Pyrford Lock: August 21st

Wednesday 14th December. After much deliberation & checking the Thermometer wasn’t broken, I reluctently cancelled this ride, a real risk of black Ice & still a lot of frozen sludge, left from the weekend.

Sunday 11th December. A slightly Foggy but freezing start, with 7 cancellations, split into 2 groups, rather than the planned 3, left via Fairfield, Norbiton, New Malden (a bit too early for lunch 😉), Raynes park, Wimbledon Chase, Merton park, Morden Hall Park (Photo group 2)- with 1 member of group 2 feeling unwell, with partner diverting to a nearby Cafe to warm up, I’m pleased to say, that did the trick, but they were unable to rejoin the ride-, Ravensbury Park (Photo group 1), Morden, Morden Park, Lower Morden, Motspur park, to New Malden for an excellent lunch at Woodies, slightly spoilt by a discrepancy with the Bill, after speeches from John, with the prize for most rides in the year to John E, thanks from Bai to Roger for all the Rides organising, in return thanks to Bai for group leading on many rides, also thanks to Pete for group leading many Midweek rides, it seemeed to be a record year for Evening rides,-just- , with 1 more attendee than the previous best, & Midweek rides, achieving the best ever single ride for a Wednesday, with 29, largely thanks to Eunice for bringing many friends, then yet more New Malden, A3 Cycle path, Richmond Park, only to find the Roehampton Gate Cafe had just closed for the day, so the Bread pudding had to be consumed without any Tea to wash it down, return to Robin Hood Cross, Ham Cross, Ham gate, Latchmere, to finish back in Kingston. Total 23 Miles, special thanks to Bai for leading group 2, thanks to Nigel ready to lead group 3, thanks to Jon W & Amy for back marking, in the Morning, thanks to Lindsay for Back marking after lunch. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/2076415

Sunday 20th November Part 1 after overnight Rain, a Bright Sunny morning, with 4 cancellations, 1 group of Fifteen, left via Kingston Bridge -Cycle lane closed for repairs to the Balustrade-, Thames Towpath, Hampton Court, Molesey- with Police, Fire brigade & Ambulance dealing with a traffic accident, entailing a dismount & short walk-, Esher, Claygate, Chessington- a little too early, so a lap of part of the Woodgate estate (Red dotted line on Map), only to find the main part of the group had lost track of the leader, soon back together, phew!- For lunch at the ‘North Star’ (Ember Inns), -with 1 meal taking an inordinatly long time to arrive, 1 person left behind to finish there meal, luckily knowing a quick route, hence joining the main party ready for part 2-, Surbiton, to finish back in the Market place. Sub total 15 Miles, thanks to Chris F for back marking.

Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/2087536

Part 2. A largely Sunny Afternoon. with 3 cancellations, -saw a very congested Market place, mean that 1 new face was sadly unable to find the group-, with 1 fresh face, 12 Cyclists leave via Portsmouth Rd, Giggshill Green, Weston Green, Esher, Walton, Walton Bridge, Shepperton, Haliford, to Sunbury, for Tea & Bread pudding at the Walled Garden, Hampton, Bushy Park, Hampton Wick & Kingston Bridge to finish back in Kingston. Sub total 16 Miles, Total 31 Miles, Thanks to John E for back marking, thanks to John D for the BP. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/924654

Wednesday 16th November, A bright Sunny Morning, after some heavy overnight rain, saw 7 cancellations & 2 no shows, 19 Cyclists, split into 2 groups, leave via Lower Marsh, Berrylands, New Malden, Motspur park, North Cheam, Cheam Park, -1 more joining group 1-, Nonsuch Park, East Ewell, a rather slippery Nescot Path, Epsom (Photo group 1), Ashtead Park, to Ashtead for lunch at ‘the Woodman’ (Ember Inns), Leatherhead, Fetcham, Bookham Common -with group 1 back marker missing a turn, a small search party found him & brought him back to the group-, now with steady Drizzle, Downside, Cobham, Fairmile, to Claremont lakes Cafe (National Trust), Esher, Hinchley wood, Long Ditton, Surbiton, to finish back in Kingston. Total 31 Miles.

meanwhile due to a ‘Sat-nav malfunction, group 2 took an alternative shorter route via Ashtead Common, West Ewell, (Photo group 2) Tolworth, Surbiton to finish back in Kingston. 1 new face, Special thanks to Pete M for leading group 2, thanks to Mike F & Dave P for back marking each group. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/1832747

