Leaving Carshalton it was a dry sunny day, still a bit chilly but the forecast was for a whopping 13deg so a heatwave for this time of year. Arriving at Nonsuch mansion I was greeted by an empty car park and no runners again. Happy days, but even before anyone had arrived there was a WhatsApp message from one of the riders with a mechanical emergency, not a great start.
Riders where Bill Kent, Tracy Cundle, Trevor Kits, Edd Peg, Digger Dave with the mechanical and myself Adam Domaingue. After trying to fix Digger’s bike it was agreed that Jocky wheels (the bit the chain goes around to change gear) need to have teeth on to work and there was nothing we could do apart from taking the mick, so we left the park and headed towards the Hogsmill river. We followed the river towards Tolworth and on to Kingston, where I punctured. Many thanks to Bill K for the use of his gloves. There we crossed the river and made our way through Hampton Court Park to the bridge where we crossed south again and then followed the tow path on towards Walton Bridge. Being a sunny day there were the usual dog walkers and families strewed across the path, but we made it there without any problems.
On arrival at the Wild Brunch café, we were greeted by Paul White, Bill Martin and his wife Lynn. It wasn’t that busy and we managed to get a table so we could all catch up. The plan for our trip home was going via Esher common, so after our fill we said our goodbyes and stated on home. Needless to say I took the completely the wrong turn and we ended up riding back through Lower Sunbury, through Bushy Park and back through Kingston. Bill Kent Said goodbye just before Bushy, before he had too far to ride home. Not long after Kingston Digger and Edd went on there merry ways home and we picked up the Hogsmill river back towards Nonsuch Park. There Tracy and Trevor said goodbye and I made my way back to Carshalton for a well-earned shower.
A great ride making the most of a warm sunny day.
39 Miles done for me.