BIKE 50: OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2017 Cycling with others is fun - socialising as you exercise adds significantly to the beneficial effects. Regular exercise can: improve balance and flexibility; lower blood pressure; defend against heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes; help maintain cognitive function; reduce depression and anxiety. The rides are free. No advanced booking required - just turn up at the start and join in. No children or dogs, please. Use pub car parks only if you intend to have a meal or a drink at the pub afterwards. Please be aware of your own fitness levels and, if in doubt, consult your doctor before starting a new exercise programme. Postcodes given are nearest available to the start and may not correspond to the exact starting point. (T) indicates accessible by public transport. Travel information available from Traveline on 08712002233. We recommend that all participants carry contact details with them in case of emergency. This is a programme of off-road, mountain bike rides. All rides meet 10am, start 10.15am and last approximately three hours. For your own safety and comfort please bring a bike suitable for offroad cycling. Wear suitable clothing. Bring waterproofs, a drink and a snack. Ride lengths are between 10-20 miles. Grading: (1) = Easy, (2) = Intermediate, (3) = Challenging. Grade 1 rides are ideal for those who want a relaxing, social ride. usually along tow paths and in parks (e.g. Richmond). There may be some slight hills. Suitable for those with some previous experience and a reasonable level of fitness. The rides are typically 12-16 miles. We also run easier rides occasionally, these are marked 'Suitable for beginners'. If you have any doubts about your off-road cycling ability, we recommend you try a Grade 1 ride first. We have introduced a new 3+ category for some rides. These will involve a high pace and/or technical difficulty. Please note that on some days there are two rides scheduled. You will need to choose which one you want to do. Tue 3 Oct 2017 Crowthorne Woods/Swinley: (3+) A technically challenging ride of mostly off piste single track to include sections of the red & blue trails, coffee break at The Lookout. Meet Toby at The Golden Retriever RG40 3DR. Wed 4 Oct 2017 Cobham (1) 14m Fairly flat ride, one short moderate hill, heading towards Byfleet via Esher Common and River Wey, return through Wisley. Meet Robin at The Running Mare, Tilt Road, Cobham KT11 3EZ Thu 5 Oct 2017 Alfold Bars (3) 20m. A ride along sections of the Wey & Arun canal towpath and Downs Link connected by bridleways (muddy if wet), quiet roads, and technical singletrack (roots, off camber, narrow gaps). A few short climbs, and one steep 0.5mile climb. Need to allow 3.5 to 4 hours depending on conditions. Meet Raoul at the Sir Roger Tichborne, Loxwood Rd, Alfold Bars, TQ036333 / RH14 0QS. Park in overflow car park on left-hand-side of pub. Mon 9 Oct 2017 NEW RIDE Ashtead to Reigate Hill (L2/3) 18m Fast paced (if not too muddy) ride via Headley with spectacular views from Colley Hill, stopping for refreshments at Reigate Hill then back via Banstead and Walton Heaths. Meet Barry Taylor at The Woodman, Ashtead KT212DA. Bookham Common (2) A ride across Bookham Common visiting Polesden Lacey and views across Box Hill, before returning. Meet Richard at The Windsor Castle, Little Bookham Street, Bookham. TQ125545 / KT23 3AA
