A small but select group rode west in the sunshine through the Bucks Golf club – the bewitching village of Denham – the old Rectory ( for sale ? ) - the long haul up Slade Oak Lane – the first of many roadworks with traffic lights before arriving at the Epi Centre to find Terry talking to the renegade breakaway group of John McMillan, Lilo and Noel. He looked well but faces a major op before regaining sufficient strength to ride again – good man Terry. Pipa has moved on but the coffee was excellent. The steepness of Stoney Lane and danger of the junction were forgotten one we arrived at the French Colonel’s horse’s grave and the leader launched into NL#1 – no flags though! On past Latimer House and huge views, climbing numerous hills to the 2 pubs at Ley Hill where Chris had enjoyed the beerfest last w/e. Massive swoop down into Chesham and the Wednesday market – great pint of Fullers and bowls of Thai food at the Queens Head – we all toasted her decision making in the face of the breaking news of Boris’s request ! John left us here to ride pursue his destiny to Wendover or west .... Fullers Hill was a cruel climb post lunch but we made it – great decision to turn at Raan Lane and cycle through the iconic trail of Beech trees but the leader lost it before regaining the White Lion ( closed for a refurb ) The path to Captain Cook’s monument at the Vache was almost impassable by fallen trees but we persevered and were rewarded by the huge mound and flint tower – a revelation and worth the effort and NL#2. The glorious downhill swoop to Maple Cross was a little spoilt by incessant cars – Steve headed for Rickmansworth and Colin and Stuart took the canal route home – travellers have totally occupied the Coy Carp car park so it appears to be closed ! Great ride in the sun with convivial company.
Stuart