Thursday, 30 December 2010

Saturday, 1 January 2011

New Year's Day


Ten o'clock from the Spring Tavern, Ewell
Dear All

However bleary-eyed and unsteady you may be after the revels of New Year's Eve, I'm sure that you will be ready for a gentle introduction to the New Year with a gentlemanly / ladylike and civilised saunter, led by Pete, from the Spring Tavern at Ewell to Roehampton Gate, Richmond Park. After this, Ed has kindly offered us some light refreshment at his house in West Ewell, before we head for home. I hope that you will be able to come.

Jeff

Author: Jeff

Sunday, 26 December 2010

December 26th Cobham 11s

-6c a bit chilly so i rode to Cobham for coffee at Sainsburys via the main road. a good read of the sunday papers, coffee and doughnuts in the warm cafe, still alone at 11.15 i moved on to lunch at Cox Green
from Pete M

Author: Pete

Wednesday, 22 December 2010

Rules of the Road - Instruction Video

One Way to Negotiate London's Traffic

Some of us were disappointed last Sunday that weather conditions demanded the cancellation of Simon's Cheam & Morden ride, through London to the Olympic Stadium. However, we all know what a stickler he is for safety. He always carries out a portfolio of risk assessments, including at least one recce. You may be interested to see this preview of what you might have missed.

Why on earth do cyclists have a reputation for reckless, insane and murderous behaviour on the roads? Perhaps the following link might give a clue!

Jeff

P.S. Apologies to Simon!

Author: Jeff

1 Comment:

Lisa 22 December 2010 at 19:23 GMT

I should put on record that the Cheam & Morden CTC, as a group, in no way condones such behaviour in cyclists. It is irresponsible and suicidal and liable to make the drivers treat the next cyclists that they meet with far less than the respect due to them as other road users.

Some of the machines the couriers were using are not even road-legal as far as braking goes.

Sunday, 19 December 2010

Saturday, 18 December 2010

Snow Report 12 noon Sat 18 Dec 10

Saturday mornings snow in fact 2hrs worth from the Walton on the Hill outpost. I hope its not so bad for the Olympic site visit tomorrow though I have just heard from Wes (son in law) that he is stuck in car at Wandsworth trying to get back to Banstead.
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Author: mike morley

Message from your CTC National Councillors

Statement from Helen Vecht and Greg Price - CTC National Councillors representing London and signed also by John Meudell, CTC National Councillor for the South East.


Below is the text of a message that Helen and Greg asked the Chief Executive of the CTC to issue to the members that they represent.

The Chairman of the National Council is refusing to allow this message to be sent to their constituents without an accompanying message from him.

Draw your own conclusions!

Here is the message that the Chairman found so threatening that it could not be issued without a parental warning:

Dear Members

As you may be aware, when you receive your copy of ‘Cycle’ this month it will be accompanied by a yellow sheet of paper. This sheet is a ballot paper and members are being asked to vote again on a motion that was put to the AGM in May.

You are being asked to vote again on Motion 8 – which is proposing that the Club be converted into a charity and merged with the CTC Trust. This motion was narrowly passed at the AGM, after the Chair of Council used his discretionary proxy votes to push it through. Prior to the Chair casting his discretionary votes the motion had been lost on the directed votes of the members.

This re-run of the vote has been forced upon Council by the action of ordinary members who were dissatisfied by the way that the vote at the AGM was handled and by the unbalanced view of the proposals which had been put forward by Council prior to the AGM. Contrary to what is implied in some of the messages currently being put out by those supporting Motion 8, the use of the Article 36 procedure to call for a re-vote is perfectly legitimate and proportionate, and it is a valuable protection for members’ interests enshrined in the CTC’s constitutional documents. Only 200 members’ signatures are required to trigger a re-vote under Article 36 – and over 600 members’ signatures were gathered in a very short space of time.

Before the AGM in May, we made it clear that we did not support the proposal outlined in Motion 8 and we encouraged you all to vote against it – and we regret that since the AGM nothing has happened to change our views on the matter. Unfortunately, Council has not fully grasped the opportunity arising after the AGM to put things in order within the existing structure.

We would urge all members to vote against Motion 8 in this re-vote.

We appreciate that our views put us at odds with the formal position of Council. However, we believe that we have an obligation to you, our members, to be open and honest in our views and to act to safeguard your interests.