Tue 10 Oct 2017 Ash (3+). Only for riders wanting a faster, fluid ride with more gradient \ distance. Good fitness required to keep up and proficient bike skills to fluently roll trail features encountered without warning. Meet Steve Royle at Coronation Gardens Car Park, Ash Hill Road, Ash opposite Ash Victoria Hall GU12 5DP. Note height barrier at entrance. Bagshot for Swinley Forest (2/3) 12m Negotiate the single-track sections of Swinley Forest s blue and red mountain bike trails, setting out from Bagshot. We shall split into small groups with leaders according to ability. Meet John D at Forester s Arms, 173 London Rd (the A30), GU19 5DH Grid Ref: SU 906626. Wed 11 Oct 2017 Shamley Green (1) 14m A mainly flat ride following the Downs Link and canal towpath to Guildford returning via Shalford and Catteshall. Meet Gerry at Shamley Green. Please park, with consideration for residents, around the green or along Hullbrook Lane. Not on grass verges please GU5 0UB. Ripley (1) 14m Easy ride along the River Wey to Thames. Wonderful views. Meet Tony at Ripley Green, behind the Half Moon Pub. TQ054570 / GU23 6AN Thu 12 Oct 2017 Farnham (2) 13m Not too technical but expect a few moderate climbs, sand and mud through the Bourne Woods, Hankley Common Atlantic Wall and Frensham. Meet Brian at The Spotted Cow, Bourne Grove, Lower Bourne, Farnham. GU10 3QT Mon 16 Oct 2017 Broadmoor (3+) technical 11m. Climbing up Leith Hill and exploring difficult single trails including Summer Lightning. This ride is designed for confident riders with advanced MTB skills. Meet Nikolay at Broadmoor CP Sheephouse Ln, Dorking RH5 6JY. Lunch in the Abinger Hatch RH5 6HZ afterwards. Tue 17 Oct 2017 Fickleshole (2) 14m. Mainly bridleway and cycle path. Nothing technical, but a couple of hills (total ascent 1087'). Meet Nigel in the rear car park of the real ale pub: The White Bear, Fairchildes Lane, Warlingham CR6 9PH TQ3895.6031 Fri 20 Oct 2017 Englefield Green (1) 17m Ride along the Jubilee River and Thames, viewing Eton College and Windsor Castle. Mainly on tarmac and firm surfaces. Generally level, with good climb at end. Meet John D by Englefield Green. Park in the bay between cricket pavilion and Bishopsgate Road, TW20 0YX, grid ref: SU991717. Recuperate at the nearby Barley Mow pub. Wood Street: (1) 14m Mostly flat first half of ride towards Farnham along the Christmas Pie route returning via Ash Vale and Normandy with one/two hills and one steep descent. Meet Tess at Wood Street Community car park (height restriction) near Royal Oak pub, 89 Oak Hill, Wood Street GU3 3DA or surrounding roads. Lunch at Royal Oak pub. Please only use pub car park if staying for lunch. Tue 24 Oct 2017 Minley (3+) - Only for riders wanting a faster, fluid ride with more gradient/distance. Good fitness required to keep up and proficient bike skills to fluently roll trail features encountered without warning. Meet Lesley at Church Crookham Car Park (opposite Gracewell of Church Crookham nursing home on Bourley Road, just along from The Tweseldown Pub) https://goo.gl/maps/ebxsvhwzdkg2
Reigate (3) 17m From Reigate Heath to Box Hill and back. Meet Gwyn at Skimmington Castle pub, Bonny s Road, off Flanchford Rd, Reigate. Park in CP behind pub. TQ238497 / RH2 8RL Bushy Park (1) 12m Along towpath by Hampton Court Palace to Kingston, then onto Ham & Richmond Park returning via Teddington. Lunch at Kings Arms or Pheasantry. Meet Izzy at Diana Fountain car park in Bushy Park. TQ159693 / TW11 0EW Thu 26 Oct 2017 Tilford (3) up to 18 miles. Local commons and trails dependant on conditions and riders on the day. Meet John Johns at Stockbridge car park, Tilford Road, Tilford GU10 2DD. SU876427. Box Hill / Denbies (3) Ride via Denbies to