Joint Ride with South Bucks CTC

Arriving at Staines bridge half an hour early I decided to have a coffee in Wetherspoons, Ray also joined me. Having forgotten my lock Ray kindly used his for both bikes, only to discover later that he had left it on the wall at the pub.

Returing to th bridge I was pleasently supprised to see Pam, Simon, Graham, Vic, Dave and a new chap, Clive on an electric bike. As we only had an hour to get to 11's at Burnham Beeches I had planned the most direct route, Wraysbury, Datchet, Slough and the Northern cycle route through Godolphin Recreation Ground and thr cycle path upto Farnham Royal and then Crown Lane right upto Burnham Beeches.

Arriving at the cafe to find 3 South Bucks cyclists, John Capell, Brian Ellis and David Winterburn, supping tea, we did arrive 15 minutes late at 10.45. A few of our group were keen for bacon butties so we were delayed and our departure a tad late. Dave had a need to retun home so headed South.

This year it was South Bucks turn to lead and  John got the group moving, on through the Beeches on a metalled road to emerge into Hawthorn lane. and down through Burnham village, Taplow and through a new estate and a new footbridge arcoss the Thames to emerge at Boulters lock. Then down to the Bear at Maidenhead for lunch.

We sat outside in the Sun and Bob joined us there. The usual quick service, I used the phone app and was the first to tuck into lunch. There was plenty of chit chat with the South Buck group but we eventualy made the move towards our bikes with one of the South Bucks group heading directly for home, John asked me to lead to Dorney for tea so I set off along the Strand waterway to Desbourgh Bowing club and then onto track through Braywick nature reserve to Bray and the wooden bridge to Dorney at which point another South Bucks member headed for home, so only John Capell left to join us for tea at Dorney.

We really did linger over tea sitting in the Sun, with lots of chatter but eventully we set off with John turning left to head North and the rest of us turning right to Eton and then Datchet where those left parted company, with Graham, Ray and myself heading for Poyle where Rsy and Graham headed for Stanwell Moor and me for Harmondsworth and home.

An enjoyable day on the bike. 

Tony..