Dummy map as the ride was so nostalgic that GPS had not yet been invented. However, Captain Morgan has written it up in his usual inimitable style. Read on . . . . With the long ride meeting away it was a noticeably smaller number of riders arriving at Uxbridge in the bright but chill sunlight – seizing his moment Steve Cull punctured his tyre to delay the middle ride start and thus keep his numbers down ! 14 stalwarts of the Loiterers headed north and along the cricket ground before plunging past the old ski slope, over the M40, past the school and into Swakeleys Park ( still no news on what’s going to happen to the Jacobean House ) Passing under the old Chiltern line bridge we paused at the golf course and cursed the imminent HS2 chaos, due to start in June – “Then take your last look at the meadow and brook”. The steep footpath up heading to New Years Green was rewarded by a huge view over the back of Ruislip – then on into Bayhurst Wood – swathes of bluebells, couple of woodpeckers – over into Mad Bess Wood – convenient stop at the Scouts Memorial to fix Stuart’s lost screw ( thanks Robert ) – past the back of the peaceful crematorium gardens – the sad sight of the Six Bells closed and then the Lido for coffee and a chat to the bicyclist policeman. John Jenkins remembered in his youth when the Lido level was much higher and we paused on leaving to examine the valve house in the dam and the start of the canal feeder leading south – a dangerous crossing over Bury Street and down onto the grass pathway following the canal feeder all the way to Ladygate – along Woodville Road and awkwardly under the gate – here we stopped to climb into the bushes and examine the aqueduct over the Pinn – fascinating industrial archaeology – across the middle of the golf course to the surprise of some golfers, still following the canal feeder and out through the dark dark tunnel into the Greenway. Past the Soldiers Return (great rough old pub (my local)) and down Austin’s Lane with the canal feeder of our left. Another bike hoick over the fence but not a moan to be heard and then on to the Yeading Brook and the back of RAF Northolt – a very pleasant run to Ruislip Gardens ( of Betjeman fame ) north following the brook through parks to Roxbourne then by quiet back roads to Alexandra Ave curving south to the welcome Greenwood Hotel. We examined the neo Georgian decor – the mosaic tiled fireplaces – the Assembly Room – the art deco cornices – the proscenium – the octagonal glass skylight – the original Gent’s toilets fittings ( well not the gals !) ....... and apart from all that the selection of beer was excellent plus Weds equals chicken day so some huge meals were ordered and turned up before we had finished looking round; this did not prevent Clive from eating long and steadily to the detriment of the parting time. Jane offered to distract us from his steady chomping by mounting the stage to give us a selection from “The Hills Are Alive .... “ but this caused a stampede for the exit ... Home along the canal and into Rectory Park ( sad to see the old White Hart a ruin! ) and “wiggling” our way through estates and schools and horrendous car pick-up problems – ( soon the schools run must be banned ! ) Jim Swan took the leadership to avoid the hill up Charville – thank you Jim – a most enjoyable ride with a good crowd of Loiterers ......... some of whom asked that we do this route again ?!?!? Captain Morgan