The weather was overcast and moody, and described by Adam Domaingue as “a little drizzle,” as he cycled across to join those leaving Nonsuch Park for the ride.
Those riders, Bill Martin, Tracy Caudle, Trevor Kite, Bill Kent and Adam leading.
For me today a lie in. Due to the closure of the M25/A3 for works, and the subsequent diversion through the tiny roads and villages in the area, I’d opted to meet the club run from Berkshire east along the Thames Valley.
My route is in the map, a trusted off road I’ve reported before, more brambles on the Thorpe Village trail section than usual that will probably see me not using it again. It would appear that the bees are winning and some trails are being left to go back to nature. Nobody is (council’s saving on petrol and manpower) cutting back/mowing these routes, since walking now for exercise post Covid isn’t a big issue!
My route was very pleasant, through the back of Penton Hook Marina (Thames east of Staines) and then into Chertsey. A quick and very empty quarter of a mile along Bridge Street (A375) had me entering Chertsey Meadows onto the Thames Tow Path to Shepperton Lock, then on to the corner of Ferry Lane, and our rendezvous tea stop destination.
Crossing the Chertsey Bourne I encountered this beastie!
The club group arrived from the east at my predicted 11:45hrs time and much social banter was exchanged whilst consuming various healthy food items. I myself had already consumed a cheese and ham toastie a half hour before they arrived. Whilst there, two ducks waddled up to the cafe entrance for what I presume was a regular feed of bread.
We all left together heading back towards Walton Bridge. Adam and the crew stayed north side of the river heading for Bushey Park and I crossed over to the Southside and went west towards Weybridge, Chertsey. I passed the back end of Thorpe Park and admired the latest roller coaster that’s the tallest in the country. There seemed to be a lot of screaming; not sure if it was enjoyment or fear!