Christmas Lunch Ride: 10/12/06

10 people gathered at Pollards Hill for the ride to Richmond for
Christmas lunch with other local cyling groups. The ride plan was
largely in the head of the leader who had ridden to Richmond Park
numerous times but never leading a group! So along Wide Way to
Eastfields level crossing, through side streets to Mitcham town centre
- around Vestry Hall, through to Dean City Farm and following cycle
routes we were soon in Raynes Park. Taking the cycle route parallel to
the north bound A3 to keep the ride flat, we entered Richmond Park via
Robin Hood gate. Richmond Park never disappoints - the good weather and
the deer with their young fawns reminded us of how this park really is
the best park in Greater London!

We'd made good time so were able to have elevenses by the ponds -
before heading off for Sheen Gate and the windey side roads that pass
Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall's one time abode and East Sheen Lawn tennis
club - then along Upper Richmond road to arrive at the pub just before
it opened. The Thames was also looking calm and beautiful. As we were
the first group of cyclists to arrive and order our food, we had good
seats upstairs. The room did fill up quickly but with many unknown
faces. Richard - from the Merton group wondered where our intrepid
leader / organiser was ...Cardiff - why Cardiff?!!

We left at 1.30, travelled back via Wimbledon Park - people peeled off
but 2 made it back to Pollards Hill - out for approx 5hrs - covered
approx 28 miles.

Report by Jill. No pix unfortunately.