Nonsuch 1-o-Clockers to Stoke D'Abernon - Saturday 23rd December

It was Christmas Eve Eve, and not many were stirring. Or if they were, they had important Christmas stuff to do. So only six (John, Karl, Tony, Paul and Justine) turned up for the long ride departing at 1pm. After a quick discussion it was concluded that some venues would be far too busy and I should lead. So we made our way via the Horton estate, Malden Rushett and through the Oxshott mansions to Café Barbera in Stoke D'Abernon. It was surprisingly quiet - maybe everyone was actually at Garsons Farm and Gail's as we had feared - and so a member of staff could be persuaded to take a photo.

Now we know who's organised enough to be able to come out for a cycle

Once refreshed we opted for a bit of off-road to and over Bookham Common and again over the River Mole at Fetcham. We turned from Lower Ashtead into Ashtead and Epsom Common, and came back via Green Lane and The Hogsmill path into Stoneleigh where, as it was getting darker, we could enjoy the Christmas lights. Thanks to everyone who came out on a mild but blustery day, and to Tony for back-marking. 

Shorter Days; Nonsuch and Beddington 1-o-Clockers to Merton Abbey Mills, 16 December

Temperatures have risen to sub-tropical levels for this time of year but we had a bit of a third Saturday of the month leadership crisis on our hands with 1-o-clock and 2-o-clock rides at Beddington and at Nonsuch to organise, Lynda having pulled out of the leadership list, Karen (scheduled for this one) injured, Maggie injured, Steve still recovering from surgery and Nigel at a wedding.  

Colin took on Beddington 2-o-Clockers, I moved across to take Nonsuch 1-o-Clockers, Sue Bellamy stepped into the breach at short notice for the later Nonsuch ride and AnnaandRoger agreed to take the earlier one from Beddington.  AnnaandRoger was confident that it could find the way along the Wandle Trail to M.E.D and once Maggie had shown their group to the river (thus overdoing the ten minutes the physio had allowed her on the bike) they did just that, resourcefully using Ken's experience.

The Beddington group; great to see Ray fit enough to come and wave them off, and Maggie, also of the walking wounded, who showed them the way and then split for home.  Photo taken by an interested passer-by; perhaps a future member!

Meanwhile at Nonsuch, Peter was awaiting my arrival and then Sabina and Bernard turned up, just returned from Switzerland.  I've been to M.E.D dozens of times, and to Nonsuch hundreds of times, but never have I cycled from one to the other, so I set up a route on Ride with GPS and led using the App, thus proving once again that I do not do very well relying on electronics and that there is no substitute for recceing a ride properly.

Fortunately my group was extremely patient as we deliberately took the circuitous route skirting Mayflower Park Wetlands and the Crematorium, across Cannon Hill Common and along The Path and The Higher Path to approach Merton Abbey Mills from the north, but we also had to make a series of Oops-a-Daisy U turns.

Rendezvous successful, at M.E.D.  Photo taken by Paul.

Rendezvous was successful and both groups rode back to Sutton together, shedding riders as we went.  There were only four of us left as we crossed Gander Green Lane approaching Nonsuch from the east and it therefore took extraordinary leadership skills to lose fifty percent of my group at that juncture.  Peter and I tracked back every which way and it was a relief to get a WhatsApp call from Sabina and Bernard that they had found their bearings and were homeward bound.

Thanks especially to Sue and AnnaandRoger for filling in at short notice.

Ice on the cake; Nonsuch 1-o-clockers 2 December

The temptation was not to go out at all, but a promise is a promise and there is always someone there to lead a Beginners ride.....

At first as I rounded the bend at the cafe I thought phew, there's no-one here, I can just go home, but Nigel has to have a jolly good reason to be a no-show and Peter was there too, going for quick walks to keep his circulation going.

Leatherhead was the published destination but we had not got to the Ewell By-pass before we decided to cut it short in the freezing cold, and Nigel led us to Horton Arts Centre, where we never go, possibly because it is too close to Nonsuch.  Better than that, Nigel paid for our food and drink.

What a pleasant place it is, even if there is always an air of sadness around the old Epsom mental hospitals; so many sad histories and wrongful incarcerations, and the Arts Centre was originally the chapel for the hospital.

Still, the quiche and the chocolate were hot and outside we met a man riding a Viking Conqueror who was persuaded to take a picture of the magnificent three but appeared never to have handled a mobile phone before!  I have a collection of fuzzy images of feet and headless cyclists but one of them came out.

After the picture shoot we scooted off home.  28km door to door, shorter for the others, but at least we got out.  I forgot my overshoes but remembered to try wrapping my feet in silver foil.  Perhaps I need to try two layers of foil (and overshoes) next time it's this cold.

 

Nonsuch and Beddington 1-o-clockers to Caterham, 18 November;

by Paul

Our resources were stretched on Saturday, so Maggie went to lead the 1-0-clock ride from Beddington Park and I went to Nonsuch Park.  

Raining all morning, the promise of a brief tour of some local hills in the damp wind, what was there not to look forward to?  The host of riders awaiting me at the Nonsuch Mansion numbered one.  And Karen, on her heavy bike because of the wind and the slippery roads, did not know where we were going!

Nevertheless we set out, a group of two and went up to Banstead and down to Coulsdon and up Farthing Down, where we met up with the Beddington riders.

by Maggie

Ken, Anna and I were joined by Malik at Beddington Park.  Unfortunately by the time we got to Wallington station Malik had decided his bike needed  a service and some oil and he politely and regretfully turned back home.

We three then cycled up through the Wallington backstreets, towards the Webb estate and down  Woodcote Grove Road to Coulsdon where we made our way across the roundabout and turned right on Ditches Lane to the viewpoint (car park) at the top of Farthing Down. 

Turning to admire the cloud covered view we spotted two brightly jacketed cyclists making their way towards us.

