A Group ride, 19th December: Walton on Thames

Those with long memories - who were on my 'shortest day ride' from Walton on 20th December last year, may have noticed some similarities with today's ride. In fact the routes were identical; it was only the lunch and tea venues that had changed. Even the backmarker was the same, which I'm sure Simon may have spotted? Does this prove we are all creatures of habit, or merely indicate lazy route planning? (No comments please).

Here we are on the bridge at Eton, ready for an early lunch at the Watermans Arms having already lost Geoffrey and Ken, before Windsor, and Dave W. earlier on, with a puncture. (Neil tried to loose some others coming into the town centre but was out-smarted by Janice). Still an early lunch meant a swift departure for our tea stop at the Walled Garden, Sunbury.

Our progress was only slightly delayed by Janice's puncture before we had reached Staines, but it wasn't long after 3pm that eleven of us were sitting down - some outside, for tea and cakes at the Walled Garden.

30 miles, split evenly between morning and afternoon, was just about right for almost the shortest day. Thanks to Simon (again) for backmarking, and ever-willing corner markers. I can't promise I won't lead next year's Walton ride, but if someone else does please choose a different route.

Spot the robin?