New Year's Day Elevenses Meet 2024

 🎄

Everyone from all SWLDA sections is welcome at the Cheam & Morden Section's traditional New Year's Day meet at Colicci Cafe, Roehampton Gate, Richmond Park on Weds 1 January.    Arrive at any time from early on until midday and you'll be in good company!    

Wednesday 'B' group riders who are interested in a possible ride starting from the Epsom/Ewell area to Richmond Park and back should contact Madeleine Shearer for further information.

Apart from that, no formal group rides to or from Richmond Park are currently planned but it's never too late to volunteer to lead an inbound, outbound, or round trip ride!   A lunch stop is not compulsory!

Seasons greetings in the meantime, and don't forget that the C & M don't stop for Christmas - we do have a ride planned for Sunday 29 December too!

Report for B Group - 18th December

Well done and thank you to all members of our three groups who put up with the early rain. ‘Rain before seven certainly did clear by eleven.’ 

Francis’ report sums up all three:

The first group of Geoff, Bernard, Sabina, Pat and Anne left the splendid Elleray Hall and headed for a half-loop of Richmond Park in dry but windy conditions. Soon, we were on the urban roads again heading for Tolworth through the quiet back streets. In no time at all, we were entering the Horton estate and shortly at Spoons, Epsom for lunch. A good morning's ride. Francis

So, at this time of year may I make a more general comment as opposed to more riding reports:

“Thank you to all members of the Midweek Wayfarers, past and present, for being so open, friendly and inclusive. This really is a great bunch of people; however we achieve this supportive response, may it last and continue.”

John

A Group Ride from Teddington to Eton and Hampton Court, 18th December 2024.

 On a blustery and balmy December day - it was warm enough for Simon to wear his cycling sandals without socks!, 23 A riders turned up at Teddington for an early start to Eton. (Apart from 3 other rides this year with 24 riders, this high turnout was a bit unexpected for a ride with the least daylight). Maybe it was the lack of a chill factor that brought people out - (the chill factor was experienced later in the Waterman's Arms where the heating thermostat probably matched the 15 degree outside temperature!).

Janice's group at St. Mary's church, Bedfont.

Janice led an on-road group. However, as she says, it was an off on-road ride and an on off-road ride as well!

Peter S, Richard, Patrick, Neil W, Dave W, Dave B, Daniel and I set off from Teddington as the final group.

We were the only on road group but as I hadn’t been able to recce the route I forewarned everyone and asked them to keep an eye on their navigation devices and let me know of any missed or wrong turns.

Quite soon there was a roadside discussion as to the correct turning but we all managed to stay on course. At a later turning I decided to forgo the on road route to avoid a busy roundabout to take the familiar gritty muddy path under the M25. Some followed me, some stuck to the course. That set the scene for the hybrid on/off road hybrid route that we then followed (or at times stumbled upon).

We caught up with Dave V’s group on the footbridge over the M4. 3 of my group elected to go off road with Dave but we caught them up when we turned left into Ditton Park. Something had gone wrong either by making that turn or shortly thereafter and my Garmin never fully recovered as we were now off course and the screen was frozen.

It took a while but by then I realised that when inviting the group to keep an eye on their navigation devices I had assumed that we would all be following the same on road route given in Ged’s email. Alas, some were following the off road route hence the confusion all round.

Somehow and with a muckier bike than hoped but mercifully no punctures we arrived at The Waterman. The sandwiches were inexpensive and good but the pub was cold.

We were glad to get outdoors again on the short December day so that we could warm up.

The on and off roaders.

The journey back to Hampton Court was plain sailing as far as navigation was concerned although the hoped for tail wind was still a fairly strong head wind for much of it. For those who stopped we were rewarded with enormous slices of cake and decent coffee.

Thanks to Ged for the route and apologies to my group for the uncertain and confusing lead! It was nevertheless enjoyable to be out in the fresh air on such a mild December day. Particular thanks to Peter for back marking and coping with having to decide at times which splinter of the group to follow!

