Lazin' on a Sunny Afternoon; Nonsuch shorter ride to Merton Abbey Mills 14 June

Some Saturday riders had left at 9.30 for an All Day adventure to Worthing, and a couple of them were about to experience an all-evening return ride.  We therefore expected numbers to be down at 2-o-clock but a fair old few gathered at the Mansion, including some old friends and some new; John B, Tony H, Pip and Maggie came to the meet even though they were not going out for the ride.  It was a first time for Isabel.  Malcolm and Pip were visiting from New Zealand and Malcolm was trying to get some miles in his legs to prepare him for the Tri-Vets for which he has signed up next Wednesday; he had already been out last Wednesday and on Friday. 

Photo by Malcom's sister Pip.

I was standing in for Tony to lead the short ride, scheduled for Oaks Park but instead destined for MED at Merton Abbey Mills, and Steve W turned up to lead a longer ride to Eight on the River at Molesey; impressive, as he had ridden a ton on Wednesday to Shoreham and back.

Steve took his group off first and we let them clear the park before the eight of us followed; Helen T, Sharon, Mike, Philip, Malcolm, Anna and Roger joining me through Worcester Park, Green Lane, Morden Cemetery and past Cannon Hill Common.  It was a glorious day, improved by a strong breeze that required more energy to ride into but provided a welcome draught to keep us cool.  It was tempting to stop and watch the cricket in the Joseph Hood recreation ground, and it's a pretty ride past John Innes Park through Church Lane in Merton Park and then through South Wimbledon.  All at a leisurely pace appropriate for those of us with a relaxing Saturday afternoon on our agenda. 

There were surprisingly few people about on the roads and we nearly had the MED cafe to ourselves.  There, after a naughty but scrummy pumpkin and ginger cake, we split up.  I went back along the Wandle Trail with the Sutton/Purley residents and Helen was up for leading the occidentals Cheamwards and went with Philip in that direction.  Mick went straight home.

Photo by Paul

Thanks to everyone for the splendid company, and to Helen for back-marking and taking Philip homewards (or was it Philip showing her his scenic route?).