The B's Took on the Weather and Won on the Way to Hillingdon, 25th March 2026

 

Following on from last Wednesday’s London ride, when the weather was perfect, a week later and a return to winter conditions! Between the groups we experienced virtually every sort of weather, sunshine on the way out, rain after lunch followed by hailstones showers intermixed with sunshine.

Tony’s Group

There was a strong turnout at Molesey Boat Club, with my group setting off first at 10:30. The ride began smoothly as we headed into Bushy Park, continuing along the River Crane Path and across Hounslow Heath. Thankfully, we encountered no “highwaymen” along the way and made steady progress.

Our route then took us along Parkway towards Cranford, west to Sipson, and northwards across the Grand Union Canal. After crossing Horton Road, we joined a pleasant cycle path, but unfortunately our progress was halted by crime scene tape, forcing a diversion. Having ridden this route many times before, I was able to guide the group around the obstruction.

We continued past Hillingdon Hospital and arrived at our lunch stop, The Red Lion Hotel. Although I had passed it many times enroute to Uxbridge, this was my first visit inside. The Fuller's-owned pub and hotel, with over 50 rooms, is beautifully maintained despite its age, offering a warm atmosphere with plenty of cosy seating areas.

Food service was a little slow, but the quality more than made up for it. As other groups began to arrive, the weather took a turn, with heavy rain setting in just as we were preparing to leave. With dark skies looming, I suggested a quicker, more direct return route back to Bushy Park, which the group agreed was the best option.

With the wind now behind us, the return journey was brisk and enjoyable. After a quick photo stop by an old tractor, we rode through Stockley Park, under the M4, and into Heathrow. From there, we followed the cycle path to Feltham, stopping to shelter from hailstones showers, re-joining the Crane River Path before heading through Fulwell and back into Bushy Park.

Francis left us at a crossroads to make his way home by 4:30, and Steph continued without stopping for tea, leaving four of us to pause briefly. A few riders from other groups arrived, though most opted to head straight home.

Despite the windy and cold conditions, it was a great day out with a fantastic group of friends. It was also nice to see Pam arrive at elevenses. Many thanks to Ray for planning a route to such an excellent lunch venue, to my group—Steph, Mick, Francis, Bob, and Martin—and a special thanks to Francis for back marking throughout the ride.

Tony

Tony’s Group at the entrance to Hale Field Park

 

Maddie’s Group

Madeleine’s group consisted of the hardy and wise Tim Gibbons, backmarker and guide, and the good company of Jane F, Fixie Dave and Martina. We had a fairly uneventful morning ride and particularly enjoyed the off-road sections. Even experienced riders hadn’t been on many parts of the route. Like all groups, we struggled against the strong headwinds for the last part of the morning but enjoyed good cheer and even a photo shoot along the way.

Like other groups, we were diverted by lots of convincing police tape. Unlike other groups who found sensible on-road ways round. We visited a nearby grassland in the wilds next to Uxbridge FC. Martina had the good sense to join Ray’s groups for this special outing.

 

The warm stop at the pub was much appreciated, but sadly, I didn’t record the appalled faces as the sky darkened and we witnessed a magnificent hailstorm. Thank goodness, it was over fairly quickly!
The afternoon ride started well. We got to the canal and were able to shelter under a bridge during some more inclement weather.  On seeing Ray’s group, we skedaddled ahead but let them catch us when my navigation started to fail. Instead of trusting Ray more than my satnav, I treated my group to a special tour of the cycle lanes along some major A roads around Southall. And then back again. They were mostly very appreciative of this bonus, though I did turn round suddenly to catch one mouthing quite a bad swear word….
We made a new route which was effectively an un-romantic beeline back to Twickenham. Luckily, Tim soon realised that we were intersecting Ray’s original route. With great relief for all of us, he then led us back to safety.

 

Just as we re-joined the Crane River and knew we were getting close, Jane had a puncture. Despite having one of the best tyre fitters in the business in Dave, it was very tricky to get the blooming tyre off the rim, so a long time for even Fixie magic to work. Under Tim’s guidance we made it through the gloaming to Bushey Park, too late for tea, but just in time for Jane to fit in another puncture. Dave and Tim sorted her out enough for her to get a lift home from a friend, thank goodness. I think we were all happy to be home and warm by nightfall.

