B Group - 12th May

Walton-on-Thames, Windsor, Shepperton

David Jackson’s report

28 riders registered and a full complement set off in groups of six maximums from the café at Walton Bridge for an undulating ride to Windsor and back to Shepperton.

We had one debutant for B group rides, Madeleine Shearer, who I am informed by her sub-leader coped well with the ride and enjoyed the experience.

Ray, Martin and Madeleine

The route took us along the river to Addlestone, crossed over the motorway and along tree lined lanes passing Chobham, Windelsham, South Ascot and then alongside the race track at Ascot itself before we going through Cheapside and into the Great Park.

Taking an almost straight route through the park we left using Rangers Gate before having a steady ride into Windsor and lunch via the Sheet Street Road and the Kings Road, 24 miles of good cycling.

Lunch was at the Cinnamon Café next to Windsor and Eton Central Station, where we found parking for the bikes, tables to sit at and very reasonably priced refreshments.

After lunch, flatter but more of an urban ride through Datchet, Staines and onto the Ferry Point café at Shepperton, 12 miles from Windsor to tea. Here we were greeted by numerous, socially distanced, riders from various groups enjoying further refreshments and sunshine.

Thanks to all the sub-leaders, John A, Fixie Dave/Tony, Christina/Pam and Jennie also to those that back marked in the groups.

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David Cullen (Fixie Dave) wrote:

We being the 2nd group on the road, almost the 3rd group leaving, since 4 of us left Worcester park at 8.50a.m. which didn’t give us enough time! To get to Walton Bridge, having taken the scenic route through Bushy park. (Mea culpa) apologies to Ken & Ann, who had arrived in good time. 

Thanks Dave J for sending me a RideWithGPS link to your well-planned route, on Monday. No time for a Recce. (My fault for being backward, in coming forward) to volunteer as a sub-leader, or impersonating one. 

No real problems navigating the pleasant route out to Windsor, on my iPhone. A popular venue for the lunch stop at the Cinnamon Café, judging by the number of people there. 

I failed to bring along a backup battery for my mobile, (battery dropped below 20%) So our group deviated slightly from the planned official route after lunch, but we soon got back on track, that being alongside the Thames. 

We decided to finish our course back at the starting point of Walton-On-Thames.