July 30th

It was one of those days - one thing led to another so instead of North Cheam, I steered for Reigate via 'The Gap'. My speedo was on its last legs - mph OK but mileage resetting after every 0.04 to 0.006 miles! Spying three red tops ahead, I accelerated and caught first Ed, then Keith and finally Simon in Slipshatch Road. This show of speed was my undoing, as I turned right (rather than left) into Sandcross Lane. Fortunately nobody noticed before I did. Bob was there and shortly Daphne, Pete and Deanna too joined us. Ed's been badly affected by this weather and opted for home so I replaced him as leader.

Off we went down Lonesome Lane into Horley, then east across the A23 into Langshott and so to Smallfields. Here Simon spied a fleeing MTB rider and set off in hot pursuit followed by the rest of us. The quarry turned for Horne (my intended route) but asserting my authority I shouted "Straight on" and on we went past the golf course. The mile of A22 is downhill into Blindley Heath where we turned for Crowhurst Lane End, Crowhurst and the Royal Oak Staffhurst Wood - about 18 miles. I had last visited on a Brian ride - hills aplenty, sewage works, mud. I recalled "restaurant" not "pub" but the garden was perfect. Without approaching recent dizzy temperatures, heads still nodded as we set the world to rights (cyclewise) and decided what's next.

"Tatsfield's up a b*****y great hill" I proclaimed so Warlingham GC became the revised target. To Tandridge we rode then the splendidly named and narrow Jackass Lane, Gangers Hill (a wee bit) and the School. For reasons unknown Keith selected the corrugated bridleway rather than NCN21 but we were soon there. Cakes were devoured but scarcely earned after only 10 miles. Next came Purley where there was the parting of the ways.

Author: Anonymous

Sunday 2nd July 2006

A beautiful if rather hot day when traditionally the number of riders on our roads increase with the start of the TDF.
The climb from Effingham towards Shere was afforded with welcome shade by the beech trees that line the road. Several fast men overtook me with aims to get home before the heat of the day ............ and to watch the Tour.
13 of us at "The Lucky Duck" where £1.60 gets you a pot. Leader Simon informed us of his involvement with the 2012 Olympics and the planned? evacuation for spectators and competitors in the event of a terrorist alert.
Factor 30 was liberally applied and we set off for The Haven.
All the regulars plus John Mason, Terry Lowe, Pam Jones, Don Clarke & Roger Mace.
Pint of orange squash 60p but not much shade, one of those days when it's cooler inside.
Capel arrived via Rudgewick,Ellens Green & Weare Street. Cream tea under the churchyard tree, very pleasant.

Website of the week: www.bikecafe.net

Author: Tartan Socks(long)

July 2nd Club Run

Pictures from Pam Jones

Author: Pete

June 25th

Despite the early start time, Graham, Daphne, Don C, Ed, John M, Keith, Pete C, Richard and Simon showed for the 4th "nearly 100". Epsom, Leatherhead, Bookham, Effingham and Netley Heath lead onto Shere when Pete B was met by prior arrangement. As luck would have it, this was the chosen route for next week's ride - back to the drawing board, Simon! Farley Heath and Rowley came next before we rolled into Notcutts Cranleigh. Bob had turned up but the tea shop did not open until 1030. A quick decision settled on Bricks, Smithbrook Kilns which many had not visited. This proved far enough for Bob, Daphne, Pete C and Richard. So a motley seven headed for Dunsfold, Plaistow and Kirdford. Trying to outdo Ed, Little Bognor was next but no, he'd been there. The untried Hesworth Common route remained untried and via Coldwaltham and Rackham it was to lunch at the Sportsman, Amberley. There was no KPRC rendezvous due to the England-Ecuador match (can this be true?). After the ups and downs of the morning, a "flat" route home was much appreciated: Nutborne Common, West Chitlington and Barns Green. A Family Mega (Mega Family?) Fun Day in Horsham Park meant an alternative tea was taken at Tanhouse Farm, getting there just ahead of a bunch of Velocette bikers. After that it was each to his own; I totalled 103 miles and was home by 1730. It had been a sultry day, frequently overcast but a late threat of rain never materialised.

