Central London CTC blog

I have been on some labyrinthine rides in my time and, indeed, led some but this one took some beating. Probably only Colin Wing, our ride leader, and Tom Bogdanowicz, who was recording copious route notes on his mobile phone, really know where we went. We met at Richmond Station. It was cold then and getting colder. By evening it was snowing. The usual Sunday engineering work meant that we all arrived in dribs and drabs but by 25 minutes after the official meeting time we were all there. We crossed Richmond Bridge and the followed the north bank of the Thames for a while before heading north. The next place I recognised was Osterley Park, still surprisingly rural complete with a herd of cows. We then headed north, crossed over the M4 and joined the Grand Union Canal which we followed to Brentford. Soon we were at a tea stop at Syon Park, built by the Dukes of Northumberland and the scene of fighting in 1642 at the beginning of the English Civil War. After tea, some headed directly back into London while the remainder rode across Syon Park and followed the river to Richmond. Thanks to Colin for the ride and I hope Tom got some clear notes and photographs.