Invitation to enter the 2017 Photgraphic Competition

Please see the full details of how to enter the 2017 Photo Competitions on the Wayfarers blog or click on this link which will take you there.

We'll look forward to seeing your creations. If you have any queries please contact me.

~ Tim
(Secretary)

Beddington Park ride 18th November

It was gently raining as five determined cyclists met to brave the elements and test the weather forecast of increasing rain as the afternoon progressed. We were pleased to see Callum return to cycling after a short break but he was recovering from a cold and felt that a ride in his direction home was all that he was able to do. We decided therefore to try to meet up with the Nonsuch group who were aiming for Morden Hall Park.

Autumn colours along the Wandle cheered our ride and we were soon parking our bikes and warming up in the cafe. A few minutes later we were joined by the five cyclists from Nonsuch Park.  Were there some comments about our group using up all the parking stands?  The café has now almost entirely filled it's outside area with new garden tables and chairs which sat in the rain empty of customers. 

It began to rain more heavily as we left the Park to return home. We agreed the shortest route was best and went our different ways near St Helier hospital at which point the rain became heavier. I was glad to get home and glad I'd worn my wet weather gear!

Colin, Roger, Anna, Maggie & Callum at Morden Hall Park

photo (video) taken by Nigel

Arthur Jessop Trophy presented to Colin

All of you who were unable to attend the AGM missed Paul James' excellent speech to commend Colin for the award of the Arthur Jessop Shield which we present each year to a club member for outstanding achievement and service to the club. And, if you didn't know, you will be equally pleased to learn that the trophy was presented to Shirley last year. David Aylett was awarded the prize in 2015. Here is the text of Paul's encomium:

"There is only one man in this room who was actually born on a bicycle, wrapped in hi-viz swaddling clothes and placed in the sidecar to his parents’ tandem where he spent his early childhood.

With his parents he was in at the founding of the South West London District association in 1948.

He became a National councillor for the CTC in 1964.  It was on the organising committee of the British Cycle Touring Competition that he met his wife.

From leading rides for fellow schoolboys he graduated to Chairman and President of the SW London District Association and National Vice President of the CTC.  He has never been one to sit back and take a free ride.

I first bought a bike only six years ago so my experience of him has been in his recent years, involved on nearly every Beginners Section ride I have known.

Thanks partly to persistent leafleting the Beddington Park rides are now growing in popularity and introduce cycling newcomers to the club but a couple of years ago hardly anyone came and this man was sceptical about their future.

But we asked him to stick with it.  He said he would and since then, rain or shine and one week snow, slush and ice, many times taking out only two or three of us, he was there every month by the Pavilion at two o clock just as he said he would be and despite his own doubts.

The committee was astonished to realise that his name was not on the Arthur Jessop trophy already and felt, albeit belatedly, that this omission should be rectified.  I am talking of course of Colin Quemby."

~ Tim

Thanks to Mike Morley for this photo

Notice of Annual General Meeting

CTC South West London will hold its AGM at 11:00 am, Wed. 8th November.

Please be on time.
 
The new venue is just a short walk from the Queens Road exit from the Day Centre.

All Saints Hall
All Saints Roman Catholic Church
13 Queens Road
Hersham
KT12 5LU

The hall is located at the back of the premises. There are two halls with a shared entrance. Our meeting is in the Small Hall.
 
There are no bike racks but there is plenty of space to park bikes against the buildings near the hall entrance. Please bring your bikes to the hall rather than leave them at the Day Centre.
 
There are normally plenty of spaces on the premises in front of the church for anyone arriving by motor vehicle, with access from Queens Road.
 
~ Tim

Ride takes shelter under high diving board

Hurricane Brian threatened our monthly ride from Beddington Park but six cyclists left the park to cycle a truncated circuitous 10k route stopping for a break at Wyevale garden centre behind The Hilton Hotel on Purley Way.  We cycled along the Wandle towards Croydon continuing straight until we almost reached the dual carriageway in front of Croydon Parish Church.  We followed the road right and uphill for quite a strenuous ride for our youngest cyclist (9 year old Hector).  At the top of this hill we turned right on Duppas Hill Terrace and cycled through the underpass. Continuing along Violet Lane then right on Price Road, left on Hillside Road. across Denning Avenue to Goodwin Road, we turned left onto Waddon Way where the wind off the playing fields threatened to slow our progress.

