RCC Rides for Explorers : Sunday 9th May

Along the hog's back

Meet: Richmond , Little Green - by the library before 10.15am

Description: We meet at Richmond but cycle to Surbiton to catch the 11.05 to Guildford. Amongst the spectacular (hilly) scenery we find an art-nouveau chapel and a ruined abbey that gave its name to Scott's first novel. Cafe/pub lunch. Total about 40 miles.

Contact: Paul Luton
Telephone: 020 8977 4016
Email: rides@richmondlcc.co.uk

RCC Rides for Explorers : Sunday 7th March

Grand Union Canal

Meet :Richmond, Little Green, by library 10.30am

Description: We cut through Syon Park to Brentford and follow the canal tow-path northwards .... A preliminary ride found the tow-path west of Hanwell dangerously muddy (Yes I did fall in) so plan B is being devised. Lunch in canal-side or other pub.

Four of us met up and headed up the canal. We avoided the muddy parts by cutting off along the Brent valley with the help of Andy's local knowledge. We passd the isolated 12c Perivale Church and after a warming Lunch at Starvin Marvin's at Perivale rejoined the canal at Horsendon Hill. From here on in the surface is good and led us to a footbridge through Paddington Station. From here we returned via Kensington Gardens, Hammersmith and Richmond Park. Enjoyable day with brilliant blue sky but icy wind.

Route

Contact: Paul Luton
Telephone: 020 8977 4016
Email Rides@richmondlcc.co.uk

Richmond Rides for Everyone Saturday 20th March

Bedfont Lakes Country Park

Meet : 10.40am Strawberry Hill Station - west side

Description: After passing through Crane Park and Hanworth Park some back lanes in Feltham take us to a scenic nature reserve created from gravel workings. 11 miles but flat so back about 1pm.

Contact: Paul Luton
rides@richmondlcc.co.uk
Telephone: 020 8977 4016

RCC Rides for Everyone : Saturday February 20th

Chiswick House

Meet Mortlake Green by station at 10.30am

Description: A short, easy ride taking in the Thames banks and visiting the grounds of Chiswick House where the ground-breaking eighteenth century gardens are being restored. Coffee in the renovated cafe.
We had seven riders - respectable for February - and enjoyed bright sunshine for the ride. Worth repeating when the restoration is complete and the works on the towpath are completed.



Contact: Paul Luton
Telephone: 020 8977 4016
Email: paul@pluton.eclipse.co.uk

Rides for Explorers - Sunday 7th February

Hawksmoor with a side helping of Wren and Archer.

Meet 10.45am at Waterloo Station - by vehicular exit arch ( eg take 10.09 from Richmond)
Description: We take the NCR 4 down the Thames to Greenwich in time for cafe lunch then follow the 'Hawksmoor Ride' from London Cyclist visiting the churches designed by the idiosyncratic 18th century architect returning to Waterloo.
Despite a cool and cloudy day we had a respectable seven riders and managed a quick peek into St Paul's Deptford where a very "bells and smells" service was in progress in the Archer church. We managed a look at the interior of St Alphege and Christ Church Spittalfields was very much open for tourists. Verdict - Hawksmoor's architecture is impressive but you couldn't call it pretty.

Contact: Paul Luton
Telephone: 020 8977 4016
Email: paul@pluton.eclipse.co.uk

Rides for Explorers - Sunday 10th January 2010

Switzerland in Surrey - Box Hill.

Sorry this ride cancelled - too much ice around.

Meet at 10.30 on Twickenham Riverside (by eel pie bridge)

Richmond's traditional post-Xmas ride. Back roads / off-road to Mickleham then up the 'Alpine' ziz-zag (not really that steep). Pub lunch at the top, then mostly downhill ride home. Bring lights.



Route

Contact: Paul Luton
Telephone: 020 8977 4016
Email: paul@pluton.eclipse.co.uk

RCC Rides for Everyone : Saturday January 16th

Bushy Park and the Thames

Meet 10.30 at the New "pheasantry" Visitors Centre Bushy Park.

After a glance at the newly restored Water Gardens, we join the Thames at Hampton Court, cycle along the tow-path to Teddington Lock and back via Cobblers Walk. Probable coffee stop. Nine miles and flat.

The rainy start to the day put most people off but two of us set out. The Water Gardens were locked because of dangerous ice (surely melted !) but we had a dry ride past Hampton Court and investigated the cycle facilities on the Hampton Wick side of the bridge. ( poor signage , intrusive kerb and gate.) Topic of conversation - 12th century Sicily , as you do.

Contact: Paul Luton
Telephone: 020 8977 4016
Email: paul@pluton.eclipse.co.uk