Cycling Cows

Spotted outside Rodez this July whilst the Tour was in the offing

Thursday 5 August 2010

OHG ride to Four Elms via Chiddstone and Cowden lead by Dave Gill. A large group starting from Betchworth included Tony M, Dave B, Caroline, Roger Smith and his son Richard, Barry A (a guest rider from the London Phoenix) and Trevor. Tony M and Brian Staples went missing after the first hill, deciding they were having a shorter run. Tony and Dave B had been on the Wiston ride the previous Tuesday with the OHG and had ridden over 80 miles. A new interesting route by Dave G to Four Elms via Cowden and Chiddingfold. Roger and son, Dave, Barry and Trevor road back to Ewell via Bletchingley and Banstead. 70 miles round trip from Epsom at 15.6 mph.

Tuesday 3 August 2010 to Cranleigh

Trevor with the OHG/OHG except they left early at 8:45, however Trevor followed the route to Cranleigh and caught up with Norman and Cliff in Weare Street when cliff was mending a puncture. The three continued on to Cranleigh to meet Barry G coming the other way with the intention of intercepting the ride. At Notcutts Nursery for refreshments they were met by Dave B, Brian Staples, Jake and some other riders. Dave, Brian and Trevor road back together via Newdigate. From Epsom to Ashtead, (were the Garmin batteries failed) was 58 miles at 15.3 mph

Woldingham Station MTB

Dave E, Paul M and Trevor to Woldingham Station to meet Barry G, Billy and Mick A for Ev's MTB ride. South over the downs, descending and crossing the M25 towards South Godstone. The climbs were tackled at a steady pace but rapid descents with dust flying from the wheels in the arid conditions. After a small circuit without crossing any roads Ev retraced part of the outward journey and headed for the Haycutter at Broadham Green between Tandridge and Hurst Green. A welcome relief after riding for more than 2 hours. The distance was 18 miles but the average speed was only 8mph due to the continual climbing and descending. Then a short ride of 14 miles back to Woldingham. However Ev had arranged a finale to climb the downs off road on a track ascending for 2 miles from 358 to 900 feet through Titsey Park. Excellent ride with routes that no one was familiar with. Dave, Paul and Trevor returned via Purley and suffered the usual consequences.

Mountain Bike Ride 1 August 2010

Seven brave souls met at the rural Woldingham station car park: Ev, Mick Ayliffe, Barry Gregory, Dave Elliot, Paul Martin, Trevor Hughes and Billy, looking fresh after last weeks ride and having been out on the previous day as well.

We headed south, saying hello to the goats, past Marden Farm on the bridle way, saying hello to John and Dennis, the pigs. Instead of climbing up to South Hawke we wheeled into the convent and up the convent road. We crossed the A22, using the bridge, we made our way up Gravel Hill before turning left onto the next trail (and through a thicket of stinging nettles) and wheeled around to the top of Gravel Hill where Paul Martin filled us in on the history of the Pilgrims Fort which used to stand there.

We descended off road towards the M25, almost colliding with some riders heading up the hill, crossing the A25 and heading on the sand based track to Rabies Heath Road. With Paul already asking for a tea break we headed down to do the loop of South Park; a lovely little loop around the fields which gave the chance for Mick to take a pic of us posing a ride past sunflowers! Completing the loop we turned right on the bridle way before Rabies Heath Road and made our way via Tilburstow and Tandridge to the stop at the Haycutter near Hurst Green.

While Paul and I discussed the problems of the world outside, the "commomers" decided to stay in the bar to leer at the barmaid in their infantile manner. Dave had to be dragged out when we set off again! If you like stilton cheese, get the ploughman's there as you get a massive wedge of it!

We headed East for a couple of miles through the pleasant woodland of the Chart before heading North again for the climb of the day up Titsey Hill. For the first time in four years the ford over the River Eden was dry. It was a heroic climb with only Mick and I riding up all of the way. Poor old Trevor got to within 20 yards of the top before being beaten by a rouge rocky bit of surface.

West along the ride to South Hawke before dropping down to Woldingham Station. 26 miles; a good pub stop; warm windless conditions which was overcast with a few sunny spells and no punctures. I do worry though about what Barry was puffing through the tube attached to pack on his back.

And well done Billy! After last weeks ride which took a bit out of him, he rode really well on a ridged bike.

Thanks to all of you for a most enjoyable ride.

MTB RIDE 1 AUGUST

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS RIDE SETS OFF FROM WOLDINGHAM STATION AT 10:00 (FREE PARKING ON A SUNDAY). THE CONTACT NUMBER GIVEN FOR ME ON THE RIDES LIST IS INCORRECT: IT BELONGS TO BOB STAREY, AND AS WE HAVE NOT MOVED IN TOGETHER YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CONTACT ME!

MY CONTACT DETAILS ARE ON THE JULY TO SEPTEMBER EXCEL RIDES LIST. I HAVE CHECKED THIS OUT AND IT IS CORRECT!

THE STOP FOR SUNDAY'S RIDE WILL BE DETERMINED ON THE DAY AND IS DEPENDANT ON THE GROUP AND ITS PROGRESS. IT WILL NOT BE WETHERSPOONS THOUGH!

OHG Ride Tuesday 27 July

Approximately 30 riders arrived at Betchworth for the ride. There was general confusion about where people wanted to ride and at what time they needed to back but it was finally decided that a group would ride to Barnes Green and the others would ride east and split into two groups. One was going to Westerham and the other to Yalding in Kent on the river Medway. Trevor, as the only Clarencourt rider, rode with the second group and on to Yalding, not realising though that is was going to be 43 miles at 17.3 mph! Return journey was passed Chartwell and up Botley and Burntwood Lane back to Epsom. 96 miles and 3,500 feet of climbing.

