Windsor in the sunshine, and friends on their bikes – what more can you ask for on a Sunday morning
What’s so appealing about Windsor?
It’s not even our country’s Capital. And yet, according to the local tourist office, 75% of the visiting tourists are of domestic origin: accounting for £98 million worth of spending a year.
The Royal Borough of Windsor is also a popular destination for many travelling through the UK. And why not? With all its hidden gems: Windsor Castle; Changing of the Guard; architecture by the likes of Sir Thomas Fitch and Sir Christopher Wren; Dorney Lake – where we witnessed the spectacular rowing races of the 2012 London Olympics; the Eton School; Ascot racecourse; and Legoland. Er hum-hum. Okay, no one or place is perfect.
Interestingly, there’s also the village of Bray nestled within this borough. Bray can boast to be the only village in the world to support two three-starred Michelin restaurants: Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck, and Michael Roux’s Waterside Inn.
But today, I’d just be happy with Windsor’s less famous, cinnamon bun, with a nice cup of tea. And the only way we’d like to get there is by our bicycles.
In the mood for Autumn
No Surprises
We meet on a frosty Sunday morning in the park. Whilst the streets are still absent of people, Richmond is buzzing with activity: families running; locals walking their dogs; golfers set to tee-off and cyclists coming together for a ride.
I quickly say hello to Kirsten, Craig and Rupert. Mindful that they may get cold. Soon enough as our legs start moving, so does the conversation. It’s good to see Kirsten out; it’s normally me joining her group rides, and already she’s having a positive impact on our pace. Rupert back from hols Mallorca is stirred by thought of being back on a bicycle. It’s been some time since Craig has been riding, but his efforts in the past week have energised our brother.
The route out is familiar and popular for most clubs this side of London. There are no surprises, except for the scenery and riding conditions. They are perfect!
Later, Craig comments on this.
The nearly open road
There’s plenty of space here
Thanks to my companions the ride isn’t rushed. We allow our gears to do all the work as we take in our surroundings. Leaving the high walls and loudness behind, we enter forests and wide open spaces. One such space is the park; you could easily spend your entire day just wandering through and discovering one find after another.
Windsor park is stunning on days like this. Much of the same activities we were amongst in Richmond are happening here, but a more gentle pace.
The stretch of road into town is straight and long, letting us spin, before sweeping through the roundabout, up the hill and into the arcade. Our reward awaits us at the Cinamon Cafe.
Talking of rides or about food, either way, we’re interested
We take our time today. No one’s on the clock, but we do want to try another route that Kirsten shares, so once revitalised, we hop on and are away.
The ride back is more of a weave through some of the most picturesque parts of the country: quirky villages, riverside towns and country lanes lead us back to Old Shepparton and before we know it, we’re home.
There are plenty of reasons to explore Windsor. One way of getting there is on a bicycle with your friends. If you’d like to give the Royal Borough a visit in this way, give us a call.
Related topics: Giving Life The Full Windsor