Invitation to A Group ride 3rd September

You are invited to join me on a very straightforward ride to The Fox Inn at Bucks Green. Our outward route will be to Effingham and over Whitedown followed by a couple of smaller hills to Holbury St Mary. After that there is more down than up via Ewhurst Green and Baynards to the pub. Our return is via Ellens Green and Weare St to Capel, Newdigate and Brockham with tea in Leatherhead. About 23 miles each way and 2300 ft of ascent. The only offroad is Bookham Common and the Coach Road (Brockham). Otherwise most is fairly quiet roads and lanes. 

Prebooking lunch is not required but I include a link to the menu so that you can think about it in advance.

Steve Duffin has kindly volunteered to sub lead and will take a faster group. I will lead a medium/slower group but if numbers are high I may need to ask for another volunteer to sublead. 

Please email me to book your place by 5pm on Monday.  Thanks.

An invitation to ride with B group on 3rd September

You are cordially invited to ride with Steph, Pete B and myself from Cobham to The Inn on the Green in Ockley.

Much of the route is loosely based on our ride of 5th June last year, similarly hilly and just as scenic, but after Shere we will head towards Peaslake. At Peaslake we will ride up Radnor Road which is memorable for being rather steep in the first half mile or so before reclining into a more gentle gradient. With this in mind Steph has kindly offered to lead her group on a less severe route from Peaslake to Ewhurst before heading East towards our Lunch. It will probably take us over 2½ hours to ride to Lunch.

The morning ride is technically challenging in places so will require a great deal of care, due to loose material on the road surfaces, due to occasional vehicles on the narrow lanes, and in the shade there is a lack of good visibility of the road surface which is rough and potholed in places. On the descents maintain a distance of several bike lengths from the person in front of you. Also try not to lose the rider behind you who may not be clear which way to go at intersections.

In the afternoon we will take our well worn route through Capel, Newdigate, Parkgate etc through to Dorking, thence to Denbies or Leatherhead for Tea.

This is the main route:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/52061781

This is Steph's slightly easier(?) route:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/52331555

The Inn on the Green staff have asked that we pre-order our lunch choices from these menus which can also be found on their website. If the weather isn't nice we will be accomodated indoors.

 

So please confirm by Monday evening that you are coming on the ride, indicating any preferences regarding pace or start time, particularly if you would like to ride with Steph on her slightly longer but slightly easier route. Most importantly please say what you'd like to have for lunch.

We look forward to seeing you

~ Tim C 

 

From Jeff Beck to Anthony Bek; B Group from Banstead to Eltham Palace, 27 August

We rang the changes on Wednesday by travelling North East from Banstead.  The A’s had gone to Eltham Palace a while ago (and their recommendation of a pub turned up trumps).   Unlike them, our journey to Edward II’s castle was through parks and quiet roads and a woodland trail, aided by moving the start from Caterham, from where it proved difficult to plot a course through Purley and Croydon which did not involve main roads or spectacularly steep hills.  From Banstead we could zing down the hill through Pine Walk and get down to the Wandle at Beddington on a quiet route over Carshalton Hill (yes, the leader was disingenuous about there being no hills, a dishonesty for which he was chided at the finish) and past Jeff Beck’s house.

Banstead, an early start, a worsening weather forecast, and an urban ride; my initial fears were that we would have few takers.  There was a moment on Monday when the opposite looked possible; had we got enough leaders?  Then, in the end, a few could not make it so we ended up with three comfortable groups, five, five and seven.  Rarely for a B ride, and solely because we wanted to avoid overtaking, we split the groups according to the leader’s approximation of who would be slow, medium and fast.  And because the recces had shown that 40 urban miles takes longer than 40 country miles, we started a bit earlier, something I had discussed with the Community Centre manager.

