On Saturday afternoon I struggled in a strong headwind back from Hindhead, which is now a cleaner, safer and brighter hostel (my words). This may explain why I locked myself out then forgot the maps before meeting up with Don, Ed and Keith a little after the official start time.
Prospects didn’t look good and the rains duly came twixt Shepperton and Staines. We should have met Mrs Grumpy; instead of staying indoors, she “hid in the bushes” and thus was missed (of course our fault). At Runnymede a major debate was whether or not to continue. “No” said by Don and Keith, so only three (included late arriving Richard) headed off under brightening skies towards Old Windsor; here Ed punctured. It stayed dry as we passed through Windsor, Fifield and onto White Waltham. A quick glance at the watch (12:45) indicated that Aston was a distant prospect (another 7/8 miles). Rejecting many suggestions, I picked out Waltham St Lawrence; The Star being reached just before one. A keen northerly meant we had its extensive gardens to ourselves, handy for the BYO brigade (all of us).
On leaving Richard gave us a second puncture of the day. Back we went through Shurlock Row, Moss End and Irene’s route towards Windsor Great Park. A previously unvisited Cranbourne was visited but I made an error at the roundabout so Legoland had unexpected guests. There was no escape so back it was to Windsor, Old Windsor and Runnymede. Just after three the skies opened and the rain, hail, thunder and lightning lasted for hours - not the fairest of days for cycling.
Prospects didn’t look good and the rains duly came twixt Shepperton and Staines. We should have met Mrs Grumpy; instead of staying indoors, she “hid in the bushes” and thus was missed (of course our fault). At Runnymede a major debate was whether or not to continue. “No” said by Don and Keith, so only three (included late arriving Richard) headed off under brightening skies towards Old Windsor; here Ed punctured. It stayed dry as we passed through Windsor, Fifield and onto White Waltham. A quick glance at the watch (12:45) indicated that Aston was a distant prospect (another 7/8 miles). Rejecting many suggestions, I picked out Waltham St Lawrence; The Star being reached just before one. A keen northerly meant we had its extensive gardens to ourselves, handy for the BYO brigade (all of us).
On leaving Richard gave us a second puncture of the day. Back we went through Shurlock Row, Moss End and Irene’s route towards Windsor Great Park. A previously unvisited Cranbourne was visited but I made an error at the roundabout so Legoland had unexpected guests. There was no escape so back it was to Windsor, Old Windsor and Runnymede. Just after three the skies opened and the rain, hail, thunder and lightning lasted for hours - not the fairest of days for cycling.
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