My group were suited for on and off road, coping well with a large puddle in Ditton Park. Mike pictured us at crossing the bridge to the rather muddy track across Eton College Playing Fields.

Arriving in good time for lunch, there was plenty of opportunity to cool down as the other groups arrived, but it was rather too cool for most. Andy C mended a puncture whilst we lunched. It was good to get moving again!

 

The well-composed middle group.

Dave Vine had recced the route with me, and his group of eight picture below had a trouble-free ride - expertly back-marked by Simon. 

A large handful of starters arrived for tea at Dish, where Patrick happily tucked into the largest slab of coffee cake I've ever seen!

Thanks to Dave Vine and Janice for sub-leading a sometimes tricky route. And many thanks to all for making it a very enjoyable winter day's ride. Thanks to Mike for a seasonal visit and diligently back-marking my group all day.

Happy Christmas to all Wayfarers.

Report on A Group ride to Christmas Lunch on 11 December.

As the weather was fine and everyone was keen we had three groups of six leave Claygate at five minute intervals.

We headed into Esher, across the High Street and at Esher Green entered the Esher Place Estate. At the bottom of the hill is Wayneflete Tower, Part of the Palace of Esher established in 1462 by Bishop William Waynflete of Winchester, (More information here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayneflete_Tower )

Then we headed through West End and back to the Portsmouth Road before turning down Fairmile Lane for Stoke D'Abernon and on to Fetcham.

After a mile on Lower Road we reached Bookham and turned North to head for lunch. Bookham Common only had a few muddy patches and we enjoyed the traffic-free route over to Downside. In Cobham we re-joined the Portsmouth Road and it was then just a five and a half mile straight road to The Angel.

All three groups arrived within minutes of each other and in the order they left Claygate.

Thanks to Dave Vine and Clive Janes for leading groups for me.

Christmas greetings from Tony Ashford

I've just received this from Tony who, for the benefit of those of us who haven't met him, lives in Germany and comes to Dieppe every year with his family and stays at La Plage. 

Hi Tim,

              Just to wish you and the Sou'westers a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year with many happy hours on the bike. Of course my still being in Germany our main meeting point is the Tour des Trois Vallées in Dieppe. We will be there next June arriving just the day before the event because of my son's school holiday timetable.

              On our return this year we took another biking holiday in the Lorraine near Lac de Madine and I can thoroughly recommend it. There are gentle hills and much history too (and much from World War I). And very peaceful too. We are returning there in 2025.

I wish everyone all the best for 2025

Tony Ashford

Invitation to the B Ride on Wednesday 18th December

We shall set out from Teddington on a ride through Richmond Park to end up in Epsom for lunch, about 18 miles. There will be no planned afternoon ride so please make sure you know your way home from Epsom.

Our route:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49200511

If you would like to join one of the groups please email me by close of play Monday. If you would prefer an early or later depart please let me know, also if you already know that you will be riding home with someone you are very welcome to let me know so that I can put those p.m. riders into the same morning group.

John A

B Ride Report – 11th December

Just 16 hardy riders gathered at Squires Garden Centre for Elevenses (Claygate DC being closed). Great to see Tim C joining us for coffee and hope to see him more next year.

In the end, 14 riders headed out in small groups of 4 or 5 riders at 15 min intervals in low cloud and cold drizzle. At Effingham, 2 riders departed their various ways, before the first climb of the day, up High Barn Road. As we approached the end, on the right hand side, we were rewarded with a magnificent 200 metre long hedge-coppicing.

Descending gingerly on a wet White Down lane, we headed west along Guildford road through the quaint villages of Abinger Hammer and Gomshall. An undulating loop south along Burrows Lane, Hook Lane and Sandy Lane took us back up to the picturesque village of Shere.

 

After a rest and hydration stop, we rode towards the main challenge of the day, up Combe Lane in our lowest gear and the steep turn at the top. Gathering safely at the top, all thoughts turned to lunch in the warm and cosy Barley Mow pub in West Horsley, a short distance away. It was at this point that Mick, leading the middle group, announced ‘No More Hills everyone’ having forgotten the short but steep kick back up Shere Rd!