Paul again

Up Doctor's Lane together and over the switchback to the C and C cafe, where they have enclosed the outdoor area and we kept warm while we had a pleasant coffee and cake.  

Happy snacks at Caterham-on-the-Hill

Down the long hill to Coulsdon and then one last steep climb up to Clock Tower before working our way across to the Smallholdings on Telegraph Track and going our several ways.

A good ride, a bit of exercise and some pleasant company.

1pm Nonsuch Beginners 11 November; Anna leading to Hampton Court

 

To Hampton Court and back via Weston Green – my first ride as leader

by Anna

As this is my first official ride as leader, I am hoping for a small group; we are twelve altogether.  In a moment of bravado, I reject the idea of two groups of six and decide to take the whole group together.

Paul is convinced I know where I am going, whereas I don’t even know how to get out of the park, but he tells me to follow the Ride with GPS instructions and sure enough, it takes us out of the park to the correct exit.

There I stall all the traffic by encouraging everyone to block the road, as I expect the traffic to move more quickly than it does and we end up in a muddle, but eventually reach the other side of the road, in line and facing the right way.  I am now at the back of the group of riders so quickly whiz to the front to reclaim my position as leader.  We make it safely to Worcester Park.

When you ride an electric bike and there is no one in front of you, you tend to go at maximum speed, which is usually at least 15.5mph, because that is the point when your motor cuts out.  Mindful of those toiling behind me without electric assistance, I try to keep the speed to between nine and eleven miles per hour, but it feels extraordinarily slow.

The GPS seems to repeat some commands, so when it says to turn left onto Central Road for the second time, I assume I am on the right track but miss the left turn after Worcester Park station, so we go off piste.  Nigel saves the day by leading us down some nice quiet backstreets until we are back on the right road and we continue, only going off course a couple of times.

Even though I have been on this ride several times with Paul or Nigel leading, I don’t recognise some of it, which is a bit of a nuisance when you are supposed to be the leader.

All twelve of us make it to 8 on the River and we enjoy some lovely tea and cakes, marred only by the worry that my phone will run out of juice before we get home, on account of the cable from the energy store I borrowed from my son is not charging the phone. Better go home at top speed to get there before
the phone dies!  Not to worry, says my son – turn it to airplane mode and all will be well.

Photo by Maggie, on Weston Green in the afternoon Autumn sun

It has now gone very cold, so we set off home and make only one wrong turn, and I speed up a bit because it is very chilly.

At South Lane we all agree that no one needs to go back to Nonsuch Park so we get back to Worcester Park and everyone cycles cheerfully away, and Roger and I arrive home while it is still light, which is the big advantage of starting a 1pm.

Cold and hungry, we are relieved to get into the warm and I still have 37% left of my phone battery, so airplane mode has saved the day.

Thanks for the route, Paul, and thanks for back-marking, Maggie. Thanks, Nigel, for saving us having to make a U-turn on a very busy road.  Thanks to everyone for not falling off, not getting punctures, and for being good companions along the way.

I had a nice afternoon – let’s do it again sometime.

Nonsuch Beginners first winter 1pm ride, 4 November

 Weather-dodging in the daylight hours

The clocks have gone back and the time had come to implement the decision at Beginners AGM to start the longer winter rides at 1pm.

The weather, however, has been miserable and although the BBC forecasters promised some remission on Saturday afternoon, the morning was as wet as could be. 

The sun came out temporarily and there were nine of us for a ride to Garson's Farm, out through Ewell, Claygate and Esher and back through Sandown Park, Weston Green, Lower Ditton , Surbiton and Worcester Park.

Garson's Farm

Most would say that the BBC forecast was wrong; rain to the left of us, rain to the right of us, rain before us and a downpour while we were in the garden centre having a slowly-served tea and cake.  But for 1pm Beginners it was right; incredibly, none of it fell on us.  Moreover, we all got home without riding in the dark through South London streets.  To this end the rides might have to get a little less ambitious as the deep midwinter comes.

Rain's over, back on the road!

Thanks to everyone for the company.

A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall; Nonsuch Beginners 28 October

O where have you been my blue-eyed son?

O where have you been my darlin' young one?

I been to Nonsuch Park to meet with Beginners

I been riding to Stoke D'Abernon with Nigel a-leadin'

I been to Cafe Barbera where the staff were all welcomin'

An its a hard, its a hard, its a hard, its a hard

Its a hard rain's a-gonna fall.

And what did you see my blue-eyed son?

And what did you see, my darlin' young one?

I saw ten people turn up but only seven on the long ride

I saw they fixed the potholes on Christ Church Road highway

I saw Malden Rushett with no traffic in it

I saw the gates of private estates openin' for me

I saw ten thousand cakes but I only got one

I saw black clouds a-gatherin' on the Western horizon

An its a hard, its a hard, its a hard, its a hard

Its a hard rain's a-gonna fall

And what did you do, my blue eyed son?

And what did you do my darlin' young one?

We cycled pretty fast for a bunch of Beginners

We tried a new route with an extra hill in it

We got a bit wet but nothin' too scary

Because we got home before the clouds opened 

and a hard, a hard, a hard, a hard, a hard rain began to fall. 

Between the Showers; Beddington Beginners 21 October

Storm Bebet (If you work in the Met Office, do you get a chance to name storms after people who have upset you?) was wreaking its havoc and tragedy across the United Kingdom and relatively speaking merely sprinkling those of us in the South East.  

Nevertheless we softies had been watching from the kitchen windows and contemplating staying at home.  Elizabeth on the BBC Weather had assured us that the storm would have passed by around ten-o-clock but she proved unreliable; noon passed, and then one, and the rain if anything got heavier.

Thing is, we had business to conduct; a discussion on winter start times, and so it came to pass that we left home in what had become a fine drizzle only to arrive in Beddington Park in the dry, much more comfortable than the group of unfortunate youngsters being made to lie with weapons full length and then crawl through the cold wet grass by some military man.

