A Rides 29/10/14 to Burnham Beeches

In late autumn it had to be Burnham Beeches - mission accomplished despite the weather but at probably breakneck speed for some. We set off in steady drizzle. Two hands sufficed to count the riders, and the group became even more manageable when two departed into the mists in Sunbury and Stanwell. So they missed the (marginally) better weather - the drizzle eventually stopping.

The first 15 miles were largely forgettable (Lower Feltham, Ashford, Colnbrook and Langley). For those who know it, Hollow Hill Lane is now closed to traffic as the year's floods have wreaked havoc with its surface.

Beyond lies a different world, starting with Langley Park once owned by a Marlborough/Spencer but now council run. After Black Park we headed west towards Stoke Poges (still no herds or ploughman) then widdershins into Burnham Beeches for a splash of autumn colour. There was just time for the briefest of visits as next we headed south past Dorney Wood where perhaps George was busy preparing an autumn statement. Belatedly (1315 and after allegedly 28 miles!) we reached the Old Five Bells in Burnham. They hadn't taken a booking; none needed as we were only diners.

The customary photo shoot was greeted with more drizzle so the shortest way home it was (Dorney, Eton, Datchet, Wraysbury, Staines). Close of play was Norcutts Laleham just before 1530. To sum it up: more evidence that SealSkin waterproof gloves ain't!