Sunday 6th November. Once again the Forecast had led to a few cancellations, starting with some very large Puddles, after overnight Rain, the Rain had almost ceased by the start, 9 Cyclists left New Malden via the Beeline, Raynes park, Wimbledon chase, -with a small slip, needing a minor adjustment-, Wandle Trail, to meet 1 more so now 10 in total, Earlsfield, Wandsworth Common, Clapham Common, Stockwell, Vauxhall Bridge (C5), to Pimlico for lunch at the always special White Swan (McMullens), just about to restart & the Rain returned, -some with a vengeance, Waterproofs back on-, Westminster,- losing 1 of the party to get the Train-, Victoria Embankment (C3), -taking a pragmatic decision to cut some of the Route-, Blackfriars Bridge (C6), Southwark, Kennington, Camberwell, Loughborough, Brockwell Park- with a unanamous vote for an indoor Tea & Bread pudding stop at the Mansion Cafe-,- now bright almost blinding Sunshine-, Tulse Hill, Streatham Hill, Tooting Bec Common, Mitcham, Morden Hall Park, Morden, Morden Park, Lower Morden, Motspur park, to finish back in New Malden. Total 31 Miles, thanks to Ellie & John E for back marking, thanks to Bai for standing ready to lead a second group, thanks to John D for the BP.

Sorry no Photos this time. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/747539

Sunday 23rd October. With an awful forecast of Rain & Thunder predicted, it was not a surprise that many decided to cancel, but 8 hardy souls managed to find the start even with the ‘Kingston Half Marathon’ finishing in the Market place, as there course also involved the Portsmouth Rd Track, with steady rain to start, an alternative via Surbiton to Long Ditton, Hinchley wood, Esher,- rain now stopped & mostly Sunny rest of the ride -, Fairmile, -with a visit from the ‘P Fairy’-, Cobham, a somewhat flooded Plough Lane, Downside, Hatchford, Ockham, to Ripley for lunch at the ‘Jovial Sailor’ (Barons Pubs), Send Marsh, Pyrford, West Byfleet, Byfleet, Brooklands Park (Photo), Weybridge, Walton, Molesey, to Molesey Cricket club for Tea & Bread pudding, -with ‘threatening clouds’ doing no more than that-, Thames Ditton, Portsmouth Rd, to finish back in Kingston. 33 Miles, thanks to Mike F for back marking, thanks to Bai for being ready to lead a second group, thanks to John D for the BP. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/1557141

Wednesday 19th October, a mostly bright day, saw a record for a Midweek ride with 29 Cyclists, split into 2 groups, leave via Portsmouth Rd, Giggshill green, Weston green, -passing works to rebiuld a footpath-, Esher, Walton on Thames, Walton Bridge, Shepperton, Laleham- with a visit from the ‘P Fairy’ for group 2-, Thames Towpath, (Photo group 2), Staines, Hythe End, to Wraysbury for lunch at the delightful Perseverance, -now into a blustery Headwind-, Poyle, Stanwell Moor, Stanwell, Bedfont, Feltham, Hanworth Park, Leitrim Park, Crane river path (Photo group 1), to Kneller Garden for Tea & refreshments, Twickenham, Strawberry hill, Teddington, Hampton Wick, Kingston Bridge to finish back in Kingston. Total 32 Miles, 4 new faces, Special thanks to Pete M for leading group 2, thanks to John E & Chris F for back marking each group.

Sunday 9th October. A bright Sunny day, with 1 late booking, saw 16 Cyclists leave New Malden via Motspur park- with a momentary loss of logic by our leader, entailing the use of the Footbridge, only to find the Level crossing works had left space for pedestrians to walk past the worksite-, North Cheam, Sutton, Carshalton Beeches, Oaks Park, Woodmansterne, -joined by 1 more-, Chipstead -joined by yet 1 more now 18 in total-, Hooley, Chaldon, Brewer Street, Bletchingley, to Godstone for lunch at the ‘Flower Farm Cafe’- the second idiotic move by the Leader, leaving his Jacket behind, happily we hadn’t gone too far-, a climb to the head of the very Scenic Woldingham Valley (Photo), Manor Park, Whyteleafe, Kenley, Purley, South Croydon, Waddon, Wallington, Carshalton to ‘the Grove’, for Tea & Bread pudding at Sassis (a bijou Cafe, very friendly staff), a brief stretch of the Wandle trail, St Hellier, Lower Morden, Motspur park, to finish back in New Malden. Total 41 Miles, 1 new face, thanks to John E for back marking, thanks to Bai for standing ready as a group leader. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/1484198

Sunday 25th September. A mostly Bight Sunny day, after 2 late cancellations & 1 no show (maybe they forgot the early start), 18 Cyclists in 2 groups, left via Kingston Bridge, Bushy Park, Fulwell, Crane River path, Whitton, Hounslow Heath, West Hounslow, Cranford, Harlington, Sipson, West Drayton, Yiewsley, a surprisingly quiet Uxbridge, Denham Roundabout, to Denham (Photo group 1), for a Picnic lunch at the delightful Falcon (Kitchen closed), (Photo group 2, after lunch), a rather swanky Buckinghamshire Golf Club, – group 2 having Sat-nav problem, having to take an alternate route-, Grand union canal path, Denham Country Park, Uxbridge Golf club, Ickenham, Hillingdon, a new path via Pole Hill open space, Charville, Yeading (very twisty route), Southall, Norwood Green, to Osterley Park, for a very slow service Tea & Bread pudding, -now uniting as one group-, Osterley, Isleworth, St Margarets, Twickenham, Teddington, Hampton Wick, Kingston Bridge, to finish back in Kingston. Total 39 Miles, special thanks to Bai for leading group 2, thanks to Mags & Andrea for back marking each group, thanks to John D for the BP. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/863704