However, whatever your decision on the merits of Motion 8, we would urge you to make sure you vote. Please be part of the decision-making process, rather than letting others decide for you.

We should also note that we are aware that some of the ballot papers sent out by National Office have errors on them (e.g. the wrong names or people who are eligible to vote omitted). Please check your ballot paper carefully and, if it is wrong, please contact Peter Jackson at National Office (peter.jackson@ctc.org.uk) to get a corrected ballot paper.

For further information on our objections, please see the Save the CTC web-site: www.savethectc.org.uk

Kind regards

Helen Vecht and Gregory Price

CTC National Councillors for London

John Meudell

CTC National Councillor for the South East

Author: Jeff

1 Comment:

Lisa 18 December 2010 at 12:51 GMT

I understand that some people have taken the view that they do not understand all of this so they will not bother to vote - I don't fully understand either, but rather than spend their time explaining to me why a membership organisation that has lasted 130 years NEEDS to become a charity, HQ seems to have spent a lot of time and effort silencing the "No" campaign and pulling dirty tricks.
If this vote goes through, there is no turning back, the CTC as we know it will cease to exist and become something different. It will be an irreversable decision.
I still don't know if that is really for the best - but what I do know is that if we all make an effort to vote "No" now, it will be possible to vote for the change into a charity at a later date when we can fully understand the implications.

If you do not currently understand the implications then the correct thing to do at this time is to vote and to vote "no".

Failing to vote is the equivalent of a "yes" vote, because if you leave it to everyone else to decide there is a pretty good chance that the yes vote will win as it was so close at the AGM last May.

Thursday, 16 December 2010

Dec 26th Squires

Take note Squires is closed on Dec 26th alternative is Sainsburys at Cobham

Author: Pete

Tuesday, 14 December 2010

Sunday 12 Dec Combined Collage

Jeff it's a long time since I had a combined Collage, we should do it more often. As you did not appear I thought that this one of Father Christmas alias Graham coming down the chimney and the rather splendid photo of Keith should also get an airing if only to prove that you were there. I enjoyed the Earl Grey at Fanny's and look forward to sharing a pot with you again. Fanny was a little taken aback when I ordered it with milk suggesting it must be a cyclist thing to which I replied No! just a Jeff thing.
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Author: mike morley

Monday, 13 December 2010

12 December, 2010

Henfold - Horne - Fanny's

Combined collage courtesy of Mike and Jeff

Author: Jeff

Sundays 5th and 12th December 2010

Saturday's thaw and light overnight rain left the skies overcast and a temperature hovering on freezing. As I arrived at Kingston Bridge, Dave was pedalling in tight circles trying to stay warm. He set a brisk pace as our duo sped past Hurst Park into Walton, then Weybridge and Addlestone where we were delayed long enough at the level crossing for cars to U-turn. Fairoaks were crowded and we were fortunate to arrive just ahead of a large Kingston Wheelers group. Two became six with Steph and Terry keen for more though Pete and Lisa had other plans. Chobham and the back of Bisley got us to an empty Cricketers at Pirbright around noon. An hour later the way back took in Old Woking, Ripley (via a slushy Tanners Lane) and Ockham. In Cobham all thoughts were on early baths/showers so no one stopped for tea. Home by three after 45 miles.

Seven days later.....

After five minutes alone at a chilly North Cheam Ed arrived. Keen to avoid minor roads, he took the A24 to Dorking (cycle path from Leatherhead). In ones our Henfold count swelled to double figures. Leaving Bob and Ray behind, a short route (Newdigate, Parkgate, Fox Revived, Horley, Smallfield) got us to The Jolly Farmer Horne by a quarter to one. Hearty fare and a locals welcome meant Ed's doggy bag was foil-wrapped! Surprising to me amounts of very dirty, very granular snow held no fears as the London to Brighton route in reverse led us to Fanny's for mince pies all round. Home in the dark after 60 miles.

Author: Anonymous

Sunday, 5 December 2010

Sunday 5thDec Ride.

