Blossom and Magnolia: Ray's C ride along the Crane

 

What a great day out! The weather was good, the company was good, social distancing was being observed and group riding of up to six..

Ray’s Group

We proceeded to cross Walton bridge into Shepperton and worked our way via the back streets through to Charlton Village and Feltham via BP’s offices in Sunbury. At Feltham we stopped briefly, next to the pound, to learn a little bit of history from the 1950’s from Ed. Then onto a gravel cycle track through Leitrim Park and on to Hanworth Road where we entered Crane River Park. Here we discovered another bit of history from Don; that the area was a gunpowder mill up until the 1^st World War and that you can visit the shot tower at weekends when it is open to the public. We then followed the River Crane to Kneller Gardens for lunch.

After lunch we set off to Bushey Park going via Twickenham, Teddington and entered the park at Coleshill Passage Gate cycled along Chestnut Avenue to the kiosk at the side f the lake. Here we departed on our way home, with memoirs of good weather and great cycling. Thank you, Don, John, Ed and Ann.

Ray Y

Helen’s Group

We set out from North Cheam yesterday, with much joy and excitement to be cycling together again. 

Frank and Godfrey peeled off after coffee at Walton, leaving four of us - Sandie, Dawn, Anne and me - to follow Ray's excellent directions through Shepperton and along an interesting route towards picnic lunch at Kelleher Park. We stopped for photos at the Shot Tower along the Crane River route.

Spring's glorious magnolias, cherry blossom and daffodils all added to our enjoyment of being out with friends for the day.

Anne had to get back,  so three of us picnicked together in the children's playground, which was buzzing with families. 

After lunch we went a little astray in the warren of streets between Twickenham bridge and Bushy Park, but put our heads together and found our way through Strawberry Hill with a little guidance from Dawn's phone!

Sandie headed home through Teddington, while Dawn and I stopped for tea - and more chat! - in Kingston Market place after crossing Bushy Park. Then we headed home along Route 75 to Worcester Park and Sutton. I clocked 36 miles total.

A wonderful day out, many thanks Ray for a very well judged route, perfect for our first ride out together after the winter break. I feel sure we will travel it again together over the summer. Next time, perhaps some of us will even extend to Richmond Park for tea!

Helen