A group ride and freewheel competition 8 October

I felt somewhat underprepared for the ride even though the organisation had taken longer than usual but in the event it turned out to be a lovely day with gorgeous autumnal colours that hadn’t been present even a week ago, excellent food at The Star Inn in Rusper and very good coffee and cake at Betchworth Post Office. Given the bread pudding at Dorking I can’t be the only one who feels the need to do another 50 miles to achieve equilibrium in calories in vs calories out. In between all that, the A’s had a very successful freewheel competition.

We left Dorking and took the most direct route to the start of the freewheel competition in Tilehurst Lane. This was a rapidly rearranged venue as Clive had discovered on Monday that Old School Lane in Brockham would be closed. 

Peter S was victorious in the men’s competition, with Ged coming in 2nd. For the ladies, Sue C came first by a long way with Fiona second. Newly designed trophies were awarded to the winners and inner tubes to those who came second.

After the competition, my group comprising Fiona, Patrick, Brian, Peter S and Clive set off for the 10 miles to Rusper but decided we’d be slightly early so added a loop (and a hill) by turning right just before Rusper. When we arrived at the Star Inn, Steve D’s group was very happy to see us as they’d been told their food wouldn’t be served until everyone had arrived. Fortunately, despite a small wait the food was plentiful and excellent.

Back on the bikes we headed South to put in a few miles before turning towards home just before Horsham. Nearing Betchworth Post Office I stopped the group to say that the Post Office now had a cafe and as a group we decided that in the interests of research we should stop and investigate the coffee and cake. All agreed that both were first class. Steve’s group spotted us and also stopped and joined us.

After that it was homeward bound via Leatherhead, the original end of the route.

It was a lovely day out in mild autumnal weather. A fun competition then cycling in good company with excellent refreshments. My thanks go to my group and in particular Peter for back marking, and to the organisers of the freewheel event.

Thanks also to Steve D for sub leading the second group. I’ll publish Steve’s report when received. 

Freewheel Competition Update

Please Note!

Due to a road closure on Bushbury Lane and Old School Lane, near Brockham, we will not be able to use our usual start place for the Freewheel Competition on Roothill Lane.

We will be using Tilehurst Lane instead, which has been used in the past for the Freewheel Competition. Tilehurst Lane is not far from Roothill, but it does mean that the ride leaders will be making some small adjustments to their routes currently published on the blog. 

NorWesters 1 Oct 25

A few of the NorWesters declined the offer of going to the Surrey Alps and opted for a shorter, less hilly ride. So Julie, Liz, Geoff, Ray and I plummeted for the ride.

Only a few decided to head Northwest, the original lunch destination was the Courtyard cafe at Sunninghill. We set off from Walton Marina cafe on time, Heading West to Adlestone and Ottershaw at which point Julie had a visit from the puncture fairy. A small nail was the culprit, and a new tube was soon fitted, with the aid of a Tyre Glider, a brilliant little device. 

This had set us back a little timewise, so I did consider a slightly shorter ride, through the edge of Chobham Common and Gracious Pond road to Windsor road and on to Sunningdale, where we decided to have lunch at Elianes, much to the delight of Liz!

The food at Elianes, a really first class and a delight to the palate. Plus we could see the bikes locked up across the road.

We didn’t linger too long as we had a date with Pam for afternoon tea. Across the A30 and off to Windsor Great Park and through Blacknest Gate,  up past the polo fields and out of Bishops Gate and the delights of the Tite Hill descent and into Egham for tea at the Liberto Lounge, teas and coffee for most, and Ray had the obligatory cake. Pam eventually arrived jovial as ever, with her arm now plastered and in a sling. And a detailed report of the events leading to her broken wrist.

Pam’s birthday on the next day, so I ordered a slice of cake and candle, the waitress said as it was a Birthday the cake was on the house. The photo of Pam’s reaction says it all.

We eventually left tea, and I took the shortest route back, via the edge of Ashford and Feltham to Hampton, where I said my goodbyes. It was a really good day's ride, with a great little group, thank you all for your company, and especially you Geoff for back marking.

Tony..

A group ride and freewheel comp 8 Oct

This Wednesday we’ll be having a short ride from Dorking towards Brockham for our annual freewheel competition after which we’ll be heading to The Star Inn at Rusper for lunch.

A pre-order has been requested and a screenshot of the sandwich menu is given below. Please see The Star’s website if you’d like something other than a sandwich.

After lunch we’ll travel further South to make up for our light pedalling morning before turning back and heading to Leatherhead for tea. 38 miles and 1,600ft in total from Dorking to Leatherhead.

If you’d like to join me for the competition and the onward ride please let me know by 6pm on Monday, stating your lunch request. My email address is janice.dawes@gmail.com.

