The weather forecast was good: and so it proved with strong sunshine and a gentle breeze; a perfect day for a bike ride. We assembled at The Elleray Hall day centre, Teddington.
13 riders set off. We set out for Woking, going via Bushy Park, Hampton Court, Molesey, East Molesey, Walton - on – Thames, Weybridge, Addlestone, Row Town, Woodham, and then via A245 and minor roads into Woking (16 miles from Teddington). We stopped at The Herbert Wells which is a Wetherspoon’s pub.
The meals and service at The Herbert Wells were excellent. There was also a wide choice of draught beers. The Wayfarers have been there before a few times.
After lunch we went via Sheerwater, West Byfleet, Byfleet, Brooklands, rejoining the route taken during the morning at Weybridge station. Between Oatlands Park and Ashley Park we crossed over the railway and A317 into Burwood Park.
Burwood Park is an estate of very expensive detached properties where one might imagine Russian oligarchs, private equity fund managers and celebrities live, and there was a bit of an altercation with one of the residents about our presence there. However, we explained that we weren’t going to burgle any of the properties and so we were permitted to continue.
We duly arrived at a Squires Garden Centre for tea. We were down to eight at this stage.
Finally, I am very grateful to Tony Hooker who backed-up for us. Fortunately, there weren’t any incidents of note (somebody’s water bottle fell off and there was an unscheduled comfort-stop). Having good back-up support is essential.
Peter Carpenter
No comments:
Post a Comment