Including Canadian newbie Margaret from Morden the double figures at the start said it’s Spring! A northern route began at Hampton Wick gate now much easier for cyclists. Hampton, the Hanworth spiral and BP Sunbury would have been familiar to anyone on last Wednesday's B ride.
Then it was right into the back streets of Ashford and Knowle Green. Staines town centre was reached via the council offices. Instead of turning for Pooley Green, Ian who had gone to the front was last seen heading towards Thorpe. Meanwhile the rest endured a delay at the level crossing before Hummer Road lead the way to 11s at Runnymede. (Thanks Graham)
As I left my house in Egham my phone rang with a plea for help from Ian - he was lost, not far from where I live! At least I got one or two miles in before 11's. Oh my goodness, so many cyclist in the cafe, as Graham said, Spring was definitely in the air!
Our route took us up Priest hill which I always find a struggle so I, and a few others left the cafe before the faster/fitter riders! We then made our way into Windsor great park via Bishopsgate and out on to the A332. After turning right at the peanut roundabout we headed for Maidens Green. A right turn into Bishops Lane, then after a few more lefts and rights we passed Moss End Garden Centre. We then took the next right, left into Ryehurst Lane, up past the cemetery to take the
turn to Binfield to have lunch at the Victoria Arms. I had phoned earlier with our expected number and boy, didn't they do well!!
Tables had been put together to seat the dozen or so who were dining and the food was good and the service was incredibly fast!! There was actually seventeen of us at lunch, not all eating in the pub!
We were all ready to leave by 1.30. Our return route took us along a couple of bridle paths (I didn't hear any complaints!) Oh dear!
Jeff's rear mudguard did get mangled but I understand it had happened before - sorry Jeff! First bridle path was after the sewer works approaching Moss End and our next was after the Carnation estate.
The third bridle path led us towards Ascot Race Course. The weather was truly kind to us and it was a real pleasure cycling with friends in all these open spaces - for after the race course we headed for Windsor Great Park again, this time entering from Water Splash Lane, Ascot Gate to exit at Bishops Gate.
Irene (who's ride I was leading) had booked us in for tea at the Riverhouse Arts Centre cafe at Walton for 4pm, (closing at 4.30pm).
The previous Sunday it had taken Irene and I two and half hours to get from Binfield to Walton - hence - I was for ever conscious of the time all afternoon!!
Thus we could not dally for too long, so from this point we took a direct route to Walton. Down Tite Hill into Egham, where we just had to stop to answer natures call! We then continued along the Avenue to take the cycle/pedestrian path under the M25 into the Causeway to Staines, Laleham Road to Shepperton, Manygate Lane, over Walton bridge and so to tea - arriving at 3.50!!!
My apologies for going ahead of a couple of riders but it was very satisfying to know they were in the capable hands of Graham AND Ian was well looked after by Steve - 'cos Ian told us all at tea!!!
At least a dozen folks stayed for tea and cakes, sitting in the open air! Again,we had wonderful service! A huge pot of tea at one pound each and free top-ups of coffee!
As Graham said, 16 miles from Kingston to Runnymede - I know Francoise and Frank's total mileage was 64 miles: mine a paltry 50!!
Thank you Graham, and thanks to all for a great day out... Pam :)
Then it was right into the back streets of Ashford and Knowle Green. Staines town centre was reached via the council offices. Instead of turning for Pooley Green, Ian who had gone to the front was last seen heading towards Thorpe. Meanwhile the rest endured a delay at the level crossing before Hummer Road lead the way to 11s at Runnymede. (Thanks Graham)
As I left my house in Egham my phone rang with a plea for help from Ian - he was lost, not far from where I live! At least I got one or two miles in before 11's. Oh my goodness, so many cyclist in the cafe, as Graham said, Spring was definitely in the air!
Our route took us up Priest hill which I always find a struggle so I, and a few others left the cafe before the faster/fitter riders! We then made our way into Windsor great park via Bishopsgate and out on to the A332. After turning right at the peanut roundabout we headed for Maidens Green. A right turn into Bishops Lane, then after a few more lefts and rights we passed Moss End Garden Centre. We then took the next right, left into Ryehurst Lane, up past the cemetery to take the
turn to Binfield to have lunch at the Victoria Arms. I had phoned earlier with our expected number and boy, didn't they do well!!
Tables had been put together to seat the dozen or so who were dining and the food was good and the service was incredibly fast!! There was actually seventeen of us at lunch, not all eating in the pub!
We were all ready to leave by 1.30. Our return route took us along a couple of bridle paths (I didn't hear any complaints!) Oh dear!
Jeff's rear mudguard did get mangled but I understand it had happened before - sorry Jeff! First bridle path was after the sewer works approaching Moss End and our next was after the Carnation estate.
The third bridle path led us towards Ascot Race Course. The weather was truly kind to us and it was a real pleasure cycling with friends in all these open spaces - for after the race course we headed for Windsor Great Park again, this time entering from Water Splash Lane, Ascot Gate to exit at Bishops Gate.
Irene (who's ride I was leading) had booked us in for tea at the Riverhouse Arts Centre cafe at Walton for 4pm, (closing at 4.30pm).
The previous Sunday it had taken Irene and I two and half hours to get from Binfield to Walton - hence - I was for ever conscious of the time all afternoon!!
Thus we could not dally for too long, so from this point we took a direct route to Walton. Down Tite Hill into Egham, where we just had to stop to answer natures call! We then continued along the Avenue to take the cycle/pedestrian path under the M25 into the Causeway to Staines, Laleham Road to Shepperton, Manygate Lane, over Walton bridge and so to tea - arriving at 3.50!!!
My apologies for going ahead of a couple of riders but it was very satisfying to know they were in the capable hands of Graham AND Ian was well looked after by Steve - 'cos Ian told us all at tea!!!
At least a dozen folks stayed for tea and cakes, sitting in the open air! Again,we had wonderful service! A huge pot of tea at one pound each and free top-ups of coffee!
As Graham said, 16 miles from Kingston to Runnymede - I know Francoise and Frank's total mileage was 64 miles: mine a paltry 50!!
Thank you Graham, and thanks to all for a great day out... Pam :)
1 comment:
I thought the food and service was well above average at the Victoria arms. After leaving lunch I came across a colourful sight of the end of a drag Hunt Horses & Dogs galore!
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