 

Ray’s Group

We were the third group to leave at 10.50 and was made up of Tim C, Anne, Paul, Pete, Stephen and myself. As we pedalled our way across Hampton Bridge the sky looked encouraging with the sun starting to break through. Turning left into Bushy Park we cycled, traffic free, along to Laurel Road where we joined some quiet roads before joining Wellington Road. At the Great Chertsey Road we entered the western path of the river Crane. Using various quiet roads or cycle tracks we by-passed Heathrow and West Drayton before coming across Maddie’s group and police tape stopping us from using a cycle path next to Chestnut Avenue Children’s Playground. After looking at the map we then circled back and used Whitehorn Avenue to bypass the problem. It was then a case of completing the ride to our lunch time stop, the Red Lion Hotel.

The food was good and the staff friendly and welcoming but unfortunately service was ‘relaxed’, which meant that we had time to chat. We then watched the other two groups leave before setting off ourselves.

On leaving the pub, we entered the winter weather part of our journey. The rain had briefly stopped but the roads were still wet. We returned down the hill till Colham Road where we turned left and had an easy run, with the wind behind us plus the slightly downhill roads, progress was quick.  At Stilwell Roundabout we entered a path that took us into Hale Field Park. Just after exiting the park the first hailstorm briefly stopped progress as we all sheltered under some trees. We then entered Lake Farm Country Park before exiting at Botwell Road, where once again we stopped to put on rainwear and took shelter in a bus stop. Then along down to the Grand Union Canal where the surface was rough in sections but dry. At Weston Road Bridge we left the canal path and used the road running parallel to the canal to reach the next bridge at the Old Oak Tree pub. After crossing the bridge, we came across a horrible bit of road that was full of cars, with parents trying to pick up their children from school. On crossing the Great West Road, we reassembled as a group and cycled on to the Pheasantry Café at Bushy Park. It was a relief to leave the Heston and Hounslow traffic behind.

Ray’s Group at the start of the offroad path through Hale Field Park

There we meet up with Tony’s group and sat exchanging stories of the ride hoping to see Maddie’s group follow us in, but they had been delayed riding along the Crane River where Jane had two punctures. It was overall a good ride with good company helping to make it fun for everyone. Thank you, Tim, for back marking my group and the rest for adding the fun element to the ride.

Ray 

 

Invitation to B Group ride 1st April

You are all welcome to join my April Fool’s Day ride from the Royal British Legion, 
105 Downside Bridge Rd, Cobham KT11 3DG.

The morning route is 19 miles and most of it gentle via Effingham and Bookham with just a short uphill on Chapel Lane and old favourite Box Hill. But the reward comes later with an exhilarating ride down ‘Little Switzerland’ to the pub.

Lunch is at the ever-welcoming Stepping Stones pub in Westhumble. No pre-orders are required but you may wish to familiarise yourself with their menus in advance.

The afternoon ride is relatively short at just 8.5 miles to The Old Moat Garden Centre, via Leatherhead and across Ashtead Common.

I will be joined by my ever-dependable co-leaders Tim G and Mick A.

If you would like to join the ride, please email me directly on fdsilva82@gmail.com  before 6pm Monday evening please.

Looking forward to seeing you at Elevenses. The weather should be good.

Enjoy the weekend,

Francis

 

Ride Report 25th March Molesey to Puttenham

 Seventeen riders met for coffee at the Molesey Rowing club cafe where we were served excellent coffee and cakes. Sue F decided not to ride today having just returned from cycling in Majorca. Lucky girl! So I set off with 7 riders, namely Sue C, Patrick, Clive, Dave B, Simon, Karl and Neil W. Having completed the recce on Saturday in brilliant sunshine I was confident, but the weather forecast was for cold and rain. The route took us through Brooklands Park where Neil left us, to Byfleet village. From here we took Dodds Lane and the Wey navigation and the sun appeared briefly. From here it was mainly straight roads south of Woking into the teeth of the North West wind. At a stop Patrick kindly offered to ride ahead of me to shelter me from the blast, but I was trying to keep a steady pace so declined. The climb up to the A31 from Wanborough finished me and I ended up walking the last 50 metres. We were supposed to take the footpath down to Puttenham, but the others had different ideas and took the road. We were then treated to a good lunch at very good prices. Everyone commented on the homemade chips which made a healthy choice.

