B' Ride Wed 31 July

We set out from Weybridge DC and aimed for the narrow track alongside the railway station. After crossing the Wey we emerged into Brooklands. Pausing briefly at the museum to get a glimpse of Concorde, it was then on to what is left of the runway and to ride along the remains of the banked racing circuit. Through the industrial estate meant we could also ride on another part of the same circuit.

Passing through Byfleet village we got to the Wey Navigation where 2 walkers separately told us that the navigation and towpath were blocked by a fallen tree – we could hear the chainsaws. A “U” turn was inevitable. It was at this point I had to confess that the previous day I had given up on my recce and returned home in the face of horizontal rain, freezing cold. I missed seeing the fallen tree. From then on I was reliant on the saved route on my sat nav and my local knowledge.

We got back on track by riding in the opposite direction down the navigation and into West Byfleet. As the morning progressed I did get a couple of “turn around where possible” messages! Circuitously we made our through the lesser known parts of Woking to Pirbright to The Royal Oak – 16 miles or so – for the 20 who stayed the course.

After lunch we were able to look at Sir Henry Morton Stanley’s monumental grave in the Pirbright parish churchyard before cycling through Brookwood cemetery and on to the canal – a real contrast with morning’s ride – green corridor vs suburban jungle. From the canal it was a short ride to the GC at Rowtown for the 10 of us who were left.

Thanks to Tim G for back marking, to all the corner markers and to Tim C for the recording the route.