B Group ride out of Redhill on 23 September

 

Wednesday’s B Group ride is from Redhill.  The course is thirty miles and includes a few exciting features. 

We will use the country park exit from Redhill, through Nutfield to Wasp Green and Outwood, through Whitewood and up Byers Lane to the A22 just north of Blindley Heath.  So far, so fairly familiar.  At Brindley Heath, however, we will go left on the A22 and immediately right on Danemoor Lane; this will eventually, after a half mile or so of off road, take us to Tandridge Lane, where we will turn north.

Lunch at the Barley Mow at Tandridge, which is open but not serving food, so we will have to take sandwiches.  The landlady is happy for us to eat our sandwiches if we buy drinks.

Thus far about 14 miles over rolling roads, the only real hill being Church Hill out of Redhill.

The afternoon is 16 miles and tougher.  First we cross the A25 and climb Tandridge Hill Lane and then Gangers Hill (less steep) to the top of the North Downs.  We coast down through Woldingham to the A22 roundabout below Caterham, where we go under the road and avoid the grind of climbing Burntwood Lane by going through Manor Park and climbing Salmons Lane instead.  This is also steep.  At the top of the hill we spend a little time, weather permitting, visiting the RAF tribute at Kenley.  Then we descend Old Lodge Lane to Purley fire station before climbing through the private millionaire’s estate to Woodcote Village Lane.  Climbing done, it is along the ridge past Clock House, through the woods to Woodmansterne and along the road to Banstead, where we can have coffee either at Pistachio’s or at the Italian coffee shop on the High Street.  If it's a sunny day I could be persuaded to end the ride at the Woodman in Woodmansterne for a well-earned pint.

Three serious hills, all in the afternoon.  Three pieces of off road; the drove road out of Brindley Heath is rough going clay and grass for just over a half mile.  Manor Park at the bottom of Burntwood Lane is a gravel track for a few hundred yards.  The path through the woods between Clock House and Woodmansterne is fairly straightforward, less than half a mile.

The route can be found on Strava but note this includes my ride to Redhill (which includes another big hill) and my ride home.  https://strava.app.link/HBZtT3PIS9

If you want to come, please e-mail me at Paulandrewjames1949@yahoo.com before bedtime on Monday.

Author: Paul

A Groups - 16th September

 Today we had three groups led by Frances, David Jackson and myself. So in the order of riding...

Frances:

Our group was ready to roll very promptly at the start and were great at sticking to the new rules.

We had a brisk pace to the pub aided by my experienced back marker, Neil for which many thanks for keeping us on the straight and narrow. We arrived ahead of schedule just before noon and the pub location, organisation and staff were fabulous. Definitely a place to go to again.

Having had a leisurely lunch we set off again around 1pm and important information such as how many hills awaited us before Denbies added to the excitement of the return journey! We said hello to Ken and Anne on Friday Street as we passed by. We enjoyed lovely lanes, undulations and quiet roads before making it to tea around 3.30pm where everyone enjoyed a well earned refreshment stop.

Thanks to the group for their lovely company and support. Also to the backmarker, Neil for all his help.

 

David:

 

After leaving Walton Brian’s ingenious route managed to get our group of six around Woking and on towards Guildford where we climbed the first hill at Tangier Road and onto Halfpenny Lane, here Garmin wanted me to head off up a track, fortunately only two others followed me. Suitably contrite we managed to arrive at the pub 15 minutes before our allotted time.

After a good but slightly leisurely lunch, Dave Ward left the group to attend to his allotments and the remaining five proceeded to spend the afternoon either climbing up hills or descending them.

For whatever reason, there does seem to be more traffic on the narrow lanes in the Surrey Hills and on a couple of occasions we were forced to pull in to the side and on one occasion stop close to the summit and walk around a vehicle.

However, we finally made it to Westcott down the lane and into Denbies, where three of us took refreshments.

A wonderful day out with great company and thanks to Brian for working out such a challenging and different route.

Brian:

I don't have a lot to add. I was glad I had ridden the complicated bits twice when my Garmin died soon after Pyrford. We noted that the new bridleway sign for Muddy Lane had been vandalised - clearly the "antis" are still fighting.

I also thought the Grantley Arms at Wonersh did us very well. One of the few places that still seem to have a full menu. We were finishing lunch as David's group prepared to leave so we ordered coffees to give them some space and linger in the sun. Service became a bit slow at this point and it was nearly 2.45 before we set off.

It was lovely to ride Thorncombe Street in such perfect weather ( it rained last time I led there) with the added bonus of a traffic free Run Common Road ( though someone had moved the barriers since Friday leaving less room for cyclists).

By Abinger it was clear that time was running out for tea so at Wotton we cut out Balchins Lane in favour of a dash along the A25 arriving at Denbies about 4.40.

 My thanks to Frances and David and all my group for a great day out.

 

The route is here

 

Author: Brian

Easy Riders - 16th September

No report from the Easy Riders but John told me that 16 riders attended, enough for three teams, and headed to the Wych Elm in Kingston for lunch. Helen posted this photo of her team:

~ Tim

Author: Tim C

B Groups - 16th September

We split into 3 sub-groups led by Tim Gibbons, Christina and myself (Ken).

