A Muttley crew along the moat to the Old Moat; Nonsuch short ride 23 May

 

After weeks of unseasonal cold we all found ourselves in the middle of a mini-heatwave. Sixteen of us gathered at the Mansion on Saturday and though we were missing one or two regulars, we were blessed with some welcome friends who don't come every week.  It was seventeen if you include Tim, who was there to pick up an engraved trophy and who took the photos.

Because some of us were going out we were keeping to the short ride plan for Horton while the longer ride went to Garsons Farm.  I expected most would want to go further on such a day but I guess people thought it was a bit too hot, so nine of us joined in Tony's magical mystery tour to Horton by a different route.

So off we set in the wrong direction through Stoneleigh, and he took us along the Hogsmill River through Bonesgate Open Space and through the tree tunnel to Horton Country Park along lesser known gravelly routes with skiddy inclines and narrow gates.  I think he was celebrating leaving his heavy electric bike at home and riding on his pushbike.  I might have caught the odd Muttley impersonation from those who were on their electric machines, but as we were struggling at one gate/step/steep slope we let through a young man pedalling a combination with a basket containing two children, so the route was clearly going to be passable.  And when we got to sit (indoors, the only outdoor tables remaining were unshaded) there seemed to be general agreement that it was a lovely green route for such a scorching early summer's day.

Tea at the Old Moat (the targetting software had missed the Chapel, where we thought we were going).

I led us back to Nonsuch by the usual return route and that was it. 

Thanks, Tony, for making a short ride so interesting.  And to everyone else for the company.