My ride to Staines seemed to have more headwind than expected but I consoled myself with the thought of being blown home later. Ten were already seated in The George when I arrived and a couple more arrived soon after including Peter on his first Sunday ride.
The nine heading for lunch were Vic, Ed, Tony, Paul, Peter, Graham, Ray Wren, Brian G and me. Alan joined us for the first part of the route while Bob, Don and Dave W headed off for places various.
Departure was interupted by Tony rushing back to recover his helmet but we were soon heading for Egham via the level crossings. Through the backstreets we rode up Malt Hill to warm up the legs before crossing the A30 and up Middle Hill and Barley Mow Road. Then on to Savill Gardens where we entered Windsor Great Park and looped around to Ascot Gate.
Onward to Ascot Racecourse where we entered the centre by the tunnel and rode across to the A322 before cutting across to Forest Road and on to Winkfield Row. Turning right at Hayley Green, past Warfield church, through Moss End and then a mile of bridleway to reach the ford at Wesleymill.
Over the M4 on Drift Road we then headed north to White Waltham before passing west of the airfield on Butchers Lane before turning right at Orchard Farm and approaching Littlewick Green across the fields.
The sun was still shining when we reached The Cricketers so lunch was taken outside overlooking the cricket on the green. The roasts were very popular and by limiting myself to the still very generous "childs" portion I still found room for the treacle sponge and custard.
After lunch we continued across the fields and then around the east of the airfield and back to White Waltham. From there we headed south back to Drift Road for a three mile easterly straight blast. The wind was definitely behind us and good time was made. Heading north through Fifield and over the A308 we passed Bray Marina before crossing the Thames on the wooden bridge to reach Dorney Lake.
After cycling alongside the lake we used the Thames Path to Eton before crossing the old bridge to Windsor. The last hill of the day took us up past the castle and down the High Street before crossing the Long Walk, passing through Old Windsor, and along to tea at The Pleasure Ground in Runnymede.
Here six sat in the sun for a while before heading off home with the wind still behind most.
41.5 miles from 11s to tea.
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