Report for Easy Riders - 24th January

Eight of us gathered at North Cheam this week. We were glad to see Ed, who had been unwell at home the last couple of weeks, and Gillian, fully recovered after last week's outing. With Frank C, John and Anne C, Sandy and John B, we set off for coffee at Walton on Thames, via Malden Manor. It soon became apparent that although the weather was mild, there was quite a strong headwind. Then as we rode through Tolworth, Frank's crank and pedal fell off, so he diverted to the bike repair shop at Hook while the rest of us continued through Long Ditton, then via the Angel and Weston Green. It was good to find that the footway between the waterworks and the timber yard just before Hersham has been resurfaced; it's almost twice as wide as it used to be too, so a much pleasanter riding experience than the old cracked and pitted tarmac path.

Alas, shortly after Walton Park, Ed felt unwell and decided to head for home. The last couple of miles along Sidney Road lead directly into the wind and it was too much. (He did get home OK, the following wind made it easier than continuing).

At Riverside Theatre café we met John Bellamy, Don, Bernard and Ray. There were a few jokes about how late we were (11.30! Record breaking!) but there were plenty of cakes left and the lady behind the counter was welcoming. Good coffee too!

Frank arrived, bike sorted, about 12. We booked lunch for 1.15 pm at Tide End Cottage, and we were soon on our way there with the wind in our sails and the sun shining...heavens, it was almost warm!

After lunch, sun still shining, we all took our various ways home. Too late for a teastop, but at least it was still broad daylight when we got back. Spring is on its way.

~ Helen