A group ride report for 24th Jan

Firstly, I must give chapeaux to my hardy subleaders Frances and Jennie who both braved the appalling weather prior to the ride and did route recces on two wheels. I am embarrassed to say that I did mine in the car….

Since the forecast looked much improved for the 24^th with better temperatures and no rain or ice, we had a stellar turnout of 23 riders. Lucy and her team at Riverhouse Barn were unfazed by the extra numbers for coffee and housed us in the main theatre on the proviso that we would be gone before the philosophy café participants arrived. Dave V and Ged joined us for coffee so it was good to see them both too.

My group of eight were last to set off to West End battling a stiff head wind however others kindly took a turn on the front which was a nice respite. Road closures had lifted and much to my surprise after finding water-logged and debris strewn roads the day before, they were miraculously clear.

The staff at the Hare and Hounds were very well organised and got our great- value food out swiftly, so much so that my group were ready to get back on the road just after 1pm. Aided by the wind we had a lovely run back to Walton and three stayed for tea at the Wilde Bunch.

Thanks to backmarkers, subleaders and everyone else for their excellent company. A really, albeit short, day out. I did enjoy getting home by 3:30 though!

Jennie’s report:

Second group to depart was my  group of six  including new rider Roger Smith – welcome to the Wayfarers Roger and hope you can join us again. Thank goodness you are not called Dave!

We had a smooth ride to the pub, getting around road closures with no problem. Food arrived quickly and we had a fast ride back to Walton with the wind behind us. Three returned to Riverhouse for tea. A great day out!

 

Frances’s report: 

We met on a warmer day at the lovely Riverbarn cafe in Walton.

Our group was the first off, Steve D,Andy Huddart,Brian,Patrick,Dave Bartholomew, Richard B,Neil W and Hans - my merrymen!

The outbound was into a head wind which Steve kindly took the brunt of and we pushed along nicely on good roads to such an extent we reached the Hare and Hounds at West End around 11.45am.  We were warmly greeted and soon had a very nice selection of wraps and chips without any fuss or waiting!

We departed promptly and instead of going back via Stonehill we continued past Fairoaks to Walton Bridge.  The party decided that we push on to Hampton Court for perhaps another lunch stop helped by tail wind.  We decided dessert was cake at Dish just before 2pm and had the benefit of the sunshine to end a very nice ride out.

Thanks all for assistance and banter.