It drizzled a bit on the descent of the Col de Banstead but then cleared up to a comfortable cycling climate.  Alan set out first with the Edward VI team. Paul was ten minutes later with the Queen Mary team and John A last, but always punctual, with the Elizabeth I team.  After the descent to the Wandle Valley we took the Greenwich Ride route through Croydon, and had hardly cleared that World Heritage site when Queen Molly ambushed King Ted, struggling up a slope in the opposite direction, an achievement occasioned by the failure of Alan’s Beeline which had him following an older version of the route.  Once that had happened, and Alan had rebooted, he was faced with a double puncture and a dislodged chain, enabling the Queen Lizzie’s to overtake and thus to reverse history.

Through the well-heeled suburbs of Beckenham we departed the Greenwich route and entered territory new to most who had not helped with the recces; through Beckenham Place Park and its memories of David Bowie (there's a plaque, he used to escape the paparazzi by nipping over his back wall and finding some peace in the park), along the Downham Woodland Walk and then around Grove Park and Eltham to safely cross the A20 and the Channel Tunnel railway line.  We approached the palace itself from the south, up King John’s walk where we briefly stopped for the panorama of the Big Smoke, then up the short climb to the King’s House, a splendid Tudor building of some size.  

Paul's group the first to get to see the vista.....

......followed by John's group.

 

He who is first shall be last.  Alan's group after their puncture repair test (and resit).

At £17.50 entrance fee we had to glimpse the moat, the ancient bridge, the magnificent medieval hall with one of the largest surviving hammerbeam rooves and the modern art deco house, through the iron railings.  Eltham became a Royal Palace in 1305 when Anthony Bek, Bishop of Durham, gave it to Edward II.  The man much responsible for its demise was Rich the Rebel, a chum of Oliver Cromwell. 

One of our number had taken the “lunch at Eltham Palace” literally and was disappointed not to enter to a silver service banquet.  Instead we went to the Park Tavern 800 yards away where we could not have been more warmly welcomed nor better served.  The landlady was outside to greet the Queen Mary’s, now in the van by some distance, and the staff of their own volition rearranged the garden furniture to accommodate seventeen bikes.

Lunch not in the medieval banqueting hall.

The route back, through every available green space, was regarded as intricate by some but I cannot stress how intricate one has to be to time lunch to coincide precisely with the heavy shower and to plot a route home successfully avoiding the showers from the incoming weather front.  Blackheath, Ladywell Fields, Nunhead Cemetery, Peckham Rye, passing Dulwich Park and the Herne Hill Velodrome, Brockwell Park, Clapham Common, Wandsworth Common, Wimbledon Common and up the hill (the gentlest route, critics please note) to Wimbledon Common for tea at the Windmill.

The Queen Lizzie’s were trailing behind by now and got as far as Brockwell Park before they split up to make their several ways home via Herne Hill, Sutton, Mitcham and Wimbledon.  So three from my group and three from Alan’s made it to the end of an ambitious ride.  But the only way I could think of shortening it was to get English Heritage to move Eltham Palace.

Five of the magnificent six who made the course all the way to the Wimbledon Windmill.  Stephen was the 6th.

Some of us got a bit damp on the way home but the ride leader takes no responsibility for the weather after the official ride is over.

Thanks are due to Andy, Simon, Mike and Tim G who, though not going on the ride, came on the early recces and helped iron out some potentially show-stopping glitches.  Thanks, too, for John and Alan in leading, and for Maggie for riding it four times with me.  Thanks to Fixie Dave for the mechanical resolution of problems that were not his.  And to everyone else for your company.

Wednesday 27^th August Ride to Eltham Palace – Alan’s Ride Report

On a bright, but cloudy morning, seven riders in the King Edward VI (Group A) enjoyed a beautiful ride from Banstead to Eltham Palace, having lunch at an “old-style” pub in Eltham and an “end of ride” tea at the Windmill Café on Wimbledon Common.

The ride followed a varied route through quiet residential side roads, scenic open spaces, and several London Parks, passing through busy urban town centres and south London communities, with some clear views of well-known London landmarks along the way.

The route also followed local London “Trails” including Addiscombe Railway Park, the Lewisham Literary Heritage Trail and the Wandle Trail to Croydon as well as passing some historic London buildings.   

