IT is a while since the Easy Riders last made an appearance on these pages. I need to take some responsibility for that, but the group's rides, although - weather permitting - an enjoyable experience for those involved, tend to follow familiar routes and wouldn't be of much interest to a wider audience. So this missive is merely a reminder that we are still active.
Wednesday's elevenses were at Kingston YMCA and a good starting point to head northwards. Our route was not new (much of it originated with the Bs I believe) but had the great merit of being varied and avoiding main roads for the most part.
Crossing the footbridge at Teddington, we stopped briefly to watch filming on the river: cameraman on one small boat capturing a scene being played out by actors in (possibly) Edwardian costume aboard a wooden vessel which looked appropriate for the period. Pretty low-key stuff upon which, unfortunately, other spectators were unable to throw any light.
Thence to Crane Park, following the River Crane towards Twickenham stadium where Don E, formerly an official tour guide at the home of rugby union, proved a mine of information.
Onward through the West Middlesex drainage works - our olfactory senses had a good workout during the day as we took in the Hogsmill sewage works en route to elevenses and on the way home! By now the Crane had become the Duke of Northumberland's River, albeit barely a ditch in places and hardly worthy of such a grand title.
Soon we reached Osterley Park and took a relaxed circuit, encountering surprisingly few visitors, before heading for lunch at the Hare and Hounds. Service was very good and the food went down well with the exception of a couple dishes where chef was much too heavy handed with the salt.
Our return route took us back to the Thames at Isleworth and on to Kingston.
Thanks to Bernard P for his assistance in navigating and to Sandy, Don, Colin, Dawn, Bernard and Helen for their company on a very enjoyable day out. The weather was on our side, too, with hardly a trace of the forecast showers.
Frank C
No comments:
Post a Comment