I'm becoming less hopeful that I'm going to make it on Saturday because of heavy non cycling commitments. However it's still possible, and I really do want come because if I don't make it this year I think it's unlikely I will in the future (increasing age!).
Assuming I'm not coming, there is a point I'd like to make now:
Your route seems to go across the big roundabout near the M25 about half a mile West of Staines bridge. I have ridden round this many times without injury, but I've also waited by it for an injured clubmate to be taken off in an ambulance (she wasn't seriously hurt btw.) It is a danger spot since it's large and very close to the motorway so that some drivers think that slowing down to 60mph is reasonable.
I'd like to suggest that you consider using the B376 (turn right immediately before crossing Staines bridge) going though Wraysbury and Datchet to Windsor. There is a back route from the centre of Windsor past the leisure centre and through Clewer Village (marked with green dots on OS map sheet 176) which will take you onto the A308.
From there it's only about a mile to the B3024 which will take you to Twyford.
I would certainly not want to lead a group of tired riders across that big rounabout, especially in failing light, so perhaps this route should be used both ways.
A few other small points:
Is there a mobile phone number everyone should have in case they get separated?
Has anyone checked that the Big H Cafe at Berinsfield is going to be open?
The OS Map Sheet 175 covers almost the entire route after Windsor.
Even if you can't make the ride, I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say that it would good to see you for a coffee before the off, or a pint at the finish!
I'm becoming less hopeful that I'm going to make it on Saturday because of heavy non cycling commitments. However it's still possible, and I really do want come because if I don't make it this year I think it's unlikely I will in the future (increasing age!).
Assuming I'm not coming, there is a point I'd like to make now:
Your route seems to go across the big roundabout near the M25 about half a mile West of Staines bridge. I have ridden round this many times without injury, but I've also waited by it for an injured clubmate to be taken off in an ambulance (she wasn't seriously hurt btw.) It is a danger spot since it's large and very close to the motorway so that some drivers think that slowing down to 60mph is reasonable.
I'd like to suggest that you consider using the B376 (turn right immediately before crossing Staines bridge) going though Wraysbury and Datchet to Windsor. There is a back route from the centre of Windsor past the leisure centre and through Clewer Village (marked with green dots on OS map sheet 176) which will take you onto the A308.
From there it's only about a mile to the B3024 which will take you to Twyford.
I would certainly not want to lead a group of tired riders across that big rounabout, especially in failing light, so perhaps this route should be used both ways.
A few other small points:
Is there a mobile phone number everyone should have in case they get separated?
Has anyone checked that the Big H Cafe at Berinsfield is going to be open?
The OS Map Sheet 175 covers almost the entire route after Windsor.
Still hoping to see you on Saturday.