Richmond Sunset Ride
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Our third annual trip to Richmond Hill on the longest day of the year

For the third year running we saddled up and took ourselves off to Richmond Hill to see the sunset on the longest day of the year. A huge crowd, almost 30, turned up; some new, some old and some survivors from the Sunday trip departed from the Town Hall. Riding in such a large group is so different than solo or smaller rides, you really own the road and drivers tend to give way a lot more.

Frank led the ride taking in Syon park and Brentford before crossing the Thames at Richmond and taking us towards the Roebuck pub. Arriving early, given it is only 5 miles, gave us time to loop around the park seeing the glorious views of London and also the collection of deer. Hard to believe this is all on our door step.

Returning to the pub we got our drinks and saw the sunset in double quick time whilst chatting to several other cycle groups that also meet us there. As usual with a group of this size people had different ideas of when to leave and what route to take so the main group was soon whittled down to 10 taking the gentle roads through the back of Richmond onto Kew and back onto home ground.

We ended up in the Rose & Crown for a grateful final drink and discussion of the day.

Another excellent ride - thank you Frank & David for leading. No mechanical problems, no one forgetting their lights - but must bring warmer clothes next time.

10 miles all in all, home by midnight.