B Group - 27th February

For those who can remember, the ride in the same week last year was a spectacular non-event, as all of the SW London rides were cancelled, the temperature was -4 degrees, snow was predicted and arrived the following day. What a difference a year makes!

This year in blazing sunshine and temperatures rising to 18 degrees, the B Group headed to East Sheen.  Along the way we explored the minor roads of Shepperton and Lower Sunbury before exiting left and taking a bridleway up to Hampton. We then proceeded to Bushy Park, navigating the kissing gates along the way before cycling along the Lower Teddington Road to Teddington lock, where disaster struck; I got a puncture! So after some consideration, Tim took most of the group onto the Pig and Whistle at East Sheen for lunch. I followed on with John, Grant and Arwyn to keep me company. The pub served us quickly with some excellent food and we were on our way in just over an hour.

On leaving the pub, we re-entered Richmond Park and climbed up the hill to Richmond Gate where we left  the park and proceeded down the hill towards Ham, turning off right down River Lane and left along the towpath to Kingston Bridge. We crossed the bridge and followed the Thames towpath along past Hampton Court Place, over the Bridge and turned right for tea at the Five at the  Bridge café at Hampton Court, which we all found so good it was difficult to leave. Thank you for your help and understanding on my first lead ride.

Ray Youlden