Autumn Almanac. Nonsuch 1-o-clockers to Eight on the River, 8 November

 A perfect day for cycling; the weather clearing to become bright Autumn sunshine, a cool wind mild for November.  Why so few in shorts and short sleeves?

Twenty folk turned up at The Mansion in Nonsuch Park (though one, Steve H, was an hour early for the 2-o-clock show!). Steve was eventually to be joined by nine others so, with Colin doing his own thing, there were twenty eight Saturday riders out on the road.

Steve W took the usual racing crew to Teddington which left me with nine to take at a more modest pace.  The rota suggested Bushy Park or Hampton Court and the popular vote was for Molesey Boat Club, because us South Londoners don't naturally go oop North.

The refusal of at least one of our band to ride the extremely poor surface of the park path towards Sparrow Farm meant we circumnavigated the park to the East in order to get to Worcester Park, but otherwise it was our regular route through Tolworth and Long Ditton.

By the time we got to Old Father, the Boat Club was resplendent in the sunshine and we supped tea outside on the balcony.  I know theirs is a very different, and probably more demanding sport, but I always feel welcome there as a fellow-exerciser.  And the young lady said "Have a nice ride, lads" as we left, so I am definitely going there again.

Nine on the River

The ride home through Molesey, Weston Green and Surbiton was so enjoyable that I did not stop to tip a bucket of waste over the anti-Catholic preacher at Surbiton.  I know it's Guy Fawkes week, but really.....

Second-time rider Saddaf got the bus from Malden Road (she had a folding bike), and after we had seen her safely off it was getting dark; completely so by the time we got home.  So, a healthy 50km door-to-door but we'll have to cut it down a bit as the winter bites deeper.  But otherwise a splendid day out with excellent company.

 

Nonsuch 2-o-clockers to Merton Abbey Mills, 8 November

 By Anne & John Connaughton

Ten riders left Nonsuch along its torturous surface to the London Rd gate. From there it was a familiar route to Worcester Park and we successfully manoeuvred the lights to cross into Green Lane. Leaving the traffic behind we passed by the Riding School and a part of Worcester Park/ Morden that always surprises us with its existence.

The weather was mild, the sun was shining, the Autumn leaves were beautiful- a perfect afternoon for a cycle ride.  We found our way into Morden Park, enjoying the views when we got to the top of the hill, then rejoined the road to Morden.

Before long, we were entering Morden Hall Park. It was busy there with families, dog walkers, other cyclists so we kept a slow pace enjoying the park.  Past Deen City Farm which we were pleased to see was teeming with visitors.  We stopped for coffee at M.E.D in Merton Abbey Mills, most of us finding outdoor seating in the sunshine. Tony and Mark sat indoors.

At M.E.D

Our return route was along the Wandle Trail then up towards St Helier Hospital. Sharon and Steve peeled off as we headed down into Sutton along Grenell Rd and various side roads. We took a route past the bus station and roads well known to us, crossing the A217 to pass the Red Lion pub and back to Nonsuch Park just as the light was fading.

A pleasant ride of 12 miles and a lovely afternoon with Kirsten, Sharon, Karen, Laisim, Kwong, Tony, Mark and Steve.

A ride through the woods; Nonsuch 1-o-clockers shorter ride 1 November

Glory be to God for dappled things.

Gerald Manley Hopkins wrote these lines in 1877, sixty years after the invention of the bicycle, and they came to me today riding through the trees but I decided that the poet could not have experienced the ocular challenge of the dappled road in winter sun, the brilliance temporarily blinding me like a paparazzo's flashbulb a dozen times a minute.

We had a debutante today in the form of Saddaf, Navaid's wife.  Having been persuaded to come to the meeting at the Mansion, she had shied away from coming on the ride itself but we let Stuart lead the speedos out on what sounded like a really intriguing ride to Putney and promised her a modest ride at a modest pace and she came.  I think she was glad she did.  We were glad.

I set out with Anna, Roger, Ken, Jasmine, Navaid, Saddaf, and John B with Maggie backmarking and we used the standard route to Ashtead, modified slightly in the light of John A's Wednesday route, which I rather liked.  Sadly John B's knee caused him to turn home before we climbed by Epsom Hospital, and Jasmine left for home after tea because Walton was in the opposite direction to that we were taking.  And we were blessed with sunny weather, enjoying our afternoon tea and coffee and cake al fresco on Ashtead High Street; I wonder if we will get to do that again before the Spring.

