Phew, what a scorcher! Actually, the first part of the morning wasn't too unpleasant, and Bob, Simon, Tony, Pam, Liz, Ray, Graham, Terry and I met for elevenses in the shade at The Wilde Brunch, Walton Bridge.
Given the likely heat later on, it was difficult to choose a lunch stop not too far away, but enough to give us at least a bit of a ride. I mentioned a few places randomly, including Thorpe, and Simon suggested a route using a path alongside Thorpe Park.
Simon didn't actually join us for the ride to lunch (Terry and Bob also made their excuses), which was a little ominous, but the remaining six of us set off on a trip into the unknown (well, unknown to me, anyway). From the outskirts of Chertsey we rode on very minor roads, tracks and paths (Willow Walk, Ferry Lane, and Monks Walk), at the mercy of Viewranger, passing by lakes, crossing numerous bridges, hearing the screams from the rides at Thrope Park, and eventually, emerging from the shade, mole-like and blinking, as if by magic, in the middle of Thorpe village. To get a few more miles in, we continued to Great Fosters then took the cycle route along the very narrow Hurst Lane to arrive right by the Rose & Crown at Thorpe Green.
We had a very friendly welcome at the pub and were able to take our bikes into the garden with us. There was plenty of space and an outside bar, so we'd certainly visit again.
The heat really was building by the time lunch was over, so it was a straight route (well, barring a minor diversion to skirt the roadworks at Weybridge), all on tarmac, to tea back at Walton Bridge.
Thanks to all for your company, to Simon for the suggestion, and to Tony and Graham for navigational assistance.
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