Continuing the New Year's Day tradition had been an easy decision but Ed's foot meant we needed two leaders. Following more or less the Hogsmill got the ride from Ewell to Malden Manor. Ed then headed for Motspur Park (where his wife lived in their courting days and "where Carters used to be"). After Beverley Brook (no beavers) and Malden Golf Club came Traps Lane, start of the climb to leafy Coombe. Warren Road had its Eisenhower plaque and was handy for Ladderstile Gate. By road or by trail, all reached the Roehampton Gate cafe where the headcount was over 30.
The return began quite unexpectedly! Alan, Irene and Tony set off for home closely trailed by others thinking the ride had started. After a hectic chase I caught up at the Royal Ballet School so allowing the backmarkers to rejoin. Left by Ham Gate took us past the recently closed Latchmere House prison and my old school (no connection). After Norbiton's station and estates we crossed Kingston Road en masse from Elm Road thanks to a considerate motorist. A rash of painters beyond South Lane meant we were now in Malden Manor where once again I use the Paddock Close alley to bypass Barrow Hill. Swiftly descending from Cuddington church we soon reached the Ruxley Lane turn-off. Ed went on ahead so I delayed using Pam's Way; our arrival coinciding with the onset of rain.
Thanks to Ed's baking and Maureen's savouries, most were full though soaked by the time they reached home.
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