Plans for Sunday 3 May - riding to St Albans

On Sunday we will visit the historic city of St Albans, about 35 miles, catching the train back.   There is some off-road, a section of the Ebury Way and a short stretch of the Grand Union Canal towpath both of which are solid stony surfaces.  As a bonus if you wish you can ride with me after tea to Borehamwood station, another 15 beautiful miles to get you to a London Zone 6 station.

St Albans Cathedral

We meet at Twickenham Wetherspoons, the William Webb Ellis, which is on the road out of Twickenham to the station (opposite the police station).  Lunch is in Cassiobury Park, near Watford, 21 miles later, so you may wish to bring a snack to sustain you on the ride.  The cafe may be popular on a Sunday so we will have to contend with the queues!

Tea is at a very impressive old barn, the Waterend Barn, which is also a Wetherspoons pub.

Thameslink trains run from St Albans through the centre of London to Sutton, Wimbledon and other surprising places, or you can change in London (Farringdon or Blackfriars) for westbound trains on the Elizabeth line or a short ride to Waterloo station.  Advance singles to Sutton are about £10 with a railcard and flexible off-peak tickets come out at about £13 so it may be worth going for the flexibility.  I cannot guarantee the time we will get to St Albans, so if you commit to an early train back, you might miss your tea, or even your train!   You don't need a bike reservation for the train.

I hope you are able to join us.

Sunday 26th April 2026

 It was expected to be another lovely day courtesy of high pressure that's been with us for a couple of weeks.

Twelve riders met at Walton-on-the-Hill's village café for an alfresco 11's.

I produced some historic documents from a recent meeting with Colin Q who has kindly passed them to me:

A Sou'wester from December 1979 (10p) where amongst the 'For Sales' at the back was this offer:

One Brooks B18 saddle (plastic, very hard). Suitable for someone with no feeling! - £1.00

Also a rides list from December 1990:

Lorraine headed back home whilst Dave, Simon, Eric, Alan, Steph, Sabina, Bernard, Tim, Keith & Robert joined myself to take the bridleway across Walton Heath Golf Course.

But within minutes of leaving the café, I realised I had forgotten to pay for my white americano. On announcing this, Sabina & Simon also said they hadn't paid either...a triple senior moment!

Simon kindly offered to return & settle the unpaid bill & we waited in the wood.

Thankfully, due to the lengthy dry spell, the track was free of mud & we emerged to cross the M25 & join the North Downs Way at Colley Hill.

The views were extensive across to Boxhill, Leith Hill & even the South Downs. Surely one of the best views in the whole of Surrey?

A bit further on at a clearing in the trees, is a memorial to an B-17 American bomber that crashed on the evening of Monday 19th March 1945 returning to their base in Northamptonshire after an operation near the German/Czech border.

Nine USAAF crew lost their lives.

Carved from ancient Surrey oak, the two pieces of the sculpture are placed the same distance apart as the aircraft's wingtips and made to the exact dimensions. Buried inside the sculpture, forming part of it, is metal recovered from the crash site. 

The car park & café at the top of Reigate Hill was busy as we continued downhill to a right turn on a bridleway leading to Gatton Park.

A peaceful place with the noise from the M25 becoming more distant.

Shortly after leaving the track, we traded off-road to on-road but with hills as we negotiated Redhill's lumpy bit to Philanthropic Road then later, the descent of Cormongers Lane.

The Quality Café in Merstham was our lunch stop named after the nearby Quality Street (we think).

Perhaps it should be renamed Quantity Café judging by the portion sizes with Robert unable to finish his curry!

We were down to eight with Dave, Keith & Steph leaving us as we puffed, panted, wheezed & gasped our way up Hilltop Lane

to be rewarded with the long downhill into Coulsdon via Farthing Downs.

Trig point on Pilgrims Lane as part of NDW (image from Eric)

That route, despite the vicious climb, is part of NCN 20 which we followed to tea at Oaks Park.

Thanks to Simon for backmarking, photographers - Simon, Robert & Eric & everyone else for your company.

11 miles

14 miles

In Memoriam

 It is so long since I have used this website that I have completely forgotten what to do. So much for 'tempus'. Please forgive my fumbling. Many will have no idea who the heck I am. For those few that do, my only purpose is to let you know that my younger son, Mark,  has recently died in San Francisco. I am still unclear of the circumstances. The Coroner will no doubt soon let me know. 

 His elder brother Nigel is pringing home his ashes. When I was Editor of the Newslettter. I too often was writing 'In Memoria'

I do hope that I may soon see some of you again.

With best wishes,

 Jeff Tollerman. 