Afternoon tea at Handley's on Ashstead High Street

It was in Ashtead just after the photo was taken that the skies took on a more threatening aspect but a few specks of rain seemed only to add to the charm of the densely leafed autumnal forest paths on John's route through Ashtead and Epsom Commons and we sauntered along exchanging politenesses with the several walkers out in their rain gear.  What a splendid way to spend a Saturday. 

We used the paths behind the old mental hospitals in Horton and returned to Nonsuch through Ewell, and what a relaxing and pleasant ride it turned out to be, what congenial company.  

It was only nearing home that the rain really started and in the cold and dank of another grey evening I regretted my negative attitude to the earlier sunlight.  

Indeed, Glory be to God for dappled things.

Riding in a group

from Paul There was a potentially serious incident last week during one of the rides. Can I remind everyone that riding safely in a group involves an awareness of others and communication between the riders. I ride with all sections of the club and Saturday riders are not particularly good at this. If someone in front signals a hazard, such as a car or a pothole, that message needs to be passed down the line. If the group splits because of an incident, that fact needs to be passed forward to the leader so that he can safely stop. If anyone wishes to stop or to turn, or to slow down, please signal and call out "stopping" or "slowing down" so that those behind can take appropriate action. Try not to stop voluntarily (eg for noises coming from the bike or to blow your nose) in a cycle lane on a busy road; pick a drive or a side turning or somewhere else safe, and signal. Do not ride close to the person in front. In a car you would leave a two second gap; a bike stops less efficiently than a car. If in doubt, please read the ride guidelines on the SW London CTC site; they are brief and quite simple but for the safety and enjoyment of us all.

Richmond to Kew towpath reopening

https://www.facebook.com/lbrut/posts/richmond-to-kew-towpath-reopening-the-thames-towpath-from-richmond-lock-to-kew-g/1468543925046849/#

A Leisurely Ride to Teddington Lock; from Nonsuch, 25 October

 

Report by Roger

The rides to Carshalton and Leatherhead did not appeal to me, so when someone suggested having tea in “the Flying Cloud” we decided to head for Teddington Lock.

Maggie Anna, Sharon Ken and Mark thought coffee at The Flying Cloud was a good idea too and we were joined by Jenny who usually rode with CTC Portsmouth but had ridden with the Saturday riders when she had been in the area previously.

We set off up the track from the Mansion leading out to The London Road and to our dismay, found that it had been dressed with a deep loosely gravelled surface that made for uncomfortable and unstable cycling.

At the park gates Maggie announced that she had suffered a puncture and blamed the new dressing on the path.  Sharon sympathised as that the same path had been responsible for her suffering   two punctures only the week before.

 Maggie decided to abandon the ride and make her way back to the mansion.

We crossed into Sparrow farm road and made our usual way to Cheam Common Road and the junction at Worcester Park.

Stopped on an adverse slope at the lights by the junction with” The Hollands” we pulled away up the incline slowly gaining momentum.

 I was alerted by Anna shouting that someone had come off their bike and on returning found that Jenny had ridden into the back of Sharon who had been forced to slowdown to avoid coming into contact with Ken. Jenny complained of a sore shoulder and a strained neck and  superficial damage to her bike but she was otherwise unhurt.

It was accepted that in this case there was no time to shout a warning of “Stopping” as evasive action took priority. Perhaps the lesson here is to ride with longer gaps between bikes when starting off on inclines, or to ride offset to the bike in front in case they have to stop without a warning.  [* please see comment below]

Jenny opted to abandon the ride and return to the mansion, so Anna accompanied her, saying that she would catch us up later.

So now the seven that started out had reduced to four. We cycled into a headwind with the occasional heavy gusts hinting at the several short showers later

We carried on up the cycle lane on the London road, turning into South Lane through the underpass and turning left at Thetford Road onto Windsor Avenue and past the sportsground and along the trail past Berrylands alongside the Hogsmill and the sewage treatment works to Kingston.

