Likely changes to Sunday 23rd November

 The printed & online rides list has Felbridge for lunch.....https://thegardencafefelbridge.co.uk/

Fine except it requires a short bit of off-road to avoid a busy section of the A264.

When I checked it out earlier this week it was quite muddy & with more rain forecast before Sunday, I've decided to postpone the visit until next Spring at the earliest.

So Sunday's 11's remains as published (Knights, Betchworth), with lunch at Redhill Aerodrome (12 miles).....https://www.hangar9cafe.co.uk/

Tea at Banstead (11 miles).

Hope to see you.

Nov 16 - Meandering to Uxbridge

It was one of those uninviting grey days of late autumn.  Not much to recommend it except that it wasn't raining, and it was only a bit cold.  Perhaps the last day of autumn before the north wind bought us a taste of winter.   Despite this, a surprising number of people turned out for the ride.   It was good to welcome Robert back from Canada, surely the longest journey to the ride.

Thirteen of us set off from the Stables cafe for a ride through bits of Southall, a few parks (Marnham Fields, Northala Park, where we surveyed the re-modeled rubble of the old Wembley Stadium, and Rectory Park), and then via Charville to Uxbridge.   A few people had never been to the top-secret WW2 bunker, so we let them in on the secret before making our way to the Good Yarn for lunch.

Unfortunately we found some glass on the way to lunch.  Jennie and I rode straight over it, and Jennie was unlucky and realised her tyre was flat just after lunch.   She and David stopped to fix it and made their own way home. 

It was a short ride to lunch and a bit longer back home, a highlight being the cycle crossing near Stockley Park where the traffic lights always change as soon as you arrive.   This time was the exception and they took ages to change, so that was quite exciting, in a nerdy sort of way.   With a following wind, we were soon in Sipson, and made our way along the country lane just north of Heathrow to Cranford, before heading down to Hounslow Heath, Crane Park and to our tea stop at Bushy Park.   I don't think we actually lost anyone on the way back but there was gradual attrition, so that only three people actually qualified for the rare and highly coveted Tea Stop Points.   These points are so rare that unusually, they don't mean prizes.   

Thanks to all for turning out and being such good company.   Special thanks to Tony H who probably showed me several parts of this route in the past, and who also led a second group on the road; and to Geoff and Jennie for back marking.

Plans for Sunday's ride to Uxbridge, 16 Nov

This Sunday I've planned a shortish ride to Uxbridge, with tea back at Bushy Park.

We'll meet at the Stables Cafe, Osterley Park, as per the rides list.   If you aren't sure how to get to Osterley Park - I'm happy to lead a group from the Teddington gate at Bushy Park, departing at 9.45 - please let me know if anyone wants this.

The ride from Osterley is pretty flat, only 12 miles to lunch and 15 back to tea.   All on roads or in parks - a few of them are reasonable quality gravel, and there could be some puddles to dodge on Hounslow Heath.   I hope you can join us.

Ride Report - Sunday 9 November 2025

 

For me the day's ride didn't start particularly well.  Perhaps I mean it started more than usually badly!   Anyway, the hastily re-assembled bike I was unadvisedly riding had only been taken out of storage the afternoon before.   No problems had shown on a quick test ride round the block, but, as you will surmise, as soon as I set off for a proper ride, the gremlins began their work.  I call this 'Saturday Afternoon Bike Syndrome', and it has manifested itself so often that I really should have known better!   In this case, an annoying mudguard rub developed.   After a few stops and starts I managed to get rid of it  and continued on my way, pleased with myself, only to realise I had forgotten my drink!   So I had to go home, collect my bottle and  set off again.   Just like what I think they call it 'the labour of Sisyphus'!

Astonishingly, I was still the first to arrive at the Golden Cafe for elevenses - only to find it chocablock inside (what else could possibly go wrong)!  Fortunately, there were vacant tables outside, and it was a pleasant day - problem solved!   My elevenses was restorative, as was the arrival of company in the form of Diane P, Chris H, Liz B, Keith R, Geoff G, and Steph W.   I must give the Golden Cafe a mention - their breakfasts are excellent, the prices unbeatable, and the service friendly and highly efficient!

Except for Liz, who pleaded common sense, all the rest of the thrill-seeking 'adventure tourists' who had joined me for elevenses decided to continue on the ride.  I can only think they had had wagers amongst themselves as to what perils might befall us! 