There was a lethargy about the group which met at the Pavilion and no-one argued with Colin when he suggested a short ride to Flitton's, albeit via a circuitous route; the clouds still looked ominous.

Indeed it was a short and easy ride; Mellows Park, Roundshaw Down, into the privileged maze that constitutes the Webb Estate, going up to the French war memorial and then as the sun came out, making straight for Flitton's in good time before four-o-clock, when the cafe closes.

There we had a meeting which culminated in - wait for it - a vote (who says there is no excitement at Beddington Park Beginners?) before making our way home on what had become a lovely, sunny, autumnal afternoon.

But our timing was perfect; the rain came down with a vengeance once we were indoors enjoying our cuppa.

Thanks to Colin for leading and to everyone else for the company.

Two are chatting, one is contemplating her shopping list, two want to look serious and good in the photo and one is contemplating the bravery of the French soldiers at Verdun.  Come on, chaps, pay attention........  

....that's better!  Photos by Maggie

  

Change in Times for Winter Saturday Beginners Rides

 

From Paul

Change in Times for Winter Saturday Beginners Rides.

Following a discussion at Beginners AGM early this year the Saturday ride times have been amended.  Starting on 4 November and throughout the winter months 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 a 2pm start.

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

First Aid Training Day

 By Simon Lambourn 

First Aid training day

Every so often someone has a tumble on a ride, mostly with minor scrapes and bruises, but we sometimes worry about how to cope with a more serious incident.   Jennie Jackson organised a first aid training session for a group of nine volunteers, run by a nurse, cyclist and trainer at Wimbledon First Aid Training.   It was an excellent session, tailored for cyclists, and covered most of the things we could think of, and several we hadn’t! 

Recovery position

The topics covered were:

• First aid kit contents
• Priorities at the scene of an incident (keep everyone safe as the top priority)
• Assessing  an injured person
• Recovery position
• CPR
• Head and spinal injuries
• Dealing with bleeding
• Broken bones
• Incident reporting

And then we got to practice some of the techniques, which I think made us all feel more confident that we would know what to do if called upon to help.  It was a very worthwhile and thought-provoking day.   Thank you to Jennie for organising.

Watching a video of real-life CPR (it ended well!)

If there is sufficient interest, Jennie may be able to arrange further courses.   Please contact Jennie if interested.

First Aid Kit contents

A simple first aid kit can be very small, easily carried in a cycling jersey pocket, and might help treat a minor injury or prevent something becoming more serious.

Contents can vary but might include:  a dressing for grazes, antiseptic wipes, a foil ‘space blanket’, plasters, paracetamol & aspirin(*NB), safety pins, protective gloves, a bandage.

If you have been trained, a CPR mouth protector is also recommended.

(NB.  giving medication is generally discouraged (get advice from 999 responder) but can be helpful – for a consenting adult.  You must record the time given and dose for the emergency services.)

The trainer, Jen Craven, also recommended that everyone should have the What3Words app on their phone – this identifies your location if you need to call emergency services.   She also stressed the importance of documenting all incidents and any assistance given, for the protection of all involved.  Cycling UK has an incident reporting form – if you need assistance contact any ride leader or Committee member.

14 October; Last of the summer All Day Rides

 

All-Day Saturday Ride – 14^th October – Ride Report

By Alan Clark

On a bright, but chilly morning, eleven riders joined the last of the Saturday All-Day Rides for 2023, following a varied, scenic route on quiet lanes and roads through Caterham, Woldingham and Horley before returning via Betchwork, Brockham and Leatherhead to Nonsuch Park.

The riders split into two groups. Four riders starting at Nonsuch Park and seven riders starting at the Pavilion Café, Beddington Park. Both groups met at Caterham for coffee before riding the rest of the route together.

The outward route passed through Wallington, and then followed a beautifully quiet route through Woodcote to Coulsdon, stopping briefly to view the Lord Roberts on the Green (previously a Temperance Inn / Pub that sold no alcohol) in Upper Woodcote Village. The group then descended to Coulsdon on the busier Woodcote Grove Road.

After being caught in traffic approaching the A23 Roundabout in Coulsdon, we turned onto “Ditches Lane” on Farthing Down. Ditches Lane is almost traffic-free and has open space on either side of the road with good views of the surrounding countryside and downs. We all took our time and rode steadily to the top. We stopped at the top for a break and to enjoy the warm sunshine and views across the downs. We had beautiful clear views of London and the surrounding countryside and could even see the London Shard.

After the break, we rode to Chaldon, stopping opposite Chaldon Church to discuss the Chaldon Mural, a twelfth-century mural on the church’s west wall. We then rode through quiet lanes to Caterham-on-the-Hill where we stopped for Coffee at the Café 181. Café 181 is a large café with friendly staff and plenty of space. It had a welcoming atmosphere, plenty of fresh cakes and rolls, and a place to park the bikes. It is worth another visit.

In warm sunshine, we rode as a group through Caterham and then descended the long and steep Burntwood Lane Hill, getting beautiful clear views across Woldingham and the surrounding area on the way down. At the bottom of Burntwood Lane Hill we came to the busy A22 Caterham Bypass Roundabout.

Officially called the Wapses Lodge Roundabout, it was opened in 1939 and was Britain’s first “elevated traffic island” and included a pedestrian subway and foot-tunnel! We used the subway to cycle under the roundabout and join Woldingham Road, before turning right under the rail-arch towards Woldingham School.

At Woldingham School

The road leading up to the school was quiet. It had a steady, easy gradient with open views of well-kept grassland on each side and cows grazing on both sides of the road. We passed the occasional cyclist but saw no cars. We stopped to take a photograph, and to enjoy the scenery and the sun. We then rode through the school’s sports complex which had speed humps across the full width of the road every 100 yards!

