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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

Weekends Rides

Returning from Clandon on Sunday

Saturday morning gathering at Ewell.

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.

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.

2009 Freewheel Champion

Six riders contested the freewheeling contest on the Tilburstow to South Godstaone course last Sunday. It was won by a big bloke as usual on a steel bike, because as we all know light carbon bikes do not go down hill very fast at all.

However there were complaints issued regarding the way that Paul White won the contest. This was based on the fact that he loaded his bike up with a handlebar bag to ensure the greatest momentum. I took this into account but dismissed it. This has nothing to do with Paul promising to pay for my drinks at his wife's jazz gig on the following Sunday......

Two riders made it onto the main road with Trevor Hughes joining Paul White in cresting the ridge. Well done to the pair of them. The good folk of Godstaone were not happy though, as they had drained the pond in anticipation of Denbo starting the event and making it (nothing to do with being a fat git) into the village: they didn't want their pond polluted!

Hello Old Friends

Well I tried to slip back in unseen but without luck. Paul "Face Break" Martin saw fit to take the micky out of my name. And to think that I was going to let him have a few of my old beer glasses too. He'll have to grovel now.

It was nice to be out riding with you lot again last Saturday. Mr Green took us up "accident hill" where Mick Sutton joined previous crash victims, bomber Harris and Bob himself, on the deck in the mud and the blood and the beer. I got my nice red retro Roberts dirty and was not happy!

It was good to see MOB out looking as cool as a cucumber on the climbs: nothing has changed there then!

I hope to see some of you next Sunday.

Helmets

I've had an enquiry from another club asking do we have any rules (or views) about making the wearing of hard shell helmets compulsory on club social rides (ie not racing) and did we know of other clubs' rules about this matter. I said we didn't and I gave my opinion that I didn't think we should but it would be a good idea to canvass opinion and the experience of others more widely. What do you think?

Sunday ride 19 April 09

Little late loading this because Trevor has trouble co-ordinating camera, computer and brain!

Sunday ride 19 April 09. Start at Cheam with Paul K, Mick, Andrew, James and Trevor taking the photo then on to Merstham to collect Tony and Paul W. Around the lanes rendezvous at Oxted for late breakfast and coffee with Jim and Rob. Paul and Mick in the photo doing some riding of the bikes on the way home up Tandridge Hill Lane.

Some things never change...

Chairman still trying to get away from Secretary!

Smiling Jim of Penge in the garden of England

Saturday Sportive Training ride to Summers Ponds with a short diversion on the way home to look at Itchingifeld Parish Church with Timber Bell Tower

Itchingfield Church and Sumner's Ponds

Sundays Mountain Bike Ride to Oxted

Outside Wetherspoons at Oxted and in lane south of Godstone

Spring Idyll

Merle Common Sunday 29th March 2009

Guildford - Brighton - Guildford

A 90 mile(ish) one day ride on what is almost the longest day of the year and one week after the London to Brighton cycle ride. I did the ride a few years ago, from just south of Guildford starting at Bramley, it is a good day out.


Proposed (rough) itinerary

9.00am Start from Guildford Station, road to Bramley

9.30am Off-road to Bramber on 'Downs Link'

12.30pm Shoreham by bridleway, road to Brighton

1.00pm Lunch in Brighton

3.00pm Return by same route or return home by train

6.30pm Bramley

7.00pm Guildford


There are a few variables...

Bike
I have done the ride on a mountain bike and a cyclocross single-speed but you could also use an old fashioned 'rough stuff' or touring bike providing the tyres had some grip and you took the guards off.

Route
If we detour from Guildford to St Martha's Hill, the start of the Downs Link, I think it will rule out any bike but a MTB and will add a lot of time in. I don't think it is necessary to the day but let me know your thoughts.

Restaurant
I need people's opinions on whether we should try and book anywhere up. It will depend on numbers and whether any want to drive down to meet us in Brighton and just meet for the meal.

Non-riders
Members who would like to drive down could, potentially, have a few places in cars for people who don't want to cycle back or have had too enthusiastic a lunch!

Numbers
It would good to know how many are interested, I will put up a 'closing date' a few weeks before.

There is a good pdf file with Downs Link mapping available from www.westsussex.gov.uk/leisureandtourism/prow/pdfs/DownsLinkRouteGuide.pdf

The day is a 'work in progress' so your comments will be welcome.

Peaslake pause brings no relief

Caroline cheerfully prepares to continue the hilly ride from Peaslake bus shelter whilst others sulk as they find the next bus home leaves on Tuesday