Invitation to A group Ride 1st October

 This ride from Cobham to Guildford is 17 miles and 830 ft of ascent, with some cycle path from Shalford to The White House pub. This is situated under the bridge at Guildford, so we can sit by the River Wey and have lunch. The interior of this pub is lovely also, if it is too chilly outside.We don't need to pre-order our food. There is a choice of four sandwiches which come with triple cooked chips or vegetarian salad.

 The route to tea at Weybridge Garden Centre is 13 miles and 100 ft of ascent, via Woking, goes off road on the Basingstoke Canal for 3 and a bit miles. I rode the route 10 days ago in glorious sunshine and the canal was beautiful. Fingers crossed we may get another sunny day.

So a pretty and easy route. I have no other leaders as yet, but leading from GPX is possible so if you would like to lead a group please let me know.

If you would like to join my ride, please email me Steve D by 6pm on Monday 29th September.

NorWester Ride to the End of the Jubilee River 24th September 2025

On Wednesday, a group consisting of Jane, Geoff, Pete, Gill, Dawn, Arwyn, Grant, and Ray left the Ferry Café at 10.30 to ride along the River Crane to Lake House Café, Taplow. We started off feeling chilly despite the bright sunshine, with a lot of winter clothing brought out of hibernation for the day. We cycled along the river bypassing Laleham and Staines before joining the road just after Staines on our way towards Datchet. Just after Datchet, we turned down a bridleway to the start of the Jubilee River that took us to the Lake House Café, Taplow.

We were welcomed and sat on the decking overlooking the lake and enjoying the autumn sunshine. The food arrived quickly and was good. Unfortunately, time was passing, and we needed to stop the conversations and start on our way home.

We followed NCR 4 for most of the route with a few deviations. So, it was off to the outskirts of Maidenhead and down to Bray. Just after Bray, while crossing the M4, I had a puncture that was quickly fixed. We then came across a section of path that we had intended to use but it was closed, so it was decided to carry on, following the road signs to Windsor. This deviation took us into Windsor via the underpass at Clewer Village where we picked up route 4 again. We arrived back in Shepperton just too late to revisit the Ferry Café, so we decided to make our own way home.

The weather was bright sunshine throughout, and the colours we saw with the leaves starting to change colour, plus the good company, support and humour made the ride special. Thank you everyone especially the back markers, Pete and Geoff.

Ray 

Ride Report A’s Redhill to Downe Sept 24th

A number of A’s are away at present, or recovering from recent exploits, mostly on far-flung warm foreign roads. So surely this was the reason that only 10 signed up, and not the prospect of hill-climbing on the Surrey/Kent borders.

It was dry with sunny intervals, and just a hint of cold in the north wind to remind us that the days of shorts and short sleeves are almost over.

We were two groups leaving Redhill, one led by Neil C, standing in at last minute for Peter S. Peter had battled technical failures to ride a recce, but was finally defeated by an attacking bee. Thanks both for your commitment.

The outward journey was uneventful, progress hampered only by an occasional headwind, not to mention the odd hill. Church Lane past Godstone church is closed to prevent traffic bypassing the Godstone sink-hole, and therefore a delight to cyclists despite its gradient. But this was only the warm-up for Gangers Lane. It’s steep and long, but believe me there are harder ways up. And once done there are views to the south, and even a bit of downhill, and only one further notable climb before lunch in Downe.

The Queen’s Head is a quirky, rabbit warren of a pub, with a good welcome, reasonably priced non-gasto food, and a CAMRA recommendation. All the more strange, it has never visited been by us in recorded times.     

Notable former visitors included Charles Darwin, taking the short walk from Downe House. And Robin Knox-Johnston the singlehanded round-the-world yachtsman who was living nearby, and whose picture, and that of his yacht Suhaili can be seen in the restaurant.    

Downe churchyard features an ancient yew to rival Crowhurst’s, easily big enough to shelter a peloton of Wayfarers.   

