The Walton bridge cafe was already doing good business before 10am as I arrived to meet members for today’s ride. A bright start saw a good gathering of A, B and Easy Riders enjoying their morning refreshment.
Twenty two B riders in three groups left at fifteen minute intervals to embark on today’s excursion. Having had a series of hilly and somewhat challenging rides over the last few weeks I opted to plan a course over flatter ground using tried and tested routes.
Our ride took us around Weybridge to Chertsey Meads along the Bourne Brook and the main road to Lyne then along Christchurch Road to Virginia Water.
Leaving the lake we headed north past the Totem Pole, Guards Polo Club and Prince Consort’s (Albert) Statue. Further on we ascended Gravel Hill and onto the Jubilee Statue of Queen Elizabeth II.
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| (Photo by Steph) |
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| Looking for an equerry to brush the cobwebs off |
Overenthusiasm led Paul J to overshoot a left hand turn which led him into uncharted ground over towards The Village. Fortunately he made his own way back to rejoin us admiring the view down Queen Ann’s Ride towards Windsor Castle.
Our exit at Rangers Gate took us along the off-road track to Spital, Windsor and over the river to Eton. The whole area seemed a lot quieter than usual due to the lack of foreign tourists.
The ‘Watermans Arms’ proved a successful lunchtime venue, tables having been reserved for us on their outdoor terrace. Staff were hospitable and service prompt.
Our afternoon ride followed a familiar route through Datchet, Waysbury and an early diversion along the river avoiding Staines town center. Keeping to the towpath we cycled past Penton Lock, Laleham campsite eventually arriving at Shepperton Lock for Tea. Fortunately the kiosk was open and we enjoyed a welcome break and refreshment on the green in late afternoon sunshine.
Many thanks to all who took part in today’s ride and to John A and Ray Y for sub-leading and Tim C for back marking our group.
A good day was had by all.
~ Tim G
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With two people not being able to make it due to various reasons, we were able to invite Brian Bent into the group just before the start. At 10.35 we were assembled and ready to start our ride to Eton. The group consisted of Ray Y, Tony Hopkins, Brian, Pam and Terry. From the café we cycled along the side of the river, through Weybridge and down to Chertsey Meads in almost perfect weather, although there was a large dark cloud to our left but luckily enough we were not going that way.
On arriving at the top of St Ann’s Hill Pam and Tony had urgent phone calls to make which gave the rest of us time to catch our breath and talk amongst ourselves. The next important place to stop at Virginia Water, to remove surplus clothing and take a convenience break.
Once in Windsor Great Park, we enjoyed the views and stopped for photos of the Queen’s statue before cycling downhill, almost all the way to Eton, using Cycle Route 4. On reaching the Watermans Arms we enjoyed their quick service and the good quality of the food.
On leaving the pub we then proceeded along a well worn route, through Datchet, Wraysbury and Staines where we joined the river towpath through to Chertsey Lock and on towards Shepperton for tea. The weather was good, the company excellent and a good course was set by Tim Gibbons; well done to all. Our final sighting was of Terry taking the ferry to Weybridge to start his ride home while we cheered from our seats in the sun.
~Ray Y
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