B Ride 8th November

 Looked out of my kitchen window, was pleased to see brilliant sunshine and the temperature of 25c, then I woke up, looked out of the kitchen window to see a constant drizzle and a temperature of 7c, tempted to go back to bed, but.. I was leading the ride.

25 had subscribed for the ride, switched the phone on to find lots of Whatsapp cancellations. Phoned both sub-leaders, and they were still going to 11;s at Hersham, drat. Waterproofs on and off to 11's.

 

 

Hersham Day Centre

 

There was a good turnout given the awful conditions, these old timers are a hardy lot. We scrubbed the pre-planned groups and settled for 2 groups, instead of 3, owing to the reduced numbers. As I had also scrubbed the pre-planed route in favour of an ad-hoc ride, a tad shorter. We set off, it meant a slower ride as we had to keep the second group insight. A merry route out to Ottershaw, Longcross, Lyne and the back way over St Annes hill and into Chertsey, round the back way ans across Chertsey Meads to the Bridge Hotel.

We locked our bikes up under cover and into a warm welcoming restaurant, bliss. Plenty of space and food soon on the table. Some had chosen to continue on home not wanting to face removing and re-donning wet wet clothing.

 

An attempt at drying gloves

We did linger, it was comfy, soon we must away, 11 left now, but not all wanting tea, but there was the hardy few who needed the fix of tea and cake, I led to Hampton and home then the cake addicts carried on to Bushey park and the Pheasantry.

 

The Bridg Hotel

What a day, although I shortened the early part of the ride, I did and on a bit just before lunch, revenge for making me lead on such an awful day. The group were a great crowd and stood up well the conditions. I would like to thank Ray anfor sub-leading the second group and Tim as a resvere, plus everyone else who braved the conditions Thank you all.

Tony. has anyone else now got webbed feet?