I also would be training it from london (being one of the london massive), so if anyone wants to network with me to meet at a station (waterloo or victoria for dorking) please email me
Gomshall is a lot closer than Dorking, but does involve extra changes though, and there's no more than one train an hour on Sundays, possibly less.
How about starting in Westcott in that case? Easy run from there up to Leith, bash over to Holmbury, trails there, maybe Pitch if people have the legs and if not, back over to Leith, usual trails then down summer lightning back to Westcott and the pub.
OK Redlands will be out of bounds for a group ride. Nick, we won't go anywhere near it (are you the Nick that rides the Spesh Pitch that I met one time with the Freeborn lads?)
Sunday works for me.
Have we decided that we should meet in or around Westcot and go over Leith Hill first? It would make the most sense for those that are coming down by train as a Peaslake meet is hard to access by train I think? Leith Hill to Holmburry and then Pitch is still a pretty long ride and the section back from Holmburry to Leith is long boring climb.
I am able to pick up at least two people from a station in a car, as long as at least one of the bikes has a 20mm through axle fork as that's the only bike rack fitting I have.
Possibly count me in. Its my birthday on the 24th and the Surrey Hills would be lovely to ride again (to treat myself) 😀
As long as you don't talk bollocks Hora...
I think you'll have that area nicely covered already 😉
Yep, could do Westcott, I've only ridden from there once, I come from Cranleigh, so it's the 'wrong' end for me, but I'm sure enough people know their way round. Dependant on group size I still think Holmbury would be unrealistic frankly, but we can just see on the day. Atlaz are you volunteering to lead?
Nick, we won't go anywhere near it (are you the Nick that rides the Spesh Pitch that I met one time with the Freeborn lads?)
Was that me, or freeridenick?! It's not me certainly!
I think you'll have that area nicely covered already
Pfft. You'll be at the back anyway, pushing your bike, so it won't bother me.
Think yourself lucky Juan's not coming, or you'd have to wear a dress and ride this:
[img] 
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I'm quite surprised Juan hasn't chipped in to point out that the riding isn't 'proper', I expect he'll ride up from Nice for the day, rip our legs off whilst riding no handed wheelies all day, then be home for dinner!
Not going out tonight then Fred? 😉
For any of the London Massif, or south london anyway, I'll be driving (from SE19) and have space for up to 2. email in profile if you want a lift....I like flapjack for bribes 😉
hora - you can buy me that beer!!
Since it is just around the corner from me ... hope to see you all there 🙂
maybe, just maybe, I'll ask swmbo
A STW ride on the Surrey Hills?
I think I'll go to Swinley that weekend.
ah yes- its a beaut as well 🙂hora - you can buy me that beer!!
Geetee - I ride an grey PA or a blue Trek Remedy. Don't know the Freeborn lot.
guys,please dont park at westcott the place gets over run as it is and the locals av a right moan,there are loads of big carparks around leith hill,there is a big carpark at godalming train station to
I've parked at Gomshall BR station before on weekends / evenings with no issues.
We'd probably look to park somewhere like Cobham and ride over as a thousand database programmers parking their Audis in a small village sounds like my idea of hell, and it being a stw ride means that it'll only average 4, maybe 5 miles an hour.....
There is a big car park at Godalming train station. Bu you can think again if you think I am riding from there to Holmbury / Pitch.
What about the Steaval car park on Leith? Its big and at altitude already and you are straight into the good riding.
There is a good sized car park between Dorking and Westcott at Milton Heath:
guys,please dont park at westcott the place gets over run as it is and the locals av a right moan,there are loads of big carparks around leith hill,there is a big carpark at godalming train station to
In a nice way, why not? Its a public road/area.
Surely better to pick those up who are coming in by train then meet at Landslip or on the rough large open carpark up from Peaslake?
Officially the Hurtwood ask for riding in groups of six or less. We may have to ignore that!
Not a helpful attitude.
