Expedition into Hampshire
Author: Jeff
Sunday, 9 November 2008
Sunday 9th November 2008
At Surbiton Station Jeff stood out amongst a throng of passengers. Then Andy appeared but not in time to purchase our tickets as all the booking windows closed without notice at 0925! After the mad dash for the DIY machines, it was no surprise when the platform announcer told us the train had been delayed. At Woking Irene and Pam joined and so five detrained at Hook for our Tour Of North Hampshire. The motorway road was closed to all but ourselves and an errant LOL (little old lady) motorist. Soon we were heading through Greywell where the Basingstoke Canal ends. After five miles Conkers GC saw us joining Bob and Pete as the only occupants of its cafe.
It was not a great day for navigators. Andy led us past Basing House to join NCN23 in Basingstoke; a curious route but only when we headed south back into Old Basing were my shouts heeded and we reversed. At a fork beyond Bramley NCN23 went left and we went right to a photo shoot at the ford beside Clapper's Farm (651616). By now the skies were darkening and cloaks were donned as we encircled Calleva's walls. Pete soon peeled off for Mortimer West End but everyone else was up for The Big Sister and Molly. In driving rain we swept west into Tadley where a call beside the Treacle Mine forewarned of our coming. To broaden Jeff's experience, we took in AWE to arrive around 1330hours. After a hurried lunch of soup and rolls we were off past Baughurst church and first left down a delightful lane which ended back in Tadley! - an embarassing detour of 3+ miles. Next we took the second left (200 yards beyond the first) to Charter Alley. After a brief but busy A430 sprint, we entered Elm Park GC Pamber End for a prearranged meeting with Bob, though no time for tea. At Bramley End I punctured waving on the rest. After a quickish change and a long chase along NCN23 and through Newnham, I caught them (on Hook platform). Around 37.5 miles including those detours.
Author: Anonymous
Thorn Bike for Sale
Thorn Raven Tour with 14 speed Rohloff speed hub. Large frame (587L) V brakes Flat bars with micro bar ends Satin Black Dyno front hub and many other extras Datatracked equipped (transferable) Purchased Feb’07 £1800 less than 1000 miles – will accept £1300 Contact Neil 07768991624
Author: Pete
1 Comment:
Jeff 14 October 2008 at 00:09 BST
Pete
This cunning carbon dating could be a clever ploy to keep the advert always at the top!
Jeff
Tuesday, 4 November 2008
Sunday 2 November 08
Ride Report – C&M – 2 November 08 The Lizard's Tale
There were Seven Magnificent Cycling Samurai who set off from North Cheam on an unexpectedly fine November Sunday morning. They were by name: Andrew, Ed, Ian, Jeff, Keith, Mike and Richard. The strategy was to launch an assault upon the 11 o’clock objective of W. Horsley from the hills to the South, rather than the plains to the North, as had been done the previous week.
The Seven soon were Six at the top of Epsom Downs, as Richard decided to break off to follow his own line of attack. The off-road lure of Stane Street was resisted as the party found ample cover among the wooded hills and dales of the Surrey Downs, the leaves displaying a glorious range of colour. I cannot give further detail of the route they took. Suffice to say that an exhilarated, if not exhausted cohort reached its first objective, disguised as a garden centre, to find it already in the possession of a larger group of friendly forces.
Refreshed the party split, some heading home, some onward to adventures new. Shere Road was overcome, followed by a cautious descent to Shere and Little London, where lunch was taken at the hostelry of William IV. Here some were scurrilously left to break their bread in a nearby pasture, before being allowed to enter to warm themselves and sup a jar of ale. The broth and beer were good.
There were Seven Magnificent Cycling Samurai who set off from North Cheam on an unexpectedly fine November Sunday morning. They were by name: Andrew, Ed, Ian, Jeff, Keith, Mike and Richard. The strategy was to launch an assault upon the 11 o’clock objective of W. Horsley from the hills to the South, rather than the plains to the North, as had been done the previous week.