Ranmore, onto Polesden Lacey, returning along North Downs Way. Meet Geoff at Rykas Car Park Box Hill. TQ171521 RH5 6BX. Lunch at Stepping Stones pub. Mon 30 Oct 2017 Gomshall (3) A fairly hard, fast ride. If the weather is good then a stiff climb and then Summer Lightning, otherwise up and along the North Downs. Meet Kevin at The Compasses, 50 Station Rd, Gomshall TQ089479 / GU5 9LA. Park at the car park on Goose Green road behind the pub. Tue 31 Oct 2017 Nutfield (2) Scenic climbs and interesting descents exploring different parts of the North Downs. You'll be sure to want a drink at the Pub afterwards. Meet Nigel at the Inn on the Pond, Nutfield Marsh Road, Nutfield (TQ301516) RH1 4EU Wed 1 Nov 2017 Chilworth (3). Up to the Downs Link, down towards Shalford to the North Downs Way past St Martha's Church (view) with singletrack descent to Guildford Lane. Climb to Newlands Corner (view) for break at cafe. Down across Guildford Golf Course then climb to Pewley Down (view) to descend to Chilworth via single track and quiet lane. Meet Nick at the Percy Arms, Chilworth. TQ030472 / GU4 8NP Thu 2 Nov 2017 Shalford (2) 15m Ride up to Puttenham Common finishing along the towpath from Godalming. Some hills with sand and mud likely. Meet Barry Taylor at the Scout Hut car park close to A281/A248 roundabout. If no spaces park considerately along the lane. TQ001471 / GU4 8DB. Lunch afterwards at the Queen Vic. Fri 3 Nov 2017 Leigh: (1) 14m: Easy ride around the area south of Leigh much on road to avoid the mud. Meet Gwyn at the Seven Stars, Bunce Common Rd, Leigh. TQ217472 / RH2 8NP Mon 6 Nov 2017 Peaslake (3+) 12m. Climbing up Holmbury Hill and traversing difficult single trails including Yogurt Pots, Telegraph Road, Barry Knows Best and more. Going up Pitch Hill for more singletracks: Roller Coaster, Proper Bo, Fork Right and more. This ride is designed for confident riders with advanced MTB skills. Meet Raoul at Walking Bottom CP, Peaslake, GU5 9RR, TQ084446. Lunch in Hurtwood Inn afterwards.
Tue 7 Nov 2017 Brookwood and Bisley (1) 15m We ride over Tunnel Hill to Pirbright and then visit the military and civilian cemeteries at Brookwood. We next head to Bisley Shooting range for an optional coffee. We return to Potters via the canal and Four Winds bridleway. Total ascent 720 feet. Meet John D at Potters Inn, Mytchett Place Road, Mytchett, GU16 6DD. Wed 8 Nov 2017 Tunnel Hill (3+) 10m. A technically challenging ride of mostly single track with no great climbs or descents. Meet Toby at the Basingstoke canal centre car park, Mytchett. GU16 6DD opposite Potters Inn. Lunch at the Canal centre cafe or Potters if open. Thur 9 Nov 2017 Two Rides: Tilford (2) 14m. Undulating terrain taking in Hankley Common then trails skirting Frensham Common and the Bourne Woods. Tilford (3) up to 18 miles. Local commons and trails dependant on conditions and riders on the day. Meet Maggie and John Johns at Stockbridge car park, Tilford Road, Tilford GU10 2DD. SU876427. Tue 14 Nov 2017 Tattenham Corner (3): A ride taking in parts of Epsom Downs, Walton Heath, Headley Heath and Stane Street with wooded paths and potentially muddy after rain. Interesting wooded singletracks, some steep climbs. Coffee stop in Headley area. Meet Barry Toogood at the Tattenham Corner kiosk car park (KT18 5PP). Those wanting a pub lunch can join me in the Beefeater pub next door to the car park. HELMET MANDATY. Farnham (3+). Only for riders wanting a faster, fluid ride with more gradient \ distance. Good fitness required to keep up and proficient bike skills to fluently roll trail features