14 riders at Burgess Park for a 9.30 start with the Café doing a good trade in pre-ride refreshments. Headed towards Lambeth Bridge using the west bypass of the Elephant. Found the alternative path at Churchyard Row, which goes through the churchyard itself, rather nicer than the previous slightly enclosed route. From Lambeth Bridge through to Horse Guards, then

Crossing to Wellington Arch at Hyde Park Corner

along the Mall and up Constitution Hill to Hyde Park Corner. Work on the north side of the crossing of Knightsbridge forces pedestrians and cyclists into even closer contact than before. This work is part of the new E-W Cycle Superhighway. As has occurred in some other places, little consideration appears to have been given to pedestrian and cycle routes at road works. Here it would be easy to open up the centre arch of the Hyde Park Corner Screen to give everyone more space.

Watching BMX riders in Burgess Park

Across Hyde Park along the cycle path next to Rotten Row with the Serpentine shimmering in the spring sunshine. Then across Kensington Gardens to the café beside the Lady Di Playground. In very good time so a lengthy coffee and loo break ensued. Returned across Kensington Gardens then headed south along Exhibition Rd, past South Kensington Tube station and down to the Albert Bridge. Leisurely circuit of Battersea Park followed by exit onto Battersea Park Rd. This was to avoid the roundabout at Queens Circus which is very difficult for a group of cyclists as traffic flows are continuous, even on a Saturday. Route back included Larkhall Park and Lansdowne Gardens (the circus looking really beautiful with the blossom in the sunshine). Made good time so stopped to watch the BMX-ers in Burgess Park – lots of riders some doing BIG jumps. Back at Burgess Park Café at around 12.40. A remarkably relaxing ride with London’s Parks looking splendid – freshly green leaves against a blue sky.

Route at http://goo.gl/meq1i7     Next ride, 10am April 25th, Peckham Square