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.
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