Anticipating that it might not be a prompt start, our ride to lunch was of a moderate distance with lunch at The Surrey pub at St John's, Woking. A group of 24 (or was it 25?) set off along Plough Lane and across the Wisley airstrip. A new anti-motorbike gateway was being installed on the far side with its design taking into consideration the passage of horses - and bikes, the man hastily assured us! Up and over the A3 to Wisley, we made our way to Pyrford Common, on to the Old Woking Road and then into a series of suburban roads on the edge of Woking. Corner markers were invaluable in keeping the group moving. Cycle path 221 took us through the park on White Rose Lane and into another park on the other side of the A247, following a stream. After this little interlude, it was back to the streets and across to St John's Hill Road, over the Basingstoke Canal and up Hermitage Road to the pub by 12.45 p.m.
The menu at the Surrey pub is huge and several took advantage of a 2 course meal for Seniors for £4.49 (or 3 for £5.49)! A room had been reserved for us and although there was only one poor girl at the start taking our orders, help did arrive and we were well looked after, with everyone enjoying their meals. After the usual photo-call (with birthday girl to the fore!) we set off at 2.15 for the return journey. A couple of people took the canal route while I led the rest to find Littlewick Road, go across Horsell Common, up Philpot Lane towards Fairoaks Airport and on to Stonehill Road - a familiar road back to Addlestone. The path across Chertsey Meads had us heading in the direction of Shepperton Lock, where 15 of us gathered around one large table to enjoy a merry tea party before heading homewards.
Thanks to the many who marked corners. I couldn't have done the ride without your help. Thanks, too, to back-markers Tim, and Liz who had done the recce with me. A great day, thanks to all who came and to Pam for letting us share in celebrating her birthday.
Gill Finlay
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