The forecast for Weds had been optimistic for a while, but after all the cold, wet rides we’ve had of late none of us could quite believe a sunny day had arrived. Despite many having had a long, busy weekend on the Easter Tour we had a great turnout. 23 signed up but an extra six arrived unexpectedly. Fortunately one of those kindly agreed to lead a fourth group and we were set for the day.
First off, Gill’s group.
Back to in-house catering at the new Elleray Centre we arrived to the aroma of freshly baked sausage rolls. Sitting in the sunshine in their garden it was hard to make the first move. My group of Sue C, Dave F, John, Geoff, Dave C and Neil W, our back marker, set off at a decent pace through Bushy Park via Kingston and in to Richmond Park. We stretched our legs on the hills there then weaved through the back streets of Richmond down to the river. Unexpected road works in the centre of Richmond caused a bit of havoc but we easily navigated our way through on two wheels!
The tow path is necessarily taken at a slower pace but fortunately none of our off road route was busy with pedestrians despite the schools being on holiday. The river looked beautiful particularly the view from Richmond Hill. The Grand Union Canal has an industrial charm of its own, but definitely needs a clean up. Despite this it’s always pleasant to cycle along waterways and this took us directly to our lunch stop at the Fox Pub in Hanwell. The staff there were so friendly and relaxed when taking our booking and also on the day. I understand they were a little too relaxed on their food stocks as they had to tweak some of our orders and closed up shop for food once we were done. Victims of their own success and a sunny day!
After lunch we carried on for a short while by the canal and through the Asylum Docks, a grim Victorian building looming alongside, and back onto the road to stretch our legs again with a dash to Osterley Park. We then had to share our space with some heavier traffic until the sewage works and River Crane Walk brought us back to the Pheasantry in Bushy Park where we enjoyed tea and ice creams.
Thanks very much to my group for their lovely company and to Neil for back marking.
Next, Sue’s group. Report by Arwyn
On the hottest day of the year eight of team Foster left in the second group from Elleray Centre Teddington towards the local parks Bushy, Richmond and Syon.
We weaved through the hills of Richmond park passed Pen Pounds cafe and a left turn for the steady incline of Swayer Hill.
Our group photo shoot was at the Wheely London Academy. Suitably amused by the sign.
The Grand Union Canal towpath was indeed ouch, a bit bumpy so the Fox at Hanwell was a welcome rest.
The pub’s menu had changed since Sue and Gill’s recce last Saturday. So a reduced choice but we were all well fed and watered.
On the return leg we meandered through another park Osterley Park where it was really nice to see so many families in their groups enjoying the green fields on this school holiday week.
At Bushy Park Robert Jane and Arwyn peeled off as the rest continued to the Pheasantry for the tea stop.
Thank you Sue for leading, Bernard for back marking and, Mags, Jane , Sabina , Robert , and Stephen for your company . A great day out .
Then third group, Tony
Gill had really got the weather sorted—temperatures in the high 20s with very little breeze. We met at 11:00 at the new Ellery Hall, which has a lovely outside seating area, and enjoyed the glorious sunshine before setting off.
My group consisted of Simon, Tim, Gill F, Ray, Paul, Lillian, and Anne. We were the last group to depart.
The route took us on a loop through Bushy Park, then on to Kingston, followed by a hillier section through Richmond Park. At Isleworth, we passed through Syon Park—home of the notorious “puncture fairy”—and unfortunately Ray fell victim to it.
We then continued onto the towpath for a pleasant, if somewhat bumpy, ride to lunch at The Fox. It was a very busy pub but had a great shaded outdoor seating area. Service was slow, and the pub even ran out of bread, but we were eventually fed.
After lunch, we carried on up the Hanwell Flight of Locks to the Three Bridges—where railway, canal, and road intersect—marking the final work of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. From there, we headed south to Osterley Park for a quick loo stop, before continuing to Twickenham. We passed the rugby ground, went close to Lambourne Mansions, and joined the River Crane path, which took us to Fulwell and back into Bushy Park.
There, we found a few members of the earlier groups still relaxing. You really can’t beat sitting in the sun enjoying an ice cream after a ride.
All in all, it was a lovely day out on the bike with a great crowd and fantastic weather. Many thanks to Gill for the excellent route, and also to Tim and Simon for bringing up the rear.
And lastly… Keith’s group
Our group of six included Dawn, Amanda, Ian, Grant, Alan and myself.
Although I hadn't seen the route before, the GPX was easy to follow so we arrived at The Fox without too much head scratching. It was a beautiful day to be riding through the west London Parks and along the Grand Union Canal.
The Fox was very busy but the extra waiting time for food was not a problem in such good company on a fine day.
The return via Osterley Park and Crane Park and back into Bushy Park provided a welcome escape from the road traffic.
Thanks to Alan for back marking, and welcome to Amanda on her first Wayfarers ride."