The Seven soon were Six at the top of Epsom Downs, as Richard decided to break off to follow his own line of attack. The off-road lure of Stane Street was resisted as the party found ample cover among the wooded hills and dales of the Surrey Downs, the leaves displaying a glorious range of colour. I cannot give further detail of the route they took. Suffice to say that an exhilarated, if not exhausted cohort reached its first objective, disguised as a garden centre, to find it already in the possession of a larger group of friendly forces.
Refreshed the party split, some heading home, some onward to adventures new. Shere Road was overcome, followed by a cautious descent to Shere and Little London, where lunch was taken at the hostelry of William IV. Here some were scurrilously left to break their bread in a nearby pasture, before being allowed to enter to warm themselves and sup a jar of ale. The broth and beer were good.
The party regrouped to venture further, though two ladies took early leave to return to their distant Thames-side barracks. So on via Hook Lane, Jesses Lane and Pond Lane to the Peaslake hollow. Then a long haul up Radnor Road through Hurt Wood to the summit, where breath was taken and the view admired. However, disaster was soon to strike. A treacherous trench of hardened silt across a bend in the lane caused the hapless leader to stop to warn of danger – then they were gone! The leaderless group, intoxicated by the tempting downhill, released their brakes and disappeared down Holmbury Rd, leaving the twitching lizard’s tail behind on Three Mile Rd. Would the tailless lizard climb back to rejoin its severed tail? You know the answer! Would it be inclined to climb up Miles’s Hill to reunite at Pasture Wood? Wireless telephony said ‘no’.
The tail of Andy, Jeff and Terry therefore pressed on to Denbies, where a valiant Jake appeared bringing news that the breakaway had discovered more than ample solace at the altar of Capel Church – the tea-stop of the Gods.
Some other will no doubt relate the tale of what befell the rest.
As for the three remaining Samurai, soon they vanished into the thickening dusk.
Some other will no doubt relate the tale of what befell the rest.
As for the three remaining Samurai, soon they vanished into the thickening dusk.
Author: Jeff
1 Comment:
Pete 06 November 2008 at 07:20 GMT
Nothing changes! when will the C&M ride together without splitting apart!
Sunday, 19 October 2008
19 October 08
A rare photo of the Cheam and Morden Massive defending their North Cheam Manor, ready for a raid on West London along the Grand Union Canal
This might not look like the Hampton Court Palace of King Henry VIII. Perhaps just the tradesman's entrance. The regal redcoat that you can see is our noble leader, testing out a mightily well sprung Brooks saddle, in preparation for a possible fall-back career as a tricycle-powered delivery boy.
Author: Jeff
Sunday 19th October 2008
It's with hesitation that I put the words "Canal" or "Thames Path" on the runs list because historically they are less than well supported. Last summer, Ed accompanied me to Denham Country Park on mostly well surfaced canal side paths.
So to meet 6 members at NC was a revelation to say the least (Ian, Ed, Frank, Francoise, John & Jeff).
In Richmond Park, Jeff was amazed at the plethora of (mainly) racing cyclists doing the circuits. Across the bridge and TP to Syon Park to join the Grand Union Canal at Brentford.
Tarmac for three or so miles the path levels then climbs at locks but 10mph is easily achieved. Elevenses was a big Tesco at Bulls Bridge just off the route.
Bob with good reason complained of it's 11am opening, we had a nine minute wait.
Back on the GUC to West Drayton, where by now the path had lost it's surface and was a little bumpy.
South to Harmondsworth Moor and some cumbersome barriers (see pic). Past Terminal 5 to Horton Road and the George pub at Wraysbury.
No beer, according to Ian and my observations deduced a lack of upkeep, things awaiting repair, etc but despite this the non-British landlord seemed pleased to see us. Terry & Graham made an appearance so then a discussion about the 2009 Easter Tour ensued.
The return trip was via Staines, Laleham, Shepperton, Sunbury and Hampton Court's Tiltyard cafe.
Pot of tea - £1.45........... still cheaper than F***** F***.
If one of the greatest palaces ever built can do POT under £1.50, what's the problem? ............Over to you F****!!!
Cycle stuff 1/3 off at Tesco Extra stores:
Mini rear/front led light - £2.66 until 21/10 then £4 (recommmended). Similar item in CW £7.50.
Author: Tartan Socks(long)
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