B Group Wednesday 28th October

The day started out well. It was bright and sunny at Weybridge, if a little chilly, and we were looking forward to 12 miles to lunch and 12 miles in the afternoon to tea. The forecast was going to be sunny in the morning and wind and rain in the afternoon.

However, we were overtaken by events and most of you will have heard that Ray took a tumble on the canal towpath just after Woking on our way to tea. This has inevitably coloured the memories of the day for us.

We had four groups totalling 19 riders in all and the first group was away by 1020 and the last at 1115, the idea being that we would have an early lunch and therefore an early tea and be home before dark and before the deterioration in weather. For most of us that was the case. The groups set off westward's passing by Addlestone, through Ottershaw, onto Chobham (without going into the town) before we reached the Hare and Hounds in West End, Bisley. The pub is well set up for groups and provided us all with socially distanced tables in a marquee. The food was excellent and the service not too different from what one normally expect.

It was obvious that the wind was increasing but that didn’t matter as it was going to be behind us on the run to tea. So, after Knaphill, it was onto the “Pluto Trail”, down to the canal and along to Addlestone via New Haw.

My group, which was the last on the road, were enjoying the Autumn colours along the canal when Ray strayed off the tarmac. Unfortunately, the leaves by the side of the tarmac disguised a marked ridge back onto the tarmac and that's where he took his tumble. It was quite clear that we needed to get an ambulance. However, despite our protestations, it took an hour and a half to arrive and during that time the heavens opened. The four of us, Tim G, Gill, Colin and myself did our best to protect Ray. We had some invaluable help from some passers-by - one of whom had a space blanket.

Ray ended up in A & E at St Peters, Chertsey and is still there recovering as I write. He tells me that he hopes to be back home after the weekend. We wish him well and a speedy recovery.

Peter T

What follows is a miscellany of pictures taken on the day and “Fixie” Dave’s review of the day.

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Six of us B's (Christina, Paula, Sue F, Ken, Tony Hr, & Dave ) left the starting blocks at 11am We were the third group to leave Weybridge, heading off for the Hare & Hounds at Donkey Town. 

Whilst on our way passing over the M25, an air containment problem occurred! Ken was the unfortunate one, which allowed the following group to gain a glimpse of us. 

The Lunch at the Hare & Hounds was very good, and the staff very friendly. 

Four of us stopped for afternoon Tea/Coffee at Weybridge Garden centre. I believe that Peter T designed & timed the ride thus, so that we would miss any Rain! 

So, thank you Peter for a well-designed ride.