The afternoon started with a lot of descending, followed inevitably by a long climb, in the interests of avoiding built-up areas. All very pleasant despite the high hedges, until the shocking 13% climb up Old Farleigh Road to Selsdon.

Tea was at Dotty’s Teahouse in Carshalton, a genteel welcoming establishment with ample cycle parking in full view, and cakes. Welcome also was that everyone riding stopped for tea.

Thanks to everyone who volunteered for a short but challenging ride, especially Dave W for back marking my group, and Neil C for leading his.    

Neil's Group

 

Invitation to B Group ride from Cobham on 1 October

Need warming up this Autumn?  You are invited to join me on a ride from Cobham.  Ranmore Common Road and then over the top of Leith Hill via Coldharbour Lane.  Lunch at The Compasses at Gomshall, and after a brief but sharp slope a pleasant afternoon meander on the flat and through the countryside offroad back to Dorking.  Tea at Leatherhead.

20 miles to lunch, 11 more back to Leatherhead.

Those who suffer from Orophobia can come with us to the bottom of Ranmore and then tootle home past Westhumble and the Stepping Stones.

Those who need hill practice can come out with me on the final recce on Monday.

Responses by close of play Monday, please, at Paulandrewjames1949@yahoo.co.uk.

Electric bikers with towbars are particularly welcome. 

Route here

   

Easy Riders to Osterley Park, September 17

IT is a while since the Easy Riders last made an appearance on these pages. I need to take some responsibility for that, but the group's rides, although - weather permitting - an enjoyable experience for those involved, tend to follow familiar routes and wouldn't be of much interest to a wider audience. So this missive is merely a reminder that we are still active.

Wednesday's elevenses were at Kingston YMCA and a good starting point to head northwards. Our route was not new  (much of it originated with the Bs I believe) but had the great merit of being varied and avoiding main roads for the most part.

Crossing the footbridge at Teddington, we stopped briefly to watch filming on the river: cameraman on one small boat capturing a scene being played out by actors in (possibly) Edwardian costume aboard a wooden vessel which looked appropriate for the period. Pretty low-key stuff upon which, unfortunately, other spectators were unable to throw any light.

Thence to Crane Park, following the River Crane towards Twickenham stadium where Don E, formerly an official tour guide at the home of rugby union, proved a mine of information.

Onward through the West Middlesex drainage works - our olfactory senses had a good workout during the day as we took in the Hogsmill sewage works en route to elevenses and on the way home! By now the Crane had become the Duke of Northumberland's River, albeit barely a ditch in places and hardly worthy of such a grand title.

Soon we reached Osterley Park and took a relaxed circuit, encountering surprisingly few visitors, before heading for lunch at the Hare and Hounds. Service was very good and the food went down well with the exception of a couple dishes where chef was much too heavy handed with the salt.

Our return route took us back to the Thames at Isleworth and on to Kingston.

Thanks to Bernard P for his assistance in navigating and to Sandy, Don, Colin, Dawn, Bernard and Helen for their company on a very enjoyable day out. The weather was on our side, too, with hardly a trace of the forecast showers.

Frank C

Assault of cyclist and theft of his electric bike on the Wandle Trail.

Our neighbour was assaulted this week on the Wandle Trail and robbed of his expensive electric bike.  He has given permission for us to publish this so that others can take appropriate precautions.  He is 78 years old but not what we would term "vulnerable".  6' 4", fit and well built and a regular cyclist over long distances. 

This is his account.

"Last Thursday (16th September 2025) I was cycling along the Wandle Trail at 10:15 am in the north-bound direction where the path (going towards London) leaves the river and goes up a slope to the park road, near the Imperial Playing Fields.  Two white youths on an electric motorbike, no registration, dressed in black hoodies and balaclavas passed me in a south-bound direction. I continued cycling but they turned around and chased me, by which time I had reached the unnamed park road to turn right past Tooting and Mitcham Football Club ground.  They repeatedly rammed my bike from the rear and the side with threatening language. On the fourth attempt I was knocked into the brambles on the side of the park road. They stole my bike and made off in the direction of London Road/ Bishopford Road; I was injured, fortunately just bad bruises, lacerations and grazes. 

