Shouting “Middle ride away” I pulled out to wait by the golden post box; minutes passed but only Cull and Woodford appeared  ...... I was about to go back and exhort the assembled throng to join but perhaps the hill warning or Alec’s constant “not another nobby lecture ride” had had an effect.  Nothing daunted we three headed west, counting heads, appointing ride officers, monitoring H&S aspects, checking CTC cards etc and wondering whether we should join Sandra’s long ride and how to handle the expectations of the landlord at the Saracen’s Head!  The Bucks Golf course and Denham village are always pleasant to ride through and the long haul up to the Chalfonts seemed less onerous in the Autumnal sunshine.
 
A goodly crowd occupied every table in the church hall with our older riders well ensconced – always good value however the cake selection was not as varied since Phil’s wife was away. Terry joined us and was keen to cycle to Amersham so that decided us. Steve handed me a new mobile ( to replace mine mislaid ) and spent a long time in technical explanations before he phoned the pub lunch stop and placed our downscaled orders.    More and more Loiterers crowded in amongst much banter, so we pushed on to release seats.
 
We took a new route up through old houses with a view over the valley – a huge ploughing contest off Bottrell’s Lane was well attended by farming chaps in check shirts, ties and tweedy jackets – passing the Harte & Magpie’s Steve’s bike attempted to turn in but we pressed on through Coleshill with the windmill and Red Lion – huge views over the Chilterns as we swooped down to the main road into Old Amersham – we paused to examine the fine flint building next to the hospital – the embedded “1838 AV” must refer to Victoria & Albert we decided but no it actually stands for Amersham Union. 
 
A hearty lunch served by the hearty landlord of the Saracen’s Head, accompanied by foaming pints of Green King IPA while watching the plumbers rip out the Gent’s toilets outside; we set the world to rights and wondered where we would perform our ablutions – “Use the Ladies” said the barman – we queued of course and spoke in loud voices not to surprise any females straying by.  Here Terry cycled home – he’s an inspiration to us all at 82 – we three made it through Little Chalfont ( Ozzies has gone ! )and a huge downhill run to Maple Cross for tea – Don joined us – home along the canal for me after an encounter with the short ride all sitting outside the Oaks pub among the flower boxes.
 
“We few, we happy few ....”