Six over the Eight; Nonsuch winter one-o-clockers to Molesey, 2 November

It was an unpromising morning; grey and misty, drifting in and out of drizzle, we had children and grandchildren staying and I had a bit of a cold.  But the announcements reminding riders of the winter time change had not gone smoothly and with Nigel on slow recovery, Steve away the last couple of weeks and Tony down to take the short ride at two-o-clock, we had no idea how many would turn up at the Mansion and whether we would have enough leaders.

A one-o-clock start gives us a minor lunch challenge, and Maggie's experiment to meet up with Anna and lunch in Cheam would have worked perfectly had I not underestimated the size of the savoury pastries.  I had to ride with a cherry tart wrapped in serviettes in my saddlebag!  We had a guessing game about how many would turn up, and knowing that Nonsuch riders have a history of good attendance on bad weather days, I was the one who guessed correctly.

Thirteen of us had gathered and as the only registered leader willing to lead I explained that with a bit of a cold I did not fancy a hilly ride in the country; my suggestion of Hampton Court seemed to go down well.  The group was uncomfortably large so I was mightily relieved when on the cusp of our departure Steve breezed up the path offering a slightly faster ride to Walton Bridge, so we split and seven went with Steve, five with me.

Six is a really comfortably sized group for an urban ride, I kept a steady pace, my cold behaved itself, and the weather slowly cleared, so we ended up having a delightful ride through Tolworth and Thames Ditton to One over the Eight, the Molesey Boat Club cafe south of the river.

Friendly staff, a leisurely coffee, a delicious cake, back through an autumnal Bushy Park and Kingston Market, home in the light before five-o-clock and nearly 50 Km door to door to help me creep towards my annual mileage target.  What more can you ask of a Saturday?

Bushy Park on Saturday; picture by Sue

During Sunday, however, Maggie and I began feeling really rough and on Monday we tested positive for Covid, despite having had the vaccination four weeks previously.  I expect we will not be round and about until at least next weekend.

Change in Times for Winter Saturday Long Rides.

 Change in Times for Winter Saturday Long Rides.

As agreed at the Beginners AGM the Saturday ride times have changed for the winter months starting on 2 November.  The long Saturday ride from Nonsuch Park will leave at 1pm.  The short ride will continue to depart at 2pm. 

Beddington Park rides will also begin at 1pm. When the clocks go forward at the end of March all Saturday rides will revert to 2pm start.

Please let anyone know who does not read the blog or WhatsApp group messages. 

Over the Heath; Nonsuch Saturday riders to Stoke d'Abernon, 26 October

Saturday began unpromisingly, light overnight rain dissolving into damp mist.  By lunchtime it was grey and none too warm but a decent number turned up at Nonsuch Manor and despite Steve W's absence and Nigel's incapacity we had Tony and Paul to lead the long ride, and for the short one Karen had nobly stepped in to sub for Steve H.

It was great to see Nigel back, medically forbidden to ride hills but going with Karen's group down the Wandle Trail.

Tony, meanwhile, led us out of Nonsuch Park the long way round because there was a run going on and we had all had to scoot quickly along The Avenue last week to avoid the leading Park Runners, who ran quicker than we were cycling! 

The plan was for Tony to take us past the old asylums to Christ Church Road and for Paul to take over there, and we used Tony's favourite route up Mill Lane and over Chamber Mead avoiding the one-way system at Ewell.  But when the moment came for handover and Tony discovered that Paul was planning to use the long-established route through the Birds Hill estate at Oxshott, he said he would go his own way with less traffic and more countryside, so we twisted his arm to lead us all that way.

And what a pleasant route it was, over Oxshott Heath along Sandy Lane and down Fairmile Lane towards Stoke.  To add to our pleasure, the afternoon had turned out to be ideal Autumn cycling weather, so it was a happy bunch who arrived in Barberer's, surprising the lone man on duty there who suddenly had fifteen coffees to make and fifteen cakes to serve (we arrived with a few walkers).

