Wednesday 3 January: Greenwich Cyclists monthly meeting 7:30pm - 9:00pm Armada Centre, 21 McMillan Street (where Evelyn St meets Creek Rd, opposite the Post Depot) Deptford SE8 3EZ, 7.30pm - 9pm Map. Please ensure that you bring your bicycle into the meeting room with you.
Saturday 6 January: Brentford Loop. An all day ride heading off north through the Isle of Dogs and joining the Grand Union Canal. We ride the canal tow path to West London and then head south back to the River Thames. From here it's roads all the way back to Lewisham. There are many suitable jumping off points with train and tube stations for anyone that doesn't want to do the whole ride.
A flat ride with long sections of tow path which are unsuitable for racey road bikes. Also the tow path going west isn't as smooth as the River Lee path; expect a muddy section of 2 or 3 miles. 50 miles. Meet Cutty Sark Gardens, Greenwich at 9:30am. (Ian 07986 872 205.)
Saturday 6th January: Twelfth Night Day Ride. Exploring the nearly 5 mile Greenway to Becton, then the Woolwich Ferry, then back along the Thames Path to The Globe in good time for Southwark's Twelfth Night Festival and the 2.45pm optional slow procession to The George and all sorts of new year revels. Will you be King Bean or Queen Pea? Meet 10am Cutty Sark Gardens (Greenwich) or 11am Southwark Needle (south end of London Bridge). Around 20 miles. (Barry 07905 889 005.)
Sunday 7th January: Amble along the Lee Valley. A casual amble up the River Lee to ease you back into the New Year after Christmas excesses - no particular distance fixed - depends on how we all feel on the day. We'll stop for lunch at pub or cafe, returning back down the Lee, or maybe through town depending on how we are fixed for remaining light. Suitable for any bike as the path is essentially all surfaced, although a few bits of bumpy paving under bridges may deter full-on racers. Bring lights of course. Meet Cutty Sark Gardens, Greenwich at 10am. (Paul, 07957 209322.)
Saturday 13th January: Writtle through the Rodings. Meet Cutty Sark Gardens at 9:30am. Ride to Stratford to catch the 10:38 train to
Chelmsford. This is a route described by Nick Cotton. 31 miles after we get to Chelmsford. Classified as an easy ride. Very gently undulating countryside. No hills (unless we get lost and find ourselves in the alps). This is a loop from Chelmsford and back to Chelmsford though we may make a short side trip to Pleshy to see the Ancient Briton then Roman then Saxon then Norman earthworks. Train is 30 minutes. (Ray 07963 349993.)
Sunday 14th January: First of the year
The always different Locks Docks ride. 9am Southwark Needle. 10am Cutty Sark Gardens. Leisurely tour of Docklands and lunch at triple (or is that double?) oxymoron Dagenham City Farm. Stay most of the day or drop out whenever. And yes, coffee at Firepower, afternoon tea at wonderful Wapping Pumping Station. It's not a gym. Sun forecast. (Barry 07905 889005.)
Saturday 20th January: Eynsford/Farningham. Our customary amble down the Waterlink Way before hitting the road. Some wonderful country lanes, despite the M25 never being far away. Pub lunch in Farningham.
Some climbing on the way out, quick and pretty easy on the way back with a good run on a segregated bike lane.
Suitable for all bikes except full-on racers - very short bit of mild off-road.
Distance about 45 miles. It's possible to return from Eynsford by train at the half way point. If you do want to do this, check that there are no engineering works and be prepared to ride at a pace (still reasonable) to allow the rest to finish at a reasonable time.
Bring lights of course. Meet Cutty Sark Gardens 10am, pretty prompt departure. We will pass Ladywell Fields meeting point on the way south but won't wait. If you want to meet us there, get there for 10:20 latest. (Paul 07957 209322 No texts please.)
Sunday 21st January: Parks, Lakes and Canals. 30 miles up the canals through Camden, Islington, Regents Park, Hyde Park, down the Mall, over Westminister Bridge, over Tower Bridge, Ornamental Canal Meet 10:00 am at Cutty Sark Gardens. Suitable for most bikes, Canal paths are usually OK. (Ray 07963 349993.)
