Report for B Group - 5th April

Gill’s report

Following an inclement recce we were very pleased to have some sunshine forecast. Despite the weather not quite living up to expectations, it was a perfect day for cycling. With a mix of off-road, riverside, roadway, modern waste transfer stations, gothic revival architecture and lovely parkland we hoped to keep everyone happy!

23 were scheduled to ride, but unfortunately Steph had a bike issue and had to pull out and Carolyn had an altercation with a van in Esher.  Happily no injuries, but her bike needed some attention and Giro sorted her out sufficiently for her to wisely head home. However, Ken unexpectedly joined us as did a returning Wayfarer, Mike Pontin, so we were back up to numbers. Welcome to Rachael on her first ride out with the Bs.

From Cobham we headed out over Esher Common via Walton to Twickenham for lunch. I believe it’s the first time the Bs have used the Eel Pie Pub and it’s one I’d certainly revisit. The staff were welcoming, the menu smallish but tasty, quick service and safe storage for bikes in the garden, plus good beer! It was lovely to see Paula, still nursing an injury, who lives locally so joined us for lunch.

Lunch at the Eel Pie pub

With a major part of the ride done before lunch we had a pleasant riverside route via Richmond up to Ham then into Richmond Park, linking up with Wimbledon Common for tea at the Windmill.

Photobombing a Bentley car photoshoot!

Thanks so much to Sue and Mick for subleading, and their inputs into the route. Thanks to my group, Julie, Gina, John, Robert, Brenda and Chris for their great company.

Gill

 

Sue’s report

Thankfully the weather yesterday was a good  deal better than our recce last Friday which was cycled mostly on wet muddy paths in the rain. A few dry days had allowed the track across Esher Common  to dry out and our party of seven had no problem negotiating our way over to Portsmouth Rd. We turned out to be a fluid group in number with Wayfarer Mike Pontin  joining us for the early part of the ride - hope to see you again Mike.

Gill had chosen a brilliant spot for lunch in Twickenham; great food and service at The Eel Pie. Nice towpath and park cycling was on the menu after lunch with Ian recounting tales of his childhood in the area. We shed several riders who turned for home before tea and we were down to 3 by the time we reached the Windmill café. In true Wallace and Gromit  style Gill, A Grand Day Out. Well   done on your first lead!

Sue

Mick’s report

After a chilly start we left Cobham just after 11:00. Gill’s well prepared route, executed by Mick, went well until we crossed the Cobham Bypass in Esher Common, Mick’s memory failed causing the group to experience the sandy, smaller paths of the common. Nevertheless we managed to exit the common at the correct point and thereafter navigation was to plan. We had a pleasant, quickly served, lunch at the Eel Pie Pub surrounded by posters for old bands who had played Eel Pie Island theatre. There were reminiscences from those prepared to divulge their age.

Teatime!

After lunch we had a pleasant ride along the Thames, downstream then upstream. Half the group, not wishing to experience familiar climbs, continued upstream to Kingston and then home. Tony, Francis, Rachael and Mick completed the ride at the Windmill on Wimbledon Common.

 Mick