Invitation to ride with B Group on 2nd April

As Robert has notified on WhatsApp he can't be here to lead this ride from Cobham. We have agreed that after the popularity of his ride a year ago that we would run with the same route and with the same lunch destination, Ember Inns' 'The Ashley Park' in Walton on Thames, just opposite the station.

Tea will be at the Pheasantry in Bushy Park.

Last year many more people (31) than were expected joined the ride so this year we have been asked to pre-order our lunches from the extensive menu.

The Ashley Park menu links to a page with options to view the menu online or download the whole thing as a PDF document. Or browse these images:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is our route:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/50035808

Safety Warning

Four miles of the morning route are off-road, along the Wey Navigation Path. Although the path should be dry this year we need to be very careful about the protruding tree roots in the surface along most of its entire length. In the dappled shade these are often disguised as shadows on the path but they can cause accidents, with an unplanned swim as a possible consequence.

Leaders and groups

We have just two leaders, Steph and myself. Steph will lead the first group, probably departing the RBL at 10:30

I will lead one of the other groups. This will not be a fast group. Note also that depending on how I am going I may reduce the afternoon route by about 5 miles, not doing the loop through Laleham, Ashford and Hanworth. If you would prefer to do the whole ride be prepared to self-navigate after we cross the river in Walton on Thames.

A third group will need to be self navigating. This will require as many people as possible to load the route into Garmin devices or phones and consider taking turns to lead different parts of the ride. Much of the morning route is extremely uncomplicated so this is not an ordeal and has the potential to be fun and educational.

Cycle parking will be in a small courtyard to the left of the pub as we face it. The staff will rearrange the tables to make room for our bikes. NB we must not park on the tarmacked area at the back because the courtyard is a fire escape route. So when parking bikes on either side of the yard we need to ensure that a wide path, at least a metre wide, is left clear. We accept responsibility for the security of our bikes while parked there so bring a decent lock.

Please respond to this invitation as soon as possible, by Monday evening at the latest.

I need to know:

• that you are coming
• what you'd like for lunch
• which group you want to ride with

Thank you

Tim C