Wednesday morning at 8.15 the temperature was enough to freeze the kneecaps off a brass monkey daft enough to wear shorts, though it was not the ageing pins that suffered by the time we reached the river, so much as the thrice-clad extremities. Yet there, where the River Thames flows deep and wide, washing its banks on the southern side, someone was taking a dip.
Neither did the cold and frosty morning do anything to deter a good number of keen and eager cyclists to turn out, including newcomer Chris McC; MA, the official club Bonce-Counter General, announced it was the biggest B Group turnout for a long while, though there were included some complex arrangements about folk joining in, or turning up at lunch, or opting for a trip out West instead. A fair few of us, however, did enjoy the full morning ride in crisp and bright autumn weather through the suburbs of Greater London and a little beyond, including a four mile off-road section. Each of the four groups set out on time to follow the prescribed route via Kingston, Surbiton, Long Ditton and Claygate, to the enchanted forest.
PJ's group in the enchanted forest,
and the shadowy figure of the Pied Piper himself
The first group was led by PJ, the Pied Piper, dressed inappropriately as is the tradition with such fellows. His back-marker, unaware of the pick-up arrangements, watched in wonder as it seemed damsels on bicycles had only to glance at us to be irresistibly drawn to follow, swelling our numbers as we went along. Behind, in TG's group, our journey through the forest, known as Prince's Coverts apparently prompted a few questions. Teacher had the answers. Prince’s Coverts is named after Prince (later King) Leopold of Belgium who once lived at Claremont Park, Esher. The Claremont Estate was purchased for him in 1816. He later acquired nearby common land which became a shooting estate. The area became known as Prince’s Coverts (covert meaning a thicket or shelter for game birds). Following his death the estate was re-purchased by the Crown and has since been managed by the Crown Estate.
TG's group in the enchanted forest
Moving on towards the blindingly low winter's sun, switching on and off as we went through the trees, the leader was reminded that all the recces had taken place through drizzle, and how lucky we were this day. We circumscribed Ashtead Common on the hard core paths because all attempts at recceing more direct routes had led to re-enactments of no-man's land in the first war. Behind TG, JA's group was neither interested in the winter sunshine, nor in entrancing passing cyclists to join in, but felt the route had been designed for their teacher's interest in London Coal Duty Posts. Apparently we passed within touching distance of at least six with several others within sight. And to add to that the cognoscenti were able to view and admire a very rare Edward VIII pillar box by Ashtead station before following on and up Chalk Lane, across Epsom Downs to Woodmansterne.
JB's group in the enchanted forest.
Service at ‘The Woodman’ was prompt and efficient, especially as news of the considerable increase in numbers from fifteen to twenty five had not been passed on to the landlady. Everyone was fed and watered without delay, tasty grub at a reasonable price. PJ's group helped out by vacating their table as JB's group arrived. All the groups diminished in size as we descended mostly downhill, via Belmont, Cheam, Worcester Park and on to Kingston and folk made their own ways home through the rapidly chilling afternoon. Team PJ ended with two for tea; the Borough Council had paid the Pied Piper and got their damsels back. Teams TG and JA merged in the afternoon and then diminished until TG was the only one left. How did we miss each other in Kingston Parish Church? Fortunately TG was joined there by JB and three of her group.
JA's group in the enchanted forest.
We all know of JA's enthusiasm for the group photograph!
Overall an enjoyable day’s cycling, considerably enhanced by the ride leader's choice of cold and fine over dank and drizzly. Thank you to all leaders and back markers, to everyone who worked to make it so enjoyable, and to Tim and John and Julie for their contributions to this report.
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