'I keep my phone in my pocket so I was able to call the police.  The 999 operator was helpful and the police came quickly.  The bike was recovered by the police as it had a tracker fitted and I was able to tell them the location where it was dumped (Lower Morden Lane). However, the bike was trashed with everything forcibly wrenched off it, and the saddlebag containing my prescription glasses and GoPro video camera was missing."

Paul & Maggie

Invitation to B Ride 24th Sept

 Elevenses will be at the Redhill Methodist Centre, RH1 1BP.

The ride route is 36.2 miles in total with just 1,689 feet of climb.

The morning ride via Crowhurst will be 18 miles, hilly in parts, and end for lunch at The Bell, Outwood. No pre-orders required but you may wish to have a look at their menu beforehand.

The afternoon ride of 18 miles will take us back to Leatherhead for tea.

If you would like to join the ride, please WhatsApp me on 07742-724571 directly by Monday evening please.

Look forward to seeing you on Wednesday.

Pete B

Ride Invitation – A’s Sept 24th

You are invited to join my ride from Redhill Methodist Centre to Downe.

18.5 hilly-ish miles to Downe. Unfortunately this involves an ascent of Gangers Lane. But there are some nice long descents too.

Lunch at the Queens Head which is CAMRA recommended, currently hosting a “Cask Ale Festival” not to mention having been Charles Darwin’s local.

We have not been asked to pre-book lunch but please view the Queens Head menu here.

16 not quite so hilly miles to tea in Carshalton for a change.

Please let me know by Monday evening if you would like to join me d.vine207@btinternet.com

B Ride 17 September from Fairoaks

On an overcast day, against strong head-winds and under lowering skies, 18 plucky B's made the long ride to the start at Fairoaks Airport.  Hard questions were in the air: would the weather improve?  Would the lunchtime pub - new to most of us - be OK?  Would we encounter Donald Trump as we tried to enter Windsor Great Park?

Ray led the first group - Davey, Martina, Anne, Francis and back marker Mick:

'We set out at 10.40 and got to Philpot Lane before having to stop and reset the course, as my phone was taking me back to Shepperton!  Once this was sorted, we quickly got into our stride and cycled through Horsell to the Basingstoke Canal.  Going west, we stopped at St John's flight of locks for a photo before going on Brookwood and Bisley army camp where we took the Queens Road.  Along here we passed the A's going the other way.  On reaching Bisley we turned on to the Guildford Road to West End and then along a road I never ridden to Broadway Road.  We then used a well-used route into Ascot and on the Cheapside.

After lunch at the Thatched Tavern we used a familiar route through Windsor Park, Virginia Water and up to Lyne.  Then down Holloway Hill, where we were held up by road works and traffic lights, and then into Addlestone, arriving at Walton Marina for tea.'

Steph led the second group, of John, Pam, Carolyn, Brenda and Chris:

'The route headed south and joined the Basingstoke Canal, along a section we hadn't ridden for a long time.  The surface was good and we were sheltered from the wind.  We went astray a couple of times at road crossings, once finding ourselves at the same junction as Stephen's group.  Luckily he had to deal with a small cut, so we managed to retain our place as the second group on the road.  As we got closer to lunch his team gained on us again, but politely kept to the rear of our back marker, Chris.

Lunch was cosy and very enjoyable, quickly served with a smile.  Brenda decided not to stop, and on the afternoon stretch Pam turned off for home at the Lyne turnoff.  She had proved a stalwart on her excellent new bike, but determined not to overuse the battery!  The rest of us made it to Walton before dispersing for home.

A very satisfying day out, including riding through Windsor Park (always a plus) and not a sign of Trump.  On the news they said Windsor was deserted: they obviously missed us swarming through the park.'

