A crisp, dry morning saw our intrepid riders gather in Worcester Park. After warm welcomes and introductions all round we set off with Pete in charge of directions, like a mother duck leading her ducklings. We were soon away from the built-up areas, through Esher and into the leafy lanes of Surrey towards West Byfleet and Ripley.
We kept our pace steady and comfortable for all five of us with the domestiques putting in shifts at the front to shield our co-pilot. Pete kept a beady eye on his satnav, missing just one turn due to a particularly interesting conversation with his neighbour.
After a frisson of excitement, as a semi-pro peloton came flying past, we arrived at the excellent Vineries Garden Centre café in Effingham. Once cake, coffee, and chat fuelled – plus nicely warmed up – we said goodbye to the semi-pro riders that had followed us in and set off for home.
Rolling down through Leatherhead, Ashtead, and into Epsom with smiles on our faces we peeled off, in turn, to return to our homes and reflect on whether we had eaten more calories than we burned.
Bill Pike
