B Group set off from Hersham with a total of 15 riders - Judy, Liz, Stephanie, Francoise, Frank, John S., Norman, Cliff, Nev, Harry, David, two Scots Colin and Andy, John G. as back-marker (Thank-you) and me, Gill, as leader. We headed off towards Esher, turning at the top of the hill to take the road at the back of Sandown Park - a lovely downhill run - across to Weston Green (where we lost Nev - too close to home), then down to Summer Road, Thames Ditton. Here we turned left to cross the Hampton Court Way at the level crossing. At this point there was a slight wait while Norman picked up a book he was carrying which had fallen on to the railway lines - luckily no trains were in sight! Still on Summer Road we crossed the Mole and Ember Rivers before turning into Walton Road at Molesey to reach The Bell (Circa 1460) in Bell Road. Terry joined us here, having been held up due to secretarial duties. Lunch was rather a protracted affair - our numbers had increased to 20 due to the addition of a small contingent from C Group and being such a fine day the pub was busy with other customers. However, it was all very pleasant sitting in the sun in the garden and when it came, the food was good. (The menu is extensive and reasonably priced. Also there were special deals of 2 main meals for £8 or pie and chips with a pint of beer for £4.99.) After lunch we headed to the towpath on the R. Thames for the afternoon's ride to Teddington and thence into Richmond Park at Ham Gate - a lovely ride on such a perfect autumn day. Our numbers dwindled as we went and by the time we reached the cafe at Roehampton Gate there were just 9 of us to enjoy another break in the sunshine before heading our various ways home. (Gill Finlay)
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