A Group Ride from Teddington, 8th February.

I promised a water-themed ride - but failed to mention the mud! Still, the fourteen of us who set off along the Thames and then the Grand Union Canal from Brentford Lock soon got to grips with the rather gloopy towpath - apart from Jenny and Keith. Fortunately both came a cropper to the right of the towpath, rather than to the left, and avoided an early bath in the Canal: they remounted to no obvious ill effects.

The towpath route from Brentford Lock was a regular commute of mine up to West Drayton and Uxbridge, though I never remember it as muddy - maybe because most of my trips were in the summer!

We were glad to escape the towpath at Stockley Park, encouraged by signs of Horton Lane - (too soon for some), and made our way through West Drayton, Richings Park, Sutton, Colnbrook Village and Poyle to the The Horton Arms on Stanwell Road, just the other side of the Colne Brook. The pub's makeover from the former Five Bells meant for more convivial surroundings with a good range of food and beers, promptly served.

Having rode 21 miles to lunch, our tea stop was Squires at Upper Halliford, only a further 10miles or so, and eight of us enjoyed an early tea, leaving enough time to get home before the lengthening dusk.

You may notice a guest appearance of Geoff in the photo, (but no John) - having expertly handed over his photographic duties to Jackie, the barmaid, but I'm sure normal service will soon be resumed. Thanks again to Mike for back marking.