John MacMillan, Cliff Jones and Jim Swan follow me out of Uxbridge on a cold bright morning. This was originally John's ride, but he can't complete it because of other commitments. Our first stop is at Eats and Treats at Farnham Common. We are always made to feel welcome here by the two friendly ladies who run the place. After elevenses, John heads north and the rest of us head south-west. Past Burnham and Taplow, we descend Berry Hill. There is a lot of development going on and all the foliage has been removed from either side of the path. At the A4 junction Jim manages to stop the traffic so we can get across. Not exactly the parting of the Red Sea, but impressive nonetheless. The last time I crossed the footbridge over the motorway at the bottom of Kimbers Lane, there was a whopping great tree trunk blocking the access ramp. Thankfully this has now been removed, although we still have to slither round a load of debris to get there. Back on tarmac, we continue our journey past Lillibrooke Manor and White Waltham turning north towards Knowl Hill. Jim takes the bridle way to Flics Cafe while Cliff and I take the road, a decision heavily influenced by the limitations of my new rear tyre, a Marathon Plus, which offers zero grip in muddy conditions. Flics Cafe is a distinct improvement on the "Square Deal" establishment it replaces. Gone are the seats held together with gaffer tape. The whole décor has improved, and the menu much more varied. After a hearty lunch, we head back past Littlewick Green rejoining the outward route until we get to Bray. I hadn't planned a tea stop but as we are going straight past Dorney Court I decide to pull in. The place is not packed with people as it usually is, but then it is mid week and mid winter. We return home through Slough and Iver. A dry but decidedly chilly one. Oh for the comforts of a mug of tea and a hot radiator! Regards Bernie