After a long descent on Quarry Road and Flower Lane, with good views of the landscape on both sides, we crossed the A25 and rode through Churchtown to The Enterdent. The Enterdent is a short, steep hill on a quiet, but narrow lane with no traffic - apart from a Sainsbury’s van delivering food to a local house on the day of the ride which blocked our way! We all got off our bikes and walked around the van and then rode to the top. Although this stopped our momentum, it provided an opportunity to enjoy this quiet wooded lane, shaded from the sun by trees beside the road.

We regrouped at the top for a short break and then continued through Horne and Smallfield to lunch at the Farmhouse Pub. Luckily, we were able to find enough space inside the pub to have lunch at this popular and busy pub.

After lunch, we followed a relaxed and undulating route on quiet roads, cycle tracks and paths through Salford, Whitebushes and Woodhatch and then on to Betchworth and Brockham. We occasionally stopped on the way to enjoy the views or take a photo – and had clear views of Box Hill in the distance.

We stopped at Brockham Village for a break and to watch local volunteers who were building the Brockham Bonfire. The Bonfire is an annual event, when the local community build a bonfire from hedge trimmings to raise money for good causes. It is held on Brockham Green each year.

Admiring the bonfire being built

Astronauts on the Space Station will be spotting bonfire night in Brockham 

After leaving Brockham, we followed a familiar route through Betchworth Golf Club, then along Reigate Road before turning onto Pixham Lane. We then rode along the Dorking to Leatherhead cycle path, beside the A24, where we could ride and chat safely on our way to Leatherhead for tea.

Tony, Karen and Robert made their own way home from Leatherhead.  The rest of the group had tea and cake at Lucio’s Café before riding on our usual route back through Ashtead, Epsom, and Ewell to Nonsuch Park. Helen, Steph and Alyson broke away at Epsom, leaving the remainder of the group to ride to Nonsuch before dark.

Many thanks to everyone who came on the ride for making it such an enjoyable day; and to Tony, Paul, Maggie and Steph for leading, back-marking and support. Thanks also to Tim C for the route between Caterham and Leatherhead, and to Paul and Tony for the routes to Farthing Down.

An enjoyable day with good weather and some great scenery along the way.

14th October - Eight Ride to Morden Hall Park - as planned!

Finally the day dawned - fully working brakes, no heavy rain and just eight cyclists (on account of the All Day Ride I believe) all happy to do a flat ride together to Morden Hall, via the "official" route. We were able to welcome a new lady - Sabera - along with Saturday regulars Sue B, Lorraine, Steve, Roger and Anna and with Nigel back-marking. 

Only one little tweak was needed to wiggle around the ongoing works near Green Lane Stables, and then we were treated to nice quiet backroads through Morden and into the Park where we able to sit outside in the Autumn sunshine.  

Outside the NT Cafe

We came home through the Park and along the Wandle for a stretch before navigating around the Rose Hill and St Helier area and down into the bottom of Sutton, turning right before the high street and coming back into Cheam with the busy roads away to our left. Well done all - we arrived where we originally meant to go, avoided any flood water this week and enjoyed a very pleasant afternoon out. 

 

  

 

Shock! Horror! Nonsuch beginners 7th Oct

By Maggie

It's Saturday, it's 2pm, we're at Nonsuch Park but something is very wrong!

Colin is nowhere to be seen!

We stand around, we search the cafe, the loos, the Mansion House but to no avail.  So search parties must go out.  Lynda is cajoled into leading a group to Kingston. Helen Rees, whose new knees were inspected by all, decided to retrace her steps home and that left Nigel to lead a 10 strong group to all Colin's favourite spots. So we left the park and circumnavigated our way by  circuitous route toward Squires in Long Ditton. Thus we cleverly searched the highways and byways, taking little known routes and stopping briefly at the Thames in case a maritime rescue might be necessary.  Almost retracing our steps we began to make the ascent towards the vital stop for nourishment when Sue decided that Bushey Park needed inspection.  With camera in hand to record her discoveries she valiantly left the group.

Now our worry was what would happen if Colin wasn't eating a toasted tea cake at 3pm. Would the wheels fall off his bike or some other dastardly mishap occur? So we gathered in Squires to discuss our next steps over tea and cake. Down to 9 now!

The search party

Revitalised we turned out of Squires but only half the group made it. Like a police spike strip empty flower pots were thrown across the road from the roof of a car stopping our exit. Justine courageously stopped to rescue the situation.  

We now sped back to Nonsuch Park across the Hogsmill river and we dispersed to continue the search. 

It turns out Colin was safe and well.  He was last heard of sharing his daughter's birthday cake!

Not the Nork and Banstead ride; Beginners Saturday 30th September

I arrived at Nonsuch Park ready to lead the short ride to Nork and Banstead, however this was not to be. There was, unusually, a shortage of leaders, and so I offered instead to take the long ride which was planned to go to Richmond Park, but this was also not to be, although everyone decided they would come. Traffic was heavy through Worcester Park and so Colin wisely suggested splitting the group of about 14 riders. At this point I still thought I was leading to Richmond Park, and happily continued on through Kingston with Sue, John, Roger, Stephen, Navaid, Lorraine and Sharon. But our scenic route along the Thames Path was a little long, and time was moving on. As we approached the Ham Gate The New Inn pub beckoned, and so that's where we stopped for refreshments. 

Happy in Ham

Colin meanwhile had it in his mind that we were going to Teddington Lock, so took his group there, which is why we never saw them again. Our homeward route did take us that way, and on through Bushey Park where the stags were bellowing. Three of us arrived back to the Park by 5.30pm, around 21 miles. 

Invitation to the Last of the Summer All Day Rides, Saturday 14 October

Posted on behalf of Alan Clark

Last of the Summer Rides

Invitation to an All-Day Ride to Horley, via Caterham, on Saturday 14^th October.

