Therapy; Beddington Beginners 19 August

 By Paul

Sharon was waiting with Colin and with Anna and Roger, and Ken, whose electric bike was in repair, had walked up the Wandle Trail to say Hello.  It was a beautiful day for cycling; maybe a bit breezy, but even that did not last as soon as we gained shelter from the buildings.  Colin had Coombe Woods in mind but Roger and Anna had arrived determined to go to Elmers End.  We compromised, and went to Elmers End.

Maggie and I made seven, but Ken, of course, stayed behind.  It was refreshing to ride at a moderate pace through familiar lanes; Waddon Park, West Croydon Station, the scrub land alongside Selhurst railway sidings, South Norwood Country Park.  

As ever, we were made welcome at Branching Out where they ran about to find us tables to sit at and plied us with lovely cakes and decent coffee and we sat in the sunshine for longer than usual before riding back through Woodside and into Croydon.

Five youngsters and the twin towers, photo by Maggie

What a lovely, relaxing, calming, therapeutic afternoon it turned out to be in easy company.  When life's little frustrations mount up, get out on the bike with your friends and forget them all for a while!