A Group Ride from Shepperton 13th April

After passing two 'Royal Oaks' we arrived at the Royal Oak, Wood Street Village for lunch in a warm and sunny beer garden. Earlier, the promise of Spring sunshine brought out 21 'A Groupers' for our ride through Chertsey, Lyne, Longcross, Chobham Common, and Knaphill. We lost Ray Dare soon after Elevensess, with a reoccurrence of an pre-coffee puncture. (Ray skipped lunch but eventually met us later at Annie's). The Royal Oak coped admirably with the more than expected turnout, and the landlord was keen to to use our traditional Group photo on his website to promote the pub as a venue for walkers and cyclists. (Photo credit Geoff Gregory). Skirting Guildford town centre through Stoughton we tested our bike handing skills on the pedestrian/cyclists bridge over the Ladymead Parkway and exited Guildford on the A25. This road is never a pleasant ride, but soon after East Horsley we took the back roads through Effingham, Little Bookham and Fetcham arriving at Annie's in plenty of time for tea before 4 o'clock closing - 14 of us for the tea stop. It was nice to welcome non-regular A Riders, and all coped very well with the 39 miles from Elevenses to tea. Thanks to all for diligent corner marking and to Mike for back-marking - making the leaders job that much easier. Lovely sunshine - and a promise of summer!

Author: Ged Lawrenson