The Group A riders were the first of three groups of “B” riders to start the ride from Banstead Community Centre, and after a brief shower of light rain, rode through the morning traffic in Banstead High Street and descended to Banstead Common. We stopped briefly so Chris could pick up his back light after it fell from his bike because of the road surface on Sutton Road.

We then rode through quiet local backroads around Carshalton and Wallington before reaching Beddington Park and following the Wandle Trail into Croydon. We passed Waddon Ponds on the way. Waddon Ponds is one of the main sources of the River Wandle.

We then followed a quiet route using the cycle paths through Croydon Town Centre to East Croydon Station before making our way through Addiscombe, to Addiscombe Railway Park on the now unused Addiscombe Railway track before crossing into South Norwood Country Park.

After taking a wrong turning and losing the route we fortunately met the second group (Group B), led by Paul, coming the other way! They helpfully got us back on route.

We were now the second group on the road and soon became the third after Christina unluckily suffered a double puncture in her front wheel. Dave, Nigel and Bob all helped find the site of the puncture and change the tube, needing to replace the innertube twice because of a rip in the second (new) tube. Dave generously fitted his own spare innertube into Christina’s wheel to enable us to get going and this stayed inflated for the remainder of the ride. Nigel refitted the wiring for the front dynamo hub so that Christina could continue to use her lights.

To make up time we set off at a lively pace to lunch riding through South Norwood Country Park before leaving the park and walking through the pedestrian tunnel underneath Kent House station. We then rode through some beautifully quiet side roads in Beckenham towards Beckenham Place Park.

Beckenham Place Park is a large tree-lined park with cycles routes, a Georgian Mansion and London’s first purpose-built swimming lake. We stopped at the busy café area which had cold water sprinklers with families enjoying the last few days of the summer break before returning to school.

After leaving Beckenham Place Park we followed part of the Lewisham Literary Heritage Trail along the Downham Woodland Walk (a quiet woodland path), before riding through side roads to Grove Park, Mottingham and beside the busy A20 Road. We then took a right hand turn up a steep path and through motorcycle barriers before climbing our way up towards Eltham Palace. We stopped for a few minutes to enjoy the views of the city across the fields and take a photo. We then rode down past the stables and up to Eltham Palace.    

Lunch was at the nearby Park Tavern Pub, an old-style Trumans Pub, decorated in a style appropriate to the age of the building and run in an old fashioned and “proper” way (according to the website). It was a busy but social pub with a nice garden and plenty of space to park the bikes. We arrived in time to meet the other two groups.

After lunch we rode across Eltham High Street and alongside the A2 Rochester Way Relief Road, then on through Kidbrooke, Blackheath to Lewisham Town Centre. We then rode through Ladywell and Brockley, and up the long steady “climb" towards Peckham Rye. We then rode through Brockley Park (with good views of London), across Clapham and Wandsworth Commons and through Wimbledon Park up to Wimbledon Common.

Bob and Chris made their own way home from Clapham Common, with Christina and Nigel following the Wandle Trail from Earlsfield to Wimbledon Station to make their own way home from there. The remainder of the group - Julie, Dave and Alan had tea and cake at the Windmill Café on Wimbledon Common, meeting Paul, Steph and Stephen from Group B. We all then rode across the Common to Wimbledon Village and then home.

Many thanks to Julie, Christina, Bob, Nigel, Chris and Dave for their company and making it an enjoyable day. Thanks also to Bob for back-marking and to Bob, Dave and Nigel for completing the puncture repairs. Thanks also to everyone for maintaining a lively pace to ensure we got to lunch and back to Wimbledon for tea.

A Group ride from Banstead to Petts Wood and Morden

 Banstead is a funny place to plan a ride from - somewhere in the middle of our loci for rides, having to ride quite far to get to places of interest whilst avoiding familiar roads. A bit like Paul J and his new route to Eltham, I was keen to explore outer SE London and Kent. Hence Petts Wood as a destination. And Morden for tea because it's on my doorstep. None of this schleping home south of Dorking!

