Plans for Sunday 21 December 2025

There will be a ride from the Old Moat Garden Centre, Epsom to lunch at the Coronation Hall, Surbiton, as advertised.   Normal start time.

WRITE UP FOR SUNDAY’S RIDE 7th DECEMBER 2025 NORTH CHEAM - CHIPSTEAD - CHEAM

 

Tucked well under the duvet dreaming of sunny landscapes I felt a tap on my shoulder... I shrugged it off and dived deeper into sleep and more sunshine.  Just as I was about to tuck into a delicious strawberry flavoured ice cream, Italian ice cream, I heard a distant voice calling... Sabina’s, “You’re leading Andy’s ride today and you’ve got ten minutes to get ready!”  Confusion and panic flooded my system.  In an instant the beaches of Italy were a distant memory.  Reality struck hard and in horror my eyes stared at the sheet of grey and never-ending drizzle beyond the pane of glass.  I needed to stir myself into action... “cometh the hour cometh the man” I told myself.

I rolled out of bed, SAS style, onto the floor... I scrabbled and searched for my thermals; somewhere under the bed I remembered.  With surprising and impressive speed I was down by the front door, still trying to pull my non-waterproof cycling jersey over my head which had managed to get stuck.  With one firm downward tug Sabina helped and my alarmed head popped out through the collar opening.  She was ready, impeccably dressed, weatherproofed, all calm and eager to get going.  I on the other hand... and then a shuddering alarm rippled through my nervous system and I heard myself calling out “Garmi! Garmi!... where’s Garmi!?”  Sabina saw the panic in my eyes and as ever brought sensible controlled calm to the situation. “Garmi is fully charged... I found him this morning among your pile of socks on the floor... if you remember that’s where you chucked him after our last ride, you said ‘he can dry off there’...”  I ran over to Garmi, gave him a prod and to my delight he made that reassuring buzzing noise as he awoke.  And there was Andy’s ride.  Garmi rarely lets me down... a burp or two and he was ready to go.  Sabina, on her bike, was patiently waiting on the road.  Together all three of us rode to Elevenses; Whetherspoons in North Cheam.

I was damp and welcomed the pub’s warmth.  The riders were there tucking into hearty breakfasts, full English, porridge and so forth.  Little did we know then how much that nourishment would be needed later in the ride.  I passed a wall mirror on my way out to the parked bike and caught a glimpse of a mop of grey hair and what looked like an old Victorian bristle brush stuck on the end... it's always a bit of a shock to see myself as others must see me... I was determined not let that be a trigger for midlife crisis number 150 since my retirement three years ago.  That in turn reminded me of the shinning ultra-light carbon drop handle road racing bike I had seen in the shop window last week, “the Ferrari of all bikes” the blurb on the side had read and my heart filled with a lovely warmth... I would need to persuade Sabina to my way of thinking but that would be for another day.

I was impressed by the good spirits and cheery demeanour of my fellow riders.  The day was determinedly overcast, grey and just itching to let rip with a flooding downpour.  “When the going gets tough, the tough get going” and I smiled heartily as I repeated this to myself.  On our bikes we got and it wasn’t long before my thoughts ventured onto ‘The Magnificent Seven’... there were seven of us I think or anyway around that number give or take.  I pondered on which character I would choose to be and so my mind drifted.  As we rode along with Garmi providing excellent direction in accordance with Andy’s route I dwelt on the difficult subject of which was the greatest Western ever made; it was a hard-fought contest between ‘Unforgiven’ and ‘Shane’ and perhaps a subject for discussion at our lunch break.  In the meantime, in my head, the debate went on.

It’s true, the roads were wet, there was no sun in the sky and grey was the colour of the day.  Nevertheless, it wasn’t cold, there were beautiful autumnal yellows, golds and reds dotted here and there, the rain drops reminded me of shinning pearls not to mention the brave bird song I could hear every now and then.  Above all we were on our bikes fighting the good fight against the elements.  We were due a thunderous reward of a hot traditional English winter’s meal.  A roast of some sort, I fancied some lovely roast beef, with Yorkshire pudding, ever so tasty gravy and peas... and yes by Jove, roasted parsnips and brussels and warm Irish coffee to cap it all off.  And as we turned the corner, wheeling through soggen leaves we arrived at the Midday Sun in Chipstead.  We were all in for a real treat... life was good.

