At least 10 Wheelers' regulars heeded the call and duly met at Brick Lane for a seasonal beigel pre-ride, with one committee member (who shall remain nameless) "running late" and phoning in her order to be collected later.

We cycled the short distance to the Southwark Needle to meet the main ride - numbers by then were about 40, shortly to be swelled by the Greenwich contingent to about 60. After the usual greetings and sherry (courtesy of our very own "Black Knight") we set off at a pretty leisurely pace heading west, first on roads and then along the Thames path. Soon after departure we became very aware of just how many hire bikes were in use - apparently it was highest number in simultaneous use in the whole year.

By the time all the cyclists had arrived at the Duke of York pub near Putney bridge, it was getting pretty full, so the Wheelers' contingent opted to sit outside and sup mulled wine. This resulted in us nearly being left behind when the group moved off towards Edgware road for a late lunch. Fortunately with Keith and Francis (from Greenwich cyclists) with us, we were guided along the route and caught up on the Kings Road, only to fall behind again on the approach to Hyde Park. No matter, it was a nice day, even some sunshine and we all found space in the chosen cafe. No Christmas in evidence in Edgware Road, so it was good Lebanese food, not turkey and plum pudding, for us.

After the late lunch, we left in a Wheelers' peloton to admire the lights of Oxford Street and then to wend our own ways home to the East End. As always a good way to spend Christmas if you find yourself in London, with plenty of opportunity to chat to people from all other areas both on the ride and at lunch.

Our thanks to Barry Mason who initiated this ride; it was our first without him and he was sadly missed.