat if required. 

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53776854

Please let me know by 5pm on Monday if you would like to join us. Hope you can make it.

Sue

sue.foster39@gmail.com

Do Join Me For The 'A' Group Ride On Wednesday 11 February....

Do  join me for the 'A' group ride from the new Elleray Centre, Teddington on Weds 11 February.   The plan is for a 20-mile ride on unfamiliar or little-used (by us) roads to lunch at the King & Castle, Windsor (a slightly posher than usual Wetherspoons).   In the event of 'adverse weather conditions', the route can be shortened and/or lunch moved closer.   The intended 18-mile return route from Windsor to Walton Bridge is completely different from usual, but again, can be drastically shortened if need be.  

There are no unsurfaced sections at all, so no mud.  The outbound route is flat, the inbound route has a couple of climbs, but none of the usual suspects.

To join the ride, please complete the online booking form  (a much simplified version of the one I tried out last year) by 6.00 pm on Monday 9 February.   Volunteer sub-leaders are needed, please, as is  someone to write the ride report.   The list of groups and starting times, the route, and full route information will be made available via WhatsApp (not e-mail) on Tuesday.

(Apologies for the weird format of this article - it looks quite normal on my editing page)!