Do Join the 'A' Group Ride from Cobham on Weds 7 October

Do join me next Wednesday when we'll be taking a somewhat unusual route north-westwards from elevenses at Cobham with some sections you may never have ridden before, along with a few old favourites neglected by the A's for some time.   You may even detect some overlaps with Karl's route last week - great minds think alike!

Lunch will be at the King & Castle, Windsor, and tea at Squires, Hersham, or Hersham Green as preferred (or you can easily divert to Cobham).   42 miles overall, with a few short, punchy climbs, but overall height gain is less than average for an A's ride (below 500 metres).   There is one very short unsurfaced stretch of just a few metres which you won't even notice - everything else is fully surfaced.   

Please respond via 'Spond indicating your preference for ride speed (if any) in a separate 'Spond comment (food orders are not needed).   Please also let me know if you'd be willing to lead a group if required.   If you wish to join the ride but don't have 'Spond, then please send me a private WhatsApp instead.

B Group Ride Report - 30th September '26.

Tim G writes :

A record number of cyclists turned out today and despite a wet start we soon enjoyed a day of fine weather and sunny spells.

I don’t remember ever passing by Ham House (C17th) on a Wednesday ride before so I thought it might make for a cultural start to today’s ride.

Ham House

Back on familiar territory we passed through Richmond Park and on through East and North Sheen, along a few less familiar roads, to cross the river at Kew.

Team TG in an orderly line.

Following the river we had a slight detour at Hammersmith (due to roadworks) then back on track to Putney Bridge for lunch at ‘The Rocket’. Prompt and efficient service always makes for an enjoyable lunch experience and this particular venue ticked all the boxes. 

...and not so orderly by the river.

A bit of a meander in the afternoon took us through Wandsworth, East Putney and Roehampton to Wimbledon Common for a bit of an off-road experience. The latter part proved a bit bumpy but nevertheless all successfully navigated. The final stretch through Richmond Park, Kingston and Teddington brought us to Bushy Park for a welcome break and tea at ‘The Pheasantry Cafe’. 

Thanks to my two subbies, Julie and Mick, who ably led the other two groups together with their back markers and everyone who made today’s ride an enjoyable success. 

A good day had by all !

..and Mick A adds :

Margaret, Jane, Ian, Arwyn, Neil, Geoff, Francis, Chris and myself left on time at 10:45. I was pleased to have reliable Francis backmarking. 

Team MA by the river.

There were no incidents apart from when I attempted to steer the team away from  Ham Gate, the hill was not that bad!  We had a pleasant lunch in the Rocket.  After lunch many of the team members filtered off as we approached Richmond Park for the second time with Broomfield Hill looming. Jane exclaimed "I thought you said there was only one hill today", Neil corrected with "he said only one this morning !"

... and finally Julie :

My group consisted of Tim C (backmarker), Pat, Anne W, Keith, Fixie, Martina, Tony, Ray and myself.

Team JB in the park.

Grant also joined with us on return journey. A very interesting route ! Some of Wimbledon Common was tricky especially after the golf club due to path erosion.

...and by the river.

Ride to Ken Day's funeral - Thurs 8 October

For those that wish to ride to the funeral, we shall be meeting at Cafe Barbera, 38 Station Road, Stoke D’Abernon, KT11 3BN at 11.30 am to start the ride at 12.15 pm.

After the service, Ian W has kindly offered to lead a ride back to Ken’s house for refreshments. 

If you plan to go on the ride and/or go back to the house, and you have not informed Simon L, please do so a.s.a.p as the family need to know rough numbers.  Funeral details are here.

~ Jennie.

A Group Ride - Wednesday 30th September ‘26

Please join me on Wednesday on my ride from Kingston Hawker centre along the Thames over towards Virginia Water with lunch in Staines Wetherspoon's. We'll return along the opposite bank of the river for tea in The Pheasantry in Bushey Park.

The invitation has been sent out in Spond, but should you wish to enroll the old fashioned way please e-mail me on kmitch@freeuk.com before 6pm on Monday the 28th, or be a little more up to date and WhatsApp me on 0780 449 3223.

I hope to see you on Wednesday.

Have a good weekend

Karl

Norwesters – 23rd September

 Eleven’s was at Walton Marina, where 18 merry cyclists gathered for coffee, including Fixie Dave, who was sensible enough to head home after coffee. Originally, 20 had signed up, but there were a few dropouts, as usual. It was very social, enjoying coffee overlooking the Marina.

Ray and Julie stepped in as sub-leaders, for which I was very grateful. Ray’s group was first away at 10:40, followed at 10:50 by Julie’s group, and finally my group at 11:00.

The route took us roughly through Addlestone and Ottershaw, then down Stonehill Road and Accommodation Road, before joining Chobham Road and passing the Netflix studios. We continued to the roundabout and turned right towards Sunningdale.

We made a brief stop outside Brilliant Bikes shop, famed for Hannah’s Brompton videos on YouTube.

Crossing the A30, we were soon passing the Blacknest Gate of Windsor Great Park (WGP), continuing to the Ascot Gate entrance. We followed Duke’s Lane to the crossroads, then turned left towards the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Statue, where we stopped for a few photos.

 We then headed back down towards the edge of the polo fields, past Savill Garden and the Totem Pole, before arriving at the Wheatsheaf for lunch.

  The first two groups were already settled outside, and we had an adjacent table. The service was good, as was the food, and, as usual, there was plenty of banter.

But soon it was time to depart. Groups 1 and 2 headed off, and eventually so did we. Tea was back at the Marina, where we soon joined the remains of the first two groups for an alfresco cuppa. Eventually, though, dispersal happened.

A lovely day on the bikes and a great crowd.

Many thanks to Ray and Julie for sub-leading, to the three back markers, and to everyone for the many photos.

Thank you all for making it such an enjoyable day!

Tony.. 

B Group Ride - Wednesday 30th September ‘26.

Our ride from Kingston Hawker Centre will take us through Richmond Park, Kew and Chiswick to Putney Bridge. Lunch is at ‘The Rocket’ (W’spoons) by the river. 

The afternoon ride will take us back via Wimbledon Common, another stretch of Richmond Park, Teddington to Bushy Park for tea.

Please reply by Monday evening to be included on the ride list. 

Email - timgibbons1@virginmedia.com

WhatsApp - 07756961505

Look forward to seeing you all on Wednesday. 

TimG.

'A' ride Wednesday 23rd September 2026

 "Where is everybody?" asks one of the ladies at Redhill's Methodist church.

Weather clearly not a factor - dry, warm with sunny intervals & little wind.

Brian was there fresh back from his trip to Dieppe, which didn't entirely go to plan.

My group of Steve, Gina, Ged, Dave V, Richard, Guy & Peter set off for Bromley via Gangers Hill, Beddlestead Lane & Hesiers Hill.

We encountered the dreaded hedge cutter on the way that may well of caused a puncture for Ged.

The Richmal Crompton (Wetherspoons) is a large pub opposite Bromley South BR.

Named after the author of the 'Just William' books who was educated in the town around 1917.

Nearly everbody stopped for tea at the National Trust's café, Morden Hall Park.

I'm grateful to Dave for backmarking, Steve & Ged for offering to sub-lead & everybody else for great company!