B group had a sizeable turn out yesterday, 27 on the ride + John Scott who was unable to stay out all day. Pretty good considering the weather forecast. We also had a few A riders join us, just to have a change from their normal riding speeds!!! Well done to those riders that joined Hans ( I'm looking forward to reading about their day). A big Happy Birthday and thank you to Brian who treated us all to Morning Tea with Cake to celebrate his recent coming of age.
After collecting menu choices and phoning them through to the pub we did not get going until near 11.30. We made good progress via Walton Bridge, Chertsey Bridge, through to Thorpe where I turned off at the Rose and Crown to go down Hurst Lane. Here we came to a halt for a huge mobile(park) home was being moved - already in the road in front of us! Never mind - patience is a virtue and it wasn't too long before it came to a halt and we were all able to get by. A thoughtful driver??
Next it was up Prune Hill to Englefield Green. Then through Windsor Great Park to exit at Rangers Gate where we picked up Sustrans route 4 through Windsor, past the leisure centre and up and over to join the Thames towpath out to Dorney - for lunch at The Pineapple.
Tables were reserved inside but the garden was sheltered and the sun shone so we all opted for the outside. Food was served promptly and with a smile. Fantastic, it really was worth pre-ordering!
We left Dorney along the Jubilee river, exiting on the approach road to Eton. From here we continued to Datchet where Margaret (our Canadian friend) opted for the train whilst the rest of us continued to Shepperton Lock via Horton, Wraysbury and Staines.There was a hiccup when we got to Wraysbury for Grant had punctured and our backmarker stayed behind with him. Christina, who was cornering, phoned after some time to say Tim had not arrived - my text (which I had not looked at) told me about Grant - so Tony Hopkins kindly took the group to Shepperton whilst I waited for Christina. After a ride through The Lammas (looking for the essential loo), we rode on to the Lock where there were still several of the group socialising over tea and cake.
A big welcome to Sarah, Guy and Tony who cycled with the B group for the first time - we look forward to having your company again 😃
My thanks to all who cornered, our back marker Tim and to Tony for leading from Wraysbury and to all who came on the ride. Sorry I wasn't there to say goodbye to some, next time!
Cheers Pam 😀😉
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| The nearest we got to a group photo |
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