A rare sunny day sandwiched between the rainy ones saw 15
riders leave Shepperton for White Waltham, some 21 miles away. This being
autumn we had the wind and as we were heading due northwest we had it blowing
steadily in our faces all the way. It was only troublesome on Dorney Common,
where thankfully Dave and Ralph took turns at dragging me across.
We arrived on time at 1pm at The Beehive, which like many pubs
in the area, has now gone upmarket (the other ones have closed). However they
were welcoming and well organised, and the baguettes were good.
Leaving around 2:30 we headed back, with some benefit from a
gusty tailwind, initially along Drift Road so Neil could see what it looked like
when not flooded. We escaped the heavy afternoon traffic for a while by
crossing Windsor Great Park and down to Virginia Water, before a final dash
through Chertsey to Squires at Upper Halliford. Several riders elected to go straight
home, so we were only 5 at Squires taking tea in the autumn sun.
Many thanks to Geoff for back-marking all day, and to all
who helped keep the ride moving by turn-marking.
Best wishes to Ralph who is off to university. Hopefully we
will see him at Christmas.
45miles Shepperton to tea, average 11.9mph and a paltry 1,000
feet of climbing.
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