2009-10-04 Sun 11am - Ride West

I like the look of this route, Mr Braker -it takes in some of West Londons best open space. I hope to join you if I can fit it around some chores.

Worth mentioning that sections of this are gravelly, not tarmacked, but certainly rideable, I'd say skinny track-tyres and skidded-thin skins though aren't going to be suitable.

Notable off-road section #1 is the riverside between Putney Bridge and the Wetland Centre, Barnes.(the tarmac section at the start is a good candidate for a South's drag sprint, though).
Gravelly section #2 is by Ham House- but well worth it for accessing the novelty of the Hammerton crossing. #3 is Barge Road, which is the longish riverside perimiter of Hampton Court. Also I don't think access is possible between the Palace buildings without paying for entry but, it is easy to skirt around the main frontage.

If I can't make the ride I may stil pitch-up at the finish with a support vehicle to tip Fiddy into!

looks like i'm in

gravelly eh? Would it be better taking my tourer?

Good points, dropout.
Barge walk and Ham house are no problem with skinny tyres, but the embankment after Putney Bridge is indeed quite a loose surface. There is another option for that area, which is probably a better bet.

annabelb, as long as you have good pressure in your tyres, 23c will be fine..... probably :-)

Sam - might rock up for a couple of hours. Was going to do my usual training jaunt along the Thames west today solo. So some company will make a change. However, if I'm not at HPC at 11am don't wait.

I'm playing devil's advocate riding 18mm tubs!

OK, I'll take my crappy track bike and hope that it holds up. See you at 11.

I'm playing devil's advocate riding 18mm tubs!

Bring a spare inner tube. ;)

I'm out. Wine flu

Once again I slept in, woken by a text from someone saying that they're going to be late, oh the irony.

Sorry I couldn't make it guys, hope you had a great ride!

oops, I thought this was next week. fail.

Missed the train, texted Mike, who said he'd forgotten about the ride! (sorry for waking you up!), thought about waiting an hour for the next train and turning up at the end just to be social then realised a slice and bulge in my sidewall and decided to go home. General day fail.

Haha no need to apologise dude, was supposed to be up anyway, my fault for being a lazy shite!

I'm gonna head into the office and then ride by the Ship to see if people are still there.

smoooth!

A lovely ride in so many nice places where I never been before. It will definitely worth exploring better that part of London.
Great it was to meet a quite few old faces in a gentle riding chatting, not less than meeting in person a few very nice buddies which I knew only from the avatar.
Despite of some bad surface we went back home with no any puncture or mechanical problems.

Big thumb up for Sam for your first ride, and for leading us with harmony in the mood "we are all the same'

pictures are coming soon....

great day out, route, many thanks sam
perfect weather, company etc.
good to see the new faces etc.....
good to meet you marcom, annabel etc..

next time i'm taking 3 packs of bacci :)

smoooth!

A lovely ride in so many nice places where I never been before. It will definitely worth exploring better that part of London.
Great it was to meet a quite few old faces in a gentle riding chatting, not less than meeting in person a few very nice buddies which I knew only from the avatar.
Despite of some bad surface we went back home with no any puncture or mechanical problems.

Big thumb up for Sam for your first ride, and for leading us with harmony in the mood "we are all the same'

pictures are coming soon....

These stories are useless without 'em.
Glad you all a good 1

he took loads, we had to keep saying mozzarellla and such to keep us occupied while he pressed the button :)

And my tubs survived, miracle upon miracle! Lovely ride, Sam, and all who came, thoroughly enjoyed it, and thanks for the beers at the park.

Murtle Loads for a few good ones...oh and yes 3 packs of white bacci please :)

Shootts I can smell the scent of the leafs :)

^
Apologies, the above is my post, not greasy's.

bloody aliases :)

Hush, you're meant to be in the Kings Arms!

I did eventually get to the Ship and Oliver, John and I left for Greyhound (yes, again!).

Cheers for the pint Oliver. Good to see you guys. Sorry I missed the rest of you lot.