REMINDER! FIRST AID COURSE MONDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER - AM 

 Have you ever wondered what you would do if you were faced with a medical emergency whilst out on a ride? I know some of you have had to deal with situations whilst on our weekly rides and it can be a pretty scary experience. Knowing basic first aid is an important life skill and can be a life saver if you are faced with a medical emergency in any aspect of your life.

 The  trainer is an experienced nurse Jen Craven who runs Wimbledon First Aid. As a cyclist herself she perfectly understands our needs and tailors the learning to situations we may encounter on a ride. The course will run for a morning and you will be awarded a certificate which is valid for 3 years.

We are hoping to get funding from Cycling UK as we did last year, but there may be a small charge if they do not fully cover the cost.

There are up to 10 spaces available - to sign up please contact me juliembuckman@btinternet.com or 07803 005516. Closing date for applications Friday August 7th.

Here are some thoughts from Sue F who attended last year:

Jen proved to be a great trainer and placed a lot of emphasis on not immediately diving into a situation, but pausing to assess first using the DRABC (Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing and Circulation) mnemonic. We returned to this when discussing almost all medical emergencies. Jen knows our riding territory well and had an excellent idea should an accident occur around a blind corner: place a bike with a bright coloured jacket draped over it to warn any oncoming vehicles or riders that there was a casualty on the road. 

Perfecting our CPR skills occupied a good part of the course. Jen uses dummies that light up when you are using the correct technique. Many of  the group found it surprisingly exhausting giving effective CPR for a prolonged period of time.

She  highlighted the importance of locating a defib quickly and having the locator app What 3 Words and medical info on our phones for a helper to find should we be unable to give this information. I have  now set up the Apple Health app with emergency contact numbers and any medical issues that can be accessed quickly from the locked screen. 

Being faced with a medical emergency can be challenging, especially if it happens in a remote and isolated location. Following the course I think we all felt more confident to deal with a potential situation and give some emergency care. I felt I learned a lot despite having done First aid training in the past. Techniques (particularly CPR) have changed considerably over the years so even if you have done some training this course is great refresher. 

Friday, 10 July 2026

Invitation to A ride from Cobham Aug 5th

 The invitation is now on Spond. Please use Spond to reply by 6pm Monday.

 

 Over the hills from Cobham to the Star at Rusper for lunch. A mostly gentle return to Leatherhead. A few lanes tempt us off the direct route in both directions. The only off road is the Coach Road at Brockham. 

https://connect.garmin.com/app/course/495889637 

Lunch order is required. You can access the main course menu from this link if you want. 

http://www.thestarinnrusper.com/small-lunches--sandwiches.html 

Invitation to B Group ride 5th August

You are all welcome to join the B ride from the Royal British Legion, 105 Downside Bridge Rd, Cobham KT11 3DG. It opens at 10am.

The morning route is 23 miles including up Critten Lane, Denbies vineyard, up Box Hill and down to Betchworth and eventually Leigh. It will be about 2.5 hours to lunch at The Plough.

No pre-orders are required but you may wish to familiarise yourself with their menus in advance. As it’s a very busy time of year for the pub, it’s likely we will find ourselves in their beautiful beer garden on different tables.

The afternoon ride is relatively short at just 10 miles to Lucio’s in Leatherhead.

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

Looking forward to seeing you at Elevenses. The weather should be dry 😊. Take plenty of sunscreen and water.

Enjoy your weekend,

Francis

Wednesday 29th July 2026 - Scorchio!

 I enjoy rides in Kent for the same reason some folk don't.

Hills, hills & more hills.

Planning a ride in the fourth heatwave this year is well....a challenge.

Not least because we're starting from Caterham which of course involves climbing even before 'the off'.

As the replies came trickling in, my ambitious ride was coming into question & not without good reason.

I HAD to have a plan B.

Fortunately, this required little effort since I know the lanes well from Cheam & Morden rides in my early cycling days.

But to my suprise at 11's, there was 'an appeite' to at least keep the morning part in situ.

So seven of us set off towards Woldingham village.

Traffic was light (school holidays), & Station Road provided the first test - a long drag best descibes it.

Intermittent newly laid tarmac took us to Titsey Hill to join the Pilgrims Way going east.

Spirits were high as we rollercoastered along, red kites above, a plethora of grapevines to our right.

