Four riders, Mick Curtis, Dave Clarke, Gareth Moss & myself, set off from Nonsuch Mansion on cold (3°C) damp, overcast day. A simple, short and sweet, straight forward ride out to Kingston Bridge via the Hogsmill River.
After crossing the bridge we headed west along the Thames Tow Path to Hampton Court Bridge. Upon arrival we were met by utter chaos on the bridge due to the western side of the bridge shared path and inside lane being fenced off for works. With no signs posting any alternatives for cyclists we took centre position of the right turn lane and crossed the bridge at our peril!
With the group all safely across we dropped down onto the towpath at Molesey Lock to get to the elevenses stop at East Molesey Cricket Club. The venue was reasonably busy, but food and tea arrived punctually and with a smile.
Our return route had us retrace to Berrylands and then my alternative route through the back doubles towards Tolworth. This was a welcome short cut as Dave was flagging a little due to a mechanical issues or physical one, he wasn’t sure which one, or both!
The Hogsmill was once again joined and soon after Mick was heading for Sutton with Dave and I heading to Horton Country Park, the location of my car and Dave’s abode a few minutes away down the road.
Good ride, 27.7 miles for me, enough in the cold conditions.
Paul White