All Day Ride to West Horsley Saturday 9th August 2025

The weather was perfect on Saturday 9th August for the "beginners" all day Saturday ride to West Horsley.  

The turn out was good with 19 riders in total out on the scenic lanes of the North Downs.

Alan's group left first with Alice, Karl and a trio of James'. Paul and Maggie having their 17 yr old grandson out for the day.

Rob's elite team of faster riders soon overtook Alan and were on their way up the first ascent of Epsom Downs, with Paul and Justine, Peter and John and Kasumi to keep him on his toes.  I am grateful to Rob for grasping the challenge of sub leading and reccying the ride before Saturday.  It meant we could have three groups more evenly balanced.

Rob's Elite! 

My group of lovely ladies, Kirsten, Carolyn,  Lilian, Helen and Karen were soon joined at Walton on the Hill by expectant Granma Dawn (baby safely delivered later in the day). We lingered over our coffees before setting off towards the small remaining inclines that would bring us to the top of Box Hill and some fabulous views.

Steph's group 

We were soon down the zigzags and heading slowly up the beautiful path across the Vineyard at Denbies. Making way for the popular train meant we had plenty of time to stop and admire the views across Dorking and in the distance the faint outline of Leith Hill tower.

All too soon we were across the top of Ranmore and a warm welcome and tasty Thai food awaited us at the Barleymow. Alan's group were still there so some intermingled and catch up accompanied the delicious food.

Alan's group at lunch

Afternoon tea was taken at NT Claremont where the ice cream is very good. Dawn, Lilian and Kirsten had turned off earlier for Effingham and Leatherhead. Well done Kirsten for riding all day with a very limited range of gears.

Another good day out on a bike.

By Steph W

Report for the 2-o-clock ride on 9 August

 

From Stuart Allen

Report for 14:00 ride on 09/08/25

I was unable to go on the All Day ride today due to family commitments but I was able to go on the 14:00 ride. I suspected that it could be a leisurely ride so I opted to take the heaviest of my four bikes. When I got to the Mansion House in Nonsuch Park, there were a few cyclists there already including Sue, who I had bumped into earlier in the week in Worcester Park. She told us that since she and I met, she’d lost the sight in her right eye! Her vision had returned a little but it was blurry and she was due to have an operation on Monday to improve things. There was also a lady there called Jenny. She was from a CTC group in the South West and was visiting relatives in Mitcham. She sussed out our group and came along for a ride.  Alas, her chain had broken and we were unable to fix it. She may ride with us in the future. 

Youngsters ready to depart Nonsuch on the shorter ride

I offered to lead the ride and asked if there were any preferences for the destination. The consensus seemed to be Eight on the River at East Molesey, as we know a fairly flat course. Five of us set off out of Nonsuch Park but by the time we got to the Sparrow Farm Road exit, there was already consternation about the state of the path, which is lethal for cyclists in a few places. They've recently "improved" the path and it’s mostly OK but there are about three stretches where the shale has not been compacted and your wheels slip about all over the place. On behalf of CTC, I am going to report it to Hannah, who is a local councillor at Epsom and Ewell Council and lives in my road, to see if we can get it fixed. (I’ve got form having recently got double yellow lines extended by Sutton Council at a junction near where I live where there have been two accidents.)

Anyway, we continued our ride and I was right about the pace being leisurely. As we know, the speed we go at is dictated by the slowest rider in the group. Before we got to Worcester Park we’d lost our backmarker who'd decided to go his own way. Then there were four. I decided to forgo a backmarker and just kept an eye on the back of the group. I made my way to a cycle path that runs alongside the Kingston to Raynes Park railway, a lovely path free of traffic. We turned off just before the A3 and rode along the A3 slip road to the Robin Hood Gate of Richmond Park. Straight on and out through Ham Gate, then over Teddington Bridge. I’d decided to ask the group whether we still wanted to go to Eight or alternatively, The Pheasantry in Bushey Park or the Flying Cloud, just next door to where we stopped. We were worried that Eight would close at 16:00 and, as it was then about 15:30, we decided to go to the Flying Cloud. Grant, who will be 89 shortly but was by no means the slowest in the group on his “classic” bike, kept us amused by showing us pictures his father had taken of the previous Teddington Bridge in the 1920s! He has numerous bikes, the oldest being built in 1951, the year I was born!

We continued back on the “usual” route through Bushey Park, Hampton Court, Thames Ditton, Long Ditton, up Ditton Hill, Tolworth, Old Malden, Worcester Park and back to Nonsuch Park. I told the group in Bushey that I was going to give it some welly and that I’d see them at the exit of the park. I rode hard and got round the big roundabout near the exit and only one got to the exit before me. By the end, it was about 17:30. An enjoyable ride in lovely weather.

