B Group Aug 24th

B Group's ride for 24th August was a river ride with a couple of inland loops thrown in for good measure! There were 24 of us setting off from the Greeno heading for The Town Wharf pub at Old Isleworth. After the rain of the day before, we took the inland route to Molesey before joining the towpath at Hampton Court. From there on it was towpath to Kingston, over the bridge and along the other side as far as Teddington Lock. It was good to see youngsters out on the water at Molesey Boat Club and at Kingston. At the Lock, we turned inland towards Ham then followed a series of paths round the back of Ham House to the Garden Centre at Petersham and finally on the 'dry' flood route path across a meadow to join the towpath once more at Richmond - a new route for most with some challenging narrow paths! Crossing the river at Richmond Bridge, the final lap to the Town Wharf was familiar territory. With a large group and a stand-in cook, lunch stretched to a couple of hours and I thank everyone for their patience. However, it was pleasant enough sitting outside next to the river (albeit at low tide!), watching the resident heron, chatting and being entertained by the constant flow of aeroplanes coming into Heathrow low over our heads - the flight path changed just as we left! After lunch a slightly shorter route than planned was put into action. We went through Syon Park and on to Kew Bridge where Liz, took over as leader. Crossing Kew Bridge, we turned sharply left and left again, to join the towpath which we followed under Chiswick Bridge to the brewery, then turned inland to the East Sheen Gate into Richmond Park. Back on my original route, we crossed the park to Ham Gate, turned left immediately to cut across to Tudor Drive, down to the lights, straight across and left on to paths leading us straight to the YMCA Cafe, back on the river. There were 12 of us by now, others having dropped off on the way After tea most continued to Kingston Bridge before separating to head home. Thanks to co-leader, Liz, and to Irene for being back-marker. Gill Finlay