My usual approach to route planning is to avoid traffic where possible, and explore new routes, and that inevitably means hills and some off-road if you live near the Surrey Hills, and this ride was no different.

The first section was up to The Ledges on West End Common which I think was a first for most of the riders. There is a riverside path along the Mole with several sections of boardwalk which makes a nice circular stroll – even more fun when the Mole floods. (Not recommended for bikes)

On the Ledges, leader and peleton

We followed familiar tracks across Bookham Common and climbed up High Barn Road to Ranmore. I am happy to trade the steeper climb (same elevation gain) against the lack of traffic compared to the parallel Critten Lane, but from the murmurings there may have been some disagreement.

Down White Down and up Abinger Lane to lunch at the Abinger Hatch, where we were joined by Pete Beyer. The new rule of six complicates booking but the pub has managed it well with plenty of outside tables. But what happens in winter?

Although mainly down-hill the route through Friday Street has a few sharp uphill’s which seemed steeper as an A Group subgroup left us in its slipstream. Luckily, we went down the dreaded Sheephouse Lane of Hilly 50 fame.

Route 22 took us to Dorking – en route we said Hello to the Alpacas in Balchins Lane. From Dorking some riders decided Norbury Park was not the right direction and opted for alternative ways home.

(photo by Christina)

Crabtree Lane and the surfaced track to the Wood Yard in Norbury Park is a very pretty ride and again not well known.  There is now a tea and coffee wagon just inside the gates of the Woodyard. A possible tea stop in a nice location but it has limited opening hours Mon to Friday 9am to 3 pm.

(Christina)

Blue Plaque on the Leladene Arch at the entrance to Camilla Drive

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For my group of three our ride ended at Bocketts Farm where Ann and Tim headed for Leatherhead.

I enjoyed the company and the perfect weather. Particular thanks to both Tims, Christina and Dave Fixie for volunteering as sub group leaders.

~ Ken

....................................................................

Neither Ann nor I had any memory of riding through Ken's Crabtree Lane route in Norbury Park so we greatly enjoyed it.

As for the Critten Lane vs High Barn Road vs Hogden Lane debate, opinion seems to favour Hogden Lane. A certain amount of mumbling and grumbling is part of our weekly ritual but really High Barn Lane is a very nice way to go if we're up for the challenge of a slightly steeper route.

I enjoyed my cup of Earl Grey and Lemon Drizzle cake at Charlie and Ginger and as the weather was still bright I took the track from the Epsom Gap on the A243 through to Horton Lane on my way home.

Thank's to Ken for a well planned ride.

~ Tim

or if you prefer:

https://www.strava.com/activities/4069319225

Author: Tim C

 The Norwesters go NorthWest

Having gone South last week on Tims ride, a few Norwesters decided to go Northwest. So meeting at Shepperton lock were Tony Hopkins, Pam, Liz and Tony Hooker. A great day for being on the bike we headed for Chertsey and St Anns hill, Virginia water, Cheapside and onto North Ascot and Winkfield. Lovely undulating countryside. And eventually Cranbourne and the Lake view cafe at the Royal Berkshire fisheries where we sat in the Sun on the veranda with lovely views of the lakes.

After eating our fill we lingered chatting and finding it hard to leave the peace and tranquility.  But off we set heading to the peanut roundabout and Windsor Great park and a brief stop at the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Statue. On past the Royal School and onto Bishopsgate, Englefield green and the nice descent of Prune hill.

 

 

 

We were soon through Thorpe, Chertsey and heading down Docket Eddy lane to tea at our original 11's start point of Nauticalia.  Ice Latte's, coffee and lollies, again lingering in the delightful surroundings and glorious sunshine. But by this time my stomach was telling me  to get home for dinner. Only 7 miles for me now. A lovely day on the bike with great company. Many thanks to Tony Hooker for back marking.

Tony..

Author: Tony

Rule of Six

 

Following the introduction of the government’s “Rule of Six” law it is now illegal for more than 6 people from different households to meet. There is the real prospect of police involvement and of fines for contraventions.

We are already riding in groups of six, but off the bike, at elevenses, lunch and even tea, we probably give the impression of being a larger group. Complaints from the public to the police are possible, as well as reputational damage to our club.

The latest CUK advice is clear “multiple groups of six are permissible, as long as these groups do not come into contact with one another”.

The committee believes the new regulations require much more self-discipline from members to stay on the right side of the law, and to be seen to be doing so. Therefore:

·         At elevenses, lunch and tea only congregate with your own riding group. Do not go to other groups for even brief conversations.

·         Make sure that your group is visibly separate (by several metres) from other groups.

·         Be aware of how we appear to a non-cycling observer.

·         Do not arrive for elevenses too early; aim for 30 minutes before departure which should be sufficient for refreshments and any other preparations.

·         Similar separation should be practiced at lunch and tea; in fact, publicans may already insist on this as a condition of booking. If we ignore this, we will not be permitted to return.

·         Departure times should remain staggered by 20mins minimum to reduce the chance of meeting at lunch.

·         Where possible leaders should consider separate meeting places for A’s and B’s.

Responsibility for this rests with each one of us, but ride leaders are requested to remind their riders if required.

All other instructions on group riding remain the same, see here.

Author: Dave Vine