Lunch at the pub was pleasant as usual, particularly their Thai dishes guaranteed to heat you through. Unfortunately their log burning stove failed to warm us up before it was time again to brave the cold and head out the short distance through Ockham and tea at Café Barbera at Stoke D’Abernon.

En route, we took an old dilapidated concrete road through Ryde Farm Estate where the first group were lucky enough to see 4 kites circling over the wooded area and massive groups of crows roosting amongst the trees for dusk.

Many thanks to my subbies Mick A and Tim G for leading and encouraging their groups round the route safely and to all our back-markers. Well done everyone who came along for the ride.

A Group Ride, 18th December 2024 from Teddington to Eton and Hampton Court.

 You are invited onto the A Group ride on 18th December to Eton and Hampton Court. Lunch is at the Watermans Arms, Eton, and tea at Hampton Court: 37 miles in total, split evenly before and after lunch. The route has a few off-road gravel sections through local parks. But the approach from Datchet to Eton is through Ditton Park, Upton Court Park and Eton College grounds - which were rather mucky on Tuesday’s recce, (though perfectly rideable), so for non off-roadees an alternative .gpx route will be available. (Also Slough Council have promised to cut-back a fallen tree blocking a pathway!).

The Watermans Arms are happy to accept lunch orders on the day, but you may wish to peruse the menu to aid ordering. (Dish cafe, at Hampton Court, have also promised to have a well-stocked cake selection!).

Please respond to me by the normal time of 6pm on Monday 16th December: gedlawrenson150@gmail.com.

Routes, groups, running order, etc. will be mailed-out on Tues. morning. (Expect an early start from elevenses for a ride closest to the shortest day). 

I hope to see you on the last ride of 2024!

New Road (just south of Claygate)

After Elevenses today at Squires in Stoke d'Abernon I cycled home via the Oxshott Common woods then turned off Fairoak Lane into New Road which leads north towards Claygate. On the corresponding Wednesday last December I led a B Group ride from Claygate to Banstead and included the woodland paths through Arbrook Common and Birch Wood and reported:

"New Road seems to have been totally neglected for years despite being a popular link for walkers, cyclists and horse riders making their ways between Claygate and The Prince’s Coverts. The path was very squiffy in places and where large mucky puddles spanned the ‘road’ many of us dismounted and wheeled our bikes through to Fairoak Lane."

Steph noted: "... some particularly splendid mud edged lagoons." and took this photo:

So imagine my surprise today to find that a major resurfacing project has taken place on the quarter mile of muck and puddles and that New Road in it's entirety is now a splendid ride all the way through to Claygate, even for a rider with a wonky leg.

 ~ Tim C

Invitation to B Group Ride 11th December

As the Claygate Day Centre is closed, Elevenses will be at Squires Garden Centre, 85 Stoke Road, Stoke D’Abernon, KT11 3PU.

The ride route is 28 miles in total with 1,922 feet of climb.

It's 18.7 miles from Elevenses to the Barley Mow pub in West Horsley, via Gomshall and Shere. A couple of hills to climb in the morning, High Barn Lane and Coombe Lane and the rest of the route is relatively flat. The afternoon ride is short and straightforward at only 9.4 miles, for those wishing to have tea at Café Barbera, Stoke D’Abernon.

The Barley Mow pub does not require pre-ordering but does insist groups arrive at least 15 mins apart which I and my illustrious co-leaders (Tim G and Mick A) will endeavour to comply with. If you would like to join the ride, please Email me directly before 6pm Monday evening.

Look forward to seeing you on Wednesday.

Francis

Report for B Group ride to Christmas Lunch - 4th December

The excitement started early with road closures near Claremont Landscape Gardens and road closure Downsbridge Road maybe preventing access to Church Street . However neither posed a threat to the ride .