The omens hadn't been good, I admit, but, for once, I actually had a route planned, and a vague idea of where I was going (but only because one of the group had asked for the route a couple of days before).  So, against all the odds, we got to Wetherspoons at Woking in good time for lunch, and without getting lost, and left again in good time  to reach home well before dark.  And Wetherspoons wasn't closed for refurbishment!  And my 'Saturday afternoon' bike didn't fall apart!  What are the chances of that ever happening again?

Thanks all for putting up with it, and thanks for your company!

Sunday 2nd November 2025

 I pulled back the curtains to reveal rain (as per forecast).

Arriving at Surbiton station it was sunny (as per forecast).

Simon & Chris were already on the platform & a short while later our eight coach (soon to become four) train glided into the station.

Onboard was Dave Vine, a very nice suprise!

Today, we were to ride the delightful lanes south of Hook in Hampshire where we arrived at 10.16am.

The planned 11's was Newlyns, a complex that included a café but quite quickly I decided that waiting to be seated (let alone served) could eat into the planned ride & so moved off to ride a couple of miles to Odiham.

On the way, fortunately we spotted Dave Ward (who had ridden from home) going the opposite direction & we were soon enjoying treacle tart...a favourite of some! at Fountains Coffee Shop, a fine establishment we all agreed.

Dave W was away first & our quartet soon followed going south to a right turn (Woodhill Lane) past the control tower of RAF Odiham, home to the Chinook helicopters.

Care was needed on this little used narrow lane after the overnight rain & fallen leaves.

We turned left through the village of Long Sutton then right in Well to descend to Lower Froyle & a flooded road (passed with ease).

After Bentley, we climbed to enjoy lovely views over the surrounding countryside.

Dave & his Airnimal folding bike

 

Chris demonstrating the "Traditional Countryman's way" !

Lunch was at the gargantuan Redfields Garden Centre, Church Crookham where I'm sure you could buy a car tyre if that's what you wanted!

The wait for cooked food was around one hour, so we were forced upstairs to the Tree Tops café & made do with cakes etc.

It was a flat 9 mile pleasant ride back to the station & our cancelled train!

Out came the phones & some head scratching but we all agreed to take a train to Basingstoke where there would be more opportunities to get home.

We split with Chris, him taking a direct train to Clapham Junction (stopping additionally at Hook!).

Dave, Simon & myself took a semi fast to Surbiton/Wimbledon & had a nice chat with some lady mountain bikers travelling back from a recce (Guildford to Winchester - offroad).

Thanks to my small group for joining me on one of my favourite areas to ride a bike.

15% uphill 12% downhill 73% flat

To Eltham, Oct 26th

Was it the cold, was it the fresh north wind, the promise of rain, the do-it-yourself lunch, the start of winter dark evenings?   Was it the fact that the B group had only just been to Eltham?  For whatever reason, a smaller than usual group met at the Nonsuch Arms, just eight of us.  Colin Q, Dave V and Graham were going no further, leaving the hardy five of us to hit the trail eastwards.  Dave W, still under the weather, turned back just after Waddon Ponds, where we pondered the source of the Wandle, so well researched by Mark G here.

Pondering at Waddon Ponds

The route had been designed to visit lots of parks, partly based on my 2018 London ride, but adapted to give us a quick return in case of rain, which never quite materialised.  Crystal Palace park was omitted, since it's being renovated, saving us a hill, but we still managed ten parks on the way to lunch at the lovely Park Tavern in Eltham.  The pub doesn't do food on Sundays but it was packed.  Andy managed to bag the last table while (as agreed with the landlord) three of us bought something from Sainsbury's.

View of London from King John's Walk

After a cosy lunch, another five parks and several quiet cycleways led us to Battersea Park for tea.  It was just after 4pm but the cafe was still doing brisk business.    Nobody opted for the train, so lights on for riding home, rather lovely to ride alongside the Thames in the dark but a reminder that winter's on the way.

Admiring the view from Greenwich Park

Thank you to those who turned out for 11s and the ride for your company.

Plans for Sunday 26 October

For this Sunday I have devised a scenic route to Eltham and a shorter route back to tea.  Elevenses is at Cheam (the Nonsuch Arms) as advertised, but lunch and tea are slightly different to the rides list.

Lunch will be at a cafe in Eltham - I need to check this out and will confirm on the blog.   And tea will be at the Pear Tree cafe in Battersea Park, just a mile away from Clapham Junction if you want to get a train home.  I'm happy to lead an after-tea ride to Richmond Park (Roehampton Gate) if that helps anyone.  20 miles to Eltham, 15 back to Clapham Junction.

Please bring a decent lock for parking your bike in Eltham, and bike lights - the clocks go back this weekend.

Sundays 12th/19th October 2025

I give you two reports for the price of one!