“An hour she said... an hour before any food would be coming!”  Was it my imagination or was I seeing thick angry steam starting to rise from my weary companion riders and faces all starting to turn in my direction but not in a friendly warm welcoming way I thought.  Sabina remained stoically calm... I on the other hand... “I’m off to the toilet” I quavered.  

And there he was, just before the ‘Gents’ sign, smiling down at me, Ray Mears*, beckoning me to take courage and follow his example.  I was filled with new resolve... this was the opportunity for a new and exciting experience for us riders... an hour of hunting for edible berries in the wild.  I returned to our table and immediately realised that the situation was desperate.  I had to get us out of there and get their minds focussed on something, anything, but their hunger pangs... berries wouldn’t cut it.  

Back on our bikes and Andy reminded me that we had two rather vicious climbs ahead of us and ought we to pre warn our fellow riders.  I imagined the reception I would get at this sombre announcement.  My mind flipped through Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People”.  “No” I replied, “Best not to tell them!”  I felt myself shudder and jumped on my bike and shot on before anyone could ask any questions about where we were going and when would thet be getting any food.

First Purgatory on the upward slope of How Lane followed by Hell on the ever-steep ascending Park Road.  The rain spilled on our backs.  Despite these medieval tortures my fellow riders showed true grit and guts as they pedalled with distinction and tamed these brutes of nature.  And we were rewarded for our efforts because after that, bar a blip or two, it was all downhill to our final destination the Cafe in Cheam Park.  There with a calming rhythmic beat the rain splashed on the metal Ping Pong table and it didn’t seem to matter to us when we discovered that the Cafe was closed.  We had completed a great ride with some tough climbs on a day of downpour.  We had a sense of accomplishment, achievement even.  There would always be cake and coffee at home.  We were riders and this day brought out something ageless in us... a glowing, warm, never say die spirit.

Led by Garmi with some support from me

My co riders were Andy C, Chris, Steph, Rob, Keith, David W (for part of the way) and Sabina

ROUTE DESIGN, ANDY C

*Ray Mears was born in Purley - Ed

New-look rides list - coming soon

In a few days, we will be making some changes to the online Rides List.   You'll be pleased to know that we're keeping all the lovely rides that we all enjoy so much 😊.  However the layout is changing to make it easier to print, for distribution to a few people who are unable to access the online version.   This will ensure everyone can still get a rides list, now that The Sou'Wester is no longer produced in printed form.

You'll still be able to access the rides list from the Sou'Westers website at http://cyclingswlondon.org.uk, by clicking on "Rides List".   If you have any concerns or comments, please let me know by email, or speak to one of the Rides Secretaries, Clive J or David W.

Nov 16 - Meandering to Uxbridge

It was one of those uninviting grey days of late autumn.  Not much to recommend it except that it wasn't raining, and it was only a bit cold.  Perhaps the last day of autumn before the north wind bought us a taste of winter.   Despite this, a surprising number of people turned out for the ride.   It was good to welcome Robert back from Canada, surely the longest journey to the ride.

Thirteen of us set off from the Stables cafe for a ride through bits of Southall, a few parks (Marnham Fields, Northala Park, where we surveyed the re-modeled rubble of the old Wembley Stadium, and Rectory Park), and then via Charville to Uxbridge.   A few people had never been to the top-secret WW2 bunker, so we let them in on the secret before making our way to the Good Yarn for lunch.

Unfortunately we found some glass on the way to lunch.  Jennie and I rode straight over it, and Jennie was unlucky and realised her tyre was flat just after lunch.   She and David stopped to fix it and made their own way home. 

It was a short ride to lunch and a bit longer back home, a highlight being the cycle crossing near Stockley Park where the traffic lights always change as soon as you arrive.   This time was the exception and they took ages to change, so that was quite exciting, in a nerdy sort of way.   With a following wind, we were soon in Sipson, and made our way along the country lane just north of Heathrow to Cranford, before heading down to Hounslow Heath, Crane Park and to our tea stop at Bushy Park.   I don't think we actually lost anyone on the way back but there was gradual attrition, so that only three people actually qualified for the rare and highly coveted Tea Stop Points.   These points are so rare that unusually, they don't mean prizes.   

Thanks to all for turning out and being such good company.   Special thanks to Tony H who probably showed me several parts of this route in the past, and who also led a second group on the road; and to Geoff and Jennie for back marking.

Plans for Sunday's ride to Uxbridge, 16 Nov

This Sunday I've planned a shortish ride to Uxbridge, with tea back at Bushy Park.

