Wednesday 13th December, a mostly grey day, with light Drizzle, after 2 late cancellations & 1 late booking, with a late realisation that Teddington Footbridge would not be very user friendly, whilst undergoing some maintenance work, 16 Cyclists left via Fairfield, Norbiton, New Malden, Coombe, Ladderstile Gate of Richmond Park, to Roehampton gate, collecting 1 more (17), Barnes Common, Putney, Putney Bridge, Bishops Park, Fulham, to Hammersmith for lunch at the ‘Plough & Harrow’ (Wetherspoons), now into a chilly Headwind, to go with the Drizzle, on the superb ‘Cycleway 9’, to Chiswick green, Dukes Meadow & the new platform under Barnes Bridge (Photo), Strand on the Green, a bit more C9, Brentford, to Syon Park for Tea & refreshments, Isleworth, Twickenham, Strawberry hill, Teddington, Hampton Wick, Kingston Bridge to finish back in Kingston. Total 26 Miles, thanks to Yee-liu & Celia for back marking. Map:- http://www.plotaroute.com/route/1033328
Sunday 10th December, with several lightweight or Fairweather Cyclists (albeit some with very good health reasons), with a dry start, but only 2 minutes down the Road, the drizzle started 👎, a total of 22 Cyclists split into 2 groups, leave via Lower Marsh, Berrylands, New Malden, Malden Manor, Cuddington, Stoneleigh, West Ewell, Chessington, Claygate, Hinchley wood, to Thames Ditton, -for lunch at a new venue forr us-, also finding another 13 guests, the Limping Fox, very welcoming, friendly staff & great Food & Drink, after thank-you speecch’s from myself, with a thankyou Book for Mags, (supplied by Amy), a special prize for ‘Lifetime achievement’ for John Dunn, together with a collection to thank him for all his efforts from the last 24 Years & his fantastic company (we do still hope to persuade him to join us once in a while), with Bai saying a few words of thanks to me on behalf of everyone, for my leadership over the year, with many then heading for home or Train, 15 were still happy for an afternoon Ride, a slightly shorter route than planned via Ember court, Molesey, to Molesey Cricket club for Tea & Bread pudding at Miss Polly’s, -almost losing 4 people because of a Lights problem-, return to Thames Ditton, Portsmouth Rd, to finish back in the Market place. Total 21 Miles, special thanks to Bai for leading group 2, thanks to John E & Jon W for back marking each group, & an extra big thank-you to John D for all the BP’s over the past 24 years. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/527788
Sunday 26th November. Part 1. After 2 late cancellations, a mostly cloudy morning saw 16 Cyclists leave the Market via Kingston Bridge, Thames Towpath, Hampton Court, Molesey, Molesey Common (Photo), Esher, Littleworth Common, Claygate, to Chessington for lunch at the North Star (Ember Inns),- joined by 1 more-, more Chessington, Tolworth, Surbiton, to finish back in Kingston. Total 15 Miles, thanks to Chris F for back marking & others for marking corners.
Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/2086965
Part 2 With some very light Drizzle (or Mizzle), saying farewell to 8, hello to 5, 14 Cyclists left via Fairfield, Norbiton, New Malden, Raynes park, Wimbledon Chase, Cannon Hill Common, Motspur park, New Malden, Berrylands, Cranes park, to the Guildhall, -also with 2 special guests John’s Girlfriend Anita & his Brother Peter-, to share Tea & Bread Pudding with the Mayor of Kingston (Councillor White), in the Mayors parlour, also the Mayor said a few words in Tribute to our wonderful Bread Pudding maker, John Dunn, who has decided he needs a rest from Cycling & ‘slaving over a hot stove’, after almost 24 wonderful years, – I know l speak for all who joined today’s rides, & all those who have ever enjoyed Johns company and/ or the delicious Bread pudding, we are going to miss you!! Total 12 Miles, thanks to Toni for back marking, very special thanks to John for the BP, thanks to Jon White, the Mayor & Brian the Mace bearer, for inviting us for Tea. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/2451305
Wednesday 15th November. A bright Sunny slightly chilled day saw after 1 late cancellation & 1 extra unexpected guest, alas 1 person left the Market place in the wrong direction, maybe following a different group, so 16 Cyclists left via Kingston Bridge, Bushy Park, Hampton, Hanworth, Sunbury, Ashford, Staines, Hythe End, to Wraysbury for lunch at the George Inn (Gastro Pub), we were all glad to see the missing Cyclist managed to find his own way to the Pub, despite suffering a nose bleed on the way, with a Photo stop at the Windmill & 2 nice Motorists moved out of the view 👍, then Poyle,- now with a nice tailwind-, Stanwell Moor, Stanwell, Bedfont, Feltham, Hanworth Park, Leitrim Park, River Crane path, to Kneller Gdns for Tea & refreshments, Twickenham, Strawberry hill, Teddington, Hampton Wick, Kingston Bridge to finish. Total 30 Miles, thanks to Chris F & Celia (again), for back marking. Map:- http://www.plotaroute.com/route/1656189
