Sunday the 19th May

 There was no early takers to lead this ride but Maddies stepped in to lead her first C&M ride. She knew the route was it was the same route I lead the B's to a few Wednesdays ago. It was a good turnout of Maddie ,Bob P ,Pam, Dawn ,Graham ,Bernard Sabina, Tony, Niall ,Andy, Martina, and Diana who just came to 11;s.

At the AGM Graham stepped down as club sec after many years in post, he was presented with an award, at 11's, as a thank you for his many years of service to the club.

We split into 2 groups to make life easier. Along the river Crane to Twickenham, and past the stately home of Simon, then varuious roads to Syon park, a loo stop and photo session. 

 

 

 

Syon Park Loo Stop

 

Then onto the Grand Union canal to Hanwell, then the river Brent to the Viaduct, throught edge of the Bunny park and another photo of the lovely thatched cottaage, then through Brent Valley golf course, a useful coffee stop for me in nthe past.

We were soon cycling through Perivale Park and past the memorial bench of Nicky Hopkins (no relation), a very famous session musician.  Then up the short climb of Horsendon Hill and onto lunch at the Greenwood hotel, a Wetherspoons, the weather was great, so we sat in the Sun to enjoy the delights of a microwaved  lunch. All good things come to and end, so off we set. Maddies group left first. 

 

Lunch in the Sun

We headed South to Northolt station, then across and down Northala fields and across the Ruislip road and then unmaiintained cycle paths to Willow Tree open space. Then across the foot bridge onto th Paddington arm of the Grand Union canal heading South. 

 

This section of the canal towpath is in very good order, we followed this to Bulls Bridge and then the spiral cycvle path to the Parkway, then the  cycle path to Cranford. We crossed the Bath road and round the back drive to tea at Restaurante Saloios rear seating area, a Portuguese restuarant. A place I often use for a coffee, the owner is very friendly, a few years ago he helped me mend a punture!

 

 

Tea Stop

Lovely sitting in the Sun, great coffee, and some even sampled the lovely cakes. At this point Maddie phoned me, she had ended up behind my group so then joined us for tea. Again, it was hard to tear ourselves away from the social sunny retreat. 

 

But alas we set off, agsain in 2 groups, my group left first and headed across Hounslow Heath andf then Powder Mill lane onto Fulwell, then through Hampton Hill where i turned right for home, leaved the rest to wend thier way home. A lovely days outing with a great group. Thank you to Maddie and to those who back marked.

Tony..