This was my first ride from Fairoaks, Wayfarers most-westerly start point. I planned the route as a straightforward all-road ride without navigational complications, which would suit co-leaders using gpx.
I was fortunate in having 17 riders willing to join me, including Simon W, on his first A ride, and Sebastian, doubtless looking for a recovery ride after his recent Ötztaler Cycle Marathon climbing epic.
The lunch stop was the Royal Standard in Wooburn Green, favoured by CAMRA, but rarely visited by us. It’s an old-fashioned pub which appears to thrive on selling good beer and cider, and serving good food with a welcoming approach.
We split into 3 groups, all leaving within 10 minutes, fastest first to spread the load on the pub kitchen,
Hans’ Group was first, leading Patrick. Andy H, Neil W, Dave B, Mike and Sebastian. Here they are at lunch: -
Frances was next. She reports: -
It was a glorious start to the day which probably explained why riders made their way to Fairoaks Hanger cafe early and my group, Steve, Andy, Brian and Janice were ready to go promptly.
The route took us through Broomhall, Sunningdale, heading to Cranbourne and a lovely long stretch of Drift Road, into Fifield, and due to Dave's V well recce'd route notes we got through Monkey Island, through the gate to cycle alongside the M4 and onto Marsh Lane without losing anyone!
We made good progress to Taplow, just missing the "vere to left" on Parliament Lane, but in any event with assistance from the group we were back on track heading to Wooburn for lunch. Fortunately the road workers on Wooburn Common Road allowed us to pass easily and we arrived at the pub just before 12.30am.
It was an outside lunch in view of the perfect conditions and just before we left Andy took a very professional photo of our group.
We departed and took heed of the advice to descend Ship Hill carefully and the dry conditions certainly helped to avoid potholes.
There was certainly a tailwind on the return through Fulmer, Iver Heath and onto Wraysbury - thanks to Steve for providing his wheel to me on both legs for a nice break. Janice for being our trusty backmarker.
We had decided at the pub to go to Walton Marina for tea, as Shepperton had been used the previous week. However close to Shepperton, both Steve and I continued past Ferry Lane opting to stay on Chertsey Road to Walton, only to realise near the studios that the rest of the group had turned right per the route. Quick call and text to our backleader Janice confirmed everyone was en route to Walton Marina and we met again just after 3.10pm - whew near miss 😎 close to finish.
We had a lovely tea stop and headed home. Many thanks to my group who all contributed to make it a great ride.
Finally my stressless-paced group of Simon, Richard, Christina, Dave E and diligent back-marker Steve W, left Fairoaks last, successfully all meeting up again at lunch, all dining outside together in the garden, and soaking up the sun.
Most of my group stopped for tea in Nauticalia, and after reading Frances’ report I now understand why the earlier groups were nowhere to be seen. Thanks to all for your company and good cheer, especially to co-leaders Hans and Frances, and in my group to back marker Steve W, who faced by far the longest ride of the day.
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