B Group - 16th September

The weather forecast was that it was going to rain heavily during the afternoon. This turned out not to be an overstatement. We assembled at the Fairoaks Airfield at Chobham for elevenses.

Despite the forecast (and against the advice of the leader), seven riders set off. We set out for Old Windsor, going via Burrowhill, across Chobham Common on B383 to Sunningdale. Then through Windsor Great Park, past the Guards’ Polo Club (we weren’t invited in) to the Bishopsgate. By this time a light drizzle had set in. We exited the park, taking a spectacular descent to Old Windsor where we stopped at the Fox and Castle with some relief because of the weather.

The meals and service at the Fox and Castle were excellent. There was also a good choice of beers and lagers. The Wayfarers had been there before.

After lunch, it was tipping down and we went via Datchet, Sunnymeads, Wraysbury, Staines, and then to Laleham . The plan was to stop at Notcutts for afternoon tea. But by this time we were all thoroughly wet through because it hadn’t stopped raining since we left Old Windsor, and so we decided that we would forego a tea-stop, perhaps out of consideration for Notcutts’ other customers and staff.

Finally, I am very grateful to John Austin who backed-up for us and was kept very busy during the morning helping someone with his punctures. Sometimes, being the backup person can turn out to be “eventful”. But getting good back-up support is essential for a successful ride.

Peter Carpenter

Those on the ride were:
John Austin, Andrew Bowskill, Peter Carpenter, Ed Sharp, David Ward, Vic White, Robin Johnson