B Group - 30th November

Despite the freezing temperatures and heavy frost lasting throughout the day in shady areas, the glorious sunshine made it a 'good to be alive' day and brought out plenty of cyclists.  There were 22 of us in B Group bound for lunch at the Bell & Crown at Strand on the Green.  Our route was pretty straightforward - across Kingston Bridge and follow the river downstream through Twickenham, Richmond, Isleworth, Syon Park and Brentford High Street to Kew Bridge.  From here, a nifty sidestep to the left of the bridge brought us to Strand on the Green.  There had not been a ripple on the water when we were cycling beside it between Twickenham and Richmond but during lunch the tide had turned to come in and a strong current was soon visible.

The Bell & Crown is situated right on the river and was well known to one or two of the riders, especially Robin who had eaten there the previous evening!  However, for the group, it was a first visit. The staff were very friendly, handled the numbers well and gave us our own section overlooking the river, where the sun was streaming in through the windows.  We had arrived earlier than anticipated despite all the traffic lights on Brentford High Street and were on our way again shortly after 1.30 p.m.

Continuing to follow the river downstream, we crossed it on Chiswick Bridge and dropped down to the towpath to Mortlake Brewery.  Here we turned southwards and followed Sheen Lane into Richmond Park at East Sheen Gate.  Heading into the sun for most of the way back to Kingston, visibility was really quite difficult at times.  We took the Ham Gate exit and turned left on to Latchmere Lane and Road, back to the river and on to Kingston Bridge.  Here was the parting of the ways as a number of people headed off to get home early, while six of us stopped for tea in the upstairs cafe in the former Town Hall in the Market Place.  It had not been a very long ride but it had been a great day to be out.  Many thanks to Back-marker, Pam, and to all those who helped on corners.

~ Gill Finlay

At The Bell and Crown