Beginners United; Nonsuch to Ashtead, 25 March.

by Paul

Maggie and I arrived a little late on Saturday and we were thinking that perhaps the ride might have left, but although two-o-clock is the official departure time they always wait ten minutes or so in case of latecomers and when we rounded the corner at the cafe they were just ready to depart.

With Steve taken unwell that morning, Colin was the only leader so they were all going together; my arrival meant we had the chance of offering two rides but we opted to stick together.  Ashtead was the programmed short ride and it is just about the longest of the short routes, so it seemed a good idea on a busy day.

Colin led and we avoided unnecessary off-road because of the recent rain, but it became evident on the A24 that, strung out, we were presenting problems for the traffic, and through the multiple lights at Ewell that we would repeatedly be separated, so we rode in two groups to give a gap.

If Ken had not peeled off the back thinking we were going to the Garden Centre, we would have arrived in two groups, as well.  But Maggie went back to find him, supported by Anna, and all turned out well.

On Epsom Common

Tea was in fact at Handley's Cafe in Ashtead and it was nice enough weather (just!) that we could sit together outside.  Home over Ashtead and Epsom Commons, altogether a nice run.  Thanks everyone for the company, thanks Colin for leading and Maggie for back marking.

Reminder - Shirley Quemby's Celebration Service this Thursday 30th March

 The celebration service for Shirley on Thursday will be live streamed/recorded on YouTube at:

Https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INhpPqyMdr0

You will be very welcome at St Paul's Church, Howell Hill, SM2 7HS at 2pm.

Refreshments will follow in the church hall. 

Family flowers only please. Donations may be made to downsyndromeOK and/or Macmillan Cancer Support at the church or via their websites.

Nonsuch Beginners ride to Nork Park and Banstead - 11th March

Having warned the Beginners Riders our route would be mainly uphill until the tea stop I was joined by Lynda, Sharon, Rob, Colin and Tim to enjoy the ride from Nonsuch Park to Banstead.

After cycling through Warren Farm we left the Park by the Bramley Road entrance and rode along West Drive before starting the gentle climb up The Avenue. At the top we turned into Warren Drive and Cuddington Way.

Crossing Banstead Road we continued our steady climb up Higher Drive. The one thing that is good I think about the first part of this route is the opportunity to enjoy viewing the detached houses and gardens and can help riders to forget the steepness of the climb. Crossing over into Nork Village we had a short stretch along Nork Way to allow for a 'breather' before turning into the Bridle Path that runs uphill from Nork Way to The Drive.

 

Resting after the rigours of the Fitness Trail

With our tea stop nearby in Banstead Village we made haste towards the A217 to cross into Garratts Lane and then along the rear of the village to pop out into the High Street by Waitrose. After an enjoyable tea stop in the Lavender Kitchen our route home was downhill all the way via Sutton Lane, Belmont Village, Holland Avenue and into Cheam Village and Nonsuch Park via Mulgrave Road.

Carolyn Graham 

High quality refreshments at the Lavender Kitchen

We climbed to an altitude of 575 feet

Seven Go To Long Ditton; Nonsuch Beginners Ride Saturday 4th March

Having dusted off the original route to Long Ditton, and agreed with Colin that a short cut was probably in order due to the cold weather, six likely lads and lassies followed me out of the Park, through Stoneleigh and off along some seldom used roads through Worcester Park and Old Malden. We arrived without incident at Squires, Long Ditton, where hot drinks and cakes were enjoyed.  

Coming back was a little more off-piste as we agreed to avoid the A3 underpass based on its reputation, and then took a somewhat unexpected route through Hook and Chessington before eventually crossing Ruxley Lane and returning as we ought along the Hogsmill and back once more into Stoneleigh, where we found Linda waiting for us.

Linda, Roger, Ken, Rob, Anna and Maureen emerging from the Stoneleigh railway alley

Thanks to all for coming out on a cold day and to Maureen for Back-marking. 

Invitation to a celebration of Shirley Quemby's life

by Colin

You are warmly invited to a celebration of Shirley's life at St Paul's church, Howell Hill, SM2 7HS

at 2pm on Thursday 30 March

Refreshments will follow in the church hall.

There is a limited amount of cycle parking in the walkway around the church.

The family will have held a committal service earlier in the day.

Family flowers only please.

Donations may be made to downsyndromeOK and/or Macmillan Cancer Support 

at the church or via their websites.

We are investigating the possibility of streaming the service on YouTube.

Colin, Roger, Julia and Marion

River Wandle; Nonsuch Beginners Short Ride 25 February

 

by Roger

The ride had to be fairly short (about 12 miles) in order to get back to Cheam in time for the start of the AGM, so eight of us set out promptly from Nonsuch in weather that varied from “Bracing” to perishing cold.

We took the usual route to Sutton, round the back of the Mansion and out through the main park gates and crossing Cheam High Street, along Love Lane and down Quarry Park Road to James Road then left and along Collingwood to the nether regions of Sutton Bus garage and eventually to The Green and crossing Stayton Road to explore a footpath off Hallmead and eventually emerged opposite All Saints Church.

Along All Saints Road to Aultone way and up into Rose Hill park  and on the newly resurfaced cycle track emerging at the cycle crossing next to St Helier and to the Wandle trail via   Robertsbridge  and Revensby Roads and the path through Poulter Park.

We followed the trail and emerged out onto Mill Lane then into Carshalton Park slipping through the narrow alley by the crazy golf to emerge in Carshalton High Street and a coffee stop. We were made very welcome at the “Spilt Milk” Cafe the proprietor making room for us all and quickly serving us excellent coffee and Cakes.

Paul, Anna, Karen, Colin, Rob, Roger & Maggie at Spilt Milk

With one eye on the time, we set off promptly heading for the foothills of the Surrey Alps. Crossing Carshalton High Street we crossed to Talbot road, used the path next to the dry river bed to gain access to Carshalton Park road and then slowly climbing up to veer left in order to turn up Wales Avenue.

It is here that one discovers the delight of a road that at first sight seems as only as steep as a ski slope, but with roads crossing at right angles causing us to stop and carefully cross each one, before standing yet again on the pedals. We crawled up to Fairview and crossed the railway at Kings Lane and Hillcroome Road until at last the route began to ease and we entered Langley Park Road then Cavendish Road and through to Mulgrave and under the railway bridge to the cut through to the Pelican crossing outside Cheam park. From there it was a short ride to the Prince of Wales on Cheam High Street arriving at the pub at exactly 16.30 as planned to be met by Nigel.  An interesting ride and not as steep as it seems at first glance.