The weather started off a bit dismal
but sunshine eventually reared it's head which made for a very
pleasant days cycling. I started off on the wrong foot by planning
the event for the 13th as it is my daughters birthday, 3
boys then she was born on Friday the 13th, you can't say
it's unlucky for me!
I was the first to arrive at
Sainsbury's Cobham but then the masses soon appeared (perhaps masses
is an over statement). It was nice to see Irene make the trek from
Kings Lynn, her new home. Also nice to see Jeff make it to 11's.
As South Bucks were bringing some of
their coffee pot group (more mature and less inclined to ride to fast
and to far) I had planned 2 rides and Graham had agreed to lead the
shorter ride. All the usual crowd from C&M turned up and Simon,
his wife Lis, Cliff and Maureen and Bill had generously agreed to man
the fort (kitchen) at Ripley village hall and get lunch prepared.
Various members had also agreed to bake cakes for the event, they
included Lis, (Simons wife), Ed, Pam, Carolyn, Maureen (those who
didn't turn-up missed a real treat).
Leaving Cobham it was suprising to see
a good few C&M opt for the shorter ride. I had planned a few
loops so as not to go to far South and so had Graham on the shorter
ride with the consequence that our paths crossed twice before getting
to Ripley. Our last loop took us to Send Marsh and the 3 life size
steel Giraffes which is right next door to the Chancellors house (he
wouldn't agree to fund the lunch! Cut backs).
As we were the longer ride we reached
Ripley village hall after the other group but some food was on the
table, phew. It was lovely to see the interaction between South Bucks
and C&M and it was a very social lunch.
Tea had been planned for Painshill park
where most of South Bucks had parked (yes they came by car) and the 2
groups met in the car park, apart from those who had headed home.
Most agreed to call it a day and head home without tea(it was only 5
miles since lunch!). I believe that Pam and Ed did take the
opportunity to take some refreshment before heading home.
Well I couldn't have wished for a
better day, 8 from South Bucks CTC and a good turnout from C&M,
sunshine, great company and a ride in the Surrey countryside.
I can't finish without thanking those
who worked hard to getting lunch for around 30 people and also those
who made the effort to bake cakes. Great effort by all concerned.
South Bucks CTC hold a cycling weekend
in the Chilterns in October known as the Golden Beaches weekend
(Beech trees that is). This is a great weekend and I have done the
event for about 6 years. This year the event may not take place due
to lack of people available to man the event. If anyone has a spare
weekend in October and are willing to help out please let me know.
Thank you one and all.
Tony..
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