Sunday 12th October 2025 

Alan's first lead for C&M & Polesden Lacey was the 11's where the service was mostly slow (two machines, one operative)!

After a quick discussion, the climb through Denbies was favoured over Ranmore Common Road which Alan had originally planned.....

Photo by Alan

Ruth & Jan were 30 minutes behind us having arrived at PL after we'd left.

Ruth took this wonderful picture of Ranmore church as if to prove it!

We bid farewell to Clive & Brian just after the decent of Crocknorth Road as we started to climb Green Dene to a another photo op at the top of Staple Lane & by now the sun had made an appearance.....lovely!

Passing Terry & Niall at Pinnocks, Alan pressed on to The Seven Stars where an empty stomach & deep pockets were an advantage!

But I did think their bike racks deserved a photo....

A 'Rudge', rod brakes & rear hub dynamo.

By now we were down to four soon to become two...enjoying the Autumn sunshine at Rykas - tea 4 2.

Pog on the big screen!

Thanks to Alan for the route & leading on what turned out to be a beautiful Autumn day.

Route before changes

Uphill 23% Downhill 21% Flat 56%

Sunday 19th October 2025

My ride started from Mayfield Epsom......think all things vaguely lavender in smell, colour & wotnot but today a kind of Halloween event for the kids is taking place.

Pricey I'd say & strangely the cups were served only half full (the guy in front had  to ask "are these just Sunday prices"?

We said our goodbyes to Alan & Dave who had ventured out of their front doors on this miserable day (recovering from colds etc).

Picture by Dave with my Viking Conquest

For those interested, info provided to me by the seller.

Chris joined me on a mostly wet ride to Wetherspoons in Oxted....

Thanks to Chris for keeping me company & backmarker.....Chris.

33 miles to Oaks Park (we parted company in Purley)

17% uphill 17% downhill  66% flat

Plans for Sunday 12 October 2025

 

Alan C has a great ride lined up for us on Sunday!   From Polesden Lacey we'll be following a lovely, scenic route through the North Downs (some climbing involved) to lunch at The Seven Stars, Ripley , then returning by a much flatter route (with an option to make it even flatter) to tea at Epsom.   Do join us, the weather is looking good!

Ride Report - Sunday 5 October 2025

 

We gathered at The Ferry Cafe in Shepperton, sitting outside for our start at 11.00 hrs, enjoying the refreshments until we set off.

Around the Chertsey Bridge area, Andy was so unlucky to be stung in his mouth by a wasp, and his face soon started to swell up. He said he wanted to carry on until he could get to a chemist, so we proceeded past Virginia Water and into Windsor Great Park. A fine Sunday had brought out a lot of walkers as well as other cyclists who were taking part in the Palace to Palace ride, still we negotiated them all and exited the park and took Crimp Hill down to Old Windsor.

We then went along to Datchet and into the town itself. Lunch was at The King and Castle, Andy joined us after he had visited the chemist for some antihistamine tablets, suitably refreshed we took the traditional route back through Staines to the marina at Walton Bridge where we ended the ride, sitting in the sunshine soaking up the last rays of the sun with the good news that Andy’s lips were visibly improving.

Thanks everyone for your company to make a great day.

Jennie 

(No close-up shots of the wounded Andy as this would lack taste and decorum! - Ed)

Plans for Sunday 5 October 2025

We will meet at The Ferry Coffee Shop in Shepperton (as published) and we then be riding to Windsor where lunch will be at The King and Castle - JD Wetherspoons (change from published venue). We will then ride back to the cafe at The Marina, Walton on Thames, for tea.

Should the weather gods be against us, the tail of the hurricane still being around, we can amend our plans before we set off.

Looking forward to seeing you there.

Sunday 28th September 2025

Ride Statistics

11's - 51 Degrees North, Mickleham - 12 cyclists (9 go on to lunch).

Noisy, barely able to hear conversations....but good coffee.

Not easy to get to unless you come over the top (Headley) - 4 cyclists.

Lunch - Tesco's Extra Gatwick (Hookwood).

Screen ordering system as at Macky Dees.

Most popular choice - macaroni cheese (2).

Tea - Mickleham Church

First visit ever.

Smaller selection of cakes compared with Capel but my lemon drizzle was lovely & just £1 !

Last opening this year but from April 2026 - September 2026 - last Sunday in the month, 3pm - 5pm.

We'll be back!

Weather

Drull & deary, with patchy light rain pm but with zero wind.

Photo editing by https://www.canva.com/features/photo-straightener/ & Windows Photos.