Making use of the signposted cycle routes we made our way to Kingston High Street, turning left before the bridge to ride alongside the riverside walk and parallel to the Thames Path we picked up Barge Walk which for once was not seething with walkers and other cyclists and carried on until it became Three Cranes walk.

We crossed on the suspension bridge next to the weir and made it to a rather quiet “Flying Cloud”. The cakes were as lovely as always and we had barely been handed our coffee when Ken spotted a flash of” Dayglo orange” travelling at speed and a few seconds later Anna joined us having barely broken sweat and extolling the virtue of her Giant “Anytour” electric bike.

As it was by now becoming gloomy and threatening more rain it was decided to take the quickest route back to Kingston, so we exited the Flying cloud and turned immediately left down Ferry Street leading on to and ultimately across on the cycle lane over Kingston bridge. We retraced our steps back to Worcester Park where we went our separate ways. This was a short but eventful ride of about 20 miles which when the sun shone was delightful, especially alongside the river, but at times was a damp reminder that winter is not far off.

Beginners Long Ride 25th October

From Stuart The decision was that the long ride on 25/10 would be to Charlie and Gingers in Leatherhead - we haven't been there for a while. I took the lead. I told the group that I needed to leave early after our stop so someone else should lead on the way back. A large group of 12 including some newbies. A leisurely pace to Leatherhead and good socialising there. Kasumi and Katie (newbie) also needed to leave early and I thought I set a brisk pace on the way back so I was a little surprised that, every time I looked round, both ladies were right with me! Either two very fit ladies or I'm older than I thought ... The others got separated on the way back. Nigel made sure that the stragglers all made it back to Nonsuch Park, well done, Nigel.

1pm start for beginners Long rides from 1st November

Change in Times for Winter Saturday Beginners Long Rides. As agreed at the Beginners AGM 2024 the Saturday ride times have changed for the winter months starting on 1st November.  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 2pm start. Please let anyone know who does not read the blog or WhatsApp group messages.

FIrst Aid Course 11th November

FIRST AID COURSE To all members: We are running another First Aid Course, in the Wimbledon area on Tuesday 11th November, in the morning, we have 8 places available. If you’re interested please contact me by email, d.jackson49@aol.co.uk or by What’sApp. Sorry for the short notice, but we’ve had problems with the venue. More details will follow once we have got them. Looking forward to hearing from you. Yours Jennie J

Beddington Biggles, to Elmers End; Saturday 18 October.

The trusty regulars met for the year's last British Summer Time ride from Beddington Park on Saturday but we had a new member to welcome, who goes by the name of Biggles.  Biggles does not need to join Cycling UK, nor pay a subscription.  Although he never answers back nor comments unfavourably upon our choice of destination Biggles does, it seems, need some careful handling and apparently needs to learn to do as he is told.  But he is a joy and a source of never-ending conversation for his proud owner and, frankly, a source of relief to the rest of us, who have watched his owner stubbornly fight atrial fibrulation up hills which we could see more than he, were no longer advisable on a push bike.  Biggles is, of course, an electric bike, splendidly scratchless in a colour his owner describes (obviously not within earshot of Biggles himself) as "metallic turd".

So; Maggie, Paul, Roger, Anna, Sharon, Ken and Biggles got going (because the temperature was such that one needed not to stand around too long) along a mutually agreed route, safe for one who is used to riding an ancient contraption assembled, like Frankenstein's monster, out of the parts of previous entities and held together by string and elastoplast, to get used to a spanking new state-of-the-art machine with afterburners, an adjustable seat and, I dare say, climate control.  

In short, to Elmers End, where the coffee and cake at Branching Out are so good that I must contrive some day to end a Wednesday ride there.

As if the motorists of Croydon were aware of the significance of the situation, they were all unbelievably helpful, stopping and letting us out, or across, at turn after turn.  And only on Shirley Road did the impatient hoot the driver who delayed them all of twenty seconds in making the generous gesture.

It was a dream, a dream that will be etched into the memory for at least a week.  So enthralled were we all that we nearly forgot to take a photograph.  And what would a ride report be without a proper photograph?  This one taken where the women in the group found a bunch of wild flowers growing.  The colour of Parma Violets.  Cyclamen, apparently.  

