Ride Report - Wednesday 11 Jan – A Group to Lightwater

A welcome respite from daily deluges encouraged no less than 27 riders to sign up for today’s ride to Lightwater. We were three groups of 9 with enthusiastic group leaders Frances and NeilC.

Neil writes:-

Dave had organised the ride with military precision. Start times, ride times, lunch arrival times and menu choices. But organising the weather in January is a bit more problematic. We knew there would be wind but the big question was whether we could avoid the rain.

My formation of nine lined up at the appointed hour and we set off into the wind to follow Dave's intricately planned route. Past a couple of stations, across the airfield, down the Muddy Lane, and along a flooded road or two before arriving at The Red Lion in Lightwater at precisely 12.15.

Here Dave had enlisted all the staff to expedite his plan. As soon as we entered the carpark the landlord appeared to open the side gate, act as bike-park attendant, and direct us to our tables and the bar. At the bar the staff had been briefed of our requirements and as soon as we sat down (and sometimes sooner) the food started to arrive. All the food was very good and it would have been nice to have stayed a little longer but we could see the approaching clouds through the conservatory roof.

After a quick photo outside, by Janice, we set off for the return journey. We had been at the pub for only 40 minutes, which must be some kind of record.
    
                                   

With the wind behind we flew back towards home with no sign of "lunch legs". There were a few spots of rain occasionally but we were doing our best to outrun the approaching black clouds. As we neared Addlestone there was a call to stop for waterproofs as the light rain was getting heavier. But this stop seemed to appease the weather gods and by the time we reached Walton we were once again ahead of the rain.

Here most pushed on for home rather than wait for the rain to catch up.

Thanks to all my group for a faultless team effort into the wind and a swift return.

Frances' group of 9 were second away.

We promptly departed Hersham but had a few hiccups so reloaded Garmin whilst Neil's group past us by. Muddy Lane did not disappoint and we made good progress after it to arrive at pub just after 12.30.
I was so keen to avoid rain forecast we left without a photo and quicker pace with wind behind got us back to Walton for 2.30pm.

4 stayed for tea and then we headed for Hampton when first drops of rain arrived.

Thanks to NeilW for backmarking and all for patience with navigator.

Finally my "full value" group, first away and last to finish: -

Despite today’s sun the recent deluges had taken their toll. Muddy Lane was awash, and many of the roads littered with debris. Jennie punctured in Woking and generously instructed us to continue, while she and David, unable to sort the puncture, returned home by train. Paula’s puncture was repaired over lunch with assistance from Simon and NeilW.

Lunch at the Red Lion, recently “discovered” by Ged, was excellent, served enthusiastically, and the pre-ordering meant we were away in under an hour.




Over lunch the weather was deteriorating. On our return over Chobham Common the view over the spires of Woking to the North Downs was becoming murky. However we were fortunate to have a strengthening tailwind for the return to Walton. Before that there was a parting of the ways in Weybridge where those headed further south left us to go home directly.

Arriving at Walton Riverhouse we met up with Frances’ group who were enjoying tea.

Simon’s prediction that the forecast afternoon rain would pass us by proved accurate for all but a select few who decided to linger over the Riverhouse’s giant teapot.

Thanks to Keith in my group for back marking, and to everyone who joined me, especially Frances and NeilC for making it all possible.