Sunday 25 July 2010

Andrew, Trevor and welcome guest rider Billy from Cheam to The Swan & Sugarloaf in Croydon to meet Ev Ollie and Paul M. Dave Elliott was there but he had to return home for a family outing. Ev lead a very interesting ride east up Gravel Hill, down to Pratt’s Bottom, Green Street Green, Knockholt, Dunton Green and south to Ide Hill and Four Elms. Then north passed Chartwell to Westerham, which was some 30 miles from Croydon and further for those that had ridden to Croydon. There were beautiful country lanes to ride on but, as the route cross section shows, never a flat length of road. Twice the ride climbed to 700 feet and once to nearly 900 feet. Billy found the hills strength sapping but soldiered on. Amazing as he had only ridden 1000 miles on his new bike in the last 3 years! Then after meeting Jim Harwood and having refreshment at Westerham, Billy was able to ride up Botley Hill and on to Purley and home in Lower Kingswood. Great ride by Billy on one of our hillier rides, particularly as he had ridden to Henfold the previous day. Needless to say Paul and Trevor stopped in Purley with the usual consequences. 62 miles with 3,500 feet of climbing. Click "view details" below for more ride statistics and zoom in for a more detailed map.

Club Run 25 July 2010

Six riders set off from the Swan and Sugar Loaf in South Croydon on a route that was to cover some new roads for the riders. Trevor, Paul Martin, Olly, Andrew Adams and welcome new rider Billy set off for a hilly but short ride.

With the skies overcast but with a humid feel we road up Ballards Way for a change before heading down Gravel Hill. Riding east we made our way to Nash and then Keston, using some really quiet lanes. The ride was to go via Downe to Cudham, up the big 25% climb, but as we had a new rider with us I took a more scenic and easier route via Farnborough and Green Street Green.

As we slowly climbed up to Cudham Trevor kept on giving us updates on the alitude. I think he got to over 600 feet on the very long climb. At Cudham we went left through Letts Green and on to Knockholt where we descended Star Lane to Sevenoaks. We climbed Ide Hill by the easiest route with Billy now feeling it a bit but riding on heroicly! Down Ide to Four Elms and Up past Chartwell to our tea stop at Westerham.

Billy wanted to get the train home from Oxted, but bouyed up by tea and cake he made his way with the rest of us, and Jim Harwood who we met up with in the cafe, to the top of Westerham and the long descent to Sanderstead.

It was a great ride over roads, some of which, which were new to the riders. Well done to Billy who rode on with real determination despite being knanckered and having a sore bum!

Croydon to Croydon the ride was 42 miles.

St Ybard France 3 to 11 July 2010

Seven of us enjoyed the annual week in St Ybard. Trevor, Norman, Denis, Martin and Adam arrived on Friday 3 July followed by Mick A and Mick Ward on the Monday. The weather was beautiful, hot and sunny all week. Therefore we were able to ride every day completing over 350 miles and thousands of feet climbing due to the hilly terrain. In addition to the riding other tasks were undertaken like erecting the swimming pool and pumping the water from the spring to fill it. Mick Ward worked like a Trojan to cut all the grass in the field, Martin and Adam were strimming the long grass and fixing plasterboard in the roof conversion, Norman was wielding the dust pan and brush, Denis spent some time shopping and cooking for us all and Mick A decanted the wine into litre bottles. This he enjoyed because it reminded him of being back at work in the laboratory as it involved chemicals to sterilise the containers. Two of the notable rides, detailed below, were the 62 mile ride to Suc au May which is the highest mountain in the area being over 900 metres high and the 63 mile ride to Gimel with over 5000 feet of climbing. Due to fatigue we did not see the cascades but elected to go directly to the restaurant on the beautiful lake. At the end of the week both Micks went to meet Andrew and Mary Adams and watch two stages of the TdF.

Overgrown Bridleways

Bridleways that are overgrown in Surrey can be reported to Surrey County Council at eastsurreyhighways@surreycc.gov.uk

The stingers and blackberry bushes are starting to encroach in the hot weather so please let Surrey County Council know about it.

Southern Sportive - Reigate

I entered with some of my friends from the Redhill and rode out to the event from Croydon on a beautiful Sunday morning. I was toying with riding the long distance event but went on the 62 mile route after seeing the weather forecast predict 20-25 mph westerly winds around mid morning which would have made the last 15 miles after climbing Toys Hill really a hard finish! That’s old age for you! But, with my Summer 42 small ring fitted I was ready hit the course.

We started at 08:30 and set off at a cracking pace over the first ten to fifteen miles, making the most of the light following wind and with only a small climb of Cormongers Lane up to the Nutfield ridge. Clocking a 20 mph average just south of Edenbridge, the bunch of around 25 riders split on the climb to the turn to Markbeech at the Queens Head pub with me at the head of affairs. I was set to ride the course with my two friends from the Redhill, Russell and Stuart; riding the flatter sections hard and helping them on the climbs. However, Russell went AWOL somewhere between Markbeech and Hever, and having waited around 5-6 minutes for him I slogged on alone with Stuart having stayed in the bunch.

It is a deceptive course: although the hills are tough with the two major climbs being Chartwell and Tilburstow, the section from Dencross around Hever and Chiddingstone comprised of the type of road that gradually saps one’s strength and makes it difficult to keep the average speed up.

From Four Elms I started to reel riders in, including another Redhill man who thanked me at the finish and apart from the climbs when I dropped them, they all made a magnificent effort to get back on on the flat and hugged my wheel like there was not tomorrow as riding into the westerly wind was incredibly tough! From the top of Tilburstow onwards it was really hard. The climb up through Bletchingly into the wind was harder that the sheltered climb of Tilburstow, and finally back at Redhill I caught up again with Stuart so we finished together with a time of 3-18 at 18.9 mph over the 62.3 miles. Russell evidentially lost contact around Markbeech, missed a turn and ended up on the long course! If I had not waited for him I would have been home as the fast mid-route rider at 19.2 mph!

