Ride Report - Sunday 12December 2021 (Stoke d'Abernon & Guildford)

The weather was very pleasant to start, and much milder than of late.   Bob, Steve D, Simon, Ed, Keith, Graham, Pam and I had a convivial elevenses at Squires Garden Centre, and were pleased it wasn't too busy or crowded.   It was still sunny when Keith, Graham, Simon, Steve and I set off for lunch at Stoke Park, Guildford.   Our route, rather daringly for this time of year, took in three off-road sections.  It was a bit of a gamble but, fortunately, we didn't encounter any serious mud.    

Taking advantage, of the clement (we thought) weather, we decided to have lunch at the outdoor cafe, Stoke Park (excellent pictures of the nearby Japanese garden courtesy of Simon).   The food choices available seemed to meet everyone's requirements with fish fingers appearing very popular, but our al fresco lunch was slightly spoilt by the sudden onset of showery rain not mentioned in any weather forecasts!  Never mind, it wasn't too bad.

Skies continued to look threatening so we took a direct route homewards, via West Byfleet instead of Ripley for a change, and we were shocked and amazed to encounter Patrick travelling in the opposite direction at Send.   The parting of the ways was at Walton Bridge.

Thanks all for your company.