A domestic water works issue caused a couple of no shows . Never mind new recruits Anne W and Pat D accompanied by Dave V , Grant and Ken made the smallest group the largest group. 

On show for the Wayfarers Christmas lunch ride to the Angel at Thames Ditton were bikes lit up with battery lights from poundland , tinsel on handlebars and a tastefully frame packaged with Christmas wrapping by Alan C . 

The Christmas fairy’s cloak unfortunately got stuck in the back wheel initially causing a group reshuffle rethink but Madeleine safely arrived to head out with the Gold group . Normal service restored . 

For the record the riders in the Christmassy named groups were 

Gold led by Madeleine Dave C , Julie B, Karl, Linda M, Martin G, Paula B, Robert  

Frankincense - led by Mick A Alan C,Francis D, Gill H, Maggie J, Paul J  

Myrrh - led by Arwyn Ian W, John A, Sue F, Terry L, Tim G then joined by Grant , Ken , Dave V, Anne W and Pat D

Diane was picked up on the way to join Gold group.

It was a meander through Cobham and Fairmile’s back roads until we hit the rolling Portsmouth Road . The flooded West End football pitch was ready for the subs. 

Taking Riverside Drive , the busy climb to Esher was avoided and the groups passed Wayneflete Tower. 

It was evidently a gatehouse to Esher Palace. 

Here is a Time Team documentary about it: https://www.youtube.com/watch

Cycling out of Esher towards Kingston we turned right into New Road . The rare Edward VIII pillar box was at the junction with Littleworth Road . 

Despite gas road closures , comfort stops and the good spells of puncture fairies all groups timely arrived at The Ángel .

Thanks to Arwyn , Mick A and Madeleine for leading the groups . 

Thanks to our backmarkers Robert, Francis and Tim G

Gold

Frankinsense

Myrrh

Contributions for Sou'Wester required, please

I am running short of material for the next Sou'Wester, which I will put together mid January.

So of anyone is doing a winter ride, or has recently done a ride, or has mechanical or digital route planning advice, please get in touch and put pen to paper (ie fingers to keyboard).

You would be surprised how what seems like an ordinary ride to you is an interesting adventure to someone who has not done it, and sharing is worthwhile.

Paulandrewjames1949@yahoo.co.uk

Thanks

Paul

Ride Report - A Group 4th December from Cobham

16 riders made it to Cobham for this ride to Shamley Green for lunch and then tea at the Vineries in Effingham. The course took us over the new Wisley Road bridge to Guildford and Blackheath and on to Shamley Green for lunch at The Bricklayers Arms. It was about 30 miles in all; 20 miles to lunch and 10 miles over the hills to tea.

Here are some words from Brian: Once again we were fortunate to have a dry day. My group of Sue C, Dave F, Simon and Ged set off and found that the roadworks didn't effectively start until after Plough Lane which was very busy with oncoming cars trying to find a way to Cobham. Soon we were on the upgraded Elm Lane and the new path up to Wisley Lane. It's still a bit of work in progress but good to have that link restored. After that we had an uneventful ride to the underpass from Woodruff Avenue to Merrow Woods. It was a first time for three of the group though Ged and I had used it years ago. The hills from there to lunch warmed us up and Halfpenny Lane was enjoyably almost traffic free.

Lunch was promptly served and very enjoyable. The road to Farley Green was also very quiet with traffic no doubt deterred by the closure signs. Fortunately, my legs had warmed up again by the time we got to Shere and Coombe Lane was conquered in spite of an ill-timed car on the bend at the top. We were back at the Vineries by 2.45 after an enjoyable run down Green Dene.

Thanks to the group for their company and to Ged for back marking.

Thanks also to my group, Dave W for back marking and Hans and Brian for sub-leading.

A group ride to the Christmas Lunch on 11th December.

Sorry this invitation is earlier than usual but I am away for the next week.

On Wednesday 11th December we will be riding from Claygate to our Christmas Lunch at The Angel Inn, Thames Ditton.