Tales from the Riverbank; Nonsuch short ride 2 August

 

By Steve H.

 

With the long ride going to Stoke D’Abernon on Saturday afternoon, the Famous Five of Phillip, John, Sue, Karen and myself leading set off for a riparian adventure along the Wandle Trail. We left Nonsuch under rather gloomy skies and made our way through Cheam past the Red Lion pub (no stopping!) to cross the A217 dual carriageway, mercifully clear in both directions for once. Thence along the bottom of Sutton to view the scenic bus garage, across Angel Hill at the traffic lights and up past All Saints Church, Benhilton. A campanologist friend tells me that this church contains one of the few rings of bells in the neighbourhood, a peal of eight at which he has done the honours on occasions.

From there along All Saints Road with me trying to remember which of the four left hand turnings was the right one, Wood something or other. Ah yes, with Woodend duly selected we carried on up to Grenell Road and onto the path across Rosehill Park East. I understand that this was one of the first bike paths created in the borough and the open space gives a good view to the south-west. This leads to St Helier Hospital where we crossed over to Robertsbridge Road which represents ‘top of climb’. The odd thing is that the route then leads you slightly downhill to Poulter Park and the River Wandle, it always feels to me as though the river is too high up at this point and that we haven’t descended enough.

The River Wandle used to be an industrial sewer with all the factories and dye works along its banks but with the demise of such activities and a general clean-up it now resembles a clear chalk stream in places. People fish along it these days, we passed one chap trying his luck although we didn’t enquire whether he had caught anything.

The ride took us along the river heading towards Hackbridge where the path runs through the beautiful Community Garden; a kind lady took a group photograph of us there among the flowers and ornaments.

In Claudio Funari's Community Garden

Following the river upstream brought us to Carshalton Grove and the outdoor Sassis café where we ran into Paul and Maggie, metaphorically speaking. They were with their grandchildren, the lure of ice cream and mini golf had obviously proved irresistible, to the kids of course.

Another ride leader photobombs

Suitably refreshed, we left Paul and his grandson competing for the Augusta Green Jacket while we crossed Carshalton High Street to make our way back towards Cheam, taking on the climb up Wales Avenue with myself leading gallantly from the back (way back…).

Sue and I were the last survivors when we reached the Mansion, ironically in warm sunshine, but a good time was had by all with lashings of tea and cake into the bargain.

All-Day Ride 9th August

From Steph Sat 9th Aug - all day ride leaving Nonesuch at 9.30. Coffee at Walton on the Hill Lunch/picnic at Rykas PM through the vineyards and across the top of Ranmore to descend to Cafe Barbara for tea. Return to Nonesuch via Esher and Thames Ditton/Berrylands. All welcome please PM me if you wish to come. Thanks Sue B and Dawn, got you 🚴🏼‍♀️🚴🏼‍♀️ Steph 07909 774234

Easy Ride to The Horton; from Nonsuch Park 26 July

by Roger P

On a warm Saturday afternoon that had a threat of rain about it, there was the usual melee around the Mansion as friends met and chatted, querying – “where do we go today”. While those who had read the list suggested the long ride go to Wimbledon Park or Nork and Banstead. Neither of these held any charm for me so I was relieved when “The Horton” was suggested as a short ride.

I had driven to a concert at The Horton last year and realised it was very easy to get to from  Horton Lane, but I considered there must be a more interesting route avoiding fast main roads, so a few weeks earlier,  I had  dredged my memory to piece together a route from scraps of remembered rides and set out to explore an offroad  route and quiet streets that would take us somewhere near “The Horton”. 

We did in the end find it after much exploring of dead end streets and crescents and closes and rewarded ourselves with a coffee and cake. More importantly we had recorded our confused wanderings on” Bee Line”, in the hope we could at least use it next time to plot a route through the housing estates.

Now, eleven intrepid explorers, including one or two brave souls who had survived the previous attempt to find The Horton, decided to risk coming with me. We exited Nonsuch onto the A24 and turning right at Bourne Hall carried on up over the railway line and on to Chessington Rd.  I remembered that the key to finding the entry to the bike track through Chessington Road Recreation Ground was to look for the pedestrian crossing immediately before it, and sure enough just past it on the left was  a  close marked Bakers Field and alongside it the path that eventually, after crossing Hook Road, the track develops into a shared bike and pedestrian pavement alongside Chantilly way.

