The B's to the Other Charlton

 

Just the weather for our winter flowers, the Snowdrops, Sweet Violets and Croci were all coming along nicely.

3 groups, 20 riders, and pre-ordering lunch for all is a bit of a chore, but.. worked out well, the food and service were very good, especially as we had a few on the day additions.

Nice to see some new faces, well new to me anyway. The Snowdrops were first off, with one absentee, Pam who had a few urgent chores first thing but did intend to join us for lunch, and did. Over the busy Hampton court roundabout and our through Molesey. I had planned to use the road less frequented by cars and it worked reasonably well. One unforeseen detour just before Walton Station. Which was soon bypassed.

Only one stop at Addlestone, a call of nature for which Tesco came to the rescue. Chertsey bridge and a pleasant cycle along the Thames to Laleham and back passed the big new development for expansion to Shepperton studios, now Netflix, where my brother at 79, still works. Only just over a mile now to lunch at the Harrow, a great quaint thatched cottage type pub.

 

Of course, the Snowdrops arrived first and were settled in enjoying the cuisine by the time the Sweet Violets arrived. Queues were short and soon the Cruci were awaiting their vitals. The few additions didn't really upset the rhythm of the kitchen staff and all were soon fed and watered.

It was nice to see Ray Wren and Brian Bent, if only briefly as they didn't stop for lunch.

The return to the Pheasantry for afternoon tea was only around a stretched 8 miles, The Sweet Violets had chosen another tea stop and by the time we go back to Bushey park, the Snowdrops only had 3 petals left and the Croci never made an appearance. We still spent a good half an hour chatting and a lot of reminiscing about past Dieppe raids. If anyone is on the fence about whether to go or not, I can highly recommend it, it's a great event and a memorable weekend. Cycling in France is really great.

 

Tony..