Eventually you reach a T-junction.

Sundridge Hill provided our route to the North Downs & you realise that trees are crucial to a heatwave ride providing the necessary shade but I for one was sweating buckets at the top.

Shelleys Lane led us to lunch at The Blacksmith's Arms, Cudham.

Inside the pub, doors & windows wide open, a cooling breeze was greatly appreciated.

The route thereafter was a plan B late change & was welcomed by my cycling companions & we rolled into The Coach House café at Coombe Wood just after 3.

Thanks to those who supported me, in particular Clive who also did the original route recce with me & Dave for backmarking.

Morning - 15 miles - 1,181ft of ascent

Afternoon - 10 miles - 524ft of ascent

B Group Ride Report - 29th July '26

Thank you and well done to those who joined our single group from Caterham-on-the-Hill on Wednesday. In the morning we travelled over some very narrow lanes, a few of which were probably first time routes for several of our party. We enjoyed a cool stop in Horley and then made our way across the very warm farmland of Surrey to Brockham and Leatherhead. A very pleasant day out!

John A. 

A mixed gathering at Caterham

Team JA taking a break in the shade.

Updated weather warning guidance to include Heat Health Alerts

Hello everyone, 

Given the extreme temperatures we are experiencing this summer the Committee have updated the weather guidance to include a few words about Heat Health Alerts. Please be assured that this guidance refers to club rides only. 

Weather warning guidance

With the increasing occurrence of Met Office bad weather warnings and Heat Health Alerts (from UK Health Security Agency), Ride Leaders should pay particular attention to these warnings. Please consider very carefully before taking a group out in severe weather that may include riders who are not confident cycling in strong windy conditions for example. Always check the weather forecast in the days before a ride and assess whether or not the ride should go ahead.

For the avoidance of doubt, Ride Leaders should cancel a ride if a Met Office RED or AMBER warning is in force or will come into force during a ride. Where a YELLOW warning is forecast, Ride Leaders should update their risk assessment before the ride to assess whether it is safe for the ride to go ahead as planned, or with suitable modifications to the route to mitigate risk, or cancelled.

If there is a Heat Health Alert in force during a planned ride, the Ride Leader should draw attention to this beforehand so that riders with health issues that may be affected by extreme heat, can consider whether or not to join the ride and for those taking part in the ride, to come prepared.

And remember - do not feel pressured into leading a ride in weather that you are at all concerned about.

If you have any questions please do let me know.

Sue Foster

sue.foster39@gmail.com

Report from A Group for ride on the 22nd July

Karl (ride leader) starts off the report:   

My wife said to me that a ride report need only say that we cycled and cycled, and then cycled some more  - she obviously doesn't get it. My and my subleaders' (Steve and Peter) version of the ride report is set out below. I'll be encouraging her read to it.

Steve's report gives a good overall description, so I'll start with his contribution:

From Steve: 

I set off from Dorking at 10.25 am with Guy, Mike, Clive, Patrick and Dave B who kindly offered to back mark. The route started with a climb out of Denbie's where we stopped for a hydration break and picture.

We then followed an undulating route across Ranmore down a fast descent to Green Dene where we climbed again steadily up to Staple Lane which we descended slowly behind a tractor and some cars. We commented at how unusual it was to be going down this hill because we almost always go up it. Across the A246 to East Clandon and more descent down to the new Wisley bridge over the A3 past RHS Wisley. We skipped the roundabout and went right onto the cycle path. Then it was a fairly flat ride in sunny, cloudy conditions through Wisley village and Pyrford Common to The HG Wells at Woking, arriving at 12.10 pm.

After quick service we left at 1 pm to make our way to Leatherhead for tea. The route took us through Old Woking and Send to West Horsley. At the junction with the A246 I stopped so we could divide into 2 groups for the fast road, but my team decided we should go via East Horsley and Effingham Junction and so that is the way we went. At Effingham as we approached the Lower Road left turn, the second group led by Peter appeared coming from the A246 and we followed them to Lucio's for tea and cake where we were joined by an adventurous Geoffrey S!

Karl is good at producing unusual routes on familiar roads and this one was excellent. Thanks for organising this ride Karl. Thanks also to Dave B for back marking and to my fellow riders for your fine company.

