Sunday October 22 2023 Windsor

With other parts of Britain under water, (at least!) 19 enjoyed perfect autumnal weather at Shepperton Nauticalia for my first e-bike lead. A few went no further and we split the rest into two groups; the second ably led by Tony assisted by Simon, Dave, and Ray.

It didn't start well - on Chertsey Road a loose pannier strap and cassette came to blows but were soon separated. We continued to Chertsey Bridge before turning north beside a fast flowing Thames to Laleham. The next obstacle was the Crocked Billet roundabout where a one time grotty subway has been replaced by five(!) sets of traffic lights. To compensate we now enjoyed the car-free between the reservoirs path to Stanwell Moor (Junction 14) where one metal barrier and eight concrete blocks can't keep out the bikers.

Just after noon saw us in Horton so I added an impromptu diversion into Datchet via Colnbrook, and an embarrassing "It's behind you" moment on "old" London Road. From Eton we ascended to a very busy Cinnamon Cafe; somehow all found seats for a leisurely lunch.

We left well before two. After Home Park came Datchet, Wraysbury and Staines. In Commercial Road and after a prolonged though inconclusive pow-wow I led a "we're not stopping" group to BP, Hampton and Bushy Park. They said Kingston Bridge. I opted for Teddington. Along the way we'd met Tony's group on a slightly different course and more surprisingly Ray twice!    

Now for those all important stats: 302 feet ascent in 27.4 miles from Nauticalia to south Ashford. This  includes four bridges and short sections of three roads (Staines Worple Road, Datchet Horton Road, Windsor High Street) used in both directions. Door to Door 44 miles.