Cycling alongside Chantilly way, the left turn to Longrove Road can easily be missed, but this short road leads directly to the roundabout at the entrance of Longrove Park.  The path divides soon after entry.  We took the left fork onto the designated bike route around the edge of the park which had the advantage of being well away from the skate park and playground and associated pedestrians and dogs.

The route exits the park via the gate at the far end and continues alongside the site of what was once the mental hospital complex now replaced and repurposed by new housing developments.  What is visible today is only a small part of what had been a place where tens of thousands of patients lived out, all too often, their whole lives.

 As the long stay mental hospitals were phased out in the 1980’s many of the  buildings  were demolished and their extensive grounds were sold off for development and became a golf course,  parks and open spaces interspersed with a mix of  substantial hospital accommodation redeveloped into high quality apartments and housing  with low rise housing packed into in a mix of crescents and closes all looking remarkably similar and linked by service roads and roundabouts.

The cycle track from the park passes the Abbots Avenue playground, ending at one of the many roundabouts. We paused here to consider our next move. Instinct and previous attempts to work out the location of The Horton indicated that it was to our right and slightly behind us.

We decided to defer to technology and” Bee Line” was consulted which confirmed the general direction of the target, so we turned into Cavell Way looking for a road through the estate that would take us to Horton Lane.  After only one dead end we did find a way through to Abbots Avenue once more and soon after had sight of the roundabout by Horton Crescent. As we drew nearer signage pointed us to Haven Way and the fenced compound containing the repurposed chapel that is “The Horton”.      We entered the compound and secured the bikes at the newly installed cycle racks there.

Those who had never visited “The Horton” were captivated by its transformation from what had been the main place of worship for the massive hospital complex into a café, display space and performance area.  

The café does good coffee cakes and even hot meals and customers can make use of the superb facilities or sit at a café table and admire the sensitivity the buildings preservation and the simplicity of its sympathetic transformation complete with original organ pipes, pulpit and tiled floor.

We sat outside where it was cooler and enjoyed coffee and cakes while one or two of us popped back indoors to read the information panels about the history of the one time mental hospital complex and learn about the patients and why so many mental health colonies were created around Epsom and Chessington.

Taken by Paul

The return ride was both quick and easy. Turning right out of The Horton’s car park we retraced our steps to Abbot’s Road and entered the cycle track at Horton Lane. There followed an easy downhill ride down to the Hook Road roundabout. We took advantage of the pedestrian controlled crossing to get to the cycle track alongside Hook Road until it intercepted the track from Chessington Recreation field. We turned into the track and retraced our route to the exit marked” Bakers Field” at Chessington Road and retraced our route back to Nonsuch via Spring Street and the A24.

 A comfortable and easy short ride of not quite ten miles.

The Great Escape; Cretaceous Park Beginners to Elmers End 19 July.

Over fifty years ago, when we were first married, Maggie and I used to live on Crystal Palace Park Road and I wrote to the council then that the security arrangements at Crystal Palace Park were completely inadequate for the beasts kept there.  They seemed to think I was some kind of fruitcake when I told them their so-called-extinct Dinosaurs were playing possum and you could see by the fact that they were millimetres out of the previous day's position that they became active at night and those puny fences would never keep them out should they get adventurous.  Even the Raving Loony Party candidate of the time would not give me the time of day.  

Well, the councillors have moved on, the Raving Loony Party would no longer be PC, and Maggie and I moved away a while ago.  But when you have been living nocturnally one hundred and fifty thousand times longer than Dracula, fifty years is not even an instant, and this week my apocalyptic prediction has materialised.  The dinosaurs have escaped.  The horror can be seen on Anna's face as she fails to differentiate between a herbivorous monster and a carnivorous one.  Anyway, she might be right.  It's a little-known fact that Stegosaurus killed as many humans as did Tyrannosaurus.

We could not get out of Cretaceous Park fast enough, Dominika, Maggie, Anna, Roger and me.

It's behind you, it's behind you

It had been throwing it down most of the morning but we had a dry run in reasonably pleasant though increasingly muggy weather, using the Greenwich route of last week to get to Elmers End, and the Addiscombe Park and Lloyd Park route to get back.  No monsters in those places.

A modest, enjoyable ride.

But steer clear of Beddington; the fences there are no better than those at Crystal Palace.

The Greenwich Concerto. All Day Ride 12 July 2025

This year’s Greenwich Ride was conducted in a heatwave though in the morning especially there was a deceptively refreshing breeze.  We had a few last minute drop-outs (Frank, get well soon after your spill) but a couple of late joiners, too.  There was plenty going on elsewhere (a Way of the Roses ride just starting, a Guernsey trip just ended) and some were put off by the heat forecast, but we had a turnout of sixteen riders and rode in three groups.

