Club Track Session 23rd November 2024

We had a successful club track session at Lee Valley Velodrome.  It was a very dark, wet and windy November day, so 22 riders were happy to be inside the iconic velodrome in our shorts. We split into 2 groups.  15 in one group and a smaller group of 7 for the children, beginners and not so confident riders.

The smaller group enjoyed taking the track at their own pace, and gradually gaining confidence and making their own way up the track.

The main group started with attempting to do lap changes in pairs on the blue, but with such a large diverse group, that was soon aborted and we changed to single file on the black.  We did some exercises taking a lap that enabled everyone to have a workout at their own pace, and then some through and off in a group on the black. 

Thanks to Geoff who came to assist the coaches, and also took some photos.  Everyone appeared to enjoy themselves and kept the rubber side down.

The Downs Link Ride

By: Daniel Beckham and Mike Griffiths

Sunday morning with the South Downs in the distance

The Downs Link is a cycle route which cuts across the Surrey Hills and follows the line of a disused railway from Guildford to Shoreham-by-Sea. Although dismantled in the 1960’s the path follows the original cuttings and embankments of the railway and many of the original stations can still be admired as you travel along a largely traffic free route.  

The day started with me carrying my bike and luggage separately over the footbridge at Pluckley station so I could catch the 08:38 and meet up with Mike at Tonbridge who was coming in from Maidstone. It didn’t register with me the train sat on the platform was not moving while I busied myself hauling the luggage until I stood on the platform and the driver explained he had hit a tree at 85mph and the train wasn’t going anywhere. The technicians were on site with stripy yellow and black tape carrying out make shift repairs to the windscreen and side windows. Mike was already on his way to Tonbridge and there was little else I could do other than lug my bike and luggage back over the bridge and hope a solution would present itself. After an anxious half hour wait, looking at the Trainline app and online notifications, the stricken train slowly pulled out of the station and sure enough, as the driver had suggested to me, a train appeared travelling in what would normally be the wrong direction and pulled into the station for me to board. With plenty of time built in with our transfer at Tonbridge I would just make it in time for us both to board our connecting train to Guildford. Our weekend adventure had started.

The remainder of the journey was thankfully uneventful and we arrived in Guildford at our planned time of 11:13. After a short time of ‘orientation’ (riding the wrong way / going round in circles whilst staring at the phone GPS) we found the start of route 223 which runs alongside the River Wey and the abandoned Arun Canal. The canal operated from 1816 to 1871 linking Guildford and the South Coast before the railways made its use redundant however you can still make it out where parts of the  canal have been cleared by volunteers. 

The path was mainly compacted gravel or concrete with the odd muddy sections but nothing a road bike with normal ‘touring’ type tyres couldn’t handle. It’s always a pleasure to ride on a path without the fear of being knocked off by a passing car, it allows you to take your time, look around and take in the passing scenery. There is lots to see and many of the old railways’ infrastructure is still visible. The first station you pass through is Bramley, just 3.5 miles into the ride with the concrete platform and some old signs inside the platform waiting area still in situ. Even the original level crossing gates are still in place. From Bramley the path takes you out into the country side along a mainly flat route loosely following the river passing under a couple of roads before reaching  Cranleigh and Baynards abandoned stations. 

Wild camping in a deserted picnic area.

Baynards Railway station has now been converted into a stunning home with the original platform, waiting rooms and a restored carriage parked in the garden. Judging by all the signs dotted around the fence they must get a bit fed up of the passers by stopping and taking pictures and even feeling the need to enter the property and have a look around. We didn’t, and after just a short stop to admire the home we pushed on, it was nearly lunch time.

We stopped after 12 miles, just north of the old Rudgwick Brick Works where we found a suitable bench in some woodland and ate tour packed lunch. From Rudgwick the path is a long straight stretch that is well maintained and progress became slightly easier. The Downs Link has a new section added at Christ’s Hospital School and although different from our digital Ordnance Survey map it was well signposted and took you past the old Christ’s Hospital station and private school grounds before re-joining the original route towards Southwater. Here we were expecting a diversion as the path was closed. As it turned out we continued along the path with just the last few hundred yards being closed. Coming back down the main road to re-join the route there was a  convenient CO-OP. Here we bought our provisions for dinner. While coming out of the shop clutching my pasta, sauce, fruit and plenty of water, Mike was chatting to two other cyclists who had also stopped for supplies. They too were riding the Downs Link but were intending stopping at Truleigh Hill Youth Hostel on the South Downs. They had dumped their kids with their grandparents for the weekend and this was their way of escaping for a couple of days.

