Richmond Rides Sunday 1st February

The ruins of Ankerwyke Priory, where King John stayed before signing Magna Carta, are now surrounded by damp woodland studded with snowdrops. We cycle out up the Thames have a brief expedition on foot (change of footwear recommended) then back to the 21st century with lunch in a local pub and a ride home through the slightly strange area cut off by Heathrow.

Six intrepid cyclists set out from Twickenham. The sky brightened as we cycled along the Thames past Laleham and we didn't need walking boots to reach the snowdrops around the 2500 year old Ankerwyke Yew. At lunch at the Perseverance we were joined by another member and then set off home into an icy blast. "Character building" said Sue. At least we got back before the serious snow.

Date: Sunday 1st February 2009
Meeting Point:Twickenham Station
Meeting Time: 10:30
Contact: Paul Luton (02089774016 paul@pluton.eclipse.co.uk)

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Snowdrop-Ride

Richmond Rides Sunday 11th January

A 35 mile burn-off-the-Xmas-pudding ride. Low traffic /mild off road route to Leatherhead, through the Mole gap then up Box Hill Zig-Zag. Pub lunch at the top then down through Headley and Epsom.
7 of us turned up on a less cold and bright morning. The white surface to the tracks across Horton Country Park and Ashstead Common looked worrying and the headwind trying but , encouraged by the sunshine, we reached Box Hill and ground our way up to the summit (172m) enjoying the views. After lunch at the Hand in Hand we flew along the downhill, downwind return.

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Kingston-to-Box-Hill

Date Sunday 11th January
Meeting Teddington Station
Time 10.30am
Contact Paul Luton 02089774016 / paul@pluton.eclipse.co.uk

Richmond Rides for Everyone Saturday 17th January

Ride from Strawberry Hill down the Thames to Richmond then up the River Crane to the Crane Park Nature Reserve.

Well the five of us who turned up had a good ride in the sunshine and a tour of the nature reserve where 40% of us are past/present volunteers. No water voles though and just the nesting holes of kingfishers. We will try again later in the year when we hope that more people will join us.

Date: Saturday 17th January 2009
Meeting Point: Strawberry Hill Station
Meeting Time: 10:45
Contact: Paul Luton (02089774016 paul@pluton.eclipse.co.uk)

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Strawberry-Hill-to-Crane-Park

Invitation Ride - from Andy Longfellow

I'm keen to lead a ride to Borough Market on Saturday 13th December and hope that Ealing and Richmond LCCers can join me!

We'll meet and leave promptly at 0930 from the south side of Kew bridge on Saturday 13th December. Wrap up warm, fit panniers for goodies and bring lights to guide us home if necesary.

RCC pre Xmas Ride and Lunch 14th December

A refreshing ride in Richmond Park before meeting up with other LCC groups for lunch in the White Cross in Richmond. (12.00)

Date Sunday 14th December
Meeting The Little Green Richmond - by the Library.
Time 10.30 am
Contact Paul Luton 02089774016 / paul@pluton.eclipse.co.uk

Richmond Rides for Everyone Saturday 15th November

Meeting in Bushy Park and making a circular tour into Richmond Park with a coffee stop.
Date: Saturday 15th November
Meeting Point: Bushy Park, Fountain Car Park, by the kiosk
Meeting Time: 10:30
Contact: Paul Luton 02089774016 paul@pluton.eclipse.co.uk

A Halloween Story - Round Richmond Park In The Dark

We set off, all of us, huddled together in the dark. Lights loomed from either side and flashes of red, green and orange made us stop and start in fear. We found our path and wound our way up the hill to search for the gate and its keeper. He stood in our path, large and wrought with anger. We sneaked in by his side and found ourselves in a magical place, so dark, so very dark. We shouldered our fears, put our lights and smiles on full beam and set off to lighten the darkened lands before us.

The wind whistled through our clothes, numbing feet, ears and toes but still we pressed on. Lights dangled, spilling globes of enlightenment on the ground. We split into groups to weave our own magical spells in the dark, talking incantations to ward off the demons in the dark.

Soon we had a hill to climb; a mysterious shape loomed in the dark distance. We pooled our tricks and spells, flicked our gears and trod on our pedals to conjure an allure to take us over the looming giant. Our spell took us clear and we sailed down and onwards.





At the crossroads, a creaking signpost forced us to split with its craggy fingers pointing the way home for part of our group. We separated, showering enchantments on each other, jinxes to be guardians over our departing friends.

Another gate, another keeper, this one friendlier than the last but still encircling us with breaths of chill wind. And then we were once more in the land of lights, rushing past, crushing the air in front of us. We turned away and meandered towards the river, a gentle slow giant, reflecting the whites of our eyes and steering us towards warmth and ale. We entered the Cross and soon were settled, supping ales drawn up from the heart of the hostelry, telling tales of demons fought and wars against witches won.