Group 1 leader Julie writes

The first group set off promptly from Beddington Park in an attempt to get ahead of the intense heat of the day. In my group was Linda, Sue B, Rob, and Stuart who was my back marker. Ayla cafe was delightful as was the lunch stop at the floral Dog and Bell in Deptford. Linda enjoyed the nostalgic ride through Wandsworth passing her childhood school and tennis club. Everyone enjoyed the ride despite the heat. Linda and I were the last ones standing as we stopped for tea at MED cafe in Merton Abbey Mill before heading for home and a cool shower

Group 2 leader Tim writes

Mad dogs and Englishmen (and CTC cyclists) go out in the midday sun !

The recent heatwave and forecast of further high temperatures did nothing to deter a good number of eager enthusiasts to gather at Beddington Park to start today’s adventure to Greenwich.  

My group consisting of Ian, Sharon, Jackie, Alyson and back-marker Andy headed out towards the metropolis of Croydon then out on calmer treks through suburban streets and green spaces to our first pitstop of the day at Ayla cafe in Kent House. Suitably refreshed we headed out via Catford and Lewisham then made our ascent to Blackheath and across to Greenwich Park to admire the clear and spectacular view of the city across the river. There was quite a carnival atmosphere amid craft stalls and live music.  

After a few customary photos we headed down to Greenwich to admire the Cutty Sark by the riverside. Following the river we soon reached our lunchtime stop at the ‘Dog and Bell’ at Deptford. Good food was promptly served as we sat outside surrounded by an impressive floral display. 

Our afternoon ride took us further along the river and parkland at Rotherhithe then Bermondsey, London Bridge and a very crowded Borough Market. At this stage Ian peeled off to make his own way home by train and the group became temporarily split. Soon reunited we continued along the Southbank, across Westminster Bridge and through Parliament Square to follow a well marked cycle path to Battersea Bridge and into the park.  The shade of the trees and relaxed atmosphere made for a good opportunity to rest and recharge our batteries. The final leg took us via Clapham, Wandsworth and Earlsfield where we picked up and followed the river Wandle to our final destination at Merton Abbey Mills. 

Thanks to everyone who made today’s ride a success and enjoyable experience both in planning and execution. It’s always a pleasure to lead a ride with cyclists who are keen, enthusiastic and good company. A good day had by all !

Group leader Paul writes

The Annual Greenwich Concerto is in five movements.  For my quintet, bringing up the rear with Paul G, Justine, Ken and Maggie, the first movement from Beddington to Kent House, was Allegro Moderato, though apparently not quite moderato enough, because we caught Tim’s sextet, riding  Adagietto, at Kent House Station.

The traditional coffee stop there was closed but this had become obvious during the recces so I had arranged with Ayla on Kent House Road, to ship in some more cakes.  Vitally and unlike our old haunt, Ayla is in the shade in late morning, and Violeta worked her socks off and succeeded in serving us quickly.

The second movement, The Ravensbourne, is Adagio, and majestic on a sunny summer’s day.  The easy cadence sets you up perfectly for Simon’s cadenza through Lewisham and then the closing crescendo up to Blackheath, and the magnificence of its concluding cabaletta.  As Wordsworth wrote from a different vantage point two and a quarter centuries ago, Earth has not anything to show more fair than the view that General Wolfe, the hero of Quebec, now gazes upon in perpetuity.  The music festival there on Saturday did nothing to detract.

The Third movement, really nothing more than an Intermezzo in brisk Vivace, takes you past St Alphege (where Wolfe is buried) and the Cutty Sark and Peter (Little Head) the Great to the Dog and Bell in Deptford, one of the great pubs.  On a good day with kitchen-produced food and decently-priced ale some would say the D&B is the sixth movement of the concerto.  Jackie’s cheeseboard was a wonder.  I am no Wordsworth and will let the flowers speak through Sue’s camera.  We lingered, partly because Tim and his sextet would have lingered until nightfall had I not caught his eye with a bit of signalling and they were supposed to be ten minutes in front of us.

Andy doesn't get his thumb in his photos!

A wondrous cheeseboard

"........and another thing about the Brompton."

The fourth movement  is in three parts, the balletic dance through the shaded gardens that were once Canada and Russia Docks, the Vivacissimo along the river to Battersea, and these two separated by the chaotic homage to Stockhausen that is cycling through Borough Market on a summer Saturday.  So difficult to play that the sextet broke up and we came across their remnants busking in Southwark.  Tim appeared to be phoning his agent.

In many ways, after such inspiration, the final movement, the fifth, can turn into a bit of a plodding deciso, but the finale is rescued by the peaceful diminuendo of the Wandle Trail.

