Sunday the 2nd of April

Well what a surprise, 22 turned up for 11's! Did someone trick them into coming out with promises of prizes at the end? Anyway, it was great to see so many up for a, relatively, sunny day on the bike.

The Golden cafe was bulging at the seams with so many cyclists, but not all ventured forth on the ride. Graham Ed, Paul &. Maggie, Terry, who had other plans. Also Carolyn, but she did make her own way lunch.

Those who did join the 20-mile trip to lunch were Grant, Dave W, Lillian, Geoff, Dave E, Keith, Alan, Robert, Liz, Pam, Diane, Sabina, Bernard and Simon.

Geoff kindly took on the role of back marker while Simon, kept in a position to split the group in two if and when required.

I had planned a route with no off-road, but with a few undulations. Up to Virginia Water via Lyne crossing road, across the A30 and into Blackness road. From here the undulations started. On up to Cheapside, Cranbourne, then a couple of miles of the Drift road, then Fifield, then the heading East into Windsor and lunch at the Cinnamon cafe.

It was very busy but service was swift, although under cover, it was still outside, and there was still a slight chill in the air. It was nice to sit and chat over lunch and we did arrive just gone 1. pm, so we did have a little time. But away we must.

 

My route back also had some undulations, heading South we soon picked up the A332, Sheet St Rd, headed through the park, stopping at Ranger's gate, to get into groups of no more than 6, a park rule, before heading up Prince Consort Drive and turning left past the post office. Leaving the park at Bishop's gate, heading for the descent of Prune hill.

Just as we turned onto Prune hill, a lady coming up waived us down, luckily for us, to tell us the level crossing gates at the bottom were stuck down, and everyone had to turn round and come back up, Phew. So a diversion to the climb/descent of Callow hill and back down through Virginia water, onto Chertsey and down Docket Eddy lane to tea (and cake) at Nauticailia, Shepperton lock. Not everyone made it to tea as some had headed directly home.

As usual lots of banter and the gradual nodding of heads as weariness set in. Dispersal then as we went mostly went our separate ways home. A really great day on the bike and no rain, and we did see the Sun at times Thank you all for your company, with a special thanks to Geoff for back marking and Simon for group marshalling. Lovely to have a big turnout for C&M, let's hope the trend continues.

Tony..