Departing from Towcester McDonalds at 09:30. Mike Wakelin leading

This ride is now to join our own Nene Valley Secretary, Steve Whatmore, (Gloria) who has been nominated by family to do a 300ft bungee jump to celebrate his 70th (yes 70th) birthday. It’s not my idea of a way to celebrate anything, let alone becoming a septuagenarian, but as ever he’s more than up for it.
So, my original picnic ride has been re-planned to join him at Bray Lake between Maidenhead and Windsor on the A308.
The ride will leave MacDonalds, Towcester at 9.30 for what will be a busy ride down the A43, A41, A413, A355 & A308. These are all main roads and we will be passing through Aylesbury and Slough so KEEPING UP will be essential as there are traffic lights and lots of Joe Public out to split us up. 
Bray lake are allowing us to park right up by the event site and use their facilities which are limited but clean. They do have a small family run cafe / coffee bar but they can be a tad slow and might struggle if we all hit them together so I would suggest sandwiches and a flask but I would still encourage everyone to try and purchase something if possible as a thank you. 
Steve’s jump is timed for 2.00pm but we’re leaving early enough to cope with traffic, a stop and be able to get settled prior to the event. On the way down we will have to ride for around an hour and a half before we stop at Beaconsfield services at the M40 where we can all have a pee and top up on any grub or drinks. There is NO NEED to fill with fuel as we will do that prior to entering the site.
We will leave around 2.30 -2.45 (or as dictated by the jump) for a faster ride home up the M308, M404 and M40. The ride will finish at Baynards Green services on the A43. Distance will be around 80 miles there and less back. 
Steve’s jump will go ahead in the rain but not strong wind. The ride will be pretty much weather dependant as it won’t be much fun for us in the wet so keep an eye on the Facebook page and emails etc.
Steve is setting up a just giving page and I’m sure will accept donations on the day that will go to Ride to Give and MacMillan.
Don’t forget that this ride is one of the Landmark challenge rides.
Hope to see you all there. Any questions get in touch.
Mike Wakelin.