Well done Terry & Co for making it out today. Garden table and car on Thursday. I managed 6mls part off-road this afternoon down track from Walton on the Hill to Headley and then road to Ashtead. Returned in the dark to my horror the roads were like glass and I walked most of way back up Hirst Lane with Knobblies on MTB!
Barbs car on drive.
Walton Heath very splendid.
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Author: mike morley

Pirbright Dec 5





....Not quite cricketing weather ?

Terry


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Author: Terry

Tuesday, 30 November 2010

LCC Award for Simon Legg

London Cycling Campaign - Best Cycling Event

Simon receives the award from Jenny Jones (London Assembly Member)
Grateful thanks to Steve Rutherford for permission to reproduce this photo.

Congratulations to Simon on being joint winner of the London Cycling Camaign's 2010 award for the Best Non-Competitive Cycling Event. This was for his superb organisation of the monthly Friday Night Rides to the Coast, under the banner of Cheam & Morden CTC. The FNRttC involves a huge, personal commitment from Simon, as well as the support of a loyal band of helpers from far and wide. This is what cycling is all about. Well done Simon. We are proud of you.

Jeff

Author: Jeff

Monday, 29 November 2010

Sunday 28th November 2010










Brrrrrr just -7° and looking like Michelin man I set off for NC arriving at 9:03am to find myself alone for a short while........until Richard turned up.
The two of us set off through Cheam, along Cuddington Way, Banstead and Chipstead to pick up Stephanie on the top road. Wary of ice, gingerly we freewheeled down past Fannys to join Bob & Dave in The Quality Café at Merstham.
100% awarded to this greasy spoon (coffee 80p per mug) and a free second cup. Long opening hours too......8-4 on a Sunday.
Paul & Jeff joined us on the short distance to Staffhurst Wood's Royal Oak. The route being A25 to Nags Hall, the tiny lane leading to a rough stuff(r/s) temptation........the Greensand Way (see pic) between Tandridge Court & Broadham Green. Jeff turned back but the majority were rewarded with beautiful views (see pics) and a dirty bike.
I like this pub mainly for the wonderful position overlooking the Surrey/Kent border (see pics).
Soup was just £3.95 and a must on such a bitterly cold day.
Typically for this area, ice can occur just about anywhere (see pic).
A second bit of r/s in the afternoon proved a bad decision.....but a new café at Bletchingley was a great find......delicious cakes too (see pics).
Paul headed west whilst Richard & myself went north....home via Farthing Downs & Coulsdon.
An enjoyable day.

47.344 (from Ewell)

Nice little film called "City of Joy"........a cool video of the Budapest Critical Mass. I love the
speeded up cyclists going around the city on a beautiful Spring day in April this year. The tune is good too..............enjoy.

http://vimeo.com/11246314

.

Author: Tartan Socks(long)

1 Comment:

Jeff 30 November 2010 at 13:31 GMT

Andy
Apologies for being a PT member of the group. Tandridge Court Farm rang alarm bells and after 100 yards of the Greensand Way, my front wheel was showing severe symptoms of St Vitus' Dance. I retreated to St Peter's Church for solace and admired the huge yew (reputedly the second oldest in the country) before heading for the Royal Oak. On the return I lost you again up Tilburstow. I waited at the viewpoint but the viewfinder was empty (more r/s). Stopped again at Lamingtons (looked good) but no C&M so on to Fanny's. There I found Colin Q. We nattered and then set off into the dusk.
Jeff

Thursday, 25 November 2010

Sunday, 21 November 2010

Shere - Oakwoodhill - Capel
Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow ye diet!

Author: Jeff

Wednesday, 24 November 2010

Sunday 21st November 2010

A very cold dark morning saw 8 of us at North Cheam, Steve G, Mike, Janice, Andy P, Andrew, Matt, Keith and me. Chose a long route to Shere through Cobham, Effingham Junction. We had 2 punctures on route, Andrew first then Keith. So arrived at lucky Duck 20 past 11. Where Bob, Andy C, new Tony, Simon W, Jeff, Graham, Pete B, Pete F, Irene, Alan A and Terry were waiting patiently. Time for toast and tea then a short ride at quite a cracking pace to Oakwoodhill, via Ewhurst. Simon ordered the biggest baked potato ever seen in Surrey, but could not finish it. Pete Beyer asked if we would like to see his pole dancing skills around a pole in the dining room, but we declined!! Only 2 miles to Capel church where they let us in at 2:30. Jeff disgraced himself by ordering sandwiches and cake which he couldn't eat after a heavy lunch. Just as we left Keith Butler and wife arrived by car for cakes. Got home in the dark just after 4pm. 55 miles.

