Apologies for the lateness of Sunday's ride report. This was due to
technical problems with computers, mobile phones, net access etc etc. Photos
will appear before the end of the week. Here's John's report:

Capital Ring 04/06/06

On a sunny morning, six riders (inc 4 new faces) set off from the Library to
ride part of the Capital Ring Route as far as Richmond Park and incorporate
visits to Norbury Grove, Tooting and Wandsworth Commons and Wimbledon Park.
The official guide to the 78 mile inner London walk states that it is not
intended for cyclists. This is clearly nonsense as we demonstrated today by
following the route without having to ride illegally..

After a pleasant run through Norbury Park we encountered Gibson's Hill, with
its steep unmade surface that took its toll on most (though not all) of us.
Loose surfaces with giant gravel can be dangerous at the best of times ­ ah
well, at least such roads keep most cars at bay. Norbury Grove is a delight,
a secluded manor house sat amongst beautiful grounds high on a hill
overlooking South London.

After negotiating the descent alongside Streatham Common to Streatham High
Road it was interesting to follow the Capital Ring Route to the west of the
high road and to see the Streatham Pumping Station (built 1888) in all its
glory. After a brief photo shoot there, we decided on a change of elevenses
from Tooting Bec Common cafe to that on Wandsworth Common. The later was
very pleasant and (judging by the ³crowd² there) the place to be on a Sunday
morning. This was quite surprising considering their prices - £1.90 for a
filter coffee and £1.95 for what was supposed to be a slice of cake!

We resisted the temptation to join those inside Wandsworth prison, which we
passed on our way to Wimbledon Park, which was already busy with locals
either sun-tanning themselves or playing cricket.

The thought of an Italian ice-cream (a bargain at £1.10) at Wimbledon Common
must have spurred us on to climb the short sharp hill from Wimbledon Park
via Princes Way to Inner Park Road possibly quicker than usual.

After Wimbledon Commonıs windmill had been spotted and ice-cream consumed,
we rode along Windmill Road across the common and then down to Beverley
Meads, prior to arriving at the A3 by Robin Wood Gate to enter Richmond
Park. Care had to be exercised on this busy and sunny Sunday in the descent
from the top to the bottom of Wimbledon Common by the A3 as the route was
being heavily used by other cyclists and dog walkers.

After a careful traverse of the A3 we made the gentle ascent from Robin Hood
Gate to Pembroke Lodge, but not before a quick visit to Pen Ponds and to
briefly assist (by way of a plaster from our First Aid kit) a little girl
who had taken a nasty tumble from her bicycle whilst out with her family.
Pembroke Lodge, our lunch stop, was extremely busy and all present agreed
that it was a blessing we were not trying to park cars in the already
congested car park. We enjoyed excellent views to the west of Richmond Park
whilst eating our £2.99 sandwiches or rather more expensive hot lunches ­
minimum £6.50. We made quick progress on leaving through New Malden and
Raynes Park, so much so that we decided on a quick refreshment stop at Abbey
Mills in Merton where a few of us wandered around the outdoor/indoor market.
From there, back by Myrna Close nature reserve and Figges Marsh to our
original meeting point at the Library in Pollards Hill. Out for 7 hrs, 26
miles.

Report by John