Rides at this time of year can be ruined by bad weather, so I was more than surprised to see 17 riders at Morden Hall Park. This despite the freezing temperature and forecast of some rain or sleet showers. However there was almost no wind and we swiftly exited the Park by the Phipps Bridge tram stop to avoid the muddiest part of the Wandle Trail, rejoining it at Merton Abbey Mills. Apart from the trafficky bit through Earlsfield and a short sleet shower, we headed down to Wandsworth Town Centre where we ran into road works and evidence of a massive building boom. The former Ram Brewery site is being turned into, guess what, luxury flats, though a piazza area is planned where the Wandle goes through the site. At the mouth of the Wandle we paused briefly for Neil to take a group photo and then crossed Wandsworth Bridge to circumnavigate Hurlingham Park to Bishop's Park in Fulham, a place full of historical interest and children playing football on a very muddy field.
The sun was out by now and we then rode along the Thames Path, Furnival Gardens and Chiswick Mall to Chiswick Park cafe, where we met Stephanie who had mistakenly gone to Nonsuch Park for the start. After a snack some of us decided to head back with Stephanie and some went for a short walk around the famous gardens in bright sunshine.
Two more riders, Patricia and Steve then joined us, having arrived late at the start and sadly too late for a snack before setting off along the Thames through Dukes Meadows to Chiswick Bridge, which was in the process of being repaired, so requiring some careful riding, and along the South Bank of the Thames to the National Archive. The back roads through Kew were pleasantly quiet despite the jets thundering overhead and we halted briefly by Richmond Green and the gatehouse of the former Tudor Palace. Along the riverfront in Richmond we dodged the strollers and made our way to the Ham Gate into Richmond Park, where Angie remarked that she hadn't changed gear once since we began the ride. Along the Tamsin trail, quite dry for the time of year, we headed to Kingston gate before dispersing in New Malden.
Many thanks to Tony for back marking. We had no flats or mechanical breakdowns this time. I did 28 miles from home overall and got back spot on 3pm. Next time I will start a bit later as the cafe at Morden Hall Park only opens at 10am.