I don't want to be a wet blanket about this, but I'm not happy about it. I don't want to deny anybody the pleasure of riding in these hills, but big groups all riding together could be totally counter-productive in regard to the worries about trail conflict from the landowners and "secret" trails getting swamped from local bikers.
Am I just being a complete Jeremiah about this? How can we resolve the issue, as I'd actually love to come along but a mass organised ride in a sensitive area like this makes me want to just stay away... 😐
Good point Mr Woppit. Think I agree with you.
Ride in smaller groups.
Or...Just ride the same route that the Nirvana shop organised rides used to take 😉
I don't want to be a wet blanket about this, but I'm not happy about it.
Tough. You're not happy about loads of things Woppit. Lighten up; go play your Hi-Fi and listen to the sound or something... 🙄
What's the difference, between one group of 24 or 4 groups of 6?
Talkemada - I was trying to raise an issue that is ongoing in this area. I am a member of the "Friends of Hurtwood Control" and have every right to highlight it on behalf of all involved in my local manor.
If you can't respond in a helpful way with sensible suggestions on behalf of the group as have "soup" and "Hora", I'd prefer it if you just kept your abusive mouth shut on the issue so that the rest of us could make some headway.
Thankyou. No offense.
What's the difference, between one group of 24 or 4 groups of 6?
Answer the question.
I'd prefer it if you just kept your abusive mouth shut
I'm sure you would. However, I think I'm as entitled to an opinion as you are to yours.
I'll be at the ride. Come along, and we can discuss the matter over a pint.
I am interested in constructive suggestions as to how this STW ride on my local patch can accommodate the very real issues that are sensitive to this area of the country in regard to trail usage.
If you have nothing helpful to add, I feel it would be more useful if you stayed out of the conversation and opened a new thread in which you could continue to attempt baiting me.
As to the suggestion of splitting the ride into smaller groups (riding at intervals?) from Hora, I think that could work well, meeting up at a "central" location but heading off in different directions. Perhaps we could organise guides from any riders on here who know the area?
I'd be happy to oblige.
What does the group think?
But what is the difference, between a group of 24 or 4 groups of 6 riding the same bit of trail? Serious question!
Or indeed 24 separate riders? Still the same number, isn't it? I don't understand how splitting us into smaller groups makes any difference. Care to explain?
As for 'baiting' you; it's not difficult. And you're very quick to insult others, pour scorn on their beliefs, rubbish their ideas, but the moment someone has a little dig at you, your anus gets all itchy. Lighten up, Dude....
I've been to that area several times. I can fully appreciate the damage to the trails that heavy use causes. What is the solution? How can numbers be reduced? Where's the information about the area available for those who might not inhabit internet forums etc?
It's an area that's very popular, that also benefits from the income from mountain biking, walkers etc. So, not an easy issue to solve, I'm sure. A victim of it's own success?
You haven't actually explained why large groups might be an issue (as opposed to smaller ones), just that you're 'not happy'. So, should we ride there, or not?
In a nice way, why not? Its a public road/area.
very true but it is a small vilage and even on a normal weekend its over run with mtbers cars and im just thinking about others,it aint nice for em, but whatever
Three types of rides? One with three hills (biggie), one that takes in just Leith, Summer Lightning, possibly Box Hill etc for the Westcot-train-types and another starting in Peaslake taking in the T-trails, BKB, Deathstar etc etc?
I personally agree that a massive group isn't great, but there seem to be enough people who know their way around that we can split up. I thought there'd only be 2-3 people who would actually say yes to a ride!
If we stick together then there won't actually be any riding done at all anyway. By the sounds of it there are several potential meeting points anyway!
It seems the folk coming from London/on trains would prefer a Leith/Dorking meeting point, understandably, whilst I come from the other direction and would much prefer a Peaslake/Holmbury meeting point!
Occasional meetings with small groups of bikers instead of trying to deal with big groups, would keep the walkers and horse riders happy, I think.