The Day Centre is not available so we can choose from any of the cafes in The Parade (the road leading to the station).

We will be leaving just before 11am and riding down through Fetcham to Bookham. This will all be on-road. If it doesn't rain too much before then we will return across Bookham Common but the option of staying on the road and returning through Effingham is always there. 

From Cobham it is a straight line all the way to The Angel. But not just any straight line but the route of the old coach road from London to Portsmouth. After the railway arrived, and took away the stagecoach traffic, it was the cyclists that revived the fortunes of the pubs along the route.

At the end of the 19th century the "Ripley Road" between London and The Anchor in Ripley was a world-famous cycling road. In 1889 a group of high-profile American cycle tourists, including journalists and politicians, came to see this famous route. At least 100 British cyclists rode with them from London, another 100 met up with them at The Angel, and there were 500 by the time they got to The Anchor!

So as you cycle towards your Christmas lunch you can think of all those who have passed that way before you, raced high-wheelers over the Fairmile, struggled up the hills with tired legs, and called at The Angel for a recuperative pint.

The route is the one we used in 2021 and is about 20 miles.

I know some may be going straight to the pub, or have arranged chauffeurs, to maximise drinking opportunities. But if you want to join me on the ride please email me by Monday evening, 9th December. Another willing volunteer to lead a small group would be most welcome.

I will then sort out the groups, finalise starting times to get you to lunch by 12.30, and email you details and a gpx file.

Invitation to a B Group ride on 4th December ( Xmas lunch)

Our ride from Cobham is to the Christmas lunch venue at The Angel in Thames Ditton . The 16 mile meander towards West End goes via Knipp Hill but is not too hilly . We loop around Esher towards Claygate . Taking the path under the A3 towards the Angel in Thames Ditton . 

Our groups are targeted to arrive between 1230 and 1245 at the Angel . 

Mick A and Maddie will be my sub leaders on the day. 

There is no planned afternoon ride . 

If you would like to join the ride please email me at arwynmorgan1@gmail.com or mobile 07956.075440 by 5pm Monday, 2nd December .  

Looking forward to seeing you next Wednesday. 

~ Arwyn 

The ridewithgps route:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49167026?privacy_code=mzM0KN3o3fWXrrmAkKTKDXbMm1t8Cnzb

Ride Invitation - A Group Cobham 4th December

Next Wednesday's ride is from Cobham. We will make our way to the Bricklayers Arms in Shamley Green for lunch and along the way will try out the new Wisley Road bridge.

In order to speed up service at the pub they would like us to pre-order. Here is the menu:

Bricklayers Arms Menu

It is 20 miles to lunch then a short 10 mile hop over the hills to tea at The Vineries in Effingham, or you may prefer to go on to Leatherhead or even not stop at all. (1,900 feet of hills).

Let me know (clive.janes@gmail.com) if you would like to come and please include your lunch order.

Ride Report - A's 27 Nov – Kingston to Ace Cafe

The Kingston start at the end of November is often an occasion to head north to sample the delights of suburban London, and today was no exception.

The Wednesday forecast was not good, and my heart sank as I awoke to the sound of heavy rain. But the A’s reputation was at stake, especially after the challenges braved by the Beginners and C&M riders over the Storm Bert weekend.

In the event nobody cancelled and 18 of us arrived at Kingston YMCA in good time. The rain eased off as we prepared to depart, which left only oceans of muddy water underwheel, and overhead thick cloud to block out the sun.

We had three groups led by Peter S (on, I believe his first urban lead) and Neil C, and me. Both Peter and Neil had given up a day to ride a full reccie, which was necessary for an intricate ride keeping as much as possible to quieter roads, parks and towpaths. There were a few unavoidably busy sections, and the groups of 6 riders were about as big as I consider comfortable for urban riding.

The core of the route was devised by the late Frank Cubis, who used his knowledge of these parts to keep us away from, and largely unaware of, the N & S Circular roads which we were broadly following. This led us down some “interesting” paths which you would not normally consider for a cycle ride, but in fact almost all were on LCN recommended routes.

