It is always a short ride to lunch after the AGM and I had chosen the Old Plough at Stoke D'Abernon, which was about 5 miles from Hersham. A group of 14 sat down to lunch, though we did start with one or two more. Our route was out to West End, Esher, and up to the Portsmouth Road, which we followed to Fairmile Lane. The next turn was into Leigh Hill Road with a nice downhill run to the Tilt and so to the pub, arriving about 1.00 p.m.
It was pretty much full house at the pub but a long table had been put aside for us. We were looked after beautifully. Orders for drinks and then meals were taken at the table, bottles of water and glasses were provided as a matter of course and at the end we were able to settle up individually at the bar. All very satisfactory.
With various people doing their own thing after lunch, the group had dropped down to 8 for the next part of the ride. Going back to Fairmile Lane, we went straight ahead at the mini roundabout on to Water Lane, then turned up Knipp Hil and into Sandy Lane. Crossing the busy Copsem Lane we took the dead end lane at Gunter's Mead. It was at this point that the call of 'puncture' was heard from Christina. Manfully, Tony Hopkins came to the rescue and fixed it despite one or two problems - this was your spare bike wasn't it, Christina? Otherwise a new one might be recommended or a different spare inner! Setting off again, along what used to be a semi off-road link with a gate across it but which is now beautifully surfaced though still with the gate, we joined Fairoak Lane and cut down on the off-road path which took us into Claygate and so to Long Ditton Squires for tea. Here the 6 of us who had stopped were joined by Brian who had been doing his own thing, and Grant on the way back from A Group, wanting to give Pam his money for the Christmas Lunch. Lights were definitely needed for the final lap home.
Thanks everyone for your company, to Terry & Pam for back-marking and to those who marked corners.
Gill Finlay
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