Cyclamen (and cyclawomen).  But Biggles was too shy. 

 

 

All Day Ride to Newdigate 11th October

 

All Day Ride to Newdigate, by Karen

 

One of my favourite routes, if not THE favourite, although I still remain unconvinced of the appeal of Pebblecombe…..

 

Steve kindly agreed to lead the faster (and farther) group, first out of the blocks, accompanied by Pablo, Justine, Vanda and Connell. Steve's plan was to crack on to Brockham for coffee.

 

Anne and John led the second group of Lorraine, Jacqui and (from Walton on the Hill), Dawn.  I followed shortly thereafter with Ken, Sue, Domenika, Maggie and Paul.  It was Domenika's first all day ride and she was having some difficulty with her gears initially - thanks to Maggie and Paul for helping out and leading an alternative easier option to Tadworth,  rejoining the rest of our group just before the coffee stop.

 

The advance party at Walton was already tucking in when we arrived. Dawn had already eaten her cooked breakfast and was chomping at the bit.  We managed to distract her with a couple of well-placed cute dogs for a while.

 

We enjoyed the advantage of small groups, not becoming too strung out, and Paul was on hand in my case to keep me apprised (unless there was an appealing steep downhill when it was every man for himself!)

 

Steve's group was enjoying the ride so much, a decision was made to have lunch at Tan House Farm, while the rest of us met at The Surrey Oaks. It was just starting to brighten up so my group opted to eat in the beer garden.

"Yes, we have no bananas"....... No traffic incident on the return leg this year, but we did happen upon a lone cyclist struggling to release his wheel. Paul was able to assist with an allen key set and commenced a deep search of his saddle bag, to find...... a week's supply of bananas! The bananas weren't any help, but eventually the key set was located and the wheel duly released.  Once the groceries were fastidiously re-packed, we were again on our way. 

 

Happily,  the roadworks leading to Old School Lane had cleared, so we managed to avoid the part-gravelled bridleway route. Instead we were greeted by a delightful herd of cows heading in for milking.

 

Domenika was enjoying the ride so much, she declined the offer to peel off at Dorking.  So we cracked on towards Leatherhead where we met Anne and John's group as they were finishing their cake at Lucio's.  I received an update from Steve that they'd decided to take a shortcut home via Box Hill!

 

Anne reported later that she had a lovely day and a great group.  I echo that, and I should also report that no bananas were hurt during the course of this ride, except possibly some slight bruising.

 

All Day Ride to Newdigate from Nonsuch Park - Saturday 11 October

From Karen 

First section of this ride takes us up to Epsom Downs and Tadworth followed by a coffee break at Walton on the Hill.

Once past Dorking Road/Pebblecombe we follow relatively quiet country roads towards Brockham and Leigh.

After lunch at Newdigate (venue TBC) we will head back towards Dorking via Henfold Lakes. For those in need of some further refreshment, we will be stopping in Leatherhead.

To register interest please email cochranek104@gmail.com by Thursday 9 October in order that groups/departure times can be notified. 

“The nights are fair drawing in” so don’t forget your lights……

Eight on a short ride to Banstead; Nonsuch Saturday riders 27 September.

Saturday provided ideal cycling weather and there was a healthy attendance at Nonsuch Park.  Healthy in more ways than one; it is great to see Tony back riding and with Nigel cleared by the medics to ride, the availability of leaders is at last improving a little.  

Steve W arrived and took five to Richmond Park on the scheduled longer ride.  Lynda turned up for the first time in a long while and she went with Colin Q and John B on a short ride.  I offered a fairly short ride up to Banstead and had seven takers, so Maggie and I set off with Steve H, the other Colin, Sue B, Tony, Nigel and Jen, up what used to feel, when I first came to the club, like the never-ending climb past Cheam Station and Banstead Station.  We took a vote, tea indoors (Banstead) or out (Tattenham Road Rec) and the indoors had it, so we made our way to the Cafe in the Park, which used to be Pistachio's.

The chocolate brownies were a hit and we chatted a bit before we descended past the prisons and split up at Downs Road to take our several ways home.

A nice group, a pleasant little ride; thanks for the company.

