Last of the summer evening rides...

l to r: Helen,Roy,Ken,Steve,Anna,Colin and Shirley

On  Monday, eight of us met for the last Cyclism evening ride of the season.  These leisurely rides are a great way to make the most of the longer evenings from mid-May to the end of July, with friendly company! Many thanks to Shirley (far right) and Colin (2nd right, at the back) who have planned this annual local programme for over 30 years, and to the volunteer ride leaders who make it possible.


We met at Manor Park Sutton on a gloriously sunny evening. Our photo was taken at the top of Cheam recreation ground by a charming lady who longs to join our group, but needs to learn to ride a bicycle soon!  Perhaps we'll see her husband on one of our Saturday rides...


We swung by Mansion House and headed through lovely Nonsuch Park to Sparrow Farm gate.  Steeply downhill through Cuddington Park, we crossed Central Avenue and entered Green Lane just before Worcester Park station.  We turned left after the primary school to take quite a rough path through to Joseph Hood memorial park, waving hello to Saturday regulars Sabina and Bernard on the way through...and took a little footpath on the other side of the field to find our way back through to Green Lane stables .  Here the puncture fairy made herself felt as my back tyre deflated...

Thanks to Colin and Steve, we were soon on our way again! Though we had to turn on our lights at about 8.45 as the evening drew in...we made our way back to Sutton via Lower Morden Lane, following the cycle route through under the railway line and right into Glastonbury Rd, crossing the Reigate Road into Rosehill Rec and past the Tennis Academy without further incident.


Thanks all for your company, and for all the lovely summer evenings when we've been able to enjoy our local excursions together.