We lingered as long as we dared against our target of getting everybody back before darkness fell, and Paul led us home past the clutch of eager autograph hunters waiting outside the Chelsea FC training ground, past Leatherhead Crematorium and Leatherhead and Ashtead Stations, and over the slightly damp Epsom Common  back to Nonsuch.

At 55 kilometres (door to door for me) it was ample for an Autumn Saturday afternoon ride, and everyone had enjoyed the different route.

Thanks to Tony, who had not really wanted to lead, and everyone for their company. 

 

Club Kit

A reminder to all who are thinking of purchasing some of our club kit; to see what is available visit our website and click on the ABOUT US menu header then 'Sou'Westers Club kit' where you will find details of items and how to order .

It can take up to 6 weeks from order to delivery, so you could have your new items for Christmas.

Should you have any problems, do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours

Jennie Jackson

Mediterranean sun at MED. Beddington Park beginners Oct 19th

 Mediterranean weather at MED

It was a miserable morning, heavy rain and grey clouds. However,  the weather forecast was good for the afternoon and so it proved. Paul J and Roger though had other commitments, Paul B is convalescing and Colin was needed at Nonsuch Park. So just 4 of us gathered for the last 2pm ride from Beddington Park this year. Regulars, Maggie, Ken and Anna were joined by Jackie R. Not to be confused with new Jackie who came a month ago.

We left the park to make our way down Beddington Lane on the wide cycle track past Asda, crossing at the new bicycle crossing and on to the industrial estate.  Here we turned right on a deserted road that led to the Tram stop at Therapia Lane and crossing we made our way through the backstreets to avoid Mitcham Road for as long as possible. Eventually though we can't avoid it and quickly cross over to cycle on the path alongside then traversing Mitcham Common. 

More backstreets, crossing at Mitcham Eastfields and we are at Figges Marsh before cycling down a pretty autumnal path to the busy junction at Collier's Wood. Once we've navigated our way across the lights we take a track by the river to Merton Abbey Mills and sit in the sunshine to enjoy tea and cake.

 

                                                        

                                                        Morden Hall Park in the sunshine 

Having enjoyed warm sun we make our way back along the Wandle trail to Beddington Park. Ken and Anna departing on their routes home.

A lovely afternoon. Good to see Jackie again.

Yahoo Mail: Search, organise,

The Return of the All Day Ride to Worthing - a Series of Fortunate Events

It was an eclectic mix of riders who signed up for the October ride - riders drawn from all sections. We unfortunately lost a few in the run-up due to various illnesses and whatnot, but fortunately gained Karl, who I placed with Steph my very able sub-leader. Unfortunately I forgot to tell Karl, so he promptly followed me out of Nonsuch Park making mine a group of 7 riders, and Steph's a group of 5, but no matter. As everyone had arrived promptly we were fortunately able to leave a few minutes early and via a dirt track to avoid the Park runners eagerly lining up, and it was nice to see Colin and Carolyn there for the run. 

The route to Tanhouse Farm was fairly standard, with maybe some tweaks here and there as this was intended to be a route on quieter roads. Up and over the North Downs, the highest point of the day, and then down through Betchworth and Brockham and out towards Newdigate. Fortunately the rain only started as we approached our elevenses stop, and was at its heaviest when both groups were safely inside. And fortunately I didn't need my sunglasses much after that, as I had unfortunately broken them within the first 6 miles.

First leg under our belts, we set off again, a little late due to waiting for the rain to pass over and the unfortunate situation of only one toilet being open. We took a fairly straight line through Rusper and Littlehaven, staying wide of Horsham town centre and heading to Copsale and Maplehurst, finally arriving at Partridge Green where the pub was expecting us. I didn't need to have booked as the pub was pretty empty, the food was basic but reasonably priced and served by friendly staff. Steve left us there after lunch to cycle back home and clocked up quite a few more miles.     

Karl keeping his gloves safely behind his back....or was he??

