I used to commute fixed Cobham - City via Esher, Kingston, Petersham, Richmond, Barnes, Putney, Chelsea .. across Central varied, preference to track North to Hyde Park, across park and then east from there along various routes.
Turn left instead of climbing up to Richmond Park and go through Richmond centre and the whole route is flat. It's a fast route once you know the specifics and danger points.
I used to commute fixed Cobham - City via Esher, Kingston, Petersham, Richmond, Barnes, Putney, Chelsea .. across Central varied, preference to track North to Hyde Park, across park and then east from there along various routes.
Turn left instead of climbing up to Richmond Park and go through Richmond centre and the whole route is flat. It's a fast route once you know the specifics and danger points.