Easy Riders - 4th November

About ten of us left Cobham and rode up towards Esher on the main road, turned left down West End Lane then up to Esher green. Then down the hill and around the back of Sandown Park and into Weston Green Road to Summer Road. At the Ferry pub on Portsmouth Road we turned left and headed towards Kingston where we rode through the Market Place to go down by the river through Canbury Gardens to the Boaters Inn where we had a nice table by the window overlooking the river.

Jonathan and Dave J. sat outside and then headed back to Weybridge after lunch. Fuzz went home too leaving a small group to ride down to Ewell Court for Tea where we met Sonia.

Many thanks to Maureen for being the back-marker.

~ Lynda

Author: Tim C

B Group - 4th November

The ride started from Cobham, we crossed Bookham Common, Leatherhead, Headley and then onto the Duke's Head at Tadworth.

Thirteen riders stayed for lunch, the service and food was good.
 
We then set off for an early tea stop to avoid lighting-up time. Tea was at Squires Thames Ditton.
 
The rain kept off and everything went to plan apart from Mike M's slow puncture.
 
Thanks to John for back marking and also to Tim for his photos and maps every week.
 
~ Tony
 

Map and photos from Tony's interesting and rain-free ride, a good one for so late in the season. And we were home before dark.

Author: Tim C

A Group 4th November

Photo - Jeff Tollerman

An uncertain forecast this morning.  Well, the forecast was actually fairly certain, but it didn't match the weather.  Rain, followed by showers, followed by a bit of sun was the offer; in fact we got no rain, a bit of scotch mist and no sun.  But the generally grey and damp conditions did nothing to deter the A Group - nineteen of us set off from Cobham, climbing steadily up the dip slope of the North Downs to the top of Staple Lane, down again to Shere then back up, variously, until we reached the top of the Greensand Ridge at Winterfold.  Not quite the highest road in Surrey, but almost. The Autumn colours have passed their peak, and the damp conditions were no help, but it was still very attractive riding through the woods.

A brisk descent and we were at lunch on time, to a good welcome and prompt service at the Park Hatch.  The refurbishment is a great improvement, and the food was good, too.  We were back on the road just after two, making steady progress through Walliswood, Mole Street and Ockham to Capel.

Just past the Crown I felt the tedious bump bump bump of a puncture and had to stop to fix it.  Tea beckoned, so most of the group went ahead, with Dave Vine kindly staying to give me a hand.  The puncture was a small sharp flint, exactly the sort of thing that a tubeless system would shrug off.  Except that this bike hasn't got tubeless tyres - not yet, anyway.

A quick fix and back on the road, joining the others at Pilgrim Cycles for tea and conversation, before we all set off in what was by now quite a dark evening.  Just after four o'clock and still six weeks to the solstice ...

My thanks to Mike for acting as back marker, thanks to all who acted as corner markers, and personal thanks to Dave for his help in my hour of need.

37.3 miles at a rolling average of 13.3mph.  A good ride with a good crowd on a damp November day.

Mark

Author: Mark G

Eddy  Merckx-this should bring back  a few memories. (click)

Author: Tony

Payment for Christmas Lunches

For everyone who was expecting to see Pam in Cobham this Wednesday to pay her in advance for the lunches and advise menu choices please note that she will not be there.

When Pam returns from Spain with Gill she will collect the menus and full amounts from everyone at the earliest opportunity. She has made all the necessary arrangements with the Cap in Hand.

~ Tim

Author: Tim C

A Group Wednesday 4th November

An easy ride this week, to reflect the drawing in of the evenings.  Over the hills to Cranleigh for lunch at the refurbished Park Hatch, then flat roads to Pilgrim Cycles for tea.

All being well, we should be there about 1530.

Mark

Author: Mark G

Mike M's Birthday

Just a note to say I hope you all enjoyed the cake, thank you ladies for joining me in the photo call, OK guys its well known I prefer girls to men but I have to say I could not fit you all in.
Thanks to the staff & chef at Elleray for doing a splendid job! Cake left over was donated to regulars for the afternoon tea.

Don't let this self indulgence detract from the more important previous blog on your emergency contact details ICE.

Author: mike morley