Cycle Ride July 2022

Well we knew it was going to be hard cycle ride, but the weather should have been dry and overcast, but turned into dry and sunny and warm… so the ride started out from Windsor in perfect conditions but a few hours later it was getting hard work.

There was just the three of us, David, Colin and me, but we had a really good ride and a catch up on life and work. I love these days out because I feel like I’ve really done something different from the normal and got some exercise in.

The route was from Windsor through Bracknell to Crowthorne – first coffee stop – then out through Wokingham to Henley and Marlow – secound coffee stop for cake as well – then there is a massive climb out into the Chilterns which is ok until half way there is a hairpin bend thats is at about 45 o thats not much fun, its the gift hill that keeps on giving! Then we went downhill into Cookham and along the Thames back towards Windsor. Yes, it got a bit hot by the end but really enjoyable ride. 50 miles went passed in a blur.

Colin had to stop at Henley to get the train – his new bike should be on order by now! Yep, you’re going to have to give that bike back to your daughter now!

We are hoping to draw attention to the charity – Children’s Air Ambulance – because they do so much for the NHS but get all funding from the public. We can’t get loads of money from them but if we can highlight what they do then the job is done. If you can a small donation would be most appreciated as they really do the most amazing job of taking children around the country when speed and or comfort is of the utmost importance.

See you out for the next ride!

We had a core of four turn up with apologies  from a few others who couldn’t make it, but we four thought it a wonderful way to spend our morning on Fathers Day!

Arriving in Windsor all ready, some more ready than others…. David seemed to be ready for a week long cycle ride, I should have worked out how the App I was using would show the route whilst I was actually out on the ride…. In the end we knew the route so it was not an issue but I’ve learned a lesson for next month’s ride!

We set off into Eton then towards Cookham on lovely flat, and not too busy roads, before the climb up out of Cookham that then leads down into Marlow. The weather was perfect for cycling, not too hot and dry so we picked on the park for a coffee and a chat, catching up on what we were all up to in our lives.

Next, we split into two  groups so that Mike and Dave could cycle home towards Reading and Chris and I went off to Bourne End and then I swung off towards Windsor – but flexibility is the name of the game with these rides so we don’t pressure anyone into doing something they don’t want to do.

Overall a lovely ride and great to catch up with everyone.

Looking forward to the next ride.

How I looked at the end…not too bad – I’ve looked worse!

We have sorted out a couple of events for the summer – ordered great weather and fixed dates in the diary.

As usual it’s very informal and just a chance to get a few people together for a bike ride and a chat….

Charity – its not a “have to” its a “want to” and strangely enough both David and I (Paul) have separately seen presentations by the Air Ambulance (and the Childrens Air Ambulance is part of this) and been grabbed by what they do and the costings…. there are a few facts that stunned us both.

1. it is TOTALLY funded by the public
2. it costs £3,500 per flight
3. it is relied on by the NHS

What I personally don’t understand is why certain charities are not funded in some way by the Government. The RNLI spring to mind.

Is it that someone in Government thinks the public will dig into its pockets to support these so they don’t have to….just saving money?

I’d be interested in hearing what the charities say about this, I am very obviously not an expert.

But anyway – this is our current charity so please support this if you can.