| Neither the crowded
Camden Market or negotiating off canal section through the centre
of Islington presented a problem to the plan arranged with military
precision as group arrived a t the Island Garden on the north
side of the Thames to Greenwich at the domed round building
to the Greenwich foot tunnel, when the great plan fell apart,
the lift was out order but unlike the previous two trial runs
where only the south side lift wasn't working and the attendant
confidently telling me it would be fixed in the next few hours,
the lifts at both ends were out of order. There were few who
wanted to carry there bikes down the long spiral stairs walk
to the other end and then like my previous trial runs carry
their bikes up the spiral stairs to the other end. What was
the probability? I thought to myself of the lifts being out
of order on a third visit. Whilst I may have persuaded the group
to go across when the lifts at only one end was out of action
I realized that a new plan was required so I retired to the
West Indian Island Cafe in the park for Goat Curry and cup of
tea as we all stopped for lunch and a well deserved rest.
Replenished with an excellent curry the group gathered for our
official ride photographer Kelvin to gather the necessary photographic
evidence with the Greenwich waterfront as the back drop. Macho
man Robin decided he was going across the tunnel and home via
my planned route alone, he was provided with a map and instructions
to just follow the Thames Path and the cycle route. The rest
of the group set off along the north side of the river to Tower
Bridge it was interesting with old cobbled streets and riverside
parades. Colin decided he did not like cycling the London roads
and wanted to get the tube back to Ealing, Mark decided to joined
him. Michael had the unfortunate tasks of being the backstop
having to deal with the straggler this may have contributed
to his decision to join Colin.
Andy hatched the plan for the route from St Paul to Trafalgar
Square were we would resume with the original planned route.
The group set off but about half way it divided into an advance
party and a slow party. I dropped back to guide the slow party
in the knowledge the those in the advance party new were they
were going. We made our way to Trafalgar Square, Buckingham
Palace, Marble Arch and finally Hyde Park where we reunited
with the advance party waiting near the entrance of the public
toilets.
Reunited again we set off through Hyde Park on the path that
took to Kensington Gardens and short walk past Kensington Palace
to Kensington Palace Gardens where many embassies are situated
up to Bayswater Road, Notting Hill Gate, Sheppards Bush and
Uxbridge Road to Ealing. As usual a few peeled off and said
there goodbyes along the way. The final party stopped opposite
the town hall for a chat during which Kelvin persuaded the ladies
that they should organize a ladies ride. Everyone said they
enjoyed the ride as they all left for a well deserved rest.
With about 15 riders of mixed ability this length of ride is
quite hard work which accounted for arriving at Ealing at 5:30pm,
the main lesson I would take from the day is ensure planned
stops at public toilets as they are not easy to find on route.
In all we covered the same distance as the original planned
route which was 60km/36miles which is pretty good going with
some great views and interesting places on the way. My thanks
to everyone who turned up for the ride.
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