Angie was meeting us at Worthing, so a quick update sent to her and off we went again - the last leg through Ashurst and picturesque Steyning, with the South Downs looming ahead. Fortunately for us there were just a couple of short sharp climbs to deal with and then it was over the River Adur and onto the Downs Link, where it was then flat for the rest of the way. We got as far as the Shoreham memorial before unfortunately the rain started again, so jackets went back on. We decided to continue the ride, having got this far, and started along the NCN2 coast path from Shoreham to Worthing, but by the time we got to Lancing I was fed up with cycling headlong into the rain and wind. Fortunately we had stopped right beside a lovely café right there on the cycle path, so made the decision to go inside for our hot drinks, cakes and sea views. Steph's group came past not long after and perhaps wondering about all the parked bikes they stopped, and joined us inside. Which was really fortunate, as Angie had meanwhile discovered that the intended tea stop was in fact closed for a private function which perhaps had surprised even themselves, as they hadn't mentioned it days earlier. 

Blinking cyclists photo-bombing the River Adur 

Fortunately the rain had stopped again while we were inside, so we completed our route along the coast path and then took a right through Worthing to land up at the station, where fortunately the ticket office was just being re-opened, allowing those of us in my group who were unfortunately without an advance ticket to purchase one with a group discount. And so we made our various ways home, with some train journeys being more fortunate than others.

Five Go Down To The Sea

Thanks to Steve and then Simon for back-marking, and for their company along with the rest of my group of Rob, Alan, Bob and Karl, and especially to Steph for sub-leading.  Let's do it again!   

Rob's amazing video gives a taste of the day and can be viewed here: CTC SW Worthing 2024

Steph writes: 

Steph's group set off quickly after Diane's and by cutting through a footpath just cleared the main avenue before hundreds of Park runners began to chase us.

The toil up onto Epsom Downs was rewarded with slightly misty views but a downhill run through Pebblecombe and beyond made the first 17 mile chunk to Tanhouse an easy wheel.  There were lots of cyclists out and the queue at the one working toilet was growing but Helen asked them to open the "staff only" facilities and soon we had wee'd and were on our way again. This middle 17 mile chunk was a mixture of pleasure and pain, the great green cycle bridge helped us avoid the centre of Horsham but the 17% climb on Kerves Lane was a muscle builder to help us tackle the lesser but more frequent uphills that were to come. Lunch at Partridge Green with our big bowls so full of melted cheese (we couldn't see the baked potatoes) fortified us as rain fell outside.

The last 17 miles were a challenge, Steyning was beautiful, St Botolphs church was charming, but the rain began to batter us as we crossed the bridge in Shoreham and turned right for the coastal deluge!  We battled through and were rewarded by an earlier tea stop than planned and fantastic views across the sea as the rain stopped but dark clouds and a turquoise sea were highlighted in the shafts of sunlight.

A quick game of Grandma's Footsteps by St Botolph's

The Bridge On The River Adur

A fab day out. Thanks Diane for routing so neatly into thirds and my friendly followers, Helen, Arwyn, Lorraine and Paul (who was invaluable in helping on the route around Horsham and lending me a charger to get my phone going again).

UPDATED Worthing Ride 12th October - Group Details

There will be 2 groups leaving 5 minutes apart from Nonsuch Park Mansion House, and we need to be mindful of Park Run which also starts at 9am - so will take an alternative route out of the Park via Warren Farm.  

Group 1 - Diane leading 07740 699966 

• Rob 
• Steve W (peeling after lunch)
• Alan
• Simon
• Bob
• Andy (meeting us at Tanhouse Farm)

Group 2 - Steph leading 07909 774234

• Paul J
• Karl M  
• Lorraine 
• Arwyn
• Helen
• Maddie TBC (meeting us at Tanhouse Farm)

For those meeting us at Tanhouse Farm - I expect to arrive there sometime after 10.45am. 

Lunch is at The Partridge, Partridge Green and tea is at Coast Cafe, Worthing.

I will email to those whose email addresses I have. Any questions, please shout asap. 

Remember warm layers and lights.