Sunday 11th May 2014

A compact group of eight cyclists left Notcutts, Laleham around 11.30am.  Where were you Bob?  So unusual not to see Bob at C+M elevenses venue!   Jeff has mailed me to apologies for not being with us - we missed you - as we did other regular riders!

Just for a change, I led our group through Egham Hythe to Whitehall Lane to ascend Prune Hill on the way to Englefield Green en route for Windsor Park.  There was a marshal at Whitehall Lane, Woking Cycle Campaign? directing groups of riders in the same direction as us but they turned left at the top of the hill - I didn't envy them struggling up 'the Prune' on their mountain bikes?! 

Once out of the park Alan made his way home to Osterley and we continued on the usual route to Maidens Green, turning  into Bishops Lane, Weller's Lane and then a few extra yards were covered by taking Buckle Lane and Tickleback Row to The New Leathern Bottle at Jealott's Hill!   There was a chill wind which kept the temperature down in the morning but Don and Dave still sat outside with therir drinks before leaving ahead of the five remaining riders who were sitting inside enjoying the warmth and hospitality of a very busy pub!  We were served in good time and as each one of us agreed, the food was good and inexpensive.     May be the pub was so busy due to the owners of, and interest in, some vintage vehicles in the car park.  There presence certainly led to some interesting conversations amongst us (the guys) that is!!

The afternoon was somewhat warmer, even saw the sun!   Over lunch we planned to change our tea venue to Wetherspoons at Walton which was  just as well for I received a text a little later to be told the Lock cafe was not open!  I made a boo-boo when leaving the pub - did a circular route by turning right from the pub, should have turned left....but all was well, soon back on planned roads which  joined up with a regular return ride from that area, Ascot race course, Watersplash Lane, into Windsor Park, out at Bishopsgate, Prune Hill - again - through Thorpe, round the back of Penton Park (where the photo of the camel was taken), past Nessie at Abbey Farm, Chertsey Bridge, Shepperton and so to Walton...and tea! 

Tony left us for home at Shepperton - hence Vic, Ed, Neil and myself enjoyed a leisurely cuppa at Wetherspoons.

A very nice day albeit very windy!!  Vic thanked me for leading and keeping the wind from him and others!!! One of the perks of being the leader?!    My total mileage was only 53 miles - due to living sooo near to elevenses!!  Others would have done somewhat more :)  Before closing - I and others wish Neil good luck for his End to End ride which he starts on Sat. 17th May...... and whilst I am at it....thank you Tony for rushing ahead and opening all the gates in the Park!! 

Pam :):)