15 people turned up for the Winter Wonderland ride on a cold but crisp
and sunny winter day. We were joined by Korean TV who wanted to do a
feature on us although their camera person was late so it was agreed
that we should meet up at Clapham Common, the morning stop, to do the
filming.

The route to Clapham is worth knowing as it crosses Tooting Common on
the relatively new and hard-won cycle path. We stopped at the Italian
cafe by the bandstand. Filming went well and a weblink will be
available soon.

After coffees, the route weaves around quiet backstreets, all the way
to the Thames at Lambeth bridge where we stopped by the cycling hedge
sculptures. From here it's Sightseers London with the Palace of
Westminster, Big Ben, Horseguards Parade, the back garden of No 10,
the Mall and Buckingham Palace before riding through Wellington Arch
into Hyde Park.

We camped up at the Lido cafe, right by the Diana fountain. Those that
ventured down to the busy Winter Wonderland event were not impressed.
Overpriced and fairly small. A section of riders disappeared to do
their own thing whilst the rest ate lunch. The "lido" is simply a
sectioned off piece of the Serpentine and the cafe is busy in summer.
In winter, it's a quiet place to get a meal at reasonable prices for
Central London.

The route back took in Battersea Park before going down the Wandle
Trail where more riders disappeared home. 4 completed to entire ride
back to base. Out for 6hrs, 30 miles. See the pix on Flickr:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pollardshillcyclists/sets/72157603474472903
or
http://tinyurl.com/3czlz5

===

There's no official PHC ride next week but do venture down to
Wallington station for the CTC ride. Full details on the website.

===

Most of you will know by now that Sustrans won the Peoples Millions
competition. Part of the plan includes work in Croydon. I've no idea
how quickly things will move but it's good to know that the National
Cycle Network still has life in it after it hit the magic 10,000 miles
marker.

Hope you all have a good Christmas and please do post to the list if
you are planning any rides over the holiday and fancy some company.

Mark
PHC Co-ordinator
07711 688189

http://www.pollardshillcyclists.org.uk