Wednesday 21st September, a pleasant day, with light clouds, with 1 late cancellation, & 1 unexpected guest, 21 Cyclists split into 2 groups leave via Skerne Rd, Latchmere, Ham gate Richmond Park, White Lodge, Roehampton gate, Barnes Common, Putney, Putney Bridge, with 1 more joining group 1, Fulham, Eel Brook Common, Brompton Cemetery, South Kensington, Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, Marylebone, to Maida Vale for lunch at the always friendly Carlton Tavern, Kilburn, North Kensington, Shepherds Bush, Hammersmith to Ravens court Park for Tea & refreshments at W6 Garden centre Cafe, then the new C9 Cycle track, to Turnham Green, Grove park, -with a long wait at the level crossing allowing group 2 to catch the tail of group 1-, Chiswick Bridge, Mortlake, East Sheen, Sheen gate Richmond Park, White lodge, Ham Cross, Kingston gate, to finish back in Kingston. Total 29 Miles, 5 new faces, special thanks to Steve F fior leading group 2 at short notice, thanks to John E & Steve D for back marking. Apologies, no Photo’s this time. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/1691708

Wednesday 14th September. A light cloudy evening, with 1 no show, but 1 extra guest, made it a record for aan evening ride, 18 Cyclists leave via Lower Marsh, Berrylands, New Malden, Motspur park, Cannon Hill, Morden, South Wimbledon, to Wimbledon for refreshments at Wibbas down Inn (Wetherspoons), -with the leader needing to repair a loose connection for his lights-, Wimbledon Chase, Raynes park, the Beeline, New Malden, Norbiton, to finish back in Kingston. Total 14 Miles, thanks to Jon W for back marking. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/879155

A pleasant balmy evening saw 16 Cyclists in 1 group leave via Skerne Rd, Latchmere, Ham gate Richmond Park to Petersham gate, Richmond Bridge, Ducks walk, Isleworth, Cole park, Railway path, to Twickenham for refreshment at the ‘Sussex Arms’, Fulwell, Bushy Park, -with some ‘residents on a Stag do’ (sorry Rob, I had to nick that one)-, Hampton Wick, Kingston Bridge to finish. Total 11 Miles, 1 new face, thanks to John E for back marking. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/2011762

Sunday 21st August. A mostly Sunny day saw 22 Cyclists (and no Phantoms !) split into 2 groups, leave via Portsmouth Rd, Giggshill green, Weston Green, Esher, Walton on Thames, Weybridge -with 1 more joining group 2-, Brooklands Park, Byfleet & ‘Muddy lane’ (I’m pleased to say it’s not), Wisley to Pyrford Lock- group 1 took the opportunity for a Photo-, for lunch at ‘the Anchor’ (Hall & Woodhouse), then about to depart, -a small delay whilst a broken cable was attended to-, groups briefly as one, Pyrford, Walsham Gates, Ripley Green, Ockham Mill, Ockham, (with a handily closed Road), Hatchford, Cobham, Fairmile, to Claremont Gardens for Tea & Bread pudding, Esher, Hinchley wood, Long Ditton, Surbiton to finish back in Kingston. Total 29 Miles, special thanks to Mags for leading group 2, thanks to Toni & Will for back marking each group. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/2006267

Wednesday 17th August, with Rain, thunder & Lightening in the Forecast, the late afternoon rain was a welcome sight for some… However 14 Cyclists left via Skerne Rd, Aerospace estate, Ham, Ham gate, Richmond Park, Sheen gate, Mortlake, Chiswick Bridge, Chiswick green, Acton, Ealing, Pitshanger Park, Perivale, Grand union canal path to Greenford for lunch at the Black Horse (with own Sandwiches, as Pub Kitchen out of use), Greenford, Southall, Norwood green, Osterley Park, Hounslow, Whitton, -with darkening skies, a vote elected to forego the Tea stop, it didn’t matter much, because the Heavens opened very soon afterwards-, Twickenham, Strawberry hill, Teddington, Hampton wick, Kingston Bridge to finish back in Kingston. Total 28 Miles, Thanks to Dave P for back marking. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/909611

