Report from Richard Williams:
On a bright and frosty morning this week 11 of us held our annual pre-Xmas bike ride. Those braving the elements were Andy Lacy, Adrian Brearley, Martin Brooks, Joe Coulson, Russ Canning, Simon Barker, John Ellis, Kerry Hastings, Janet & Rod Davis and myself. It was only -2c as we set off from the Palmer Arms in Dorney and headed east along the Jubilee river towards Eton. Here we stopped on the bridge and had our traditional mince pies and mulled cider.
Feeling slightly warmer we crossed the Thames and headed west along the towpath towards Dorney and the Olympic rowing lake; this is now closed to cyclists so we took the bridlepath that skirts the perimeter fence and made our way to Bray lake for a coffee stop and a chat with our old friend and owner of the water sports centre Simon Frost. Now feeling even warmer we joined the Jubilee river again and headed east back to the pub, doing some formation riding on the way.
We arrived back in good time for our 1.30 pre-booked meal, which was served promptly and I think enjoyed by all. The ride itself was fairly short at 12.9 miles due to the rowing lake closure but was challenging enough in the icy conditions with amazingly no fallers - must be the balance gained in windsurfing! The track of our route bellow was provided by Simon.
Richard