After lunch we tackled the climb up Down Lane past the Watts Gallery and over the top track in sunshine to The Mount with spectacular potholes. We went up Castle Street in Guildford to avoid the High Street which was also quicker and then the A246 via The Street, West Clandon, after which we were hailed on. Then to Cobham where black clouds loomed ahead. Sue decided to carry on home and so six of us stopped for tea at Gail's Cafe. We met Dave V there who had led the first group and this is his report:-

Dave’s Ride Report

My group, comprising Ged, Guy, Hans, Richard and three Daves – E, F and W - were seemingly

undeterred by an unpromising weather forecast with an almost certain 25 miles into the wind.

In the event it was not as bad as forecast, the rain held off before lunch, with only a battering by

hailstones to dampen the mood. The sun made some welcome appearances, and we were

treated to a welcome tailwind up Wanborough Hill.

Most of the route was on familiar roads, but the Wey Navigation towpath and Dodds Lane,

often a quagmire travelled only by the B’s, was dry and in better condition than some of the roads.

Lunch was well received and service attentive.

After lunch the promised tailwind must have helped though its blustery nature meant it never felt too helpful.

We missed a heavy downpour which passed through Guildford just ahead of us. Dave’s W and F left us in

Guildford, while Hans had parted company before lunch. The remainder of my group arrived in Cobham

around 3.30, four of us feeling sufficiently battered to need tea at Gails, before further homeward battering.

My thanks to Dave W and Ged for back marking, and Daves W and E for photos.

So there you are. I thought it was a hard ride because of the cold and the head wind. At Gail's we refeulled for

the ride home. Patrick thought I should be named Steve 'Windbreaker' for riding ahead, acting as a windbreak,

but I thought the name had nasty connotations. 'Windcheater' or 'Windsurfer' might be better. Anyway many

thanks to Dave V for stepping up to the challenge of leading a group and to Clive for back marking mine.

Everyone got home without getting too wet as well. I really enjoyed the ride and everyone's company.

Steve Windbreaker

URGENT - new Hon Sec required

Following on from my blog post last month, we have not yet had any applicants to take up the role of Hon Secretary which will become vacant when Dave F steps down after the AGM next month. This is an extremely worrying situation as the Hon Sec role is one of the official roles required by Cycling UK and without a secretary we cannot function as a club. I quite understand that most of us, despite being largely retired, have lots of other commitments so with that in mind I have asked CUK if the role could be shared which they have agreed to. If this puts a different complexion on your thoughts about applying, please email me ASAP and remember, ‘a job shared is a job halved’, as they say!

Dave has kindly agreed to handover / assist / mentor his successor for their first full year cycle of duties so there will be plenty of support available.

A full description of the role can be found here

https://www.cyclinguk.org/article/secretarys-toolkit

With best wishes 

Sue F

sue.foster39@gmail.com

B Ride on the 25th March 2026 to Hillingdon

 I am sorry but the link I used to email me was in correct, the correct email address is,  ryoulden@virginmedia.com. Please can you resend the emails to this correct address. 

Thanks Ray.

Invitation to A group ride 25th March from Molesey Boat Club Cafe to Puttenham

 The route is some 25 miles and 750 ft of ascent, mainly up Westwood Lane to the Hog's Back, before descending to Puttenham. The return is 17 miles to Cobham and 809 ft of ascent mainly up Down Lane to The Mount where we descend to Guildford. There is a certain amount of off road outward on the Wey Navigation towpath and Brooklands Park in order to avoid main roads. There is also the track on Cycle Way 22 which goes from Downs Lane towards Guildford, which is rough and dry, but with deep puddles to negotiate.

If you would like to join the ride please choose your lunch order from the menu of The Good Intent pub at Puttenham. They are doing a special price for Burgers and Bar classic meals reduced to £10.95.

The Menu can also be found here MENU

Please let me know if you would like to join the ride by Monday 6 pm. Contact me HERE. Look forward to seeing you.

Steve D.