You are invited to join the last of the All-Day Beginners Rides for 2023. Our route will start at the Pavilion Café in Beddington Park and take us through Woodmansterne to Coulsdon. We will then ride over Farthing Down and through Chaldon to Caterham, where we will stop for coffee.

After coffee, we will continue to Woldingham, and then onto Horley, passing through Godstone, Horne and Smallfield on the way. Lunch will be at the Farmhouse Pub in Horley.

Our return journey will take us through South Earlswood and Betchworth and then onto Brockham and West Humble. Our tea stop will be at Leatherhead - before we head back to Nonsuch Park via Ashtead and Epsom.

The ride is around 40-45 miles on mainly good roads with some tracks - and two notable hills. Please let me know (by email) by 6.00 pm on Wednesday 11^th October if you would like to join the ride. Please email: alanc227@outlook.com to register. Groups and departure times will be sent out by e-mail on Thursday 12^th October.

Please note: Riders can meet at either Nonsuch Park (Nonsuch Pantry Café) at 9.00am or Beddington Park (Pavilion Café) at 9.45 am. Riders who meet at Nonsuch Park will be led to the Pavilion Café where they will join their groups. The ride will start at Beddington Park. The first group will leave the Pavilion Café at 10.00 am.

Please say if you would like to meet at Nonsuch Park or at Beddington Park when registering for the ride.

The Farmhouse Pub have not requested pre-orders for our lunch but have asked that we advise them about possible numbers. I would therefore be grateful if you could register early for the ride.

Speeding to the Rut; Nonsuch Beginners 23 September

The storms were subsided by Saturday, the wind down, the electrical charges in the high atmosphere in stable equilibrium and on a decent day for cycling there was a tidy crowd turned up at Nonsuch Mansion for an afternoon ride including several newcomers; not first timers but, even better, people who had tried us out for the first time recently and chosen to give us another go.

Thus while stalwart Lynda took a "short" ride to Ashtead, I ended up with fourteen followers for the "long" ride scheduled for Hampton Court, which is a big group to lead around the Metropolis on a Saturday afternoon.

Apart from a little more waiting around than is usual, however, it all went smoothly.  I briefed everybody about the need to ride in groups and leave gaps for the traffic, appointed Tony, a late arrival, as back marker so that I only had to look for an orange coat to know we were all together, and Maggie rode half way back in order to maintain a gap in the middle while we were on the road.  Maggie managed that difficult task as well as anybody can.

Just out of Nonsuch Park I got some unsolicited advice from a man doing some building work on a house in St Clair Drive to "mind your speed, you lot, this is a residential area" when I was doing less than Colin Q's recommended 8mph for Beginners and would have fallen off if I'd gone any slower.  Unfortunately the sage advice from just behind me not to deign the cheek with a reply was received too late.  Otherwise we toured the residential areas of South West London with dignity and without further incident.

As we made our way through Long Ditton I worked out that the coffee shops on the green at Thames Ditton were not going to cope quickly with such a large group and we might still be there at nine-o-clock in the evening with some of our party cakeless.  The Thames Path, too, I reckoned would be crowded on such a pleasant day, so our usual stops at Eight on the River or the cricket club might best be avoided, and decided upon the Pheasantry.  They have closed the Eastern side of Hampton Court Bridge to cycles (both sides used to offer shared cycle paths), so there was some unplanned crossing and re-crossing of the road but soon we were enjoying Bushy Park and what someone on television called its rotting deer.

And the Pheasantry was open, and had enough seating capacity for us all, and was unusually efficient, so our only gripe was that the prices had not come down and one of our number was pooed upon by a pigeon.  There Maggie took the photo below before we made our return journey over Kingston Bridge and through the water works to Berrylands.

A pleasant day out.  Thanks to Tony and Maggie for your help and everyone else for your company.

Pleasant peasantry at the Pheasantry 

Wandle Fortnight Four!

 

" Wandle Fortnight is a celebration of the Wandle Valley run by the community for the community. " Every year our Wandle ride from Beddington Park is one of the highlights but so often we have no new takers. But this year waiting at Pavilion cafe were four new faces. We were  very happy to welcome Simon and his wife Sharon and work colleagues Louise and Gary.

Colin  led us down one of the scenic routes out of the park towards the industrial estate of Beddington Lane. The new cycle track is a joy but the few steps up to the Asda car park were not for the heavier bikes! We then made our way through pot holes to cross the tram line at Ampere Way and then cycle along the wide pavement beside Mitcham Common, through Figs Marsh and across the busy junction at Colliers Wood . However, our pedestrianised route was becoming a jungle and dismounting our bikes we fought our way through the foliage to arrive at MED cafe for a well earned break. 

  Morden Hall Park

Our return route took us into Morden Hall Park, Raynesbury Park and then onto the Wandle Trail. A good, flat, route for all. We hope to see the new cyclists again soon.

 

2023 All Day Rides; 9 September, the mountain stage to West Horsley

 Karen writes

 

Ultimately, eleven hardy souls braved the blisteringly hot conditions for the long, hilly ride to West Horsley.  Paul kindly stepped in at short notice to lead the first group, setting off with such promptitude and commitment that he got lost somewhere in East Ewell (but he's not really sure).  Paul’s report follows - if he's still talking to me!

 

This left me at Nonsuch waiting for my (now much reduced) group: Anna, Roger and Ken.  We had a more leisurely departure, our route taking us towards Epsom Downs via Longdown Lane, thereafter enjoying a cooling breeze as we headed towards Tadworth.  We arrived at Walton on the Hill elevenses to find Paul's group still very much glued to their seats.  After some gentle persuasion (and hovering) they finally gave up their table and departed for Box Hill.

 

We followed soon after, fighting our way through what seemed to be lunchtime rush hour in Walton on the Hill.  We enjoyed the benefit of shade en route to Box Hill and a pleasant sunny zig zag downhill before heading towards Denbies Vineyard for what was anticipated to be the most challenging section, especially in the intense heat.  It was with some relief (and not a little exhaustion) when we reached the flatter section of the North Downs Way, but we still had quite a lengthy undulating section to cover, followed by an extended, steep downhill before we reached East Horsley.