The morning’s objective was a tour round the perimeter of Wembley stadium followed by lunch at the Ace Café, a historic motorcyclists’ haunt, at Stonebridge Park. I had incorporated a break point where we could have shortened the ride by avoiding Wembley and riding direct to the Ace, but in the event everyone elected for the full value ride, to their great credit. 

   

In Frank Cubis’ day the raised perimeter of the stadium offered 360° views round west London, but now the whole area has been developed with high-rise apartment blocks, so it’s only to the south that there’s much to see, and today even that was obscured by the general gloom. The subsequent loop round the romantically named River Brent Trail gave us the opportunity to view the River Brent as a raging torrent, very different from its normal aspect as a muddy brook. 

   

I think we were all relieved to get to the Ace for a chance to warm up, where we were treated to friendly service and good food. Neil’s group were the last to arrive, having suffered a puncture, but at least everyone had arrived safely.

I had set an objective to get everyone back to Kingston by 3.00, to minimise riding in the dark for those who had to get further. It was now my group’s turn to suffer a puncture, easily repaired, but returning the rear wheel disc to its slot took a little longer and the combined attention of the whole group. Thereafter it was plain riding south, and with a degree of urgency to get back in time, aided by a tailwind which convinced some that the afternoon was a little warmer. 

                                    

We were the last to arrive in Kingston, just after 3.00, where some decided to head for home, while others stayed for tea. So many in fact that we filled Café Fika, with an overflow group in the Boho Café just down the road.

I tried to keep the ride as free flowing as possible, given the falling temperature, which Is why we avoided the more conventional Thames crossings at Hammersmith (walking only) and similarly Barnes (foot) Bridge, and headed for Chiswick. Speed also meant we didn’t stop for any sightseeing, and missed the Thames-side blue-plaqued former home of A P Herbert the humourist and MP, which should have interested our Ashtead riders.    

Nor did we stop for the Leaning lady statue by the A4 underpass, donated to the local community in compensation for their loss of amenity when the Great West Road was widened in the 1950’s (there is no record of whether they appreciated the gesture). 

                                                          

Thirty miles elevenses to tea is ambitious for a winter urban ride, plus quite a few more for others getting home. Thanks everyone for coming, and for your good humour throughout. Special thanks to Peter S and Neil C for or leading, and to Richard, Jennie and Janice for back marking their respective groups.

Ride report B group 27 Nov 2024

Listening to the heavy rain falling during the night I was quite despondent about our cycle the next day. However, despite some light rain first thing it remained dry, although very grey and cold with many leafy puddles to negotiate.  Sadly Sue was poorly and couldn’t make the ride, but Tim G, supported by Ray, took over as sub leader for the second group, without the opportunity of a recce, for which I am extremely grateful! Thank you so much guys.

The Hawker Centre is a good venue for elevenses and 22 riders set off in 3 groups for a day of tow paths, parks and paved cycle ways. It was lovely to see Tim C back out with us again! Poor Julie arrived having already had to deal with one puncture.  More on that shortly! 

