It was raining as we left home, but forecast to dry up later, as we arrived in Uxbridge the group was gathering at the alternative ‘wet weather’ meeting point under the old market house, there must have been a bit of confusion because as Sandra Led the Long ride off, everyone followed her! Luckily it was a bit cold and I had worn gloves, because being nominated TEC I had to count them, there was all my fingers and thumbs, and a glove full. I caught up with the leader at the top of the first hill, reporting to her she had started with 15, but had managed to whittle it down to just 4 with one climb, while we congratulated each other however all the others caught up, time for Plan B, “I am going down the road by Langley Park, will anyone follow Alan through the Park?” was a cunning ruse but no one fell for it, even I followed down the road, chatting with a new rider at the back I warned him of an approaching right turn into Trenches farm, but the lead group chugged on past without a glance, “The leaders like picking different routes sometimes just for a change” I explained, arriving at the T junction with the others to make a U turn and go back oops. A sneaky loop took us through the park on the other side of Upton School, “I have never been here before” comments Bernie as we exit the park, amazing what 50yds difference does to a route. Through Herschels Park, along the Jubilee river before cutting out by Eton Wick, would be such a pity not to make full use of the lovely training head wind, a quick meander through Braywick Park, brought us to Stafferton Lodge, Toby carvery, and new puffing stop. (note 4 Parks before elevenses Lawrie would be proud)
Staying 100 yds off the bread and butter route, had the regulars wondering where they were, but they soon recognised the slopes of the bridge over the motorway and NCN4 just a case of following that to lunch, indeed a couple of the pack were enjoying the wind so much they headed off, Ian confident he knew the way and Alec raring to get his training in for his forth coming Tour De France, slight mishap as Ian went off the rails so to speak, instead of following the ridge and dropping neatly down to the Flower Pot, decided to lead Alec into the valley at Wargrave then back up over the ridge to drop down to the pub, the pair looking well exercised as they re joined us 30 minutes into our very nice leisurely lunch, Sandra decided the wind had slowed us a little, and being behind her schedule would take the main road after the weir crossing at Hambledon, much to the disappointment of the group who where all keen to ride up the Long winding hill toward Marlow Common, followed by that nice little swoop down and up, neatly marked with arrows on the map.
Riding at the back with Alec, and joining him on the Tour De France, I didn’t want him getting too fit, so I suggested to Sandra to maybe not go around the hairpins of the road up over Winter Hill before dropping down to tea at Bourne end, and just follow the valley, “You will have to lead that way then”, ”I don’t want all the disappointment of missing out another hill to be my fault”.
After tea however everyone cheered up, riding up Harvest hill a firm favourite, and just for good measure we dropped into Fulmer so we could ride back up to the Pinewood road from the splash here the group disbanded, Alec I think was in a rush to get to the gym before he cooled off too much, Ian was made up, being way too late to catch a train was looking forward to his ride into London, others aiming for Hayes and beyond, thinking what a lovely day to do 50 miles in all that fresh air, most of which seemed to be coming to meet you.
Nice ride, good bit of rain dodging at the stops.