Sunday 21/01/24 Bushy Park - Byfleet - Walton Bridge

Dave had emailed during the week; Ripley was mentioned. By Sunday that was put in doubt by the impending arrival of Storm Isha.

I arrived not expecting to lead! In a crowded Pheasantry 13 were up for a ride. Out of the car park we turn left thus avoiding most of the Diana fountain. After the Palace, a left at the level crossing was rewarded by five minutes delay (4-way temporary lights at Thames Ditton station)! The A309 was busy. The bridleway(!) between Esher sewage works and Hersham is newly tarmac'ed and a second newish strip took us down into Brooklands and beside the museums into Byfleet.

By now it was past 1230. Ripley was still 4 to 5 miles away and probably Muddy Lane so time now for lunch. The Plough had beer but no food. A few doors down was the Capital Cafe (plenty of space, options, very well priced) - just what we gourmands needed.

From one o'clock the cafe began to fill so we were moved slowly to move. The roads were quieter and the inward journey was 2+ mph faster thanks to Isha. With time is hand I added a brief detour to Coxes Mill. Tea was Walton Bridge - as far as I know nobody stopped! 

A measly 18 miles and a day of misadventures which won't be detailed here.