Stephen's 3rd group consisted of Liz, Bernard, Sabina, Peter and Tim G who kindly back marked:

'The threatened rain never materialised as we made good progress down to the Basingstoke Canal, where the surface was firm, the water and trees lovely, and pedestrians with dogs few.  At one crossing we caught up briefly with Steph's group, but dropped behind again to deal with a minor cut and to take photos.  We too encountered the A's going the other way.  Near Bisley we kept our heads down and helmets firmly on as the sounds of rifle shooting - but fortunately no bullets -  rent the air.  As we approached Ascot we saw Steph's group ahead again, but held back from the catch until reaching the pub.

The Thatched Tavern was new to us, though Pam recalled visiting some years before. Food and service were fine.  Afterwards we headed out to Windsor Great Park - where we were untroubled by Trump - and through familiar roads to the Marina at Walton Bridge.  For the final leg to the Bridge we left the road and took the more scenic path by Broadwater Lake.'

Thank you to all who joined the ride for your compamy, particularly the subleaders and back markers.  In conclusion we are pleased to report that, contrary to initial anxieties, the weather did improve, the new pub proved a success - and Trump was nowhere to be seen!

'A' Micro group ride to Farnborough - Wednesday 17th September 2025

 

Was it the lousy forecast that kept them away?

But in the event....there's no rain today.

A small group of eight met at Fairoaks.

Full to the brim, with like-minded folks.

At the six mile point, we ground to a halt.

A puncture you see, but who's at fault?

Bike upturned, tyre losing air.

Second for Richard, that's so unfair!

"Another fine mess you got me into"

By 1pm, we all needed filling.

Farnborough it was, The Tilly Shilling.

The food smelt good, smiles all round.

A satisfying meal, for just a few pound.

Back to the bikes, after a pic or two.

Wind assisted, it felt like we flew.

By tea we were down to six.

The ride over, we'd had our fix.

Thanks for your company, but especially Dave Ward for the faultless route out & most of it coming back & also Dave Vine for assisting Richard & backmarking.

Ride statistics from plotaroute.com

Uphill ------ 6%

Downhill -- 8%

Flat -------- 86%

Bike Jumble

A Group Ride to Chilworth 10th September report

Frances report - we met at the cafe at Walton and needless to say, most of us were a little wet on departure. I was the first group away with Dave F, Dave V, Richard with Dave and Jennie.  Jennie kindly backmarked and we enjoyed the flatter route with a few twists until arriving promptly at Staple Lane.  This was the first of 7 hills per the garmin and unfortunately Jennie punctured here. 

It was sunny at the top whilst we waited and despite the first repair, she had another puncture on arrival at the top. We said goodbye (it was now 12.30pm ) as they negotiated another repair and at the time of writing they had it fixed and enjoyed lunch at Wetherspoons in Guildford.

So the four of us continued upwards and arrived at the Percy Arms around 1.20pm.  Of note the pub is very pleasant to deal with on the bookings and changes.  We were glad of some lunch and also enjoyed meeting up with Steve's group again.  As you can see we were smiling as we left the pub, it was drier and it was not necessary to mention the up coming climb just around the corner!

Either way we made the shorter return back to Cobham and all of the 2 groups stayed to enjoy tea and cake before heading back out to some light rain.

The route was originally done back in lockdown (courtesy of Brian) where we used some off road to have food on the Blackheath cricket pitch. Thanks Brian.

A good day despite the damp weather. Thanks to Janice for originally reccing the ride with me in August and for Steve stepping in at short notice on the day. 