Saturday 27th January: Blackwater Estuary. This is a good ride for any beginners wanting to test their legs out of London. There are no big hills and the ride rolls around quiet roads in the low country to the south of Colchester. We leave the station at Kelveden and head north to Coggeshall before heading east towards Colchester. Before we hit Colchester we head south accross Abberton Reservoir tp Tollesbury. Dinner will be in a pub at Tollesbury and we'll take a little time in this area to look at the Blackwater estuary. From Tollesbury its 13 miles back to Kelveden. Meet Liverpool Street Station at 08:55 for the 09:18 train to Kelveden. 35 miles. (Ian 07986 872205.)
Saturday 3rd February: Gravesend and Hoo. Full details and timings will be provided soon. The route will involve travelling by train to Gravesend, then cycling to Hoo and onto Strood or Rochester for a train back to Greenwich. Pub lunch. Aprrox 35 miles. (Ray 07963 349993.)
Wednesday 7th February: Greenwich Cyclists monthly meeting 7:30pm - 9:00pm Armada Centre, 21 McMillan Street (where Evelyn St meets Creek Rd, opposite the Post Depot) Deptford SE8 3EZ, 7.30pm - 9pm Map. Please ensure that you bring your bicycle into the meeting room with you.
Saturday 10th February: Rochester to Leeds Castle. Some one somewhere advertised this ride as Rochester to Leeds. Well it's still early in the year and with limited light we think we might make it to Leeds Castle and back from Rochester. This was a ride we tried last year and because of awkward engineering works on the day we had to cut the ride short. At the time of writing there are no engineering works to worry about so we're going for it again, although anyone with any experience of Lewisham's attempts to get to Leeds Castle over the years should watch this space. So the ride goes along Route 1 east from Rochester along the Medway, then dips south to Leeds Castle. Then we go west along Pilgrims Way towards Maidstone and then north by the Medway back to Rochester. Pub lunch somewhere. Suitable for all bikes except racey road bikes. Meet: 08:45 at Greenwich Station for the 09:07 train to Rochester. 45 miles. (Further details from Lewisham Cyclists.)
Saturday 17th February: Locks, Docks and One Smoking Ferry.
Further details from Southwark Cyclists.
Sunday 18th February: Oxleas Wood Trails. A short spin around the trails in Oxleas Wood and the Eltham Commons. This ride will suit those who merely wish to amble around the woods or those with mountain bking aspirations who want to test the limits. The cafe at the top of Shooters Hill is an ideal place for both a cheap lunch and for cyclists to get back together after they've headed off on different trails. Meet 11:00 Cutty Sark Gardens. 20 miles. (Further details from Lewisham Cyclists.)
Saturday 24th February: Sittingbourne, Canterbury and Whitstable Loop. We've explored the country to the east of Canterbury and on this ride we're going to take a look to the west. The ride begins in Sittingbourne and goes to Faversham exploring the Swale district along Sustrans route 1. From Faversham we head to Whitstable and then it's up the Crab and Winkle Way to skirt Canterbury and return to Sittingbourne through Faversham. There are opportunities to cut the ride short in either Canterbury or Faversham. Pub Lunch. Suitable for all bikes except racey road bikes. Meet 08:40 London Bridge Station for the 09:00 train to Gillingham. We have to change at Gillingham for Sittingbourne. 45 miles. (Further details from Lewisham Cyclists.)
Sunday 25th February: Ravensbourne, Quaggy and Sutcliffe Park marshes. Meet 9am at Southwark Needle or 10am Cutty Sark Gardens. Tracing Deptford Creek backwards. A gentle all day explore. (Barry 07905 889 005.)
Saturday 3rd March: Bikestart! Local Healthy Rides for All.
Further details from Southwark Cyclists.
Wednesday 7th March: Greenwich Cyclists monthly meeting 7:30pm - 9:00pm Armada Centre, 21 McMillan Street (where Evelyn St meets Creek Rd, opposite the Post Depot) Deptford SE8 3EZ, 7.30pm - 9pm Map. Please ensure that you bring your bicycle into the meeting room with you.