Assault of cyclist and theft of his electric bike on the Wandle Trail

 Our neighbour was assaulted this week on the Wandle Trail and robbed of his expensive electric bike.  He has given permission for us to publish this so that others can take appropriate precautions.  He is 78 years old but not what we would term "vulnerable".  6' 4", fit and well built and a regular cyclist over long distances. 

This is his account.

"Last Thursday (16th September 2025) I was cycling along the Wandle Trail at 10:15 am in the north-bound direction where the path (going towards London) leaves the river and goes up a slope to the park road, near the Imperial Playing Fields.  Two white youths on an electric motorbike, no registration, dressed in black hoodies and balaclavas passed me in a south-bound direction. I continued cycling but they turned around and chased me, by which time I had reached the unnamed park road to turn right past Tooting and Mitcham Football Club ground.  They repeatedly rammed my bike from the rear and the side with threatening language. On the fourth attempt I was knocked into the brambles on the side of the park road. They stole my bike and made off in the direction of London Road/ Bishopford Road; I was injured, fortunately just bad bruises, lacerations and grazes. 

'I keep my phone in my pocket so I was able to call the police.  The 999 operator was helpful and the police came quickly.  The bike was recovered by the police as it had a tracker fitted and I was able to tell them the location where it was dumped (Lower Morden Lane). However, the bike was trashed with everything forcibly wrenched off it, and the saddlebag containing my prescription glasses and GoPro video camera was missing."

Paul & Maggie

Wandle Fortnight. Beddington Park ride 20/9/25

From Maggie 

Every year we look forward to the variety of bikes and riders who turn up for the highlight of the Wandle Fortnight  - a beginners ride from Beddington Park!

This year though it appeared that some of our regulars had omitted to highlight the date in their diaries. Roger and Paul were going to be elsewhere and Colin has not yet made it as far as Beddington. 

Planning ahead therefore, we'd had 6 new cyclists a few years ago, we worked out a long and a short ride to suit all comers and Anna, Ken and Maggie arrived early to welcome them all.

And we waited... yes, the sky was grey, there was a sprinkling of rain but surely not enough to put anyone off! 

2.10 came and went. We checked our watches....

So be it. Let's not waste this route to Earlsfield with it's new detour. So a little quiet and dejected we set off. Our new route omitted the traffic mayhem at Savacentre and stopping to watch a cormorant on the river near Earlsfield we were soon enjoying tea and coffee in the Eclectic Collection coffee shop. Real tea, tea strainer and extra hot water - how good was that?

Tea in Earlsfield

Sorry not to share this delightful stop with anyone else. We left as the sun came out and enjoyed very pleasant weather home.

 

Church Heritage Day 13/9/25

 From Karen

Church Heritage Day and "light" showers:

It was an ideal opportunity to road test my lower back on a (very) short ride to Old Malden. Colin was (of course) already in attendance when I arrived at NSP, shortly to be joined by Tony and Sharon. 

It was great to see Tony on good form and that Colin's recovery continues apace. So just four of us this afternoon, trumped by Maddie's all-day ride to Windsor. I was forewarned about the resurfaced (?) path leading to Sparrow Farm exit. Goodness!  It was akin to cycling through sand.....probably worse. 

It may have been responsible for what happened next.  By the time we turned into St Clair Drive, Sharon had a flat.  Fortunately, we had the benefit of seasoned campaigners to wrestle with the tyre removal and before long were powering through Worcester Park.  Sharon kindly treated us to refreshments at St John's Church in thanks for our assistance (although I was more of a hindrance than a help!)

 

Colin (or providence?) led us to St Mary's Church where, immediately upon our arrival,  the heavens opened; not a light shower,  but a full throttle downpour.  We resisted the temptation to indulge in more tea and cake and, once the weather had cleared somewhat, we made our way back to NSP, followed by rainbows.

WhatsApp Hoax - Meta AI

From Simon Lambourn

Recently the webmasters (Tim C, Tony H and myself) have been contacted by several Sou'Westers about a message (which we now think is a hoax) saying "you must turn on WhatsApp Enhanced Security by [some date] to prevent or Meta AI can read all your personal and group chats".

We did some research, because we care about privacy but also "enhanced security" means nobody can save photos or GPX files from chats, which is something many of us use a lot to communicate about rides.

