B Group March 16th

24 riders set off under leaden skies and a chilly E wind, through Kingston market square and over the bridge to Cobbler's Walk gate at the entrance to Bushy Park. On through the Park to Hampton Gate and then via suburban roads at the top of Hampton to Hanworth Main Street. There was an interesting navigation of a spiral footbridge over the A319, but no-one fell off, and we then went down Snakey Lane to the ultra-modern and imposing BP Research Headquarters at FelthamHill (no hill however). On via Charlton and Littleton, over the M3 to Dockett Eddy Lane and lunch-stop at the Thames Court vintage inn by Shepperton Lock. Though too chilly for most to sit outside as the sun failed to appear, 20 had lunch which was served promptly and was good enough value according to some conoisseurs.
After this we went past the lock and old village, over Walton Bridge to the River Mole crossings at Lower Green. Here Gill had a slow puncture and dropped off to return home while Les had brake cable trouble. Others peeled off as well as we were on home turf for them and the remaining 10 went through Weston Green and Giggs Hill to Squires Garden Centre Cafe at Long Ditton.
Although almost entirely on the flat and quite short at around 22 miles overall there was a lot of interesting suburban architecture and fragments of former green belt.
It was a pity it was so chilly and grey after two sunny days, but I hope it was an interesting variation to the usual rides out to the country.

Harry Cole (leader) and Ken Williams (back marker).