Sunday 16th July 2017

ROWTOWN - WOOD ST. VILLAGE - RIPLEY

There was a  nice manageable number at Bourne G.C. for todays ride.  Bill, Margaret, Don, Alan and Bob made their own way from elevenses whilst Irene, Graham, Ed, Vic, Terry, Dave Ward and John Bellamy continued to lunch where Chris joined us.

My intention was to turn right out of the garden centre, over the hill to Woodham Park Road thence along the A247 to Monument Road to join the Basingstoke canal.  Vic came up with a good suggestion, hence we took the off road track on the right at the bottom of the hill leading us to join my route on the A247, with cycle lane.   Thanks Vic, nice one!

Upon leaving the canal at Brookwood we turned right into Cemetery Pales to Pirbright; A324, Cobbett Hill Road, Frog Grove Lane, into The Royal Oak for lunch where we were well looked after.  

We departed some time later, turning right out of the pub then another right onto a  bridle path taking us to Applegarth Avenue.  After a couple of roundabouts it was into Guildford University, exiting on to Walnut Tree Close.  Here one has to look out for a gap between the buildings, opposite the station, which took us over the River Wey into Guildford next to the cinema.  One or two lefts and rights, a walk across the A322, then a couple more lefts and rights lead us into Nightingales Lane where we turned into Stoke Park.

Yes.....we did go along the River Wey to the A3 cycle route!   Not so bad when one is looking forward to stopping for tea at Pinnocks in Ripley!   Lot's to chat about - as well as the Tour de France!!!

A very enjoyable day, thanks all for joining me and especially for back markers and corner markers. The only photo I am aware of is the one Dave took and put on his Strava!

Author: RaasayWarden

Sunday July 16

Rather belatedly!

Another glorious day, so good that Alan and I were ten minutes early at Runnymede. Ten arrived but only eight departed. The outward journey needed to be stretched so Ed took in Windsor, Eton, Dorney and Maidenhead before turning south to Bray. The White Hart in Moneyrow Green had plenty of beer (festival) but no food. On their advice we retreated to The George On Th Green in nearby Holyport. With no trenchermen present we settled for starters from the limited menu.

A change of teastop was debated. We headed along B3024, passedthe  Liz and Phil looking distinctly aged to Dedworth and Clewer. Here we used the road bridge (only climb of the day) to reach the towpath on the north side of the Thames. And then the very familiar: Eton, Datchet, Wraysbury, Staines, Laleham for a final stop at Cafe Mocha in Shepperton. Just under 60 miles door to door.

Two points: Ed, Graham, Irene,Lillian,Pam,Terry,Tony, Vic
One point: Alan,Bob

Author: RaasayWarden

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