Claygate to Woking to Addlestone 23rd October

A new venue for me, Capitol Café in Claygate. The staff were very patient for we almost filled the café!  Bob, Alan and Graham, (testing his injury from previous week),  returned or did their own thing.  Irene, Rachel, Lilian, Maureen, Ed, Mick, Dave W. Brian, Simon (was that a first with the C+M?), and Ray W.  Terry met us at lunch as he had only returned from his holiday 11pm night before!  All this information for your records Jeff!

Bright and sunny after the morning mist with a cool breeze.  We headed for Church Rd which led us to the path, named New Road to Fairoak Lane. We turned right to Princess Drive (which I almost missed), Birds Hill Ride, straight over A244 down to Stoke D'Abernon where I almost missed a right turn but fortunately there was a service road which helped get me back on track! The track being River Lane to Downside Common. From here we followed well known lanes to Ripley, Pyrford, then to Sheerwater to ride along the canal to Woking where our lunch stop, The Wheatsheaf pub is just up on the left in Chobham Road.

Our table was set, the food was very good as was the service - a must for another visit :)

Some weeks ago a Wednesday ride had passed The Plough, Horsell and news got back to me that there had been a fire at the pub (17th July according to the web), hence another pub had to be found in the area for my ride.   As I was curious to see the pub and what was going on, our return went past it.  It is completely shrouded in plastic and I only hope it will be back in business soon.

I had thought of tea at Walton Bridge but as there was quite a chill in the air we all favoured the Golden Café, Addlestone.  Our route from Horsell was almost direct to tea........Philpot Lane, Old Chertsey Road, Stonehill Road where I thought I would - maybe - introduce Homewood Park to one or two in the group.  Arriving at the café we saw it shut at three and it was now just approaching that hour...but... due to the kindness/thoughtfulness/common sense...of the staff, we were invited in to have our tea etc.

Many thanks to all who were out, special thanks to Rachel for back marking and those who kindly cornered. Also thank you Maureen for taking the photo -  a most enjoyable day - Cheers, Pam.