By Tony Hooker
We certainly picked a good day weather wise.
23 riders made the trip to Virginia Water, 3 groups led by Tony,Tim and Paul from Nonsuch, and Steph who led from Kingston bridge. 3 groups stopped at the Arts Cafe Walton on Thames for refreshments,Tim stopped at Shepperton.
All groups made it to Virginia Water for lunch. Unfortunately we couldn’t ride some of the routes planned due to a cycle ban. However we enjoyed other parts of Windsor Great Park.
My group stopped for tea at Shepperton Lock and Steph's group arrived shortly after us.
Thanks to Steph ,Paul,and Tim for Helping out with with ride
Tea at Shepperton Lock for Tony's group
Tony's group at Windsor Great Park..........and Paul's, a little later
Paul adds.......
Morning coffee at the Walton Arts Centre was a lovely change from the cafe at Cowey Sale. Instead of buying at the Virginia Water kiosks like the others, we consumed posh light lunch at the restaurant there. Advantage? It was air conditioned. Disadvantages? Over an hour later, and a bit poorer, we resumed our ride! The Red Arrows were about for Trooping the Colour at the castle, but they did not honour us. We did, however, come across Sarah Ferguson at Bishop's Gate. Weren't we lucky? Tea and steam engines at Shepperton for us, but we made a few more stops on the way home; from Sutton the round trip was nearly sixty miles, and it was hot enough for a reviving shandy at Woodie's.
What a setting for morning coffee! Roger in the ancient hall at Walton
Steph's group at Windsor Great Park
Sarah Ferguson ? We saw a shiny steam powered traction engine manoeuvring down to Shepperton Lock just as we were leaving. A lovely route enjoyed by everyone. Ed and Maureen pedal powering home at 11.5 miles an hour through Sunbury and Hampton. Beautiful cream tea at the lock garden (owl looking down on us waiting for crumbs). Scenic route through Virginia Water and Windsor Park followed by tranquility of Thames down Ferry Lane and Dockett Eddy to tea.
.....whereas Maggie gets to drive it! What is it with girls and steam engines?
and from Tim G......
The day started clear and fine and our group of six riders (Debbie, Maggie, Mayuri, Nikki, Ken and myself) made a prompt departure from Nonsuch Park in dry and sunny conditions.
We made our way to Kingston and followed the river to Hampton Court, Lower Sunbury and on to Shepparton Lock for coffee at Nauticalia. A busy location but we were soon seated and enjoyed a welcome break.
The sun continued to shine on the righteous as we headed for Chertsey and a familiar route to Virginia Water.
A comfortable time was spent in the picnic area where we eventually met up with other arriving groups to enjoy a relaxing lunch break with social company.
The lakeside was particularly popular with other visitors so we made our way past the totem pole and up to the polo field where a number of horse riders were practicing their skills. The ground is so impeccably well maintained and good to see it put to good use.
Leaving Windsor Great Park at Bishop’s gate we cycled down Crimp Hill and opted for a longer afternoon ride through Old Windsor, Datchet, Wraysbury to Staines where we followed the river to Laleham and back to a very busy Shepperton Lock.
Seeking a quieter refuge we headed for Walton on Thames for our tea break at the Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre. Our arrival was a little mistimed as they were just starting to close but nevertheless our needs were briefly accommodated before the shutters were finally closed.
We made our way back towards Hampton Court, Thames Ditton, Surbiton and Tolworth where we agreed to split and make our own way home.
Many thanks to all the riders for being such an agreeable and easy group to lead. Their company on the day was very much appreciated. The ride went ahead without any difficulties and I hope everyone enjoyed their day.
Look forward to meeting up again at a later date.
Thankyou for leading , It was my first ride with CTC. Throughly enjoyed it . I was apprehensive, but there was no need at all . Very welcoming
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