Beddington Park to Elmers End, 17 September

By Paul

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

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

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

Somewhere in Woodside, Shirley

Karen's All Day Ride to Newdigate, 10 September

Karen writes.....

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Helen writes.....

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

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

The rest of the morning ride went smoothly.

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

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

.....mending a broken chain!

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

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

What CTC South West London does best!

 

Cycling legends in Nottinghamshire; a missive from Ian Prince

Ian writes

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

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

Mandy Jones being interviewed

One of her bikes

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

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

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

Sprockets to Brockett's; Nonsuch Beginners 3 September

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Invitation to the All Day Ride to Newdigate on Saturday 10 Sept

 Invitation to All Day Ride to Newdigate on Saturday 10 September at 9.45am from Nonsuch Mansion.

Elevenses at Walton on the Hill and lunch at a pub in Leigh/Newdigate area.

And for those in need of further sustenance, tea at Leatherhead.

Those who wish to join please email karen.cochrane@live.co.uk

Gate crashing the wedding; Beddington Park Beginners 20 August

Report by Paul

We were missing one or two familiar faces on Saturday and with Roger performing at the Edinburgh Festival and newcomers failing to show there were six of us at the Pavilion.

Colin led the short trip to Coombe Woods but there was a wedding, complete with Routemaster bus at St Mary's Beddington so we chose the northerly path out of the park to Beddington Village, rather than interfere with the wedding photos getting to Church Lane.

It was a fine day without being too hot and despite the broken glass and cycle lane parking, even Croydon seemed pleasant enough.

The rest of the group are unconcerned at the sudden disappearance

of one of their number in Lloyd Park 

Lloyd Park is not the best bit of off-road in South London and in the dry (the much heralded rain on Wednesday never reached here!) the surface provided a test for the saddle-to-bum interface.

But for whom did we have to pull over on Coombe Farm Lane?  The very same wedding party, laughing and cheering in their Routemaster bus.

They have reorganised the cafe at Coombe Woods but the gents loo is still permanently locked.

A tricky ride home for Beginners, the short, dusty descent off Conduit Lane and the steep climb up Haling Park Road, but none of it it very long and overall it is a leisurely ride with a few breathless bits.

Thanks for leading, Colin.

2022 Greenwich Ride, 13 August. Mad dogs and Sou'Westers.

by Paul

By nine or so, when folk across South London were in various stages of preparation for the traditional annual ride to Greenwich, it was seriously warm out there.  A number of riders had called off, some citing the heat, but the Magnificent Seventeen turned up and we had ourselves a convoy; two convoys, in fact!

For the journey north we used the familiar route.  Maggie and I are thinking of trying to plan a bit of a change next year, maybe involving Crystal Palace and Dulwich parks, but we were too busy this time around.  We have also experimented with different routes through Croydon but the one past the the Parish Church, the Town Hall and East Croydon Station presents the fewest high-risk spots.  Coffee at Kent House Station is not cheap but it is the only practical option and at eleven in the morning we found some shade and the coffee and cakes were good.  

Kent House coffees.  The proprietor brought in extra cake (seriously!)

As the years go by the bridges across the Pool and Ravensbourne rivers become increasingly worn but the ride through South East London parks, weaving over the rivers, remains a relaxing one with little reference to the busy urban traffic or the cares of life off a bicycle.

The mazy trek through Lewisham went smoothly; the traffic was light; many people must have been on holiday or hiding from the sun, and the only real hill of the day was the climb up to Blackheath.  On the parched top of the Heath the lack of cover was mitigated by a welcome easterly breeze.  

Dave's group on the Heath.....

....and at the viewpoint......

....and Paul's group arriving at the statue of General Wolfe

General Wolfe still looks out across Wren's astonishing demonstration of imperial power (and amid the gherkins and walkie-talkies you can make out his dome at St Paul's).

The following few miles are a history lesson; Hawksmoor, the nineteenth century wool trade, Peter the Great, Brunel, Turner, Judge Jeffries and Edward III, not to mention the lightermen and stevedores and the rest who slaved in the dockyards and the immigrants who arrived there.

Dockers?  Immigrants?  Dave shows off his private yacht

Paul's group at the Dog & Bell

The Dog and Bell remains the best pub in Greenwich; the Red Thai Curry was as good as the Green had been on the Thursday recce.  The sadness was having to eschew all those East London ales and sit with a pint of Coca-Cola!  The volunteers at the Brixton Windmill could not have been more welcoming for a much needed tea stop and their tea seemed like the elixir of life itself.  Those strawberries on top of the cake were delicious.  

Brixton Windmill on a scorching afternoon.  The volunteers there had home made cakes for us.

And MED at Merton Abbey Mills was still open for a farewell coffee and ginger beer when my group got there at around 5.30; Dave's had already left for a cool drink in the garden at home.  Not Coca-Cola, I presume!

A warm day out, but a splendid one.  Thanks especially to Dave Vine and Helen for helping with the leading, and to everyone else for the company.  See you next year, when there will be a special reduction in price for those mad enough to cycle in the sun this year.