A Group 27th ... February?? Walton-Dorney-Halliford

Ice creams in February?  The day started like February with a frost, but ended more like June.  Wonderful.  Plenty of takers for a ride in the sunshine at Walton: it was good to see Dave Bartholomew back mobile again after breaking his pelvis.  We have missed you Dave - hope to see you on your bike just as soon as you can.

We got away promptly, and then it was quick-slow-quick-quick-slow as we sped to Chertsey (our second crossing of the Thames), up to Lyne and Trumps Green, then slow around Virginia Water, avoiding dog-walkers and buggies galore - the lake looking gorgeous in the sunshine.  Bursting out of the park at Blacknest Gate we went an unorthodox route to The Drift and Fifield before another slow-ish bit across the river at Dorney, arriving just before 1pm at The Pineapple.  By this time it was summer weather and we sat outside, where we were fed promptly and generously.  A longer linger was tempting but so was a bike ride ... we headed back via Dorney Lake, a couple of cattle grids just to wake up the derriere and then via Eton and Datchet to Old Windsor.

24 miles under our belt, and now this...

Per ardua ad astra

I advertised a mindfulness-themed ride but kept it pretty low-key, in line with my level of knowledge on the subject.  There was a test coming up:  would mind over matter obscure the small matter of Crimp Hill?   We all made it to the top, but I think most of us noticed there was a hill.   It was a nice day so we went to the Air Force Memorial and most went up the tower to enjoy the views of the, er, air.  Then it was down another monument, this time Sustrans' flagship NCN4 route London to Wales, the cycling equivalent of the M4, which descends a steep hill, off road, with a short section made up seemingly of half-bricks and rubble.  Easy enough to negotiate going down, but it would be awful going up, especially when wet and muddy.  A bit of tarmac would surely be justified?

The RAF Memorial Squadron?

Our fifth crossing of the Thames was at Staines and we celebrated with tea at Squires at Halliford.   Some of us had ice cream.   In February.   Ridiculous, but memorable.

Thank you to Brian for back-marking, to Janice for the photos, and to all the corner markers, who allowed us to complete 43 miles fairly promptly and without losing anyone.   Thanks also to Geoff, for not wearing his Kaftan.