A Group, 23 February

Walton on Thames - Dorney - Shepperton

Under watery skies, Ed had decided on a fluvial theme. After Walton bridge (I'm sure that you can see the river through some of those potholes) it was a familiar route past Shepperton to Chertsey; then along Thames Side beside a very full Thames, Ed nobly declining the lure of the seductively beckoning towpath, to guide us on terra firma (i.e. tarmac) to Staines. Here the bicycle came into its own, as we smugly pedalled past the massed ranks of Surrey Constabulary, keeping watch on an aptly named Biffa truck that had underestimated its size and now supported the railway bridge. Over Staines bridge to Egham, Windsor, beside the Arches to Dorney, to arrive at the Pineapple - nirvana for all sandwich lovers. As fine a selection as you'll find in all this land. The steady drizzle seemed to belie the venue as the most propitious place in England to grow its first pineapple.

The return via Datchet, in uninviting mizzle, was a variant of the outward route. However, the cattle grid at the end of Dorney Common claimed a victim, as Ed went 'ed first, ending up in a soft cushion of mud. X marks the spot. Fortunately muddied but unbowed, man and bike were able to continue, adrenalin upping the pace. At Staines, the Biffa truck still firmly wedged beneath the bridge, with an increased police presence, we were able to carry on unobstructed to tea at Shepperton. Most stopped, some carried on to chase the dwindling light. Today's distance in the saddle some 66 miles. Hope you are ok Ed.

Jeff