And from Peter:

My group left on time from Dorking, one down (Ged had to go to a local bike shop for some pre-ride repairs). We progressed slowly up the Denbies climb and stopped for a photo. This took a while as Andy's camera delay function was not working. However, a member of the public offered to help. It was at this point Andy's delay function did work! So the helpful gent then had to stay still for 30 seconds whilst the camera worked on its own. We arrived at Spoons at 12.20 and lunch was prompt, as usual. Dave W departed from the group after lunch to make his own way home. We gave the fast group a 10 minute head start but passed them in Effingham (quote Dave V, briskly). Many thanks to Karl for his route and organisation of the day and to my group for their company, with particular thanks to Dave V for backmarking.

And finally from me (Karl):

It seemed to me that we started the ride with a game something similar to musical chairs. Firstly, Sue F said as she had not been riding for a few weeks she didn't feel up to a long ride and consequently decided not to join us. Then Simon L, who is normally very reliable, was nowhere to be seen. It transpired he accidently accepted the Spond invitation when he meant actually to decline it (I think?). Then Ged - who was scheduled to be in Peter's group - turned up and joined our group. This theme of musical chairs continued throughout the day, but I most definitely started the ride with (I think?): Sue C, David F, Brian, and Ged as back marker. 

At Wisely, about halfway around the route, Brian had to leave us for another commitment, and a little later, at the lunch stop in Woking, and continuing on our sub-theme of musical chairs, we picked up Geoffrey S. After a very enjoyable lunch we set off to Leatherhead, where we arrived a little over an hour later. 

One or two in our group felt perhaps we cycled the afternoon portion of the route at a slightly more than comfortable pace, and Dave F commented that in a refreshing way the route was a back to front version of earlier Group A rides in that we went down hills we normally cycle up and cycled on byways in the afternoon that we would normally cycle on in the morning and vice versa, but overall I believe everyone enjoyed the route and the day. I certainly did.

It leaves me only to thank all those who attended for their good company, Ged for back marking in my group and my two sub-leaders Steve and Peter. 

Some pictures taken on the day and the route itself are set out below.

     

Caterham B Group Ride - 29th July '26

You are invited to join us next Wednesday for a ride to Horley for lunch and then on to Leatherhead for tea. Please reply by Monday to: johnaustin04@yahoo.co.uk.

Looking forward to seeing you at Caterham-on-the-Hill.

John A.

Report for B Group - 22nd July

Le Col de Coldharbour, aka Boar Lane, according to google AI: 'It is a renowned, notoriously punchy 1.9-mile cycling climb in the Surrey Hills, peaking at gradients of up to 18%.'

Team photo at the summit

Only seven riders turned up at Dorking for my ride to Tanhouse farm; 'was it something I said?' I thought!!

And then I realised that I had said the word Coldharbour!!! Which means a steep climb.

Steph, storming up the pass 

 

Well that was a laugh!

Observing the speed limit

Anne on the steep bit

Chasing the leaders

Perhaps I'll go back and do it again! 

Don't make me laugh, I'll fall off!

Surely we are nearly there?

Too fast for the photographer

     Ride Leader and Mischief Maker Pete

Keith leading with his A Group legs 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pete in the slipstream of his lead-out man

 

We were up in no time, so I don’t know what all the fuss was about!! 

Beautiful stained glass

And then it was full speed ahead and down the other side to Walliswood calling in to see the 13th century Okewood church of St John the Baptist. Absolutely fascinating!

... and we never knew that it was there

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then onwards to Tanhouse farm via Rusper whereupon a lovely lunch was consumed.

Lunch at Tanhouse Farm

 

Tim tucks in while Mick enjoys his glass of water

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you all for your great company.

~ Pete B.

 

A Grand Day Out

 

 

A group of more senior members met at the ferry cafe, Shepperton, and cycled to Ed's house at Ewell then walked the short distance to lunch at his local cafe Ed was in good form and enjoyed the meet up with old friends, as we were leaving Ed's house for our return journey, Tony Hooker arrived to visit Ed. A nice day out.

 Tony.. 

Strava Users - Donate to charity for free!

If you use Strava, and you log more than four hours of activity in July, the Postcode Lottery will donate £100 to charity.  You can choose which of five charities the donation will go to, for example Cancer Research.

