B Group - 11th September

Fairoaks Airport, 11th September, 2019

I departed from elevenses in good time with 22 riders which included Simon and Alan who normally ride with the A's. Our route was no surprise to many - down to the Basingstoke canal, leaving at Brookwood to pass the Brookwood cemetery.  On through Pirbright where we noticed that The Cricketers Inn is being refurbished but, in the meantime, the new owners have opened a cafe inside a yurt in the grounds!    Continuing in the direction of Aldershot we took the left hand turning into Cobbett Mill Road, at the T it was left then first right to the pub 'at the top of the hill' arriving at The Royal Oak just after 12.30.    Publican/owner David is great.  Our excellent meals arrived in good time - pensioners main course £4.95 every day, such value!!

We left the pub to the right then a right hander into a section of the Christmas Pie trail, leaving it for a residential area known as Park Barn. A local told us that we didn't have to go through 'that' awkward gate as there was another 'open' exit within a few hundred yards.....Oh well, next time!  (apologies Peter, I know you mentioned another exit from the trail).

After a couple of right turns and a cycle path we entered the grounds of Guildford University, exiting into Guildford town at the cinema. A few more lefts and rights and we were in Stoke Park, across the road to cycle along the River Wey to the start of the A3 cycle track. Unfortunately Richard punctured along the Wey!!  Our trusty back marker kept us informed and Richard, along with John Austin continued in their own time.   We left the A3 asap by going along Potters Lane to Send, then Byfleet to Addlestone.

Our tea stop, Addlestone Garden Centre + any other name,  was 'elected' due to the time running away with us in the afternoon.  Thirteen takers of tea,coffee and cake before continuing to Walton Bridge where I left all for the opposite direction, apart from Ray Y.

My sincere thanks to our back markers Tim and Gill, and to ALL our corner markers for I was told that our outward journey was very well cornered :) :) :) 

The return was good... but more off road etc. Also - Thank you Tim for the photos and route map.

Thank you all for making the day so enjoyable,

Pam :) :)