Time to have a bike ride with the fellow ACTA (Auckland Cycling & Touring Association) members in London at the time, Annette & Steve and JB (John Billinge). Through Gaye Andrews noticing that my posting of where our airbnb accommodation was going, and pointing out there her and Stu's son Mark lived just around the corner and - Gaye and Stu's bike were stored at Mark's flat, how lucky could I get to have such a bike for riding. All I had to do was fit the new tubes and tyres - and find storage at our flat. The entrance way seemed the best option, you just had to sidle past the handle bars keeping your stomach in.
A 50km bike ride for me, joining the others, Annette, Steve and JB at Wandsworth Bridge for a pedal along the Thames and Richmond Park. 74 km for others. So off under Wandsworth Bridge and zig zag past a recycling plant and commercial and hospitality areas we were through a park and on the path.
Looks like a bridge coming up
Time for a selfie, its taking so long, there is a cyclist coming up and wanting to pass us.
That 'duck down' look as joggers pass under Hammersmith Bridge
The support cables of the
Hammersmith Bridge reminded me of bike chain links.
Shortly after Hammersmith Steve found us a path to take us toward Richmond and I was able to recognise where to find the Cafe run by Kiwis on Kew Road, Richmond.
The Butter Beans Cafe, that Jeantine introduced Barb and I to, when we.traveled by train to Richmond (she worked across the road at the time) I couldn't find a website but they have
Facebook page which states, "Butter Beans - a Kiwi creative, funky, rustic, chilled cafe in heart of Richmond. Super close to station." Another
website has a selection of photos.
After our coffee I led JB, Steve and Annette back down to the Thames Path the way Barb and I had traversed the other week. We went past Ham House and then returned along the path, where Steve (and his GPS) then led us into Richmond Park to find a spot to stop for lunch.
Some gates to negotiate at Twickenham
Is this a good spot to stop for lunch? - Kingston upon Thames says the phone gps
Self timer photo, resting the iPhone on the front bag of Stuart Andrews' bike — with John Billinge, Annette Collins, myself in between at the back and Stephen Thoms at Richmond Park.
We weren't the only ones munching - can you see the deer grazing, between the two twigs hanging down.
After lunch Steve took us back via a different path to end up back near Wandsworth Bridge
Almost home for me, maybe 1 kilometre to go, when we stopped for orange juice with tonic water and ice - packets of crisps at The Ship, 41 Jews Road, Wandsworth. After a hot day out riding it was most welcome.
A week or so later I introduced The Ship to Barb and Jeantine when we went for an enjoyable dinner out.
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