Heavy rain after our tea break at the garden centre saw us retreat back under cover and try to recall the significance of the diving board within the grounds. Research at home discovered it to be a Grade II listed building and it is one of only four inter-war concrete diving platforms known to survive in England.

Homewards now we continued along Waddon Way to cross Purley Way and follow Imperial Way turning right onto Hannibal Way and cross Stafford Road to High View Avenue. W turned left on The Chase, crossing Plough Lane to enter Sandy Lane  North. Then straight to cycle down Tharp Road where we separated to make our way home.

Thanks to Colin for leading the ride on such an unpromising day and well done to our two young riders.

Sorry no photos today as cameras were forgotten due to weather watching!

Maggie

Thames Estuary all-day ride - Oct 14th

The ride started at Waterloo Station, although the trains were up the creek!

Embankment along Crayford Marsh

We cycled to Cannon Street Station to board the train to Slade Green Station from there we picked up the NC1N route which took us along the river Darent to the Thames estuary just west of the Dartford crossing.

Tea stop was at Morrisons cafe Erith. We then cycled onto Woolwich but as the time was getting on we took the main road to Greenwich for a late lunch (you know where!).

First sight of London

After lunch we boarded the Thames clipper for the trip back to Westminster pier then cycled onto Battersea Park for tea as it was getting late we all decided to catch the train back from Clapham Junction (trains still up the creek).

Thanks to everybody for their company and Simon for back marking.


~Tony Hooker

Telegraph Track Saturday 23 September

l to r: Stephen, Marion, Kevin, Philip, Colin, Nigel, Sue, Sophie, Roy, Dave

We were delighted to welcome ten new guest riders, including eight on four tandems to our group this afternoon.  The tandem riders were members of the Merton sports and social club for people with visual impairment; they hadn't been out on their bikes for a while, so joined us as a first step to getting back to regular cycling together. One of the pairs, Richard and Anna, had to turn back from Cheam village to Nonsuch Park for more practice in a traffic free environment. But the rest of us (11 all together) continued through to the top end of Sutton, and followed the cycle route up past Stanley Park allotments and Sutton Community Farm, to the Blossoms café in Flittons nursery at Woodcote.

Our picture was taken after tea as we readied ourselves for the (mainly downhill) ride back.  No wonder we look happy! Thanks to Nigel for leading, with Colin and Helen sharing backmarking.

All day ride September: Last of the summer days out...

Overlooking Dorking from Denbies estate.
(l to r) John, Sue, Steve, Godfrey, Tracie, Helen, Toni, Liz, Lynda, Alice, Maureen

At the top of Critten Lane, on Ranmoor Common Road

Looking across to Leith Hill; fantastic skyscapes
and air so clear we could see the tower

This isn't a blog for cloudwatchers I know, but these pictures seemed worth sharing. Our cyclists were lucky to experience absolutely beautiful skyscapes for Liz's lovely "Last of the Summer" all day ride on 9th September.  She took us to a wonderful place to see them...above Dorking to lovely Ranmoor Common, one of our most beloved local beauty spots. 

Eleven of us met at Mansion House in Nonsuch Park, setting out at 10 am. We stopped for coffee in Leatherhead, then Liz lead us down to the bottom of town to a little green path through the nature reserve and onto the road through Fetcham, following the Lower Road from Great Bookham and uphill towards Effingham past the Vineries Garden Centre. Left to follow The Street, then straight over into Beech Lane.  From here it's mainly a long slow climb all the way, continuing up Critten Lane to Ranmoor Common Road at the top, where we stopped for a breather, a photo, and to allow everyone to catch up. Some of us were really challenged, me included.

Time now to enjoy the switchback that is Ranmore Common Road, a well deserved treat after all that hard slog! Past the NT Denbies carpark and then we followed the bridleway/ shared use path down to the right onto Denbies estate, where a kind passing walker took our photo above the lovely view of Dorking.

Then down to the Stepping Stones pub for a much needed lunch. Afterwards the group divided; some took the low road, the cycle route along the A24 back to Leatherhead; others took the high road via Juniper Bottom and Swiss Cottage then along Headley Road.  We all met again for tea at Ashtead Park Garden Centre.  Just in time as while we reposed, there was a rumble of thunder and heavy rain. But there were only odd drops on our way back and the late afternoon sun was out again.