Well played, my quintet; thanks for back marking, Maggie.  A satisfying pleasure to have performed with you all.

And special thanks to Julie and Tim for giving up the time for recces and leading.

All Day Ride to Greenwich, order of play

 Here are the groups for Saturday's ride.

The forecast temperatures are high, though there will allegedly be a north easterly breeze. 

Please cover yourself in sun cream, bring plenty of water as well as a spare inner tube, cover your head and remember all day to wait in the shade, not in the sun.

Because of the heat we are not returning through Camberwell and Brixton, but along the river.  Much of the morning route, and all three victualing stops, are in shade.  Leaders please stop for drinks breaks.

If anyone is overheating, there is an opportunity to get a train home from London Bridge (three quarters of an hour after lunch), Blackfriars, or Waterloo.  Just tell your leader and they can point out the stations, which are very close to the route.

Tim Gibbons will leave North Cheam crossroads at 9.15 promptly to lead those meeting there to Beddington Park.  Lorraine, Stuart and Dawn have each told me they will start from Cheam but you don't need a ticket, Tim will lead anybody who has gathered and wants to be on the ride.

My understanding is that everyone else is making their own way to Beddington Park Pavilion Cafe from where the ride departs.

Coffee will be at Ayla on Kent House Road (about 1 hour).  Lunch at the Dog and Bell in Deptford (a further 1.5 hours including a stop at the Greenwich Observatory).  Tea at the hut in Battersea Park (1.5 hours after leaving lunch).  Those that need should also be able to get a drink at MED in Merton Abbey Mills, the finish (a final 1 hour), before going home.

Group 1 led by Julie 07803 005516, depart 10am

Bernadette (joining en route)

Linda

Sue B

Rob

Group 2 led by Tim G 07756 961505, departing at +10mins

Ian P

Andy C

Sharon

Jackie

Lorraine

Group 3 led by Paul J 07718 753234, departing at +20 mins

Maggie

Ken

Stuart

Alyson

provisional Dawn + Kirsten

The route is here.

Greenwich Ride 2025 final route 33.1 mi, +957 ft. Bike ride in London, England

Thanks everyone; see you tomorrow

Paul & Maggie

Invitation to join the 2025 All Day Ride to Greenwich

 The 2025 All Day Ride to Greenwich is next Saturday, 12 July.

We will travel up the popular and traditional route across South Norwood Country Park for coffee at Kent House.  Then along the Ravensbourne River to Lewisham, then the short climb up to the Black Heath, and from there the glide to the Observatory.  We descend to the Cutty Sark, then travel south of the Thames to lunch at the Dog and Whistle.  We continue up river through the Docklands, Borough Market, Westminster and Vauxhall to tea in Battersea Park.  Home via Clapham and Wandsworth Commons, Earlsfield and the Wandle Trail to the official finish (and more tea if you want it) at Merton Abbey Mills.  Everybody who needs it will be led back from there towards the start, or towards their homes.  

The final route will be available as a gpx file after the next recce on Wednesday.

Beddington Park to Merton Abbey Mills is 33 miles (55 Km).  On the afternoon route we pass the front door of London Bridge Station and within 800yds of Blackfriars and Waterloo Stations, so those who are too warm or too worn can get the train home from there.

We start from the Pavilion Cafe in Beddington Park at 10 am.  Those who live further west and have no A to Z will be picked up at 9.15 from the south east corner of the crossroads in North Cheam ( where Malden Road crosses London Road) and led to Beddington Park.

You are invited to join the ride.  If you wish to come please let me know on Paulandrewjames1949@yahoo.co.uk by midnight Thursday.  You will be sorted into groups of a size which can be safely led through the town centres and will cause minimal annoyance to park users and tourists we encounter.  Also I need to know numbers because the morning coffee stop is not a huge cafe and may need to get in adequate provisions the day before.

Finally, I could do with another leader.  Anybody who is on the leaders list, and planning to come, and can make the recce on Wednesday please let me know.

Paul (and Maggie)    

A long short ride on a cool hot day; Nonsuch to Molesey 5 July

If we thought the rain might put people off we were mistaken; despite the absence of regulars on several adventures of their own, we had thirteen turn up at Nonsuch Mansion.  Trouble was, we had only two leaders so the choice on offer was limited to two.  Steve W had come all the way back from South West Iberia to lead a ride (where else with Steve?) up Box Hill.  My original intention had been to follow the programme and offer a short ride to Merton up the route perfected by the (absent) Diane but I have never ridden that, and though Diane was kind enough to send Maggie the gpx route I am not confident about leading a route I have not recced and when one of the punters suggested Eight on the River at Molesey I jumped at the chance, and that was where we went despite having one Nonsuch debutante and one returnee from long term injury.  Stuart, Ian and Rob went with Steve and that left me with nine. 

