The morning began very murkily and I wouldn't have been surprised if I had been the only person at elevenses, but, as I sat trying in vain to warm my hands around a hot coffee at the (outdoor) Little Green Boat Cafe, Staines, fellow cyclists gradually started to emerge from the gloom! I felt strangely like Scrooge in 'A Christmas Carol'! In the end I had been joined by Steve D, Simon, Graham, Pam, Daniel, Carolyn and Gemma and family, and I'm quite sure they weren't ghosts!
After a false start owing to a puncture, Steve, Simon, Graham, and Pam joined me for the ride to lunch at Cinnamon Cafe, Windsor. We were all rather cold by now, to say the least, but a steady pace soon had the blood warming again! A number of tracks and trails were involved, but, thanks to Graham's skilful navigation, mud was avoided!
The Cinnamon Cafe was busy as usual but Simon found us a table with a heater in the inner courtyard, the counter service was speedy and efficient, and the atmosphere was great!
Being partially outdoors stopped us from getting too cosily ensconced when it was time to set off for home. Our departure was slightly delayed by the threat of another puncture, but Graham warded off the danger with a few quick strokes of his Zefal pump, and Pam set us off at a brisk pace up Sheet Street, not wanting to tempt fate by hanging about! Pam left us at Egham, Graham soon after, and the rest of us dispersed into the growing gloom at Walton Bridge.
Thanks all for your company on such a miserable day!