Jake

Author: Tartan Socks(long)

Sunday, 21 November 2010

FNRttC 19 Nov 2010

The last FNRttC of 2010. Not a bad night for weather bearing in mind the time of year and 79 riders spurred on by the thought of a congratulatory drink in Brighton. Not the usual route this time avoiding Ditchling Beacon but instead Devils Dyke as can be seen from the golf club car park believe it or not at 7.05am, looks more like the dead of night.
Simon was in good form supported by his band of followers congratulating him on his latest award from LCC
The picture above shows him with Antonia from the Martlets providing some Bubbly as a thank you to all who helped and raised a magnificent sum of over £50,000. for the hospice with an even more ambitious target for next year! Come on the C&M and other men (& women) of like mind from the MWW etc try the Martlets FNRttC next year it's good fun and good for the spirit! Never before has so much been given by so many to so few and very deserved too. If you are unable to ride sponsor some one who can and put £1. a week aside from now until then!
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Author: mike morley

Monday, 15 November 2010

Sunday 14 November 2010

Refuge from the deluge, sheltering beneath the Sky TV at the King William IV.
Is Paul looking into Pam's eyes or at the Grand Prix?

Author: Jeff

Sunday 14th November 2010

But for a topple this would have been John's debut ride. After a dead fox by the gasworks, there were just three awaiting a leader on the bridge including new boy, Alex from Twickenham. Bushey Park, Lower Feltham (via the spiral), BP and Charlton was thirty minutes too soon at Nutty Lane so an extra loop via Lower Shepperton and the watersplash was needed to reduce this to ten.

BBC got it right - dank and overcast become steady rain on departure with only nine (of seventeen) eager for more. After wiggles through Walton, Weybridge and Woodham the countryside round Ripley was briefly and barely in view before we reached the William IV in West Horsley - a pub in name but a creche today. After our soaking we were more than happy with the empty public bar and prompt service. The promised afternoon clearup did not happen (at least not until the evening and first frost of winter) so there was just a quartet for a short splash to Sainsbury's Cobham and home - under 50 miles including detours.

PS Last week's ups and downs: Horton Park, the Wells, the Anchor Bookham, Little Switzerland and Hurst Lane.

Author: Anonymous

Monday, 8 November 2010

Brockham Bonfire Sunday Morning 7 Nov.

Cleaning up the kitchen! Reminds me of my old hosteling days and cyclo-cross.
Ashes to ashes and the church veiled in smoke. It was a hell of a site. Guy Fawkes was on top of the pole full of fireworks before he exploded!
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Author: mike morley

Sunday, 7 November 2010

WANTED

TANDEM - for friend of Brian Nixon. For further details contact Brian :

5 Landford Road, Putney 020 8785 3303 NIXON534@aol.com

Author: Terry

Sunday 7th November 2010



Speeding toward Westhumble & RTA involving a motorcyclist at junc of Old London Road & Headley Lane nr Juniper Hall.

Author: Tartan Socks(long)

Wednesday, 27 October 2010

Sunday 24th October 2010

That's very strange - I wrote something on Sunday, the day the United Nations reached retirement age. But for some reason I failed to post it!

A bright but chilly start from North Cheam for the five including father and son, Chris and Liam. Ed was at his most devious seeking out Kiln Lane and the City of London school before dropping into Leatherhead on the A24. Then it was up the Bookhams and into Polesdon Lacey, uncrowded when we arrived. Gradually our ranks swelled to fourteen before an exit towards Burford Bridge. We were in for a surprise - a left turn setting up a photoshoot atop Box Hill. After taking the Pebblecombe plunge Leigh was soon in view for an alfresco lunch at The Plough.


The Coach Road and Gap got us back to Leatherhead where this time we used the footbridge into Ashtead for a second school meander. When we reached Ed's, two earlier birds were clamouring for the AGM (or more likely his cakes). At least we'd got there ahead on Steve and Ann. Mapless they'd reached the Seven Stars but after a phone call to Ed couldn't navigate the half mile to The Plough!

