The ride from Beddington Park featured in the Wandle Fortnight programme. We hoped it would be well attended but it wasn't to be. At 2pm Colin was on his own at the Pavilion cafe. Torrential rain just after 13.30 kept all but a faithful few at home. Shortly after 2pm six bedraggled cyclists appeared from various directions, some in cycling shorts and some in appropriate rainproof gear.
We consulted and agreed to visit Baitful Futuh Mosque in Morden which was open today as part of the Open House weekend. We cycled straight out of Beddington Park at the Hackbridge gate, over the railway bridge and left down Hackbridge Road to join the route along the River Wandle which we followed past the Imperial Sports Ground and through Ravensbury Park. We left the river to cycle along the Drive, across St Helier Ave and Central Road taking back streets to Morden where we crossed the railway sidings on the cycle unfriendly footbridge, remounted and turned left up London Road to enter the Mosque by which time Roger had had a disagreement with a blackthorn and had a flat tyre.
We were treated to hot samosas, drinks and cakes and then a tour of the mosque. 'The building is a blend of Islamic and modern British architecture and incorporates much of the structure of the old dairy site' says the book quite accurately. Our guide was welcoming and interesting and we left to watch Roger sort out his flat tyre as Anna, Ken and Brian took it in turns to man the pump.
We returned by a quicker route on the cycle lane up the A24, turning to cycle through Reigate Avenue Recreation Ground and across Rose Hill and make our way home.
Roger, Ken and Anna at the Baitful Futuh Mosque
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