I like the idea of different areas for different skill levels. How about One group riding a big circuit taking in Box, Leith, Holbury and Pitch, with say, 2 or 3 smaller groups doing one or two hills each?
I'd be happy to escort one of the smaller groups of pootlers (properly fit riders of a reasonable age would only get pissed off having to wait for me)...
Edit: PS - "very quick to insult others" - not true.
I'm happy to take a group more interested in doing some miles. Don't know beyond Leith, but could do Winterfold as well.
I'd love to come on a ride- still a maybe (due to newborn trying to grind me into perpetual non-sleep). Play it by ear.
So, is there one Surrey Hills ride on the 23rd, or several? Because now we're talking about different meeting points, several groups, etc. Just seems like it's turning into a Swinley-style STW farce ride, where hundreds of people stand about for ages, and not a lot of riding gets done... 🙄
Personally, I'm up for meeting people at Waterloo, then riding from Gomshall or another suitable nearish station, taking in some of the best bits such as Yoghurt posts and BKB, cup of tea at Peaslake maybe, and a pint somewhere near the station.
"very quick to insult others" - not true.
Oh come off it Woppit... 🙄
That sounds good Talkemada - I've not explored those areas yet.
Personally, I'm up for meeting people at Waterloo, then riding from Gomshall or another suitable nearish station, taking in some of the best bits such as Yoghurt posts and BKB, cup of tea at Peaslake maybe, and a pint somewhere near the station.
That was exactly the sort ride I was envisaging, it got complicated when people started talking about doing the North Downs as well.
I will be at Holmbury St Mary, on the morning of Sunday 23rd for a ride, taking in as much or as little of the hills as people fancy. If there's much more than 6-7 people we can split into separate groups, but I will be out, and will be riding, and would enjoy some different company!
If other people would rather ride the North Downs, or would rather meet nearer Dorking then that's absolutely fine, but I suggest we keep it separate.
I'm a Friend Of Hurtwood too so support the idea of splitting into smaller groups. Also happy to lead something around any of Holmbury/Leith/Pitch. 3-4 hours.
Why don't we agree a central meeting point? Early-ish but give the Down From London's time to get there (10.30am?) and see what numbers are and split accordingly - depending on who wants to do what on the day.
That was what I was thinking, and I still suggest that Holmbury St Mary gives the most options to split up, being as it's right in the middle of all the hills. 10:30 in the Youth Hostel Car Park?
Talkemada - Member
So, is there one Surrey Hills ride on the 23rd, or several? Because now we're talking about different meeting points, several groups, etc. Just seems like it's turning into a Swinley-style STW farce ride, where hundreds of people stand about for ages, and not a lot of riding gets done...
Apologies everyone but [b]Talkemada[/b] - are you referring to a C_G ride? I seem to remember you and Hackney Rider turning up very late and then you phoning me, expecting me to direct you to our location. 😯
You haven't replied to my e-mail either. 🙄
Everyone ... carry on ... and apologies for my little rantette. 😳
You haven't replied to my e-mail either.
That might be because I've not received one from you... 😕
CG; the reason we've not been down for any recent Swinley rides is because they do involve too much standing around for us, and aren't flowing enough. Don't mind the social aspect, but we don't get out of town too often, and like a good ride. Quite often, they've been ride for a few minutes, stop, wait for stragglers, faff about, ride on for another few minutes, and repeat for 3-4 hours. I prefer to just ride for a good bit, then have a short rest/cigarette, then keep going.
TBh, this seems to be turning into a bit of a faff, so I'll probably just do my own thing with just a couple of others.
[i]Quite often, they've been ride for a few minutes, stop, wait for stragglers[/i]
if that's how you feel i want a divorce!
Well, that's two women he's upset now. 🙄
bloody cheek innit!
for the record, i hate people that just ride off not giving a toss about people that are a bit slow!
