RIDE REPORT
Twickenham's Fine Ales 14/10/07

This turned out to be a very topical ride to the home of English
rugby, coming hot on the heels of the England World Cup victory over
France. The award winning brewery whose ales we had travelled to
sample also have a beer called Scrumdown.

The warm autumn day attracted 17 riders. We set out along the tried
and tested Wandle Trail route to Wimbledon Park for a morning break at
the cafe. Then it's a short sharp climb to get to Wimbledon Common and
along the cycle tracks to the subway under the A3. From here is a
short ride into Richmond Park, keeping the ride about 75% traffic free
at this point.

An error made in Richmond's hopeless one way system meant a 2nd
attempt to get to Richmond Bridge and onto the riverside footpath. The
Kingston Fun Run appeared to be coming this way as there were
marshalls on the path. We paused for a puncture but it was just a slow
one that required nothing more than some extra air. Whilst we waited
for word of the puncture, an elderly (female) fun runner trundled
slowly past, closely followed by a London Ambulance paramedic on a
bike and another cyclist, possibly a doctor.

As we passed by the White Swan riverside pub, just after midday, the
garden was already full with fun runners and supporters so we pushed
on to the Prince of Wales on Hampton Rd and took over their beer
garden. They had Sundancer, the beer which had won the award for the
Twickenham Fine Ales brewery as well as Scrumdown. Most people had the
Sunday roast which was fortunate as there was no other choice on
offer. Heathrow isn't far away and the garden turned out to be on the
flightpath!

After lunch, we crossed the Thames at Teddington Lock, the point at
which The Thames stops being tidal. It's busy at weekends so you have
to walk over. From here we passed scenic Ham Common on the way back
into Richmond Park. National Cycle Network's Route 4 goes straight
through the middle of the park on a traffic-free path before you
descend down to the Robin Hood gate.

Instead of risking life and limb to cross the busy road, we used the
shared-use footpath up to the subway that took us back into Wimbledon
Common and down to the windmill's tearoom for an ice cream break.
There were pretty big queues which goes to show that a cafe is one of
the best ways to get people to use green spaces. Listen up Mitcham
Common!!

We picked up some of the Merton Cycle Quest route as we headed back
towards Merton Abbey Mills and on towards Mitcham. Riders started
dispersing at this point.

32 miles, out for 8 hours. See the pix on Flickr at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pollardshillcyclists/sets/72157602428907712
or
http://tinyurl.com/224oqn

===

Next week is Ian's ride to Walton-On-The-Hill. Don't let the "hill"
part put you off as all of them are manageable and we'll wait for
anyone who wants to walk up. Lunch at the novel Cafe Chocolate (meals
& chocolates!) by the pond or decamp to one of the nearby but
expensive pubs. 9:30 at the library.

Mark
PHC Co-ordinator
07711 688189

http://www.pollardshillcyclists.org.uk