It turns out to be one of a long line of Facebook and WhatsApp hoax messages claiming that something will change by next week (or whatever) and you have to do something - write a message on your Facebook or change some setting to prevent Facebook/WhatsApp using all your information.

If you google "whatsapp enhanced security hoax meta AI" you will see that the claim has been debunked by several sources (admittedly unknown sources to me).   But also if you google "can Meta AI read my WhatsApp chats" you get a direct answer from Meta in their Frequently Accessed Questions page:

Only messages that mention @Meta AI, or that people choose to share with Meta AI, can be read by Meta. Meta can’t read any other messages in your personal chats. When you share your personal messages for AI features that use Private Processing technology, Meta can’t read or access the messages you’ve shared.‬ Learn more in this article.

So we are not going to implement Enhanced Security because it would severely reduce the usefulness of the club's WhatsApp groups.   If we were, say, a military organisation, (mentioning no names) then perhaps it would be a good idea.

I thought it was worth writing this post for two reasons.

1. There is a lot of false information, and false people, false experts and organisations out there trying to deceive you.  Please, check the source and check the facts.
2. Regardless of this particular hoax, you should still be careful about what you share online - do you know and trust ALL the people you are sharing it with?

Stay suspicious!  Stay safe.   And please do ask around if you have any concerns or questions.

Down on the farm; Nonsuch Moderates 6 September to Garsons Farm

Wednesday's storms must just have been a figment of the imagination, because Saturday was a super day for cycling, dry, not too hot, not too windy.  As a result of which we had a good turnout at Nonsuch Mansion, over tweny riders in all with Colin Q and Tony H coming along just to meet everybody.  We had a newcomer, too; Jenny rides with Portsmouth CTC and we were glad to have her along.

Garsons Farm was on the schedule for the longer ride and Telegraph Track for the short one.  We ran three groups.  Nigel T, cleared by the doc to be back in the saddle (and the MG driving seat) took the short ride, and Steve W took half a dozen boy and girl racers off to Garsons; I offered a more modest paced ride to the same place.

We let Steve's group go first, because they'd only be embarrassed when they couldn't overtake us, and then off we went, reassembling as is my wont at the North Western exit of Nonsuch Park for a headcount and to appoint a back marker (Maggie).  She was going to be minding Roger and Anna, Ken J, Alyson, the other Colin, John B, Jan and Jenny and with yours truly up front, that made ten.  And I must have got the pace about right because after being temporarily split by the Ewell lights we stuck together pretty well, despite heavier than usual traffic.

We took the route past Chessington North, over the A3 on Clayton Road, down the hill to Claygate and then carrrying on until we hit the A 244 to take us in to Esher.  There Roger and Anna stayed for coffee, allowing Roger and his new pacemaker to opt out of coming up Lammas Lane on the way back.  Garsons was as it always is, bike parking long distant from the restaurant and the service a bit slow but proper pots of tea and good cake.  At least they had not yet got out the Christmas fare.  The boy (and girl) racers were already there, of course. 

 

The Racers at tea

We had our tea and cake in the sunshine and let them go before climbing the hill ourselves (which wouldn't be much at all were it not for the traffic) and rendezvousing successfully with Anna and Roger on the green at the top.  By now John had gone off to do his own thing so there were nine of us on the way home through Weston Green and Long Ditton, Surbiton and Berrylands.  

The Moderates on the way home at Weston Green

We split at Worcester Park, the others going up Green Lane towards their homes while Maggie and I went with Jenny and Jan back to Nonsuch.

A really enjoyable afternoon's cycling.  Great to have seen Tony on a bike again.  Excellent to know that the magic mushrooms have enabled John's knees to recover sufficiently to have him discharged from hospital care, and good company.  We very much hope to see Jenny back soon.

All Day Ride to Windsor September 13

 

Windsor Ride

Saturday 13th September

Come and join for the next all-day Saturday ride to Windsor on 13th September.

The ride will be pretty, and pretty flat - on and off road - and include lots of beauty, interest and surprises along the way.

The route is 48 miles from our start in Kingston - so many may like to take the train on the way back (Windsor & Eton Riverside to Clapham Junction/Waterloo) - with other options as we come back.

