Heritage Tour
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16 of us started the new year of rides with a jaunt around some historical sites of the borough.

Despite dire weather Saturday and a grim forecast for the Sunday a good number turned out including four new faces. It was hard to see how Brian could live up to last month’s ride but once again after the first mile we were all saying we were seeing parts of the borough we either didn’t know existed or discovering new back routes and short cuts. We passed some bike lockers on one estate – Dr Bob has been busy.

Our first stop was the Hanwell Community centre, the school where Charlie Chaplin was taught, it has to be said the place has seen better days it will be interesting to see what it’s future holds. We then made our way to the Bunny Park to see the church, viaduct and a collection of buildings of varying ages. Then onto Dormers Wells and out the other side using some very novel high ways and byways and taking in some industrial history too.

Over the canal at Norwood Top Locks and over the M4 in full swing before entering Osterley from the north just in time for a short discussion on the place itself before the café opened for a welcome warming drink. Some members peeled off just as the first crop of punctures occurred; one slow front one and one multiple rear tyre. Thanks to Andy, Martin and Nick for resolving those. In desperation we replaced inner tubes before scooting off to Syon house with a view to having lunch in the London Apprentice, if nothing else to see the much talked about ceiling in the function room. That was the plan, but another slow puncture split the group into two and then into three, but we managed to meet up at the pub as agreed so no harm done.

A very pleasant meal followed before we turned tail back into Ealing. The day would not be complete without one more puncture so the group split again. I led the remainder of us back up the canal, passing another ECC member coming south, before reaching Ealing Broadway where we bade farewell.

Thanks to Brian again for another great ride, well suited to the weather and the group. Thanks also to everyone helping out with the tyres especially Martin G.

19 Miles.