Ride Report – A Group March 11th

First, respect to all those who rode all the way to the New Haw Centre yesterday, into that strong cold wind.

Second many thanks to Frances and Steve for volunteering to sublead. This meant that we could split the 16 of us into easily manageable groups.

It’s that time of year again when we are tempted to stretch our rides, but we cannot be sure of the weather, so for me this meant a longish ride to somewhere not so far away. With the prospect of a quick dash home if conditions turn dire.

After a very changeable forecast, the worst we had to face was a morning’s headwind, which at least meant we rode on completely dry roads. I rather lost count of the number of times I called out “hole” but along the way there were plenty of daffodils to admire, and the first (for me) Easter bunny hopping along the verge.

Steve's account of his group’s experiences.

I set off with Hans, Janice, Patrick, Guy and Richard after sampling the excellent coffee and cake at the Woodham & New Haw Centre at 10.50. There had been a relentless headwind coming directly from the West and this now proved tiring at some open stretches of road. The sun was shining however and so we were in good spirits. It was interesting to note some of the features we passed almost without knowing on the way to Ottershaw. 'Soggy Bottom Pond', 'Ether Hill' and 'Flutters Hill' being some, although I felt the climbing. Then through Sunningdale, Beggars Bush and Cheapside (?) to Ascot, where we found Frances' group crossing the Ascot race track. After this north to Winkfield and then from Winkfield Street the wind helped us along at a fast pace. The next lovely sight was the wooden footbridge at Dorney which we walked carefully over in case it was slippery with the rain the night before. Then left at the Bray Millennium Milepost. Finally we got to the Palmer Arms and enjoyed very quick service at a reasonable price. 5 minutes after we ordered the ciabatta rolls and wraps appeared and impressively quickly considering they had been toasted.         

    

 

After lunch we set out dreading the climb up Crimp Hill, but were surprised at how quickly the wind was helping to propel us along to Eton. From here the route took us through Old Windsor up the hill and down Tite Hill to Egham. Clouds started to appear, but the wind was with us as we negotiated the never-ending potholes, over Chertsey Bridge and along the cycle track to The Ferry cafe at Shepperton. After tea I decided to try the ferry, but after ringing the bell and sounding the buzzer, I didn't raise anybody to try it out. So I saved £5 and rode over Walton Bridge, but now back into the teeth of the wind to Weybridge, Byfleet and home. 

Everyone in my group seemed to enjoy themselves and get some much needed exercise into the bargain. An added bonus was no punctures which after last week was welcome. I very much appreciated the company of my fellow riders and particularly Janice who back marked perfectly the whole way, which was comforting as all I could view from my little bike mirror were Patrick's knees. Look forward to the next ride! 

Frances reports that my group was a total of four including Gill, Ged, with Simon offering to backmark left New Haw in the sunshine promptly.

Needless to say we experienced a continuing head wind with some break in this when we reached Drift Road.

It was fun crossing Ascot and were directed through the gate and under the fence by the workmen.  We stopped for a photo when Steve's band caught us up.    

 

We enjoyed crossing the bridge near Monkey Island in hot pursuit of Steve again!

We came into Dorney so enthusiastically that I passed by the pub, looked at the mile counter and decided it had to be the right Palmer Arms, and we were all ready for lunch.

Service was great, food lovely and it readied us for a tail wind back to Shepperton. Ged left us at Windsor and we headed to Crimp Hill where Gill led the charge.

Gill waved goodbye just as we turned into Eddy Dockett - last 2 standing! Simon and I came upon Steve’s group again sitting in the sunshine at Nauticalia where a strong expresso was needed for me and Simon tucked into a large piece of cake.  

Thanks to all in my group and feedback was the route, pub and weather was perfect.   

Last to arrive at tea was my group of Andy, Sue C, Sue F, David, and Jennie assiduously back-marking – thanks Jennie. We had a delightfully relaxed ride, pausing only at Dorney footbridge for a photo.     

    
 

After an excellent lunch, we made good progress, most memorably wind-assisted across Dorney Common, arriving at Shepperton Ferry Café just as the last of Steve and Frances' groups were leaving.

Thanks everyone for coming out – it’s the company which makes the ride.