Sunday 12th November, with light Drizzle to start, & slightly heavier Drizzle after Tea, after 4 late cancellations & 1 no show, 17 Cyclists were asked to walk away from the Market place, to Portsmouth Rd, Long Ditton- joined by 1 more recruit, Hinchley wood, to pause for the 2 minute silence at 11am, followed by a reading of ‘For the Fallen’,by Laurence Binyon, ‘They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old from Andrea, then Esher- with a slipped Chain swiftly sorted-, Fairmile, Cobham, Downside, Bookham Common, to Little Bookham for lunch at Ye olde Windsor Castle (Chef & Brewer), only had capacity for the 8 booked in advance, despite the website suggesting other meals could be taken in the Bar area 👎, more Bookham, Fetcham, (Photo), Leatherhead, Ashtead, Ashtead Common, Epsom Common to Epsom for Tea & Bread pudding at Old Moat Garden centre Cafe, West Ewell, Tolworth, Surbiton to finish back in Kingston. Total 28 Miles, thanks to Celia for back marking, thanks to Toni & Bai for marking corners, thanks to John D for the BP. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/1814953
Sunday 22nd October. With the Kingston half Marathon, starting in the Market place, a New Malden start seemed best. A gorgeous Sunny day, with 2 late cancellations, 17 Cyclists left via the Beeline, Raynes park, South Wimbledon, Colliers wood, a newly resurfaced path in Myrno nature reserve, Tooting, Tooting Bec Common- joined by 1 more member-, Streatham Hill- dropping by to say hello to 1 regular currently indisposed after a recent op-, Tulse Hill, Brockwell Park, Dulwich, Dulwich Park, Peckham Rye Park, Nunhead, to Brockley for lunch at the’ Brockley Barge’ (Wetherspoons), – a quick adjustment to 1 gear shifter-, more Brockley, Ladywell fields, Catford, Pool river path (Photo), Lower Sydenham, Cator Park, Beckenham, South Norwood country Park, South Norwood, Heavers Meadow, Selhurst, Thornton heath, to Norbury for Tea & Bread pudding at Moon under Water (a 2nd Spoons of the day), Lonesome, Mitcham,, Morden Hall Park, Morden, Morden Park, Lower Morden, Motspur park, to finish back in New Malden. Total 32 Miles, thanks to John E for back marking, thanks to Chris F & Yee-liu for marking corners, thanks to John D for the BP. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/2415136
Wednesday 18th October, after 3 late cancellations & 2 missing a train, with very light Drizzle as we left, 11 Cyclists via Portsmouth Rd, Thames Ditton- with 1 more joining in-, Gigghill Green, Weston Green, Esher, Walton on Thames, Weybridge, Brooklands Park, Byfleet, New Haw, Rowtown, to Addlestone for lunch at the delightful Pelican, also finding the pair who missed the Train, now 14 in total, also the Drizzle becoming steady Rain, but no dropouts yet…. Also making minor adjustments to a rubbing Mudguard, Woburn Hill, Chertsey Meads, Chertsey Bridge, Shepperton (Photo), Haliford, -a brief debate to stop for Tea or not, no stop this time with Rain gradually increasing-, Sunbury, Hampton, Bushy Park, Hampton Wick, Kingston Bridge to finish. Total 29 Miles, Special thanks to Celia for back marking, & others for corner marking. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/1868983
Sunday 8th October, a glorious,, Sunny day- can someone just check, it is October, not August-, with 1 late booking, 1 cancellation & 1 no show, 17 Cyclists left the Fountain roundabout, Motspur park, a devious detour to avoid the Gas pipe works, the Hamptons, North Cheam, Sutton, the Wrythe, Hackbridge, Beddington Park, Waddon, West Croydon, Selhurst, Heavers Meadow, South Norwood country Park, Cator Park, New Beckenham, Beckenham Place Park, Downham, Plaistow, Elmstead, to Chislehurst for lunch at the Queens Head (Ember Inns), a bit more Chislehurst, Jubilee Country Park (Photo)- enter left a ‘Photo bomber’, sadly he wouldn’t come back for a second shot-, Petts wood, Southborough, Normon Park, Pickhurst, West Wickham, Shirley, Ashburton Field, Woodside, Heavers Meadow -again-, Thornton heath, Pollards hill, Mitcham, to Morden Hall Park, for Tea, -except most people just missed out, the Cafe closing 15 mins earlier than stated-, so a dry Bread pudding stop-, Merton park, Wimbledon Chase, Raynes park, to finish back at New Malden. Total 44 Miles, thanks to Toni & Chris for back marking, thanks to John D for the BP. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/2410955
Wednesday 20th September after 1 late cancellation, with a blustery tail wind, 7 Cyclists left via Skerne Rd, Kingston gate Richmond Park, White lodge, Roehampton gate, Barnes Common, Putney, a very congested Putney Bridge, Fulham, Brompton Cemetery, South Kensington, Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, Marylebone, to Maida Vale for lunch at the Carlton Tavern, -now with a blustery Headwind, but still dry, for a while-, Kilburn, North Kensington, Shepherds bush, Hammersmith- finally the Rain arrived, steady rather than torrential-, C9, to Barnes Bridge to see the ‘new Non-cycle path’ under the Bridge, walk the steps onto Bridge, Barnes, to East Sheen- with a hasty debate, the vote was split 50-50, to stop for Tea or not, so just 3 stopped at Palewell only to find the Shutters down, hence a detour to Roehampton gate Cafe for Tea & Bread Pudding- What, on a Wednesday ? (still left over from Sunday), Ham gate, North Kingston, to finish back in the Market place. Total 30 Miles, thanks to John E for back marking, thanks to John D for the BP. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/1691708
