With weather reports ranging from blustery to rain
showers, an intrepid 2 cyclists joined up at Bushey station
for the start of this 35 mile ride in windy and overcast
conditions. Recognising that members of the new Harrow
Cyclists Group were planning to join just 30 minutes later
from Harrow, a fast pace was experienced for the first 7
miles to meet at Rayners Lane station. Here David and Dan
joined up and set off at a slower pace along the cycle paths
of Alexandra Avenue and over the steep gradients of
Horsenden Hill into Perivale crossing the A40 and passing
through the very pleasant Pittshanger Park but for some
stand-offs with suicidal dogs. No more hills now says Ayman
as we used some contraflow cycle routes to merge with the
Grand Union at Ealing and cycled on to Brentford Lock
passing under some old canal buildings inhabited by pigeons.
With a neat little cutting off the main road, the gang of 4
headed for Syon Park and a well earned cup of tea.
During the refreshments another Harrow cyclist armed with
puncture repair patches joined us on a single speed fold up
bike and setting off through the one-way road around
Isleworth, we soon found the Thames Path. Some of this was
tarmac and some pebbly track with numerous puddles but it
was quite comfortable. Passing by Richmond was awkward as
there were boats all over the place possibly to do with
Winter head races or simply practising so as Ayman succumbed
to a rare puncture at Kingston, we were cheering on the
teams of 2 and 4. Repair patches were very useful at this
stage. Skirting round the edge of Hampton Court park, a few
spots of wet stuff spurred us on to the gates of the
majestic palace that was so popular with Henry VIII.
Despite Henry's invitation to his banqueting house and a
ride round the famous Maze, the £14 entrance was avoided by
a detour to the Prince of Wales pub. Quick service and a
covered outdoor area was enjoyed before the Harrow and
Watford teams set off for home on respective Underground and
Overground train journeys both witnessing heavy rain showers
on the journey and arriving within 10 minutes of each other.
