Fifteen riders were up for the ride and set off. The planned route was to go to Old Windsor, via Addlestone, Virginia Water, through Windsor Great Park, and exit the park at Bishopsgate and then to the Fox and Castle in Old Windsor. We followed the route ok and stopped at the Fox and Castle for lunch.
The route took us past the lake at Virginia Water, on the south side where you get splendid views across the lake. There is also a waterfall (not much coming over it on that day) and a ruined Greek temple, then we went past the Guards’ Polo Club in Windsor Great Park (there wasn’t time to call in).
The meals and at the Fox and Castle were good but the service was a bit slow because they had a lot of customers that day. However, on the whole they managed very well. There was also a good choice of beers and lagers. The Wayfarers had been there before.
During lunch, the weather got seriously hot. The route during the afternoon was intended to be Englefield Green, Virginia Water, Trumps Green, Flutters Hill, Fox Hills, Ottershaw, Addlestone, and New Haw. Unfortunately, the group got separated between Englefield Green and Virginia Water. However, the leading part of the group completed the intended route and we broke for tea at a garden centre in New Haw.
Finally, I am grateful to Dave Ward who backed-up for us on the ride before lunch, and Tony Hooker who marshalled mid-field. Getting good back-up and marshalling support is essential for a successful ride. The separation which occurred during the afternoon was the responsibility of the leader who should have ensured that the replacement back-up was sufficiently briefed on the intended route.
Peter Carpenter
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While the rest of us were rehydrating and taking refuge in the shade on the verandah around the back Steph snapped the profusion of blossom in the front garden.
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| Note that the afternoon route shown here is different from the official one |
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