Thank you Liz for planning and leading this lovely ride, and thanks all for your company on another gorgeous day out.  I can't wait for our group's monthly all day Saturday rides to begin again in the spring. Many thanks to all the ride leaders who make them possible and so enjoyable.

N.B. Beginners rides will continue throughout the winter every Saturday afternoon. Meet at 1.45 pm for 2 o'clock departure from Mansion House in Nonsuch Park.

Just one more shot of those gorgeous clouds...
and our gorgeous cyclists too, of course!
 You can see lovely Dorking too - this pic has everything except me!

River and canal: All day ride Saturday 19 August

Outside Wisley Church

At Pyrford Lock after lunch.

Wisley airfield
 

Stephanie's summer ride took us on a beautiful route, with many sights of interest.  We mainly followed her along cool waterways, and passed by a huge Victorian mill (with linked enormous millpond), through a community farm, past a leading national garden, and through a disused WWII airfield along the way.  Our route was shared with walkers, rowers, a few other cyclists, canal boats, rowing boats and canoes, but very few cars over the entire day, which was a real pleasure enjoyed by all of us. We passed a boat race on the Thames, taking care through yelling supporters outside their clubhouse on the Thames towpath; and a couple of us were nearly knocked off the Wey towpath by an enthusiastic coach running alongside racing canoeists!

Twelve of us met at Kingston Bridge on a glorious warm and sunny August morning, starting along the Thames towpath to Hampton Court. Here we crossed the bridge to follow the towpath from East Molesey.  The river was lovely this morning, with not as many people as is usual on a Saturday afternoon, but still quite a few enjoying watery activities.  There were a few puddles after rain earlier in the week, and this route can be a little rough in places, but generally conditions were good. Toni had unfortunately brought the wrong bike, so left us after a few miles.  The rest of us carried on through to Walton on Thames, a couple taking some of the route in parallel by road, then Stephanie lead us along the cycle route through Weybridge to the River Wey Navigation.
Much of this route is lightly shaded by trees, so it was a pleasant ride all the way to Pyrford Lock, where we arrived early for lunch at the Anchor.

Back on the road, we followed the quiet lane through Wisley to the pedestrian bridge over the A3 just past the RHS Wisley entrance. Having crossed it, we found quiet fields (including the airfield)of maize and grazing cows, with our route taking us through a farmyard and onto a quiet lane. This had recently been resurfaced with large pebbles so we had a very bumpy ride for a mile or so!

We spent the afternoon on quiet lanes making our way back to Molesey and the Thames, having enjoyed a wonderful day's ride.  Many thanks Stephanie for a great ride and to all for your pleasant company on a lovely day out.

New orders for Sou'Wester club kit

If you would like to order some new Sou'Wester club kit please get in touch with Pam. Get yourself a new outfit and ride out proudly with our elite squads of riders, smug in the knowlege that no other cyclists out there look quite like we do.

For a guide on prices have a look at the Gear Club website and remember to add VAT to the prices quoted, and allow a bit more for postage. Pam will need at least 7 orders to cover the postage at a reasonable rate, and remember that the cost of postage for returns will need to be met by the customer.

The Gear Club site is at:
http://www.gearclub.co.uk/en/content/16-price-list

It is easiest for Pam if we stick to the selection of designs currently worn by us but do ask her about other options if you see something you fancy on the website.

Once Pam has placed the order, delivery time is around 6 weeks.

Open House weekend/ Wandle Fortnight OR How many cyclists does it take to pump up a tyre?

The ride from Beddington Park featured in the Wandle Fortnight programme. We hoped it would be well attended but it wasn't to be. At 2pm Colin was on his own at the Pavilion cafe. Torrential rain just after 13.30 kept all but a faithful few at home. Shortly after 2pm six bedraggled cyclists appeared from various directions, some in cycling shorts and some in appropriate rainproof gear.

We consulted and agreed to visit Baitful Futuh Mosque in Morden which was open today as part of the Open House weekend. We cycled straight out of Beddington Park at the Hackbridge gate,  over the railway bridge and left down Hackbridge Road to join the route along the River Wandle which we followed past the Imperial Sports Ground and through Ravensbury Park. We left the river to cycle along the Drive, across St Helier Ave and Central Road taking back streets to Morden where we crossed the railway sidings on the cycle unfriendly footbridge, remounted and  turned left up London Road to enter the Mosque by which time Roger had had a disagreement with a blackthorn and had a flat tyre.

