10 takers for my very flat and very scenic ride to Little Gaddesdon. First stop was Chalfont St Peter Church where the array of cakes was as stupendous as ever. Surprisingly we had with us Roofer Jim who was steadfastly ignoring the ‘Women and Alans only’ ride criteria (note Bernie’s unofficial middle name is Alan). He promised not to let on that we don’t set a blistering pace to the other shorties. John Mac joined us at elevenses and it was nice to briefly see Terry, Phil Mayden, Dave Peck and John Hare.
Jim provided the nobby lecture in Latimer informing us about ‘Willy Boys’ but as there were no scantily clad school boys, we still think Jeans nobby lecture is the winner (further info on General Count de Villebois horse available here: - http://chorleywoodmagazine.co.uk/latimer-village-green/)
A couple of titchy climbs, a peak at the Green Dragon, a bit of bumpy canal, a pause to do up my front wheel skewer (no insurance money today Alan!) and a final pause to admire the castellated buildings of Ashridge Executive Education.
We had reached our lunch stop: The Bridgewater Arms, Little Gaddesdon. Margaret was already there sipping her lemonade in the shade of the huge sycamore tree. The usual chaos as we first studied the full price menu, then discovered the value menu, and totally missed the golden specials menu. Another near-miss experience as I choked on a Taco, fortunately Alan was able to pat my back until Taco was ejected (top tip – don’t sit next to me at lunch!).
Anyway, best bit of ride was next, a gentle descent through ancient woodland, opening up to spectacular views over the Chilterns and a superb swoop over the chalk onto the Ridgeway. More swooping into Aldbury and as we’d lost 7 of the group on the descent (turned out Margaret had punctured) we passed the time analysing the old buildings, admiring the pond and eating cornetto’s (top-tip – stay at the front of the ride if you want an icecream!).
A gentle climb up to Chesham for the official ice-cream/tea cake stop at Poppins cafe. Then along the Chess Valley road to Little Chalfont and back on our normal tracks to Chalfont St Peter where Lilo took over leadership duties.
Thank you everyone for a very enjoyable ride. Little Miss Naughty.