A long, short ride to Hanwell - 30 October

The Fox at Hanwell

Twickenham to Hanwell is a piffling four miles as the crow flies.   But - as the Graham rides: that's a completely different proposition.  Graham was unfortunately unable to lead today's ride but he kindly sent us his route, and since David had led last Sunday and last Wednesday, it seemed only fair that I offered to lead.  How difficult could it be for me, a local?

All was well at elevenses, where a healthy crowd of Bob, Mark, Diane, Tony, Pam, David W and David V, Ray and myself indulged in an unhealthy amount of unlimited coffee, before eight departed, leaving Bob to make his own way.

I think it's through here ...

And then through there ...

Graham's route promised walking over two London bridges, and the first of these was Teddington Lock, on the way to Ham gate of Richmond Park.   But Graham's ingenious and, it has to be said, adventurous route caught me out half a dozen times in about half a mile, as we twisted and turned over muddy bridleways and lumpy rabbit tracks in Ham Common.   Sighs of relief were breathed when we emerged back onto tarmac.  In Richmond Park we were held up by a large herd of deer stag-ing a sit-in on the cycle path for a while, but eventually they decided to move on.  After crossing Richmond park, the second river crossing was Hammersmith bridge, (where Dave V left us); route-finding a bit more straightforward but still requiring plenty of concentration along the back streets of Chiswick, Acton and Ealing.

Oh, deer!

We reached The Fox at Hanwell a bit after 1.30pm.  It was extremely busy, and we fretted over whether we would finish our meals by nightfall, but the service was excellent and we were away by around 2.15pm, a relatively (for Graham) straightforward route south through the highlights of Osterley Park and Mogden sewage works.    

I narrowly escaped being put in here at lunchtime
for my poor route-following.

By 3.30 we were saying goodbyes to Pam and Ray (Dave W having departed at lunch time), and the remaining four went into Squires Garden Centre, Fulwell for tea.   Three of us ordered scones with our tea, but Tony, to be different, ordered a six-foot Christmas tree, which had the waitress a bit bemused.   After a dry ride, I think it rained just as we were having tea, so I hope you got home OK and not too wet, Pam and Ray.

Thank you to Graham for his enjoyable and, at times, very exciting route.  I'm doubly sorry that you weren't able to join us - now I know how much work you have to put into leading one of your lovely intricate rides I will appreciate them even more in future!   Thanks also to David W and Tony for back marking, and to all for your forbearance with the various missed turns, sense of humour, and great company as always.