Author: Anonymous

Monday, 18 October 2010

Sunday 17th October 2010 (Completist version)

This was a day full of incident: two punctures for Francoise; close encounters for Frank (coathanger kind - entangling), John's rear light (motorcar kind - crunch) and Andy (solid barrier kind - ouch!).

As we set off there was a definite hint of winter but it stayed bright all day and even warm in the sun's rays. We sped towards Chertsey Bridge for a customary stop beside Laleham campsite then on to Staines where two joined. After Eton and Dorney we slithered between Burham and Slough (if that's possible) to reach the Beeches from the southwest. A glance at the computer told me 30+ miles, almost half the day's total.

The autumn tints weren't quite ready as we made the short 5-mile trek to a crowded White Horse in Hedgerley. On the wayback we paused before Fulmer to await a lagging trio: Ed and Andy but no Don so Dave sacrificed the lead and went in search (fruitless as it turned out). After Iver Heath, Iver and a timecheck we halted at Stanwell Moor Farm Shop (a cafe). Continuing through Ashford(Andy's nemesis), Sunbury and Hampton we dispersed in Bushy Park.

Author: Anonymous

Tuesday, 12 October 2010

Sunday 10th October 2010



I doubt I could have picked a better day for my first C&M lead. Cloudless skies and warm sun made for a perfect days cycling. Seven of us set off from Ashtead Pond to Henfold and our numbers rose to 13 for the run to lunch. Our outward route took us though Newdigate and Ockley and then down Mole Street and Standon Lane to Walliswood. There was some consternation in the ranks when I turned off-road up Lowerhouse Lane but the surface was firm and most signs of the recent monsoon had disappeared. Then along Lower Breache Road to Ewhurst Green and the Little Park Hatch at Cranleigh. A relaxed lunch was enjoyed in the garden before setting off for West Horsley via Shamley Green and Chinthurst Lane, taking the path through Shalford Park to approach Guildford.

Brian Greenwood

Author: Tartan Socks(long)

Monday, 11 October 2010

Tenth of the Tenth of the Tenth

Henfold - Newdigate - W. Horsley

A most auspicious ride in this season of mellow fruitfulness
The leader's table at the Little Park Hatch

Author: Jeff

Sunday, 3 October 2010

Sunday October 3 2010

As I headed towards bed, the weather forecast did not bode well. But overnight there was a stay of execuion; it was overcast but with more than a hint of blue and sun. Six went through Ashstead to Leatherhad and up the Lower Road. By Effingham a spot or two of rain could be felt; to make matters worse a puddled Orestan Lane ensured that the unready were rewarded with wet feet. At 11s six eventually became fourteen with more tales of minor flooding and rain getting heavier by the minute. A constant drum on the garden centre roof meant there could be only one verdict : that's enough. For me, it was the right decision as it rained steadily all the way home.

Author: Anonymous

1 Comment:

Jeff 03 October 2010 at 18:55 BST

I read the runes and for me the right decision was: Stay in bed!
Jeff

Friday, 1 October 2010

Sunday 26th September 2010

Your correspondent this week is a recovering insomniac (chronic),however as I write,I'm in good spirits..............nearly 6 hours last night!
A cool day but a northerly wind helped me get up to Ranmore and a fast decent (Whitedown) to 11's at Shere and the Lucky Duck........hmmm....... the only lucky one here is the proprietor of this overpriced establishment.
Best value is the unlimited coffee at £2.10..........providing you have at least two cups........& the staff acknowledge your request for refills........grrr.
Simon led 14 to The Haven via the track through Gibbon's Mill where a large group appeared,mostly families on their mtbs.A nice sight on this distinctly autumnal day.
The ride to Capel went past in a flash.The wind had dropped by now and rain was in the air.The discussion inside the church was of that nasty jobsworth lock keeper at Shepperton and his dislike of cyclists.........or just Frank......who knows?
Going home,we all got a soaking...............summer 2010 is definately over.........one that I'll remember for different reasons.

60 miles from Ewell.

Author: Tartan Socks(long)

1 Comment:

Pete 02 October 2010 at 06:56 BST

Good to have you back in circulation Andy, keep it up you have been missed a lot

Tuesday, 28 September 2010

Sunday, 26 September

Shere - The Haven - Capel

Welcome to Robert from Canada
The Haven and Capel

Author: Jeff