Saturday 10th March: Bikestart! Local Healthy Rides for All.
Further details from Southwark Cyclists.
Saturday 17th March: Ride to the Best Hamburger in Town! This ride leads us up the Lee River to South Chingford to what may be the best hamburger in London (not Mickey D's!! but I expect some razzing on this one, even more than the mud at Upnor) A bit of preview of Sunday, but then we head off to Alexandra Palace (possibly the best view in London) to climb off the benefits of the hamburger. Down the abandoned rail grade this time to Finsbury Park and possibly the best bike parking in London. Work our way through some quiet streets past the best football club to be in London (Arsenal??). Finally work our way home on Regent canal to Canary wharf. This will entail more climbs than the other way but hey, that hamburger will see you through!! Meet: Cutty Sark Gardens Time: 10 am - 5pm Distance: 35 miles. Terrain: Some Towpath which may not be suitable for racey type bikes. Pace: Suit all Leader: Anthony/Ray.
Saturday 17th March: Bikestart! Local Healthy Rides for All.
Further details from Southwark Cyclists.
Sunday 18th March: Lee Valley. Another ride up the Lee Valley, soon to be transformed by Olympics works. We’;ll head up as far as Waltham Abbey to the fabled site of King Harold's resting place, then come back through Epping Forest and town. Cantt promise you'll see the Lee Valley alligator or whatever it is supposed to lurk in those waters but you can look forward to a good ride in good company. Suitable for any bike except racers. Lunch at a pub or cafe. As always, bring snacks, water, spare tube or two. Meet 10:00 Cutty Sark Gardens. Distance: 45 miles. (Lewisham Cyclists.)
Saturday 24th March: Bikestart! Local Healthy Rides for All.
Further details from Southwark Cyclists.
Saturday 24th March: Brentwood – Hanningfield. The ride heads north from Brentwood to Kelvedon Hatch. From Kelvedon Hatch we head east along Essex lanes through Blackmore and Stock, loop around Hanningfield Reservoir and head back to Brentwood. The return to Brentwood is along some of the quiet lanes we used on our ride to Southend last year and was the part of that ride which I most enjoyed. Pub lunch. Suitable for any bike. Meet: 08:40 Liverpool Street Station for the 09:02 train to Brentwood. Distance: 45 miles. (Lewisham Cyclists.)
Sunday 25th March: Locks Docks and One Smoking Ferry. Meet 9am at Southwark Needle and 10am at Cutty Sark Gardens. Easy always different all day explore out east. (Barry 07905 889 005.)
Saturday 31 March: New Ash Green. We’re off to New Ash Green to take a look at a pioneering piece of town planning and domestic architecture – New Ash Green, the work of Eric Lyons and Span – recently the subject of a RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) exhibition. The Lewisham link? The practice also designed several estates in Blackheath. Don’t worry about lectures though – no talks, we’ll just have a short mooch. If you want to learn more before or after the ride, check out www.span-kent.co.uk or start googling. The ride is really an excuse to check out some wonderful Kent lanes surprisingly close to London and reccie the odd pub or two. Pub lunch – maybe an extra drink later depending on the wishes of the group. Suitable for any bike – there is a short severe off-road climb but since any of us on anything other than a mountain bike will have to walk this anyway, you won’t be at a disadvantage on a racer. Total distance 65 miles MAX, hence relatively early start. Opportunity to catch a train back from St Mary Cray after 50 miles if you prefer. For folks from the east who don’t want to go back to Greenwich, we’ll be returning via New Eltham. We’re climbing over the North Downs so some climbing, but you’ll be rewarded by a nice long amble along part of the Pilgrim’s Way we haven’t done before. Bring lights. Meet 09:00 Cutty Sark Gardens or 09:30 Ladywell Fields prompt departure. (Lewisham Cyclists.)
Wednesday 4th April: Greenwich Cyclists monthly meeting 7:30pm - 9:00pm Armada Centre, 21 McMillan Street (where Evelyn St meets Creek Rd, opposite the Post Depot) Deptford SE8 3EZ, 7.30pm - 9pm Map. Please ensure that you bring your bicycle into the meeting room with you.
Friday 6th April: The Good Friday International Event. Racing and events at Herne Hill Velodrome. Excellent spectator day out. Entry fee of around £8. Meet 9am Cutty Sark Gardens. 10am Southwark Needle for leisurely ride to the 11am start. (Barry 07905 889005.)
Saturday 7th April: Bikestart!Bikestart! Local Healthy Rides for All.
Further details from Southwark Cyclists.
Saturday 14th April: Bikestart!Bikestart! Local Healthy Rides for All.
Further details from Southwark Cyclists.
Saturday 21st – Sunday 22nd April: Whitstable weekend. About 65 miles to Whitstable on Saturday. Sleep over. 55 miles miles to Dover Sunday. Train back from there. Some big busy roads out of London that Le Tour will use empty but lovely countryside after our Gravesend coffee stop. (Train it to Gravesend if you like and meet us for coffee at the Promenade Cafe there from 11.30am on. You need to find us). Rochester lunch. Arrive Whitstable about 7pm. Sleep over in Whitstable. Find own accommodation. Sunday: meet 11am Whitstable Harbour for a sea-hugging ozone-overdose 55 miles to Dover through about 13 very different seaside resorts. Lunch Folkstone. Arrive Dover about 6pm. Train back to London from there. Pace? Around 12mph. A leisurely tour that needs to keep going. We'll need to drop you politely and safely if you're slowing us too much. Great weekend. Barry 07905 889 005.
Saturday 21st April: Bikestart!Bikestart! Local Healthy Rides for All.
Further details from Southwark Cyclists.
Sunday 22nd April: Waterlink Way and River Wandle Trail. Not running the marathon? Then join us on a flat 30 mile ride down the Waterlink Way west across Croydon to link up with the Wandle Trail heading north back into London and looping back around to Greenwich. Dinner in a pub at Merton Abbey Mills. Easy paced ride. Suitable for all bikes except racey roadsters. Meet 10:00 The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford SE8, or 10:30 Ladywell Fields at the entrance next to the station. 35 miles. (Ian, 07986 872 205.)
Saturday 28th April: A sort of Secret Ride. Featuring a sort of secret way under the M25 and a sort of secret pub and a sort of secret small valley. 50 miles in total. We'll start off down the Waterlink Way, through West Wickham (though taking a different route to our normal one), then head over the North Downs to the halfway point somewhere near Otford – folk can take the train back from here if they like (check yourself about engineering works) though you will have to ride at a reasonable pace as the rest of us will need to get back. Our rides aren't overly fast though. After a leisurely pub lunch we'll head back with a fairly fast return to town, probably slowing down for the last bit through Beckenham Place Park. Please note that this ride contains a fair amount of climbing though we will wait for everyone. Suitable for any bike – the return through Beckenham Place Park may prove a bit tricky for a full-on racer but you could always carry on down the main road from Bromley to Lewisham. 50 miles. (Paul, 07957 209 322 - No texts please.)
Saturday 28th April: Bikestart!Bikestart! Local Healthy Rides for All.
Further details from Southwark Cyclists.
Sunday 29th April: Mayor's Charity Cycle Ride. Greenwich to Thamesmead. Further details.
Wednesday 2nd May: Greenwich Cyclists monthly meeting 7:30pm - 9:00pm Armada Centre, 21 McMillan Street (where Evelyn St meets Creek Rd, opposite the Post Depot) Deptford SE8 3EZ, 7.30pm - 9pm Map. Please ensure that you bring your bicycle into the meeting room with you.
Saturday 5 May: Braintree/Bishops. Meet Southwark Needle at 9am or Liverpool Street station at 9.15am for the 9.38am one hour train to Colchester. (Wait to buy tickets, 4 go for the price of 2 so returns are £8.90 each not £17.80). Then 14 rural miles to Braintree and the Sustrans old railway route about 20 miles via Great Dunmow (on the Dunwich Dynamo route...coach back tickets selling fast and cheap now) and Hatfield Forest to Bishops Stortford and regular trains back. About 40 miles then. Might go further south to say Sawbridgeworth or Harlow. Who knows. (Barry 07905 889 005.)