Sunday 17th September. After 2 late cancellations & 1 no show, with darkening Skies, 13 Cyclists left via Portsmouth Rd, Thames Ditton- collecting 1 more-, Weston Green, Esher, newly resurfaced path to Hersham, Walton on Thames, Weybridge, Brooklands Park, Byfleet, a brief visit to the Wey Navigation, Pyrford, Maybury, Woking, – with an internal Sat-nav failure and Mr Google not very helpful, a bit of ‘toing & froing’, at the third attempt-, to Knaphill for lunch at the very welcoming Royal Oak, perfectly timed as the Heavens opened shortly after arrival, much debate whilst eating, eventually a Battersea led rebellion decided to head back to Woking for a Train back to home turf, but 5 hardy souls continued in the Rain via Chobham, Stonehill, Ottershaw to Addlestone for a pause at the Crouch Oak- an 8 to 900 year old specimen-, settling on a shorter route, with no Tea stop & now with the Sun breaking through the clouds, Weybridge, to reverse the outward route via Walton, Esher, Weston Green, Thames Ditton to finish back in Kingston with full Sun. Total 40 Miles, thanks to Andrea & especially Celia for back marking duties, thanks to John D for the Bread pudding. Sorry no Photo this time. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/2391904
Wednesday 13th September. After 1 cancellation, 10 Cyclists left via Kingston Bridge, Bushy Park, Hampton, Hanworth, Hanworth Park- is this a ‘Night hike’ our leader is on ?, with 2 people slightly detached from group, soon found thanks to Andrea-, Leitrim Park, River Crane path, Kneller Gdns, to Twickenham for refreshments at the Sussex arms, Strawberry hill, Teddington, Hampton Wick Kingston Bridge to finish. Total 12 Miles, thanks to John E for back marking. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/1236586
Sunday 3rd September. Part 1, a glorious Sunny morning, with 3 late bookings 15 Cyclists left the Kingston Carnival preperations behind, via Fairfield, Norbiton, New Malden- with 1 of our party suffering a ‘fat lip’ from a Bee sting, very many thanks to the local resident who had some Anti Histamine tablets-, Malden Manor, Auriol Park, Stoneleigh, West Ewell, Long Grove Park (Photo), Horton Country Park, to Chessington for lunch at the William Bourne (Stonegate Pubs), then Bonesgate Path, Tolworth, Surbiton to finish back in an extremely congested Market place. Sub-total 16 Miles, thanks to Toni for back marking.
Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/860017
Part 2, saying farewell to 5 & welcome to 7 fresh faces in the hordes celebrating the Carnival, leaving via Skerne Rd, Aerospace Estate, Ham, Ham Gate Richmond Park- with the Marshal at the gate insisting, ‘no Cycling allowed anywhere in the Park’, but we could walk 😉 even kind enough to move the barrier to allow us to enter, also not much evidence of the recent high speed Car crash, that demolished 1 gate post-, out of sight of the Marshal, remounting to Petersham gate, Richmond, Richmond Bridge, Ducks walk, Isleworth, St Margarets, to Marble Hill Park Cafe, for Tea & Bread pudding, Twickenham, Fulwell, Bushy Park, Hampton Wick, Kingston Bridge to finish back in a still busy Market place. Sub-total 14 Miles, total 30 Miles thanks to Chris F for back marking, thanks to John D for the BP. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/2031066
Wednesday 23rd August, A mostly bright sunny Evening saw 9 Cyclists, with 1 extra unannounced visitor, 10 in total leave via Lower Marsh, Berrylands, New Malden, Motspur park, Cannon Hill, – with a very dark threatening Cloud, doing nothing more than that-, Merton park, South Wimbledon, to Wimbledon for refreshments at the ‘Wibbas Down Inn’ (Wetherspoons), Wimbledon Chase, Raynes park, New Malden, Norbiton, to finish back in Kingston. Total 14 Miles, thanks to Andrea forr back marking. Map:- http://www.plotaroute.com/route/879155
Sunday 20th August. A bright Sunny day, after 1 late cancellation & 2 no shows, due to navigation problem but 1 late booking & 1 unannounced visitor, 20 Cyclists split into 2 groups, leave via Portsmouth Rd, Long Ditton, Hinchley wood, Esher, Fairmile, Cobham, Downside (Photo group 2), Bookham Common (a little bit of soft Mud, & a fallen Tree for group 1), Fetcham, Leatherhead, to Ashtead for lunch at the Woodman (Ember Inns), Ashtead Park (Photo group 1), Woodcote, Epsom, Nescot path, to Nonsuch Park for Tea & Bread pudding,- with group 2 taking an alternative route, due to a sat-nav malfunction-, electing to ride as 1 group for the final stretch, Worcester park, Old Malden, New Malden, Berrylands, to finish back in Kingston. Total 29 Miles, 2 new faces. Special thanks to Bai for leading group 2- & a little help from Mags-, thanks to John E & Amy for back marking each group. Special thanks to Christine for the BP. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/312617.