It's simple to do.  You have to join the Crowns for Causes challenge on Strava, and as soon as you have recorded four hours of activity which completes the challenge, you can select Redeem Reward and the Postcode Lottery will donate £100 to the charity of your choice.

Details here:  https://www.strava.com/challenges/6114.

(I'm not a Strava user but Google tells me that to join a challenge, you have to open the Strava app, select the Groups app in the bottom navigation menu, tap Challenges at the top of the screen, choose the Crowns for Causes challenge and tap Join Challenge.)

More on Our A Ride to Horsted Keynes 15th July

Following our meeting with the East Sussex riders last Wednesday, I emailed their leader Andy C to thank him. I thought I would share his reply.

Hi Dave

Many thanks for sending both the photo and the blog - the latter a great responsibility after a ride!

 

We all thought it was the best joint meeting for many a long year and to mix in all on one big table was a bonus and very enjoyable. I can only think of one previous occasion that was equally well mixed together and that was in the shelter of the back garden when our erstwhile secretary Esther (the founding link between our two clubs, I believe) was holding forth in very good form. Bob P has also proved to be a good link.

 

It's a shame that Clive was enjoying (one?) of his other pastimes but perhaps we will meet up sometime.

 

I'm no great expert at linking emails to our group but I will try and forward yours to the rest of our group as we all are of same mind about the success of the meeting.

 

With kind regards 

Andy 

Invitation to the A Group ride from Dorking on the 22nd of July

You are invited to join me and my sub-leaders in our ride from Dorking to Woking via Denbies, Ranmore Common and Wisley with lunch in Wetherspoons Herbert Wells. A distance of approximately 22 miles with two significant climbs.

We plan to return to Leatherhead via East and West Horsley with tea in Lucio's on the high street. This after lunch part of our route being approximately 16 miles in distance with a smaller hill and a gentle undulating descent down into Leatherhead.

Please let me know before Monday 5.00pm by e-mail or Spond should you wish to join us.

kmitch1963@gmail.com

B Ride Report 15th July from Claygate

Francis starts with …..

22 riders opted to join the ride from Claygate with most enjoying coffee and a chat at the Parade & Albany, made even more enjoyable with Paula dropping in.

With the continuous very hot weather in recent weeks, I decided to incorporate over 6 miles off-road through shady paths through forest and commons on the morning route. Thank you to Tim C for his many hints and tips on my morning and afternoon off-road sections.

My first group (Stephen H, Tim G, Sabina, Bernard, Peter Bts and Jane F) left on time towards the start of the off-road section on Common Lane at Claygate Common, from where we snaked our way through to New Road. Parts were rather loose gravel and sand but nothing too haphazard.

Soon we reached the gate to the Crown Estate’s Prince’s Coverts. A little interesting bit of history courtesy of Wikipedia – “Prince's Coverts is named after Prince (later King) Leopold I of Belgium, who lived at Claremont Park, Esher 1 mile (1.6 km) north-west, which remains linked by a bridleway across Arbrook Common and Farm which has two white-painted metal coal tax posts. The Claremont Estate was purchased for him in 1816. He later acquired nearby common land which became a shooting estate. This area became known as Prince's Coverts. Following his death, the estate was repurchased by the Crown since which it has been managed by the Crown Estate.”

Soon we were crossing into Ashtead Common following the shady paths up and around the Common, exiting by Ashtead station. The rest of the route was all on road heading through Leatherhead, Effingham and West Horsley and our lunch stop, the Barley Mow and a warm Thai welcome.

After a delicious lunch, we departed for the short trip to the Old Moat garden café, Horton Lane for tea, as the temperature started climbing.

Rather than the usual route towards Blundell Lane, we headed instead towards the quieter Water Lane and Littleheath Lane and off-road through Oxshott Heath, a pleasant experience. In no time at all, half my group arrived at the tea stop with the other half heading home.

My thanks to Tim C for his support on my route, my subbies Steph and Tim C and my back marker Peter and later on, Bernard. An enjoyable day out with the usual great company.

Steph continues with ….. 

I managed to ride the 8 miles from home in good time, arriving for Elevenses 9.45. It was nice relaxing and chatting with others before my group set off in perfect weather. Jennie proved her worth as backmarker correcting the approach to Princes Covert. The route was skillfully put together to avoid the obvious and take us down the unexpected. Lots of shade and the ups seem balanced by the downs. I particularly liked Water Lane in the afternoon, not often used but more direct than heading for Esher or Blundells Lane.

