Sunday, 22 July

Runnymede-Hurley-Old Windsor

I managed to pick the first real day of Summer for this ride. Only 5 left Kingston Bridge for the trip to 11's and we cycled past Hampton court to view the progress of the time trial start/finish. Still looks liked like a lot to do. At Runnymede the group grew in size to 9.

Off through Old Windsor, Datchet, Eton, Dorney with a brief spell on the Jubilee river before the climb up Berry Hill to Taplow and on past Cliveden then left for the descent of Hedsor hill and into Bourne End and onto Cookham High St and then the climb up Dean lane and Winter hill to the view point over looking Little Marlow.,

From here we took Gibraltar lane and a short off road section with a few rumblings from the rear. On to Quarry Wood road and over Marlow Bridge and left into Pound lane and a short section of the A4155 before entering Harleyford lane and the Thames path and across the massive wooden bridge to Hurley lock, Hurley, where Vic had a disagreement with a motorist. Then the nasty climb up Honey lane and to lunch at the Dew Drop Inn. We sat in the garden and enjoyed nice food and great weather before reluctantly making our way to afternoon tea.

The Dew Drop Inn being situated high meant that we had some very nice descending for a few miles. With a mile or 2 on NCN4 we passed through White Waltham, Touchen-End and onto Windsor and the Sunday crowds by the river. Through Datchet and onto Windsor farm shop for tea. Sitting in the glorious Sunshine with tea and cake it was hard to prise ourselves away for the journey home.

Tony.