Sunday the 3 May

C&M and South Bucks joint ride.

For a change the weather forecast was spot on. Arriving at Hampton Court in a light drizzle just 2 were waiting but by the time to depart numbers had swollen. After setting off only a few miles were covered before we stopped to don waterproofs as the drizzle had turned to rain which continued on and off to 11's. 

Just after Bedfont Neal was spotted about 400 metres ahead and we hauled him in and onto Colnbrook where we picked up Pam. I had planned the route to 11's direct as possible and so this meant many roads uncycled by most of the group.

Arriving at 11's, Burham Beeches, we met South Bucks CTC already tucking into coffee and cake. Sadly as the weather still looked like rain most of the South Bucks contingent were heading home leaving just 3, John, Jack and Ken. Just before setting off Vic arrived to swell our numbers. John Capell from South Bucks had agreed to lead and Ken was nominated as back marker.

With few hills and the rain easing off we went through Cookham and down the zigzag, Quarry Wood Road, to Marlow for a comfort break. The onto the Henley to Mill end and across Hambleden weir where some very enthusiastic canoeists were performing stunts in the weir and then to lunch at the Flower pot Aston.

By now the Sun had come out and we all had our lunch in in the garden. The South Bucks group were keen to also join us for afternoon tea at Windsor farm shop. Just after lunch Neal punctured and told us to go on. On reaching White Waltham Ken had to leave us for his journey home.

As time was not on our side we decided to change venues to the nearer Dorney court GC for our tea. Just as we were about to sit down Neal arrived to join us. After saying our goodbyes to John and Jack we headed off in the direction of Staines and home.

Thanks to the 9 C&M who braved the Weather early on. It was great to hook up with South Bucks and a shame that the weather had kept many away. Many thanks to John Capell for leading a lovely ride and hopefully we can reciprocate a more Southerly route.

Tony.