Sunday 16 Feb - the ride that wasn't

The two Sundays I've been able to cycle so far this year have been named Storm Ciara and Storm Dennis.    Just my luck.  Here are some pictures from Pete Beyer of braver souls, the Tadworth Fat Boys, showing that they are hardier than myself.

Tadworth Fat Boys, Underwater Section

David Ward and I both made it to elevenses, him on a bike and myself part train, part bike.  The weather wasn't awful, just bad: fairly heavy rain showers, a strong wind and a lot of standing water on the road.   But we both decided that it would be more fun to ride on a different day, and caught the train home.

One point for attendance, minus ten for weather awareness.

1 Comment:

Jeff 21 February 2020 at 13:40 GMT

Simon, I think that the adjective to describe the TFBs is not 'hardier' but 'foolhardier'.
But I'm sure it will all come out in the wash.
Jeff

Sunday's ride - weather contingency

I have been made aware that there could be some weather this Sunday (again!)  The original plan was to ride to Eton, a ride that can be made longer or shorter depending on the weather.   It now seems that "even shorter" might be a better option.    So at least David Ward and I plan to turn up at Laleham (Notcutts) for elevenses.   We can then decide as a group whether do a very short ride, try and get to Eton, or go straight home.

Roll on spring...

1 Comment:

David W 15 February 2020 at 18:58 GMT

Wild horses wouldn't keep me away!

Hilly 50 in 2010

I thought you might enjoy this video of the Hilly 50, which was posted on the C&M blog after the 2010 event.   Recognise anyone?

The 2020 event will take place on Saturday 7th March, details here.

Annual lunch 9 Feb

Storm Ciara failed to stop most of us from enjoying a delicious annual lunch, although only one brave soul (Colin Q) cycled to The Angel: the rest of us made our way there by inferior means of transport.  Unfortunately that meant there weren't many there to enjoy the delicious elevenses at Ann and Steve's - if you were there, there was more than enough to go round!   Nice to see everyone - and especially Ian and Lena.  Thank you to Pam for organising so well, to the staff at The Angel for delicious food and good service, and to Ann and Steve for hosting us at elevenses.

Top table, top company

Tony's Two Ronnies impression

Tomorrow's C&M lunch - weather warning

In view of the gale-force winds expected tomorrow,  Ann has decided not to risk riding to lunch tomorrow, so there won't be a led ride to lunch there unless it's an informal arrangement.    So the arrangements are as follows:

Elevenses still at Steve and Ann's, but Ann will be leaving at 11:30 to go to The Angel by public transport.

Please think carefully about whether to use alternative transport.  All of the royal parks will closed due to the safety risk during the severe weather.

Hilly 50 km - Saturday, March 7th

A sportive challenge. On Saturday 7th March join in the Sou'Westers' well-established Hilly 50 km event: 33 miles of the best of Surrey Hills and 3670ft of ascent, supported by route sheets and maps (available in PDF format), with GPX data for devices such as Garmin.  This is a challenging circuit starting at Ryka’s Café, Burford Bridge and finishing at the top of Box Hill.

Pre-entry is preferable and can be made by visiting:  http://www.swlondonctc.wixsite.com/ctcswlondon/hilly-50k,
or Cycling UK events page http://www.cyclinguk.org/event/hilly-50km-2020

Follow the instructions to enter, or just turn up on the day.  Entry fee of £7 payable at the start and all proceeds will go to St. Raphael’s Hospice in North Cheam.  Signing on is from 9.30 am with a start time of 10 am to finish by 2 pm.  This is a challenging unsupported event and riders participate at their own risk.

Sunday February 2 2020

The first ride of my 76th year turned out to be unusually warm, overcast and far better than the forecast as the heavy rain ceased just after six. It left plenty of surface water on Ford Bridge Road but traffic was light.

When I arrived at Bourne Valley Garden Centre we were four but eventually ten turned up including three A riders. Terry rang to request a rendezvous: I said Rodboro 1230, Pam said 1245. Anyone familiar with my rides will recognize the route so this map should suffice.

We arrived at the Rodboro at 1231 to find it full (the weekend only Brexit discount?). Later Bob rejoined.

Over a leisurely lunch I suggested we investigate a 1907 murder (google William Whiteley). We headed up the cobbles and along the A3. Pam, Terry and Vic split off as we turned after The Jovial Sailor. An oncoming MTB'er forewarned of floods along Plough Lane so we rode via Downside into Cobham. After Notre Dame and Seven Hills a right into Whiteley Village brought us to the "new" Harvest Cafe which lies in the NE quadrant of the octagon. We trebled the number of visitors at the start of our hour plus stay but when full it probably seats 40/50 in comfort. I can't comment on the cakes as few if any were on view.

About 50 miles door to door.

Two points: Graham, Bob, Brian, Dave W, Ged, Pam, Ray, Steve, Vic,
One point: Terry

Author: RaasayWarden

1 Comment:

Jeff 03 February 2020 at 17:05 GMT

Many thanks , Graham, for your punctilious record keeping and congrats on your untroubled progress through the serene seventies. The outrageous eighties have taken an unwelcome piranha bite out of both my knees, against which I am determined to bite back.
Jeff