Sunday 7th August. Another gorgeous Sunny day, saw 14 Cyclists gather at Tolworth Station, then via West Ewell, Epsom, Epsom downs, -collecting 1 more Cyclist-, Tadworth, Walton on the Hill, Pebble Coombe, Betchworth, Brockham, Strood green, Parkgate, to Newdigate for lunch at ‘the Six Bells’, Henfold, North Holmwood, Dorking, Meadowbank Park, A24 Cycle track, Zig-zag Rd to Boxhill for well earned Tea & Bread pudding & Photo, Headley Heath, Headley, Langley Vale, to Epsom’s ‘the Wells estate’, to see the Well, said to be the site for the origin of Epsom Saltts, Epsom Common, Horton Country Park, Bonesgate path, to finish back at Tolworth. Total 42 Miles, Thanks to John E for back marking, thanks to Christine for the BP. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/1982726

Sunday 24th July. A gorgeous Sunny day, with 1 cancellation, & 1 no show, plus 1 late addition, 15 Cyclists met at Woking Station, including 1 slightly emotional ‘surprise guest’, then via Woking Park, -with 1 extra guest missing the point of a Train assisted ride, Cycling the whole way, having to chase the main group-, Old Woking, Send, Ripley, Ockham, Effingham, Bookham, Fetcham, to Leatherhead for lunch at the ‘Edmund Tilney’ (Wetherspoons), joined by 2 other Cyclists, then Oxshott, Princes Coverts (Photo), Ashtead Common, to Epsom for Tea & Bread pudding at ‘the old Moat Garden centre Cafe’, Long Grove Park, West Ewell, Tolworth, Berrylands, to finish back in Kingston. Total 30 Miles, thanks to Ellie for Back marking, thanks to John E & others for marking corners, thanks to Christine for the BP, thanks to Nigel for standing by to lead a second group if needed.

Map:- http://www.plotaroute.com/route/1974460

Wednesday 20th July. With increasing clouds, would we stay dry? After 3 cancellations, but 1 unexpected visitor, 9 Cyclists left via Lower Marsh, Berrylands, New Malden, Malden Manor, Worcester park, Auriol Park, Nonsuch Park, Ewell village to the Wheatsheaf (a reliable friendly local) for refreshments- with 1 rather heavy shower in the interval-, West Ewell, Tolworth, Surbiton, to finish back in Kingston. Total 13 Miles, 1 new face. Thanks to Jon W for back marking.

Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/903978

Wednesday 13th July. After 1 late cancellation, but 2 unannounced guests, with a Hot mostly Sunny day, 18 Cyclists left via Portsmouth Rd, Thames Ditton, Molesey, Walton, Broadwater Path, Weybridge, Addlestone, Bretlands, to Lyne for lunch at the ‘Royal Marine’, (a quiet hidden gem), Thorpe Green, Egham, Staines Bridge & Riverside (Photo), Knowle Green, Ashford, Feltham, Hanworth, Hampton, Bushy Park to the Pheasantry for Refreshments, Hampton Wick, Kingston Bridge to finish back in Kingston. Total 32 Miles, 2 new faces, Thanks to John E for back marking.

Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/1511728

Sunday 10th July. A glorious hot Sunny day, after 1 late cancellation & 1 no show due to a ‘P’, 12 Cyclists left via Kingston Bridge, Bushy Park -just avoiding the ‘Fun-run’-, Hampton, Hanworth, Feltham, Bedfont, Stanwell & the much improved Cycle track, Stanwell moor, Poyle, Harmondsworth Moor, to Harmondsworth for lunch at the Crown, -and who had beaten us to lunch, some of the ‘Souwesters, also wanting to visit ‘the Great Barn‘-, which we did shortly afterwards, then Sipson, Harlington, Grand union Canal path (Photo), Southall, Norwood Green, to Osterley Park for Tea & Bread pudding, Osterley – with a ‘Mexican stand-off’ among Drivers not willing to cede an inch-, Hounslow, Whitton, Twickenham, Teddington, Hampton Wick, Kingston Bridge to finish back in Kingston. Total 31 Miles, thanks to Chris F for back marking, thanks to Christine for the BP.

Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/840250

Wednesday 22nd June. A lovely Sunny evening, after 2 late bookings & 1 extra unbooked guest, saw 12 Cyclists leave via Kingston Bridge, Bushy Park, Fulwell, Twickenham, Kneller Gardens, Twickenham Junction rough,, Cole Park, St Margarets -with a ‘dropped Tissue’ almost losing the tail end-, Richmond Bridge, to Richmond Hill for refreshments at ‘the Roebuck’ (somewhat ‘pedestrian service’), with the Sunset playing it’s part, Richmond Park, to Kingston Gate, to finish back in the Market place. Total 12 Miles. Thanks to Jon W for back marking. Map :- www.plotaroute.com/route/1588396