B Ride on the 25th March 2026 from the Boat Club to Hillingdon

 

This Wednesday Tony, Maddie and myself will be leading the groups up to a new location, the Red Lion Pub, Hillingdon. We are using a large number of paths and off road tracks, all are quite doable on a road bike. We are stating from the Boat Club in Molesey and travelling through Bushy Park, Fullwell, along the River Crane, Hounslow Hearth, Cranford, West Drayton, and onto Hillingdon. Coming back via Hayes, using the Grand Union Canal, and then on to Heston, and finishing at the Pheasantry at Bushy Park. A total of 29.1 miles. There are no major hills to conquer.

The route can be found on https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54056382

If you would like to come, please email me at ryoulden@virginmeda.com by 18.00 Monday 23^rd, stating your preferred starting time and who you would like to start with. There is no need to consider pre ordering lunch, but it may be worth thinking about what to eat. I have been there twice and found that the sandwiches are pricey but include a portion of chips plus the sandwiches are rather large, so sharing with someone makes sense. Look at the menus and decide,  https://www.redlionhotelhillingdon.co.uk/food/menus

The 2026 London Ride to Silvertown, 18 March. A sunny day with shadows.

 

There were forty eight riders on the start list for this year’s London Ride, but that was because the organiser had missed two more because he did not check his spam folder.

The victims were in a generous mood, however, perhaps because it was a beautiful Spring day and the coffee at Pembroke Lodge kiosk is pretty good and comes promptly.

Early birds at Pembroke Lodge

Obviously, the main purpose of the London Ride is to give us all a nice day out on the bike headed into the Metropolis rather than, as on most other Wednesdays, away from it.  But it also gives us all a chance to ride with club members we do not normally go out with; this year, though the bulk of riders were A and B groupers, there were regulars from every other part of our club; Cheam and Morden, Saturday Beginners and Easy Riders.  The idea for this year’s ride was for us all to try out the cycle shuttle service in London’s newest sub-Thames road tunnel at Silvertown but on the way we went through Mortlake and Barnes, Hammersmith and Holland Park, Kensington Gardens and Hyde park, Marylebone and Bloomsbury, Covent Garden and Embankment, Blackfriars and Tower Hill, Whitechapel and Limehouse to lunch at West India Docks.

A few bikes having lunch at The Ledger Building, West India Docks

It was a pity that Wetherspoons had not banked on the warm weather, for a pub which on every recce had been well-nigh deserted, was packed to the gunnels, sans curry, sans zero Guinness sans garden peas, sans half of everything.  That was trivial, though, compared to the fact that Clive’s group arrived with the news that David J had had a serious tumble and was on his way home with Jennie on an Uber.  Broken collar bone, broken shoulder blade, Tottenham season ticket holder.  Get well soon, Dave. 

Singing in the sun.  Covent Garden

Evolution gone mad.  The traffic light tree.

I had been fretting that the river crossing would be awkward but John’s group went early, the bus drivers were flexible and the only modest wait was undergone by the group whose leader made a tiny directional error enabling the crafty lot following behind to nip in and take that waiting bus.  By then we had suffered a second accident, when Chris H was wiped out by a reckless madwoman on a Lime Bike doing a quarter of a ton over the bridge spanning Bow Creek.  Unlike the perpetrator, Good Samaritans Bob and Mick A stayed behind to help Chris out, Mick taking him to St George’s A&E on an Uber.  Dislocated shoulder blade.  Get well soon, Chris.  Bob finished the ride on his own, which was a shame, for him and for us.

The accident put a real damper on my group for a shuttle bus ride in silence and for the ride back through Greenwich, Deptford, Millwall, Walworth, Kennington, Vauxhall and Pimlico to cross the river for a fourth time and finish at Battersea Park.

Thanks are due to my five co-leaders; Clive, Simon L, Madeleine, John A and Tim G.  Thanks also to Maggie, Clive, Simon , Dave W, Tim G, John, Madeleine and Dave V who each accompanied me on at least one of the recces and who provided important input.

Thanks, too, to everyone for your good humour and patience, but we all agree that especial thanks must go to the Met Office for the weather they provided.

Here are the reports from group leaders.

