13 set off under cloudy skies but with a following wind, from Hersham, though some were intending to return home as the ride was to Wimbledon Common via Surbiton and New Malden.
After the long, but relatively easy, climb up Copse Hill we were down to 11. Five decided to lunch in a pub by the Common and the rest went onto the Windmill Cafe. The sun made an unscheduled appearance and it was pleasant sitting outside the cafe.
Later, those in the pub decided to go home and the remainder continued across Wimbledon, Putney and Barnes Commons to the Thames Path at Mortlake. Rowers were out in force on the River which was very high and almost covered the path by Richmond half-tide lock after we crossed over at Kew. Four finished up at Pembroke Lodge cafe, passing on the way up Richmond Hill the shop specialising in electric bikes. Food for thought for those of us with waning energy.
Tim Court kindly provides the memory-map of the route, which was 23 miles from Hersham to Richmond Park. Most of us will therefore have done rather more for the whole day.
Harry Cole
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