A Group 22 October 08

At the Five Bells, Horton (sorry Adam!)

MWW Ride Report 22 October 08


A gloriously sunny, cloudless and crisp late October morning witnessed a flock of Wayfarers (genus: birota peregrinensis), resplendent in their autumn plumage, gather on the telegraph lines of their usual North Cheam roost. At the sound of the starting horn, off they soared, their instinct taking them, unerringly though circuitously, through the confusing to some, backways of SW London to their mid-morning watering spot of the Elleray Hall at Teddington. Grateful thanks to a determined Norman who headed the flock to its destination. A nominal novice ‘leader’ kept a respectful distance, shepherded by the ever watchful Lynda to the rear of the group.

At Elleray Hall the flock doubled in size, each member having its number tag duly checked on arrival, before being allowed its reward of tea and cake. With all refreshed, an imperious Pam called ‘time’ and the chattering flock reassembled, splitting into sub-groups each now with a destination of its own.

The genus ‘alpha’ sped off, this time headed by a perhaps over-enthusiastic and definitely inexperienced pioneer, who really had little idea where he was going, or rather how reliably to get there. Soon the flower beds of Bushy Park gave way to the filter beds of Sunbury and so along the house-boated banks of the Thames to Shepperton. Fate decreed that respite was needed and John A. duly punctured. Frank, as ever the rock, remained to supervise the repair and guide the victim back on route. The damage to the innertube alas proved terminal. Off again to spin around the single helix bridge across the M25 to the wonderful Nutty Lane, where the ‘leader’ disappeared to leave some of the flock in doubt about its left or right – a serious misdemeanour! From then a scoot through Charlton, Ashford (brief stop to check the compass and take advice), Ashton Moor, a well advised off-road diversion to avoid near certain death in crossing the M25 near T5 and a welcome arrival at the Five Bells, Horton.

A nourishing lunch enjoyed by most, not all, before a hasty photo-call (apologies to the missing half of Adam), remount and back through Wraysbury (familiar to last Sunday’s Cheam & Morden ride). Then back through Staines along the B376 to Shepperton where a very early tea was taken before the flock dispersed, each finding its own way back to its home coop. The distance perch to perch a modest 59 miles.

As for that probationary test ride, this time I fear no pass certificate. The provisional licence remains, no date yet fixed for any retest.

P.S. Remember, this was the last Wednesday before the clocks go back. Dust off those lights, recharge those batteries and fit them on the bike , not leave them in the shed, before you get caught out!

Jeff