Couldn't agree more 😉
You off the wagon then girl?
as in? my brain isn't functioning well today! 😆
This thread reminds me of when I lived in London..
Got up at silly o'clock in West Hampstead, cycle down through London to Victoria then on the train to Dorking, then cycle up from Dorking. Bloody ride in itself 😆
njee20 - MemberPersonally, I'm up for meeting people at Waterloo, then riding from Gomshall or another suitable nearish station, taking in some of the best bits such as Yoghurt posts and BKB, cup of tea at Peaslake maybe, and a pint somewhere near the station.
That was exactly the sort ride I was envisaging, it got complicated when people started talking about doing the North Downs as well.
I will be at Holmbury St Mary, on the morning of Sunday 23rd for a ride, taking in as much or as little of the hills as people fancy. If there's much more than 6-7 people we can split into separate groups, but I will be out, and will be riding, and would enjoy some different company!
If other people would rather ride the North Downs, or would rather meet nearer Dorking then that's absolutely fine, but I suggest we keep it separate.
I'd be up for meeting at the station as above, and doing some riding. Drop me an email (in prof) if any ones wanting to do the same....
It is impressive how convoluted this has got! There's more people round here than I thought!
Pinches, if you guys were gonna ride up from Gomshall to Holmbury I'm happy to meet a group there and ride or I could come to the station if you were gonna head a different way.
njee20 - MemberGreat!
Pinches does that mean you can't do the 23rd? I was assuming the Sunday would be preferable for most, I knew I shouldn't have put two days in the title!
I can just swap my shift for sunday...
Right, so it now sounds like half of STW will be out that weekend, although whether anyone will actually meet up and ride together, if we'll all be alone remains to be seen!
What time would be good to meet then?
Hmmmmm. If 20 turn up like on the Peaks STW rides then it would be a nightmare. Not bad on a Peaks ride as the area is soo vast. Abit claustrophobic though and it would seem like a Mass demonstration ride to any locals.
Agree wholeheartedly with mr Woppit.
Well I think it's been agreed that there are so many prospective meeting points and people wanting to do different things that we won't get that. If we do, there are enough people that know their way round that we can just split up. I don't think anyone really wants to ride in a group of 20, as no riding will actually get done!
I still intend to be at the [b]Youth Hostel car park in Holmbury St Mary at 10:30 on Sunday 23rd[/b], if people are there then great!
njee - Sounds reasonable. Decent place to finish as well as it's downhill to the carpark not a slog uphill to end the ride.
Yeah uphill finishes are never nice! If we do get small groups then a ride taking in Pitch, Holmbury and Leith seems more plausible, and makes a central starting point more sensible, incase we do run short of time!
Talkemada - Member
But what is the difference, between a group of 24 or 4 groups of 6 riding the same bit of trail? Serious question!Or indeed 24 separate riders? Still the same number, isn't it? I don't understand how splitting us into smaller groups makes any difference. Care to explain? . .
the difference is in smaller groups can spread out through the woods, if there's a big group of 24 people caning it around on big bikes in a herd, it can be quite scary for the dog walkers, runners, families that use the area for non biking pursuits. this in turn leads to complaints about arrogant bikers thinking they own the place, which in turn will lead to access being denied to bikers.
lock - Member
In a nice way, why not? Its a public road/area.
the road might be public but the rest is private land. the people that live in the villages get massively pissed off with the roads being full of cyclists sitting around, clogging the roads up etc..., theyre tolerated, but again it only takes a few complaints about cyclists behaving like they own the place . . .
Well, that's two women he's upset now.
Pfft. Join the list...
Pootles over longer distances, like the New Forest or something, are ok, 'cos everyone's just taking it easy, enjoying the view etc. But places like Swinley and Surrey Hills are more technical and quite fast in places, so not really ideal for large sociable group rides. Faster riders end up waiting around a lot for the slower ones, and there's not really much opportunity to just ride along nattering really.
