New Years Day 2012

 

Spring Tavern, Ewell

Where are they now?

 

Sunday the 12th May

 What a glorious day for a long ride. I was the first to get to the NT cafe, I left home too early and arrived at 9.45, but Simon arrived soon after, then Andy and Niall. Graham joined us ,but left to do his own ride when we departed. We moved inside as there was no shade what so ever outside. It was funny not to have to have Dave with us, wishing him a speedy recovery,  as he says, "things fall apart when I'm not there" Sim

 

Bray Churh Yard

Very little wind made it a speedy ride, through Windsor, and a chance meeting with some other cyclist friends. On through Bray and a photo stop in Bray church yard, courtesy of Andy. At Waltham St Lawrence we took Sill Bridge lane and into Plough lane and onto Hurst, passing an old favourite, the Green Man. 

As usual, a photo at the CTC sign the Castle Inn and a decision by the group to change this as our lunch stop. A good choice, child's fish & chips on the menu and it sorted 3 of us for lunch, we sat in the garden, we will muse this venue again.

 

A childs Fish & Chips, we are kids at heart

We were soon on our still heading south and passing Dinton Pastures, then heading East using quiet country lanes. Back to Waltham St Lawrence and Paley Street back to Windsor, passing Fifield, where sadly the 2 giant heads of the old Queen and Prince Philip are no more, sold I believe, it looks like the house has been sold, we headed into Windsor farm shop for tea, but alas, the close at 3pm, so back to the NT cafe, most had ice creams. At this point I left the group and headed home solo to my daughters birthday party, they waited for me before bringing out the cake, so only a minor telling off. A great day on the bike, than you Simon, Andy and Niall for your company

 

The Castle Inn, Hurst

 

 

Tony..

Sunday 5th May 2024

 

I don't fully understand Wetherspoons pricing structure and today's £1.04 for limitless hot drinks (The Whispering Moon, Wallington) appears outstanding value in this day & age...& the "white coffee" is perfectly drinkable.

The location was previously a cinema & opened as a 'Spoons in 1992. Plenty of old pictures adorn the walls including one of child actress Shirley Temple !

Nice to see outgoing C&M General Secretary, Graham making the journey from Kingston to see us off & 10 went due south up to Oaks Park, passing some chatty MTB'ers on the way.

The café here has recently been extended & it was busy with locals soaking up the sun on this Bank Holiday weekend.

After the fast descent it was up How Lane & a short cut to avoid Coulsdon town centre & up (again) to Farthing Downs to where Pinkie left us, followed shortly by Keith.

Past Chaldon church, and a very fast descent of Whitehill Lane to Bletchingley. 

Being 1pm, stomachs were rumbling & I decided to patronise Lamingtons in the High Street where we've been coming since 2010.

The guy at front of house was so welcoming and it was like travelling back in time in this quaint little tea room.

Colour co-ordinated top & nail varnish.....I approve!

When we emerged from this time capsule, the skies had clouded over & there was intermittent rain as we travelled south to join the track through the Henshaw's farm estate.

Past Redhill Aerodrome, Earlswood Lakes to Brockham church where teas have resumed and are now every Sunday 2.30pm - 5pm until late October when they'll be supplying the bonfire builders with refreshment no doubt.

Thanks to Chris for backmarking & others for corner marking & your company, & to Chris & Steph for the photos.