Monday 29th December
Four turned up, two Anthonys and two Daves. Seasoned travellers, we set off at a brisk clip under a clear sky and persistent northwester to Greenwich Park, over Blackheath then wound through Morden College on a footpath. Across the manicured greensward you could see the retirees assembling for morning coffee in an elegant dayroom, though of course you cannot glimpse the college's fine chapel from outside. To qualify for a retirement place, you have to have worked in a profession in the City of London and declare that your net capital in the 10 years prior to admission has not exceeded ?80,000!
So on to Charlton Park, soggy and unloved with its burnt-out shelters and poorly drained sports fields, down through Maryon Park and the farmland animals in the dell. Where's the pig gone?
Maryon Wilson Park, the next stop, was location for the cult Swinging London movie Blowup (dir Antonioni?) featuring David Hemmings. One of our Daves pointed out the tennis courts which were used in the surreal final sequence. Fraid all I can remember was the dolly bird striptease.
Thames Barrier visitor centre also triste and neglected, tea-room closed for the whole holiday, why does that surprise me?
Rare signs of life though at the Millennium Dome which was hosting a Winter Wonderland including what it calls the UK's biggest skating rink. Inexplicably, and despite the obvious attraction, the wonderland was only scheduled until the end of the year and even the last day has now been chopped. Daft I call it.
Two riders headed back to domiciles in Charlton while the other half pedalled against the stiffening breeze back to Cutty Sark to complete the 12-mile round trip in about 90 minutes.
Anthony Austin.