14th April - Saturday all day ride

Seven riders set off from Nonsuch Park to take tea at Clevedon Park café in Richmond, where I took this photo of the famous Magnolia tree.

We cycled on via The Grand Union Canal to Osterley Park for Lunch. Last stop was Richmond Park where, unfortunately, John had his Garmin stolen. Otherwise a good day.

Regards

Tony

[John has since advised that it was a Cat-Eye computer, approximate value £30, rather than a Garmin, approximate value £300, which was filtched from his bike.
~ Tim]

Jokes aplenty as Tim Vine joins our Spring Launch gathering Saturday 7th April

31 March: Delightful daffodils at Easter weekend

Delightful daffodils in Hampton Court gardens. Left to right: Colin, Sue, Shirley, Lynda, Caroline, Yasmin, Ken.

Sue and Caroline

 Suddenly, it seemed, everything was in blossom for our Saturday afternoon ride this weekend. Cherry trees, magnolia, hyacinths, anemones and lovely daffodils alongside the roads and pathways on our route, welcoming in the Easter weekend.

Yasmin and Lynda

 Unusually, our schedule did not include a destination this week.  After a brief discussion at the Mansion House, our group agreed to ride to Bushy Park for tea. 

Shortly after we set off, there was a heavy shower but we carried on regardless, following route 75 through Worcester Park, Old Malden, Berrylands and Kingston Market. The rain had eased off by this time so we enjoyed a pleasant tour through Bushy Park from the gate round the corner from Kingston bridge. The enclosed gardens overlooked by the Pheasantry café made a pleasant setting to enhance our enjoyment of tea and cake! We lingered chatting until shortly after 4 o'clock, then headed back via Hampton Court.  We couldn't resist stopping for a photo in the gardens at Hampton Court, where the daffs proliferated wonderfully in the spring sunshine. Home through Thames Ditton, Chessington and Ewell Court Park arriving back in Nonsuch Park at around 5.15.  Thanks to Helen for leading, Caroline for backmarking, and all for good company on a lovely spring afternoon ride!

24 March at Hampton Court bridge (south side)

A somewhat grey afternoon, but our brightly dressed cycling group enjoyed their ride to Five at the Bridge for tea. Lynda lead us via Surbiton (to deliver a newsletter ) through to Kingston centre, then along the river to Hampton Court.  We returned via Thames Ditton and Chessington, a favourite route home.  Thanks Lynda and all for a very pleasant afternoon ride and sociable tea.