Steve's report - I set off from Wilde Brunch cafe at Walton with Patrick, Karl, Brian and Andy C. It was still raining a little when we left and we followed a lovely route along the river through Weybridge and Addlestone to West By fleet. Here we left behind the traffic and worked out way through Our ford to Ripley. By now the rain had stopped and so before the climb up Staple Lane and down to Shere we removed our rain jackets. It was good to cool down. Brian put some more air in his front tyre because it was a little soft. When we reached Farley Heath Road my route took us onto a track off road, but that was quickly corrected by Brian who guided us down to Shamley Green and then up Northcote Lane where we rejoined our route to Chilworth and the Percy Arms. We had put our rain jackets back on because the drizzle had started again.

We had a gourmet sandwich. Mine was a 'Gin infused Trout on Ciabatta'. Reassuringly expensive at £17 including a gourmet can of Old Jamaica ginger beer. Hmm! Anyway nice food and good service. Frances arrived with her group and poor Jennie had suffered 2 punctures. Andy took a picture of us and off we went again. It was a rapid ride to Cobham up Halfpenny Lane and through West Clandon to Hatchford and north to Gail's. Initially we started in our waterproof jackets to dry them out, but then heavy rain set in and so we were glad to arrive and we all stopped for tea and cake. As Patrick pointed out 'it was a lovely route, but we would prefer it in sunshine'. Leaving the cafe I noticed my front tyre needed some air. When I got home I found I had a slow puncture from a gouge in the middle of the tyre. Time for a new tyre!

I appreciated the company of my fellow riders and hats off to Frances for the compilation of an original route from known roads. We must do it again in the summer next year.

Invitation for B Group ride - 17th September

Next Wednesday’s ride will start from Fairoaks Airport, lunch at the Thatched Tavern in Cheapside (near Ascot) and finish at Walton Marina.

The morning route is https://ridewithgps.com/routes/52512012.

The afternoon route is https://ridewithgps.com/routes/52512272.  

Please let me know by Monday afternoon if you would like to join the ride, at shfhickey@gmail.com or 07983 445 252.  

The pub has asked us to let them know food preferences in advance, so please also let me know what you would like.  The menu is below. (There’s also a desert menu, for those who wish - see the pub’s website).

I look forward to seeing you on Wednesday.

Stephen H

 

 

B Group Ride Report - 10/9/25

A rainbow in the early morning sky may have proved to be an ominous portent for some who decided not to join us today. For those who did we enjoyed exploring a varied route, occasionally punctuated by the odd shower but also complemented with bright sunny spells.

After a brief group re-shuffle we headed out west via Weybridge, Chertsey and out to Chobham Common for the obligatory photo (in bright sunshine). A few meanderings brought us through Chobham, Horsell and on towards Woking. A sharp shower caused the leader to take an unscheduled detour onto the Woking one-way system but soon got back on track as we headed to our lunchtime destination at the ‘Herbert Wells’ (W’spoons) pub. Prompt service meant that everyone was fed and watered without delay.

Team TG on Chobham Common

Two of our company decided to return home by train while the remaining stoic and loyal followers, suitably refreshed and re-energized, proceeded to embark upon the afternoon expedition. We passed through Pyrford Common, a brief off-road section along the Way Navigation, Wisley, Ockham, East Horsley, Effingham Junction to Stoke D’Abernon for tea at Cafe Barbara’s. A bit damp to sit outside so we enjoyed some warming refreshment indoors. Some conspicuously large portions of chocolate cake were also ravenously consumed !

Team JA on Wey Navigation.

Thanks to everyone who made today’s ride a success and especially to John A for subbing and Mick A and Tim C for back marking. Always good to know there are those in whom you can depend upon and rely, whatever the weather throws at you.

A good day had by most !

TimG.

WhatsApp Hoax - Meta AI

Recently the webmasters (Tim C, Tony H and myself) have been contacted by several Sou'Westers about a message (which we now think is a hoax) saying "you must turn on WhatsApp Enhanced Security by [some date] to prevent or Meta AI can read all your personal and group chats".

We did some research, because we care about privacy but also "enhanced security" means nobody can save photos or GPX files from chats, which is something many of us use a lot to communicate about rides.