Sunday 19th June. Part 1 A largely overcast Morning saw a Bakers Dozen (13) Cyclists, leave the Market place via Portsmouth Rd, Lomg Ditton, Hinchley wood, Claygate, Chessington, Bonesgate path, Malden Manor, to New Malden for lunch at ‘the Watchman’ (Wetherspoons), & (Photo 1), Norbiton, to finish back in Kingston. Sub total 15 Miles, thanks to Amy for back marking. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/1937740

art 2 Saying farewell to 5, hello to 4 fresh faces, plus 1 unexpected guest, 1 group of 13 Cyclists, with Bai in the lead, via Skerne Rd, Thames Towpath Aerospace estate, Ham, Ham gate, Richmond Park, (Photo 2), Petersham gate, Richmond, Richmond Bridge, Ducks walk, St Margarets, Twickenham, to find a ‘nonsensical path closure’, due to a Rugby match, hence a quick detour, to Kneller Gardens for Tea & Bread pudding at the newly improved Cafe, with Clouds threatening but not delivering any Rain, Fulwell, Bushy Park, Hampton Wick, Kingston Bridge to finish back in the Market place. Sub total 13 Miles, Total for the day 28 Miles, special thanks to Bai for leading, thanks to Steve F for back marking, thanks to John D for the BP.

Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/439337

Wednesday 15th June. A glorious Sunny day saw 15 Cyclists, no wait, there is 1 extra, unannounced guest, in 1 group leave via Kingston Bridge, Bushy Park, Fulwell, a brief visit to River Crane path, Whitton, joined by 1 more guest, so 17 in all, Hounslow, Osterley Park – including a new detour-, Norwood Green, Grand union Canal towpath (Photo), to Hanwell for lunch at the always delightful & very efficient Fox, Churchfields Park, for the Viaduct in hiding, West Ealing, North Ealing, West Acton, Acton Park, South Acton, Chiswick Green, Chiswick, Grove park, Chiswick Bridge with a visit from the ‘P fairy’, soon fixed, Mortlake, to East Sheen, for Tea & Refreshments at Palewell common Cafe, Sheen gate Richmond Park, via White lodge, to Ham gate, Latchmere, to finissh back in the Market place. 29 Miles, thanks to Toni for back marking. 1 P fairy visit.

Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/786525

Sunday 12th June, a mostly Sunny day, with a few cloudy spells, saw 18 Cyclists, in 1 group, leave via Lower Marsh, Berrylands, New Malden, Motspur park,- with 1 more joining the group, North Cheam, Pyl Brook path, Sutton, Carshalton, Oaks Park, to Woodmansterne (Photo), for lunch at the Woodman (Stonegate pubs)- with a couple of the group admonished for self catering 😦-, Banstead, Burgh heath, with the leader mis-informed that all were across the lights, hence the tail had a slightly alternate route, swiftly back together, Tattenham Corner, Epsom, Nescot path, to Nonsuch Park for Tea & Bread pudding, Worcester park, New Malden, Berrylands, to finish back in Kingston. Total 28 Miles, thanks to John E for back marking, thanks to John D for the BP.

Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/1935619

Sunday 22nd May. A warm bright day, with our regular leader away, ‘enjoying himself’ in Ireland, after 3 cancellations, 18 Cyclists left via Kingston Bridge, Bushy Park, Hampton, Feltham, Ashford, Stanwell, Poyle, to Wraysbury for lunch at ‘the George’,- with a visit from the ‘P fairy (see Photo)-, Staines, Laleham, a brief visit to the Thames Towpath, Shepperton, to Walton Bridge for Tea & Bread pudding at Wilde Bunch, Walton, Molesey, Thames Ditton, Portsmouth Rd, to finish back in Kingston. Total 32 Miles, Special thanks to Bai for leading this ride, thanks to Mike F for back marking, thanks to Amy & John E for Marshalling corners etc, thanks to John D for the BP. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/128772

Wednesday 18th May. A pleasant Evening, with our regular Leader away, ‘enjoying himself’ in Ireland, 9 Cyclists, left via Lower Marsh, Berrylands, Surbiton, Long Ditton, Hinchley wood, Littleworth Common, Esher, a brief visit to the River Mole towpath, to Molesey for refreshments at the delightful Bell, East Molesey, Thames Ditton, Portsmouth Rd to finish back in Kingston. Total 13 Miles, 1 new face. Special thanks to Jon White for leading the ride, thanks to Ralph for back marking.

Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/1207451

Wednesday 11th May, a strong blustery wind to start, before light Drizzle, turned to steady Rain. After 1 Cancellation & 1 no show, 11 Cyclists left New Malden on the Beeline, Raynes park, Wimbledon Chase, Wimbledon, Wandle path, Earlsfield, Wandsworth Common, Clapham Common, Stockwell, Oval, the first of several missed turns (had the drizzle woked it’s way into the sat-nav?), Waterloo, another missed turn, Southwark Bridge instead of Blackfriars, Cycleway 3, to rejoin the planned route in Blackfriars, Cycleway 6, Farringdon, -yet another navigation malfunction, Angel, eventually back on track to the Regents Canal Towpath-, to ‘Granery Square’, -with Steady rain, no-one fancied the planned Picnic, but luckily, there was a very handy Canopy outside Waitrose, as they also had a Cafe for those who fancied something warm-, a quick stop to look at the ‘Kissing roof’s’ (Photo), an even briefer stop to look at the Gasholders, as the Rain seemed to be worsening, Old St Pancras Churchyard, brief word about ‘the Hardy Tree’, Euston, Regents Park, – with a majority voting for a Train option-, Marylebone, Hyde Park, to find queues of people trying to get to a Buckingham Palace Garden Party, had closed off option 1, so Victoria instead of Waterloo, 4 brave souls continued via Chelsea Bridge, Battersea Park, Wandsworth, Wandsworth Park, Putney, Barnes, Roehampton, Richmond Park to finish at Kingston gate. Total 35 Miles, Special thanks to John E for back marking. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/1451753

