On Wednesday we were treated to some ideal weather, a new starting point and an interesting course. We were going into central London to ride along the north bank of the Thames, then up through Kensington before going through Regents Park, Hyde Park, along the Mall, past Buckingham Palace and Parliament before going over Chelsea Bridge to Battersea Park.
Perfect weather for a cycle ride!
The following reports cover rides for the three groups led by Bernard, Arwyn and Ray.
Bernard's Report, Group 1
No wandering lonely as cloud for me today as I sipped my coffee at ‘The Flying Cloud’ by the Thames in Teddington waiting for 10:30 to arrive. By now all my riders were itching to go; we would purposefully be riding into the centre of London, Buckingham Palace, on a tour of Ray’s carefully laid out route. There were plenty of clouds but also plenty of blue sky and the sun was out. It was my intention to turn my hand to poetry; on our ride I would collect gems of inspiration and finish with a poem worthy of Wordsworth. After all how hard could it be to write a charming shortish verse... a few lines of pretty words, a rhyme or two and an enigmatic title and hey presto the carefully crafted little vessel would be ready to launch.
Over Teddington Lock and soon into Richmond Park and there in the scrub by the side of the road our first gem... a magnificent stag, horns and all, stood still studying us. Off our bikes, photos taken and back on. In the distance I saw some ducklings in a row, totteringly and loyally following the lead duck. And so it was with us.
Until Parliament Square where from high above some crazy beast had chucked a rock, at least a tonne in weight and jagged in equal measure... or so it seemed. In the centre with a belting voice made even beltier as he spouted through his megaphone his distaste for a certain politician, reams of tourists crisscrossing in front of an incredulous Churchill, traffic from all directions aiming for the same centre point and a smiling policeman. In an instant our little troupe were splintered apart in all directions... metaphorical feathers gusting in all directions. Luckily we managed to gather together and resume with even greater purpose for food and drink to ‘The Lighthouse’ in Battersea.
After lunch I noticed the sky had clouded over and it was chillier. It was a mistake to have gone for shorts instead of cycling trousers. However, as we cycled the blood got flowing and I warmed up. Following the route of the Thames back towards Richmond Park we ended our ride at the Pen Ponds Kiosk.
I considered where I was in my poetic quest... not much if any progress at all. What material had I collected? A deer, ducks, a lighthouse and clouds. What could I do with that? Nothing came to mind. i willed for inspiration but the harder I tried the less there was any sign of anything poetic. It seems inspiration is its own master.
So here I am in a cafe finishing this somewhat pedestrian write up... failing altogether to get across what a superb ride Ray had put together. Ping and off the piece is e-mailed to the editor. And now I’m gazing, half daydreaming, through the steamed up window when I see, vaguely but definitely, in the distance a tiny splash of yellow... of daffodil yellow.
Ray planned the ride: It was very carefully put together and I can attest that a lot of hard work went into making it the very enjoyable ride it was. My co riders were Brenda, Martina, Sue, Lillian, Sabina, Martin and superbly back marking Fixie Dave.
Bernard
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Arwyn’s Report, Group 2
A chilly start so it was no surprise to see the majority wearing leggings. But the day turned out surprisingly warm and sunny. Great weather for a cycle to The Big Smoke. Our team of eight was down to seven before the off. Stephen had notified us of a puncture.
Stephen’s puncture, swiftly fixed by Balfe’s Bikes in Kingston meant we teamed up with him at Richmond Park’s Pen Ponds Café. Back to a team of eight. John and Anne, Julie, Pete, Nigel, Stephen and the back marker, dependable Tim G.
The pleasant ride through the green Richmond Park was followed by a neat meander around the back streets of East Sheen and Mortlake. Crossing Chiswick Bridge, we used the north of the river towpath, all very gentle and mingling with the pedestrians until a left turn at Barons Court underground station.
Traffic is now heavier. A lot more vehicles than when we did the recce last week. Turning right onto Hammersmith Road. Oooh, shouts of, “Can we turn right here?” from the group. Of course, we can and did. Our route followed High Street Kensington. Phew, lots of buses and busyness so turning into Kensington Gardens was a welcome relax and let’s take a drink.
More busyness of traffic as we cycled past the iconic sights of Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and Houses of Parliament. The Lighthouse pub proved to be a success with secure bike parking, prepared tables and to be able to swiftly serve 25 cyclists. Arwyn’s Group outside Kensington Palace
A good day out.
Finally, it was so nice to see Paula out and about at the start.
Arwyn
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Ray’s Report, Group 3
We set off last at 10.50, starting by walking across Teddington Bridge and cycling off towards Ham Gate where we entered Richmond Park.
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| view from Teddington Lock |
The trees were looking good with the autumn colours showing up well in the sunlight. At Sheen gate we picked up Dawn and turned left going down via Fife Road towards Chiswick Bridge. Once over the bridge we meandered along the northern side of the river until turning north to enter the busy streets of Barons Court and Kensington.
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| Enjoying the sunshine along the Thames |
Posing before Hammersmith Bridge
Here we made slow progress due to the traffic and traffic lights splitting the group up. It was a relief when we entered Hyde Park for a traffic free ride to Hyde Park Corner. For once there were few tourists around which allowed us to cycle under Wellington Arch rather than around it. Then past Buckingham Palace and on to Westminster, with Big Ben looking resplendent in the autumn sunshine. It was then the case of a quick cycle across Chelsea Bridge and into Battersea Park before reaching our lunchtime stop at the Lighthouse Pub.
Paul at Buckingham Palace
After lunch we used the quieter back roads and through Clapham where Madeleine left us. On towards Wandsworth Common and Earls Field where Paul and Maggie left. Then through Wimbledon Park and then up the only challenging but short hill of the day, Victoria Drive. Then onto Richmond Park where we had tea in Roehampton Gate Café.
It was a great day out with perfect weather. Our group consisted of Maddie, Tim C, Paul, Maggie (photograph of the day), Anne W, Dawn and our able back marker Mick proved excellent and entertaining company.
Ray
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