A short long one to L'assaggino and Balfe's; Nonsuch 1-o-clockers 1 March

With Nigel unwell (good luck with the treatment, Nigel) there was a need for cover at Nonsuch, but I had done nearly 100 Km on Friday including Swaine's Lane and was relieved when I saw Steve among the cyclists eager for a decent workout.  I guessed the scheduled Wimbledon Park ride would not be quite enough for him and sure enough he proposed Stoke d'Abernon, giving me the excuse to offer a shorter, gentler option for those who wanted it.

Most of the crowd went with Steve so Anna, Roger, Sue B, Maggie and I were free to choose our own route and we fancied a nice coffee, a shortish ride and we had not visited L'assaggino for a while so we settled on a run to Richmond Park.  Roger is getting fitter after his lay-off and did well on the climb up Traps Lane.  We used the Golf Club Drive and Warren Cutting for a pleasant change of route, the tea was good and the cakes delicious and everything was going tickety-boo until Anna announced that she had a puncture.  She rides a heavy electric bike and I was unsure how we might take off a rear wheel but modern electronics came to our aid, and google Maps and Bee Line guided us the shortest possible route to Balfe's in Kingston, who could not have been more helpful.

So we got home a bit later than we were planning, but it all ended alright.  And thanks especially to Sue, who fancied a longer ride and no cake but came along with us and then went on her own solo tour, enjoying the parks while we were twiddling our thumbs in a bike shop.

1st March - Short Ride to Malden Church (again!)

One would think my repertoire of short routes is very limited, as I think this was my 3rd consecutive time of leading to Malden Church - a route title which confuses people no end, as actually we have tea at Costa in World of Golf and only pass by the Church if someone in the group hasn't seen it yet.....surprisingly, there's always at least one!     

Anyway, on a cold but beautifully sunny March day, 7 riders gathered for the shorter ride, the longer ride having left already as they do in winter time. We followed the route at a steady pace, with just one deviation around St Joseph playing field to avoid any muddy puddles. It was such a nice day that we were able to sit outside for drinks and cakes. 

 

Once away from the traffic coming off the A3, the return home through the quiet backstreets of Old Malden and Stoneleigh was equally uneventful, with riders beginning to peel off as we neared Nonsuch Park. The spring flowers and early blossom were wonderful to see. Thanks all for coming out and making it a lovely social afternoon.