Clive's group

.....at the tree sculpture

...at Greenwich, the old Naval College

....and looking back across the river to Canary Wharf

Simon’s group.

It’s a special pleasure to lead a beautiful ride through London, especially on a sunny day.   Credit goes to Paul for route design, and successive London mayors for creating surprisingly quiet cycle routes through the city, on a route that passed so many interesting sights and superb views.  My group was a mixture of A and B group riders and we all enjoyed a relaxed ride through the heart of London, only encountering traffic at Shaftesbury Avenue, where an ambulance crew were treating someone who I think was hit by a bus.

.....on the river at Greenwich

...weaving along the river on the Greenwich Peninsula

After a sunny lunch we went a bit off-piste through the heart of Canary Wharf, down past Billingsgate and the traffic light tree sculpture before rejoining Paul’s route for a smooth bus ride under the tunnel, and more outstanding views of the city from Greenwich.   Thank you to Dave B for back-marking, and especially to Paul for devising such a varied and scenic route.

My group

....at the Cable Street Mural commemorating the so-called riot of 1936 when the dockers confronted Oswald Moseley's Nazis

Madeleine’s group.

....at Cable St

• After all the rain and lack of inviting cycling weather, it was great to be back in saddle ride and test those winterised thighs
• Lunchtime sun basking was glorious, as were the wonderful building and marvellous toilets at the lunch stop
• We followed the post-lunch route to a blind alley in Silvertown, which luckily I recognised as the wrong place to be. After backtracking, we rejoined the correct route - just behind the group that was supposed to be behind us! So we had a little more basking at the Silvertown Shuttle stop - and plenty of time to get organised on the next bus
• After an attempt at an early finish (to let the legs rest at last) the whole group - with the exception of their valiant leader- voted to take the uber boat from Greenwich to Waterloo. The leader went on alone, but was soon caught up by the rest of the group when they discovered the waiting time for the boat. All made it onto trains at Vauxhall, a little later

John’s group.

The fifth group started out from Pembroke Lodge in splendid sunshine and made good, enjoyable progress through the south London suburbs, except for a very lengthy wait at the Sheen level crossing.

When we reached Holland Park we found that we had caught up with the earlier group and so we passed them and had a very pleasant ride through the London parks. 

When we got to our lunch stop we found that there was a considerable wait for food and so we decided to ride on to the shuttle and seek lunch south of the river. We stopped at the riverside Cutty Sark in Greenwich and then rode into the final stretch of an excellent and well planned route.

                             

.....on the Silvertown shuttle

When we got to Kennington we began to split up, one going for the train from Vauxhall, two more making their different ways across Clapham Common, two more splitting off in Tooting, leaving one more heading via the Wandle Trail to catch a train in Sutton.

A splendid day out.

Tim’s group

Over fifty cyclists must have met at Pembroke Lodge today to enjoy a day in what proved to be the warmest temperatures this year so far. Our chief leader had organised us into six groups and I was to lead the last group out. We welcomed Gareth W who joined us for the first time today and together with a couple of others ten of us left for today’s adventure. 

 All went well as we left Richmond Park, crossed the river and made our way through to Holland Park where we ran into two other groups who were availing themselves of the public facilities. Having rallied them along we continued on-route to Kensington Gardens for a group photo opportunity. Cycling on past a variety of landmarks and places of interest we eventually got to the river where we picked up the cycle path that took us all the way to Canary Wharf. 

....in Kensington Gardens

The main hazard seemed to be the unpredictable behaviour of those riding the black e-bikes who didn’t seem to adhere to any accepted road etiquette or safety standards. We narrowly escaped a few potentially dangerous collisions. 

The ‘Ledger Building’ was surprisingly busy compared to when we did the recces but we all had a welcome break and got suitably fed and watered. After a brief group reshuffle nine of us set out on the afternoon ride towards the Silvertown Tunnel. As we approached we caught sight of a previous group who had seemingly made a slight detour which meant that we arrived at the cycle shuttle first and immediately boarded without delay. The driver was particularly cooperative and accommodating as we swiftly passed through the tunnel to emerge on the other side. A new experience for most of us !

