Ruislip Lido
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June 2009

The forecast looked good for the ride, but at 7.00 the rain was lashing down and a few claps of thunder dispelled any hope of a dry ride. However two hours later the sun was shining and it was hard to believe I had even considered staying in bed with a Sunday newspaper.

We set off to the Lido for the first in a while along the established route pausing slightly to arrange pick up of another cyclist on the way through Greenford. The ride cuts through Pitshanger Park and it was at this stage the front the ride discovered where all the rain from earlier had gone - the Brent had burst its banks! Four of us continued through the flooded path at first thinking it was merely a large puddle but soon fathomed it was much more serious, when the bottom stroke of pedaling meant water came over our shoes there was no choice to continue, we all hoped our paniers had water proof bottoms. We made it through laughing if soaking wet and Sal bravely decided to return through the flood to take the rest of the ride around it.

The three of us sat at the end of lane to dry off and watch steam come off the pavements.The ride reformed and we cycled onto Horseden Hill to collect our pick-up and through Greenford and up the hill. Some how the group split going over the hill, probably due to me taking the "no-left-hand" turn as is traditional, we re-grouped after about 10 minutes and continued to the Lido with no further mishaps.

The Lido was as lovely as ever, although the pub now only serves a carvery that had a massive queue. We performed a lap of the lido before leaving and heading to Uxbridge, crossing the A40 we paused to decide whether to take the short way home on the A40 itself or carry on as planned via the canal. As the weather was still sunny the group went for the slow scenic option and took the long lesiurely way home, with various members stopping at various pubs throughout the trip home.

Massive thanks to Murry for backstopping and escorting a rider home, and for Sal for helping marshalling.