It was a well organised event though some moaned about the signage, which for me did not matter because the roads used I ride regularly so I knew my way around. I have to say though that my legs did ache after my ride home!

A Tough Weekend!

On Saturday morning I made towards Woodhatch at Reigate on my trusty Red Emperor equipped with a 48X17 fixed wheel to let Russell Hicks of the Redhill take a couple of jerseys off me. Being there I decided to go on the 16 mph ride to Tully's Farm. It was just a shame that I did not check the route first!

As usual I ended up on the front, and as I was riding a 77" gear, the pace went up a bit! Through Newdigate, Rusper we went until I was faced with the climb up Colgate which I had to attack to keep going. The legs hurt and not surprisingly: my computer was showing 14 mph cresting the steep bit! From there things worsened! Through to Hammer Ponds we rode then left up the steep incline towards the A281. The run-up gave me the momentum to haul the fixed over the top, much the amusement and astonishment of Russell (and me); my legs burning! Thinking that we would ride to Turners Hill via Handcross, I was once again taken aback as we headed towards Staplefield and then up a killer of a hill which emerged at the water tower on the Handcross road. Legs once again in a terminal state! Sadly, Rupert Burbage did not give me a wheel to follow because he was taking it easy before the SCCU 50 the following day which he won with a 1-49: a brilliant ride.

At least the climb up to Turners Hill was straight forward with the fixed not dropping below 16 mph on the climb. A brief stop at Tully's and then off on the straight forward ride back to Earlswood. From there, although tired but still not stratified, I attacked the climb over Redhill on the A23, and then went totally bonkers on the Mersterham drag up to Hooley. The legs were now really feeling the pain, but, as anyone who rides a fixed knows, going down can be more painful than going up. And so it proved on the descent to Coulsdon where the leg speed was threatening cramp which, luckily, did not eventually happen. 62 miles at 18.5 mph, this with all of the climbs, pleased me!

Russell told me that there was a ride around the Reigate Sportive course the following day, which would be home in time for the footie. I chose this ride instead of the Downs Link ride and off we went again: me on gears this time! Poor old Adrian got the route right but went around it the wrong way! But it was a great ride in really hot conditions with a lot of laughs along the way. A nice sedate ride for me with 76 miles at a nice 17.4 mph.

The SoUther Sportive from Reigate is still open and is a really nice ride with climbs that are not leg breaking but hard. It a a local event so have a go!

http://www.southernsportive.com/?go=sunday&page=event&eventid=304

Guildford Shoreham off road 27 June 2010

Mike Ayliffe, Paul Martin met at Epsom station for the Guildford to Shoreham MTB following the route of the disused railway line. Steve Edgar and his friend, Chris, joined them at Bramley and road to Southwater for some refreshing drinks on this hot and sunny day. Steve and Chris returned and the other three road on in the heat and dust to the pub in Shoreham. Sitting in the cool pub with a beer and sandwich was most pleasant. (See Mick's picture below) Paul and Trevor left Mick at East Croydon and suffered the usual consequences. They know it is so important to rehydrate after exercise on a hot summer's day! Distance was 110 miles and max speed of 95 mph - OK train assisted but cycled miles were 47, average 10 mph.

Sunday 27th June 2010

"Daddy, Daddy, where were you on the day Germany knocked England out of the World Cup in 2010?"
"In the Red Lion in Old Shoreham supping Ropetackle from the Adur Brewery at Steyning at the end of a lovely off-road ride from Guildford along the Downslink on the hottest day of the year, my old son."
Cheers!

Club Run 13 June

Four hardy souls, Mick Ayliffe, Dave Elliot, Tony (who was delighted to hear me say that I thought that Italy would win the World Cup) and Ev, set off from the Swan and Sugar Loaf in Croydon to their destinatin: Tully's farm at Turner's Hill. Up through Selsdon, Farley and Beddlestead we climbed with minimal traffic to bother us. At the top of Beddlestead Farm Lane Mick made off down Titsey Lane on a shorter and less hilly route to Tully's, and in ignoring a road closed sign, found himself having to clamber over a fallen tree. For once the sign really did mean all road users!

The remaining three went down Titsey Hill proper, through Limpsfield, Crowhurst, Lingfield, Felcourt, up Baldwins Hill to East Grinstead, followed by the long drag up to Turner's Hill. Arriving at Tully's before Mick; he failed to spot our bicycles and sat in a corner on his own before we spotted him. He then complained about his battle into the westerly wind to get there!

Once refreshed, we made our way back via Copthorne, Smallfield and Mersterham, where Mick chose Fanny's and the other three chose Harp's Oak Lane. Tony made his way back to Coulsdon on the main road (we think) whilst Dave and myself met up with Mick again at the top of Harp's Oak from where we made our way back home.

The day turned out lovely with nice warm sunny spells. Really good cycling weather. 50 miles Croydon to Croydon at a 14.8 mph average for my ride, so a little bit less for the others!

Berkshire MTB ride 6th June

The location for MTB meeting on Sunday.
Meet: 0900hrs.

Location: "Blacknest" Virginia Water Lake. Corner of Black Gate Road and Mill Road.

MTB ride Berkshire 6th June.

Could those of you possibly planning to attend my MTB ride on 6th June let me know by email.
It will help to know the possible numbers ahead for the lunch stop at one of my local pubs.

Cheers

Paul.

