B Group - 20th December

Although we didn’t have the balmy weather which I expected the forecasts to deliver it was pleasantly warm by recent standards and a few of us felt that we were wearing more layers than necessary for much of the day.

Eighteen of us left the Walton DC. Our guest from A Group was Brian who wanted to get a few miles in before heading for The North. He peeled off at Woodham. Unfortunately Vic punctured during the morning and decided to mend his puncture and head for home. As there was no serious ride planned for the afternoon Steph rode with us to the Jovial Sailor but carried on home without eating. New member Steve Palmer came out with us too although we may lose him to A Group in future.

We went along Walton Lane to Weybridge and meandered through to Ham Moor as we usually do. Then Addlestone, New Haw and Woodham and on the small path around Fullbrook School to Woodham Lock on the Basingstoke Canal. The short 2.72 km stretch of the canal was the highlight of the day for many people, despite being a bit mucky in places. But Pyrford Common through to Send Marsh was enjoyable too.

Thanks to a couple of people from the staff of the Jovial Sailor being off work, after succumbing to a Winter lurgy of some sort, it took some time to deliver our meals for which they were quite apologetic. But the food was good, very affordable, and this close to Christmas we were in a very relaxed mood and enjoyed being there.

Thanks to Pam for this photo

We emerged from lunch and Peter Tiller discovered a flat tyre but was content to mend it in his own time without 15 of us looking on and giving advice. Half of the group headed directly for home while the rest of us cycled to Cobham where we split. I called in at Giro for a coffee and 10 minutes later Peter turned up for a cup of tea. Good to have his company.

I sprung a request to be back marker on Tony during elevenses and was grateful that he agreed. I do normally prefer to brief the back marker about the route but today I just gave Tony a somewhat blurry map and he did a good job.

I was impressed that so many people came riding today. Thank you all for your good company. In lieu of a Christmas card here are some Christmassy photos taken during our holiday in The North last week.

~ Tim