The rest of our ride went smoothly as we passed though Greenwich and other areas south of the river to reach our final destination at Battersea Park for tea. Many thanks to everyone who contributed to making today’s ride a success and to all in my group for being so kind and appreciative. Always a pleasure to lead an eager and enthusiastic group of cyclists. A good day had by all my group.

2026 London Ride runners and riders

All riders should have received an e-mail

But just in case........

Tomorrow we depart from Pembroke Lodge in Richmond Park.  It is about 150 minutes to lunch, so there is a loo stop in Holland Park (roughly half way).  Lunch is at the Ledger Building at West India Dock (don't get too excited, it's a Wetherspoons, but an amazing building).  Tea at the kiosk in Battersea Park.  

There are one or two places where we have to dismount for a short push; Holland Park and the approach to Kensington Palace being the ones that come immediately to mind.

Because of the Silvertown crossing (where the bus, running every thirteen minutes, only accommodates 8 bikes), I have set us up in groups of 8.  The idea is to mix up members so once a year we get to ride with people from other groups, but this is only partially realised.  With the exception of Madeleine's group, all of whom said they wanted to finish at Vauxhall and therefore presumably to get home early, the groups are aligned in order of my perception of the likely speed of the leaders, to minimize the risk of catch-up, but this is a (very) urban ride and there are few places where anyone will be able to zing along.  Nevertheless, if anyone wants to change group feel free to arrange a bilateral swap (to keep to 8 per group) and tell both leaders.

I could not accommodate all the Vauxhalleers in Madeleine's group but the ride passes under the arches beneath Vauxhall Station and it will be easy for them (and anyone else who has got tired) to peel off at that point.  I have picked three Vauxhalleers who are experienced enough not to fret about doing this and put them together in John's group.

The Silvertown crossing comes two easy miles after lunch and presents a challenge because unless we are lucky (the bus was empty for the first recce but only nearly so for the subsequent ones) not all of your group will be able to board at once.  So please be patient at the shuttle service if you do not get on the first bus; we will operate a first-there-first-on-the-bus policy and you will join some of the follow-up group and continue the ride with them.  Think of it as one of those dinner parties where you have to change places for dessert to meet new people!  I have taken the precaution, in case it is needed, of asking several members used to leading off a GPS device to be ready to take a group onward from Greenwich to the finish.

I have been in touch with the Met Office, slipped them a back-hander and fixed some decent weather, so please enjoy the day.  And stay safe.

Paul.

Runners and riders.  

Group One departs 10.05

Leader Clive Janes

Steve D

Patrick W

Richard B

Gill H

Dave F

Jennie & Dave J

Dave W (to lunch only)

Group Two departs 10.15

Leader Simon Lambourn

Peter B

Sue Ch

Stephen H

Anne W

Steph W

Andy C

Mike R

Group three departs 10.25

Leader Paul James

Chris H

Simon W

Jane F

Bob P

Stuart A

Geoff G

Mick A

Group four departs 10.35, goes as far as Vauxhall

Leader Madeleine Shearer

Julie B 

Mary L

James & Jane G

Ian W

Dawn

Ray Y

Group five departs 10.45

Leader John Austin

Karl M to Vauxhall

Helen T to Vauxhall

Carolyn B to Vauxhall

Frank C

John & Sandra B

Chris McC

Group six departs 10.55

Leader Tim Gibbons

Sabina W & Bernard

Tim C

Gareth W 

Anne & John C

Lilian Ch

Route here

Why you shouldn't jet-wash your bike

It's quick and easy, but it's bad for your bike.   So says GCN (Global Cycling Network) in their new video, which reverses their earlier advice issued eight years ago.   

Does it matter to regular cyclists like us?   In a word - yes.  A couple of people I know have had mysterious failures of their new-ish bike.   The freewheel mechanism stopped working, so they could either freewheel in both directions (awkward) or not freewheel at all (challenging).    A long walk to a bike shop followed.

Here's the video: 

Invitation to the joint A & B Groups 2026 London Ride to Silvertown, Wednesday 18 March

You are invited to join the London Ride on Wednesday.

This year's ride will start at Pembroke Lodge in Richmond Park and take us over Hammersmith Bridge, through Holland Park and Kensington Gardens, through Marylebone and Covent Garden and then out along the river and through the East End for lunch at West India Dock Wetherspoons.