Cycle Jumble

C&M ride to Maidenhead

 The ride began at the National Trust Runnymede Café, where the group assembled: Tony, Simon, Dave W, Dave E, Allan, Keith, Ray, Niall, Steph, Pam, Martina, and Robert. Ged, Carolyn and John, were also at 11's After the usual pre-ride refreshments—tea, coffee, and a chance to catch up—the group set off in good spirits.

                                                        Welcome Back Pam

                                                         By the queens Statue
 

 The route first took riders through Old Windsor and into the expansive Windsor Great Park, offering a scenic and relaxed opening stretch. Exiting via Dukes Lane, the group continued on toward the Ascot Racecourse, cycling through the grounds, not over any jumps, before joining Kennel Avenue. From there, the ride carried on down toward Cranbourne and onto Drift Road for a couple of miles, before turning right toward Fifield.

 

                                             Ascoot Race Course

The route then headed onward toward Bray, passing the well-known The Mucky Duck, before joining a particularly enjoyable off-road section. This led the group neatly to a well-earned lunch stop at The Bear Inn (Wetherspoons), at around the 20-mile mark. With glorious sunshine overhead, the group sat outside to enjoy food and refreshments. Dave W left the ride just before reaching the lunch stop.

Refuelled and ready, the group set off on the return leg via a more direct route, heading for Halliford. Travelling east, the riders joined a short stretch of the Jubilee River before leaving it at Dorney and continuing down to Boveney. From there, the route followed the riverside path to the bridge on the Royal Windsor Way, notable for the striking graffiti beneath its arches. The group crossed over and continued into Windsor, then on to Datchet, navigating the level crossing before riding through Horton and Poyle, eventually picking up off-road sections into Staines.

 

A network of back roads and cycle paths led the group onward to Ashford for a final tea stop. With the day drawing to a close, options were limited as many places were shutting, so refreshments—tea, coffee, and cake—were enjoyed alfresco.

 

At this point, the group began to gradually disperse. Simon kindly took the lead for the final stretch toward Feltham, with numbers thinning along the way. The last few miles saw individuals peel off toward home, with myself eventually making their own way back home.

In total, the ride covered approximately 55 miles. For some a lot more, the distance proved a challenge after not having ridden over 40 miles in recent times, but it was nonetheless a thoroughly enjoyable day. It was especially good to welcome Pam back, who rode strongly throughout.

Thanks go to everyone who took part for making it such a successful and enjoyable outing, and special thanks to Simon—celebrating another year—for expertly back-marking and supporting the group throughout.

Tony..

C&M Ride to Langley

A windy Sunday morning with a chill in the air set the scene for our ride. Elevenses took place at Fat Boy’s Café in Poyle (no reflection on the group!). While it was a little further northwest than usual for some, it sparked memories of past meets at Bolter’s Lock and Jenner’s Café in Maidenhead—perhaps destinations better suited to a long summer ride. Now there’s a thought.

The Start

Simon kindly led Geoff, Alan and Christina from Twickenham Station, and they arrived just before me. Dave Ellis and Martina had already arrived separately, and before long Dave W and Andy joined the group.

With toast, tea, coffee, and bacon sandwiches enjoyed by all, we were ready to set off. I had the route in mind, though without GPS I tend to adapt as I go.

The Ride Out

We began with a lesser-used off-road route passing under the Bath Road and skirting the edge of Harmondsworth Moor—pleasant and not too muddy. From there, we followed a mix of roads and cycle paths through West Drayton and onto Tavistock Road, leading to Trout Lane and then onto an off-road section of the London Loop.

                                                            The London Loop

 

We paused on the bridge over the Slough Arm of the Grand Union Canal for a group photo, courtesy of Andy. Continuing along Old Mill Lane, we turned right into Iver Lane and then immediately left onto the canal path heading north, eventually exiting at Cowley Mill Road.

 

    

                                                           Coming off the cana

A gradual climb followed, taking us over the M25. We then continued along Slough Road before turning into Swallow Street, passing the intriguingly named Whip & Collar pub (no idea why the name—you do wonder!). Shortly after, we took a short off-road section and across Wood Lane and entered Langley Park.

This scenic stretch led us past a static mobile home park, onto St Mary’s Road, and finally to our lunch stop at The Red Lion. Dave W left us there to make his own way home.

Lunch Stop

With the sun now shining, we sat outside in the pleasant garden. Food arrived promptly and was very enjoyable. We relaxed, chatted, and made the most of the sunshine before eventually setting off again.