Great company (Julie B, Christina, Grant, Keith, Karl and Jennie J).Perfect weather.

 

Tim C ends with …..

Shortly after leaving home, I found that my freshly inflated front tyre was going soft. After some problems using my mini-pump I succeeded in rendering the bike roadworthy. With tubeless tyres in this situation what usually does the trick is going for a ride which redistributes the goo inside the tyres. And although I felt a bit anxious about it during the ride down to Claygate I didn’t have to pump it up again during the day.

In view of the difficulty I might experience whilst leading, Francis suggested that I ask Mick to swap with Grant. So Mick kindly joined our third team, ready to lead with his Beeline if I had any more issues. And Grant joined Team Steph.

So with our sporty little team, Mick, Ray, Dawn, Diane, Martina, Anne and Ian, I departed from Parade and Albany soon after 11. I hope that everyone shared my sentiment that the nicest aspect of the morning ride was the succession of serene and shady paths through much of our favourite woodland. Beyond the trees there was very little climbing to challenge us.

After Ashtead Common, Diane led us though a suburban shortcut which brought us neatly onto the cycleway alongside Barnett Wood Lane, then safely around to the turn down onto the path leading to Leatherhead Station.

Our team hadn’t hurried through the morning at all but arrived at around a quarter after 1 pm. At The Barley Mow many of us chose our dishes from the Thai Menu, green and red curries, Pad Thai and so it says, ‘Drunken Noodles’, etc.

After lunch Dawn left us to visit her grand-daughter in Effingham and Ray peeled off for home soon after we had left. As she had planned to do, Diane caught a train home after lunch. Martina said goodbye at Martyr’s Green. Ian kindly invited Mick, Anne and I to afternoon tea with himself and Sonia. Mick decided to press on to the Old Moat to reunite with Francis and the two earlier groups, leaving just Anne and I to succumb to Ian’s kind offer of tea on the terrace.

Anne hadn’t been around to join our ride from New Haw on 27th May when on the afternoon leg we all turned off Sandy Lane to skirt around Fairmile Common, ride through Esher Common then Arbrook Common on the way to Claygate. So on the home run yesterday we took that very scenic route.

Thanks to everyone in the team for your good company, and especially to Ray as back marker, and to Mick for being ready to pretend to be me if I suffered an unfixable flat tyre.

Ride Report - A Group ride to Horsted Keynes, 15 July

We had 11 riders for our annual pilgrimage to mee the East Sussex CTC at Horsted Keynes. Not bad for present times on a challenging route in hot weather, but quite do-able if you take it in stages. We had two groups with Janice leading the speedier riders.

Mark Gladwyn’s classic route gives the rider everything, from the Gatwick Terminal underworld, a long cool section on the shady Worth Way, one big climb out of Weir Wood Reservoir followed by a glorious scenic descent to Horsted Keynes. The afternoon is different, a long climb up through Highbrook which felt challenging but in reality no higher than Box Hill, a few busy roads, followed by three notable hills.

My group of 5, Brian, Sue C, Neil C and back-marker Ged – many thanks Ged, left the scenic Tesco carpark promptly on time, and arrived at the Green Man for lunch just on 12.30. Janice’s speedier riders were already there, as well as the East Sussex, including many familiar faces from previous meetings.

We all sat together on one long sociable table and it was good to see Bob P who rides with both groups. Pre-ordered lunches were served promptly, good portions and reasonable prices too.

                                     

The Green Man has been looking after CTC riders for many years, evidenced by the venerable CTC sign displayed on the front wall.

        

Too soon it was time to leave, but we parted the E Sussex with agreement to meet again next year.

At 28 miles the return was longer and hillier and hotter than the morning, with a NE breeze to provide cooling and a little extra challenge. Brian left us at Smallfield seeking less headwind and fewer hills homeward. The rest of us got stuck into the three remaining climbs, compensated by some great descents.Three of my group stopped for “tea” on Banstead park where the lure of ice-cream proved irresistible.

Janice’s report follows.

Neil W, Andy C and I made a select group in the upstairs cafe at Hookwood Tesco’s and it was a relief to find that most of the rest of my group, Peter S and Patrick were ready and waiting downstairs. As our departure time drew near, I started writing a text to Steve W to say that we had gone on when he arrived with impeccable timing on the dot of 10.35. 

