Sunday July 2 2017

This was a perfect day for cycling, not too hot, not too cold. All (most?) made it to the revised 11s (Elm Nursery), a smallish venue made more crowded by a Food and Craft Fair. We bade farewell to Bob and Don on the restart, and to Alan and Tony shortly afterwards at Jacobs Well. Beside the Wooden Bridge we crossed over Guildford's two "bypasses"  (A3 and A25) and continued to the station where Ed and Lilian were standing with backs to the traffic! Short use of NCN22 was ended besides the waterworks/church in Shalford and a direct route (Peasmarsh / crematorium) found us in Farncombe and amongst hills. Behind Godalming station we were urged on by descending traffic despite this being a footpath (though tarmaced). Business must be good for The Supervet and another Channel 4 series in prospect as a massive extension is under way. With time to spare, Eashing's Grade 1 listed double bridge came next. To the surprise of all (except perhaps Irene) - just before A3, we took a "hidden" bridleway to The Squirrel with raised voices being heard on the short sandy section. All that remained was the swift descent from Norney to Elstead. Within a minute of our arrival at The Golden Fleece we were joined by Terry (family duties) making eight for lunch.

A quick drink and a packet of crisps and Dave was off; the rest lingered alfresco for a further hour before leaving. The Wey was crossed for a sixth(! but not final) time. Cut Mill and Shackleford and the familiar route via Charterhouse, Farncombe (Chris disappears!), Loseley, Guildford (Chris reappears!!) and the A3 led to a leisurely tea stop at Pinnocks in Ripley. 65+ miles door to door.

2 points : GFH, Dave W, Chris, Ed, Irene, Lillian, Pam, Vic
1 point  : Alan, Bob, Don, Terry, Tony

Author: RaasayWarden

June 25 2017 - The Green Man at Hurst

Dorney Court to Hurst

Our leader Irene took us through highways and byways known only to her from Dorney to Hurst for a challenging children's lunch with a cocktail of ice cream to follow.

The children's menu was more than some could take, but the leader put on a brave face and all put on a smile (well, Paul nearly did) in appreciation of a lovely ride.

J

Author: Jeff

Sunday June 25 2017

DORNEY COURT GC  - THE GREEN MAN  HURST - CAFÉ NORTH  STAINES.

 

Bob, Ed, Dave, Chris, Graham, Paul, Alan, Jeff & Irene met up at the Dorney Court G.C, for tea, coffee & cakes.  At 11.15 am Bob, Alan & Ed returned home while six went on to lunch.  We turned left out of G.C. to Dorney Reach, then onto route 4 over the Thames before turning left past Bray Marina to A308.  Here we went straight over to Fifield and right onto B3024 to Paley Street and continued through Shurlock Row to Hurst for lunch. Three partook the childrens' menu which came with ice cream for dessert (lovely).

 

We returned past Billingbear Golf course to Moss End then across Ascot Racecourse to Windsor Great Park. We left through Bishopsgate to descend Tite Hill. Dave, Paul and Jeff pushed on for home leaving just three for cake and tea at Café North in Staines.

 

Thank you for a very pleasant day. The rain tried to spoil it at lunch time but decided to wait another day.

Author: RaasayWarden

25th June Change of lunch Venue

The lunch venue for the 25th of June has changed to:

The Green Man, Hurst.

Tony..

Author: Tony

Change of 11s July 2

As Tony (et al) are "raiding", here's early warning that 11s will be at Elm Nursery. Sutton Green GC is on the A320 whereas the (near adjacent) Nursery is on the more cyclists friendly Sutton Green Road and has a children's farm! It opens from 1000 on Sundays.

References: elmnursery.co.uk/GU4 7QD/TQ004543/51.27915,-0.56248. Oddly the runslist link currently points to Elm Nursery!

After 11s, the ride continues via the Railway Station and Wetherspoons so you could join in Guildford town centre but do email in advance.

Author: RaasayWarden

Phew! Wot a Scorcher!

The hottest day of the year so far:  Ten of us went to Chertsey for elevenses, but only eight found the Chertsey Café.  We found Ed and Bob in a café just up the road, which might have been a cooler option, as the Chertsey Cafe is in an arcade which is built a bit like a greenhouse.  Margaret & Bill, Bob, Ed, and Alan were not joining us for the ride, leaving just five of us to brave the heat.

We headed across to Lyne and then around Virginia Water, seeking shade, emerging from Blacknest Gate to climb up to the mighty Peanut roundabout.  Then downhill all the way to Fifield, and across the Thames to Dorney, where we cycled along Dorney Lake and mostly tarmac'd cycle track towards Eton.  Irene suggested a quicker route into Eton itself which worked well and got us to the Waterman's Arms a couple of minutes after one.  We found tables reserved for us, outside but with some shade, and after a lengthy wait to order our drinks and food, the food came very quickly and we were away by just after 2pm.

Still, it was still a still, hot, sticky day (see what I did there?) - 32 degrees in fact - so we took it easy along the river and along the cycle track back to Windsor Great Park.  There was a glimmer of hope that we might stop for ice creams at the village shop, but it's shut on Sunday afternoons, so we enjoyed the views over Windsor and pedalled on.  Graham suggested a diversion to Runnymede for tea and ice creams, which worked out very well.  After tea Irene took us to see the nearby sculpture (or is it an installation?) called The Jurors, marking the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta.  And I now know where it was signed.  At the bottom, of course.

The Jurors, at Runnymede

18 June elevenses location - please read!

Under the arch on the left...

Elevenses this Sunday will be at the Chertsey Café, a new venue which is not easy to find ... and NOT where the link on the rides list pointed to until a moment ago, or where Google Maps takes you to if you search.   The correct location is here.
It is in an arcade, the Sainsbury Centre, just off the main shopping street, which is called Guildford Street.   On the left, about 100yds down the road, just after the scaffolding, and before the King's Head on the other side.   If you have difficulty, call me on 07952 932 823, or one of the other riders, and we'll come and find you.