 

The Return Journey

The return was shorter and more direct. A good cycle path took us across London Road and into Ditton Park. We skipped a planned photo stop as rain began to fall and continued across the M4, following cycle routes through Colnbrook to Heathrow, and the cycle to Stanwell, before heading straight down to Ashford.

                                                                 Stanwell
 

A tea stop had been loosely planned, and Chaii Coffee was chosen. Only Simon, Andy, and Martina stopped, while Dave Ellis headed home independently. Geoff, Alan and Christina followed me towards Feltham and on to Hampton, where we parted ways.

Summary

A total of 37 miles for me, though most had cycled further. It was a thoroughly enjoyable day on the bike, with some sections I hadn’t ridden in quite some time.

Many thanks to everyone for the great company, and special thanks to Simon for back-marking.

Next Sunday, and exciting ride fromom the Nation Trust cafe at Runnymed   to The Bear at Maidenhead, we will cycle through Ascot Race Coure.

Tony..

Cheam & Morden Easter Tour 2026

This year's Easter Tour was to Lechlade, near the Cotswolds.  36 people joined the tour for two days of rides and three evenings of socialising in the lovely New Inn.   Each day there were two alternative road rides led by Pete B and Carolyn & John B, or a mountain bike ride in the surrounding countryside.

Just some of the riders outside our hotel

A great time was had by all.   Many thanks are due to Lilian, the ride leaders, people who wrote ride reports, everyone who took photos and all who attended for excellent company.

You can read about the different rides and see lots of photos here:

• Riding to the Tour
• Saturday rides: Pete · Carolyn & John
• Sunday rides: Pete · Carolyn & John
• Mountain bike rides
• Riding home

Sunday the 12th.

 

11's will be at Fat Boys cafe, Poyle, where a good cooked breakfast can be had. (or not) 

It will be around  15 miles to lunch at the Red Lion, Langley.

We will return via Ditton Park with a photo at Ditton Manor.

Tea location will be decided on the day.

There are a few undulations and some off road.

Ride Report - Sunday 5 April 2026

 

Some of us have to forego the excesses of the Easter tour to keep the flag flying at home, and I dedicate this report to the gallant few who stayed behind!   Well, actually, there were rather more than a few (Niall, Ruth, Jan, Eric, Dave E, Geoff, Andy, Pam, Sabina & Bernard P2, as well as me).    And they really were a brave lot, as they made the journey to elevenses at Addlestone into the teeth of a howling nor'wester (not our sort of wind, clearly)!

Anyway, all except Pam and Geoff decided to stick it out, and join me for one of my eclectic 'routes'!    Poor deluded fools!   We headed for Pirbright and lunch at The Yurt, but I'd been tipped off that this big tent might not be receiving guests at present (I reckon it would have pretty draughty in there in that wind, anyway).  When we duly found it closed, I didn't get into a flap (as it were), and put plan B (well, plan W, actually) into action, and we turned our backs on the wind and sailed along at speed for The Herbert Wells at Woking.  The gang gamely went along with my suggestion that the railway subway would save us a couple of miles, and took the stairs in their stride, electric bikes and all!

That gave us an appetite for a good lunch, after which we continued homewards with the wind still behind us.   By now it felt almost pleasant in the strong sunshine, and the Basingstoke canal was at its best with n'er a puddle or muddy patch to be seen!  Tea was at Walton Bridge.

Thanks all for your company and for putting up with it all!   Special thanks to Andy for back-marking, and photo credits to mileage champion Ruth!

Plans for Sunday 5 April 2026

Please note a change from the planned programme - on Sunday, we'll now be meeting at old favourite, The Golden Cafe, Addlestone (instead of North Cheam as previously published), and heading for lunch at The Yurt at Pirbright.

Among others, the route will take us through the area where the members of The Jam spent their formative years and met, and Woking's very own millionaires' row, and we'll also find out more about the interesting character who said "Doctor Livingstone, I presume?"    Re-routing has removed the previously proposed off-road section...and the bluebells!

SUNDAY RIDE TO LEIGH, 29 03 2026

In my write up I should have made clear that I didn't actually take any of the photos.  Credit for these must go as follows:

First photo Sabina

Second photo, I believe, Ruth

Third photo, I believe, Ruth or Niall...

Apologies for that and if I've still got it wrong I'm happy to correct if the photographer contacts me.

