Page 9 - PBCMarch2022

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Pickwick Bicycle Club Magazine ume 19 No.1 March 2022
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THE PICKWICK MAMILS - HAMPTON COURT BIKE RIDE

An optimistic title maybe, but at least we were all young at heart, and the group of riders
that gathered for a ride in the countryside down to the Surrey Hills were relieved that it
was mild and dry after all the rain we had been having. Soon we were to find out from Dave
Betts our leader, that he’d checked out the route the previous day and as many roads were
flooded it wasn’t possible for us to go in the usual direction, so he’d planned an alternative
ride to Richmond Park.

Leaving our new venue, the Thames Motor Yacht Club we joined the towpath in the
direction of Kingston, following its long arc to Kingston Bridge, then over the bridge onto the
cycle path, a short bit of road past Bentalls, under the little railway bridge near the car
parks, and finally sharp left down Hall Road to the start of the towpath towards Richmond.

A pleasant ride, passing many boat clubs, and following the Thames to Teddington Lock,
where we turned away from the river looping round, until we turned left along the edge of
Ham Common. Across the A307 into Ham Gate Avenue and up to the entrance to Richmond
Park. Here we turned left and continued clockwise past the Richmond and Roehampton gates
and to the now, long closed Kingston Vale gate, where we turned right up Spankers Hill to Pen
Pond Cafe.

Most of the group were eager to stop for refreshments, but having warmed up on the ride,
four of us decided to set off down the other side of the hill to Sheen Cross. Turning right
and still in a clockwise direction, we did a lap of the park - something I had not done for over
50 years! The two guys from Oxfordshire were at the front, with me behind alongside
Namby (Maurice Burton) who commented on their brisk pace, especially as one of them had
only started cycling since the start of the pandemic.

Passing the Kingston Vale Gate and up Test Hill, (now called Broomfield Hill), Maurice
apparently did not change down a gear, and sailed up the hill while we mere mortals chugged
up slowly to rejoin him before the Kingston Gate. Continuing our circuit back to Sheen Cross,
we were soon back to Pen Pond Cafe.

Setting off again en masse, we passed the Ballet School entrance, down to Sheen Cross once
more, then turning left and going anti-clockwise to the Kingston Gate. Exiting Richmond Park
we crossed over the A307, along the back roads, and looping round via the little railway
bridge we passed earlier in the morning and retracing our way back along the Thames
towpath to the Yacht Club. Thanks to Dave’s efforts, we had a different, but most enjoyable
ride, and a nostalgic one for me, having covered just over 30 miles.
……….report from The Bagman