A Group Ride Report - 9 October

A Group Ride Report - 9 October

19 of us gathered at Addlestone, and with thanks to those who abandoned their place in the coffee/cake queue, managed to be on the road by 11.10.

The objective was to visit Burnham Beeches to take in some autumn colour, and lunch at the Royal Standard at Wooburn Common. This pub we last visited back in 2013 under Frank Cubis’ leadership, which is a surprise given the friendly welcome and speedy service, not to mention their range of 10 real ales.

Given the distance involved, and the recent weather, this ride was always going to be a gamble with the rain gods, but today we were lucky, seeing no rain and frequent bursts of sunshine.

Pausing in Burnham

 

Thanks to efficient corner marking and no punctures we made lunch in 2 ¼ hours, and due to efficient pub staff we were fed and watered in an hour. With a bit of tailwind help we made the 24 miles to tea at Squires, Upper Halliford in 2 hours, in time for most to get home in daylight.

On the downside, despite reminders, we were forgetting to leave gaps in the peloton, especially on the way out to Wooburn, and I understand we were partially to blame for some very ill-advised and dangerous overtaking by motorists.  Doubtless we were also contributing to the ill-feeling towards all cyclists, which endangers us all. So remember, if you are no. 7 on the group, drop back and leave some space for cars to pull in; you will not be forgotten by the corner markers. Also do not overtake a rider who is leaving a gap unless there is a very good reason, such as getting a message to the leader.

Many thanks to Simon for back marking, to Brian and Simon for QA’ing my somewhat wayward
gpx tracks, and to Janice for photos.

48 miles Addlestone to Halliford, 13mph moving, almost no climbing.