I couldn't have chosen a better sub-leader for my ride than Andy C. My crude route planning - both outward and return, was brought to fruition by Andy's unrivalled knowledge of routes and roads: that's what a life on a saddle brings!  Our recce route was consigned to the dustbin. New routes, as Andy modestly acknowledges in his comments, were plotted by the 'cycle travel' app. Lesson learnt!

Here's what Andy had to say:- 

A cool day of brief rain showers & blustery winds....ideal for an urban ride. My group - Dave W & F, Karl, Sue C, Gina & Clive (welcome back!).It wasn't until Warlingham that we left the traffic behind & ahead...a steep descent followed by the gradual climb of Beddlestead Lane where fly-tipped rubbish was being removed. Chestnut Avenue was gently undulating to Hawley's Corner, then a 2 mile descent, then up to Cudham.

Another 2+ mile downhill to Green Street Green where if you'd believed your Garmin, that was it for hills! Obviously not, we still had Old Hill taking us to Farnborough. Dave W spent his early years in the area & was keen to point out his old Junior School!

A naturally busy Wetherspoons in Petts Wood but all were served to satisfaction & we were away by 2pm....sans Dave W. Leaving the pub in a northerly direction, we entered Jubilee Park via 'Tent Peg Lane'...no really! Many quiet suburban side roads took us tea at Morden Hall Park.

Thanks to Ged for his interest in organising this different type of ride, & the navigation alone would of been challenging before the invention of the gps device.

Credit to cycle.travel for the route back & everybody in my group for their company.

Around in Kent.

My TVC quartet of Fiona, Hans, Mike, and Dave B were joined by Patrick and Guy. With severe gradients ironed-out, we escaped Purley via Riddlestone Ave, avoiding Sanderstead, and stopped for a breather at Titsey Hill.

Chesnut Ave was a delight, emerging at Hawleys Corner - that some recognised, but from a different direction. We stopped at St Peter and Pauls Church for the 1,000+ year's Yew trees.

Recce photo.

Yew'ved been framed!

Hans was promised at least one +5% ascent climb, and seemed content with Old Hill through Ramus Wood. Then on to Petts Wood. Despite contrary advice about no bikes in the rear courtyard, The Sovereign of the Seas were obliging, and normal Wetherspoons service commenced.

The 15 mile somewhat dizzying return through suburban SE London was interrupted by a Millwall photographer picturing us at Selhurst Park. We all stayed for tea at Morden Hall Park.

Once again many thanks for Andy C for expertly joining-up the dots from my flawed origin to destination route, and to Mike R for faultlessly back-marking the often tortuous route through the twisty-turns of SE London. I'm glad the rain kept off!

A visit from our cycle-touring friends

After an action packed ride through Switzerland and France on Eurovelo 17 our Australian friends came and stayed with us before riding on down to Southampton for a more relaxing kind of trip on the QM2 to New York.

David and Catriona before loading up their bikes

~ Tim

A Group ride from Banstead Community Centre to Petts Wood and Morden Hall Park, 27th August.

 You are invited onto the A Group ride from Banstead Community Centre to Petts Wood and return to Morden Hall Park. Lunch is at the Wetherspoons 'Sovereign of the Seas', Petts Wood, and tea is at the National Trust, Potting Shed cafe, Morden Hall Park. 

The route is 25miles to lunch, and 15miles to tea. The route takes in areas of Kent very rarely ridden by Wayfarers - if at all! There are plenty of climbs - before lunch, and wonderful views, but with only one climb of more than 5%. Apart from a short stretch of 300 metres of very rideable gravel, before lunch, it's all road based. Riders should be aware however that approximately half of the route is on Outer SE London suburban roads, some of which are quite busy with traffic, for instance the route out through Purley in the morning. Thereafter it's 15 miles of quiet and scenic country lanes skirting Biggin Hill before emerging into suburban Orpington and Petts Wood for lunch. Most of the return leg after lunch is on quieter mainly residential side roads and a bit of parkland paths. In planning the ride - and the recce, I have been greatly helped by smart revisions to the route suggested by Andy C, who will co-lead. 

As this exploratory new route may not suit all A group riders I have attached it now to give riders plenty of time for a preview.