B Group ride and freewheel competition on Wednesday 8th October

It is that time of year again when we test our nerves and freewheel down Roothill Lane. Will Ged and Janice  retain their titles? Well it will all be decided next Wednesday following 11's at St Martin's Christian Centre. There will be a short ride to the start and following the competition and presentation of trophies at Brockham we will cycle to Leatherhead for lunch at the Running Horse. We will need to pre-order so please let me know what you would like from the menu. The pub have also kindly agreed to do a sandwich menu for us which will be a choice of either ham, cheese or tuna on brown or white for a very reasonable £4.95 plus chips if desired at £2. 

After lunch we will take familiar roads back to Esher and tea at Gails. 

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/52801269   Morning Route

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/52801399  Route after FWC to Leatherhead and Esher

Please let me know if you would like to join the ride and what you would like for lunch by 2pm on Monday. 

Hope you can make it 

Sue

sue.foster39@gmail.com

Ride report B Group for 1 October; Cobham to Gomshall via the hills.

Ride Report by Tim G

 

Is it good or bad luck that comes round in threes? I initially felt a bit unlucky when I found I was subbing for a ride that involved three challenging hilly sections but it turned out that my luck changed during the course of the day.

 

After a brief reshuffle two groups left Cobham to follow what had been described by one sympathetic commentator as a potential ‘Alpine Ride’. Our initial trek through the lowlands of Downside and Bookham Common led us up Chapel Lane (a relatively modest incline) where we all felt the need to shed a few layers as the weather improved.

 

Our next challenge up Ranmore Common Road demanded a little more leg power, especially near the top, before we reached the plateau alongside St Barnabas’ Church. A bracing freewheel down into Dorking provided the prelude to our next challenge - the ascent of Coldharbour Lane !

 

It’s been two years (7/9/23) since we last attempted this climb in temperatures of 30+ degrees. I remember passing one group that day who, having reached the top, decided to indulge themselves with a round of ice creams outside ‘The Plough Inn’. No such luxury was afforded to my group today. A brief rest admiring the view and engagement in polite conciliatory conversation was sufficient to acknowledge their efforts. There’s no gain without pain!

 

Our course then followed a very pastoral and scenic route past Leith Hill and via the various Abingers to our lunchtime destination at ‘The Compasses Inn’ at Gomshall. Fortunately it was fine enough to sit outside in their expansive and very floral beer garden where we were all suitably fed and watered.

 

Our shorter afternoon ride took us up and over the Abinger Roughs on a bumpy off-road trek frequently punctuated by a series of gates. We dutifully paused at the Wilberforce Monument erected on the spot where Samuel Wiiberforce (third son of the abolitionist William Wilberforce) was killed on 19th July 1873 after a fall from his horse whist riding with his friend Lord Granville. Was this the result of a boozy liquid lunch? Surely not !

 

Moving on we crossed Whitedown Lane and followed the path emerging at Westcott and then via Dorking to our final tea destination at Leatherhead.

 

Many thanks to Paul J for devising and resurrecting todays alpine route and to everyone who contributed to making today’s ride a success. A good day had by all !

Ride Report A group 1st October

Nineteen A riders arrived at Cobham for the ride to Guildford in three groups. First away was Dave V with Christina, Dave W, Dave C, Dave E, Neil W and Dave F. Yes I know, a lot of Daves. I didn't plan it deliberately. Anyway I left with Ged, Karl, Peter,Neil C and Brian next. Finally Andy H led his group of riders with Fiona, Patrick, Hans, Guy and Simon W.

The route was sprinkled with light rain which wasn't forecast. A slightly different way through Hatchford to Effingham Junction to West Horsley to start the climb up Shere Road to Combe Lane. At this point most of the hard work was over and we made good time down to the Guildford Road and on to Albury. Through Chilworth and on to Shalford, most of the groups converged before the off road cycle path into Guildford.

On then to the White House Pub hosted by Michaela who kindly set up a Private Function room upstairs so we could be together. She also kindly ignored the £180 deposit required by Fullers to book a room, but of course if they were packed with customers we may not have been able to stay. Something worth noting for future visits. Ged made his way to the station here.

  

After a hearty lunch, served non-chronologically with respect to ordering we set off for tea. A tricky path to escape the urban sprawl, past the out of town shopping mall and we were quickly onto rural roads. Through Bellfields to Jacobs Well and Sutton Green to Woking. Skirting round, we picked up the Basingstoke Canal path north east. At Sheerwater Bridge we were turned back because workers were busy putting fresh tarmac onto the towpath. We took a diversion via Woodlands Avenue and rejoined the towpath at Birch Walk. At Woodham junction Dave V stopped for a picture.

The sun made a brief appearance after an overcast day and showed a little of the glorious autumnal weather I had experienced on my recces. Another ride for another day! We arrived at Weybridge Garden Centre at 2.45 and so 12 riders stopped for tea. Worth noting that the expensive cakes were excellent and tea and coffee was top notch.

Thanks Dave V and Dave E for photos and particular thanks to Dave V and Andy H for leading a group and to all those who offered. Much appreciated! I also very much appreciated the company of everyone who came along for the ride.

Steve D.

Latest Richmond Park Cyclists bulletin

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