The day gave a hint of summer and might be described as eventful. Seven became eight on the Middlesex side of Kingston Bridge when Janice appeared after mistaking the start (HC). We took my route across Bushy Park to Hampton, Hanworth and Ashford before starting a sort of 'Genevieve' trail near Vermeulens. In Poyle we had to edge nervously past a very skittish horse and trap and another more docile in Colnbrook. The obstacles grow ever more in Hollow Hill Lane but it remains passable (just). Soon we were in Langley Park where I spotted a muntjac moving too fast for a more accurate description. Most now crossed the A412 into Black Park, a roughstuff manoevre missed by two backmarkers. Being less than 1/2 mile from the cafe, no harm was done.
Amongst the six already seated was the Trencherman on a rare trip south. As the crow flies, it's less than six miles to lunch so we rode north to the ford (yes that ford) and Fulmer. After heading west to the now demolished One Pin PH (yes in that film) we plunged down into Hedgerley and along Kiln Lane and into the Portman Estate. This brought us to the busy A355 where a motorist halted traffic to allow us to cross. We then followed the western edge of Burnham Beeches to Dorney Wood and Burnham where lunch awaited (or so I thought). From past experience I'd not phoned the pub (bad idea) and today there were 75 guests for a christening! Fortunately T***o Express was open and not far away. We were now back to 13 as three rejoined having been detached at 11s; Bob (by arrangement), Daniel (who'd shuddered at "offroad") and Don (who'd joined up with Bob).
By popular vote, we settled on Notcutts Laleham for tea reached by way of Dorney, Eton, Datchet and Wraysbury. About 55 miles door to door and home well before five.
2 points: Graham, Tony, Ray, Roger, Lillian, Paul, Janice, Pam, Vic, Bob, Dave W, Don, Daniel
1 point: Alan
No comments:
Post a Comment