Bernard P

SUNDAY RIDE TO LEIGH, 29 03 2026

 Sunday Ride to Leigh 29 March 2026 

 

It’s a challenge having to come up with a route for a ride you’re leading, one that I like to meet by taking the Bull by the horns... unless of course there’s a way out.  Who did I know that was a cyclist and knew the area like their own back yard.  Just the person... someone who knows their sprockets from their chain rings.  Call made, invitation accepted and off I was led (with ever loyal Garmi recording the ride); up and around the Surrey Hills with cows, sheep and deer lolloping about and waving us on our way.  Job done... I had my route... no need for any ordnance survey (mis)reading trying to make sense of all those pesky dots, crosses, triangles and meaningless squiggly lines and nonsensical numbers spoiling the look of a good map. 

 

Next, I had to ping the route onto the club’s blog.  But how?  There’s a lot of scaremongering about AI but I’m one of those who warmly embraces technological progress with open arms, lots of hugs and kisses.   Al (short for Albert Einstein) as I’ve come to know my ever so clever assistant does all the research leaving me to enjoy that extra cup of coffee and cake with my feet up whiling away the day with aimless thoughts: LIfe is good.  I can just about solve any of life’s problems with Al’s help.  The request made and Al sees to the rest.  The route link was impressively inserted into my invite post on the blog.  The walnut and coffee cake tasted better than ever. 

 

I arrived at elevenses in good time.  Rather a lot of heads bobbing about I thought but hey I was now a seasoned subbie... I could handle this.  The expected cheery response to my comment about the route being available on the blog failed to materialise; “There was nothing there when we clicked on the link!”  Did I sense something... I’m not sure... something a little south of positive like when you can’t get your car to start on a cold frosty morning.  It was then that I noticed a familiar face smiling at me... a Wednesday rider amongst the Sunday gang... HQ had no doubt decided I needed an eye kept on. The pressure was on, like a sack of potatoes on my back; I masked my jitters and smiled back against a background of steely eyed stares from the rest of the riders. 

 

Over the years after many hours of therapy, counselling and reading self help books I have, I believe, mastered the art of stress control.  I just block out all thought, just allow myself to imagine I’m relaxing on some sunny beach and whip the volume up on my headphones to maximum.  And to the tunes of Mozart lullabies I led our group of riders on our way to lunch at the Plough Inn oblivious to any request for toilet stops, distance to lunch and hills to come queries, why this way when we always go the other way, requests to slow down, to speed up and so on and so forth.   

 

Up some brutish hills we pedalled, not least Church Lane (I think that’s what its called... not sure... I’ll check once I’ve posted this write up).  Near the top it was great to see the peaceful flock of fallow deer suddenly about turn and stampede out of sight over the horizon as we approached the gates of Wonham Manor for a photo shoot. 

 

My catering skills paid off at the Ploughman Inn, Leigh, as we all munchelled our lunches (munchelled is not a word but it nevertheless comes closest to capturing our combined chomping sounds).  With bellies nicely filled and thirsts quenched back on our bikes we got. We were all in a happy frame of mind for all of five minutes... I had made the mistake of confidently announcing that the ride to Leatherhead was flat when we suddenly found ourselves gasping for breath as we trugged  (not an actual word but good sound) up some hellish inclines... It’s of no real interest to me (best forgotten) but I think they included Trumpets Hill and Punchbowl Lane.  And for those who appreciate a weather report it was windy and nippy. 

 

About half of us made it to Leatherhead.   I had no idea what happened to the other riders... were they safe, had they made it home, were they lost... I don’t know... I hope they are ok.  The important thing was that I was now nice and warm in a Leatherhead cafe with my remaining companions enjoying lovely hot tea, coffee and cake; it was then that I noticed the Wednesday rider, again smiling in my direction and making notes.  And to my dismay I heard him whisper into a fellow rider’s ear, “Special measures I think!” 

 

____________________________________ 

 

Thanks to everyone who came on the ride and I hope very much it proved an enjoyable ride for everyone. 

My fellow riders were: 

Keith, Patrick, Jan, Ruth, Niall, Steph, Andy C, Simon, Tim G, Sabina, Terry, David W 

Last seen leaving Elevenses mid afternoon; Helen, Diane and Lorraine, David and Audrey B. 

 

We split the group into two and thanks to Jan for back marking my group, to Simon for leading the second group and for David W for back marking the second group. 

The route was very kindly provided by David Bull. 

 

In case anyone is interested I am going to try again to provide a link on the blog to the route and hope this time it works. 

 

____________________________________ 

 

Photos: 

 

 

Notice the absence of any deer in the near vicinity. 

 

 

 

The moment they saw I was trying to take a photo they all turned their backs to me pretending to look busy 

 

 

 

My announcement after lunch that the ride to Leatherhead would be nice and flat brought out the smiles 

____________________________________ 

The route;

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53904069

Compliments of Al