On the 11th of June, seven of us met at the
Pheasantry, Bushy Park, with 6 of us ready for a ride into the capital. Arwyn couldn’t
join us for the ride. We set off on a familiar course via Kingston Bridge,
along through Canbury Gardens before entering Richmond Park via Ham Gate. We
followed our normal route, across the park and exited via Sheen Gate. We made
our way down towards the river and used the cycle path along Clifton Avenue to
cross the Thames at Chiswick Bridge. We followed the tow path until entering
Hammersmith where we entered some devious routes that took us past a number of
road intersections and cycle paths that took us through Kensington and up to
Palace Green where we were confronted by a barrier across the road that was
raised to let us pass. With Regents Park on our right and many Embassies on our
left, we cycled up to Mount Walk which was our gateway to the park itself. Through
Regents Park, we saw the Round Pond and the Albert Memorial before crossing the
road, where we entered Hyde Park. At the end of Hyde Park, we were confronted
by an elaborate and confusing route around Hyde Park Corner before cycling
along with Buckingham Palace on our right and Green Park to our left. On to
Constitution Hill where we stopped for some photos. After a quick break, we
were off down The Mall before turning right into Horse Guards Road. At Horse
Guards Parade we saw the preparations for Trooping of the Colours that was
happening at the weekend. On reaching Birdcage Walk, we entered several smaller
roads with infuriating traffic lights which took an age to get through. We also
passed several sights including Westminster Abbey before taking us down towards
the Thames and onto Vauxhall Bridge Road. Across the Thames and around another
complex set of cycle paths before cycling along the Nine Elms Lane towards
Battersea Park and our lunch stop for the day.
Lunch was at the Pear Tree Café that was good but a little
pricey compared to our more rural pubs. The price you pay for a day out in
London! But the service was good and friendly.
After lunch we followed the A3220 to Clapham Common before
going through a number of side roads to avoid the traffic. Just before
Wimbledon we said goodbye to Helen and Dawn who found a short cut down the
Wandle Trail and home. We then went through Wimbledon and avoiding the hill
found a small path that runs parallel to the railway that took us to Raynes
Park Station, New Malden Station and beyond. At Elm Road we ran out of paths,
but it was easy as we were close to Norbiton station with a downhill run to Kingston.
Unfortunately, it was too late for tea at Dish but the café next door, Five At The
Bridge was still open, so we indulged in tea, coffee and cake before departing
for home.
I would like to thank my co-conspirators, namely, Dawn,
Helen, Gill F, Pam and Liz for their company and good humour.
Ray Y
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