Ghent Randonnée 20 May 2010

Mick Ayliffe, Barry Gregory, Norman Luhr and Trevor Hughes went to Ghent, by car and ferry to Dunkirk, for three days to ride the annual fire brigade randonnée. They stayed in the Capanile Motel with some old friends of the club, Dave Twiddle, Dave Betts and Terry O'Brian. Trevor, Dave B and Terry rode the long circular route from the new fire station, which had motorbike escort riders and a leading car. They operated a rolling road closure, so there was no stopping! There were some seventy riders, the distance was approximately 85 miles with a lunch stop half way round ons a beautiful sunny day. There were sections of cobbles through the towns and villages. These were ridden at full speed. The first section Trevor's drinking bottle flew off, left behind but was miraculously reunited with its owner at the lunch stop. His pump clattered to the ground on another section but this was retrieved followed by a fast pursuit, TDF style to rejoin the riders.

Mick, Norman, Barry and Dave T with an old friend of the club for many years, Charles van de Steen (retired fireman) road the shorter canal ride. In the evening there was a pleasant meal in Ghent and the seven met Charles for a drink by the canal. The next day the journey home was via Oudenaarde to visit the cycle museum where famous riders' bikes are on display and films of historical classic races can be seen.

Last part of the exciting trip was to arrive at Dunkirk and find Barry's passport was missing! Barry had been looking after the passports and and stored them in the car glove compartment. We checked in with Norfolkline, no problem, four people and three passports but at the UK border check the chap noticed a discrepancy! Barry was going to be issued with a lost passport form to enable him to return. The chap checked Barry's identity whilst we set about dismantling the car. At the last moment, as the form was about to be issued the glove compartment was removed and the passport was found. It was coincidental that Barry was looking after the passports and it was his that was lost. Poor Barry so much stress for him because he needed is passport in two days to travel to Rob Potters in France. We missed the ferry and waved goodbye to the others. No rush, no problem, we had no plans for the rest of the day. On the next ferry two hours later and to Normans where Chris gave us some lovely tea and cake. As Barry is always such an organized chap we said we would not mention anything of this to tarnish his reputation, but!!!!!!!!!!

Sunday Club Run to Lingfield 17 May 2010

Five brave souls set off from a sunny Swan & Sugar Loaf in South Croydon heading out through Selsdon, Featherbed Lane and Beddlestead Lane to the top of Titsey. Descending to Westerham Mick Ayliffe turned West on the Pilgrims Way and proceeded to Lingfield via Clackets Lane, Pains Hill and Haxted whilst Paul White, Paul Martin, Trevor Hughes and I went East on the Pilgrims Way to Sundridge and proceeded to climb Ide Hill. Descending the hill we made our way to Edenbridge via Four Elms, then Haxted and Lingfield where Mick was waiting.

Having been refreshed we made our way back via Tandridge and the Convent where the young ladies were playing tennis.......

The weather held out for us which made this a really enjoyable ride.

The picture is of the enterance to the Convent road at Woldingham taken a few years ago!

Bathwick Hill Stores

All of you who have ridden the Kennet & Avon canal over the last ten years or so will be familiar with the Bathwick Hill Stores, as we used to stop there on every trip for no real reason other than it was an old-fashioned type shop with a real character of an owner, Ken Smith. It was really too early in the ride for a stop but we always enjoyed going in there for the banter.

I do believe that Paul White and I stopped there for the first time when we rode a really horrible version of the ride from Reading to Bristol around 2002. I had a sore arse and Paul was feeling knackered. Ever since then we stopped there on every trip from Bristol to Reading.

There used to be a Jaguar showroom a few doors up which closed. Tesco applied to turn it into a metro and Ken managed to hold them off, with the support of the Bathwick community, for a number of years, but eventually Tesco succeeded and Ken, like so many other small traders up against the big boys, had to close down last year. Sadly he he passed away last September. This is the newpaper write-up:

http://www.thisisbath.co.uk/news/Bathwick-mourns-shopkeeper-Ken/article-1321239-detail/article.html

MTB Kennet and Avon Canal 5th-8th May

Paul Martin, Paul White and Ev Quistorff successfully completed the three day 100 or so miles from Bristol to Reading along the Kennet and Avon Canal.

They braved the odd shower of rain, a north easterly wind and the ever increasing use of the path by bad dog owners as a toilet for their pets!

Full report to be posted on Clarencourt's new website asap.

Isambard.

Vintage Saturday morning

Club Run To Westerham 25/4/10

Only dave Elliot turned up the the ride which left in dry conditions. We were faced at once with a woman driving the wrong way on the one-way system. Within a mile or so my bike started making a noise like a mechanical clock, but ingnoring Dave's advice, I decided to crash on rather than turn down my road for a new machine. One just cannot find a decent mechanic these days!

We made our way to the top of Beddlestead Lane via Selsdon, Forestdale and Ficklesole, descended Down to Westerham before turning off to Tatsfield. We made our way via Scott's Lodge, Knockholt and Star Hill to the Pilgrims Way before turning south to Westerham, having to put up with five minutes of rain.

Dave was in time for his beans on toast with a fried egg on top so he was happy! We left, chugging up Westerham and then down through Warlingham to Sanderstead where we parted.

A really nice ride in pleasant conditions.

Trevor's birthday ride to Oxted 18/04/2010

Brilliant sunny day for a ride in the beautiful country with many friends. Starting from Cheam there was Andy, Paul K, Andrew A, Brian H and Trevor. They collected Ev, Mick A, Barry, Dave E, Paul M, Paul W, Tony M and welcome guest Andrew H at Merstham. Then on through the lanes and around to Oxted to meet Jim and Caroline for breakfast.

Trevor's Birthday Breakfast Ride to Oxted

There's nothing like the offer of a free breakfast to get the lads out on their bikes and so 15 people turned up for Trevor's Birthday Breakfast Ride to Weherspoons at Oxted on Sunday. John Aitken even stopped a train to London Bridge to greet the group at Merstham.
Jim rode out from darkest Penge and Barry and Caroline joined us by van. Trevor did the honours and lead us all in an orgy of breakfasts before returning to the Wetherspoons at Purley for the usual consequences. On the return Barry descended off the North Downs in great style, missed the turning off to the Nunnery and was never seen again.Looks like Paul Kelly made a break for it approaching Caterham but was hounded down.And we all got home safe and sound and in the best of spirits. A good morning out, in good company, lovely weather, and beautiful scenery. Happy Birthday Trevor!

