A window at Westminster Abbey

After several rainy days mountain biking in Wales, I arrive to a rare stretch of bright autumn days in London. I waste no time on my first full day in town, catching the Tube

at Picadilly Circus and riding down to the Embankment station. Instead of changing trains and heading east, as I'd intended to do, I decide to mind the gap, follow the Way Out and emerge from the tunnel to sun-struck London and the Thames River glistening in front of me.

This is where it finally hits me. London. I'm here. This incredible city that had such a profound impact on the world -- for better or worse.

T.S. Eliot's words echo in my mind as I walk beside the river toward the Tower of London.

"Sweet Thames, run softly, till I end my song."