encountered without warning. Meet Steve Royle at The Princess Royal, Guildford Rd, Runfold, GU10 1NX Wed 15 Nov 2017 Newdigate: (1) 15m An easy ride on tracks and quiet roads to Holmwood Common. Generally firm surfaces but some mud and large puddles can be expected following heavy rain. Meet Gerry at the car park behind the Six Bells in Newdigate RH5 5DH. Thu 16 Nov 2017 Alice Holt: (2) 14m Alice Holt Forest, Bourne Woods, Frensham, hardpack tracks, bridle ways, sand and mud if it s wet with a couple of short sections on quiet roads. A few short climbs to keep it interesting. Meet Brian at The Spotted Cow, Bourne Grove, Lower Bourne, Farnham. GU10 3QT South Godstone: (2) 15m. Mostly firm bridleways through woodland and farmland, a bit of road, could be the occasional muddy patch. Coffee stop halfway (optional cakes). Meet Gwyn at the Jolly Farmer, Whitewood Lane, South Godstone, RH9 8JR Fri 17 Nov 2017 Albury (2) 14.3m Mixture of lanes and tracks through Farley Green, Winterfold, Shamley Green across Blackheath and back to Albury. Meet Nick at the Drummond Arms, The Street, Albury, Guildford, Surrey. GU5 9AG TQ049478 / GU5 9AG
Mon 20 Nov 2017 Guildford South Circular. (2) 16m. First 4 miles is a long slow climb to Pewley Downs and Newlands Corner. Then down Water Lane to Albury, Chilworth, Shalford via Downs Link and back along the Wey tow-path to Guildford. Meet Phil at back of the Spectrum Car Park GU1 1UP. If wet, park in the additional parking underneath. Lunch afterwards at the Premier Inn Beafeater - GU1 1UP right door to the Spectrum. Tue 21 Nov 2017 Caesars Camp (3+) - Only for riders wanting a faster, fluid ride with more gradient/distance. Good fitness required to keep up and proficient bike skills to fluently roll trail features encountered without warning. Meet Lesley at Church Crookham Car Park (opposite Gracewell of Church Crookham nursing home on Bourley Road, just along from The Tweseldown Pub) https://goo.gl/maps/ebxsvhwzdkg2 Wed 22 Nov 2017 West Horsley (3) 15m. Hilly ride along tracks and some quiet roads taking in Sheepleas & North Downs. Meet Tony at King William IV pub, The Street, W Horsley. A246 from East Clandon, left at the roundabout down The Street. TQ080536 / KT24 6BG Bike 50 Ride Leaders Meeting @ 14:00 Thu 23 Nov 2017 Worplesdon (1) 14m. Fairly flat, mostly off road ride around Whitmoor Common to Pirbright, up to Stoney Castle Range and back via Brookwood Cemetery. Mainly tracks and quiet roads, some sand and mud if wet! Meet Tess at Worplesdon Place, Worplesdon, nr Guildford GU3 3RY. SU972537. Please use Additional Car Park on left of entrance. Fri 24 Nov 2017 Bookham (3) Meet Kevin at Ye Old Windsor Castle, Little Bookham. TQ128 539 / KT23 3AA. Polesden Lacey & Boxhill. Will include one technically challenging and very enjoyable downhill section if the weather is good. Tea stop at top of Boxhill. Mon 27 Nov 2017 Peaslake (3+) technical 11m. Climbing up Holmbury Hill and traversing difficult single trails including Yogurt Pots, Telegraph Road, Barry Knows Best and more. Going up Pitch Hill for more singletracks: RollerCoaster, Proper Bo, Fork Right and more. This ride is designed for confident riders with advanced MTB skills. Meet Nikolay at Walking Bottom CP, Peaslake, GU5 9RR, TQ084446. Lunch in Hurtwood Inn afterwards. Tue 28 Nov 2017 Shalford (1) 14m A ride through scenic countryside south of Guildford. Meet Jack at the Chinthurst Hill car park, one mile from Shalford on the B2128 to Wonersh. Weybridge: (1) 15m. Thames towpath, Weybridge, Addlestone including a BMX interlude, Chertsey, and back to Walton on Thames. Meet Izzy at Cowey Sale Car Park, Walton Lane, Weybridge Wed 29 Nov 2017 Bocketts Farm: (2) 16m Leisurely climbing up good tracks to Ranmore and Norbury Park, rewarded by lovely views and fast, easy descents. Meet Geoff at Bocketts Farm. TQ152549 / KT22 9BS Thu 30 Nov 2017 Ashtead Common (2) 16m Mainly easy ride across Ashtead Common, Ashtead Park, Langley
