The Easy Riders piled on the layers in preparation for near-freezing temperatures. So imagine our surprise to come upon two ladies of mature years in their swimming costumes about to take the plunge into the Thames passing the boat club houses on Lower Ham. Some are made of sterner stuff!
The turnout at Kingston YMCA was the biggest for many weeks and included John Bellamy - his dodgy knees allowing him to join us at elevenses for the first time in a while - and Bernard Power, who was returning for a full day's ride after being sidelined for seven months with a serious tendon injury. Unfortunately, John didn't feel able to continue but it was encouraging to see him back on his bike.
Our route took us across Kingston Bridge and it was hard to believe the warmth of the sunshine as we rode along Barge Walk. There were still signs of a winding down of operations at Hampton Court Palace after Rishi Sunak's business bunfight on Monday.
Passing Imber Court we were overtaken by a truck with an illuminated passenger-side rear light depicting a cyclist overlaid with a no-entry symbol.
Believing Littlemoor Common might present problems after Monday's rain, we turned left opposite Sandown Park and headed for Claygate. This is familiar territory for those of us travelling from North Cheam at Chobham once a month, the difference on this occasion being that we were moving in the reverse direction.
Interesting to note on the roadside two ladies clad in hi-vis jackets equipped with a speed gun. Was this DIY law enforcement or outsourcing by the authorities? Impossible to say.
A little later than intended our 14-strong group arrived at the Jolly Coopers near Stamford Green. Lunch didn't disappoint.
The sun had disappeared and temperature had dropped by the time we departed.
~ Frank Carter
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