We had to take a detour around the path works in Nonsuch Park but other than that it all went well at a steady Saturday short ride pace until Sharon had a puncture at the top of Ditton Hill, a fact of which I was informed only after we had got well past the bottom.  I needed the hill practice.  In fact, Sharon's tyre, re-inflated, held out until the Rowing Club.  Short staffed, slow (but pleasant) service and we had to sit outside because they were closing.  Still, outside on the terrace overlooking the river on a muggy day with a hot cup of tea and a nice cake was not at all unpleasant.

Despite two offers of repair by extraordinarily handsome men, Sharon opted to cycle to Balfes in Kingston to have her inner tube replaced, so there are only eight of us in the picture, taken by a press-ganged passer-by.

We made our way home by the Weston Green - Surbiton route and peeled off one by one as folk felt confident that they knew where they were.

A decent ride, nearly 50 Km door to door for Maggie and me, not too hot, not too wet.

Thanks everyone for your company. 

From Beddington Park to face the music; Beddington Beginners on Midsummers Day

The daytime temperatures had been oscillating around the 30 degree mark for a week and the weatherperson promised the hottest day of the year.  Sure enough it was so sultry in the morning that Maggie's walk was called off but for the few ready to try a ride in the heat it began to cloud over by two-o-clock.  

I had other worries; at Beddington Park I could not dismount, my left foot permanently affixed to my pedal as the cleat would not disengage.  Was I to be stuck on my bike forever?  We planned to visit the Wallington Music Festival after the ride; I supposed I could watch from my bike.  But even damnation is poisoned with rainbows; I would not have to go to see the Bridget Jones film that evening.  But sleep?  And going to church tomorrow?  Well, I would be able to get there alright, but we're a bit traditional for me to go riding in to my stall in the choir.  While the Beddington Parkers chatted on I bent down and undid the lace on my shoe, dismounting with a stockinged foot.  Still could not budge the shoe until with one final wrench, off it came.  Phew!  Put it on again, re-mount, stuck again.  

So with old timers Anna, Roger, Sharon and newcomer Dominika all expecting a ride, Maggie had to take on the leadership of the ride while I cycled up to Wallington Cycles and, literally, into the shop and up to the counter.  They told me I just had some screws loose, but Maggie has been telling me that for years.

Meanwhile the astraphobics had overcome their decidophobia (if not their hippopotomonstros-esquipodaliophobia) and opted for an old favourite, not visited since last week.  But this was a different starting point and, best of all, they were going to ride the official route back to front, which is difficult on a bicycle.

So off they set up the Wandle Trail and off I set back to Wallington.  Problem diagnosed, screws adjusted, I chased them as the warm rain began to fall but only caught up at M.E.D itself, to be met by Anna with a cheery smile and a "We sat out here but it was too wet, so we went inside but it was too hot so now we're sitting out the back where some bloke is wailing into a microphone so you can't hear yourself speak".  A good time was being had by all, then.

She proved right, on all counts, so I supped my iced coffee and half a ginger and pumpkin cake and mounted the steed to lead the group back along the way we usually come.  It is strange riding a familiar route in reverse; hills you did not know were hills, one way streets to be circumnavigated, but we all got back to Beddington Park from where Anna and Roger led Dominika back to Sutton and Maggie and Sharon and I went to the music festival, which was a lot better than the lad in M.E.D had been.

We forgot to take a photo on the ride, but here we are at Wallington Music Festival.

Eat your heart out, Glastonbury.

And we went home and I dismounted without incident.  O Joy, O Rapture.  But for every downhill there's a climb; I had to go and watch Bridget Jones.

All in all we ended up having a nice easy ride in each other's easy company.  We certainly look forward to welcoming Dominika again. 

Cycle Maintenance course

Cycle Maintenance Course We are organising a cycle maintenance course, covering brakes and chains on Monday 21st July in Bushy Park, meeting at 10.30hrs at the Pheasantry Cafe. If you would like to register for attendance please email me at d.jackson49@aol.co.uk Jennie

All Day ride to Greenwich on 12 July

I am looking for group leaders, please, for the All Day ride to Greenwich.  I will be riding my first recce on Monday 23 June, and at least one further recce nearer the date.  Is anyone able to help?  Please contact me on Paulandrewjames1949@yahoo.co.uk.

