Rain was forecast and Ken and I wanted to be near enough to turn back for home at the first drop. So we decided to cycle up to Cane Hill and then discuss whether to continue to Farthing Down or turn for home.
A strange sight greeted us as we cycled through Wallington. A cyclist was pedalling very hard in his drive on a static bike! We stopped to chat briefly - Ray still can't cycle with us but wasn't going to miss out on his Saturday afternoon ride!
Our next stop was at the traffic lights at the junction of the A237 and B2032. Waiting so long to turn right behind two cars that began edging through red lights we dismounted ready to use the pavement. At this moment the lights of course went green and we rapidly remounted and took the Chipstead Valley Road. We turned left to climb up Portnalls Road. And climb we did. Very aware that Ken was on his electric bike and could (should) overtake I did my best to cycle up this never ending hill at a reasonable speed.
We turned left onto Sir James Moody Way and followed this deserted road to the pond and old hospital water tower at the centre of the estate. We stopped to contemplate. The old hospital chapel was boarded up and looked as if it was next for demolition. One family passed us but on this cold, grey day it lacked life and character and the houses could have been mini blocks of flats - three stories and fairly narrow. They must have great views from the top though. We were happy to cycle on down Cane Hill Drive to the roundabout in Coulsdon and continue to Farthing Down. Happy to be cycling on familiar territory today we turned round in the car park. Happy to be on bicycles too as drivers now have to pay to park their cars.
Then it was back to DD's for tea. A teenage cyclist giving us a fright by demonstrating his wheely skills while we were waiting, Unfortunately he hadn't noticed the parked car and swerved at the last minute right across the oncoming traffic. However, he survived to continue with his wheelies down the road and we were happy to turn for home with no more excitement.
The rain started as we arrived back in Wallington and I hope Ken wasn't too wet when he got home.
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