For me the day's ride didn't start particularly well. Perhaps I mean it started more than usually badly! Anyway, the hastily re-assembled bike I was unadvisedly riding had only been taken out of storage the afternoon before. No problems had shown on a quick test ride round the block, but, as you will surmise, as soon as I set off for a proper ride, the gremlins began their work. I call this 'Saturday Afternoon Bike Syndrome', and it has manifested itself so often that I really should have known better! In this case, an annoying mudguard rub developed. After a few stops and starts I managed to get rid of it and continued on my way, pleased with myself, only to realise I had forgotten my drink! So I had to go home, collect my bottle and set off again. Just like what I think they call it 'the labour of Sisyphus'!
Astonishingly, I was still the first to arrive at the Golden Cafe for elevenses - only to find it chocablock inside (what else could possibly go wrong)! Fortunately, there were vacant tables outside, and it was a pleasant day - problem solved! My elevenses was restorative, as was the arrival of company in the form of Diane P, Chris H, Liz B, Keith R, Geoff G, and Steph W. I must give the Golden Cafe a mention - their breakfasts are excellent, the prices unbeatable, and the service friendly and highly efficient!
Except for Liz, who pleaded common sense, all the rest of the thrill-seeking 'adventure tourists' who had joined me for elevenses decided to continue on the ride. I can only think they had had wagers amongst themselves as to what perils might befall us!
The omens hadn't been good, I admit, but, for once, I actually had a route planned, and a vague idea of where I was going (but only because one of the group had asked for the route a couple of days before). So, against all the odds, we got to Wetherspoons at Woking in good time for lunch, and without getting lost, and left again in good time to reach home well before dark. And Wetherspoons wasn't closed for refurbishment! And my 'Saturday afternoon' bike didn't fall apart! What are the chances of that ever happening again?
Thanks all for putting up with it, and thanks for your company!
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