Wednesday 16th August. A gorgeous Sunny day saw a Bakers dozen (13) Cyclists leave via Kingston Bridge, Bushy Park, Hampton, Hanworth, Sunbury, Ashford, Staines (Photo), Staines Bridge, Egham Hythe, to Egham for lunch at the very hospitable ‘Red Lion’ (a new lunch stop), then Stroude- with a a couple of Motorists outraged that we weren’t using the inadequate Cycle path-, Thorpe Green, Lyne- with 1 of our party suffering a ‘Pedal issue’, soon sorted-, Chertsey, Chertsey Bridge, Shepperton, Walton Bridge to the Boathouse for Tea & refreshments (a new venue), Walton- with a pleasant surprise, a newly resurfaced Bridleway-, Esher, Weston Green, Giggshill green, Portsmouth Road, to finish back in Kingston. 31 Miles, 1 new face, thanks to Steve D for back marking. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/2348333
Sunday 6th August. A rather windy but Sunny day saw 12 Cyclists leave from Tolworth Station, via Chessington, Claygate, Princes Coverts, – somewhat of a Mudbath after recent heavy rain, (don’t blame the ride leader, an act from the Weather gods, or the other bloke, absent without leave)-, Stoke D’ Abernon, Fetcham (Photo), Bookham, Effingham, Whitedown, Abinger, Holmbury St Mary, Forest Green, to Walliswood for lunch at the delightful ‘Scarlett Arms’, -a slight delay as the ‘P Fairy had paid a visit -, Okewood hill, Weare St, Ockley, Capel, Newdigate, Shellwood Cross to Brockham Church, – doubley handy, as there was no Bread pudding provider for this ride, but the Church had many delicious Cake’s to fill in-, Pixham, Mickleham, Norbury Park, Leatherhead, Ashtead Common, Epsom, West Ewell, to finish a bit later than expected back in Tolworth. Total 50 Miles, Very special thanks to Bai for leading, thanks to John E for back marking, thanks to Chris F & Celia for marking corners.
Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/103102
Sunday 23rd July. A mostly bright Sunny day saw 12 Cyclists gather at Surbiton station, for an unusual Train direct to Wokingham, with 3 more already on board, with 2 visits to Virginia Water station, then a long wait (the vagaries of crunching 2 different rail journey’s together), upon arrival at our destination, to find 1 of the party having suffered a visit from the ‘P Fairy’, soon fixed, followed by a couple of navigational mishaps, finally escaping the Wokingham area, via Binfield, the edge of Bracknell,- only to lose track of the tail end in ‘the Chestnuts’-, a strategic decision to take a more direct route to lunch via the A329 Cycle path, to Ascot for lunch at the Stag (Greene King),- with a limited Menu due to a broken grill, the staff were surprisingly Cheerful-, then Cheapside, Windsor Great Park (Photo), Guards Polo ground, Egham Wick, Egham, Staines Bridge, Laleham, Shepperton, -now too late for the Walled Garden,- a detour to Walton Bridge & just in time for Tea & Bread Pudding at the ‘Wilde Brunch’, then a plea for help from another customer, Lindsay put her nursing skills to good use, before an Ambulance arrived to take over, Walton, Esher, Weston Green, Giggshill Green, Potsmouth Rd to finish back in Kingston. Total 34 Miles, thanks to Chris F for back marking, thanks to John D for the BP.
Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/2329421
Wednesday 19th July. A mostly bright Evening saw 15 Cyclists leave via Lower Marsh, Berrylands, New Malden, Malden Manor, Auriol Park, Stoneleigh, Nonsuch Park, East Ewell, to Ewell Village for refreshments at the always friendly Wheatsheaf- with a surprise encounter with the Clarencourt Cycle club-, then Hogsmill open space, a short stretch of the Hogsmill path, West Ewell, Tolworth, Surbiton to finish back in Kingston. Total 13 Miles, 1 new face, thanks to John E for back marking.
Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/2318838
Wednesday 12th July. After a brief shower just before the start, mostly cloudy skies, after 1 cancellation, 15 Cyclists left from New Malden via the Beeline, Raynes park, Wimbledon Chase, South Wimbledon, Wandle trail- joined by 1 more, who had a visit from the ‘PFairy’, hence missed the start-, Earlsfield, Wandsworth Common (Photo), Clapham Common, Stockwell, Oval, Vauxhall- in one linked move through 5 sets of Lights-, Vauxhall Bridge to Pimlico for lunch at the always welcoming White Swan (McMullens), a very congested Westminster & many other Cyclists battling our way to join the Embankment route C3, to Southwark Bridge, (going a little off Piste in Bermondsey), Burgess Park, Loughborough, Brockwell Park, Tulse Hill, Streatham, to Tooting Bec Common cafe for Tea & Refreshments, Tooting, Colliers wood, a different part of the Wandle trail, Morden Hall Park, Morden, Cannons Hill Common, Motspur park, to finish back in NeW Malden. Total 31 Miles, thanks to Toni & John for Back marking.
Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/933539
Sunday 9th July. With Grey skies to start, followed by Bright Sunshine in the late afternoon, after 2 late cancellations & 1 late booking, 22 Cyclists, split into 2 groups, leave via Portsmouth Rd, Thames Ditton, Molesey, Walton, Weybridge, Brooklands Park (Photo group 2), Byfleet, to Pyrford Lock for an early lunch at the Anchor (Hall & Woodhouse), (with a little confusion over Vegetable deliveries), -conbining as 1 group for a short stretch, Pyrford, Wanham gates, Ripley Green-, Ockham, Hatchford, Cobham, Fairmile, to Claremont lakes (NT) for Tea & Bread pudding, Esher, Hinchley wood, Long Ditton, Surbiton, to finish back in Kingston. Total 30 Miles, Special thanks to Bai for leading group 2, thanks to John E & Andrea E for back marking, thanks to Christine for the BP at very short notice.
Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/2313436
Wednesday 21st June, on the longest day of 2023 (what you mean it’s downhill all the way to that ‘C’ word), with a glorious Sunny evening, 22, no wait, we have 2 more unannounced guests, 24 Cyclists- I think that’s a record for an Evening ride!-,left via Kingston Bridge, Bushy Park, Fulwell, Twickenham, Junction Roughs path,Cole park, St Margarets, Richmond Bridge, to Richmond Hill for Refreshments at a very busy Roebuck & many chats with other groups from various Borough’s from South & West London, also watching the setting Sun, Richmond Park- with delightful views of Deer mingling with the various Cycle lights-, Kingston gate, Kingston Station Bridge to finish back in Kingston. Total 12 Miles, 2 new faces, thanks to Andrea for back marking thanks to Chris F & others for marking corners. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/1588396
Sunday 18th June. Part 1, with numbers yo-yoing up & down, before the ride, eventually settling on 10 Cyclists, -no wait, we have 1 transfer from part 2-, left via Fairfield, Norbiton, New Malden, Raynes park, Wimbledon Chase, Merton park, Morden Hall Park (2 visits & Photo), Ravensbury Park, Morden, Sutton Common Park, to Lower Morden for Lunch at the very welcoming Morden Brook (Greene King), Joseph Hood Park, Motspur park, New Malden, Berrylands to finish back in Kingston. Sub total 16 Miles, thanks to the new back marker Yee-Liu. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/2283507
Part 2 Now with mostly cloudy Skies, saying farewell to 6 & welcome to 5 fresh faces, 10 Cyclists left via Berrylands, Surbiton, Long Ditton, Giggs hill Green, Weston Green- almost losing 1 corner marker, as the tail found a small detour-, Esher, -with more threatening Skies, a strategic decision to shorten the route-, Molesey to East Molesey Cricket Club for Tea & Bread pudding at ‘Miss Polly’s’ Cafe, -now with light Rain-, Hampton Court, Thames Ditton, Portsmouth Rd to finish back in Kingston. Sub total 13 Miles, Total 29 Miles. 1 new face, thanks to Ellie for back marking. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/2283666
Wednesday 14th June. Another warm, Sunny day, after 1 cancellation, 14 Cyclists left via Portsmouth Rd, Long Ditton, Hinchley wood, Esher, Fairmile, Cobham, Hatchford, Ockham -almost got sucked into a Charity ride, on a Wednesday ?- to West Horsley for lunch at the delightful Barley Mow, East Horsley, Orestan Plantation, Effingham, Great Bookham, Fetcham (Photo), Leatherhead, Ashtead Common, to Epsom for Tea & refreshments at the Old Moat Garden centre Cafe, West Ewell, Tolworth & Greenway, Surbiton to finish back in Kingston. Total 32 Miles. Thanks to Chris F for back marking & others for marking corners. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/1508730.
Sunday 11th June. A bright Sunny morning, saw a total of 27 Cyclists split into 2 groups, leave via Kingston Bridge, Hampton Wick, Teddington, Strawberry hill, River Crane path, pausing at the Shot Tower to explain its purpose, Whitton, Hounslow Heath (Photo Group 1), West Hounslow, Cranford, Harlington, Sipson, to Harmondsworth for lunch at the Crown, (with a few electing to visit the Five Bells to spread the load), (Photo group 2), then a visit to the ‘Great Barn’,- with 1 more who missed the start, joining group 1-, resuming the ride, Harmondsworth Moor, Poyle, Stanwell moor, Stanwell, Ashford- with 1 person in group 1 suffering ‘Seized Brakes’, forced to abandon the ride, with a 2nd person becoming dehydrated, also abandoning the ride, & 2 others staying with that victim until help arrived-, Sunbury, Feltham, Hanworth, -now with dark clouds, light Rain, but very large rain Drops & rumbles of Thunder-, Hampton, Bushy Park for Tea & Bread pudding at the Pheasantry, Hampton Wick, Kingston Bridge to finish back in Kingston. Total 28 Miles, 5 new faces Special thanks to Bai for leading group 2, thanks to John E & Toni Z for back marking each group, thanks to John D for the BP. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/840250
Wednesday 24th May A bright sunny evening, with 1 late cancellation & 1 no show, but with 2 unexpected guests, 11 Cyclists left via Lower Marsh, to find the planned route closed, so a small detour to King Charles Bridge, Surbiton, Long Ditton, Hinchley wood, Littleworth Common, Esher, East Molesey to West Molesey for refreshments at the always delightful Bell (Greene King), a bit more East Molesey, Thames Ditton, Portsmouth Rd to finish back in Kingston. Total 13 Miles, 1 new face, thanks to Jon W for back marking.
Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/1207451 (Red dotted line shows intended route).
