A Group Ride 28th October

The predicted rain failed to materialise as 16 Wayfarers left Elleray Hall, Teddington for a ride west to Windsor. From the Coleshill Gate in Bushy Park to Hampton Hill, and on to Virginia Water via Sunbury, Shepperton, and Chertsey, we reached the only (modest) climb of the day - Callow Hill. From Englefield Green we were soon into Windsor Great Park and enjoying the warm autumn sunshine. Neil did a detour via The Royal School, whilst we waited patiently, and finally exited the Park at Rangers Gate, picking-up the SUSTRANS Thames Cycle Route into Windsor.
A 'hidden' rear entrance to the Wetherspoon's King and Castle in Thames St via the River St. car park enabled bikes to be secured in the beer garden, and lunch was served soon after 1.00pm.
Onwards to tea at the Pheasantry Cafe in Bushy Park was via Datchet - where 3 of the Group missed a turn but were capably rounded-up by back markers, Wraysbury, Staines, and Laleham. The last leg to the Park followed our route out through Shepperton and Sunbury. Eight of us enjoyed an early tea in a rather noisy 'half-term' Pheasantry Cafe.
Many thanks to Geoff and Simon who shared back-marking duties and enabled my first led ride to be as stress-free as possible. 40 miles from Elevenses to Tea seemed about right for this time of year, hopefully enabling most to arrive safely home before dusk.

Ged Lawrenson

Author: Ged Lawrenson