 

I can happily report that our brakes were found to be in good working order and we all reached the bottom of the hill safely, albeit somewhat tested by the some of the drivers following behind (this is usually a fairly traffic-free section!)

 

Unfortunately, we then had to follow a busy main road towards West Horsley for lunch, by which time most of Paul's group had received their orders.  So we were served quite promptly, and happily the venue was able to offer lite bite options (a dying breed!)

 

Thereafter, it was only a short hop to Cafe Barbera at Cobham.  Apart from a minor pannier malfunction on Anna's bike, we enjoyed a pleasant ride via Downside.  Paul's group set off well in advance but again expressed some reluctance to give up their position at the outside tables when we arrived.  Following some hovering (it worked earlier) and some not so gentle persuasion, they departed for Ashtead.

 

After some quality coffee, we enjoyed an uneventful homeward journey to Nonsuch Park, parting company in Cheam Village.  Thanks again to Paul for stepping into the breach to lead the first (and by all accounts faster!) group.

 

Paul’s version of the truth.

 

Well, it was certainly warm, and though the Denbies route up to Ranmore Common might have been the obvious big test for Beginners, the route up to Tattenham Corner from Nonsuch is also a fair old grind and the switchback to and then through Tadworth is only a relatively easy ride if the traffic and your fellow riders leave you the space to gain maximum momentum on the downhills.

 

For the leader, this is no real problem, but the result is that if he gets carried away he begins to stretch out the group.  This leader was invited to face his shortcomings at Walton and made a great effort to ride inside Colin’s recommended average for Beginners (8 mph) thereafter.  His Strava provides evidence that he failed.  We averaged 16.2 Km/h over an 80 Km ride (my door to door) which included 730 metres of climbing, which is pretty good going by Beginners standards.  Well done everybody!  And, there were no complaints within my earshot going up Ranmore.

Paul's group in the dead centre of Ranmore Common

The Zigzag and Crocknorth descents cooled us down but it was not a day for Audax, but for loitering in coffee shops and pubs and every time we got into that groove up turned some impostors to turf us out of our seats.

 

Thanks to Karen for doing all the hard work; it was a lovely ride.  

 

Lazy, Hazy, Crazy. Nonsuch Beginners 2 September

The second of September, as everyone knows, is the first day of meteorological summer and who could deny Beginners the right to enjoy the warmth along with everyone else?

A good crowd turned up at Nonsuch Mansion on Saturday and Nigel kindly swapped rides with me so I took the "short" ride to Epsom Downs and he took the "long" one to Merton Abbey Mills.  The inverted commas denote that nobody could be sure which was the shorter.  We could all be clear, however, which was the flatter and thus only ten souls joined me when, weary of the incessant rabbiting, I announced the ride and wandered slowly off towards the edge of the park.  In Beginners circles it is called "doing a Steve".

I did nothing to lower the average age of my group, a fact cruelly driven home when at the bottom of Chalk Lane I invited those of energetic bent to overtake their leader on the hill if they wanted.  Mine was the ante-penultimate arrival at the top.  

Such was youth's eagerness for hills that I took the roller-coaster Shawley Way route to Nork Park, where we had refreshments at The Lodge, a place I had passed on many a tired Wednesday return home but never sampled.  What an excellent find; cakes and savouries and drinks in the sunshine overlooking Burgh Heath CC's cricket match.  How summery can you get; leather on willow and the shouts of appeal as the wickets fell, by now warm sunshine, a wasp......

So keen were the youths to continue the excitement of climbing that while seven of us went home via Banstead High Street and Sutton Lane, they turned South West to go Boxhilling.  Ah, the joys of summer!

Ìnvitation to All Day Ride to West Horsley - September 9th

 Previously published as Newdigate, we are instead heading to West Horsley.

 It’s not a flat ride, the initial section taking us to Epsom Downs, Walton on the Hill and down Box Hill.

There are several elevenses options either before or when we reach Box Hill.  This will be decided on the day.

The next stage involves a steady climb on a path from Denbies Vineyard that leads towards Ranmore Common. We then join Crocknorth Road, initially undulating before an extended descent towards East Horsley.

 It’s then only a short distance until lunch at the King William IV pub in West Horsley.

The return leg will be via Downside/Cobham. There is a tea stop option at Cafe Barbera, but some may prefer to carry on towards Ashtead or Leatherhead instead (or head home!)

No lunch pre-orders have been requested at this stage.  However, in order to advise the venue of numbers and organise groups please register asap or by close of play Thursday 7 September to karen.cochrane@live.co.uk

 Once registration has been completed, group departure times from Nonsuch Mansion will be emailed on the Friday.

Therapy; Beddington Beginners 19 August

 By Paul

Sharon was waiting with Colin and with Anna and Roger, and Ken, whose electric bike was in repair, had walked up the Wandle Trail to say Hello.  It was a beautiful day for cycling; maybe a bit breezy, but even that did not last as soon as we gained shelter from the buildings.  Colin had Coombe Woods in mind but Roger and Anna had arrived determined to go to Elmers End.  We compromised, and went to Elmers End.

Maggie and I made seven, but Ken, of course, stayed behind.  It was refreshing to ride at a moderate pace through familiar lanes; Waddon Park, West Croydon Station, the scrub land alongside Selhurst railway sidings, South Norwood Country Park.  

As ever, we were made welcome at Branching Out where they ran about to find us tables to sit at and plied us with lovely cakes and decent coffee and we sat in the sunshine for longer than usual before riding back through Woodside and into Croydon.

Five youngsters and the twin towers, photo by Maggie

What a lovely, relaxing, calming, therapeutic afternoon it turned out to be in easy company.  When life's little frustrations mount up, get out on the bike with your friends and forget them all for a while!

