A Group 16 November: Weybridge - Taplow - Upper Halliford

We were treated to a warm and sunny day as twenty of us set off from Weybridge.  It would have been 21 but Steve Duffin punctured at the starting line, and when the first repair didn't work he suggested we leave without him.   The route was planned to get in some miles without too many stops and starts, and I hope we achieved that.  We set off through Addlestone and up Holloway Hill, via Lyne to Virginia Water, and skirting round the golden fringes of Windsor Great Park.   Surprisingly hilly round there, and the wind was not helping us, but we seemed to be sheltered most of the morning.

As we set out, our back marker Mike Barrett had encouraged us to leave gaps for overtaking cars, and it seemed to work particularly well.  Whenever I looked behind I could see distinct groups with half a dozen riders, and due to excellent corner marking we all stayed together.  Thank you all, and I'm sure the motorists appreciated it too.

Geoff's entry for the photo competition

A quick stop before the "peanut" roundabout and I phoned the pub to confirm numbers, to be told that someone had phoned yesterday to say there would only be eight of us!   As it turned out we needn't have worried.   Then it was onwards and mostly downwards along Drift road to Fifield, across the footbridge to Dorney and a short step to South Bucks and the Oak and Saw at Taplow.   I don't think the Wayfarers have visited before: it's a cosy pub which was jam-packed full with all of us plus another group (of eight ...) and a few others.   Three bar staff took our orders quickly: tables had been reserved, and good food arrived promptly - excellent.

Over lunch, we received the news of Geoffrey's accident, which gave us all pause for thought.   Our hopes and best wishes for a speedy recovery are with you Geoffrey.

It was an unlucky day to be called Steve.   Steve Lloyd discovered a slow puncture as we left the pub, but it was holding up with regular top-ups.  The route back took us across the wind-blasted Dorney Common, but luckily it was helping us for a change.  We had a smooth ride back through Eton, and well-worn route through Datchet, Wraysbury, Staines and Shepperton (where several departed for home), leaving nine of us to stop at Upper Halliford.   As it turned out, skipping tea may have been the best option, for it was just starting to rain as we left.    Now it was Mick's turn to have a puncture.  A few of us stayed to help, and by the time we had fixed it, we had missed the worst of it.

38.5 miles and a puny 847 feet of ascent.   Thank you Mike for back-marking and for your encouragement to ride in groups - perhaps we are getting better at it!


PS.  News of Colin Garrod:   Colin has been home for about a week and a half, and is doing well, although he expects recovery will be slow after what was a major operation.   He's able to get around the house but not doing long walks yet, and no cycling until after Christmas.   He says thank you to all for the card.