Custom made, washable, waterproof, fabric OS maps splash-maps.com

Route provided by cycle.travel & plotaroute.com

Flat - 78%

Downhill - 12%

Uphill - 10%

Penny Farthing (Ordinary) Racing

21st September

A slightly chilly and gusty day, 11'S at the Pheasanrty, which was busy as usual, a few were already seated with the usual banter. Numbers gradually swelled to 9. 11.00 am arrived, so loo's visited, we departed. Graham headed directly home, just was we were about to leave Brian Bent  arrived and cycled with us just to the exit of Bushy Park. 

A rather direct route so we could lunch early to get to the track, We quickly got to Hanworth park and the track across, arriving at Feltham station and then across Glebelands playing fields and side roads to Gladstone Ave which once was the home of Freddie Mercury, and has the Blue Plaque. Obviously a stop for photo's. 

More back roads and a few alley's bought us to the A30 at Hatton Cross and into Heathrow using the cycle path where possible, and out to Harlington and the under pass for the M4, now only a short ride to the really busy Hayes, some tried the cycle path along side the main road, but that only wore out their bell trying to get through the throng.

The Botwell Inn (Spoons) soon came into view, The pub has railings around the outside seating area, making it ideal for bike parking, the Sun now out, we all sat outside. Service was quick and we were all soon tucking into our misconceived lunch. After lunch Dave W made hi own way home.

We were soon off on the short distance, about 2k, to the track. There were plenty of spectators and some racing had already taken place on  uni cycles. There were lots of Penny Farthing bikes to peruse, and some riders had made the effort to dress in semi period dress. Tea, coffee and a few snacks were available and as the afternoon wore on and the cold wind picked up, most of us took advantage of a hot bevy.

Then the racing started the speeds were amazing and the field soon spread out,  the course is a touch under a mile in length. We watched the 2 main races and after had a cycle round the track.

We set off back on a short route mainly on cycle tracks alongside the Parkway before crossing Hounslow Heath and onto tea at the caravan by the Shot Tower on the Crane river trail. Only a few stopped for tea, and cake. I was only a short ride home for me from there and I left the remaining group at the exit be the A316.

A thoroughly enjoyable day, thank you all for joining the ride and to Simon for bringing up the rear and Andy for the group photo.

Tony..

Bike Jumble

Sunday the 21st September

 A trip to Hayes cycle circuit to watch the Ordinaries (Penny Farthings) race.

Highly exciting event, they are amazingly fast, more than one race.

11’s the Pheasantry, Bushy Park

Lunch at the Botwell Inn, Hayes

Tea to be decided on the day

Tony..

14 Sept - Nonsuch Ride

It was to be a carefree adventure in the wild Wolds of Sussex and Kent.  But it was not to be.  Shakespeare would probably have put it more eloquently, but even if he was blessed in the language department, he didn't have a bike, so there.

The weather forecast said heavy rain and 30-40mph wind, so plan B said a more local ride.

Naturally, on the day, we woke up to calm, blue skies.  Despite the lack of ride ambition, twelve came to elevenses, eleven set off on the ride, and ten reached the summit at Walton on the Hill, Terry having diverted to Headley and Helen having come to 11s for a chat, and possibly out of curiosity.

Down with the kids at Nork Park
(Chris having a go on the track too)

That's English and Maths covered, now for Geography, History and Domestic Science: 

Tadworth and Banstead completed the climbing bit of the ride and then it was downhill to Sutton, and following a route suggested by Eric, we found the back streets to Nonsuch Mansion, which had an open day in the servants' quarters.   By now the weather had a hint of rain but no actual rain fell until around 2.30, when some had already visited the exhibition and the rest of us were about halfway round a fascinating insight into how "downstairs" worked in these large Victorian mansions.   

Mischief in the 'dry pantry'

The amazing model of Nonsuch Palace,
which, as everyone except me knew,
is different from Nonsuch Mansion.
(the last 2 photos from Niall)

By the time we set off for home, it was raining lightly but no Arks were needed, so I think we got off lightly.   And I confess, when I got home, I waited a bit until everyone would be safely home and then did a little rain dance, in the hope of a downpour to justify cancelling the trip to Tunbridge Wells.

Many thanks to all of you who joined us for your company, and to Andy for suggesting that we make use of a rainy afternoon to get to know Nonsuch Mansion a bit better - and for back marking.    I hope to reschedule the Tunbridge Wells trip for a dry day next summer.

Would it fit on my bicycle?

For weather enthusiasts ...

Actual rainfall .. wet but no deluge

Actual wind .. rather modest

vs. forecast wind