The NCN route starts by the Thames up near Richmond and we had decided to start it at Kingston as we would have to cycle there to start. The route was actually very scenic and enjoyable with a large portion being along the Thames on tow paths. Unfortunately this did mean sharing a portion of the route with walkers and other cyclists.
We very quickly found that on nice tarmacked roads we could whizz along at a fairly good pace. However, given the less pleasant surfaces of gravel, mud tracks with large tree routes to avoid and moving targets (walkers) our speed along tow paths dropped drastically.
By the time we had completed the first leg to Kingston and then back to Walton Bridge by the Thames path Steve was already feeling his legs complaining having not done any cycling for 10 years or more and suddenly finding himself looking at 30 odd miles I could understand the problem. We took a break at this point as its quite nice around there with seating by the river and a playing field. This gave us some time to discuss whether we felt we should push on. We agreed that there would be no sense pushing on if it just ended up injuring one of us. However, after taking a breather we were both all for pushing on so we saddled up and headed off again.
More towpath along the Thames followed and I made a mental note to visit some rather nice secluded little pubs on the river that we spotted. [You'll have to find these yourselves as I like the idea of quiet secret little pubs by the river :) ]
We realised very quickly that our trek would be slowed somewhat by the necessity to stop every now and then and consult the maps at junctions and built up areas. This was no longer looking like a fast bike blitz down to Cornwall. It would be all to easy to get lost so caution and careful study of the ordnance survey maps I had was called for. Whilst I made a mental note of some nice looking local pubs I think Steve was making a mental note of some ice cream vans that would need investigating at some point. Steve has a slight liking for Whippy ice creams, lets just say if there was such a thing as a Whippy connoisseur Steve would be it.Eventually we reached Staines and by this point the only thing on my mind was that this was as far out as we went and from here on it was a ride home. Steve was stalwartly following my lead and hadn't mentioned being tired since Walton. By now I knew Steve had been the perfect choice for a cycle partner for the trip as he's always up for an adventurer and doesnt quit easily.
From Staines there was a long stretch of road before going down a side road and then through some parks. Upon leaving the parks I knew we were back in Weybridge. A short stretch of cycle lane before we were back on the Thames path heading back to Walton Bridge. We were almost home and I felt my legs wake up a little at the thought of getting home and collapsing on the sofa.
Once back at Walton Bridge we collapsed on a bench to get a breather. That turned out to be a mistake. Once I had sat down my legs didnt want to get up again. After a few minutes rest we eventually saddled up and set off for home. This last stretch was only about 15 minutes but by the time we got back we were exhausted. But we had made it back. Although knackered I was on a bit of a buzz having succesfully completed the route which I reckoned was about 30miles and Steve looked pretty happy with our progress too.
I think we both knew our legs would be protesting at the treatment when they realised the next day what they had been put through but regardless of that we made plans to head out again next weekend for more practice. I had plans to dump some stuff in the panniers to get an idea of weight and Steve wanted to get the rack and panniers on his bike and find out what that would be like.
A hard days slog but we ended it feeling like we had achieved something. Next to await the pains and cramps of tomorrow.
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