A group ride 23/7/14

A reasonable turnout at the Greeno centre today but only 10 ventured out on the A ride. With temperatures expected to reach 30c and a nice breeze the prospect of a pleasant ride was welcome. The older I get the more I seem to like the heat.

Heading North on a slightly circular route through Ashford, Stanwell Moor to Horton and West of Colnbrook to Iver Heath and on past Pinewood Studios, Fulmer and Stoke Common, as we were a tad early I carried on towards Farnham Common and put a loop in through Stoke Wood before arriving back at Stoke Common and lunch at the Fox and Pheasant.

The pub seems to be in a bit of a time warp offering a weekday carvery at £5.95! Needless to say there were takers for that! The rest had a variety of sandwiches which were served quickly.

Up until now the temperature had been moderate but the ride to afternoon tea saw the temperature rise. A slightly different route bought us back passed Pinewood studios and on Iver, Thorney, to West Drayton and a brief stop to look at the Gate House (see below) before continuing to Harlington, Cranford, Heston to tea at the Wyvale garden centre Osterley still with 10 riders! A pleasant change for me with only a mile and a half to home from tea. I hope the rest got home okay.

39 miles from 11's to afternoon tea with a rolling average of 14.00mph.

Tony..

The Gatehouse, Church Road, West Drayton

Grade 11* Listed Building

The Tudor Gatehouse, circa 1550, along with the walls fronting the houses in Church Road is all that is left of the Manor House that occupied the site. Sir William Paget was Lord of the Manor from 1546 until 1563. In 1587 Elizabeth 1 sequestrated the estate and granted it to Sir Christopher Hatton.

Lunch at the Fox & Pheasant

Afternoon tea

The Gate House West Drayton