Page 9 - PBCMarch2016

Pickwick Bicycle Club Magazine Volume 13 No.1 March 2016
9
th
Hampton Court Ride – October 8 2015

Once again the annual Hampton Court ride of the 8th Oct
went off without incident!!!!! That is if you exclude the late
arrival of " Mr Brooks" who successfully managed to find us
as we were returning through the maze in the grounds of
Hampton Court Palace, and one of our guests who managed to
get a puncture 100 yards from the start.

The remaining 22 riders,
(the biggest attendance since we started) enjoyed the 12
mile ride under cloudless skies. After negotiating the end of
the rush hour traffic for the first mile, we turned onto
the Thames towpath for the 3 miles to Kingston bridge,
then into Bushy Park, avoiding a very large rutting stag who
was trumpeting to keep his rivals away, for the 4 miles
across to Hampton Hill were I had arranged for some light
refreshments in the Rising Sun public house for members
and their guests. On our arrival the proprietor greeted us with two tables full of food, then
continued to bring out more, 4 differing plates of sandwiches, sausages wrapped in bacon,
chicken squires, crisps, etc. etc - enough food to feed us at the Presidents Spring Luncheon.
After and hour or so of fine beer & food, I managed to assemble the riders for the return
ride back through Bushy Park, passing the iconic fountain of Dianna that our forefathers had
passed on May 26th 1877. After Mr Brooks joined us, we proceeded into the grounds of
Henry V111’s Royal Palace for a photo call.

Among the machines being admired by all were: 3 Ordinarys, 2 solid tyre Safetys, and 2
Boneshakers - 1 ridden by Mr Watty on what must have been a breeze for him after his
achievement of his Paris-Avignon ride, along with a range of cycles post 1900 all riding with
the comfort of air filled tyres. It was also lovely to see our first lady joining us. With the
sun still shining, we made our way back to Imber Court. This
being the 9th Hampton Court ride, and the 8th time I have
arranged the veteran cycle side of the event, it was an
achievement to be back just before 1 o’clock and the first
time I have not had to endure the wrath of " Pruffle" for
bringing the ride home late. As in the past, we assembled
with the faster riders who had been out to the Surrey Hills,
for a traditional Pickwick lunch.