Pelicans, Parks and Palaces; All Day Ride Saturday 8 August

Madeleine writes:

A motley but friendly crew gathered at Nonsuch Park on the morning of Saturday 8th August. All present and correct, two groups set off in a timely manner, pulled as they were by the golden magnetism of our nation’s capital. In fine spirits and good accord, they were led up to and onto the Wandle Trail by their trusty leaders, Karen and Julie. The latter overtook the former when our K carelessly misplaced her back marker, the redoubtable, snap-happy, shutter-buggy Susan B.

The delay for Team K resulted in an unplanned meet up of the groups in King George’s Park, Earlsfield, where they were also joined by the pretend leader, Madeleine (alas too full of shingles to do the whole ride). And so on to a welcome, relaxed and high-quality coffee break at The Ship on the Thames at Wandsworth.

Onward ho! Back on the saddle, the ride continued along the Thames Path, through Battersea Park, across Chelsea Bridge and so to Westminster. From there, the route skirted St James’ Park & Green Park (with viewings of "pelican island" and Buckingham Palace along the way). Then through Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens to a picnic lunch in Holland Park. Lovely - depending on what you brought with you.

With the odd bridge or several thrown in....

All this under the beating sun of the hottest of drought-inducing summers. All parks were brown, but we hope that they might regain their former green, if it ever rains again.

The afternoon took the trusty riders back across the river via Hammersmith Bridge. Fatigue and the heat started to tell on the crew as they bumped along the roughest mile of the Thames Path to Barnes. Dear Kirsten took her leave just before before the last big push: up, up, up to Putney Heath.

Wimbledon Common, swathed in dust and beige, felt like a more likely backdrop for giraffe and zebra than wombles. And caution was taken as the desert sands on the tracks snatched at our tyres.

Struggles were rewarded at the Windmill cafe where thirsts were happily slaked and ice-creams gratefully nibbled and slurped…

After the welcome rest, some enterprising sorts took trains from Wimbledon Station. Meanwhile, a brave and hardy few followed the route back to their homes or Nonsuch Park, making the round trip of 36 miles in 27-28 degrees.

The route was pleasant with some nice sight-seeing highlights. But the good nature and humour of the group was the making of a lovely day out.

Riders:
*Karen C* - leader
Sue B
Kirsten
Mark S
Sharon S
Madeleine (coffee to tea)

*Julie B* - leader
Alice B
Frank B
Jackie R
Karl M