As we travelled the busier roads after the Beehive of Gatwick airport, I missed a left turn (the first of 3) but Andy C had already spotted it. This led to us thinking we’d lost him for a while but thankfully the group were together again for the cool shady Worth Way.

As we arrived back on my more comfortable territory of tarmac roads we passed Dave’s group. There was a glorious descent with fabulous views on our right before the final sharp climb to the pub in Horsted Keynes. 

    
It was good to meet up, and share the lunch table, with several familiar faces from East Sussex CUK. 

Suitably refreshed it was back on the bikes for the hilly-ish ride to Banstead. The climbs started more or less immediately on leaving but it was Coopers Hill into Nutfield leaving some to regret their choice of bike for the ride. A rehydration stop at the top was certainly warranted! 

After that there were ‘only’ 2 hills to climb, Markedge Lane and Park Rd into Banstead where all but Peter stopped for welcome refreshments at Cafe Italia. 

A lovely route, beautiful views, challenging hills, nice weather and great company including our counterparts from E Sussex. Many thanks to Peter S for expertly back marking.

Finally, thanks everyone who rode and made the day a success, especially Janice for expertly leading her group.
 

FIRST AID COURSE OFFERED ON MONDAY 14th SEPTEMBER (AM)- APPLY NOW!

 Have you ever wondered what you would do if you were faced with a medical emergency whilst out on a ride? I know some of you have had to deal with situations whilst on our weekly rides and it can be a pretty scary experience. Knowing basic first aid is an important life skill and can be a life saver if you are faced with a medical emergency in any aspect of your life.

 The  trainer is an experienced nurse Jen Craven who runs Wimbledon First Aid. As a cyclist herself she perfectly understands our needs and tailors the learning to situations we may encounter on a ride. The course will run for a morning and you will be awarded a certificate which is valid for 3 years.

We are hoping to get funding from Cycling UK as we did last year, but there may be a small charge if they do not fully cover the cost.

There are up to 10 spaces available - to sign up please contact me juliembuckman@btinternet.com or 07803 005516. Closing date for applications Friday August 7th.

Here are some thoughts from Sue F who attended last year:

Jen proved to be a great trainer and placed a lot of emphasis on not immediately diving into a situation, but pausing to assess first using the DRABC (Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing and Circulation) mnemonic. We returned to this when discussing almost all medical emergencies. Jen knows our riding territory well and had an excellent idea should an accident occur around a blind corner: place a bike with a bright coloured jacket draped over it to warn any oncoming vehicles or riders that there was a casualty on the road. 

Perfecting our CPR skills occupied a good part of the course. Jen uses dummies that light up when you are using the correct technique. Many of  the group found it surprisingly exhausting giving effective CPR for a prolonged period of time.

She  highlighted the importance of locating a defib quickly and having the locator app What 3 Words and medical info on our phones for a helper to find should we be unable to give this information. I have  now set up the Apple Health app with emergency contact numbers and any medical issues that can be accessed quickly from the locked screen. 

Being faced with a medical emergency can be challenging, especially if it happens in a remote and isolated location. Following the course I think we all felt more confident to deal with a potential situation and give some emergency care. I felt I learned a lot despite having done First aid training in the past. Techniques (particularly CPR) have changed considerably over the years so even if you have done some training this course is great refresher. 

Invitation to the A Group ride to Horsted Keynes, 15 July

Wednesday 15th sees our annual A Group Ride to Horsted Keynes, where we meet the East Sussex CTC “veterans” on their home ground. Elevenses is at Tesco's, Hookwood  just off Reigate Rd RH6 OAT. The Café upstairs is hi-tech with screen ordering only. Thankfully there is Greggs downstairs.

As an indication, Hookwood Tesco is about 19 miles from N Cheam, so if you need guidance getting there please let me know.    

Lunch at the historic Green Man pub, Horsted Keynes, complete with CTC Winged Wheel. About 20 miles. The route includes the nicely-shaded gravelly Worth Way, which is easily rideable with road tyres. One longish climb at Weir Wood, but beautiful views and rarely visited lanes. With luck you may be able to witness the arrival of the Bluebell Railway’s daily steam train to Horsted Keynes.

