Sunday the 13th of November

Bushey Park for 11's saw a good turnout, It was 13 altogether, including a not often seen Richard Delaware, it was nice to see him. I had planned a shortish route, about 17 miles altogether to lunch at the Alisa Tavern, Twickenham. A lot of the route I hadn't used in years and a lot of when I used to run.

Cobblers Walk to Kingston gate, and then back roads to Broom road and onto Teddington lock and across the river. Then left onto Riverside Drive and through Cut Throat alley and onto the pleasant off-road of Ham Avenues to Ham common.

Then Richmond park, bushy as you would expect on a Sunday with mini Peletons flying everywhere. Out of Richmond gate and down Queen's road to the path by Richmond lodge. This leads to a very pleasant path through Sheen common, just be careful of the tree roots.

I had planned a slight detour to view the Wembley arch from Berwyn road in North Sheen, but the weather was against us, it was visible on Friday when I reccied. On to the Thames and over Chiswick bridge and Dan Mason Drive to the Promenade, but turning left into the very long but wide alley that leads to Burlington Lane. At this point I realised that we were behind schedule, so a change of route was called for, so into Stavely road and a brief stop to view the memorial to the first V2 rocket that landed in England in No 5 Stavely road. Killing 3 people and injuring many more.

 

On now by a directish route to Kew bridge and along Brentford high street, Syon park and back to roads to lunch. Fully booked inside but they had an outside Marque and booths with heaters, it was nice to see Simon join us for lunch after his morning duties in the band at the Remembrance ceremony in Twickenham, much banter and then time to move on. A request for a tea stop was called for, so a short ride to Marble hill park cafe ensued. Numbers by now had dwindled and only 6 sampled the delights. Again more banter and touring tales from Ed delighted the group.

 

All good things must come to an end and off we departed before dusk really marred our final miles home. A great crowd and lovely to see so many out.

 Tony..