Wednesday 27 March 2019

Tony's All Day Ride on 6th April

The ride will be leaving from Nonsuch Pantry Café (Nonsuch Mansion) at 10.00am on Saturday the 6th of April.

The ride will follow the River Crane to The Grand Union Canal and on to Osterley Park for Lunch.

Regards

Tony

Sunday 24 March 2019

24th March - Old Moat, Horton Country Park

A beautiful sunny afternoon for us, following a very cloudy and overcast week, so we were very pleased to be out on our bikes this afternoon.
Godfrey lead out the beginners short ride.  We headed across Nonsuch Park to gather at Sparrow Farm gate, all managed to get through the traffic lights and headed down towards Stoneleigh.  We were soon in Ewell, heading along the Hogsmill river to follow the route through the conservation park, then left across the bridge to follow the Bonesgate river along to William IV pub.  Here we crossed the busy road and entered the path through to Horton Country Park.  It was really pleasant, very few muddy patches along the path and that glorious sunshine lighting our way through the lovely woodlands and fields.
The Old Moat always gives us a nice welcome and we love their proper cycle park, which keeps our bikes dry in less clement weather.  Delicious cakes and tea enjoyed by all and a good chat while we rested.
We had a much shorter ride home, arriving back at about 4.30 pm.  Thank you Godfrey for a very pleasant ride, and all for your good company.

16th March - Wind assisted to Morden Hall Park

Strong gusty winds today, and just nine of us turned out to meet at Mansion House. Sue lead seven of us to tea at Morden Hall Park via Motspur, Raynes and Merton Park, a very enjoyable route with many signs of spring emerging despite the recent very cold spell, which followed our unusually mild and sunny January and February. 


Beautiful spring flowers by the entrance to Mansion House gardens; many daffodils nodding at us as we passed through Motspur Park; and we were delighted to see a little family with five goslings on our way through Wandle Park after tea.  Magnolia trees were starting to blossom, and we spotted a particularly lovely one nestled between buildings as we approached the church in Merton Park.


On our way home, we were more aware of the strength of the wind as we crossed St Helier open space and followed the path alongside the hospital car park down towards Sutton.  Just past Sutton Green and as we passed by the football ground Ron and I heard a great cheer go up as the local team scored...by now we were the only ones returning towards Nonsuch, with the headwind all the way, but having has such an easy trip out to tea, plus cake, still with enough energy in our legs to keep pushing on. 


Thanks Sue for leading us, and all for a very enjoyable ride on an unusually windy afternoon.



CTC Tri-Vets Event - 19 June 2019

You are cordially invited to join CTC South West London on Wednesday 19 June for the 2019 Tri-Vets ride, with three choices of ride length from 50 km to 100 miles.  We know that not all "Beginners" are beginners to cycling!   If you are used to riding with a group and can ride 50km / 31 miles with a stop for lunch, then you might enjoy this - ask some others who have done it before.  The entry cost of £5 includes refreshments at lunch and at the end of the ride.

The Triennial Veterans ride is a CTC challenge ride organised by various CTC member groups around the country.  To quote the CTC:
“This is a fun challenge which CTC groups have taken part in since 1928, our Golden Jubilee year and to encourage those aged 50 and over to have a go at riding 100 miles within a 12-hour time limit.

The rides are also a great sociable occasion, with many groups choosing to include a sit-down lunch stop and refreshments along the way. For members, it's a chance to catch up with old friends, make new ones and discover new routes to ride.”

2019 event

2016 event
CTC South West London is running a Tri-Vets ride in 2019, following our first Tri-Vets in 2016, which was well received despite unhelpful weather. It will follow a similar format, starting and ending (and stopping for lunch) at Brockham Cricket Pavilion, with options of 100 miles, 100km or 50km. You don’t have to be a veteran (defined by the CTC as aged 50+) to ride, although badges are available to veterans completing 100 miles within 12 hours.

Most people choose to ride in a led group, with groups starting between 8am and 11am. The routes are rolling rides based on the Surrey Cycleway: scenic, with little technical difficulty. Lunch and tea at the Pavilion, and pubs and cafes on the routes for those who need a little more.

Entry costs £5, payable in advance and the event is limited to 80 riders, so please email Simon Lambourn first to secure a place, then send the entry form and payment.

More info: