Short ride to Teddington April 5th

From Karen

Short Ride to Teddington - A Road Less Travelled.........

The list indicated a leader-less ride to Oaks Park but, following a scrum down with Sue B, we agreed that Teddington Lock might be a more appealing option and, more importantly, we both had some familiarity with the route.  Our relatively small group gathered in the shade next to the mansion house, soon to be joined by John B.  There was a cast of thousands clamouring to join Steve's ride to Box Hill (or so I thought), but in fact several were soaking up the sun in excited anticipation of the short ride - so we were now 14!  In the meantime,  John B had offered to lead a quieter route to Kingston, avoiding WP traffic lights.

Once we'd cleared the Kingston market and riverside sections, it was a relatively clear and pleasant ride via Lower Ham Road and the path leading to the Teddington Lock footbridge.  All present and correct, we crossed over to the Flying Cloud Cafe where, especially considering our numbers, we were served relatively quickly.  There were no flying clouds in evidence but the sail canopy above us flapped loudly in the wind and the cake and coffee cups were ready for take-off at any given moment - I wondered why Anna asked for porcelain cups?!

Did Anna get a porcelain cup?

After a slight delay due to some mislaid bike-lock keys, we were ready for the off, John B again offering to lead - this time a variation on the route to and through Bushy Park and thence towards Hampton Court.  Thereafter it was somewhat of a magical mystery tour of roads less travelled around Thames Ditton, ultimately heading through Surbiton and towards home ground (for some). Thanks to the stalwart back marker and corner-markers we managed to keep the large group together and it was a lovely day for a more extended short ride.

~ Karen