It turns out to be one of a long line of Facebook and WhatsApp hoax messages claiming that something will change by next week (or whatever) and you have to do something - write a message on your Facebook or change some setting to prevent Facebook/WhatsApp using all your information.

If you google "whatsapp enhanced security hoax meta AI" you will see that the claim has been debunked by several sources (admittedly unknown sources to me).   But also if you google "can Meta AI read my WhatsApp chats" you get a direct answer from Meta in their Frequently Accessed Questions page:

Only messages that mention @Meta AI, or that people choose to share with Meta AI, can be read by Meta. Meta can’t read any other messages in your personal chats. When you share your personal messages for AI features that use Private Processing technology, Meta can’t read or access the messages you’ve shared.‬ Learn more in this article.

So we are not going to implement Enhanced Security because it would severely reduce the usefulness of the club's WhatsApp groups.   If we were, say, a military organisation, (mentioning no names) then perhaps it would be a good idea.

I thought it was worth writing this post for two reasons.

1. There is a lot of false information, and false people, false experts and organisations out there trying to deceive you.  Please, check the source and check the facts.
2. Regardless of this particular hoax, you should still be careful about what you share online - do you know and trust ALL the people you are sharing it with?

Stay suspicious!  Stay safe.   And please do ask around if you have any concerns or questions.

B Group Ride - Wednesday 10th September '25

Our ride from the 'Wilde Brunch Cafe' at Walton-on-Thames will take us via Lyne and Chobham to Woking for lunch at the 'Herbert Wells' (W'Spoons) pub.

The afternoon ride will bring us back via Pyrfoed and Wisley for tea at Cobham or Stoke D'Abernon.

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

E-mail - timgibbons1@virginmedia.com

WhatsApp - 0775691505

Look forward to seeing you all on Wednesday

TimG.

A Ride - Walton to Chilworth (Percy Arms) and Cobham 10th September 2025

 Join the A ride from Walton to the Percy Arms in Chilworth and then back to Cobham.

Meet Wilde Bunch Cafe at Walton Bridge

Total 37 miles with approx 1700 feet ascent 

Route takes us through Addlestone , on to Ripley, up Staple Lane, over to Shere heading past Blackheath and on to Chilworth, lovely setting and plenty of bike parking.

Then after lunch we climb up Halfpenny Lane, Merrow, Clandon , Cobham.  All familiar roads. 

Lunch at 24 miles before heading back to Cobham for tea (Gails) 13 miles.

Here is link to venue and please take a look at the menu - they do sandwiches and we have to pre book.

https://www.thepercyarms.net/food.html

I have one sub leader, Janice to date. If numbers are larger than 2 groups, then we will need a volunteer on the day!

Please email me no later than 5pm Monday with your choice of food so I can make the booking with the pub.

I will issue the gpx when final numbers known and groups.

Thanks

Frances

Report for B Group ride to Ockley, 3rd September

10:40 Pete B writes:

I had the task of leading the 1st group out at 10.40hrs and to my surprise the group was all female. Crumbs I thought, I’m going to have to be on my best behaviour and no rude remarks!!😂😂 

Anyway we all had a very enjoyable ride up Staple Lane and into Shere (ignoring all the road closure signs) and onto Peaslake whereupon we stopped at the village store for me to purchase a very yummy pork & leek slice. (I highly recommend them).

Once we had climbed Radnor Rd the heavens opened up and by the time we reached our lunch venue we were all soaked to the skin. 

After a very nice lunch those who were left in my diminishing group decided to let the train 🚂 take the strain from Ockley to Box Hill and then finish the remainder of the ride.

At The Inn on the Green, Ockley 

Thank you ladies for your delightful company; most enjoyable and we had a good laugh too.  

x Pete

 

10:50 Steph writes:

My cheery quartet set off into Scotch mist and a southerly breeze, later to gust.  Up Hungry Hill we were fortunate to catch the tail of two battery bikes and after a bit of chat settled in behind this windbreak for a bit.  By the time we reached Sussex Barn they were pulling away and Bob asked if I intended to regroup.  Thinking he meant our piggybacking behind the batteries I said they were too fast, then I turned to look behind and realised the benefits had only applied to me.

