(Rumours that this picture shows the Cheam & Morden setting sail
aboard their version of Noah's Ark have been greatly exaggerated!)
How can I best sum up today - a tale of two cafes, or could it be a day of two halves (or should that be three)? Anyway, the weather flattered to deceive at first and an impressive number of members were tempted out to our elevenses meet at the ever-popular Golden Cafe, including Vic White, not seen at a Cheam and Morden elevenses for several years, I think!
We headed for Thorpe via little-known ways through Addlestone and Chertsey before, democratic as ever, I generously offered the group the choice between Prune Hill and Middle Hill (like asking turkeys to choose between Thanksgiving and Christmas, this one)! Prune Hill was the 'popular' choice. However, if there was any weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth, the sound of the rain hammering down drowned it out! After that, it was down the other side at speed before the extra treat of a tour around unfamiliar back-streets and narrow alleyways of Windsor delivered us, as if by magic, right to the entrance of the Cinnamon Cafe!
Lunch here was excellent, as ever, and we were intrigued by the sight of a party of rather soggy festive Santa cyclists who were remarkably cheerful in their rather waterlogged outfits! That's dedication! Disappointingly, it was still raining a bit as we headed via Datchet and Wraysbury to Staines. After a few more back roads it did finally dry up and we were eventually bathed in glorious sunshine for the final few miles along the Thames from Laleham to Shepperton Lock, our tea stop.
Whether or not you came on the ride, or just to elevenses, many thanks all for your company, and thanks too to Simon for very kindly back-marking all day! (Credits to Simon and an unknown bystander for the photos).
No comments:
Post a Comment