Report for B Group - 15th February

Francis writes:

Our day was blessed by both bright sunshine and low road traffic courtesy of the half-term holiday. This boosted the numbers on the ride to 30 at one point, dropping to 27 on the day due to illness or mechanical failure.

My group were the first to leave from the wonderful Wild Brunch Cafe by Walton Bridge (due to Weybridge Day Centre being unavailable). Heading through Addlestone town centre, we gave the A Riders (having their Elevenses there) a friendly wave before speeding off towards Old Woking and Pryford. Potholes galore along the Old Woking road slowed us all down as we swerved here and there to avoid buckling our wheels. Soon we reached Send and as we were ahead of schedule, stopped by the New Inn pub at the side of the river Wey for a break and group photo in lovely sunshine.

In no time at all, we had reached our lunch stop at the Seven Stars pub on the outskirts of Ripley. Service was super efficient and the quality and portion size more than satisfied us all. Definitely 7 stars out of 5!

A short 9 miles through familiar roads through Ripley and Horsley saw us arrive at Downside and through a brilliant short-cut from St.Michael's Chapel to virtually outside the recently renovated Cafè Barbera in Stoke D'Abernon, there to enjoy their extensive cake selection and teas. My hearty thanks goes to trusted co-leaders Tim G and FixieDave and diligent back-marker John A.

~ Francis

Report for the middling group:

Sub-led by Fixie Dave

80% of our group's listed riders turned up for our set-off from the Wilde Brunch by Walton Bridge.  Condolences to the 20% who couldn't make it to the starting point, for one reason or another.

Eight of us Wayfarers set off in reasonably good spirits, at 10.45am. The good weather was obviously mood enhancing. Detracting, it seemed a far cry from the ride we did out from Walton, on the 28th December in the rain; the Rain seems to make the pesky traffic more annoying/fierce.

The ride flowed along well, We arrived in good time, that being 12.30 pm, at the Seven Stars for a very good Lunch, which was served quite efficiently.

What, no fish 'n chips!

Then after lunch our group of eight headed towards Stoke D'abernon, with three of our group peeling off close to Cobham.

Thank you to our illustrious ride organiser (Francis), thank you Grant for back-marking, and thank you to my co-cyclists for making it a Good Day Out.

~ Dave


Tim G writes:

After a final reshuffle of the running order seven of us headed out for our ride today. It felt more like April than February, under clear blue skies, as we cycled alongside the river towards Weybridge.

Once we were past West Byfleet a number of us shed a few layers as the weather became increasingly springlike. Traffic through Pyrford, Old Woking and Send became lighter as we approached our lunchtime destination. We were well served at the ‘Seven Stars’ and enjoyed a welcome break.

The afternoon ride via Ripley, Ockham, Horsley and Downside was similarly uncomplicated as we again met up with our fellow riders for tea at the ‘Barbera’ café at Stoke D’Abernon.

Thanks to everyone who took part today in what proved to be good day out in fine weather.

~ Tim G