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/395629329

Please respond by email to:-  gedlawrenson150@gmail.com by 6.00pm on Monday.

Groups and start times will be sent out on Tues. morning.

Happy to answer any queries.

Thanks

Ged

B Group ride from Banstead to Eltham Palace on 27 August

You are invited to join the B group ride on Wednesday 27 August when we will be going into what for me, and I suspect most of us, is new territory.  

We will be following a brand new route, park-hopping and woodland-trailing through urban South London, lunching close to Eltham Palace, and returning over Blackheath and common-hopping back to Wimbledon.

39 miles in all and the only significant hills are those to get to elevenses before we start, and Wimbledon at the finish.

We will be aiming for a slightly earlier start than usual because an urban mile can take longer than a country mile.  Elevenses at Banstead Community Centre, lunch at the Park Tavern in Eltham, tea in Wimbledon (we aim for the Windmill but will divert to Wimbledon Village if we are not going to make the Windmill in time for a comfortable stop). 

If 20 miles to lunch is enough for you, we pass Eltham station shortly after lunch in time to get a train into town and out gain before the rush hour bike restrictions.  

I will publish the route with the order of play on Tuesday.  Meanwhile, those interested please let me know by Monday night at paulandrewjames1949@yahoo.co.uk

 

A group Picnic Ride 20th August 2025

 After carefully planning a route and working out three groups we actually left in two groups. First one led by Dave V who always steps in to help lead a group, as does Brian. Neil W and his charming wife Jenny offered to take our lunch boxes by car to the Brockham Village Recreation ground so we were unencumbered on our ride.

Well, Dave set a cracking pace with Gina, Dave F, Clive, Paula, Karl and Sue C and Brian back marking. I set off just after with Janice, Fiona, Frances, Patrick, Simon W, Mike R, Hans, Dave B, Guy and Ged back marking. We went from Leatherhead to Effingham and then up to White Down, before descending into Dorking, where Fiona left us to return. It was cold at 19 degrees and overcast with grey cloud. My group didn't catch up with Dave's until Newdigate and from there it was a straightforward pull north, through Parkgate and left at Shallwood Cross. We arrived at Brockham at 12.10 and looked forward to a cup of tea or coffee. This was amply provided, including a lot of lemon cake, by Sue F and her helpers.

Everyone then got to enjoy the day meeting riders from different groups.

I think the highlight was when Simon received his virtual award from Sue F which was a Certificate of Lifetime Achievement from Cycling UK for his outstanding contribution to the club as treasurer, Membership Secretary and now more recently IT consultant. He has spent months transferring our blogs onto the new system! An awful lot of work unpaid. I also have fond memories of him collecting our club coin fees in a tin box and riding around with the extra weight! Not to mention his slow circumnavigation of the UK year on year. He is one of the club's stars.

I was going to leave at 2.45 pm to take a route up Box Hill and on to Ashtead GC for tea, but it was so cold the consensus was to leave at 2. By the time we had reached the cafe the sun was out and warming us up again. Patrick, Simon W, and Ged stopped and we were soon joined by Brian. The day highlighted the two best features, of the best exercise a body can get, to help with the immune system and fending off old age and the company of a bunch of goodhearted people enjoying themselves.

Many thanks to Pete B for the excellent photos which I blagged off Whatsapp. Many thanks also for Dave V and Brian who offered to lead a group and successfully negotiated my dodgy route. Finally sincere thanks to everyone who contributes to the club including many who could not attend today.

Steve D

B Group Picnic Ride - 20/8/25

Two groups left Leatherhead for a morning ride along familiar roads and lanes in the Surrey countryside. We cycled through Bookham, Westhumble, Dorking, Leigh and a brief off-road track across Hamond Copse to join our fellow cyclists at Brockham cricket ground for our annual CTC picnic.

The weather was kind to us and we were able to enjoy an alfresco lunch on the cricket green. Always a good opportunity for all three divisions of the club to meet and enjoy a social event. 

Thanks to everyone who made the day a success as ride leaders, sub-leaders and event organisers. Your efforts are always greatly appreciated. A good day had by all !