Happily last week's victim remains in good health but the perpetrator was buried at sea (more accurately, tossed in the Colne) last Monday. Irene is open to offers on an unopened packet of rat poison.

Graham

Author: Lisa

June 18th

Sunday June 18th found Bob, Grant, John, Leader Irene, Graham, Jake, Pete Mathews, John M, Pam, Terry, Ed, Simon L, Lisa & myself at Fairoaks in warm sunshine soaking up the small airfield experience, Irene led us on a well thought out and executed route past the Ascot Racecourse poised to open in two days time after a massive rebuild. Lunch at a busy Leathern Bottle at Jealott’s Hill followed by a lovely ride through Windsor Park to drop down to Fruit Cake and tea at Irene’s at Staines. Being by the river we were introduced to a friendly water rat living close to the small garden, who upon meeting Graham nibbled his toes – probably due to seeing a preview on the C&M website!

Author: Pete

7th/21st/28th May 2006

Martin from the West Kent Hardriders would be proud of Richard's led ride on the 7/05/06.
I failed to notice the Kingston Bridge start which meant I had to ride like the clappers to meet the only two other riders, Richard & Ed.
A very brisk speed to 11's at Burnham Beeches where Bob was waiting together with about 20 fast men from local clubs.The day was fine so sitting outside was very pleasant but we had to hit the road because lunch was a fair distance away. Bob thought we hadn't been to BB for a considerable number of years which is a shame because it is a delightful location.
With Richard ahead desperate to reach Ibstone, Ed & myself decided to lunch at attractive Fingest. Sitting amongst the blossom in the churchyard munching on our sandwiches with the spring sun beating we were truly enjoying ourselves. Fingest has to be one of the most beautiful of our lunch destinations. A drink in the pub over the road concluded our stop and Wow what a garden with a view down the valley to savour.
The route continued back down the valley to Hambledon across the Thames at Mill End then Cockpole Green and White Waltham,all wonderful traffic free lanes, to tea at Savill Garden.
Richard appeared having been about 20 minutes behind us and we left together taking the normal route home. Total 102.2 (easy) miles.

My run was wet, very wet. (21/05/2006)
Thanks to Keith and tandem couple John & Emma Dixon for sticking with me.
Lunch was The Good Intent at Puttenham and tea was abandoned.
Also thanks to Pete Clarke who on going home at 11's informed us that it was only a 3 hour shower!

I also led the following week (28/05/2006) due to Simon Legg's ill health.
A large number of cyclists from neighbouring clubs were at Henfold lake but the owners seemed to cope quite well with the demands of hungry riders. The Downlanders were there as well (again) just a social visit you understand no actual cycling involved.
I put forward Nuthurst for lunch in preference to Wisborough Green due to our late departure.
We left there after mending Daphne's puncture and took a unreckied route directly opposite the pub to climb up past Sedgewick Castle to rejoin the A281 at the Bird of Prey centre.
The normal fine selection of cakes greeted us at Capel with everybody having two except me.
"You can really taste the Whisky!" says Daphne.
Present: me, Keith, Andrew, Pete, Daphne, Jake & Ed, with Bob at 11's.

Website of the week:www.bikelane.com (lots of CyclingLinks)

PS. Please note the following: My Email: andycoxhill @ waitrose.com
My land line no. 020 8786 0785

Author: Tartan Socks(long)

Volunteer of the year Award

Clive Oxx - Regional Winner for London and runner up as CTC National Volunteer of the Year 2005
Clive has been a cyclist for upwards of sixty years, and a stalwart of CTC for most of that time.
He’s served as District Association Secretary and he’s a tireless organiser of events both large and small. He’s a cycle trainer, and a leader of rides. He edits the Sou’Wester news sheet for the District Association and still works with young riders at the Sutton Cycling group which has brought hundreds of young people into cycling.
He has been nominated this year for an award in particular for his work on behalf of CTC London where he has been the energising force since its formation, stepping down from a role on CTC Council to focus on the regional body.
This award recognises that without him CTC London would probably not exist.

Author: Pete