Sunday 15th January 2012

The smell of sausages fill the air.......

Grateful thanks to Pam & Irene for making sure we were fed & watered.

Steve modelling the latest jersey from PlanetX.

Despite the sunshine,it was probably -5 windchill.

Windsor Castle in the distance.

What a fantastic day!!! A frosty start did not deter several hardy riders from making their way from Kingston Bridge to Egham, kindly led by Graham. Was it the lure of sausages in crusty bread and tea and coffee that bought them out?! I don't think so....but it was a very sociable elevenses with 19 people in my little house (so I was told)!We eventually got away before 11.30?

I'm sorry, but I'm not sure of the number for a few of the gang were unable to stay out all day, I think it was fifteen!Our route to Binfield was a well trodden route for Irene and myself (yes-and others)...up Egham Hill, Middle Hill and into Bishopsgate, across Windsor Park, exiting at Cranbourne Gate. From there it was a right at the 'peanut' roundabout, (so many daffodils in bloom?), left at the next roundabout, 1st right, 1st left towards Maidens Green and then a couple more turns which took us past Moss Green garden centre where we did another right and left etc. eventually rolling into the Victoria Arms pub in Binfield before 1pm.

Unfortunately,the publican did not reserve any tables for us, but not a tragedy for he put the heaters on in the marquee so we did not spend our lunch time shivering!! The food was served quickly and pleasantly and I believe we were all well satisfied with our orders. My soup was more like a bowl of 'hot-pot' - oodles of it!!

Nearly 2pm, time to go, (after the group photos)! Downhill to start with then a drag up Cabbage Hill making our way towards Moss End our route took us into Westhatch Lane, Church Lane, Malt Hill into Haley Green, 2nd right, Forest Road through to Hatch Lane, Lovell Lane and so back to the 'peanut' roundabout where we retraced our steps through the Park. Time was not in our favour at this point as far as getting to Halliford for tea, hence we stopped at Notcutts between Staines and Laleham.Ten of us stayed to chat over the day, plus many other subjects....and it was after four when we all decided it was time to make a move and continue with our journeys!

A very, very enjoyable day - thanks to all for making it so!

Pam :-)