16 sign up for the ride to lunch at spoons in Woking. Molesey boat was the 11's stop. It started raining before I left home, but as leader, I had to go. There was a good turnout for 11's. But a few were heading home after 11's.
W set off in 2 groups in pouring rain, yes, there were that many of us! Julie B kindly led the second group. Off through Molesey heading to Hersham and then North Weybridge, we got halfway along Oatlands Avenue when I stopped the group and asked if we should pick a nearer lunch stop, a unanimous YES was the answer. So we waited (under cover) for the second group to catch up and they voted likewise.
So we turned around and headed for Walton and to Chertsey Bridge hotel. What a relief to get into warm surroundings. It was virtually empty. Ringing out gloves and dripping rain jackets and soon warm soup and other tasty dishes soon appeared.
We did linger and the call came "the rain has stopped", great news. So off we set with no real plan to a tea stop. Alas the rain soon started again, Gill F left us at Shepperton to get some shopping and Diane left us at the station. We carried on towards Hampton Court, but at Thames Water the Puncture fairy struck Pete B's front tyre. A few of us stayed to help while the rest carried on, the rain got heavier, but efficient help soon had the wheel back on the bike. At this point, it was time to head directly home.
A great group and great company, thank you all for joining the ride today, a special thanks to Julie B for sub-leading and to the back markers
Tony..
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