Thursday, August 09, 2007

A Group Aug 8th

The summer had taken its toll and only nine A riders lined up at New Haw Day Centre. The group was Vic, Graham, Ian, Irene, John B, John S, Pete B and Toni, and our destination, one of Vic's favourites, the Prince Of Wales in Farnborough. The journey took in Ottershaw, Burrowhill, and the back lane around Windlesham Park. We headed through Lightwater before climbing up to and descending the Chobham Ridges. Once past Lakeside, we crossed over the Blackwater relief road, where Vic gave his lecture on Napoleon III et al before settling in the tarmacced pub garden. Our shelter was a gazebo illegal under the new smoking law but perfect for us. The lunch was substantial
and leisurely but eventually we headed back towards Pirbright.

Ian caused two short delays, firstly by unshipping a pannier on the descent of Tunnel Hill, and secondly by needing directions to Christmaspie, his resting place for the day. We went past the shrine of Edward the Martyr before descending to Mayford. Here Vic has a small surprise in store.
Avoiding the customary Pyle Hill and/or Old Woking routes, we continued to Worplesdon Station and onto the A320. Turning (thankfully) at the next left,we went into Jacob's
Well and along the A3 cyclepath to Ockham Bites where we separated. After the miserable late spring/early summer, it had been another sunny day and about right temperature wise.

Graham Hill

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