Sunday, 6th April, 2014

Egham Manor - Burnham - Laleham
The Three Hams Ride

Two young belles with  five old reprobates  at the Old Five Bells  

The early morning rain was most unfortunate for it  deterred some riders from starting on their journey to Egham for elevenses!    I was spared a soaking for instead of cycling  I was cooking sausages and onions in preparation for their elevenses.   In the mean time, Irene and Alan very kindly cycled to Weybridge station to meet Lillian who does not know this area.   

Bill and Margaret were the first to arrive, just as I was returning from the shops with the necessary rolls - and then Graham arrived with Mike, and very shortly Ed, Vic, Irene, Lillian and Neil and Jeff!    Four more cyclists phoned to apologise for not coming to elevenses as had been arranged.

Inside the church of St Mary, Hitcham

 We were on our way to Burnham by 11.30 -ish first of all crossing Runnymede meadow to pick up the A308 to Old Windsor.... (whoops, Irene punctured as we approached Old Windsor so she walked home at least 3 miles, repaired the puncture, then cycled out to meet us at Dorney on our way to tea!  Well done Irene).   The group continued to Datchet, across Eton Bridge to Eton Wick.  Here I took a bridle path route away from the main road, to avoid the strong head wind and to show others a route that Irene and I favour!    From Dorney we continued in the direction of  Taplow, taking a right into Hitcham Lane where there is a dear little church that appeared to be open, which would have been a first according to Vic!  Anyway, we stopped, found the door locked but a chap appeared who unlocked the door for Vic and others!   I did not go in myself but half the group did and I'm sure Jeff would have taken several photos!  Lillian was in wonder of the amazing old stained glass windows!

St Peter's Burnham

How many bells can you see?

It was but a mile or so to The Five Bells pub for lunch where we were cosseted with laid up tables etc.   Food didn't take long to arrive and it was very good.  A group of Uxbridge Loiterers (CTC) were already eating when we arrived - they say hello Tony!

Now homeward bound - via Huntercombe Lane to Dorney where we joined the Jubilee River, exiting on to the  Eton Road which led us to Datchet, Horton, Wraysbury,  Staines and so to tea at Notcutts, Staines Road, Laleham.

As usual, we  went our separate ways after tea....Irene and I escorted Lillian back to Weybridge station for which she was very grateful - at least it gave me a few more miles towards the days total - which was not very much by comparison!!

Thanks to all for being there, good day, good company...and I hope you all got home before it rained again.

Pam :) :)

Fans of 'Carry On' films may recognise the church of St Mary as the location for 'Carry on Dick', in which Sid James played the part of the Reverend Flasher, alias Dick Turpin. 
RJT