After lunch we take the cycle shuttle bus through the Silvertown Tunnel, and we return westwards through Greenwich Naval College, Millwall, Kennington and Vauxhall to finish at Battersea Park.

The route is 31 miles with lunch half way.  The final recce group left the start at 10.25, was at lunch just before 13.00 and at Battersea Park by 16.15.  We can offer a loo stop half way through the morning.  Once you have climbed to Pembroke Lodge for elevenses the ride is flat.  There are a couple of short stretches of cobbles but the rest is tarmac or hard gravel.

The shuttle bus is free; you do not need a travelcard.  It also takes electric bikes.

Dave Ward has a commitment in the evening and if there are any takers will be happy to take a group from lunch back to Waterloo via the Greenwich Foot Tunnel.  He will not be riding the Silvertown Shuttle.  

Madeleine will take a group home on train assist (we pass Vauxhall Station).

Please let me know by E-mail Paulandrewjames1949@yahoo.co.uk by Monday evening if you want to join in and please be clear if you want to go with Dave Ward or Madeleine.

 Click here for the route.

Ride Report – A Group March 11th

First, respect to all those who rode all the way to the New Haw Centre yesterday, into that strong cold wind.

Second many thanks to Frances and Steve for volunteering to sublead. This meant that we could split the 16 of us into easily manageable groups.

It’s that time of year again when we are tempted to stretch our rides, but we cannot be sure of the weather, so for me this meant a longish ride to somewhere not so far away. With the prospect of a quick dash home if conditions turn dire.

After a very changeable forecast, the worst we had to face was a morning’s headwind, which at least meant we rode on completely dry roads. I rather lost count of the number of times I called out “hole” but along the way there were plenty of daffodils to admire, and the first (for me) Easter bunny hopping along the verge.

Steve's account of his group’s experiences.

I set off with Hans, Janice, Patrick, Guy and Richard after sampling the excellent coffee and cake at the Woodham & New Haw Centre at 10.50. There had been a relentless headwind coming directly from the West and this now proved tiring at some open stretches of road. The sun was shining however and so we were in good spirits. It was interesting to note some of the features we passed almost without knowing on the way to Ottershaw. 'Soggy Bottom Pond', 'Ether Hill' and 'Flutters Hill' being some, although I felt the climbing. Then through Sunningdale, Beggars Bush and Cheapside (?) to Ascot, where we found Frances' group crossing the Ascot race track. After this north to Winkfield and then from Winkfield Street the wind helped us along at a fast pace. The next lovely sight was the wooden footbridge at Dorney which we walked carefully over in case it was slippery with the rain the night before. Then left at the Bray Millennium Milepost. Finally we got to the Palmer Arms and enjoyed very quick service at a reasonable price. 5 minutes after we ordered the ciabatta rolls and wraps appeared and impressively quickly considering they had been toasted.         

    

 

After lunch we set out dreading the climb up Crimp Hill, but were surprised at how quickly the wind was helping to propel us along to Eton. From here the route took us through Old Windsor up the hill and down Tite Hill to Egham. Clouds started to appear, but the wind was with us as we negotiated the never-ending potholes, over Chertsey Bridge and along the cycle track to The Ferry cafe at Shepperton. After tea I decided to try the ferry, but after ringing the bell and sounding the buzzer, I didn't raise anybody to try it out. So I saved £5 and rode over Walton Bridge, but now back into the teeth of the wind to Weybridge, Byfleet and home. 

Everyone in my group seemed to enjoy themselves and get some much needed exercise into the bargain. An added bonus was no punctures which after last week was welcome. I very much appreciated the company of my fellow riders and particularly Janice who back marked perfectly the whole way, which was comforting as all I could view from my little bike mirror were Patrick's knees. Look forward to the next ride! 

Frances reports that my group was a total of four including Gill, Ged, with Simon offering to backmark left New Haw in the sunshine promptly.

Needless to say we experienced a continuing head wind with some break in this when we reached Drift Road.

It was fun crossing Ascot and were directed through the gate and under the fence by the workmen.  We stopped for a photo when Steve's band caught us up.    

 

We enjoyed crossing the bridge near Monkey Island in hot pursuit of Steve again!

