Five met at Cutty Sark Gardens - Ray, Craig, Neil, Roy and Sarah. A quick puncture repair and we had been joined by the Two Johns from Stoke-on-Trent who were in London for a long weekend staying near Tate Modern and cycling to the Thames Barrier. They asked if we knew the way and as we were going that way, they tagged along.
We went along the Thames Path to the ferry and over the river. The Two Johns decided to stay with us for the whole ride. Then along North Woolwich Road to the Thames Barrier Park. We had drinks and snacks before a game of 3-a-side. As there was no Charlton home game today Sarah had to be content watching the Greenwich Cyclists 3 -v- the Greenwich Cyclists Other 3 and minding the coats. The ball got lost up a tree but the game ended in a 2 all draw after a Golden Goal.
We continued westwards with lunch at Fat Boys Diner in Trinity Buoy Wharf before cutting through East India Dock nature reserve and passing the Virginia Settlers memorial. Neil left us at this point. Six of us continued to the foot tunnel then up through the Isle of Dogs with a quick visit to Wharf Cycles' new premises (hidden away on an industrial estate), then along Narrow Street to Limehouse, Shadwell Basin and the Ornamental Canal and on to Tower Bridge.
Craig wanted to go to Evans and On Yer Bike in Tooley Street so he turned right and the rest turned left and waited for him in the Anchor Tap and that is where the free pint comes in. The Two Johns were still with us and having really fallen on their feet in meeting us earlier in the day and enjoying their very own free cycle guided tour of parts of London other guided cycle tours don't reach, they reciprocated by buying everyone a beer. Craig returned from On Yer Bike, we told the Two Johns the way back to Tate Modern and cycled back along Rotherhithe Street as far as the Wibbley Wobbley which was closed due to some boating technical hitch. On to the Dog and Bell where Roy left us and Ray and Craig patched Sarah's innertube.
Beautiful sunny day which you have to make the most of at this time of year - we won't get any more for six months! Thanks to Ray for leading the ride and to Craig for providing the ball.
Sarah.