Sunday 8th May. A gorgious Sunny day after 2 late cancellations, 15 Cyclists left the Market place via Portsmouth Rd, Long Ditton, Hinchley wood, Littleworth, -gathering 1 extra-, Esher, Fairmile, Cobham, Downside, Effingham, White down, Abinger, to Holmbury St Mary for lunch at the delightful Royal Oak,- joined by 1 more now 17 in total-, brief return to Abinger, Friday Street (Photo), Wotton, Westcott, Dorking, Norbury Farm, Hawk Hill to Bocketts Farm for Tea & Bread pudding, Leatherhead, Ashtead, Ashtead Common, Manor Park, Long grove Park, -with a visit from the ‘P Fairy’, soon repaired-, West Ewell, Tolworth, Berrylands, to finish back in Kingston. Total 45 Miles, 1 new face, thanks to John E for back marking & Mike F for marshalling thanks to John D for the BP. 1 P Fairy. Map :- www.plotaroute.com/route/1900417

Sunday 24th April, A mostly Sunny day, with a blustery wind, after 4 late cancellations, with 2 late unannounced guests, 15 Cyclists in 1 group, left via Kingston Bridge, Bushy Park, Hampton, Lower Sunbury, Shepperton, Chertsey Bridge, Chertsey Meads, Addlestone, Homewood Park, Dunstal green -with a very pleasant tailwind-, Chobham, Pennypot to Knaphill for lunch at the very friendly, if slightly slow food delivery, ‘Royal Oak’, then Goldsworth Park & Lake (Photo), ‘slightly astray’ (see red dotted line on Map). Woking, Byfleet, Brooklands for Tea & Bread pudding at Marks & Spencer Cafe, Brooklands Park, Weybridge, Walton, Molesey, Thames Ditton, Portsmouth Rd to finish back in Kingston. Total 40 Miles, thanks to Mike F for back marking, thanks to Bai for being ready to lead a 2nd group, thanks to John D for the BP. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/1881908

Wednesday 20th April, a bright, slightly chilly Evening, with 1 no show, saw 9 Cyclists, in 1 group leave via Skerne Rd, Latchmere, Tudor Estate, Ham, Teddington Lock & Footbridge, Teddington, Fulwell, Hampton Hill, to Hampton for refreshments at the very hospitable ‘Railway Bell’, then a bit more Hampton, Bushy Park, Hampton Wick & Kingston Bridge to finish. Total 11 Miles, thanks to John E for back marking Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/1872658

Wednesday 13th April A mostly Cloudy day, with glimpses of Sun, after 2 Cancellations, 13 Cyclists in 1 group left the Market place via Portsmouth Rd, Thames Ditton, Molesey, Walton, Weybridge, Byfleet, New Haw, Row town, to Addlestone for lunch at the Pelican, a pleasant Pub next to the Wey Navigation, then Chertsey Meads, Chertsey Bridge, Shepperton (Photo), Haliford, Sunbury to the Walled Garden for Tea & Refreshments, Hampton, Bushy Park, Hampton Wick, Kingston Bridge to finish. Total 29 Miles. Thanks to John E for back marking, thanks to Mags for being on standby, if a second group had been required.

Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/1868983

Sunday 10th April, a mostly bright sunny day, after 2 cancellations, and 2 no shows, 19 Cyclists split into 2 groups, left via Portsmouth Rd, Long Ditton, Hinchley Wood, Littleworth, Claremont, – with 1 local resident a little upset that group 2 knew the way out-, Fairmile, Cobham, Hatchford, Martyr’s green, to Effingham for lunch at a very hospitable, ‘Queen Stage’ (a term used in multi-day Cycle races for the hardest stage), (Photo group 2), with 1 defection from group 1 to group 2, Bookham, Fetcham, Leatherhead, Ashtead, Ashtead Common, Epsom Common (group 1 photo), to Epsom for Tea & Bread pudding at ‘the old Moat Cafe’, with a defection from group 2 to group 1, also ‘Sat-nav’ for group 2 deciding to retire early, but ‘the Stowaway’ from lunch saved the day, West Ewell, Tolworth, Berrylands, to finish back in Kingston. Total 30 Miles, Special thanks to Bai for leading group 2, thanks to Chris F & Mike F for back marking each group, thanks to John D for the BP.

Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/1866719

Sunday 20th March Part 1 A mostly bright Sunny morning, saw 15 Cyclists plus 1 unexpected guest, so 16, split into 2 groups, leave via Fairfield, Norbiton, New Malden, -with 1 extra joining group 1-, Raynes park, Wimbledon Chase, Cannon Hill (Photo group 2), Lower Morden, Worcester park, Stoneleigh, West Ewell, a brief section of Hogsmill path (Photo group 1)-, Bonesgate path to Chessington for lunch at the William Bourne (Stonegate pubs), back on the Bonesgate path, Tolworth, Surbiton to finish back in Kingston. Sub-total 17 Miles, 1 new face, Special thanks to Bai for leading group 2, thanks to John E & Toni for back marking each group. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/860017

Part 2, saying farewell to 8 & welcome 4 fresh faces, 13 Cyclists in 1 group left via Lower Marsh, Berrylands, Surbiton, Long Ditton, Hinchley wood, Littleworth Common -, – with 1 member suffering a small tumble, swiftly remounted-, Esher, Molesey, to Molesey Cricket Club for Tea & Bread pudding, retraceing our route through Molesey, Thames Ditton, Portsmouth Rd track to finish back in Kingston. Sub-total 14 Miles, Total 31 Miles, Thanks to Ellie for back marking, thanks to John D for the BP.

Map :- www.plotaroute.com/route/1846102

Wednesday 16th March, after 4 cancellations & 1 late addition, 13 Cyclists in 1 group, met at New Malden Station, with overcast Skies, but dry Morning, left via the Beeline, Raynes park, Wimbledon Chase, Wimbledon, Wandle Trail, Earlsfield, Wandsworth Common, Clapham Common, Stockwell,, the Oval, Lambeth, to Waterloo, to visit the ‘Pride of Lions‘ (Photo) that have dropped by for a visit, courtesy of Born Free, Cycleway 6 across Blackfriars Bridge, Farringdon, to see the site of the ‘Clerks Well‘, which gives the reason the area is called Clerkenwell for lunch at ‘the Duke’, – it just happens to be on ‘my Street’ 🙂 -, then with steady Drizzle, Bloomsbury, Marylebone, Hyde Park, Kensington, Brompton Cemetery, Fulham, Putney Bridge, Putney,- now with steady Rain, a strategic decision to change the Tea venue from Wimbledon Common,- Barnes Common, Roehampton to Roehampton gate Cafe for Tea & what’s this, Bread pudding, on a midweek ride, -rumour has it that Mr Dunn has let slip the recipe-, also some Chocolate Sponge fingers, Robin Hood gate, the Kingston Hill Cycle track, Coombe estate, to finish back in New Malden. Total 29 Miles, special thanks to Pete M for being prepared to lead a 2nd group, thanks to Mike F for back marking, thanks to Mike L for the BP, thanks to Tilani for the Fingers. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/1833775

Sunday 6th March, a largly bright, breezy slightly chilly day, saw 20 Cyclists split into 2 groups, leave via Lower Marsh, Berrylands, New Malden, Motspur park- with 1 mnore joining group 1-, Mayflower Park (a small nature reserve, next to the ‘Hamptons development’), (Photo’s), North Cheam, Cheam Park, Nonsuch Park, East Ewell, Epsom, Ashtead Park, to Ashtead for lunch at the ‘Woodman’ (Ember Inns), -with the leader of group 2 feeling let down by the Pub, due to dietry issue-, a nice tailwind pushing us through Leatherhead, to Fetcham, Bookham Common, Downside, Cobham, Fairmile, to Claremont Lakes Cafe (Naional trust), Esher, Hinchley wood, -with a bit of a headwind-, Long Ditton, Surbiton, to finish back in Kingston. Total 31 Miles. Special thanks to Carl for leading group 2, thanks to John E & Amy for back marking each group.

Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/1832747

Sunday 20th February, a very blustery day, after five cancellations saw 16 Cyclists, split into 3 groups, -group 1 getting away a little to quickly for 1 member-, leave via a cleverly designed route, with many twists & turns, so we didn’t have too much Headwind, at least I think that was the reason 🙂, Cranes Park, King Charles Bridge, Surbiton, Long Ditton, Giggshill green, Thames Ditton, Molesey, Walton, Walton Bridge -group 3 joined by 1 more Cyclist-, Shepperton, Laleham, Thames Towpath, to Staines for lunch at the very Hospitable ‘Wheatsheaf & Pigeon’, (now with a nice Tailwind at times), Ashford, Feltham, Hanworth, Hampton Hill, to Bushy Park (Photo group 3) for Tea & Bread pudding at the Pheasantry, Hampton Wick, Kingston Bridge to finish. Total 28 Miles, Special thanks to Carl & Bai for leading groups 2 & 3, thanks to John E, Chris F, & Ellie for back marking each group, thanks to John D for the BP. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/967836

