A Group April 16th

Irene's estimated 13 A riders turned out to be 19 (Irene, Bionic Bob(welcome back), Dave, Ed, Frank, Geoff, Graham. Johns B & S, Mike, Neil, Pam, Pete M, Ray, Rob, Simon (newcomer, out for the morning), Steve, Toni, and Wilf). Unusually we headed up Woburn Hill, across the Meads, and then over the level crossing by Chertsey station. Along Guildford Road strange sounds could be heard emanating from Irene's rear end. A committee promptly formed on the cyclepath to investigate - the cause, an inner tube peeking out betwixt rim and tyre. Fortunately it didn't explode and after reseating we were soon heading up Holloway Hill. We caught and past the C group just before the Gracious Pond turn-off. Burrowhill, Valley End and the back (Church) road in Windlesham enabled us to reach The Bee where tables had been reserved. Most were content with sandwiches but among hearty repasts were ham and eggs(Frank), croque-monsieur(Ed) and the special (spicy fish in tortillas - John B). The pub was a first for most, and no complaints! After lunch we crossed the A30 into Sunninghill and by Larch Avenue and the B383 entered the Great Park at Cheapside. From Bishopsgate it was down Tite Hill into Egham and a lengthy halt at the Pooley Green crossing. Thorpe was followed by the Penton Hook offroad. An impromptu photo shoot near Chertsey Abbey detached 5 riders who detoured (unnecessarily) to Shepperton Lock before rejoining at Watsons in the High Street. A shade over 30 miles from 11s to tea on a cloudy, blustery but not unpleasant day. Leader Irene