Launch of National Rust

On Saturday those two busy bees, Linda and Christina, were in the zone so they went to Box Hill on their own to launch their new enterprise in secret, while the blokes toiled their way to Horsham Nature Reserve and beyond to Wisborough Green.

Camelia Botnar, near Cowfold. Betchworth Start 10:00am, 55 miles.

Today Trevor Hughes road with the OHG from Betchworth with Tony Mozzola, Dave Brentnall, Roger Smith, Jim Harwood, Brian Staples and others. Pleasant sunshine with the wind behind going out but into a strong wind coming back. However it was warm and sheltered enough for us to sit outside at Camelia Botnar. Tony Mozzola went missing on the return journey having taken a wrong turning and heading for Crawley and then Dorking arriving at Betchworth shortly after Jim. We had stopped and waited for Tony and rode up and down Wimlands but he was nowhere to be found!

Warm enough to sit outside.

Trevor, Mick, Barry and Bryan Staples (just returned from wintering in Florida) at Sumner's Ponds today.

Route recci Bristol and Avon River.

Brunel's original train station at Bristol Temple Meads.

Avon Valley Steam Railway.

Cafe at Warmley Station.

Took a trip out to Keynsham near Bristol and reversed the route and rode the Bristol to Bath Railway Path into Bristol. Then followed the path along the River Avon back across the fields to the car park.

Total: 26 miles and a nice cup of Earl Gray and ginger biscuits in the sun shine after the ride.

All served by a charming lady manning the little cafe in the old station building at Warmley.

Isambard White.

Weekends Rides

Returning from Clandon on Sunday

Saturday morning gathering at Ewell.

Tuesday 6th April 2010 Wiston. Knights Plants, Betchworth, 0945 65 miles. Dave Gill.

Trevor Hughes rode from Epsom to join the OHG ride form Knights Plants, Betchworth. Clarencourt were out in force today with 7 riders including Caroline Harrison, Jim Harwood with their gust rider Barry, Andrew Adams, Tony Mozzolla, and Mick Ayliffe who was at Wiston first, having had the assistance of a train to Horsham. A few miles into the ride there was a puncture and during the delay Rob Potter and Tony decided to continue on. Tony was not seen again during the day. Did his navigation skills let him down again? Mind you most of us had no idea where Wiston was or how to get there! A very pleasant ride in the lanes with the sunshine which makes a change from the cold and wet. Fast ride home with the wind behind. Andrew said :- Fraction under 6 hrs on the bike. 85 miles at 14.2 ave. (took train Worcester Park/Dorking AM) Home via Box Hill for pasty and coffee as needed more food and also to see very shiny bikes and kit in Dauphin!

Bromley Bikes are holding a demo weekend for MTBs in Peaslake on the weekend of April 10 & 11. They have Specialized, Orange, Santa Cruz & Wilier - a waymarked trail and other support.

If anyone is interested, visit the link (if I've added it properly)to book a slot. Failing that, avoid Peaslake like the plague that weekend - might be a bit busy!

The Wonders of Carbon

Watch the frame snap in two in this crash. Even if a carbon frame stayed in one piece after a spill, would you want get on it again?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/cycling/8590368.stm

another musician for the club maybe?

check this one out www.puncturekit.co.uk

Sunday's Mountain Bike Ride to The Wetherspoons on the Lake, Stockley Park

A fine freezing Spring Day for Rob Starey's flat ride (in deference to Mick's ticker!) from Cheam, Kingston Bridge, Bushey Park, Colnbrook Park, Hounslow Heath, Grand Union Canal to Stockley Park just beyond Hayes, and return through Osterley Park, Syon Park, Richmond Park and Worcester Park. 42 miles at a leisurely pace. Rob Starey, Bob Green, Barry Gregory, Mick Ayliffe and welcome guests Andy, Andy and Keith from the KP's.

First Surrey League Race of 2010

Barry Gregory with organiser Brendan Anglim at finish line of LFB race on Crowhurst Circuit on Saturday afternoon. Sorry about the hat!

Jimbo muscles in on KP's prizes.

Tuesday 2nd March 2010 Camelia Botnar, Cowfold. Knights Plants, Betchworth, 0945

Trevor road from Epsom to Betchworth with 6 others, including Rob Potter, to Camelia Botnar where they met Mick Ayliffe who is continuing with his recuperation having used the train and ridden from Horsham. Glorious sunny warm day. Note to view the detailed route map you need to wait a few seconds for the information to be downloaded. When the full map appears you can then click on the "view elevation" box and again wait a few seconds for the download. The map will open in a new window which you can zoom and enlarge for more detail.

jim admires the sequins

Mick is impressed by the family silver

Clubnight discussion this Thursday 25th Feb

This Thursday evening we have reserved the back room at the clubroom to have a discussion on group riding and anything else you want to talk about. The aim of this is to help new riders with the club to fill in the back ground that everyone assumes everyone knows but is rarely explained.
If the evening is a success we will put on other evenings from time to time and may invite outside speakers. We are open to suggestions. Stories about activities like epic rides, End to End or Geneva-Nice or Cheam-Rome, Kennet & Avon for instance would be welcomed. Mick has suggested that Barry could talk about his racing trips to Belgium with the Juniors. Training, nutrition, sportives, equipment, the clubs website and IT facilities, using a sat nav etc could form an evening's discussion. Anyway we can discusss how this might develop. But only if you turn up at the clubroom on Thursday 25th Feb at 8.30pm. Let's give it a go.