We'll meet at the Stables Cafe, Osterley Park, as per the rides list.   If you aren't sure how to get to Osterley Park - I'm happy to lead a group from the Teddington gate at Bushy Park, departing at 9.45 - please let me know if anyone wants this.

The ride from Osterley is pretty flat, only 12 miles to lunch and 15 back to tea.   All on roads or in parks - a few of them are reasonable quality gravel, and there could be some puddles to dodge on Hounslow Heath.   I hope you can join us.

Ride Report - Sunday 9 November 2025

 

For me the day's ride didn't start particularly well.  Perhaps I mean it started more than usually badly!   Anyway, the hastily re-assembled bike I was unadvisedly riding had only been taken out of storage the afternoon before.   No problems had shown on a quick test ride round the block, but, as you will surmise, as soon as I set off for a proper ride, the gremlins began their work.  I call this 'Saturday Afternoon Bike Syndrome', and it has manifested itself so often that I really should have known better!   In this case, an annoying mudguard rub developed.   After a few stops and starts I managed to get rid of it  and continued on my way, pleased with myself, only to realise I had forgotten my drink!   So I had to go home, collect my bottle and  set off again.   Just like what I think they call it 'the labour of Sisyphus'!

Astonishingly, I was still the first to arrive at the Golden Cafe for elevenses - only to find it chocablock inside (what else could possibly go wrong)!  Fortunately, there were vacant tables outside, and it was a pleasant day - problem solved!   My elevenses was restorative, as was the arrival of company in the form of Diane P, Chris H, Liz B, Keith R, Geoff G, and Steph W.   I must give the Golden Cafe a mention - their breakfasts are excellent, the prices unbeatable, and the service friendly and highly efficient!

Except for Liz, who pleaded common sense, all the rest of the thrill-seeking 'adventure tourists' who had joined me for elevenses decided to continue on the ride.  I can only think they had had wagers amongst themselves as to what perils might befall us! 

The omens hadn't been good, I admit, but, for once, I actually had a route planned, and a vague idea of where I was going (but only because one of the group had asked for the route a couple of days before).  So, against all the odds, we got to Wetherspoons at Woking in good time for lunch, and without getting lost, and left again in good time  to reach home well before dark.  And Wetherspoons wasn't closed for refurbishment!  And my 'Saturday afternoon' bike didn't fall apart!  What are the chances of that ever happening again?

Thanks all for putting up with it, and thanks for your company!

Sunday 2nd November 2025

 I pulled back the curtains to reveal rain (as per forecast).

Arriving at Surbiton station it was sunny (as per forecast).

Simon & Chris were already on the platform & a short while later our eight coach (soon to become four) train glided into the station.

Onboard was Dave Vine, a very nice suprise!

Today, we were to ride the delightful lanes south of Hook in Hampshire where we arrived at 10.16am.

The planned 11's was Newlyns, a complex that included a café but quite quickly I decided that waiting to be seated (let alone served) could eat into the planned ride & so moved off to ride a couple of miles to Odiham.

On the way, fortunately we spotted Dave Ward (who had ridden from home) going the opposite direction & we were soon enjoying treacle tart...a favourite of some! at Fountains Coffee Shop, a fine establishment we all agreed.

Dave W was away first & our quartet soon followed going south to a right turn (Woodhill Lane) past the control tower of RAF Odiham, home to the Chinook helicopters.

Care was needed on this little used narrow lane after the overnight rain & fallen leaves.

We turned left through the village of Long Sutton then right in Well to descend to Lower Froyle & a flooded road (passed with ease).

After Bentley, we climbed to enjoy lovely views over the surrounding countryside.

Dave & his Airnimal folding bike

 

Chris demonstrating the "Traditional Countryman's way" !

Lunch was at the gargantuan Redfields Garden Centre, Church Crookham where I'm sure you could buy a car tyre if that's what you wanted!

The wait for cooked food was around one hour, so we were forced upstairs to the Tree Tops café & made do with cakes etc.

It was a flat 9 mile pleasant ride back to the station & our cancelled train!

Out came the phones & some head scratching but we all agreed to take a train to Basingstoke where there would be more opportunities to get home.

We split with Chris, him taking a direct train to Clapham Junction (stopping additionally at Hook!).

Dave, Simon & myself took a semi fast to Surbiton/Wimbledon & had a nice chat with some lady mountain bikers travelling back from a recce (Guildford to Winchester - offroad).

Thanks to my small group for joining me on one of my favourite areas to ride a bike.

15% uphill 12% downhill 73% flat