B Group Ride Report 21 Jan

 The weather forecast for Wednesday was dire - sustained rain all day. When dawn broke, any hope that the forecasters were wrong was dashed, with rain clearly settling in.  Very sensibly, most of the B group who had originally planned to ride decided this wasn't a good idea.  

Remarkably, however, 13 hardy (or deluded?) souls set forth through the rain - sometimes drizzle, sometimes relatively serious, but annoyingly persistent - to coffee at the Walton Marina Boathouse.  And all but one agreed that, despite the wet already working around, and through, their so-called 'waterproof' (ha!) gear, a ride was just the thing for a sodden January day.  So 3 groups of 4, lead by Francis, Stephen and Steph, gritted their teeth, pulled on their damp gloves and jackets, and set forth.

Francis reports:  It couldn't have been more different.....I had had a smooth recce in glorious blue skies and sunshine only a few days before Wednesday's ride. Well I shouldn't be surprised: it is the UK and January after all!

On arriving very wet at the wonderful Walton Boathouse Cafe, my fears were realised when told my group of 8 was now down to 4. Setting off first, we made good progress to Hampton Court, Bushey Park and Richmond. Puddles galore on all the towpaths but in no time we were crossing Kew Bridge and drying off inside the warm conservatory at The Express Tavern. Very affordable lunches, a great selection of ales and a warm welcome from the staff. 

Still raining, we reluctantly left for the afternoon ride to Kingston and tea, just 3 of us though as Martina headed home a short distance away. Soon we were crossing over Chiswick Bridge and the leafy suburb of Barnes and its village green. As we approached Richmond Park, Dave C and I decided to stop at Collici cafe for tea by Roehampton Gate, whilst Arwyn continued home.

My thanks to Stephen for his very enjoyable route and hope he can repeat it again from Walton in the summer. Thanks too to my 3 jovial riders Martina, Dave C and Arwyn for your humour and perseverance in no so good riding conditions.

Stephen and Steph write:  The second group of Stephen, Anne, Chris H and Tim C (who kindly backmarked), set out along the fairly deserted towpath, followed shortly by Steph's third group with Paul, Nigel and Mick (backmarker).   In contrast to the recce, when conditions were sunny and dry, the main challenge was to navigate round puddles rather than pedestrians and dogs.  But the path proved robust even for these conditions and we made good progress.  The river was impressive in full spate, and although the rain was persistent it never quite turned into the kind of downpour which might have forced us to give up.  The groups almost came together in Bushy Park but we pushed on through Teddington, Richmond and Kew and arrived separately at the pub.   

After recovering in the warmth the two groups effectively merged for the afternoon section, which took in the grounds of Chiswick House before turning back to the south bank, past Barnes and up to Richmond Park.  Here we split individually for home and warmth - though I decided that, having come this far, at least one of us should first complete the full route into Kingston.

Despite the weather the ride had proved both scenic and enjoyable, with good humour and excellent company. Thanks - and kudos - to all who braved the conditions!

                                 Enjoying refreshment - and wonderful heaters! - at the Express Tavern