Danny Macaskill - Industrial Revolutions

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!!!!!!!!!!