We passed the batteries at Horsley sitting on the kerbside, no they weren't going up Staple Lane.  We ploughed slowly onwards admiring the views across fields afforded by recently cut hedging.

Spirits picked up downwards and an easy gradient up the back of Shere and we felt like we were within reach.  Then the wind stiffened and the deluge began.  It seemed a long way now to lunch but persistence paid off and we were soon inside refuelling.

 

About to set off again but another heavy cloudburst delayed us.  Eventually sunshine, blue skies and ...a tailwind.  I was so buoyed up I sailed straight past the right turn to Capel and was at the big roundabout at Beare Green before I knew it.  Carolyn, Garmin proficient, had turned at the right place and we re-grouped at Pixham Lane.

A great day out and a great run home with the weather playing ball, social Tea at Leatherhead with the As but the weather had not finished with us yet;  Davie and I passed Alan with a puncture uphill from Epsom and then we were rained on again as we approached Nonsuch.

A great route by Tim and hats off to Carolyn for her Garmin routing, Bob for his shepherding but most of all Martina for clocking 76 miles from Chiswick to Chiswick.

~ Steph

11:00 Tim C writes: 

Not having planned or led any rides for over a year I decided to clone a route from 5th June last year. That one was a hard and long ride so I thought I should tone it down a bit. However the result involved a climb up Radnor Road after Peaslake so in terms of making it easier I wasn’t really successful.

After a couple of cancellations and thanks to Martina squeaking in with a very welcome late booking we ended up with a similar number to last year. Some were seduced by Steph’s offer to lead a team over a modified route which avoided Radnor Road. 

At the RBL we all marvelled that we had arrived without getting very wet. After the customary welcome from David and Noreen, and Sue presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award to Simon, our three teams, led by Pete B, Steph and myself, headed for the hills, maintaining our optimism about the weather until after we had climbed Mt Staple and descended to Shere. A little later we all got royally rained upon. Uphill from The William Bray we encountered a road closure, as seen on our recce, in force for several weeks for a crew to perform major repairs on the high stone wall which is protecting the road from landslides. But there was no problem getting through this one.

Road closures were a significant feature of the morning ride. Comparing notes at lunch we learned that Pete’s and Steph’s teams had ignored the notice at the top of Jesse’s Lane while our team’s more law abiding riders agreed to stay on the main road down to Peaslake. Later, after descending from the summit of Radnor Road in The Hurtwood we all negotiated another closed section without gleaning any notion about the reason for it. A local resident seemed equally mystified.  

The Inn on the Green is a great venue for our groups, with decent food, friendly staff, and the conservatory room set aside for us. We were in good spirits and in no hurry to leave.

Mercifully we had a relatively easy and rainless ride in the afternoon, through Capel, Newdigate, Parkgate and a descent of the Freewheel Competition hill, with Tea at Charlie and Ginger in Leatherhead where we found A Group already well into their cake and coffee.

Thanks to leaders Pete and Steph, to our back markers, and to all riders for being up for the challenges of the terrain and the weather. It’s nice to go cycling in the Surrey Hills while the weather is still lovely!

~ Tim

Map showing our routes through the rainstorm

 

In the Land of Orth

A Group ride to Bucks Green 3rd Sept

Be careful what you wish for! After a very dry summer with the last month or so hoping that some rain would temper the drought affecting the garden and allotment it was perhaps inevitable that a deluge should arrive on the day I was leading. I also realised that replacing my overshoes, the old ones having disintegrated last winter, was still on my "to do" list. 

Never mind - the Met office map suggested that the worst should clear Ashtead about 10am though the prospects for the Surrey/Sussex border later in the morning looked a bit disconcerting.  The cancellations began early and our 14 riders reduced to 10 before I set off. In the end it wasn't so much a day of two halves but 75% good and 25% appalling. 

