Once we’ve headed through some suburban sprawl a surprisingly green route. Lunch in Richmond Park, before heading back across Wimbledon, Wandsworth and Clapham Commons.

Suitable for all bikes except racers. Mild off road shouldn’t cause other bikes any problems.

Richmond ride last year in December - Report - Photos

Pace decidedly moderate.

Report

Thirteen of us at Cutty Sark Gardens, made up to 14 when we met Jane as arranged in Brockley. A good mix of regulars and new people.

A slow meandering route along the top of Peckham Rye (missed out showing folks Boris Karloff’s birthplace in what is/was Forest Hill), through Dulwich Park and then the perverse bit – a ride from riverside Greenwich to riverside (well almost) Richmond that managed to climb substantially for short bits. Described by a somewhat bemused Barry Mason as the mountain pass route to Richmond.

Once over Streatham not too bad, through Tooting, the awful barrier at Colliers Wood, toilet stop at Colliers Wood where the proprietors appear to discourage new fangled niceties like toilet paper until you read their notice more carefully – see pic.

Another climb to Wimbledon, over the common, down the gloriously named (or something similar) Sunset Road to the off-road bit. With everyone told to keep some distance away from each other (you inevitably have to weave a bit as you go to take the best path) we all got down without mishap but it was a bit hairy. It actually felt better when we did it in December 6 when the small amount of mud gave a bit of grip, especially with narrow tyres. With the unseasonally dry weather there was a lot of what I take to be naturally occurring gravel.

Back on the flat, pootled along Beverley Brook to the A3 death trap crossing. Unfortunately we got there just after some horses had crossed from the stables – when they do a guy takes his life in his hands by stepping into what’s almost a motorway with a big sign to halt the traffic. Last time we did just manage to make it over but with 14 of us I thought it unlikely we’d all get over and not wanting to sacrifice a nominated victim to the traffic god thought we’d better walk it over the nearby bridge. A special pain as no sloping disabled access ramps.

Still, into the park. I hadn’t had time to think of an alternative lunch stop to the big white lodge building (whatever it’s called) we used in December so we decided to find a cheaper and less busy alternative. Barry reminded us that there’s a golf club cafe near Rohehampton Gate so we went for that only to find it demolished. Later found out there was a somewhat hidden replacement so perhaps we’ll use that next time. So we used the rather basic cafe outside though Jane did manage to pop inside and find her favourite baked potato – fine cycling food.

Through the Roehampton Gate and up through the Roehampton Estate which though it doubtless has its problems I actually like.

The route back threaded through Putney Heath, Wandsworth Common and Clapham Common where the plan was to stop for a sociable drink at the Windmill but I discovered that you could no longer lounge on the grass with a drink as once and the tables were all full so we headed back past the bandstand. Note: The newish cafe near the recently restored bandstand looks pretty nice and does basic small meals – never used it though.

I was determined to find a pub (pretty much expected I think on Lewisham’s summer rides) and after a bit of wondering and slight dissension in the ranks, Alan's (apologies if wrong spelling) until then apparently patchy knowledge of anything south of the river hit the jackpot and suggested a pub in Cleaver Square – not too far off our route at all.

So more complicated weaving through South London Streets and squares to hit the Brandon Estate and it’s not terribly well-known Henry Moore. I know sod all about art but a piece by a major artist in a council estate. Wonderful. Different times. And it is still there in pretty fine condition.

One of the Brandon Estate’s more famous residents is Rose’s mum from Doctor Who so with one of our party panting after her we went in search. Check out inevitable reruns, look for the floor tiling near the library that Southwark Council has recently tarmacced over with dull squares. Anyway, no Rose today and no Tardis either so off to another sort of time warp – Cleaver Square and the pub. Apparently nearly flattened in a redevelopment scheme when somewhat tattier, it’s now glorious, and in the corner is the pub Alan had brought us to – The Prince of Wales.

Great pub, good beer, pleasant company, the usual slightly wayward nonsensical conversations, a view of folk playing Boules (or whatever) in the middle of the gravelled square and free cold roast potatoes on the bar. Only problem was we were a couple of seats short outside.

Then on through Burgess Park, round the back of the Old Kent Road, past the Millwall Football Ground where, if I heard right, Ian once led a Lewisham family ride through police lines, through the apparently notorious Valley of Death (though not today), past the Albany (home to our monthly meetings) and back to Cutty Sark Gardens.

About 40 miles in all. Congratulations to Helen for completing a challenging ride for her and special thanks to Alan for that great pub and Jack for seconding it.

For another report on this ride and other pics, see the gallery for December 2006.

Photos

Paul