B Group - 29th October

TEDDINGTON - VIRGINIA WATER - SUNBURY/HALLIFORD

Well, well, well, on a day that rain was forecast for the morning and the afternoon we had 26 B group riders of which four had not been out with us before!   Kay introduced her rowing pal Jackie, Robin introduced Marta and then there was Mr and Mrs David and Jennie. Great having you out with the club, good company and I/we look forward to seeing each of you out with us again! :-)

The ride started well through the park to Hampton and onwards to Chertsey.   Chertsey bridge works were causing havoc yesterday but, of all the luck, the lights and working vehicles had just been cleared as we arrived!  Next landmark was Chertsey station...here the group was split when a train passed through .....Vic continued with a small group into Stonehill Road, Accommodation Road, Longcross Road and Kitsmead Lane to The Wheatsheaf at Virginia Water.   We used 'corner markers' so that the majority could keep moving and it worked very well until...OH DEAR!!!!...I missed the right turn into Kitsmead Road as reccied with Gill, (must have been dreaming) - my sincere apologies to all :) :)    

I heard (at lunch) that Terry had been keeping a gap between the rear and front of the group so when they got to Kitsmead Lane - there was no marker!   Gill continued as reccied - which left the group behind me waiting for them at the junction of Longcross Road and Chobham Lane - all in vain - and I waited, until I gave up -  at the junction into Wellington Avenue!  Phone calls were made, without replies!    Nevertheless, we all came together in the pub and nobody bit my head off - thanks!!    By the way - food and service were good!

One small group, Terry and son in law Paul (Hi) with Brian left first.  Next to leave was a small group led by Irene.  Then another hiccup !!   Unfortunately John B found he had a flat as the last group were ready to leave..no problem..we hung on and that was the last of to-days hiccups - thankfully!!!!

After a direct route back to Sunbury, seven of us stopped for tea at Squires, swapping stories whilst eating cake and drinking tea etc.    It had stopped raining by the time we left and I was home at 5.15.   with under 50 miles on the clock!

It would have been a lovely route if the sun had been shining - but there you go - we cannot order sun shine! 

My thanks to Terry for splitting the group to a more acceptable size, to Gill for back marking, to Irene for assisting me through the park and leading a returning group in the hopes of getting home before dark?!  

Great to have your company.  Dare I say it..I enjoyed today - hope others did :):) :)    Pam :) :)

Map showing Pam's route to Virginia Water

John Bellamy's Puncture Party at the Wheatsheaf; looking forward to riding home in the rain

Jenny and Ed

Pam and David