Tea at Banstead after about 28 miles, and a couple of climbs, but downhill home for all.
The Green Man has requested us to pre-order lunch so please let me know if you are coming, by email or Spond, and your lunch choice by Monday evening, thanks. 

d.vine207@btinternet.com

 

Ladies cycle clothing (Size M) offered

A neighbour of mine who no longer cycles wondered if anyone was interested in some clothing she has. One new pair of shorts and some other mostly little used items. 

If anyone is interested please contact me.  No payment is asked for though if you wish to make a donation to charity my neighbour would be grateful.  

Lusso Coolmax shorts (unused) Size M black

 

 

 

 

Used CTC logo shorts (M)

Almost new CTC logo jersey

 Amost new blue/black jersey

 Short finger gloves (hardly used) and pair of socks (navy)

 

 

 

Invitation to B Group Ride 15th July

You are all most welcome to join the ride from outside Claygate station (Elevenses coffee at 'Parade & Albany') heading towards New Road, Ashtead Common, Leatherhead and finally West Horsley. The morning ride will comprise of nearly 6 miles of scenic off-road near the start.

Lunch is at the ever-welcoming Barley Mow pub in West Horsley. No pre-orders are required.

The afternoon ride is short at just over 11 miles to The Old Moat for tea.

I will be joined by my ever-dependable co-leaders Tim C and Steph.

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

Wishing for a cooler weekend ahead.

Francis

B Group Ride Report - 8th July ’26

In 1931 Noel Coward wrote the lyrics to “Mad Dogs and Englishmen”. Its famous refrain mocks the British habit of braving the tropical midday sun while locals seek the shade. No doubt if he were alive today he would have a field day remarking on the similar behavior of CTC cyclists. Undeterred by the forecast for hot weather fourteen determined riders braved the heat and met at Weybridge to embark upon today’s adventure.

Team TG at Virginia Water

We set out in three groups led by Mick A, Tim G and Julie B towards Chertsey then via Virginia Water to Windsor Great Park. We had our first photo opportunity beside the lake. It may look timeless today but 300 yrs ago the landscape looked very different.

Team MA in front of the lake.

Although a smaller pond did exist the entire valley didn’t take shape until the 1750’s. William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland (then Park Ranger) and son of George II was initially responsible for its future development into a Royal pleasure ground. The project began in 1752 and took almost 40yrs to complete. We also cycled past ‘The Cumberland Obelisk’ erected in 1750 in commemoration of the Duke’s success in leading armies in Britain, Europe and the Americas.

Team JB enjoying a shady spot.

We then passed by ‘The Savill Garden’ commissioned by George V in 1932. The gardens a 35 acre haven of gardens, woodland and seasonal displays.

Our next encounter was the 100ft (30m) ‘Totem Pole’, gifted to the late Queen Elizabeth II in 1958 by the government of British Columbia, Canada to celebrate the province’s centenary. Apparently its undergoing plans to be lowered and ‘laid to rest’ after reaching the end of its natural lifespan.

Once north of these landmarks we headed towards and out of Ascot Gate and made our way to Woodend for lunch at ‘The Duke of Edinburgh’. Tables had already been reserved for us, with water jugs and glasses, under canopies and shaded areas. A welcome relief after a morning in the sun. Service was prompt and efficient and we were all well catered for. A venue well worth another visit in the future !

Chilling in the shade !

Our afternoon ride took us on a slight detour into Ascot racecourse where we saw the grandstand from the horses point of view and another photo opportunity.

A few old nags in front of the grandstand.

Back into Windsor Great Park via Blacknest Gate we cycled past the polo field and the equestrian statue of Prince Albert. Queen Victoria unveiled this monument in commemoration of the the Prince’s contribution to the Windsor Estate in 1890 and the ceremony drew over 7,00 well-wishers and guests.

Paying homage to Prince Albert.

Having had our fill of cultural landmarks we headed out at Bishopsgate and on via Englefield Green, Thorpe Green, Chertsey, Shepperton to Walton Marina. By now everyone had had enough of tropical temperatures and were pleased to take sanctuary in the shade, with a cool drink and enjoy a welcome break.

Many thanks to everyone who made today’s ride a success and especially to my two subbies for their dutiful and diligent leadership. Very much appreciated. A good day out despite the hot weather ! 

TimG.