Fifteen A Group riders set off from Weybridge in the hope that the rain would not materialise. We made good time to Windsor where Geoff had to abandon not feeling well. By Eton jackets were on and our hopes dashed. We still maintained a good pace passing Clivedon House to Hazlemere and eventually reached the Full Moon in heavy rain. Mark had made his own way to Little Kingshill wagering on the more positive of two forecasts, which was wrong. After a good lunch the rain had eased. We set off in relatively dry conditions and made good time to Beaconsfield, Hedgerley and down past Pinewood studios where disaster struck. Janice and Ged ended up taking the turn to Iver Heath, whilst the rest of the group sailed on towards Sutton Lane. Janice sent out an SOS as she had punctured and Mike mounted his shining steed to gallop, sorry pedal to her rescue. Meanwhile, two groups of riders stood waiting in the pouring rain and eventually Brian volunteered to lead a group to Staines station and the rest of us headed for home. 

Many thanks to Brian and Mike for their help, my apologies to Janice and Ged. 

Sorry, can’t give any stats as my Garmin froze (and remains so) at 63 miles whilst we were waiting.

Author: Hans

3 Comments:

Janice 30 May 2019 at 07:50 BST

As back marker I was delayed for some time by John trying to put his lights on. By the time we got to the busy crooked billet roundabout the corner marker had abandoned their post. John and I had no idea which way to go and we waited there up to 1/2 an hour trying to make contact with someone, anyone, who could help.

Ged kindly came to the rescue but by that time all 3 of us were lost. Again we tried to make contact with others but with limited success.

Things got worse when I punctured and being behind Ged he didn’t know. Some 15 mins of frustrating trying to get my new tyre off my new wheel ensued when Ged returned. He also couldn’t get the tyre off.with the levers to hand. Some time later Mike also joined us with better levers and a still difficult inner tube change ensued.

By this time I hadn’t seen the group for well over an hour and 3 of us were lost on unfamiliar roads.

We had to choose to take extremely busy roads in rush hour so it was an horrendous journey home in the main caused by a corner marker abandoning their post before seeing the back marker. It also caused significant delays to the rest of the group waiting round to re group.

Brian 30 May 2019 at 10:52 BST

I can understand your frustration. Patrick, Dave Vine, myself and for a while Mike also waited a long time at the top of Sutton Lane. Unfortunately even after Mike returned to help you we waited another half an hour until it was finally confirmed that you were not going to rejoin us.

Ged Lawrenson 30 May 2019 at 20:25 BST

A long and wet day!

Thanks to all those who waited patiently on corners for riders who never arrived - very frustrating.

Just relieved that everyone got home safely - some in more trying conditions than others, but for all of us very much later than expected - and no tea!