CTC SWL 75th Birthday Celebration

 Message from Dave Vine

Wayfarers Picnic Wed 23rd August – CTC SWL 75th Birthday Celebration

Next Wednesday is the annual Wayfarers Picnic to be held at our usual Brockham venue, which is (for the benefit of anyone who has not been before) is at:

Brockham Cricket Club, The Recreation Ground, Middle St, Brockham RH3 7JT

The picnic will be a chance to celebrate the 75^th birthday of CTC SW London, marking our separation from the former South London CTC in 1948. Fascinating historical briefing here.

All members from any section (Beginners, C&M, NorWesters) are welcome, as are any former riders whom we rarely see.

There will be a CTC photographer present to immortalise the spectacle, as well as hearing your personal cycling highlights.

Rides to the picnic from Leatherhead for our groups will be announced shortly.

For anyone not riding with a group, the clubhouse should be open from around 12.00. Bring your own picnic food.

I’m looking forward to meeting as many members, past and present as possible.

Forty days and forty nights? Nonsuch Beginners 5 August

By Paul

The BBC weather forecast could hardly have been dourer, the news littered with reports of bearded men of Northern Europe constructing large wooden boats while the rest of the earth is on fire, but Saturday in Wallington dawned with only light drizzle, not the monsoon forecast by the weatherman.  By midday it was nearly not raining, the threatened 25 mph winds had not yet materialized, and the doughty diehards of Beginners turned up at Nonsuch Mansion where Colin was waiting, as always.  There was Nigel, Maggie and Paul, and Roger and Anna and then, through the murk, we espied another.  Who could it be?  Tony!  Lo and behold, the unstoppable Steve turned up as well despite having spent the morning putting his chain back on the wrong way.  

Even as we slagged off the weatherman for failing to produce the evil weather he had promised, the wind was getting up and the ominous indigo clouds were gathering to the west in great, towering columns.  Colin suggested The Old Moat as a destination where we would not be too distant should  the waters come and cover all the earth, and we could claim to have had a bit of a ride should they not, so we set off through the park aiming for there.  Only the most obsessive dog-walkers were to be seen.

It began to rain again before we left the park.  We got as far as the path that goes under the railway bridge taking you from Clandon Close to Stoneleigh Park Road when the heavens opened.  We were split up swimming across the Ewell By-Pass because I had stayed slightly behind to make sure that Nigel, bringing up the rear, had not been encircled by a water snake, and one brave soul in reflective gear (impossible to say who it was through the bars of the rain) had marked the corner into Preston Drive where we found the others sheltering under a large tree, despite the thunder and despite the obviousness that its sheltering properties had but seconds to go in a cataract of these proportions.

Cometh the hour, cometh the woman.  Anna, fearing that her electric bike might soon be short-circuiting, pointed out that we had only just passed a coffee shop (on Stoneleigh Parade).  Not wearing spectacles she had been able to see that there were cakes in a window.  The motion to abandon the ride and seek shelter was swiftly passed unopposed and we retreated.  But the Ewell By-pass, which had been but a small stream two minutes hence when we crossed it east to west, was now a raging, alligator-infested torrent.  We made it over, and turned up in this apparently new, rather twee, very welcome coffee shop, seven yellow monsters from the deep, dripping puddles on the pristine floor and blinking through our steamed up goggles at a dazzling array of little cakes.

Steve's gallant gesture

When we entered there had been insufficient seating available, despite Steve's gallant gesture to go out and face the torrent alone so that we could have greater rations, but so threatening was the sight of us that the clientele quickly vanished, preferring drowning to sharing a cafe with mythical creatures.  The fare was splendid and there we dawdled, becoming warm and damp instead of cold and wet, until Colin spotted that the rain had stopped.  It had not really, not altogether, but all things are comparative.

The cake & coffee shop, picture taken on a drier day.  Recommended.

The best bit of the afternoon was putting on our wet gloves and wet coats and wet helmets and though we could have headed east for the Old Moat and all caught pneumonia, we opted to go back to Nonsuch where, of course, the sun came out.

One of the mysteries of London cycling which our homeward journey espoused is why motorists, who are presumably dry (unless they are driving vintage MG convertibles) are in bad weather so especially unreasonable to cyclists, who are already wet and miserable.

Isn't summer cycling such fun?

The shortest of shorts; Nonsuch Beginners 22 July

 by Paul

No fewer than eight hardy (or foolhardy) souls turned up on Saturday in the intermittently pouring rain and blustery wind to shelter under the arches of Nonsuch Manor and debate whether it was worth going for a ride or not.  Nigel was back after his latest brush, an unfortunate meeting with a Mercedes and we were an indecisive and talkative seven until Steve arrived with brand new state of the art tubeless tyres and a puncture which had only just sealed; Nigel made him jittery by picking at the set gel!

Farthing Down was on the rides list, Steve suggested Leatherhead but six to two were in favour of Colin's suggestion of a very short ride to All Things Nice in Ewell High Street.  Steve peeled off either to go home or to do a longer ride and that left us with seven; Colin, Rob, Nigel, Anna, Roger, Maggie and me.  It rained harder, of course, until we got to our destination and then it eased off.

ATN is a cafe posing as a bric-a-brac shop, rarely visited because it is normally far to close to the start point.  A pity it is not further afield; the tea was served in proper china and the scone, freshly made that morning, was delicious.  

The entertainment was different, too.  Yours truly wore his rainwear and the zip got stuck.  Truly stuck.  I could not release it.  Nigel could not release it.  Rob could not release it and to much hilarity at my expense Anna could not release it so in the end I took the thing off like a kagoule.

Zip file

We had longer than usual for our afternoon tea and when we remounted the rain restarted.  A proper British Summer this is turning out to be.

