On a sunny but windy Sunday morning six loiterers followed John M out of Uxbridge towards Iver. Once through Iver we rode on through the outskirts of Langley to cross over the A4 and under the M4 en route to Datchet from where we headed towards Old Windsor and elevenses at the Royal Farm Shop. While we were supping our drinks Alec sloped off and reappeared with tin of biscuits shaped like a colourful vase of tulips which he wants to use as a tea caddy, very nice!
Leaving the royal estate we rode through Old Windsor, past The Bells of Ouzeley and through Runnymede Meadows before turning into Runnymede Pleasure Grounds car park and accessing the River Thames towpath. We soon reached Bell Weir Lock and stopped for the obligatory group in front of a weir photo, a passer by kindly taking one of the whole group. Pressing on under the M25 bridge we found a fallen tree blocking the way. Thankfully a way round was found and we continued on Staines and the George PH for lunch.
The George, a Wetherspoons pub, was very busy and within we found the long ride group comfortably ensconced. During lunch Liliane appeared followed a little late by Dave P, a chance meeting of all that started in Uxbridge on different rides.
After lunch the rides went their own ways with Colin A moving over to the long ride, Dave and Liliane going their own way, and the remaining five following John. We left Staines along Moor Lane and the track running parallel to the M25 en route to Stanwell Moor and tea at Vemeulem’s Garden Centre where Andy left us heading home via Feltham. After tea we five cycled home alongside Stanwell Moor Road, Longford, and Harmondsworth before saying goodbye to Alec and crossing the railway and canal at Horton Bridge and on up Royal Lane to Hillingdon and home.