Sunday Ride 21 February 2010 Croydon Titsey

Trevor Hughes rode from Cheam Station south side to meet Ev Quistorff who was leading the ride from the Swan & Sugar Loaf in South Croydon. The rain was heavy and the forecast bad so all you other keen cyclist were presumably tucked up in their warm beds. No matter, the two set off for a shorter ride to Titsey passed Addington Golf Course to one the highest points on the North Downs at nearly 900 feet in the fog and mist at Titsey. Then a fast ride back along the B269 through Warlingham to Purley. Trevor returned to Epsom some 27 miles ride from South Croydon at an average speed of 14.55 mph. There was heavy rain, lots of flooded roads and numerous potholes on the ride but, as Ev said, it was character building.

MTB: Kennet and Avon Canal.

This year's Kennet and Avon ride is planned to take place on Thursday, Friday, Saturday 6th, 7th, 8th May 2010.

Anyone interested in riding please confirm it by 6th April so that I can arrange the digs along the way.

Paul.

10 January 2010 Battersea Beer Festival

Paul M, Paul K, Trevor, Paul W and Ev at the Battersea Beer Fes this week. Preseason training you understand - well it’s advisable not to start something too strenuous too early and strain something! Mind you we could have suffered frostbite because they had left the hall windows open to cool the beer!

Sunday 7th February 2010 - MTB Ride to the Olympic Park.

Fifteen cyclist joined Bob Starey’s ride to the Olympic Park at Stratford The Clarencourt was represented by Steve Edgar, Dave Elliott, Paul Martin, Paul White, Bob Green, Mick O’Brian, Barry Gregory, Paul and Vicky Kelly and Trevor Hughes. Bob lead this wonderful ride through Beddington Park, West Croydon, Deptford, the London Docks to Bow along bye ways and parks. Seldom did we ride on a road. We crossed the river using the Greenwich foot tunnel. Opened on 4 August 1902, the tunnel replaced an expensive and sometimes unreliable ferry service, and was intended to allow workers living on the south side of the Thames to reach their workplaces in the London docks and shipyards then situated in or near the Isle of Dogs. We passed by the new Olympic football/athletic stadium. There was some 24 miles of riding on the flat with no hills and a gentle descent to London. There was a drink and food stop in Bow before the return journey.



The return journey from London to Cheam was via the Millennium Bridge, Clapham Common and Merton for an afternoon drink. Total ride distance for the day of approximately 45 miles.

Alps

Hello all.
A couple of years ago me and a mate from the San Fairy Ann club spent a few days in the French Alps, riding from Alpe D'Huez to Monaco. We had a fantastic time, riding in the famous Tour mountains is something spectacular and so & this year we're heading back with a slightly larger group (8 riders in total at the moment) to base ourselves near Bourg D'Oisans for a few days riding. At the moment we have a couple of spare places at the accomodation we've booked due to some drop outs, so I wondered if anyone might be interested in joing the fun?

The trip is on the 2nd bank holiday weekend in May - Flying out on 28th & back on 31st. The plan is to ride Alpe D'Huez on the Friday and then plan some routes around everyone's needs for the Saturday and Sunday. You don't need to be an elite climber, believe me there is a good mix of abilities coming along and we are just looking to enjoy the experience. We'll be staying in a Gite that we have used before which is very bike friendly (and very reasonable rates) in the mountain village of Sardonne, just a couple of miles from Bourg D'Oisans.

If anyone is interested in coming along, please let me know ASAP & I can give you the full details, an idea of costs etc. It will be a great few days in a relaxed atmosphere & some very good company.

Cheers

Alex

Off to the Olympics...

Off to the Olympic Stadium actually!

The picture Hennie didn't put in.

What a joy it was to browse through the Hennie Kuiper pictures Ev recently brought to our notice on this Blog. Late 70's early 80's, marvellous pictures of an era of heros, riding proper bikes, no hats so we could recognize them, nothing stuck in their ears or on their handlebars and pushing proper racing gears. What an old fart I am! I searched all through the pictures looking for one of the most dramatic moments in bike racing I ever saw on TV and it is there. http://www.flickr.com/photos/henniekuiper/3749388186/in/set-72157621681116938/
Hennie was away on his own with only a few kilometres to the finish of Paris-Roubaix, the Classic everyone wants to win. On a right hand bend his rear tyre rolled off and he slithered to a halt in the kerb. What a panic! Hennie's face was a picture of intensity. He flung down his bike, turned to look behind him for help and to see where the chasers were. He clapped his hands to hurry up the mechanic. He needed his spare bike but the lad came with a wheel and made a pigs ear of the change. Then another guy ran up with his complete bike and he was away again, still in the lead. The whole incident took only 30 seconds but it must have seemed like a lifetime to Hennie. He won on his own. Here he is with Mick in the square in Westouter at Gent-Wevelgem a few years ago when he was with Rabobank. I always thought he looked a bit like a young Millsy.

South Downs Lemming Trail

http://www.trailbreak.co.uk/lemming/index.php?go=about

Always one looking for new & exciting challenges, I'm considering giving this a go (see link above) - well it looks like a challenge so why not? I think I've secured a weekend release pass from the commandant - well, the wife hasn't actually said no, so I should be OK.

Anyone up for it?

Tuesday 2nd February 2010 Camelia Botnar, Cowfold. Knights Plants, Betchworth, 0945 & 1000, Colgate/50 miles. Dave Gill

As last week the fast and slower groups combined and started from Betchworth at 10am.
The roads were very wet with numerous dangerous pot holes but everyone survived unscathed if not a little muddy. Surprisingly there was still some evidence of snow which remained compacted in the center of some lanes. 50 mile round trip from Betchworth at average speed of 15.2 mph.

