Beddington Park to Elmers End, 17 September

By Paul

The usual crowd gathered at the Pavilion Cafe in Beddington Park on Saturday in perfect cycling weather, ready for a pleasant, easy ride somewhere of Colin's choosing.  Matthew was otherwise engaged in the Park because it was Thomas' third birthday and he was having an open air party; we went over and wished him a happy one.

We were joined by Neil, fresh from his adventures with B Group on Wednesday for his first Beginners ride, and Ray.  I say a destination of Colin's choosing but when Colin chose Blossom's, just up the road, there was general consensus that that would be a little too easy, so we mulled around the alternatives.  I think it was Ken who came up with Elmers End.

The traffic was lighter than usual through Croydon and for the last few hundred yards at Elmers End, where it can be busy; the rest was the usual urban roads and parkland both rough and manicured.  The cakes were wonderful, the company was easy going, the pace was such that nobody could pull a muscle and hopefully we will see Neil again, maybe at Nonsuch, too.

Somewhere in Woodside, Shirley

Karen's All Day Ride to Newdigate, 10 September

Karen writes.....

We were blessed with good weather for the all day ride to Newdigate.  Helen led the first group, comprising Anna, Roger, Ken, Diane, Steve and Tony. Paul and Maggie caught up with the group en route to elevenses, having been delayed by a puncture.

The second group, led by Karen, comprised Dawn, Ed, Alice, Margaret, Matthew, Thomas, Maureen and Sue (official photographer).

The traffic in the Epsom Downs area was heavier than when we conducted the recce.  Nonetheless, we enjoyed a smooth journey to Walton on the Hill, mainly thanks to efficient corner-marking.

Rob and Ruth joined Karen’s group at elevenses, bringing the total number to 20.  Thomas was joined by a friend called Rex.  However, he was somewhat “green about the gills” for the duration of the ride, so it’s unlikely he’ll be signing up again anytime soon.

Karen's group in need of help after hill climbing?

Karen’s group, ably back marked by Maureen, maintained a steady pace towards Leigh.  We paused briefly to attend to what was considered to be a slow puncture on Maureen’s bike.  However, within a few miles it was apparent that a more permanent remedy was necessary.  We weren’t far from the lunch venue so it was agreed that the group should split whilst Maureen’s inner tube was changed.  (I understand it was a joint effort involving Rob, Matthew and Ed!)

Helen’s group were already tucking in to their lunch when we arrived at the Surrey Oaks.  Our staggered arrival had some benefit – lunch orders were taken and served with military efficiency.

Following lunch, we made good headway towards Leatherhead, no doubt already wondering whether to have carrot cake or a scone at Amici’s.  However, we were hindered by another puncture on the approach to Brockham.  Matthew, ably assisted by Thomas, came to Maureen’s rescue again.  When we reached Amici’s, Helen’s group was preparing to leave; not before informing us of a broken chain which Steve had the capability (and tools?!) to repair.  

Some went their separate ways at Leatherhead and the remaining few managed to return to Cheam without further incident (unless someone knows otherwise!)

Thanks to all for a lovely day, with particular thanks to those who assisted with the cycle repairs.

Helen writes.....

Early in our ride we nearly went astray, when I led us into  Beech Walk cul de sac at the bottom of Reigate Road, instead of Ewell Downs Road and the Green.

Epsom Down was soon overcome, then my phone dropped from my unzipped bag, at the very bottom of Kingswood Road, delaying the upward climb to Tadworth! No damage or losses except the Strava recording of the first half of our route... At this point, Paul and Maggie caught us up, departure from home having been delayed by a basement flood (blocked drain) and a flat tyre (could not get the wheel off, rushed to Wallington Cycles).

The rest of the morning ride went smoothly.

We enjoyed our coffee at Walton, and Pebble Hill was fun. The views towards Box Hill from Kiln Lane are always beautiful, and we enjoyed the peaceful and pretty lanes from Brockham to lunch. Service and food were good at the Surrey Oaks, and we set off for home soon after 2 pm.

Repairing a puncture?  Child's play compared with...........

.....mending a broken chain!

Just after Henfold, as we turned into Red Lane, my chain broke! Praise be to Tony, who had a spare chain link, and Steve, with his multi-tool, which included a chainbreak kit. Thanks to their skills we were all back on the road in 15 minutes or so, and enjoying the lovely afternoon route to Amici in Leatherhead for tea.

All of us thoroughly enjoyed our day. Many thanks Karen for planning it, Tony for back marking and to all for a relaxed and fun social ride.

What CTC South West London does best!

 

Cycling legends in Nottinghamshire; a missive from Ian Prince

Ian writes

After a mad fortnight first riding my ICE VTX recumbent in Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire, then going to Belfast and London (not cycling or for the obvious Royal events), I am at Harworth in North Nottinghamshire today and riding the Tom Simpson memorial ride tomorrow.

The afternoon today has been all about TdF 1967 rider Tom Simpson (from Harworth obviously) with classic films and news reels from the 1960s, with his daughter Joanne doing an interview but more than that with Team Sky riders interviews plus Barry & Helen Hoban being present, there was also cycling royalty from Audax and her 1982 World Champion racing days….Mandy Jones.

Mandy Jones being interviewed

One of her bikes

We used to do Audax’s from Rochdale when I lived in Manchester just because Mandy was there or organising. Still little changed and immediately recognisable despite the forty intervening years since her World Championship win at Goodwood. I went and chatted to her but what do you say to your absolute heros?

Anyway, she is riding tomorrow but as in the old days she will no doubt leave me as “lantern rouge” as she used to from Rochdale.

See you all again, probably on the Brompton on a Saturday afternoon at Nonsuch.

Sprockets to Brockett's; Nonsuch Beginners 3 September

It was a bit windy on Saturday, but otherwise a fine day for cycling, the torrid heat a thing of the past, the thunderstorms not yet upon us, and a healthy crowd turned up at the cafe.

Steve W took the long ride, to Brockett's Farm, but because people were socialising, and not paying attention, it was difficult to ascertain how many wanted to go long, and how many short.  Sometimes you get the feeling that people come to cycling just to enjoy themselves!

When the number got to fifteen, we decided to split into two groups for safety and seven riders went off with Steve while I stayed behind a few minutes and my group numbers began to fluctuate with the undeciders being indecisive.  In the end we had nine, which is manageable in South London Saturday traffic; there might be more aggressive driving on a weekday but there is definitely greater incompetence on a weekend.

Our leader and his acolytes first caught up the tailenders of the front group at the top of Wilmerhatch Lane where temporary traffic lights interfered with our precision planning, so we had a swig and let them get away again, only to come across Isamu and his puncture on the A24 at Ashtead.

There were enough cooks dealing with the broth so we became the lead group and this time I courted popularity by turning in the gate to Brockett's half way up Young Street instead of leading my group to the top and back down again.  

Soon Steve and his advance party joined us for coffee and cake, but the puncture turned out to be a double puncture and the repair party left it until we were beginning to worry about them.

People enjoying themselves and not cycling, before the repair party arrived.

We took slightly different routes home, but both over Epsom Common to West Ewell.  A decent, enjoyable ride, more or less 30 miles door to door.

Thanks to Maggie for backmarking my group and, of course, to Steve for taking the main responsibility.