Seventeen eager riders set off from Addlestone in three groups led by Peter Suchy, Dave Ward and yours truly. A headwind meant that the pace to Twyford dampened the ambition for a fast ride but all groups still managed a good pace to lunch at the Royal Oak. A good lunch at the pub where we were joined by Geoffrey Shields, a welcome guest after a couple of years absence.
The return to Walton was a swifter affair aided by a tail breeze. A very good pace to St Leonard’s Road where the pace took a down turn whilst we navigated a mucky gravel road down to the Windsor Park gate. My group made it to the cafe in time to get cake and coffee just before the staff clean up.
My thanks to all who joined the ride and to Dave and Peter for leading their groups & to the back markers for performing their roles so well (especially Ged for his road side assistance).
Group 2: Dave Ward
The second group (Andy, Paula, Dave E, Dave V, Ged and Steve D and me) set off punctually. The presence of three Dave's in one group is not a good omen but, surprisingly, we made steady progress through the gloom, and despite my best efforts, the rest of the group clung to me like limpets and I couldn't throw them off! I blame the strong headwind! Not too long into the ride the first group hove into view ahead of us. I think everyone in both the first and second groups was pretty evenly paced (skillful judgement by Hans there), and I couldn't see any point in passing Peter S and friends and have them drafting behind us! That's my excuse, anyway! Dave E must have thought they were a better bet to make it to lunch because he made his excuses and sped off to join them. Was this the beginning of a mutiny? I paused the ride for a drinks stop just to put temptation out of sight! We saw no more of Peter's group until approaching the lunch stop when they arrived just in front of us, from the opposite direction, my strategy of cutting off a corner to get to the pub first having almost, but not quite, paid off!
We had made very good time to the Royal Oak, despite the wind, and had a good lunch stop. It was just like the old (pre-Covid) times, with everyone arriving at about the same time (Hans's group wheeled up a few minutes after us) to form the traditional, long queue at the bar. Service was friendly and highly efficient and the food good. And we were all seated at one long table with the bikes in view. What more could you want!
Geoffrey Shields, making a very welcome return to the A's after a long absence, joined our group for the ride back. We were perhaps too ruthless in trying to exploit the tailwind and got a bit carried away, because, unbeknownst to us, Geoffrey punctured between Paley Street and Fifield and it was a while before we noticed he and Ged had dropped off the back. Anyway, communication was eventually made and all was reasonably well, Geoffrey having been unable to fix the problem but secured a lift in a van instead! Apologies and lessons will be learned!
Imagine my surprise when, for just about the first time ever, I managed to lead a group back to the Riverhouse Barn before closing time! Our lunches must have been dosed with steroids, I reckon! Thanks all for your company and thanks to Hans for masterminding it all.
Group 3: Peter Suchy
Finally a completed ride as a sub leader on my third attempt! Hopefully the jinx is now broken. My group had a few personnel changes, pre departure and enroute, but once settled down, the 5 of us enjoyed an excellent ride into an area I have rarely been to with the Wayfarers. Many thanks to Hans for his excellent route together with choice of pub, and thanks to Geoff for his back marking. I will be back to give the sub leading another go soon, you have been warned!
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