Leaving Southwater, passing under the A24 dual carriageway we started to feel the first spots of rain. Checking the weather app it showed light rain for a couple of hours. With Gore-Tex coat and trousers on we continued on but so did the rain. Half an hour later I was questioning my judgement for not putting on my overshoes and why they were still in the top pocket of my pannier. Sealskinz or not, I could feel the cold water accumulating in my shoes. It could be worse I suppose. I looked across to Mike who had elected not to bother with his water proof trousers and rely on a pair of waterproof shorts. Anyhow it was only a couple of miles and we would be arriving at West Grinstead station and from what I had been able to see on Google maps would provide a potential camping ground. 

Arriving at the old station we parked the bikes and had a look at the abandoned carriage and searched for a suitable place to pitch but everywhere was too exposed and the passing dog walking traffic too regular for our liking. Leaving the sensible people sheltering under the trees in now a torrential down poor we continued stopping at every gate and foot path to explore for a potential nights camp. The next 5 miles took the best part of two hours as we stopped and pondered if we should stop, was it too busy?, would the cows be back in the night?, was the ground too lumpy, grass too long?, but nowhere seemed suitable or what we considered to be safe. We eyed up a pub garden in Henfield but felt we would have to buy our dinner in there and Mike had his Chicken Rogan Josh and Mexican rice to look forward to. Dropping south out of Henfield we spied some benches in a field and a sign for tea and coffee. We entered the field, the rain had stopped and the sun came out. A perfect large field with a hut that served drinks between 9-4 at the weekends. It was now past 6 in the evening and apart from a couple walking their dog we had the place to ourselves. Mike took off his helmet wandered over and enquired with the dog walkers if they knew the owner, which they did and after a short phone call we had our permission to tuck ourselves out of the way on the edge of the field. It was a perfect location to camp with great views overlooking the South Downs. Tents pitched we heated up our dinner and watched the spectacular sunset. It’s always a real pleasure putting on dry socks when camping. It’s odd because I do it every day when I get out of the shower but somehow putting them on when you are camping after having wet feet feels a special treat. To me that’s what makes camping special and traveling in this way, all the basic, simple things we generally take for granted in modern life become appreciated more. 

By 9pm we were both zipped up in our sleeping bags in our respective tents and apart from a couple of trips outside during the night the morning came round quickly. I think there was a dog sniffing around the tent that first woke me but checking my watch it was nearly 7am, so time to get up anyway.

The day was bright and I took advantage of the sunshine to dry my shoes and insoles while I put on a brew and had some breakfast. Mike had a spring in his step, the new sleeping bag (Alpkit Pipedream 400) and inflatable mattress (Alpkit Cloud Base) had been a revelation and he had enjoyed one of the best nights camping in a long time. I was using the lighter Alpkit Pipedream 200 but with the night time temperatures around 8 to 9 degrees I was only just comfortable sleeping with socks and thermals on. The Pipedream 400 was a more suitable choice for these temperatures and would keep you warm to around freezing. Mike had chosen wisely.

Leaving the field as we found it with no trace of our stay we set off in light drizzle just past 9am. With the additional mileage covered the previous day we only had around 8 miles to cover. From Henfield onwards the surface of the Downs Link improves and is a smooth compacted gravel most of the way. Crossing the flatlands of Statham Manor we enjoyed open views on both sides. If I have a criticism of the route it would be that:  It is quiet and peaceful but you are generally riding through cuttings or on embankments lined with trees so sometimes the views can be a little restricted but on the positive side you are less likely to be battling any wind.

Passing through a derelict railway station.

The next deserted station you pass through is Bramber and the remains of the old Norman motte-and-bailey castle.

We crossed the river Adur using the single lane cycle bridge and passed the cement works north of Shoreham, following the path with the river to our right and the A283 on our left. Coming to Shoreham-by-Sea we stopped after the junction with the A283 and A27 to view the Old Shoreham Toll Bridge. Built in 1781-2 out of wood the bridge offered safe passage over the estuary which previously meant a long detour for the traveller or a perilous river crossing.  Now only open to walkers and cyclists and no toll we rode across and back again to stop and take a look at the memorial for the Shoreham air crash which both Mike and I witnessed in 2015.

With a view of the sea ticked off we headed into town for cake. A suitable café with outside seating was located and with a hot chocolate and a slice of cake in hand we sat in our waterproofs and watched the world go by. It was now dry and the sun was back out but neither of us could be bothered to change for the umpteenth time with the changing weather. Being dry only meant it was about to rain at any moment, such had been the weather that morning.

Just up the road was the station and our ride home. We purchased our tickets home via Eastbourne and Ashford International where we parted company and went our separate ways home. I was indoors by 4pm having been away for only 32 hours but it seemed much longer. It had been a weekend adventure and one I would highly recommend to anyone. The 40 miles could be covered in day with an early start, especially if you were to travel light or with perhaps an overnight stay at Shoreham to avoid the return home in the evening. Generally the entire route is well signposted however we used the GB Parks app with the route marked on the Ordinance Survey 1:50,000 Landranger map which is easy to follow and always provides your exact location and direction of travel.

The Fairies Autumn Audaxes

A Participants Experience

I arrived 20 minutes before the start of the Fairies Autumn Audaxes, with only a few riders ahead of me for registration. We were warmly welcomed with breakfast goodies, including make-your-own fresh toast, tea, coffee, juice, and, of course, bananas—a cyclist's best friend! The new route had been posted earlier in the week, complete with detailed directions and a comprehensive briefing sheet. After Bob's ride briefing, we set off on what turned out to be a glorious day—perfect for cycling. I opted for the 100k route, which suited my current ability. The route was clear and easy to follow, leading us first to Tenterden, where I enjoyed a coffee and collected my proof-of-arrival receipt.

Next, we stopped at The Hub at Wye, where Jackie efficiently stamped our cards. Despite being the "advanced party" (most riders were doing the 150k or 200k routes), the service was quick and efficient. After savouring some of the best coffee in Kent, we continued on the final leg of the journey. Thankfully, the ride was incident-free primarily, aside from the occasional driver who enjoyed challenging us. On the bright side, we encountered some courteous drivers who let our group of ten cross the road — a rare and much-appreciated gesture. We returned to the hall in Linton to a warm welcome from Bob and a well-deserved spread featuring vegetable soup and sausage casserole. A big thanks to Bob Watts, Andy Taylor-Vebel, and the other volunteers, without whom these events couldn’t have been organised such a fantastic day — your efforts are truly appreciated by all of us! 

The Hub at Wye

The Hub at Wye

Trapped in Pentwyn

By: Georgina DuBern, C Group

… but first, the story behind it:

Sandy Ray and Georgina DuBern from C Group booked train + bike reservations from Tonbridge to Llandudno Junction to cycle North to South Wales, which is a 10-day trip sightseeing on the way, returning from Newport.
I used booking.com for the hotels. Sandy discovered by research that the middle of July had been a good time for sunny weather in Wales for the last few years so we plumped for 14 - 23 July. So much for global warming and hosepipe bans in Kent; just connect a pipe from Wales, and there will never be a water shortage. Friday was nice. 

Bodnant Gardens

Seasoned holiday cyclists, we packed our capsule wardrobes and set off to Euston, reached our destination and clogged up our pristine bikes with sand cutting along a path by a golf course near the beach. We stayed two nights at a hotel in Llandudno and cycled south to Bodnant Gardens near Tal-y-Cafn on day two - 80 acres on a hill, old mill, terraces, banks of blooms, gorgeous. Rode round a peninsula north called Great Ormes Head after lunch. Found the cliff railway to the peak but then found the perimeter toll road, which goes anti-clockwise from the pier. We climbed slowly to the opposite northwestern rim, and as the road headed back, a violent wind forced us off the bikes and to shelter against the cliff face. It was very difficult to stand upright. Sandy's visor blew off and was retrieved by a man up the road. I thought this wind was because we had changed directions, but no, a gale had sprung up. We waited until we could inch along the rocks, and once lower down, we could coast back to West Shore. We did not have to pedal back to town with the gale behind us. Found things strewn all over the place in the town. Dramatic. I have wanted to see Llandudno Town Hall because my great grandfather, architect W.F. Potter, says in an 1856 diary that he was working on plans for it as a young man. However this Town Hall was built around 50 years later, a larger replacement.

We travelled South the next day, passing under the towering walls of the magnificent Conwy Castle west of the River Conwy. Stopped at Dolgarrog. On the evening of 2 November 1925, a dam burst above the town. The water rushed down to a second reservoir, burst that dam, and then whooshed down the mountainside, hurtling ton weight boulders as it went. Ten adults and six children were killed, and more would have been, but they were in the cinema, away from the deluge. Aluminium smelting works had prompted the building of a hydroelectric plant there in 1907. This served the public from 1922 and still produces electricity for Llandudno, Colwyn Bay and Conwy. We talked to a well-informed lady visiting the memorial. Everybody was very friendly and wanted to talk on our journey. Cycled on to Betws-y-Coed for lunch. The river crashed over the rocks by the high stone bridge.

By the Swollow Waterfall

We went up the hill to Swallow Falls, where the man in the kiosk said," You won't be disappointed." He was right. The creamy water thundered down the cascades after recent heavy rain sent up spray clouds. We clambered up and down steps to take advantage of the viewpoints. Coasted back to Betws-y-Coed in pouring rain and made for Blaenau Ffestiniog, where we descended a slate mine for two hours, undergoing the Deep Mine Experience for £26. A little wizened old man with a long, straggly beard in a grubby sports jacket demonstrated how roofing slates are split. He said there was a 90% loss. He led us down, down uneven steps to caverns, stopping to tell us stories of the slate history, working conditions, how gunpowder was fused, never dynamite and his piece de resistance was suddenly climbing up the wall on a rope.

Hats on ready for our tour of Llechwedd Slate mine

Several from the group tried it, but all failed. Most slate mines have shut; we import much cheaper Chinese slate, which he said would not last like the Welsh slate that has roofed London for over 100 years. We emerged at 6.00, rigour mortis set in, the place deserted, and so we cycled on to Ffestiniog to our hotel. This was Sunday, and we fell right into the trap of arriving at our hotel and the kitchen was shut. We've done it before, and we'll do it again, I dare say. Had to raid the bar for crisps and snacks.

Llanfyllin Workhouse

We came to Bala for lunch on Monday by the lake and a long chat with the owner of an antique shop in the old English Church. Over the Berwyns to Llangynog on the Tanat for the night. Surely, that must be the longest descent to a town. We saw where the lead mines and granite quarries used to be. The next morning, we were riding past Llanfyllin on our way to Welshpool when we came across a huge workhouse open to the public. It was built after the Poor Laws of 1832 came into effect. This massive stone structure, square with dividing walls within four square areas, was built to house up to 250 from 23 parishes. The enclosed squares were for boys, girls, men and women. The master and his wife (and he had to have a wife) had a house in the central cross. Men and boys broke stones, women pulled oakum, and the girls were prepared for service. There was a school. It closed as an old people's home in 1982. It now has accommodation for activities and is used for community events. Battled on in the rain. We visited Powis Castle on Tuesday at lunchtime and drove through the showrooms. We took the Montgomery Canal to Newtown in the afternoon as an alternative to a busy road, but this path was poor, narrow, and overgrown, and the canal choked with reeds and Himalayan balsam. Strange why boatmen have not used the canal since its renovation. Blood poured down my lower calves below my ¾ trousers, where thorns ripped at the skin. Now, this scarecrow was not only soaked but bloody, too. Funny how we enjoy all this. Arrived like the wreck of the Hesperus at Newtown for the night in a spacious Georgian guesthouse near the River Severn. Our long room had an area with armchairs and TV which led to another room converted to a huge bathroom. This had an elegant stand-alone slipper bath. Devised a plug for it out of a spent teabag and clingfilm. Breakfast was in a large, airy entrance reception room where twelve could sit at a square table covered with starched damask cloth.

Took the A483 over the mountain to Llandrindod Wells. A roadside plaque told of Quakers who went to America after they were persecuted. After Upper Chapel and Lower Chapel, the road was a dream. Enjoyed lunch at the cafe at The Lake. Unfortunately, the bicycle museum only opens on Mondays and Tuesdays, so we had to put up with displays of penny farthings and ordinary things in the window. Found the chalybeate spring and the park where Victorians would take the water. We visited the museum by the Town Hall, Carnegie's residence. The next morning, we rode to Builth Wells on the Wye, had lunch and looked around the town. We arrived at Brecon in good time to meet King Charles and Queen Camilla, but a policeman banned us at the Cathedral gate and asked us pertinent questions about where we had been. The King and Queen had come to Brecon for a Commemoration Service. The policeman refused to tell us what was happening, but we saw it on the Welsh news at 6.00. I suppose he thought we may have been a pair of aged thugs disguised in wet yellow cycling coats with splattered glasses on filthy bikes. We gave it a couple of hours and returned to the Cathedral, looked round inside and already a concert was being rehearsed for the evening. We walked through the High Street and dripped our way around the old Court Room and adjacent museum. The remains of an ancient castle joined our hotel. Rather smitten with Brecon.

Glory alleluia Friday was dry. The Taff Trail took us from Brecon to Cardiff over two days. First, we cycled alongside a decent path by the Brecon Canal, then took to the hills past Talybont and Pontsticill reservoirs. So far, we had not witnessed a pothole in Wales, but the 5-mile stony track between the reservoirs was diabolical, a real bone shaker. Trisha's cafe at Cejn-coed was welcome, but not the hawthorn in my rear tube. We followed signs for Taff Trail to Pontypridd, losing it here and there. Read the sad plaque about the Aberfan disaster of 21/10/66 which I remember well. Heavy with rain and spring water, a coal slag heap slid down, enveloping a school. 116 children and 28 adults suffocated in the sludge. The tips were removed. Stopped overnight in the centre of Pontypridd. Found a fascinating tall stepped stone footbridge over the Taff built by Williams Edwards in 1750 when the lower one was washed away in a storm.

TRAPPED IN PENTWYN

I cannot believe how wrong everything went on Saturday after such a terrific week. The constant rain had set in before we left Pontypridd and did not abate until after we were in bed. We had seen the weather forecast and thought we would cheat and take the train, but the train staff were on strike that day. We were doomed. We were so wet that it did not make any difference when lorries showered us with tidal waves from puddles as we approached Cardiff on the cycle pavement.

Leaving Pontypridd, we found the Taff Trail in a park and stuck to it to Cardiff, where we lost it and took another cycle path. How differently I would remember Cardiff if the sun had been shining and we had maybe enjoyed our lunch outside whilst chatting to locals advising us of the route. Found Cardiff docks and, at a roundabout, took a turning marked Newport. Big mistake. Lost the Rumney road near the coast. We were aiming for Tredegar Park for a visit. Our hotel was just past Newport. We found ourselves on the A48, dual carriageway, fast, dangerous, rain beating down, so we kept to a bus/cycle lane on the left, which came off at Pentwyn, a north-easterly suburb of Cardiff. That was at 1 o'clock. We kept asking the way from locals who would consult their phones, but they all drove cars and said they used the A48 or M4, which encapsulated the place. The only road signs said "through traffic" and led to the dual carriageway or motorway. Squelched our way to a Greggs by a small outlet centre and had lunch. We rode up and down the residential roads trying to find a way out, and at 3 o'clock, we found a young chap serving in the petrol station, and he explained a way to get north of the M4 into the lanes. We did not mind the steep hills and long detour; we had escaped Pentwyn. Missed Tredegar Park and arrived late and saturated at our hotel. We were in such a sorry state, so - hot drink - hot shower - dry clothes - curry - brandy and lemonade - good sleep - on your bike the next morning.

The train left Newport on time on Sunday. It was a great adventure. Roll on the next one—it's probably 307 miles.

SNAILS AROUND FRANCE

The Tourmalet, in the cloud

A TANDEM CYCLING TOUR AROUND THE WHOLE OF FRANCE

By: John Bosley

Retirement allowed us the time and space to plan and ride, unsupported, around the whole of France, just over 7,000 kilometres. The challenge started in May 2023 near Dunkirk, France; travelled anti-clockwise around France and eventually returned to Dunkirk in the middle of August, about 80 days later (a few people expected us to be back home after a few weeks, having failed). 

Start from home (a friend, David, joined us for the first week)

Kate has some visual impairment; consequently, this was to be on a tandem, and her Guide dog would be unable to join us, but she had me 24/7, which I think is a good deal. 

“That’s amazing. Do you take turns on the front?”!

Mont Saint-Michel

The first 30 days of cycling took us along the North and West coasts of France down to the border with Spain, where we turned left into the Pyrenees. Our pace slowed a little as the roads went sharply up, and the weather came sharply down until our next left turn at the Mediterranean. It wasn’t a great year for nice weather this year. Even a snail escaped the rain by hitching a 40km lift in my helmet! But we now met this year’s heatwave as we sped along the Mediterranean coastline to the border with Italy. It was time for another left turn into and over the Alps to Lake Geneva, and then, the weather was generally wet again, continuing North over the Jura mountains and then back West again to complete the circumnavigation. 

L’Iseran

Before you ask, no, we didn’t camp – basically, I booked accommodation ahead of the tour to provide us with reasonable comfort and a good night’s sleep each night – while emptying my retirement fund!

Mont Blanc from the Col de Joux Plan

If anyone wants to find out more, we have a Facebook page, Snails Around France  https://www.facebook.com/tandemride