Bernie Green leads the long ride. Keith H, Bob M and John O follow. We set off along Oxford Road, through South Bucks golf course, and along the Pygtle to Denham. Climbing Denham Green Lane, we turn left past the hangars along the Marish, to join Slade Oak Lane. Down Joiners Lane, we stop at Crumbs, Chalfont St Peter for elevenses. After a climb up Gold Hill, we pass Seer Green and turn left along the A355, passing the Beaconsfield M40 services on the way. Onward past Odds Farm, we descend Kiln Lane to Cores End. We reach our lunch stop, The Spade Oak pub at around 12:30. This is probably why the place is not heaving with people, like they said it would be if we turned up after one. The weather is balmy enough to eat outside, and we carefully pick the seats that have not suffered structural failure due to drunken revelry. Our food arrives promptly (lack of competition from other punters). I'd like to say that our blissful lunchtime experience is due to good planning on my part; but you dear readers know that anything good that comes from my rides is all down to serendipity. After lunch, we head for Marlow, across the bridge and up Winter Hill. Gearing, they say is everything, when it comes to climbing hills. When I did a reccy last Wednesday using the Trek, I had to walk this bit; however a change of bike albeit with a 2kg weight penalty and I'm able to stay in the saddle all the way up. After Cookham Dean, Maidenhead beckons. Past Taplow station we are at the outskirts of Slough; but we are not despondent (apologies to J Bunion). Northward through Burnham Grove, we stop at the Beeches Cafe. The continuing fine weather has attracted plenty of people, dogs etc. but not too many insects. Keith leaves us near Langley Corner, not wishing to join us on yet another off-roady excursion through Black Park. I bid farewell to my loyal followers at the bottom of Chandlers Hill and head east along Cowley Mill Road.