Wednesday 16th February, after 2 late cancellations & 1 no show, a very blustery day, largely a Headwind in the morning, saw 12 Cyclists split into 2 groups, leave via Portsmouth Rd, Long Ditton, Hinchley wood, Esher -with 1 more joining group 2-, Claremont, Fairmile, Cobham, Downside, Bookham Common- with a few too many Puddles for sopme-, to Little Bookham for lunch at ‘Ye olde Windsor Castle’ (Chef & Brewer), (Photo), then Bookham, Fetcham, Leatherhead, Ashtead Common, Epsom Common, to the Old Moat Garden Centre Cafe for Tea & refreshments, Long Grove Park, West Ewell, Tolworth, Berrylands, to finish back in Kingston. Total 28 Miles, Special thanks to Pete for leading group 2, thanks to Mike F & John E for back marking each group, thanks to Christine for remembering we needed a Photo. Map :- www.plotaroute.com/route/1814953

Sunday 6th February, a very blustery day, but otherwise dry, apart from 1 short afternoon shower, having a record 27 registered for this Challenge ride, but with 5 cancellations, also 1 of group 1 missing the start, but arriving in time to join group 3, leave via Lower Marsh, Berrylands, New Malden, Motspur park, North Cheam, the Wrythe, Hackbridge, -group 1 joined by 2 more Cyclists-, Beddington Park, Wallington, Waddon, South Croydon, – with the long climb to Sanderstead, leaving 1 member of group 1 deciding to ‘de-layer’ some clothing-, Hamsey Green, Warlingham, to Old Farleigh for lunch at ‘the Harrow’ (Vintage Inns), after a surprise presentation Card & Evans token to John E for his impending 80th Birthday the next day,

group 1 missed a turn, (maybe it was more scenic, 😉), thus enabling group 2 to take the lead-, Fickleshole, West Wickham, Shirley, Ashburton Fields, Woodside, Heavers Meadow (Photo group 1), Thornton heath, to Norbury for Tea & Bread pudding at the Moon under Water (Wetherspoons), -somehow group 3 missed a turn for the Tea stop-, Mitcham Eastfields, -where groups 1 & 2 became 1 super group,-, Morden Hall Park, Merton park, Wimbledon Chase, Raynes park, New Malden, Norbiton, to finish back in Kingston. Total 44 Miles, 1 new face, very special thanks to Bai & Carl for leading groups 2 & 3, thanks to Mike L, Chris F & Andrea for back marking each group. Thanks to John D for the BP. Map :- www.plotaroute.com/route/821611 (the Red dotted line, shows the more scenic route followed by group

Sunday 23rd January. An overcast grey but otherwise dry day, after 2 Canncellations & 1 late addition, 18 Cyclists, in 2 groups, left via Skerne Rd, Latchmere, Ham gate Richmond Park, White lodge, -with group 2 suffering a visit from the ‘P Fairy’-, Roehampton gate, Barnes Common, Putney- with a ‘Sat nav misdirection for group 2, Putney bridge- with 1 more joining group 1-, Fulham, Parsons Green, Brompton Cemetery, South Kensington, Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, Marylebone, -with a minor navigational hiccup for group 1-, to Maida Vale for lunch at the recently rebuilt Carlton Tavern ( link to Wikipedia), Kilburn, North Kensington, Shepherds bush, Hammersmith, Hammersmith Bridge, Barnes, to East Sheen for Tea & Bread pudding- Alas the Cafe had run out of Milk before the arrival of group 2-, Palewell Park Cafe, Sheen gate Richmond Park, to Kingston Gate, to finish back in Kingston.Total 29 Miles, 1 new face, Special thanks to Bai for leading group 2, thanks to Ellie & Andrea for Back marking each group, thanks to John D for the BP. Map :- www.plotaroute.com/route/1691708

Wednesday 19th January. A rather cloudy Morning, & a blustery Headwind, with a Sunnier Afternoon, after 2 late cancellations, saw 18 Cyclists split into 2 groups, via Skerne Rd, Kingston Gate Richmond Park, White lodge, Sheen Gate, Sheen, Mortlake, Chiswick Bridge, Strand on the green, Brentford, South & West Ealing, Hanwell, Greenford, with a first visit to the Grand Union Canal Towpath in over 2 Years, to Northolt for lunch at the always reliable Crown (Sizzling Pubs), then Northala Fields, Southall, Norwood Green, Osterley Park, Isleworth, St Margarets, to Marble Hill Park Cafe for Tea & Refreshments (Photo Group 1), Twickenham, Strawberry Hill, Teddington, Hampton Wick & Kingston Bridge to Finish. Total 31 Miles, Special thanks to Pete M for leading Group 2, thanks to Toni Z & John E for back marking.

Map:- www.plotaroute.com/1794561