All Day Ride to Greenwich, 8 July

 by Paul

Last year we had a big attendance, we sweltered under a baking sun, saw mirages and found an oasis at Brixton Windmill.  This year many old friends turned out to be doing other things but there were plenty of newcomers and guests wanting to try the new route until the weatherman on Friday evening issued dire warnings.  It all sounded so exciting; thunder, lightning, flash floods, hailstones the size of pebbles and seventeen adventurous souls turned out on an ominously humid Summer's morning for the meteorological thrill of a lifetime.  But where we had been promised Wagner we got Peter, Paul and Mary.  Everyone was gently sprinkled in a cooling spray, no-one was swept away in a raging torrent.

This year's official start was from MED in Merton Abbey Mills, to where Helen led those who had gathered at Nonsuch Park, Paul led the Beddington Park group and the others made their ways directly, jointly or severally.  For their first rides with the club we welcomed Liz, Ellie and Cam, Scott and Piers.  Late arrivals (no names, no pack drill) occasioned a rejigging of the order of departure and Alan led out the first group, Madeleine the second and I took up the rear.

Alan's group

Madeleine's group

Paul's group

My group (pic above; Roger, Helen, Maggie, Liz, me, Anna and Sharon) made pleasant, uneventful progress through the paths and suburban streets.  In Brockwell Park came the first drops of rain; was that the Valkyrie we could glimpse riding the dark clouds over Dulwich Village?  Elevenses at Lulu's Cafe and we'd seen the first two groups off before the first downpour came.  We let the worst pass before we set out for the Herne Hill Velodrome to watch a group of serious young people riding the laps at a measured pace.  Persistent rain set in at Ladywell Fields and we donned rainproofs, only for most of us to decide it was far too warm and to discard them after the double helix bridge and discover that nature was providing us with a perfectly judged coolant, never heavy enough to soak us.

Lulu's before the rain came

By the time we got to General Wolfe (why does the statue call him Victor of Quebec?  His name was James), the Cutty Sark and Peter the Great, the tummies were rumbling too much and the drizzle strengthening for us to take in the sights.  The second downpour of the day found us under shelter at the Dog and Bell.

Some are instantly lunched, some waiting and poor Sharon is imagining a lasagne in a bag of crisps

Sadly, and for the first time in many visits, the D&B let us down; they were not particularly busy and could not produce the food without a considerable delay; poor Sharon never got her lasagne and her face revealed that she did not think a pork pie and crisps much of a substitute.  If we run this ride again we will have to reassess the place carefully during the planning.

           Orange and blue for the Clapham Swing

Afternoon was a new route which saw us emerging on Clapham Common to be greeted at the Bandstand by a Swing Jazz Orchestra in full flow to accompany our tea.  Home past Wandsworth Prison and down the Wandle Trail.  Good company, a leisurely pace and a nice day out.  Thank you, fellow leaders, and Helen for back marking and everyone else for the banter.

Here is Madeleine's report.

My short report is that our small group got off to a slowed start when a passing tree grabbed and then hid Scott's helmet-mounted front light. It took 3 of us a good few minutes before we found the wretched thing, but we were glad we persuaded Scott to stay and look and not come back at the end of his 42 mile journey.

The sights, views and particularly the parks were much enjoyed by all. Piers was general information officer and gave some good commentary on the passing scenery and locations, and pointed some industrial highlights along the way. He also provided a number of useful cycling and bike tips, which will help Scott and I as we update our bikes.

All enjoyed the company, and loved the frequent and welcome stops, food and drinks. Two of our number hardly ever cycle and didn't even have their own bikes. Luckily, they were extremely game about their borrowed ones. Even more so once they found out how the gears worked! Those two, Ellie and Cam, both in their early 20s, had youth on their side, and fairly rampaged up every hill, ending up with energy to spare.

A lovely treat at the end was spotting a hedgehog in daylight on the Wandle Trail. We watched it for several minutes as it ambled along, and then pushed our bikes carefully past it, so as not to cause a fright. It was the first wild hedgehog Ellie and Cam had seen, which is a sad comment on the state of our indigenous wildlife.

Another new member, on the Wandle Trail

Here is Alan's report

On a warm, but humid (and sometimes wet) day, the Beginners All-Day Ride to Greenwich took place between Merton Abbey Mills and Greenwich, returning to Morden Halls Park via Clapham.

I led the first group to leave Merton Abbey Mills following a new route via Colliers Wood, Tooting Bec Common, Brockwell Park, Dulwich, Peckham Rye, Honor Oak, Ladywell and Blackheath; then on to the viewpoint at the Greenwich Royal Observatory for a view (and a photo) across Greenwich Park and the River Thames.

The route followed a relaxed, almost traffic-free, route along quiet side roads, cycle lanes and through tranquil London parks and Commons, with some interesting and well-known landmarks to view along the way. These included: Brixton Windmill, Herne Hill Velodrome, the Royal Observatory, and the Cutty Sark.

Lunch was at the Dog and Bell pub in Deptford, a popular pub, which offered fresh food and a good choice of drinks plus a chance to sit outside (under large umbrellas) to avoid the rain and a heavy lunch time shower.

After a substantial lunch and a break in the weather, we set off on the afternoon ride following a route through Bermondsey (passing Millwall Football Club), Camberwell, Brixton, Clapham Common and Wandsworth Common to Earlsfield. Chris left the group for home at Clapham Common leaving the remainder of the group to ride along the Wandle Trail from Earlsfield to Merton Abbey Mills and then to Merton Hall Park to complete the ride.

After a well-deserved cup of tea and cake at Morden Hall Park, the group split and went our separate ways home.

Many thanks to Paul for planning a beautifully quiet route through busy parts of London, and to Alice, Karl, Chris and Mick for a really enjoyable day in good company. Thanks also to Mick for back marking (and navigation support when needed) and to Chris for providing interesting information and history about the local areas along the route. A great day out.

 

A shared dampness on the Meridian