Sunday 21st May. A largely Sunny day, after 2 late cancellations, -with our regular leader away (climbing many big Hills in Wales)-, 18 Cyclists left via Berrylands, Tolworth & Greenway, West Ewell, Epsom, Epsom Downs (Photo), Tattenham corner, Burgh Heath, Banstead, to Woodmansterne for lunch at the Woodman (Stonegate Pubs), -with 1 extra passenger (Photo)-, Woodcote, Beddington, Beddington Park, Hackbridge, Wandle trail, Morden, Morden Hall Park for Tea & Bread pudding at the National trust Cafe, Merton park, Wimbledon Chase, Raynes park, New Malden, Norbiton, to finish back in Kingston. Total 29 Miles. Special thanks to Bai for leading, thanks to John E for back marking & others for marking corners, thanks to John D for the BP. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/623630
Sunday 14th May. A rather grey morning, with the Sun appearing in time for lunch & Afternoon, after 1 late cancellation, 14 Cyclists left via Kingston Bridge, Bushy Park, Hampton, Hanworth, Sunbury, Ashford, Stanwell, Stanwell Moor, Poyle, Horton, Datchet, Jubilee River path, to Dorney for lunch at the fantastic Pineapple, -famous for their Doorstep Sandwiches, some did I believe take some home as it was too much in one go-, Summerleaze Footbridge, Fifield, Cranbourn Chase, Cranbourne gate Windsor Great Park, Bishopsgate, Englefield Green- including an unintended tour of the Cricket Green-, Egham, Staines Bridge, Staines, a short stretch of Thames path, Laleham, Shepperton, to Walton Bridge for Tea & Bread pudding at Wilde brunch Cafe, -a slight delay getting all moving, led to 1 of the group leading us ‘off Piste’, which makes a change from the leader going astray 😉-, Walton, Esher, Thames Ditton, Portsmouth Rd, to finish back in Kingston. Total 49 Miles, thanks to John E for excellent back marking, thanks to John D for the BP. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/141834
Wednesday 10th May. A pleasant mostly Sunny Morning, saw 11 Cyclists try a new variation via Fairfield, North Kingston, Kingston gate Richmond Park, Sheen gate, -with an inattentive motorist, almost wiping out a couple of the group-, Mortlake, Chiswick Bridge, Strand on the Green, Gunnersbury Park, West Acton, Ealing Common, Ealing Studios (Photo), West Ealing, Churchfield Park (with Hanwell Viaduct just visable above the trees), to Hanwell for lunch at the always delightful Fox, -with 1 brief heavy shower during lunch, & mostly light drizzle to follow-, passing the series of 6 Locks on the Grand Union Canal, Norwood Green, Osterley Park, Isleworth, Cole Park- with an unwelcome visit from the ‘P Fairy’, but Bright sunshine to help the repair-, Twickenham, Crane River Path, -to find the Path flooded under the Railway, but a very narrow raised path alongside, just wide enough to push the Bikes along-, to Kneller Gardens for Tea & refreshments, Fulwell, Bushy Park, Hampton Wick, Kingston Bridge, to finish back in Kingston. Total 27 Miles, Thanks to Dave P for back marking. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/2240956
Wednesday 26th April, after 1 late cancellation, 7 Cyclists left via the Station Bridge, North Kingston, Ham, Teddington Footbridge, Teddington, Fulwell, Hampton hill- with a slight navigational hiccup-, to Hampton for refreshments at the almost hidden Railway Bell, a bit more Hampton, Bushy Park -No moonlight & barely any Deer, but some very bright Cycle lights-, Hampton Wick, Kingston Bridge to finish. Total 12 Miles, thanks to Jon W for back marking. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/1872658
Sunday 23rd April, A day with mostly light Rain after 2 cancellations, saw 17 Cyclists leave via Cranes park, King Charles Bridge, Tolworth, West Ewell, Long grove Park, Ashtead Common, Ashtead, Leatherhead, Fetcham, Bookham to Effingham for the recently re-opened Queen stage for lunch, Effingham Junction, Ockham, Hatchford,- with 2 people deciding to (almost) Swim the flooded road, whilst the remainder of the group taking a small detour-, Cobham, Fairmile, to Esher for Tea & Bread pudding at Claremont lakes, -now with bright Sunshine-, Esher, Hinchley wood, Long Ditton, Surbiton to finish back in tthe Market place. Total 29 Miles, Special thanks to Bai for leading a few sections of the ride (and entering the Duathlon), thanks to John E for back marking & others for marking corners, thanks at short notice to Christine for the BP. Sorry no Photo this time. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/1866719
Sunday 16th April, Spring has finally arrived, a dry warm day, sadly nott much Sun, (let’s not be greedy), after 1 late cancellation & 1 un-announced guest, 16 Cyclists left via the Station Bridge, Kingston gate Richmond Park, Sheen gate, Mortlake, Chiswick Bridge, Grove park, Chiswick, Acton, Park Royal, Stonebridge, Wembley, Kenton, Kenton Rec, Belmont, to Harrow for lunch at ‘Duck in the Pond’ (Ember Inns), Harrow Weald, Headstone Manor Rec (Photo), South Harrow, Northolt, -alas a dropped chain led to the tail briefly losing touch with the main party, at probably the most complex part of the ride to cross Target Roundabout-, Northala fields, Southall -with a touch of wheels causing a fall, no injuries, but another slipped Chain-, Norwood green, to Osterley Park for Tea & Bread Pudding, Osterley, Hounslow, Whitton, Strawberry hill, Teddington, Hampton Wick & finally, the reopened Cycle path on Kingston Bridge. Total 40 Miles, thanks to Amy for back marking, thanks to John D for the BP.
Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/755785
Wednesday 12th April. An extremely Blustery, windy day,saw 2 cancellations & 1 no show, 12 hardy Cyclists left via Portsmouth Rd, Thames Ditton -joined by one more-, Molesey, Walton, Weybridge -with 1 more addition, now 16-, with an impatient Motorist almost wiping out half the group, on the wrong side of the Road, Addlestone, Bretlands, Lyne, to Thorpe Green for lunch at the Rose & Crown- thanks to the Pub for letting us move the booking indoors-, just ready to depart when the Skies darkened & Rain began, so many wardrobe adjustments, – 2 heading for an early exit via Virginia Water Station-, Stroude, Egham, Staines Bridge, Staines, -2 more heading for the Train-, deciding to forego the delights of the Towpath, direct to Laleham, Shepperton, Haliford, to Sunbury, -the leader doubting the ‘Walled Garden Cafe’ would have room indoors, proved wrong, so Tea & refreshments were taken-, now with a tail-wind, also some rather poor Road surfacing, 1 hole causing a dropped Pannier, Hampton, Bushy Park, Hampton Wick, Kingston Bridge to finish back in the Market place. Total 32 Miles, thanks to Steve D for back marking & several others for marking corners. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/849407
Sunday 26th March. Part 1, With very grey skies & mostly light drizzle, with 3 cancellations, 11 Cyclists left the Market place via the Station Bridge, North Kingston, Ham Common (including the closed Road for ‘Toad Crossing’, no Toads squashed), Ham, Thames Path, Richmond Bridge, St Margarets, Isleworth, Worton,Whitton, Kneller Gardens (Photo), to Twickenham, for lunch at the ‘Prince Blucher’ (Fullers), then Strawberry hill, Teddington, a very congested Hampton Wick, Kingston Bridge to finish back in the Market. Total 13 Miles, thanks to Chris F for back marking. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/2195037
Part 2. Saying farewell to 4, & welcome to 7 fresh faces, with 1 no show (it turns out, someone forgot to advance the clocks 1 Hour!), with steady Rain for a while, 14 Cyclists left via Fairfield, Norbiton, New Malden, Malden Manor, Worcester park, Auriol Park, Stoneleigh, Ewell, to Epsom for Tea & Bread pudding at the Old Moat Garden centre Cafe, then Horton lane track, West Ewell, Tolworth (now with a cold Headwind), Surbiton, Cranes park to finish back in Kingston. 16 Miles, thanks to John E for back marking. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/1684604
Wednesday 15th March. A mostly dull overcast day, saw 19 Cyclists leave via Kingston Station, -collecting 1 more-, Kingston gate Richmond Park, Sheen gate, Mortlake, Chiswick Bridge, Kew, Brentford, Clayponds, South Ealing, West Ealing, Hanwell, Greenford, to Northolt for lunch at the recently repainted Crown (Sizzling Pubs), with a cold Headwind, via Northala fields (Photo), Southall, Norwood Green, Osterley Park, Osterley, Isleworth, St Margarets (a slight shortcut, as now very cold), to Marble hill Park for Tea & refreshments, Twickenham Riverside,- very light Drizzle now added to the mix-, Strawberry hill, Teddington, Hampton Wick, Kingston Bridge to finish back in the Market place. 30 Miles, 1 new face, thanks to John for back marking, thhanks to many corner markers, especially Mags & Celia. Thanks to Pete for being on standby to lead a second group. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/1794561
Sunday 12th March. A bright start, but soon clouding over, after 1 cancellation, -with 1 person waiting at the wrong place in New Malden, then having an issue with her Bike, our ‘regular leader’ passed the leaders baton to a very reliable deputy-, 16 Cyclists left via the Beeline, Raynes park, Wimbledon Chase, South Wimbledon, -2 more caught up with the main party, and decided to leave the Deputy in charge for the remainder of the day-, Colliers wood, Tooting, -joined by 1 more, now 19 in total-, Streatham common, Norbury, Thornton heath, Heavers Meadow, Woodside, Ashburton field, Monks orchard, Elmers end, to West Wickham for lunch at ‘the Railway (Ember Inns), Shirley, Addiscombe, Lloyd Park, South Croydon, -with 1 person suffering a visit from the ‘P fairy’, & a little confusion on who the victim was-, Waddon, Beddington, Beddington Park (Photo), to Carshalton for Tea & Bread Pudding at ‘Sassis in the Grove’, the Wrythe, Rosehill, St Hellier, Morden Park, Lower Morden, Motspur park, to finish back in New Malden. 31 Miles, 1 almost new face, -approx 10 years since last visit-, very special thanks to Bai for leading, thanks to Toni & Mike for back marking, thanks to many corner markers.
Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/1579827
Sunday 26th February a rather chilly Northerly headwind, but a mostly bright day, after 4 cancellations, & 1 unexpected guest, 14 Cyclists left via Skerne Rd, Latchmere, Ham gate Richmond Park, to Roehampton gate, -with 1 more joining-, Barnes Common, Putney, Putney Bridge-, with 2 more joining, now 17 Cyclists-, Eel brook Common, Brompton Cemetery, Kensington, Kensington Gdns, Hyde Park, Marylebone, to Maida Vale for lunch at the very hospitable Carlton Tavern, -despite the Pre ordered food e mail getting lost-, very good service, then Paddington Rec to see 2 Plaque’s for Sir Roger Bannister ( From 1951 to 1954, Bannister trained at the track at Paddington Recreation Ground in Maida Vale while he was a medical student at the nearby St Mary’s Hospital. There are two Bannister plaques at the pavilion, both unveiled by him on 10 September 2000; a circular blue plaque and a rectangular historic plaque containing additional information. According to the latter, Bannister was able to train for just an hour each day due to his medical studies. From Wikipedia) a second Plaque for Sir Bradley Wiggins, who went to School nearby (Photo), – Thanks to Steve J for the pointer-, Kilburn, North Kensington, Hammersmith, Ravenscourt Park, C9 to Chiswick Green, Grove park, Chiswick Bridge, Mortlake, East Sheen- with 1 person, not paying attention, almost crashing into Roadworks-, to Palewell common Cafe for Tea & Bread pudding,- with 1 extra person just finding the group-, Sheen gate, Richmond Park, Kingston gate, Kingston to finish. 30 Miles, 3 new faces, thanks to Amy for back marking & others for marking corners, thanks to John D for the BP. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/2162317
Wednesday 15th February. A mostly bright Sunny day saw 16 Cyclists leave via Portsmouth Rd, Long Ditton, Hinchley wood, Littleworth, joined by 1 more, Esher, Fairmile, Cobham, Downside, -with 2 almost making a break for freedom-, Bookham Common (including Isle of Wight & Photo)-, to Little Bookham for a Picnic lunch at Ye Olde Windsor Castle (Chef & Brewer), but no Chef today, so most had come prepared -at least the Brewer part lived up to expectations-, Great Bookham, Fetcham, Leatherhead, Ashtead, Ashtead Park, Epsom, to Alexandra Park for Tea & Refreshments at the delightful ‘Park view Cafe’, Ewell village- including having to dismount & walk as West St was being resurfaced 🙂-, Ewell Court Park, West Ewell, Tolworth, Berrylands to finish back in Kingston. Total 29 Miles, thanks to Chris F for back marking & others for marking corners. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/1814953
Sunday 12th February. A mostly overcast day, with some ‘Misty drizzle at times, with1 cancellation & 1 no show, 14 Cyclists left via Motspur park, North Cheam, Pyl Brook path, Sutton, the Wrythe, Hackbridge, Beddington Park, Croydon, Selhurst -with 1 more joining the group-, Heavers Meadow, (with a visit from the ‘P Fairy’, soon repaired), Woodside, Ashburton Field, Shirley, West Wickham, Coney Hall, Keston, to Downe for lunch at the ever reliable ‘Queens Head’, although a little confusion with 1 food order, then a brief detour to see Down House (& Photo), home where Charles Darwin lived & wrote many works, including ‘Origin of the Species’, -as a complete coincidence, today is the anniversary of Darwins birth-, retracing our steps, then Farnborough, Orpington, Southborough, – with our leader suffering a small tumble due to a ‘sticky Toe strap’-, Norman Park -with one car park full with Film caravans-, Bromley, to Kelsey Park for Tea & Bread pudding, – with 1 person having departed to get a Train, then rejoining the group, as Engineering work had cancelled services, impressive-, alas a fruitless search for 1 BP tub, proved unnecessary, as our leader had forgotten, he was carrying 2 pots, not just the 1 he put on the table, also mistakenly almost leaving 1 person behind, oops, Elmers End, South Norwood Park, Heavers Meadow, Thornton heath, Pollards hill, Mitcham, the brand new resurfaced Dean city Farm path & new Bridge to Morden Hall Park, Morden, Raynes park, to finish back in New Malden. 45 Miles, Thanks to John E for back marking, thanks to John D for the BP. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/2152617
Sunday 22nd January, A mostly freezing, fog bound day, with promising glimpses of Sun at times, after 8 cancellations, 17 Cyclists left via Portsmouth Rd, Thames Ditton, Molesey, Walton on Thames, Weybridge, Brooklands Park- with 1 member having gear issues, soon sorted-, Byfleet, New Haw, Row town, to Addlestone for lunch at the delightful Pelican (with a cheeky message on the Table), then, Chertsey Meads, Chertsey Bridge, Shepperton, Haliford, Sunbury, Hampton, to Bushy Park for Tea & Bread Pudding at the Pheasantry, Hampton Wick, Kingston Bridge to finish back in Kingston. Total 29 Miles, special thanks to Steve F as back marker at short notice, thanks to Bai for standing ready to lead group 2, thanks to John D for the BP. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/2133378
Wednesday 18th January. With 4 cancellations & 1 no show, a very cold Morning, with glimpses of Sun, 11 Cyclists left via Lower Marsh, Berrylands, New Malden, Motspur park, Cannon Hill common, Merton park, South Wimbledon, -with 1 more joining the pack-, Wandle trail, Wandsworth Common, Clapham Common, Battersea, Battersea Park (Photo), Battersea for lunch at ‘the Asparagus’ (Wetherspoons), (a few meals a little slow in delivery), Thames path, Wandsworth, Wandsworth Park, Putney, Barnes Common – with a vote to forego the Tea stop in Sheen -, Roehampton gate Richmond Park, Kingston gate, to finish back in Kingston. 27 Miles, thanks to John E for back marking.
Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/2105084
Sunday 8th January, the first ride of 2023, started in the dry, alas intermittent Drizzle, soon developed into steady Rain, but with 1 cancellation, 1 group of 20 Cyclists left via Skerne Rd, Latchmere, Ham gate, Richmond Park, Sheen gate, Mortlake, Chiswick Bridge, Chiswick green, Acton, Ealing, Pitshanger Park, Perivale, Greenford to Northolt for lunch at the Greenwood Hotel (Wetherspoons) -with a lovely Art deco interior-, Northolt Village, Southall, Norwood Green, Osterley Park, -with the first vote to miss the Tea stop-, Osterley, Hounslow, Whitton, to Kneller Gardens,- still no votes in favour of Tea, hence no Bread pudding 😦-, Strawberry hill, Teddington, Hampton Wick, Kingston Bridge to finish. Total 29 Miles, 1 new face, thanks to Chris F for back marking, thanks to Steve D & Ellie for marking some corners. Sorry no Pictures this time. Map:- www.plotaroute.com/route/909611
Kingston Cycling Campaign 