B Group 24th May

I have cycled and run a lot in the past North of the Thames over the years, so planning a route off-road along canals, parks etc was a pleasing task, I put this route together but was a bit concerned there would be too much off-road for the group, nice to find out the opposite. 

 

Nicky Hopkins Memorial Bench

 

I had 2 sub-leaders, Ray Y and Maddie, so 3 groups. We took the river Crane path to Twickenham, then to St Margarets and on across the A316 to Isleworth, through Syon Park to the Canal towpath. This took us to Hanwell flight of locks where we turned right along the River Brent and under the Wharncliffe viaduct into Churchfields Recreation Ground with time to admire the Hermitage thatched cottage being re-thatched.

 

 

Along the Grand Union canal

Then on across Brent Valley Golf Course and a detour due to a path/cycle path being resurfaced. M or off-road into Perivale Park and a brief stop at a memorial bench to Nicky Hopkins, no relation, a very famous session player to most of the top bands and singers, see photo. Past the Athletics Stadium, fond memories of racing 5ks there in times gone by. Along to the foot/cycle bridge over the A40 next to the Mylett Arms.

 

The Hermitage

 

Then over Horsenden Hill where we lost Alan C who was backmarker, he got caught at the lights, we waited further on, a phone call revelled he had joined the next group. A left turn into Whitton Avenue and a mile or 2 brought us to lunch at the Greenwood Hotel, a Wetherspoon.

Soon all 3 groups were the delicacies of Wetherspoon and the chatter was continuos. But all things must come to an end and time to depart. We headed south to Northolt station and left to cross Northala fields, then heading South through Rectory park, across the Ruislip road and cycle paths to the Willow Tree open space and the Willow Tree foot bridge across the Paddington arm of the Grand Union canal where Diane was waiting for us and took our photo, then along the towpath to the junction at Bulls bridge.

 

Dianes photo of us crossing Willow Tree Bridge

We then took the cycle path alongside the Parkway to Cranford. WE were soon entering Hounslow Heath, where Paul notice my rear tyre look soft, it was, a quick squirt with an air canister, and we were off again, the along the Hanworth road it went completely flat. C%&*, I asked Diane to take the rest of the group to tea while John C and I set to work to replace a tube. We were soon on our way and long the Crane river path, we came out on the cycle path of the A316 where we met a lost Maddie's group, We joined forces and I led us to tea at Pheasantry where the other groups were enjoying cake and beverages,

It was nice to welcome Anne and John Connaughton from the C group on their first ride with the B's. Many thanks to Ray and Maddie for sub-leading and to the back markers and everyone for your company.

Tony..