West London Greenfest
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June 2009

As usual the sun shone for our ride to the Greenfest.

The ride is always popular especially with new riders who find out about the ride during Bike Week. We had nearly 30 riders leave the town hall with more to arrive later as Kelvin kindly went to Ealing Common to collect two more. Thanks to the efforts of David and Ben the group stayed together through the streets of Brentford and beyond as we made our way to Richmond. There's no choice to pile up the hill at everyone's own pace but we lost a rider at the bottom when their saddle broke, thanks to Dave B. though this was repaired at the top whilst everyone caught their breath. The view is breathtaking and of course we return here a few days later for the sunset ride.

We continued on to the park itself where Robin left to perform a lap or two, we then headed out of the park and through Barnes, taking in the newly upgrading Queens Walk onto the Thames. We threaded our way through Hammersmith loosing a pair of riders to punctures, however we knew a Doctor Bike would be present so the riders decided to walk the last section.

The Greenfest was as well organised as ever with the usual mixture of cycling events, environmental groups and music and food. We agreed a meeting point and return time and split up to enjoy the fair.

The bulk of the group decided to return with us and we slowly made our way back to Ealing along the north bank of the Thames.

Thanks to David, Ben, Dave and Andy for marshalling and back stopping.