I was surprised today to find 14 takers for the long ride. The Sun was shining but the cold wind made it feel real nippy. So off up St Johns road to Iver Heath heading for 11's at the coach station Windsor. The pace was reasonably brisk and we reached 11's without any problems. Tea/coffee (and cake for some) and loos visited and we headed back over the river to take the path to Dorney Lake and the footbridge over the Thames to Bray. Harvest Hill road and into Kimbers lane to White Waltham. Just before the Cricket pitch we took a left in to Butchers lane and continued to the Bath road at Knowl Hill. then a left into Warren Row road all the way to Remenham Hill. We the turned left into the Henley road and a fast descent in to Hurley and lunch at the Rising Sun, we arrived spot on 1.30.

I had phoned at 11's to increases the number to 14 and the tables were awaiting us. We ordered at the bar and the food was very quickly served and very good quality. Leaving the pub and back into the Henley road and a left into Hurley lane and the detour under the A404 into Dungrove Hill lane. (and up 4 chip hill). On to Furze Platt and past the Golden Ball into the unmetalled Malders lane and onto the back roads of Maidenhead. Up past Taplow station and and North East to Burham, at some point just after this Woody punctured and was off the back but mobile phones to the rescue and the was in the good hands of Sandra (not literally you understand). The rest of the peloton continued to tea at Eats & Treats. Have had our fill of tea and cake and just unlocking our bikes When Woody, Sandra, Jim and Bernie arrived after sorting out Woody's 2 punctures (faulty valve?) From here on it was everyone for themselves. I headed home via Pinewood and Thorney stopping to don waterproofs at Thorney as it started to rain hard. Home by 6.15 with 72 miles under my belt. Thank you Bernie for back marking and thank you all for your company and a great days cycling.

Tony H