We were treated to hot samosas, drinks and cakes and then a tour of the mosque. 'The building is a blend of Islamic and modern British architecture and incorporates much of the structure of the old dairy site' says the book quite accurately.  Our guide was welcoming and interesting and we left to watch Roger sort out his flat tyre as Anna, Ken and Brian took it in turns to man the pump.

We returned by a quicker route on the cycle lane up the A24, turning to cycle through Reigate Avenue Recreation Ground and across Rose Hill and make our way home. 

                                         Roger, Ken and Anna at the Baitful Futuh Mosque

Beddington Park to the Rookery

This month's ride led as usual by Colin, started from The Pavilion cafe, Beddington Park with 7 cyclists who met up with an additional 3 in Wandle Park en route to The Rookery at the top of Streatham Common.  So 10 of us wound our way through the back streets of West Croydon and  Thornton Heath, to tackle the steep bit of Gibson's Hill.  While 3 cyclists cycled this incline (if you count the electric bike!) the rest dismounted and entered the grounds of Norwood Grove to regroup at the top to admire the view through the trees of Croydon and Sutton. Remounting we made our way through a wedding party to the tea shop at the Rookery, newly refurbished.  The cakes were especially splendid.

Then, home again through Norbury and Mitcham Common where we divided to return to Croydon or Sutton.

(mostly written by Maggie; hopefully, photo by Colin to follow)

Next all day ride Saturday 19th August

Meet at Kingston Bridge at 10 am for the next all day ride, lead by Stephanie Wyatt, to Pyrford Lock.
An easy paced ride of 35-40 miles with refreshment stops.  Should be a lovely day out.

Saturday 5 August

Donning our jackets as the rain starts in Bushy Park

Skies clear after tea at Hampton Bridge

A large crowd turned up - perhaps two dozen?- at the Mansion House this afternoon, with most taking the beginners ride to Nork for tea.  The rest of us followed Lynda to Kingston Market, where most of the group stopped for tea at Patisserie Valerie as the sky was looking quite threatening.
Four of us - John, Steve, Alice and Helen - carried on over Kingston Bridge and into Bushy Park.  Halfway across, the darkening clouds released the rain and we stopped to don our jackets.  Cycling through the heavy rain to Hampton Court and across the bridge we had tea and cake at Five at the Bridge café.  Our second photo is after tea; the rain cleared, gthe sun shone bright and warm, and our group divided, with Alice and John heading back across the bridge towards home and Steve and Helen through Thames Ditton, Chessington and along the greenways beside the Bonesgate and Hogsmill rivers back to Nonsuch Park.  Steve clocked about eighteen miles round trip; a little shorter than the usual long ride but still quite respectable in view of the heavy showers!

Saturday 8th July - Ride to Brighton

Six riders left Nonsuch park for Brighton. The weather was perfect for cycling. The first tea stop was at Tanhouse Farm, then onto lunch in Horsham. The route took us down to Shoreham and along the cycle route to Hove where we met up with Angie for Tea. Thanks to all for a great day out and Southern Rail for a trouble free journey home!

Regards,

Tony

Sunset after Cyclism evening ride 20 June

Six of us enjoyed a lovely midsummer evening tour of local parks and green spaces yesterday. Meeting at Sutton Green at 7, we set off via Collingwood Rec., Perretts Field, Cheam Park and Cheam Rec through to Nonsuch Park, where we walked our bikes round the Mansion House Gardens.
Next, Cuddington Park provided a short downhill run and we headed through Worcester Park for a saunter along Green Lane and between the quietly grazing ponies in open fields to Joseph Hood in Motspur Park. Through quiet suburban roads skirting Raynes Park and following two sides of Cannon Hill Common, we found our way through to Morden Park, passing the disused tennis courts just off Hillcross Ave and enjoying the views of the mosque and Sutton not too far away from the top before heading down to Lower Morden  Lane.
Our green route continued through Daisy Field, across the quiet A217 and through Rose Hill Rec. past the Tennis Centre, where we were cheered on by a jolly group of young men who were just heading for home after a game. Lastly through Cranleigh and Ashley Gardens and Coombe Walk back to Sutton Green, arriving shortly after 8.45. We had clocked just over 10 miles.
Thanks to all for a really pleasurable tour; it was lovely to be out in your company enjoying the summer evening.
Next evening ride is on Thursday 29 June, meeting at 7 pm Mellows Park, Stafford Road, Wallington. See www.cyclismsutton.org. uk for more dates in July.