We will meet at Canbury Secret Cafe in Kingston 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/axh3oCJgBDNfyDz39?g_st=ipc,

have coffee and tea at the Ferry Cafe, Sunbury on Thames, 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/5zEV5usNoRQcMMdi6?g_st=ipc ,

and lunch at Cinnamon in Windsor. There will be a guide for those who would like it from Nonsuch Park to Kingston.

For anyone like me who likes a car-bike-car option, you can do a 33 mile round trip from the Ferry Cafe. Please private message me on WhatsApp if you’d like to join for the ride - and let me know where you’d like to join (Nonsuch, Canbury Gardens, Kingston or the Ferry, Shepperton) and if you would like to be in the fast group (whizzers) - or the regulars (smell the roses).

 

Madeleine

07533673919

And then there were three rides! Nonsuch Park 30 August

Report by Maggie

It threatened rain on the way to Nonsuch Park and it crossed my mind that there might be few riders this afternoon.  However, it was very pleasing to see Colin Q and Sue B, neither of them able to go on a ride today, and Nigel and Helen R too. Nigel was immediately set upon to lead a group. In the event there were so many cyclists that 3 groups went out.

The Stevedores left at a good speed while Nigel negotiated "up" Farthing Downs or tea at the bottom. The latter won. So seven of us set off leaving Carolyn to take the short ride to Epsom Downs.

Carolyn's group with Colin

So it was Nigel, Anna, Roger, Ken, Jan, Dominika and Maggie who set off under Cheam railway bridge and up Burdon Lane. Road works diverted us to cross the A217 to Northdown Road to cycle through Belmont village.

Nigel's Group (less Nigel!)

We spread out along Sutton Lane which allowed the motorists to overtake us with ease and soon we were on Woodmansterne Lane and the gentle, then steeper, downhill on Rectory Lane to Woodmansterne. Turning left on Chipstead Valley Road we made our way to Coulsdon and turned right at the lights onto Lion Green Road.

The large roundabout was busy and roadworks narrowed our route to Marlpit Lane but we got safely across and up the short incline to Coulsdon Memorial Park and the Poppy cafe. We took tea inside as the rain began to fall.

We separated on the return journey before more rain came. Ken and Maggie revisited a route cycled frequently in the pandemic through Woodcote Park Golf club as we went our several ways.

Ken & Maggie

Welcome back Nigel. It was good to have you leading again.

Evolution at Beddington; 16 August ride to Merton Abbey Mills

Excitingly, we might be seeing an evolution at Beddington Park, and we are not just talking about the dinosaurs (which, by the by, have escaped again and roamed off elsewhere).  This Saturday most of the old guard turned up, represented by Paul and Maggie, Anna and Roger, and Sharon, but there was new blood.  

We are getting used to enjoying Dominika's company; indeed she is fast becoming a regular, but today her friend Justyna joined us for the first time and not only that but Jan, too.  We don't think that Jan has ridden with us since 2023.

As ever with Beginners, we had to tailor our ride to suit Justyna, who has comandeered her son's bike from its sad relegation to the shed, had new brakes fitted and this was only her second ride on it, or any other bike, for a long time.  

Thus we opted for a well-tested route, safe and flat to a place where the coffee and cake is reliable, and tossed a coin between Elmers End and Merton Abbey Mills.

We need not have been so cautious; Justyna turned out to be a competent and safe cyclist.

Well-tested and safe?  Yours truly was daydreaming and missed a turning, there was a traffic jam of frustrated white van drivers at the temporary lights on Mitcham Road and when we turned after Mitcham Eastfields onto Rialto Road, a nice, narrow, quiet one-way street, our leader was met head on by a driver chancing his luck in the wrong direction at some speed.  Luckily collision was avoided and we were a little strung out so those further back were not directly affected and may not have caught the note of panic in the "Car down" cry.

All-in-all, though, we had a lovely ride in a very English heatwave (double layers of clothing and a waste of sun cream) and spent an enjoyable and sociable day together.

Not only were the MED cakes their usual standard, but Dominika brought us some home made, featuring Justyna's garden plums.

We very much hope that J and J can join D in riding regularly with us, decimating the average age and giving us all something younger and brighter to chat about.

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.