Thirteen set off from North Cheam today. A mighty 18 enjoyed coffee in Walton on Thames, 17 of whom rode on to lunch in the lovely Railway at Teddington. It must be summer! This time of year we can all feel blessed to belong to this wonderful group.
Our scheduled ride leader was late so by the time she rolled up, Lynda was leading out, en route to Tolworth. As we hit Central Road in Worcester Park we tried our "whole group together in the left hand lane" strategy from Green Lane traffic lights, arriving at WP station lights all together just as they turned red. So we were all ready up front, at or near the green box, to go when the lights turned green; no one was left behind and the drivers behind us were surely impressed by our assertive team riding as we filtered back to the cycle lane on the left hand side before turning left to make our way through Old Malden.
From Tolworth we headed downhill through the Dittons and an unfamiliar route, guided by Liz S, through quiet and blossomy suburban roads to Walton. Such a nice easy paced ride; we arrived at Walton at 10 past 11, the others were wondering if we were coming! No matter; coffee was being served very promptly at the cafe, so we were ready to leave by about 11.45. At this point we divided into two routes; the scenic towpath, (or "puncture route" according to John B who suffered two on one memorable occasion a couple of summers ago!); and the "north of the river route" through Sunbury and Hampton. I was surprised that only five other people wanted to do the towpath (it's my favourite to follow the river even if it is a bit bumpy, the Thames is cooler and very beautiful in this lovely weather) but the people had spoken...
Hard to believe, but two groups reached the central route through Bushy Park at the same time, meeting almost head on at the Diana fountain from west and south! I sped ahead, having booked the tables, but the lovely staff at the pub were completely unfazed by everyone turning up at once, including five extras. We sat at tables of four plus a five, downstairs. Service was kind and the food delicious, and exceptionally good value. Some of us had two courses and coffee as well so unsurprisingly, we were late finishing and most people peeled off home afterwards.
Six of us - Peter, Frank, Colin, Gillian, Ed and myself - headed for Richmond Park via Teddington Lock and Ham Common, with four stopping at Roehampton gate for ice creams. I clocked 32 miles over the day from North Cheam back to Worcester Park.
Lovely day out with perfect cycling weather. Thanks all for fun and good company.
~ Helen
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