Easy Riders - October 19th 2011

Group at Richmond Lock

Alison and I left Hampton for the ride meeting at the King's Centre, Chessington. On the way from Long Ditton we went under the Kingston Bypass, cycling up a muddy bank around a horse that was blocking the entrance to the tunnel which was really wet, smelly and muddy. I decided not to bring the riders back through here and changed my planned route for leading the group assisted by Alan who knew the route to the A3 underpass between Hook and Tolworth.

Those starting the ride were Alison, Beryl, Gillian, Lynda, Sonia, David, Norman, Malcolm, Ron, Tom, Alan W, Bill, and John H. From the underpass we took the most direct route through Surbiton to Kingston Bridge where Sonia left us. Over the bridge we turned right and headed down Broome Road passing the re-built Teddington Academy to Teddington Lock where we followed Twickenham Road past Pope's Grotto to the river bank at Twickenham. From here we followed the river all the way, crossing the foot of Richmond Bridge, to the London Apprentice at Isleworth arriving for lunch at 1.00 pm after a 13 mile ride.

We had an excellent lunch overlooking the river before we returned to Richmond Bridge and this time crossing the river and turning right into Petersham Road and getting back onto the river down River Lane. We followed the tow path to Ham House where we went down the back roads to Teddington Lock. At this point the group split with four deciding to go directly to Kingston and the main group heading on over the river and through Teddington and Bushy Park to Hampton Court. Here David and Alison, who had to go to a meeting in London for 5.00 pm, left the group who went to have tea at '5 on the Bridge'.

I clocked 28.5 miles but the main group would have done 30+ miles all in all an interesting and relaxing day.

David S