 

Lazin' on a Sunny Afternoon; Nonsuch shorter ride to Merton Abbey Mills 14 June

Some Saturday riders had left at 9.30 for an All Day adventure to Worthing, and a couple of them were about to experience an all-evening return ride.  We therefore expected numbers to be down at 2-o-clock but a fair old few gathered at the Mansion, including some old friends and some new; John B, Tony H, Pip and Maggie came to the meet even though they were not going out for the ride.  It was a first time for Isabel.  Malcolm and Pip were visiting from New Zealand and Malcolm was trying to get some miles in his legs to prepare him for the Tri-Vets for which he has signed up next Wednesday; he had already been out last Wednesday and on Friday. 

Photo by Malcom's sister Pip.

I was standing in for Tony to lead the short ride, scheduled for Oaks Park but instead destined for MED at Merton Abbey Mills, and Steve W turned up to lead a longer ride to Eight on the River at Molesey; impressive, as he had ridden a ton on Wednesday to Shoreham and back.

Steve took his group off first and we let them clear the park before the eight of us followed; Helen T, Sharon, Mike, Philip, Malcolm, Anna and Roger joining me through Worcester Park, Green Lane, Morden Cemetery and past Cannon Hill Common.  It was a glorious day, improved by a strong breeze that required more energy to ride into but provided a welcome draught to keep us cool.  It was tempting to stop and watch the cricket in the Joseph Hood recreation ground, and it's a pretty ride past John Innes Park through Church Lane in Merton Park and then through South Wimbledon.  All at a leisurely pace appropriate for those of us with a relaxing Saturday afternoon on our agenda. 

There were surprisingly few people about on the roads and we nearly had the MED cafe to ourselves.  There, after a naughty but scrummy pumpkin and ginger cake, we split up.  I went back along the Wandle Trail with the Sutton/Purley residents and Helen was up for leading the occidentals Cheamwards and went with Philip in that direction.  Mick went straight home.

Photo by Paul

Thanks to everyone for the splendid company, and to Helen for back-marking and taking Philip homewards (or was it Philip showing her his scenic route?).

   

Invitation to All Day Ride to Worthing on 14 June

 

From Alan C

 

You are invited to join the All-Day Beginners Ride on Saturday 14th June.

 

The ride will go from Nonsuch Park to Worthing - taking a quiet route via Epsom Downs, Walton-on-the Hill, Bookham, Newdigate, Horsham, Partridge Green, Shoreham-by-Sea and Worthing.

 The return journey will be by train from Worthing to East Croydon. We will ride from East Croydon to Nonsuch Park along the Wandle Trail to finish the day.

The ride will start at 9.00 and return around 6.00pm. The route is around 100 kilometres (62 miles) in length which includes the ride from East Croydon to Nonsuch Park. The mileage between Nonsuch Park and Worthing is 84 kilometres (52 miles).

It is a beautiful, undulating route with two hills. There is also a short gravel section with loose stones between Steyning and Shoreham-by-Sea. We will take the cycle path along the coast from Shoreham to Worthing.

Our morning break will be at the Tanhurst Farm Café, Newdigate (17 miles) and we will have lunch at the Partridge Pub, Partridge Green (35 miles). We will stop for tea beside the sea at Worthing at the end of the ride before getting the train back to East Croydon.

If you would like to join the ride please let me know by Thursday 12th June at 12 noon at the very latest. This will enable me to organise any sub-leaders that may be necessary and inform the pub how many people will be coming.

 

Please message Alan DIRECTLY on WHATSAPP on 07768 941897. I will send the groups and start times on Friday. Please note that numbers may be limited.

The scenic route to Stoke; Nonsuch Moderates 31 May

Saturday was a beautiful sunny day and there was a good attendance at Nonsuch Mansion, so it seemed ideal that we were able to run three rides.  Karen had stepped in for Diane to take the shorter ride along the Wandle Trail and eleven of us went to Stoke D'Abernon, four in Steve W's fast group and seven in my more moderately paced one.

We were not to know but Karen's ride came to a very premature end when she suffered a spill and had to be escorted home once the crew of a passing ambulance crew had checked her over.

We, meanwhile, were taking the scenic route to Stoke.  Unless you take a huge diversion there is no avoiding Rushett Lane through Malden Rushett but we got there past the old hospitals through Manor Park and we left Rushett Lane to go North and then West through the Crown Estate grounds on Stokesheath Road and Sandy Lane and ultimately South West on Leigh Hill Road.

The route has much to recommend it; almost traffic free, attractive countryside; but it is longer than the usual route through the Birds Hill Estate and along Blundel Lane and those who regard it as less hilly (always a consideration on Saturday) are mistaken; there are no tough hills as such but it includes quite a distance of upward undulation.  