Holmbury sounds good to me. Close to Gomshall. I'm up for a few hours blast around Holmbury and whatever, then back to the YHA car park, pint in the pub nearby then off back to get the train home.
the difference is in smaller groups can spread out through the woods, if there's a big group of 24 people caning it around on big bikes in a herd, it can be quite scary for the dog walkers, runners, families that use the area for non biking pursuits. this in turn leads to complaints about arrogant bikers thinking they own the place, which in turn will lead to access being denied to bikers.
Thanks for that explanation, Jimmy. That's all I was asking for, but Woppit had to strut around being the big 'I am', sadly, without actually explaining the reasons for his displeasure.
Thanks for that explanation, Jimmy. That's all I was asking for, but Woppit had to strut around being the big 'I am', sadly, without actually explaining the reasons
Ahem.
Mr Woppit - MemberOccasional meetings with small groups of bikers instead of trying to deal with big groups, would keep the walkers and horse riders happy, I think.
Please let me know which version of this ride you will be on, so I don't have to waste any time actually meeting you.
I'm going to specially seek you out, to ask your advice on directional speaker cables....
Uncle Jimmy explained it better than you did. So there.
I'm quite looking forward to meeting you. I'd like to discuss religion as well, actually.
And interconnects. I might ask Barnes if he's got any questions I can write down and ask you on the day.
Wanting to actively avoid meeting somone on a STW ride! 😆 Pathetic. Mate, I couldn't care less if you were there or not. I'm going there to ride my bike, as I suspect most other folk will be doing. If I deem you worthy of talking to, I might say hello... 😉
X
I think we need to make sure these two are in the same group 🙂
Guys - life is far too short for this kind of behaviour. 😯
[s]mumbles under breath - this wouldn't happen on a C_G ride[/s]
Mr Woppit - please be assured that in real life Talkemada is harmless. After all, we [b]ALL[/b] like to be gobby types on here, don't we? 😉
I think we need to make sure these two are in the same group
You were one of those kids who'd stand at the side chanting 'fight fight fight', weren't you? 😉
please be assured that in real life Talkemada is harmless
I'd not place too much faith in that, tbh. Some of my friends nicknamed me 'The Disease'.... 👿
I won't be bringing a 'tool' though, rest assured. Too heavy.
he's not a gobby type. He's a very naughty boy! 😉
So Youth Hostel car park in Holmbury St Mary at 10:30 on Sunday 23rd, ok. Will you have c-g's stw banner? 😉
Can't find the Youth Hostel on the OS map.
Can I get a lift from anyone coming from Brighton?? Pretty please 🙂
neilnevill - The carpark is small. If you can't spot people in it, probably shouldn't be riding a bike as trees might cause you some problems 🙂
I'll ride over, so I'll be asking randomers if they're anything to do with STW! I'll wear a black/yellow Beyond Mountain Bikes team jersey and be on my Top Fuel.
Edit: [url= http://joolzedymond.com/photocart/index.php?do=photocart&viewImage=91328&zoom=yes&q=322 ]this[/url] is me!
I might come on Sunday instead of Saturday just to watch the fight!
Amazing how a common interest can cause such friction.
Everyone should bring a stick so they can put it in the spokes of the person they fall out with 🙂
Who wants to meet at waterloo then?
Edit: this is me!
I'm second from the right.
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Victoria would be an easier journey to Gomshall, you'll have to change at Redhill, if you go from Waterloo you'll also have to change at Clapham.
victoria is actually closer for me anyway 🙂
Offer of a lift still there if you are/can get to near me - SE19. email in profile.
Atlaz - trees do cause me problems...or did last time I rode Leith a month back...awful landing after drop off, swerved and smacked straight into tree....huge bruising was the result 😳
My approach in such situations is just to avoid drop offs, I'm happy to lead a more 'jey' group if there's enough folk! 🙂