Hampton Court: long ride Saturday 5 January

Saturday riders brightening up a grey winter afternoon

On a somewhat grey and overcast Saturday afternoon, it was a real pleasure to meet so many members and new riders at Mansion House, Nonsuch Park.  Some were out to take advantage of the mild weather, others fulfilling their New Year resolutions to cycle more regularly in 2019. While hi-vis, helmets and other specialist clothing are definitely not obligatory to join our rides,  the neon jacket wearers do help to brighten up a dull day!
Lynda lead 14 of us via Worcester Park to join cycle route 75.  We followed it through Old Malden and New, through to Kingston Market, over Kingston bridge and then along the Thames to Hampton Court, crossing the river again for a favourite tea stop, Five at the Bridge last Saturday. 
A couple of riders had peeled off through Bushy Park to the Pheasantry. So 12 of us enjoyed excellent home made cakes and welcome tea and coffee at the Bridge.  As usual on a Saturday afternoon, the café was very busy, but it made a nice change to be able to sit and wait to be served by the pleasant staff, rather than standing in a queue! 
Our photo was taken just after 4 pm, as we gathered ready to go home after tea. Hampton Court station is brightly lit behind us...and is that a stray Christmas light hanging above Lynda (far left, facing camera)?
Lynda lead us back through Bushy Park, which was still busy especially around the children's play area late in the afternoon despite the low light levels. Then home along the same way back through Kingston. Riders gradually peeled off, with just two of us eventually making our way back to Mansion House at the end of the ride.  A very enjoyable Saturday afternoon ride, many thanks Lynda for leading and everyone for cheerful company.