Hell of the Ashdown 31 January 2010

Andy Huddart said:-

Well I finished, I reckon they didn't bother checking some of the roads they sent us out on - they used the published route route rather than the icy route. There were a number of roads completely covered in ice including flat, downhill and uphill. I saw about 10 people go down including two uphill! All the ones I saw go down fell because they panicked and either braked or tried to turn. Some got off and walked and promply fell over, cycling shoes and cleats don't mix with ice. It was sometimes pretty awkward trying to pick your way along the road with people walking on the only bits you could cycle on. Anyway, didn't see anyone with more than bruised ego.

I did this with two of my brothers in law again although didn't see them much, one buggered off in front (he said he passed someone with Clarencourt clothing so I assume that this was Alex?) and I eventually gave up waiting for the other one. Elapsed time for me was 5:39 with cycling time of 5:09, I thought I might do better than this but the conditions didn't help and there were a lot of hills! The route was 67 miles and my computer says 5767 ft of climbing but my routing software (Bikeroutetoaster) gave this as a more like 4500ft, whichever, it was pretty hard including a short(ish!) 25% near the start and the "wall" (which was).

Alex Jalland said:-

I made it around with a cycling time of 5h03 though was walking quite a lot through the ice fields - can't say I was very impressed with the route selection on the day. I got through unscathed though. My Garmin said 4500 foot climbed, but this changed to 4900 when I downloaded it.

Jeremy Martin said:-

Respect to all who did hell. Sorry I whimped out.27 miles and 2 box hills was plenty for me!!!!!!!!

Hell froze over

Andy Huddart and I both managed to complete the Hell of the Ashdown yesterday, despite the presence of ice all over the route. It made for a testing ride (or walk in a lot of places) - full details to come in the weekly briefing sheet. I think I've managed to download the route....

Epsom, Betchworth, High Beeches

Thursday 28 January ride to High beeches. Three of us out on Thursday's OHG to High Beeches: Trevor, Dave Brentnall and me, plus nine others. Someone took us apart on the return into a thin headwind; the broken bunch was scattered over a couple of miles on the approach to Newdigate. Distance approx 40 mile circuit from Betchworth meeting point.

See you up the road

Roger Smith

Sunday Ride 31 Jan 2010

Very cold day but some keen or is mad cyclists were out riding their bikes. Andrew Adams, Chris Devereux and Trevor Hughes from Cheam Station south side to Merstham to meet Paul White and Ev Quistorff and then south to Bletchingley. Some patches of ice and snow were encountered, particularly at the junction with the A22 when the riders had to dismount and walk over the ice. To avoid any more ice it was decided to follow the A22 through South Godstone directly to the Blindley Heath Garden Centre. The return journey was through Crowhurst, Tandridge, Woldingham,Chaldon, Coulsdon and Banstead, skirting round some ice and snow on the road, which was not treacherous. First ride of the year for Chris who completed the ride but suffered on the last hills. It was a cold day with some sunshine. From Cheam the circuit was over 40 miles with approximately 1800 feet of climbing, average speed 13.66 mph.

Trevor Hughes road this ride on Tuesday with a large group of 13 to Sumners Pond. The number of riders was greater than usual because the fast and slower riders amalgamated and left Betchworth at 10 o'clock. The distance from the start/finish at Betchworth was approximately 50 miles with a fast average speed of 16 mph.

Hennie Kuiper

Hennie has posted a lot of his pictures on line. For us oldies there are some smashing pictures here.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/henniekuiper/

Sunday Ride 24 January 2010 Cheam, Croydon, Tully's Farm

Andrew Adams, Bob Green, Dave Brentnall, Paul Kelly, Trevor Hughes and guest riders Keith and Jake left Cheam station at 9 o’clock to rendezvous with Ev Quistorff at The Swan & Sugar Loaf in Croydon. From there we were led through Selsdon, Farley and over the downs. Through the country lanes and riding to an altitude of nearly 900 feet before descending to Titsey. Then on to Limpsfield, Lingfield, East Grinstead, Crawley Down to Tully’s Farm Rowfant. Jake had to ride her mountain bike as her road bike had a puncture but she did very well to ride to Tully’s farm up the numerous hills. At Tully’s Farm the service was slow and we were sitting outside as there was limited space inside and it was therefore cold. Perhaps better on a warm day! The return route was through Smallfield, Outwood, Merstham and Purley where Dave, Paul, Keith and Trevor stopped with the usual consequences! Approx 60 miles with 2000 feet of climbing.

Downside Bridge Follow-up

There's always a flurry of phone calls after the quarterly newsletter is published and mailed out.
Dave Mclellan's Downside Bridge story with the picture of the punt crossing the Farnham car park has jogged many memories. Terry Pearce rang in. On that weekend in 1967 he was working at Ronson's in Leatherhead. He remembers an empty bus being stranded on the crest of the bridge at the bottom of Leatherhead High Street (where Dave McLellan & Hazel lived some years later) with the River Mole swirling all around it. Later on he saw a Fiat saloon car in the middle of the river with no indication of how it got there. Terry thinks somone sailed it there.

Sky's first win

Congratulations on Sky's first win at the Cancer Council Helpline Classic in Adelaide, it's a mixed bag for us as viewers though. The Tour Down Under which starts on Tuesday and was on Eurosport last year but not now, how much cycling is going to migrate to Sky Sport? On the plus side though the Team Sky website is good, you can watch extended highlights from the race.

http://www.teamsky.com/video

Help! Great Pub Conversations...

Paul White recently sent out an email with a plea to help him remember when he first joined the club...

"The debate on when I joined the club came up when Ev and I were in the pub last night. Ev believes I joined the club a lot younger than I thought. It appears I may have been in for more than thirty years. I'm trying to work out the exact month and year that I joined the cycle club. Does anyone in the club have any records or diaries that could possibly pin this down?"

Also requested were (1), that if anyone has old Bourton-On-The-Water weekend pictures that show Paul riding in it, to get in touch with him and (2), the possibility of a "Days gone by" link on the new website where people could put old photos of club events. What do you think?

