Walk Report

Bushy Park and Richmond Park, Sunday 29th July 2012
9 walkers, 10 miles - leader Chris Dent
If the first day was typical of a good summer's day, Sunday offered the alternative of a typically bad summer's day and we were rained upon, heavily, at the viewing point in Bushy Park. To keep us entertained, rolls of thunder crashed and lightening lit up the heavens. This was acceptable until someone asked what might happen if the barriers received a lightning strike. Clearly it would provide a new meaning to the Great British Fry Up!
Chris Dent had led a merry walk through lesser known bits of the area and then took the pace to the lunch pub at The Boaters Inn where we had a good view of the race on a large screen TV. The sun appeared to be out during this part of the race but when we set off for Richmond Park to see the race through on its way back to London the heavens once more spilled their contents over the watching crowd.
After the race had passed through we headed to Pembroke Lodge and some got chatting to a gentleman who turned out to be Lizzie Armistead's (she won a silver medal in the race) family Doctor who was clearly thrilled at her achievement. And for all those who asked why the Women's event featured less riders and a shorter distance, Lizzie A (a Yorkshire lass through and through) is determined to fight that piece of sexist IOC cant - a hangover from days of yore when young women were, well, less appreciated amongst the sporting classes.
Thanks to Chris for leading an interesting walk, showing his local knowledge by taking us on lesser known and very attractive paths.

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