A fair wind home: Maureen's all day ride in Surrey 10 June

After lunch at the Three Horseshoes

Meeting up: John and Sandie arriving at Nonsuch

Two Sues, Alice, Tracie and Lynda

Lilian, Tony and our leader Maureen: nearly ready to go

Backmarker John arrives...

Ready for lunch...Sue,Sue, Helen and Tracie

Old friends deep in conversation: Maureen and Angie, Godfrey and Tony

Lillian, Maureen and Sue

After lunch, nearly ready to go...Sue, Tony, Sandie,Godfrey, Tracie, John, Alice, Angie, Lynda and Susie

Thirteen of us left Nonsuch Park to cycle up over Epsom Downs to Walton on the Hill, where we enjoyed a welcome coffee. Turning left out of the cafe we made our perilous descent of Pebblecombe Hill, where there were no takers of my offer for anyone who wanted to to overtake me!

 Over the Dorking Road and onto Brockham, where Susie joined us. The ride continued via Wheelers Lane through Leigh, left at Deanoak Lane, left at T junction to the Three Horseshoes Pub. Angie who used to lead this ride every Year, joined us for lunch which was served quite quickly despite being a bit slow taking the orders, lunch was good and enjoyed outside in the sun.

   The return ride was continued along Irons Bottom and Horse Hill, crossing the A217, left at Green Meath Road, right into Sandcross Lane, left into Slipshatch Road and right into Brockham, via the Old Coach Road over the golf course for a welcome tea at Leatherhead.

Thanks for all who came and your company and a big thank you for our back marker John Bellamy who must have been eager to overtake us on his new bike. I clocked 47 miles average speed 10.8mph.
Maureen

 

Invitation for a ride with Tony Hooker

I am leading an unofficial ride from Ware railway station to Limehouse on Saturday 17th of June, meeting at Liverpool St Station, platform 2 at 10.00am.
Officially 6 bikes on each train ! Please let me know if anybody is interested.
Regards,
Tony

Beginners Group - all day ride on June 10th

Maureen will be leading an all day ride on Saturday, June 10th, starting promptly from the Nonsuch Park Mansion Café at 10.00 am.

There will be a coffee/tea/cake stop in Walton-on-the-Hill, with Lunch in Irons Bottom, and Tea in Leatherhead.

Note that Lunch was previously advertised as being in Charlwood.

~ Tim

Evening ride this Thursday 1 June

Meet at Fairlands Park, next door to North Cheam Sainsbury, at 7 pm for an easy social ride along local waterways, Beverly Brook and back along Hogsmill river. Returning to the Park by 9 pm. All welcome.

30th Sutton Mayor launches annual Cloverleaf Rides Tuesday 23 May

Sutton's new Lady Mayoress met Shirley and Colin Quemby (top photo) and cyclists in Trinity Square to launch the 30th annual Cloverleaf rides at 7 pm last Tuesday. She stopped and chatted with us all for a while.  It was a lovely warm and sunny evening - perfect cycling weather - and ten of us met to enjoy a couple of leisure rides around Sutton. 
Five circular routes are provided; after brief discussion it was agreed to head for the Park Farm area, lead by Sue. The roads were generally quiet by this time of the evening and the ride was most enjoyable.  After a sociable break back at the square, most set off for another ride, this time to Rose Hill and back, aiming to return by 9 pm.
The Cloverleaf Rides kick off a summer of evening leisure rides which take place from 7-9 pm on various evenings and from various meeting places around the borough. Further details from this website https://www.cyclism.org.uk/
I would just like to add thanks to our excellent Dr Bike, Jim, (far right in the final photo, above) who gave my bike a thorough and expert check.  He advised me that I needed a new front wheel and brakes and adjusted several bolts and screws on the pannier rack, which no longer rattles and rolls... I cycled home very carefully afterwards, have had the suggested work carried out, and look forward to a much safer and quieter ride this Saturday !   