We came into Dorney so enthusiastically that I passed by the pub, looked at the mile counter and decided it had to be the right Palmer Arms, and we were all ready for lunch.

Service was great, food lovely and it readied us for a tail wind back to Shepperton. Ged left us at Windsor and we headed to Crimp Hill where Gill led the charge.

Gill waved goodbye just as we turned into Eddy Dockett - last 2 standing! Simon and I came upon Steve’s group again sitting in the sunshine at Nauticalia where a strong expresso was needed for me and Simon tucked into a large piece of cake.  

Thanks to all in my group and feedback was the route, pub and weather was perfect.   

Last to arrive at tea was my group of Andy, Sue C, Sue F, David, and Jennie assiduously back-marking – thanks Jennie. We had a delightfully relaxed ride, pausing only at Dorney footbridge for a photo.     

    
 

After an excellent lunch, we made good progress, most memorably wind-assisted across Dorney Common, arriving at Shepperton Ferry Café just as the last of Steve and Frances' groups were leaving.

Thanks everyone for coming out – it’s the company which makes the ride.

Report for B Group - 11th March

Apart from the competing appeal of the Nor'Westers ride, and numerous riders having other commitments, importantly as subleaders for Paul's final(?) recce for the big London ride next week, we nonetheless set off with eight eager people to enjoy an interesting day out.

So, as Terry had planned to meet us at The Drummond for lunch seven of us departed roughly on time, crossed the Scotland Bridge and turned on to the Basingstoke Canal path for two and a half miles of blissful riding. One advantage of riding with just one group is that the sub-leader can often be persuaded to lead, allowing the 'leader' to be back-marker. And this arrangement worked well yesterday; Mick delivered us reliably to The Drummond in just over two hours, as planned.

We left the canal near Maybury, meandered through the leafy residential roads and took our usual route through Woking Park where, as we had seen during our recce, the toilets are now permanently closed. After Elm Bridge we took our usual cunning little turnoff in order to follow the cycle and pedestrian path alongside the Hoe Stream, always a delight.

By the Hoe Stream

We turned off the path to cross the bridge over to Hawthorn Road to pick up the 'Earth' trail and its Egley Road Cycle path.

Towards Sutton Green we detoured down Robin Hood Lane and after Jacob's Well we turned into the Riverside Park Nature Reserve which nowadays has a good surface apart from the last bit. We noticed that for walkers there is a path along the bank of the Wey which leads into the heart of Guildford.

By the big pond in the nature reserve

We passed through Stoke Park, again with no toilets where they used to be, and at London Road Station the 12 miles of flat riding came to an end. We soared up into the hills and along White Lane, noting for another day the possibility of riding along the tracks to Newlands Corner. But we plummeted down Guildford Lane to claim our reward for all the climbing and parked in the garden behind The Drummond.

As beautiful as the day had been the air remained chilly so we opted to eat indoors and we had a perfect area set aside for us with a commanding view of the garden. Terry had arrived before us so we were eight now. Although some items on the menu gave rise to a discussion all sense of injustice was addressed when a large plate of freshly grated parmesan was delivered to us, primarily to garnish the Orzo risotto.

 

Mick had completed the more complicated navigation of the morning route so I was happy to lead in the afternoon. After the beautiful architecture of Albury's Village Hall and Old Post Office and The Drummond itself, and notably the extraordinary chimneys on the Farriers Cottage and Weston House, we set off up the ramp of New Road and cross country to Hoe. Down at Sutton Abinger we turned up Raikes Lane for another serious climb followed by an easy descent to the A25.

Steph cracks a smile for the camera

Chris was having a mechanical issue which deprived him of access to his low gears so he took the easier route down Felday Road and headed for Dorking Station. We turned off into Balchins Lane to pick up Route 22 into Dorking where Terry left us for home. As the rest of us arrived in Leatherhead Steph realised that she had punctured. But being so close to the station she walked there and caught a train home. So just four of us took Tea at Lucio's.

So, it was the sort of ride that many of us enjoy with its broad variety of terrain and scenery. Well done to the team, Steph, Stephen, Arwyn, Terry, Chris and Julie and a big 'thank you' to Mick for joining me on the recce and leading the morning ride.

~Tim