TimG. 

B Group Ride - 20th August '25

Our ride from Leatherhead will take us to Brocham along familiar country lanes for our annual picnic lunch at the village cricket ground. Please note that we won't be transporting picnics from Leatherhead to Dorking so everyone will need to carry their own food.

There is no afternoon ride planned so everyone is free to make their own way home at whatever time they wish.

Please reply by Monday evening to be included on the ride list.

Email - timgibbons1@virginmedia.com

WhatsApp - 07756961505

Hopefully the weather will be kind to us on the day.

TimG.

A group invitation to ride Leatherhead to Brockham Picnic 20th August 2025

 It is picnic time once again at Brockham Recreation Ground and Pavilion! I have plotted an easy route from Leatherhead Fairfield Centre, 20 miles and 1200 ft of ascent. The route goes up to Effingham and then just before White Down, we turn left to Ranmore and descend into Dorking and then out to Newdigate and on to Brockham. I did the recce today and it took 90 minutes so I will probably plan to leave Leatherhead a little after 10.30 to get to Brockham between 12 and 12.15 pm. Our annual picnic is a chance to socialise with our fellow riders from other groups and so the aim is to allow enough time (2 Hours 30 Minutes) for chatting and eating lunch. Weather at the moment is forcast as grey cloud cover, dry and 22 degrees.

Lunch is provided by yourselves, which you will carry with you on the ride. You will need to bring your panniers if you want to bring the silver candelabra and candles for dining al fresco. Don't forget your cameras also.

I will be leaving the picnic at 2.45 pm to lead a ride to tea, up Box Hill and finishing at Ashtead Garden Centre before 4 pm. This route is 13 miles and 900 ft of ascent.

I will be leading the 'super fast' group at my 'mediocre medium' pace and so anyone who would like to lead a group at a slower pace, please let me know so I can plan the group times to leave Leatherhead. Of course you may decide to ride directly to the lunch venue. I have only planned this route because it allows us to have a bit of exercise to raise our appetite for lunch and get some miles in as well.

Please email me Steve D if you would like to join the ride, by 6 pm on Monday 18th August.

Looking forward to a congenial outing.

Ride Report - 'A' Group Wednesday 13 August 2025

 

I reckon I must have been at the metal polish again!   Given my track record, why else would I have volunteered to lead from Guildford, my several previous efforts having been characterised by thunder storms with torrential rain and exploding tyres!   Perhaps I thought the god Thor would have forgotten me?   No chance of that!    Anyway, I won't say there motives were ghoulism or 'disaster tourism', but 19 signed for the ride and weren't disappointed!

We waved the first group away, then I followed up with Simon L, Alan, Andy C, Dave V, Sue C, Christina, Brian G behind, and Karl assiduously back-marking for the whole ride (many thanks to him for that).

A slight Garmin hitch (I blame atmospherics), meant we unexpectedly re-encountered the first group emerging from a field of maize at the bottom of the unfortunately named Boundless Road, so there was an unexpected chance for a whole group photo!

I think I neglected to mention to everyone that the climb up Boundless Road and up to Hindhead is an official Category 3 climb.   Well, it might have put them off!

Anyway, it was pretty gruelling whatever category it was, but we rewarded by an easy coast downhill for the last few miles to lunch at The Holly Bush at Headley (the Hampshire one, that is)!   Lunch service was amazing (with plenty of reasonably-priced 'small plates' to choose from) and our meals arrived as we were parking our bikes.   That was quickly followed up by jugs of iced water and our drink orders brought to the table!

The weather forecasts had mentioned the remote possibility of isolated showers in the afternoon, but we set off towards tea in pleasant sunshine.   Imagine my surprise, dear reader, when, after just a few miles, it clouded over and we heard an ominous clap of thunder!   It stayed gloomy for the rest of the ride, so no there are photos from the afternoon.   There was plenty more thunder and lightning, and a little rain, but, fortunately, history didn't repeat itself, and we didn't end up cycling the last few miles to tea along a stream!

