B ride to Ripley - Wed 27th April

B ride to Ripley - Wed 27th April
A sunny fresh morning saw 26 B riders leave  Elleray Hall, passing Teddington Memorial Hospital, and straight into Coleshill Road and Bushy Park.  A longer circuit than intended of the park as I missed a right turn but well worth it in the sunshine and away from traffic.
The route to lunch was a mix of on road and off and proceeded without a hitch until we were passing through Addlestone.   Lesson learnt - mark EVERY corner - as the one I failed to mark caused a few to go astray but all were back on board by the time we got to Rowtown.   The Half Moon had inconveniently arranged to have their bar re-varnished so we lunched at the Talbot.  Meals were served quickly...sandwiches a little more expensive but the soup was delicious for £5 accompanied by generous slices of olive foccaccia bread.  After a longer than expected morning ride the afternoon was direct to Garsons Farm at Esher for a very pleasant afternoon tea.   I would like to thank everyone who marked a corner as all our rides are dependent on the wonderful goodwill of all, particularly Bob who marked a corner for some time in vain as the riders had detoured.  What a lovely tolerant bunch you all are.    Thanks to Tim C for backmarking and also giving me some electricity at lunchtime...the strava map is, I hope, attached.  Ockham Mill was to have been on the route but those  local will know the little Pigeon Bridge is not passable though you can still a visit via a brief tresspass to cross the well maintained golf club bridge adjacent.  The only other regret was not having had time to have a go on Don's new bike!