A RIDE FROM TEDDINGTON TO DATCHET 

This was our first time using the new Elleray Centre as our meeting venue, I thought they made us all feel very welcome and hopefully we shall be returning there as often as we did to the previous hall. I’m particularly looking forward to the summer when the large garden will be an enjoyable space.

19 riders, split into three groups, left Teddington following a pretty direct route to Datchet, remember it was the shortest Wednesday of this year; going through Bushy Park, crossing Chertsey Bridge, a lot of traffic here that we all dealt with, and then turning at Virginia Water into Windsor Great Park. The park was extremely quiet, not many pedestrians, so we flowed through, enjoying all the festive decorations that had been erected for Christmas. Finally descending Crimp Hill and onto the Royal Stag pub in Datchet, our lunch destination.

Although the service was a little slow, there was no pre-ordering required, once it arrived it was good fayre. On the way to lunch there were three punctures in the first group, very unfortunate, two riders didn’t get to the pub, one did.

After lunch, light fading, but also with a slight wind from behind, all made a speedy journey to The Ferry Cafe at Shepperton Lock where the ride ended.

On arrival at the cafe, it was good to see that Andy had made it to the tea stop, having patched up his puncture. 

Six stayed for tea and cake, whilst the rest all decided to head home, as it was getting darker and a few splashes of rain were coming.

Thanks to all those that signed up for the ride, and particularly thanks to those who back marked in the various groups, and to Clive and David for sub-leading, which made for a very successful ride.

I like to wish you a Happy Christmas, and and a successful 2026.

Yours

Jennie