Many thanks to everyone for your company, for a complete absence of punctures, and for putting up with it all!

Of her group's experiences, Janice kindly writes - our group consisted of Fiona, Dave B, Hans, Patrick, Guy, Peter S, Frances, Ged and myself. We had no appointed leader but the professional Wayfarers that we are, we clicked into gear as we left Guildford.

Dave B professed to know where he was going to get out of Guildford and therefore immediately had 8 willing followers. After a few miles, Fiona gamely took on the challenge and assumed sub leadership duties.

The route was new to me and on fairly unfamiliar roads but others seemed to know where they were, certainly around Elstead and Thursley. But at some point after that the Garmin indicated a left turn up a rough track, to a house and then we had a choice of going into their garage or following a path through a field. Whilst we were dithering over that decision Guy decided to be decisive and headed off into the cornfield, following the narrow path.

Not convinced, but with no viable alternative, the rest of us followed.

The photo at the start of the article was taken at the start of the path. The vegetation was no more than saddle height and contained no nasty thorns or vicious caterpillars. Naively, we were still smiling.

Just a short while later, carrying our bikes for the most part, the corn towered over even the tallest of us, the thorny branches encroached the path and Patrick was attacked by a very unpleasant caterpillar.

It felt like we were spat out at the end of the path, wounded and exhausted, to be greeted by Dave’s pleasantly relaxed and slightly smug looking group who had taken a far nicer turn to end up at the same place.

Just a few miles and many feet of elevation later even I couldn’t fail to recognise the Devils Punchbowl. After that, we had mile after mile of descent until we reached the Holly Bush pub at Headley (Hants). The service was amazing and hot food was coming out of the kitchen as we sat down and gave our drinks orders. It must be one of the best pubs that we’ve used!

Reluctantly leaving the pub, all studied our Garmin’s which seemed to give a 50-50 chance of taking the right direction. Obviously, we set off in the wrong direction down the big hill and across a lovely Ford where it was a pleasure to see children on bikes and splashing in water having good old-fashioned fun.

Nevertheless we knew this wasn’t right so we turned round, went back up the hill to the pub and then  took the other direction.

More lovely roads with lots of tree cover which was slightly concerning as thunder and lightning started. At least we had some shelter as we cycled through light rain.

At last we arrived at Compton where excellent coffee, tea and cakes were consumed by almost all.

Most decided to head for Guildford station, particularly in view of the threatening rain. Patrick, Peter and myself carried on regardless towards home.

What a great day out with good company, an enjoyable route using roads less traveled and some  memorable moments. Thank you Dave W!  Thanks also to Dave B and Fiona in particular for being last minute willing sub leaders, Peter for back marking and everyone else who was an assistant navigator.

(Photo credits to Janice, Andy C and Christina)

Message from Geoffey Shields - Bike for Sale

Having disposed of my singlespeed Genesis and Trek bikes this is the last of my bikes for sale.  I sell in order to have sufficient space for my 3 Pearson bikes and a gravel bike for my wife.  I will resort to ebay if necessary

Pearson “Hammer and Tongs”, carbon fibre road bike, L size, £500.00

Ultegra Di2 groupset, 11speed, 50/34 with 12-32t cassette

Traditional set up: rimbrakes, traditional skewer arrangement, regular tubed tyres, 23/28mm

1st wheelset: Fulcrum Racing 6 or Racing 3

2nd wheelset: Mavic Aksium One with almost new cassette.

An endurance bike that offers excellent all day riding for someone around 6ft.  A good bike for Mt Ventoux and other vertical challenges.  Not set up as a tourer but versatile; Tim, my son, comfortably rode LEJOG Spring 2021, carrying all that was required for an unsupported hotel-hotel ride, using inframe bags.

Professionally maintained, limited amount of obvious wear and tear.  The bike was refurbished (new chain wheels, chain and cassette) and thoroughly overhauled in 2022.  V little use since then.  Surveyed by Pearson on 01.05.2024.

View and test ride in Fulham/Richmond Park.

GEOFFREY SHIELDS

07768 045 698 geoffrey.shields@outlook.com