Vale then some hilly stuff to Tattenham Corner returning across the Downs and Epsom Common. Meet Barry Taylor at The Star pub A243 Kingston Road TQ166600 / KT22 0DP Tue 5 Dec 2017 Gomshall (2 and 3). Two rides - Level 2 (c.14m with banana break) and 3 (c.17m with coffee stop). Both will take in parts of Blackheath, Winterfold and the Greensand Ridge. Mixed sand/mud/stony. Some new sections and combinations; interesting views. Meet Chris Berry and Barry Toogood at The Compasses, 50 Station Rd, Gomshall TQ089479 / GU5 9LA. Park in the (free) public car park on Goose Green road behind the pub. Deepcut ( 3+). Only for riders wanting a faster, fluid ride with more gradient \ distance. Good fitness required to keep up and proficient bike skills to fluently roll trail features encountered without warning. Meet Steve Royle at Deepcut Spar shop, Newfoundland Rd, GU16 6TE Thu 7 Dec 2017 Bike50 Christmas Lunch. Details will be sent out separately. Fri 8 Dec 2017 Tunnel Hill (3) A technically challenging ride over the hills and through the woods between Tunnel Hill and the Basingstoke Canal. We make some use of specially made bike paths. Meet Jack at Potters Pub, Mytchett Place Road, Mytchett (SU893549) GU16 6DD Mon 11 Dec 2017 Broadbridge Heath (1) 14m. The route follows the Downs Link to Rudgwick then returns along quiet roads and tracks via Slinfold and Warnham. Some sections may be muddy. Meet Gerry at the Shelley Arms in Broadbridge Heath RH12 3JU. Tue 12 Dec 2017 Guildford Spectrum (1) 13m. To Ripley via Burpham and Send. Back along the Wey Tow path and the Riverside Park. Meet Phil at the far end of the Guildford Spectrum car park GU1 1UP. Lunch at the Premier Inn Beefeater GU1 1UP right next door to the Spectrum Wed 13 Dec 2017 Tweseldown: (3+). 13m Tough climbs, fast descents and technical singletrack. Meet Toby at "The Foresters" Aldershot road, Church Crookham, GU52 9EP. Fri 15 Dec 2017 Pirbright Common: Level (2) 16m. One gentle hill to start then single track and towpath towards Woking, skirting military land returning over Chobham Ridges to include a section of nice and easy single track at the end. Meet Chris Teece at Potters Inn, Mytchett Place Road, Mytchett, GU16 6DD Mon 18 Dec 2017 Ripley (1) Xmas decorated bike and/or rider ride - prizes in various categories. Meet Tony at Ripley Green, behind the Half Moon Pub GU23 6AN (TQ054570). Easy ride along the River Wey and Basingstoke Canal. Wonderful views of the English Meadow lands, visiting Newark Abbey, Pyrford Church and Woking. Lunch and prize giving at the Saddlers Arms. Tue 19 Dec Mogador (2) 15m To Tattenham Corner and back. Some new bits. Meet Gwyn at the Sportsman pub, Mogador. TQ239532 / KT20 7ES
Thu 21 Dec 2017 Swinley Forest (3+) technical 11m. Riding through single trails of the forest at a steady pace. The ride includes: Red Trail, Corkscrew, Black Trail, Labyrinth, Baby Maker and more. This ride is designed for confident riders with advanced MTB skills. Meet Nikolay at The Forester's Arms CP, Bagshot GU19 5DH, SU906626 Wed 27 Dec 2017 Ash Ranges (1 & 2) Meet Jack at the Cricketers Pub, Pirbright (SU947559 / GU24 0LP). Ride the military land, not often open, along mixed tracks and off-road.