Six of the Secret Seven on the bridge over the railway on Stokenchurch Lane

Part of the reason for going to Stoke and not the advertised destination (Cobham) was to test out the new owners at Cafe Barbera's.  The verdict?  Less welcoming and slower service but the same standard of cake and sunshine.

We came home past the Chelsea FC training area and Leatherhead Cemetery and over Ashtead Common.  A pleasant ride out and door-to-door 52Km a decent length ride for a Saturday afternoon.  Thanks to Maggie for back marking and to everyone else for your company. 

Minutes of the 2025 AGM

 The minutes of the 2025 AGM held on Wednesday 14 May at Long Ditton Village Hall are now available via the club Information Hub and the hyperlinks below.

Minutes of the 2025 AGM

Minutes of the 2025 AGM Appendix A (Annual and Treasurers Reports)

Thank you to all attendees, not only for attending but also for generous help in setting up and clearing away afterwards.

Following a brief poll via the club WhatsApp groups, the consensus was to rebook the same venue for Wednesday 13 May 2026. Hopefully this booking will not get lost or cancelled between now and then.

Gathering recuits in a mishmash of metaphors. Nonsuch short ride to Ashtead, 24 May.

 

Monday, May 26, 2025

Gathering recruits in a mishmash of metaphors. Nonsuch short ride to Ashtead, 24 May.

By Paul

Garson's Farm was the scheduled ride today.  As usual, Steve W and "the lads" (they wish!) would want to power off chasing the sun, so our plan was to turn up at Nonsuch and offer a ride more aptly paced for those not in the mood for PBs.  I had it all in my mind but when we arrived there was a fair gathering, a newcomer (Chris), a first-time returner (Phil) and a few who were hoping for a more modest ride than Steve would offer and there was no-one to lead a short ride, so I agreed with Steve that he would adventure to Esher and the mythical lands beyond and Maggie and I would take a shorter ride within the safety of the Shire, just.  Venturing just as far as the Old Forest at Ashtead, in fact.

Sue B decided she was going to be one of the lads this week and thus eight of us set forth, politely picking our way betwixt the children and the dogs in a none-too-warm Nonsuch Park.  The usual route, risk assessed many moons ago by Shirley and Colin as ideal for Beginners, is through Ewell Village, skirting south of Epsom and up past the hospital to Pleasure Pit Lane.  There were some in our group who felt a bit breathless after Wilmerhatch Lane but they had all climbed it in pretty decent time so when they sought the leader's assurance that there were no more hills, he changed the subject.

Coffee in Ashtead High Street was pleasant but try as we might we could not embarrass existing customers into moving so we could sit together.  And then who should turn up but Sue B, a deserter from Steve's marauders.  Tired of chasing distant shadows, despite that they all waited for her, she had switched allegiances before crossing the Rubicon (ie descending into Claygate) and come to join a more leisurely group.

So we were ten in number for our homeward run through Ashtead Common (where I took the picture with Sue holding my bike), Epsom and Ewell; Colin, Ken, Kristen, Roger, Maggie, Anna, Chris, Phil and Sue B. 

Just as forecast, the weather warmed up a bit in the afternoon and then went cool again after some of us had shed a layer, but that was about the sum total of our problems, so it was, I think, a reasonably happy band who returned to Nonsuch, all the better for a couple of hills.  40 kilometres for me, door to door.  

Getting fit and Branching Out; Beddington Beginners 17 May

Saturday was a beautiful day for cycling and we arrived at Beddington Park delighted to find a newcomer, Robin, waiting to join us.  Between us we were recovering from a hand injury, pnuemonia and heart problems so we had planned something fairly easy and Robin, who used to ride with Addiscombe but had not been on a bike since Covid Lockdown, was happy to go along with that, so Elmers End it was.  Anna, the one fit one among us, approves of the coffee at Branching Out, the excellent cafe on Eden Park Avenue, so it suited us all.

I had hoped tht Croydon would be deserted for the Cup Final, but Beddington Park was crowded and the access roads jammed with too many cars for the space available.  Why don't people walk to the park anymore?  Although there was plenty of football noise coming from Boxpark as we passed, the streets were quite busy with traffic.  But apart from a couple of places where we have to cross busy roads it's a route through parks and cycleways and quiet sideroads with a few cobbles thrown in, and only a few hundred yards of main road; we had no incidents and a splendid cup of coffee in perfect conditions; al fresco under a tree for shade from a strong sun but with a gently cooling breeze.

You're always glum in photographs, REMEMBER TO SMILE

So we all had a pleasant day out and some of us were more tired than we thought we would be after a modest (and not totally flat) 27 Km.

We hope Robin comes again; it was good to have him along.