As I left home there was some blue sky and I had a dry ride to Cobham. Some further adjustments to the numbers left us with two groups of four with the potential for Dave V to join us at lunch.

I left first with Alan C, Simon and Dave F who was only coming part way to lunch in order to be back early. At Effingham I decided that climbing Whitedown in a jacket would be too warm hoping that the rain would hold off. A flood on the road by St Teresa's school wasn't too deep but made me wonder about the dip after Ranmore crossroads. That was dry but we then had a double flood after the A25 at the start of Raikes Lane. At Holmbury St Mary we put jackets back on when it started to rain though at this stage it was light to moderate. I normally enjoy Somersbury Lane but the first half was characterised by riding into gale force gusts and then the heavens opened. The last half hour to lunch was a biblical downpour with our glasses steaming up and being barely able to assess the road surface. 

The pub was welcoming and the food, as usual, very good. The bikes stayed dry under their marquee while we dryed out a bit in the pub. Dave V made a well timed arrival just as I was about to go inside. We joined Steve's group for lunch and all left about 2pm. 

 

By the time we left the rain has stopped though it looked a bit threatening. We stayed dry and enjoyed the ride back with a tail wind though I had a visit from the puncture fairy. A 5 minute light shower at Denbies was the only rain. We joined Steve's group and some of the Bs at Charlie and Ginger's for tea. 

Thank you to all those who braved the elements, especially Steve for subleading and to Alan for joining the As for a change. We didn't see the Surrey lanes at their best, and at times barely at all 🤣, but all agreed that overall it had been a good day.  

Here is Steve's report:

The numbers of riders attending was down because of holidays and family commitments. The thought struck me that the forecast of heavy rain may have deterred some, but then I instantly dismissed this idea because cyclists I know aren't bothered by getting wet. So arriving at Cobham in my Enduro waterproofs I was disappointed not to have any rain. I set off at 10.50 with Patrick, Guy and Dave B in full waterproofs. Proceeding through Bookham Common there were few puddles and climbing from Effingham to the top of White Down we only had drips from the trees, so I took off my waterproof jacket for the descent into Raikes Lane, which was flooded. It wasn't until past Holmbury St. Mary that a drizzle of rain made us don our jackets again. A good thing too because heavy rain ensued and we got drenched. We entered Lyefield Lane, which normally is a lovely road with a large traditional house and lily pond at the junction with Plough Lane. However we were more interested in getting to The Fox. The remaing ride was seriously wet and we were grateful to get under cover in the marquee tent in the back garden. Guy emptied a half pint of water from each waterproof boot. I wrung out my socks and gloves and we hung up out waterproofs to dry. Finally entering the pub in a damp dishevelled state we ordered our lunch. I must admit I thought £14.20 for a fish goujon sandwich and a cup of soup was pricey. However, when the food arrived, made with home baked sour dough bread and salad, we all agreed it was worth it. The bacon and broccoli soup was very filling and warming.

We took our time and noticed the sun appearing outside. After lunch we set off in waterproofs, but found the dry weather quickly dried out clothing and before Weare Street we again removed our waterproofs. Then Guy got a rear puncture and Brian's group overtook us. After a successful repair from a tiny flint cutting the tube, we rode in dry sunny weather and encountered Brian's group again in Misbrooks Green Road. They had a puncture to fix too. Through Newdigate to Brockham and the Coach Road to Pixham Lane was full of puddles, but rideable. Guy, Patrick and I stopped for tea at 4 pm in Leatherhead, quickly followed by Brian, Alan, Simon and some B group riders.

The weather made this a hard ride to execute and navigate, but great enjoyment was experienced by all and it was warm and autumnal.

Thanks to my fellow riders, particularly Dave for back marking, although I was the one at the back up the hills. Thanks to Brian for a traditional route and a successful recce. A very enjoyable day's riding.