Paula’s report

Paula started the day pleased with herself for arriving at the YMCA before anyone else, but then doubted if she was in the right place! Simon's arrival shortly afterwards and the grumpy service of a cappuccino confirmed it. Then came the phone call from Diane that one of the group of six she was traveling with to coffee had a puncture, so they may be delayed. It turned out all six were in my group. But it wasn't long before Diane, Alan, Bernard, Sabina and Fixie were sipping their coffee. Carolyn had also arrived so only Julie (who had gone to the bike shop) was yet to make an appearance. Miraculously the bike shop worked a fast repair and Julie arrived so we could set off only 5 minutes behind schedule. The group stayed tight as we pedalled beside the swollen river to wind our way through Kingston and up the hill into Richmond Park. Through Richmond over the bridge and onto Isleworth, Syon Park and Brentford, along the Grand Union Canal (also pretty high) to make it to the pub in good time. Lunch went well and we returned to the towpath, past a hundred locks and on to ride through the lovely Osterley House gardens. As we came through Mogden a shriek went out and everyone wondered why Paula suddenly stopped. A large bird had decided to unload - first hitting Paula's helmet, sliding down her arm to land on her leg. Fixie came to the rescue with some dry leaves and we were off again. Some say that is lucky but not for Julie, who as we left Twickenham Rough, got another puncture, this time in her front wheel. After a debate about bike shops and train stations, Fixie again came to the rescue and had the wheel back on in no time. Meanwhile Tim's group overtook us and we arrived at tea to find them in the warm at the Phesantry looking pretty smug. And then Julie discovered she had another puncture! Three in one day, never having had one before! Guess who came to the rescue again? You got it Saint Fixie! An eventful ride on a cold grey day but we all had fun. 

 

Tim’s report 

Had I not volunteered to sub-lead a group today I would have been very tempted to throw a sickie given the early morning deluge of rain I woke up to. Fortunately by 9am the downpour had subsided and I managed to get to Kingston relatively dry. 

 

A bit of a re-shuffle in numbers resulted in six of us setting out for today’s ride. Passing through Kingston (and the dire cheesy display of Xmas stalls in the market place) we headed up to and through Richmond Park, Richmond then along the river to Isleworth and Syon Park. Sadly, at this stage, Martin fell foul of a puncture and decided to limp back home by train rather than wrestle with a roadside repair. 

 

Cycling along the towpath of the Grand Union canal we noticed the swell and raised level of water and carefully made our way avoiding puddles and potholes. Certainly not a day for a chilly immersion !

 

Crossing the Great Western Road was a new challenge for me but we were soon heading north, rejoining the canal, and on our way to our lunchtime destination. ‘The Fox’ at Hanwell was a new experience for most of us and even some of our most seasoned and veteran riders could not recall having been there before. Service was prompt and efficient and everyone was soon suitably fed and watered. 

 

Our afternoon ride took us back via scenic Osterley Park to Twickenham then alongside the Crane River where we happened upon the first group grappling with another deflationary issue. As they seemed to have the situation under control we cycled on via Fulwell to Bushy Park for a welcome break and tea at ‘The Pheasantry’. 

 

Thanks to everyone who turned out today, despite the gloomy weather, to make today’s ride a success. All very well planned and executed. 

 

Gill’s report

My group of Mick, Madeleine, Paul, Maggie, Ian, Pat and Tim C set off last. The Xmas lights in Kingston were a delight and the cycle paths through town much appreciated. We were soon climbing up Kingston Hill and into Richmond Park via Ladderstile.  The absence of cars on Broomfield Hill makes it’s descent much more fun and crossing by the ballet school and through to Richmond Gate we were reminded how lucky we are to have such a beautiful open space on our doorsteps. Tim left us here to head home after completing the hilliest part of the ride.

At Richmond we wound our way through the back streets and were also struck by the grandeur and history of Richmond.  Traffic was surprisingly light (compared to my recce) and we were across the bridge and onto the river path before we knew it! By now we were feeling a fresher breeze.  Through Syon Park and onto the Grand Union Canal we unfortunately had to heft our bikes up some steps to bypass the rough towpath of large parts of the canal.  Fortunately the Great West Road has good cycle paths and we moved onto a quieter road before returning to the canal just before The Fox pub.  A good lunch venue, descent portions and friendly service. And just about warm enough! 

After lunch we returned to the GUC past the locks by the old Asylum, onto the road and through Osterley Park, along the Duke of Northumberland’s river by the sewage works and onto the nicely paved River Crane walk.  Our final park of the day was Bushy Park where we had a relaxed tea! We arrived around 3.15ish before it got too gloomy, and happily the Pheasantry stays open til 5. 

Thank you Mick for perfectly back marking our group and all the group for their lovely company. Great thanks to Paula and Tim G, and Ray, for sub leading.