Page 7 - PBCMarch2018

Pickwick Bicycle Club Magazine Volume 15 No.1 March 2018 !7

Whilst resting at the Star, my attention had been drawn to Ian Why, riding on a bike of
which he had built the frame himself; so with a pint of London Pride (there are other brands
of course, but not half as good-Ed) in one hand and a beef sandwich in the other, I went for a
closer inspection. After a near miss with a guest riding Mr Watty’s 1817 Draisine –balance
bike around the pub garden whilst taking a selfie, I opted to return to the safety of a garden
table and yet another sandwich. You have to prepare for lunch you know. I decided I should
call “ 5 MINUTES RIDERS” before I lost anybody before heading back to the bar, and off we
headed on the return journey.

Interrupted once more by Pruffle banging the table with his spoon – this time to take wine
with all the ladies who had joined us for the ride and lunch.

Back into Bushy Park, we were treated to our annual sighting of two large stags going head
to head for supremacy during the rutting season. A very violent fight ensued for the next 2-3
minutes with the victor finally chasing off his weaker rival. Quite a sight not often seen at
such close quarters. A photo opportunity at the Diana Fountain in the park –taken by an
‘outsider’ ensuring we all featured in said picture, and it was a quick spin into Hampton Court
Palace gardens, where we had to walk. A very athletic looking Lycra clad ‘youngster’ on an
orange carbon fibre machine took a great interest in the eclectic mix of our bicycles, many of
which required an explanation for him. He was suitably interested in Watty’s Draisine and was
allowed to try it around the forecourt – not easy with cleats. We then made our way back to
Imber Court, with great memories of another sunny October day, and having had the
opportunity to wipe the dust of our machines of years gone by and enjoy the fresh air with
like-minded friends.