B Group 9th January

Not a bad start to the day, cold, but with some sunshine, and eighteen of us set off through Bushy Park, past the Diana Fountain and along the towpath to Kingston Bridge.  A serpentine passage of the town, which tested our corner-marking skills, then a short run through the back streets up to Richmond Park.  

Here we took the Tamsin Trail, rather than the road, and very pleasant it was.  A decent surface, not too busy and a ray of sunshine to cheer us on our way.  We stopped on King Henry's Mound, where Mike showed us the marker post that indicates the sight-line to St Paul's, ten miles distant, then back on the trail to Roehampton Gate.

Up through the estate to Roehampton High Street, then a mile or so further to the pub.

We fitted in nicely...

They had set a room aside for us, which was good, and, after a short delay, we were all served and well fed. 

Back on the road before two, we crossed Wimbledon Common by the Ladies' Mile, turning down past the Fox and Grapes heading back to Richmond Park.  We had a few issues here, with Simon, our trusty back marker, having a mechanical problem which was not a roadside fix.  With a bit of to-ing and fro-ing some set off  for home, and some got colder than they would like - the sun had gone.  

So, back into the Park and a bit warmer climbing to the top of the hill above Ham Gate, where we had a Referendum.  Enthusiasm for tea was low, and a brisk return directly to Kingston carried the vote.  The Ayes have it, the Ayes have it.   (Ray was keen to emphasise that it was not the result of the Referendum that mattered, but the deal which could subsequently be negotiated, but no-one took much notice of that.)

So, briskly down it was, and just by Kingston Station, we declared victory, and people made their respective ways home.

My thanks to my fellow riders for a very enjoyable day out, at least partly in January sunshine.  Particular thanks to the back markers and the corner markers - they make the ride flow.  And, while I'm at it, I'll touch my cap to our friends currently in Viet-Nam.  I hope that they are enjoying themselves, as we did.

Mark