March Equinox 2016

Sunday the 20/3/16

For me the official C&M 11's at Old Coulsdon is a 22 ride through the built up suburbs of London, not something I enjoy. So with a few others not wishing to venture that far or further an alternative ride closer to home was organised. So 11's at Dorney, 19 miles for me and pleasant cycling. On arrival Pam, Irene, Alan and Dave had already arrived and Dave was tucking into a cooked breakfast. Graham and Ed soon arrived and as we were nearly ready to depart Vic also joined us and, he did have time to mention that he recently had found a long length of wire (the bead)  protruding from his rear tyre which he had cut off. As we left Alan headed home.

Off over the river to Bray heading to White Waltham and and the North side of the aerodrome and on to NCN4 to Knowl Hill and a short section of the bath road to Kiln Green and a left into Scarletts Lane to Ruscombe and the B3024 to Twyford. A left onto the B3018 the into Hungerford lane and and some quiet lanes brought us to lunch at the Bell Inn Waltham St Lawrence where Dave said his farewells. The pub was packed and we were lucky to get a table but food soon arrived. Setting off after lunch we soon realised that Pam and Vic were not with us so we retraced our step back to the pub to find that another length of wire was protruding from Vic's rear tyre, more bead, removal of the bead had caused the tyre to relax, expand and come off the rim! No cycle shops or station within miles. 

A taxi for vic and his bike was the best option. But luck as surly on Vic's side as on asking the landlord for a phone number for a cab, he being an, ex cyclist, rummaged through his shed and produced and a part worn 700x28 tyre! Soon fitted, 40 minutes had now passed, we were on our way to tea. I took a direct route to Staines for tea at Norths where a delicious sponge cake awaited us.The only thing I don't like about that tea stop is that it's too cosy and it would have been so easy to doze off. Forcing myself out of the chair as it was near 5.00pm I took the direct route home along the A30 to Bedfont then the Staines road through Hounslow and home just after 6.00pm and just shy of 66 miles. A very pleasant day, the Sun did poke it's head through the clouds on occasion. Thank you all for your company and to Irene for providing a lovely afternoon tea and cake.

Tony..