The promise of a Cream Cake Tea at St Thomas Church in Upshire, Epping attracted a large mass of twenty eight cyclists to meet on the Mile End Green Bridge on what started as an overcast day, threatening rain.

With many new faces joining the ride, Gail as ride leader made a fine rendition of the ride details and route but as we were just about to go off Mr Jones questioned if anybody had a phobia about riding alongside water...! Fortunately there were no hydrophobics within the group on this day and all cyclists eventually set off along the canal.

After just what seemed like five minutes cycling along the canal and River Lea, although it must have been about an hour we arrived at the ever popular River Side Café in the Tottenham area for a Wheelers tea stop. Fully refreshed we continued along the river and were soon passing through the green forests of Epping. With the sun shining through the brilliant green trees the pack soon arrived at Chingford for the scheduled lunch stop.

The majority of cyclists opted for the French caf´ option and soon were munching Al Fresco style through Le Toasted Sandwiches and the other gastronomic delights this establishment had to offer.

With a wave and 'au revoir' we were about to set off but the Irish in the group were not so lucky as Mick found he had incurred the first puncture of the day as we were about to leave Chingford. After a rapid fix (by him with assistance from Mr Jones) the ride continued on through a long picturesque forest section and on emerging into the brilliant sunshine it was then just fifty yards down the road to the Church of Cream Tea Fame.

A long queue of riders snaked its way from the cake counter out of the church with the conversation buzzing about what cake to choose, and how many from the wide variety available. With most taking three cakes from the wide selection available, plus tea to wash them down, we headed outside to eat and relax in the churchyard basking in the sun. In the far distance, across the rolling hills the arch of Wembley Stadium could be seen on this fine afternoon.

Finally with us all full of cake we split in three groups to head home; a direct fast group heading out on the main road to Leyton, another group taking the canal route and the remainder making their way to the train station.

Overall another excellent Wheelers ride to this popular venue which will undoubtedly be repeated in the future.