A Group, 30 November

Some 17 of us left Weybridge on a bright sunny morning headed for Osterley Park. It was my first ride leadership, standing in for Ed.

Crossing the river at Walton Bridge, and the M3 on the Charlton Road footbridge we passed through Charlton and Ashford Common to the futuristic BP campus – acres of car parks but not a cycle stand in sight – no secret about what they’re selling. We skirted Hanworth Park followed by the delights of Hanworth Road, busy with traffic forced off the M25 which was completely closed that day by a crash. Welcome relief came with crossing Hounslow Heath before immersing ourselves in Hounslow West and Heston, and finally to Osterley Park. Lunch was taken at the NT café where we ate well and speedily. Emerging from lunch to a change in the weather we rode in the rain chasing blue sky to the north, picking up the Grand Union Canal and heading homeward towards Brentford past the “unique” triple Windmill Bridge and Hanwell Locks. Unfortunately, because of the rain the path was as muddy as it had been dry when I did the last recce on Sunday, so our bikes all received an unwelcome coating of mud. We completed the ride via Syon Park and the Thames Path to Twickenham, whence by road to Bushey Park in good time for tea.

Thanks to all for their support on this my first ride as leader, and especially to Simon for his able back-marking (the red jacket was brilliant), and to Mark and Ray for the photos.

Dave