And we thought we had it bad here!

Taken last Wednesday, 6th January to which I referred to in my Letter from America of Saturday 9th. This was the first really cold day as it has only got worse since then! Hope things are getting better in your neck of the woods.

Bryan

Film show, Sunday 24th January

Film show, Sunday 24th Jan, Riverside Studios, starts 1.30 pm

Cycling Shorts:
The Tour de France and Cycle Racing in Britain in the 1950s, 60s and 70s (U) 1.30pm. London's cycling film aficionados return to Riverside Studios with a selection of shorts and features ranging from the Tour de France through to British Time Trial Championships.

www.riversidestudios.co.uk

This is previewed in Cycling Weekly this week, these shows usually sell out so an early booking is suggested, on line, on telephone, both work well.

Cheers, Barry G.

Victoria Pendleton signs with Hovis

Just off down the bakers...

Snow, What Snow????

A lot of moaning going on about the weather, but, 32 years ago, this type of weather bothered us less. It was I believe February 1978 when Mick Ayliffe, Nick "Dinky" Dunkley, Steve Edgar and yours truly set off on one of Mick's 24 hour training rides to Bognor Regis on snow covered roads. Yes, 120 miles in really bad conditions.

But we were hard men. No overpriced bits of polystyrene on our heads. No fancy overshoes or gortex gloves. We just used to get on with it. However, were cautious and rode down Givens Grove because of the icy conditions.

It was of course an epic ride. Nick riding ahead of us by 20 yards for no reason for parts of the ride and getting soaked in slush from a passing vehicle. Slogging up Bury Hill, arriving in Bognor for eats looking like coal miners who had just finished a shift.

On the way back my left hand crank came loose and thank God for those old dumbbell multi-spanners. Mick whacked the crank on with a brick and it was tightened back on and lasted until I got home. What a day it was, the sort of day that one remembers and when the weather turns bad thinks "I've been out in worse conditions than this!"

On another topic, Robert Douglas and I went on a ride to Hindhead in freezing conditions, a good 80 miles, and on reaching Milford on the way back I found that my bottle had frozen decending Hindhead!

Don't beleive the climate change scaremongers, it has been as bad as this before!

Snow more sitting at home

If you're anything like me, anything more than about 20 minutes from stepping off your bike after your last ride, you start getting withdrawal symptoms, paranoia about hard earned fitness ebbing away, and a maddening need to immediately check that all is well with your machine (you know, in case any annoying little ticks & noises have developed in the last five minutes of storage - the therapy still isn't working OK?!). So, after a week or more of snow and more importantly ice (always try & steer clear of the slippy stuff kids,) I was climbing the walls and kicking the cat. Which is slightly worrying, because I don't own a cat. Anyway, long story short, with the Hell of the Ashdown a couple of weeks away, I was determined to get a few rides in this week so long as the icy conditions abated a bit. The fresh snow, and Paul's previous post & pictures, at least gave me the inspiration and opportunity to climb on the MTB and get a few miles in. So, off to Epsom/Ashtead Common for a little exploration of the trails & some fun in the snow.

I had a great time & got some snaps in to boot - hope you enjoy. Conditions were OK, snow not too deep to hold up reasonable progress & fresh and grippy enough to inspire lots of confidence on the bike. The trails weren't too taxing, but it's good to get the blood pumping amidst such wonderful scenery. Strangely I seemed to be the only lunatic out there for some reason...

Anyway, my itch has been scratched (for at least the next 5 minutes) - an hour or two well spent. But, roll on the thaw eh?!

Happy trails,

Alex

Saturday's "Ride"

Icey this morning so Chris, Jeff, Bob and Mick met at The Organ at 0930 to walk round Nonsuch Park. It was beautiful and we bumped into Ron & Doreen from the Phoenix in the cafe. First six walking customers of the day and all cyclists!

I had this week all planned out. Flippin' snow!

Berkshire snow MTB

I was out in the snow today. Was anyone else young at heart or stupid enough?
Soft stuff, bit cold, but soft. Slippery just like mud and just as much fun.
Here's some pictures taken my local area.

Warfield Village.

Snowy scene. All it needs is a Robin. There was one. You can't see it; it's frozen to death and stuck to a tree. It's a fierce country when it wants to be. Only kidding, no animals were harmed in the making of this production.

This field had drifts of up to 50cm deep. The trusty Marin steed with its high clearance bottom bracket set up was a "must." As recommended by the "Kennet and Avon amphibious riders of canal paths 2001."

A trail nearby. This bridge was put in recently. It was more fun before it was installed!

My road outside my house. Snow 30cm or so. The car's not moving today.





County Lane, or should I say "County Slide," as it's not seen any grit during any of the bad weather so far. Still, it's all good fun - turn out of my road, brake and slide to the bottom.

Car driving, it's all good fun if you got your driving license in the 80's or before, cause we had enough snow in the 80's to throw our old Cortinas around and learn how to drive in the stuff.

4 x4 who needs em!

A bike waiting for a bus.

The top of my road before turning onto the hill.

The local pond.

Recommendation for snow riding:

Tyre pressure around 20-25-30 psi. Depends a bit on if you're a light, "blow away in a breeze" person or a heavy lump "traction engine" like me. Let the front wheel go where it wants to go in the snow, don't "vice like" grip it too hard, go with the flow. Wet lube for the chain, it seems to stop snow clogging the mech.

Post ride:

Throw bike in garage covered in snow, and hope cycling pixies clean it for you.

Remove cycle shoes and look for black toes or any signs of frostbite.

Run nice hot bath with some smelly bubble bath nicked from wife or partner, that makes you smell irresistable.

Soak in bath for two hours with large Jack Daniels.

Later on take deck chair to top of County Lane with said bottle of Jack Daniels and watch motorist trying to ascend the hill. Laugh until your stomach hurts at the mayhem.

Lush.