20th May 2017 Beddington Park to Coombe Wood

                                                                Tea at The Coach House cafe

Three  new cyclists on brand new bikes made it thirteen in the group this month. Nervous and fairly inexperienced they were reassured that our routes were mainly off road or through quiet lanes and byways. There is also safety in numbers of course. However,  Coombe Wood is on the other side of Croydon and try as you might eventually you have to face central Croydon on a busy Saturday afternoon. Fresh in our minds the story of the tram driver asleep at the wheel not far from where we were about to cycle. But George Street was empty of vehicles as we headed towards East Croydon station and we turned right towards the Law Courts, two of us remembering long weeks of Jury service there last year. Then the gentle uphill through  Park Hill Park where our newcomers may have thought they deserved tea but we had more mileage to go and Lloyd Park to navigate. One of our more experienced cyclists meeting the mud knee first and the rest of us deciding to dismount for the tree roots and muddy patches. Then a short cycle down Coombe Lane to the Coach House cafe in Coombe Wood. Very timely as the rain now arrived but we all sat in comfort in the back garden under cover and recuperated before another exciting off road experience through a muddy Coombe Wood on the return journey.  

                                                        Entering Coombe Wood on the way home

Greenwich all day ride 13 May

Meeting at Morden Hall Park

Toni looking forward to the day...

 Our day out began quite warm and muggy outside the NT café at Morden Hall Park,  and within half an hour most of us had shed our jackets to continue in comfort over the route Harry had planned for us.  South London is quite hilly but we were following generally peaceful byways and cycle routes, and so many parks and green spaces it was sometimes hard to believe we were traversing the city! Streatham Hill, Dulwich Park and Peckham Rye (where we had a short comfort break but no coffee as the queue was ridiculous...) passed pleasantly with all in their spring finery of flowering horse chestnuts and bright, recently unfolded greenery.
 

 

Telegraph Hill gave us our best morning view of the City, though it was quite overcast at that stage of the day. 



The view from Telegraph Hill... one of many fine outlooks as we made our way across south London.



...time to catch our breath at the top



Passing along the river via Deptford, we stopped off at a memorial statue of Peter the Great of Russia, who spent several months in London studying shipbuilding - a little known episode of our city's history. The statue is now surrounded by riverside apartments but was once the heart of the shipbuilding industry.

We arrived at the Cutty Sark in Greenwich in good time, about 12 o'clock, so had an hour for our lunch break. It was a bit cooler by the river - and as usual on a Saturday, there were many people about. Some of us had brought packed lunches, some lunched in the Royal College and others found food in the market or other local cafes.  We all gathered by the Cutty Sark again before setting off on our afternoon travels. This started with the ride up to the Observatory - not a huge climb but a challenge to some of us straight from lunch! Still the wonderful view of the Isle of Dogs and Canary Wharf (below) was more than enough reward.

Our return ride across Blackheath and down to the Waterlink Way was easier going and we were able to keep a good pace for a few miles, until we came to Crystal Palace.  David and Godfrey peeled off at this point, while the rest of us made our way to the top of the Park for a spectacular view over SE London, through to the QE2 bridge and Kentish North Downs.  By this time most of the lowering clouds had disappeared, the air was clearer and we were enjoying bright sunshine. Then Harry lead us back via Norwood Grove formal gardens and a vibrant little Saturday market to the splendid Rookery Café on Streatham Hill for well-deserved tea and cake, before heading further downhill and back to Morden Hall Park by about 4.15 to finish. 

 

Many thanks Harry for an amazing day out and exploration of beautiful and interesting corners of our city. And thank you everyone for being such good company along the way.



Our leader checking the route...

Chatting after lunch

Ready for the afternoon...



Mission accomplished! Outside the Greenwich Observatory looking across to Gotham City, Canary Wharf.  Some of us remember when none of it was there...
 

A few photos of our Saturday riders on Beginners rides this spring..

Godfrey lead us to Wimbledon Park for tea one bright Saturday in March...

Stephanie lead us via Belmont and Sutton Lane up to Oaks Park café on another fine afternoon in April, where we met riders from Beddington Park...

 

And Sue (below) lead us on a wonderfully green circular route through the Hogsmill Conservation area all the way to Chessington, then through Horton Park for tea at the Moat House Garden Centre café  on 22 April.