Taking two new friends to Crystal Palace; Beddington Beginners 18 February

By Paul

With the sad news of Shirley's passing Maggie and I took over the Beddington ride on Saturday.  We were busy, the weather was pretty dreary, and we'd cycled a fair few miles during the week.  We knew already that Anna, Roger and Ken would be otherwise engaged and we perhaps entertained a secret desire that no-one would turn up and then we could just go home, duty done.

But no, the inverse law that applies to cyclists applied, and when we turned up to the Pavilion at Beddington Park in the drizzle there awaiting us were seven bright and breezy faces looking forward to an afternoon ride.  What's more, we had two new riders; welcome, Jan and Debby.  It was nice, too, that Matthew had turned up with the club's youngest member, Thomas; first time since the winter weather started.  Alison has ridden with us a few times before, Jackie is now a bit of a Beddington Park regular, and Sharon is a week-in, week-outer.  So, with the company, that other peculiar inverse cycling law kicked in; we had left the house not at all in the mood for a ride, but suddenly it seemed a splendid way to spend our Saturday afternoon!  

We had planned to offer Crystal Palace, so Crystal Palace it was.  It was half term, so the traffic in Croydon was light.  It was dull but not really wet, so South Norwood Country Park was not muddy, though the cobbles near Croydon Arena were a bit skiddy.  Some of us found it hard work by the end, it's about twelve or thirteen miles to Crystal Palace Park and though we circumscribe the hill itself and don't climb to Crystal Palace Parade, it is not possible to avoid some climbing.

While most of us had coffee overlooking the bikes, Matthew and Thomas spent their coffee time in the sandpit!

Then it was home, like the Three Wise Men, by a different route.  A little more climbing past the sadly decrepit athletics arena to Crystal Palace station, and then through South Norwood and along Holmesdale Road past the football ground to Fort Neaf and the architectural wonders of West Croydon.  Wandle Park and back to Beddington Park, hopefully with two new regulars.

Shirley has never in recent years come to Beddington Park, but it was only the second time I could remember Colin not being there, and it seemed strange.  Our thoughts are with him and his family.