Sunday 6th May: Richmond and back. Once we've headed through some suburban sprawl a surprisingly green route. Lunch in Richmond Park, before heading back across Wimbledon, Wandsworth and Clapham Commons. Suitable for all bikes except racers. Mild off road shouldn't cause other bikes any problems. More info from Lewisham Cyclists.
Monday 7th May: Downe and Cudham Off Roader. Off-road season opener around Downe and Cudham. 25 miles or so, longer climbs on road with several good sustained descents. Pub lunch. Mountain bikes only. Meet Ladywell Fields at 09:50 for the 10:13 train to Hayes from Ladywell Station. (Tim, 07775 654990.)
Saturday 12th May: Ashford - Rye - Ashford. More details from Lewisham Cyclists.
Sunday 13th May: Locks Docks and One Smoking Ferry. More details from Southwark Cyclists.
Saturday 19th May: East Grinstead and Lewes Circular. A fairly demanding ride but we'll have all day to do it and it's worth it, honest – Sussex lanes and by-ways, you'll almost certainly see a bunch of llamas, you may even see a camel – and that's before the delights of the Snowdrop Inn in Lewes, our lunch stop. Vegetarian and usually even Vegan options. As normal though, bring snacks to keep you going as lunch is 40 miles into the ride and will be relatively late because of our latish start from East Grinstead.The ride begins with a longish jaunt down the Forest Way traffic-free path. This may cause issues for full on racers; all other bikes fine. Total distance: about 65 miles. Arrive early at New Cross Gate to maximize your chance of 4-for-2 Groupsaver discounts. Cheap day return fare can be less than £4.00 if you get in a group of 4. (Paul - 07957 209 322.)
Saturday 26th May: Groombridge. A ride over and down the North Downs to Groombridge which is half in Kent and half in one bit of Sussex. We'll stop in its Kent or Sussex pub for lunch and then return by the Forest Way and Worth Way traffic-free trails. Possible tea stop on the way but it depends on how we are doing. The route has been designed to get most of the effort over by lunch. Afterwards will be a slowish amble up those traffic free trails. Lunch after 45 miles, so as always bring snacks. Total ride distance is variable, allowing folk to train it back at different points. After 55 miles we'll hit East Grinstead Station, with Three Bridges after about 65 and Gatwick with its fast and frequent trains after 70. That's probably the farthest we'll get though if anyone's up for some punishment I may be willing to press on to Caterham after what I think should be about 80 miles. Everything will be done by consensus. Pace will depend on the group as an early start should allow us to take it fairly easy. The Forest Way and Worth Way may cause issues for some full-on racers but it is by no means serious off-road – definitely suitable for all other bikes and leader will be doing it on a narrow-tyred fast city bike. (Paul: 07957 209322 NO TEXTS PLEASE.)
Saturday 2 June: Rainham Marshes. Meet 9am Southwark Needle and 10am Cutty Sark Gardens for explore to Rainham Marshes and the new RSPB visitor centre and lunch and walk round there. 15 miles from Greenwich via Thames Path, Woolwich Ferry. Either find own way back, get train from Rainham to Fenchurch Street, or join me on a £2.50 cruise across the Thames from Tilbury to Gravesend and ride back from there along some biggish roads back to Greenwich, or train it back from Gravesend. Paced for all. (Barry 07905 889 005 No texts please.)
Sunday 3 June: Lee Valley and Epping Forest. This ride goes up the Lee Valley and then cuts over to High Beach in Epping Forest. We'll take a look at the visitor centre there and then head for home using some forest trails before heading back to the Lee Valley. Find a pub or cafe for lunch. Suitable for all bikes except racey road bikes. Meet 10am at Cutty Sark Gardens. (Ian- 07986 872 205 - No texts please.)
Wednesday 6th June: Greenwich Cyclists monthly meeting 7:30pm - 9:00pm Armada Centre, 21 McMillan Street (where Evelyn St meets Creek Rd, opposite the Post Depot) Deptford SE8 3EZ, 7.30pm - 9pm Map. Please ensure that you bring your bicycle into the meeting room with you.
16-24 June 2007 – BIKEWEEKSaturday 16th June: Weekend Ride London Curiosities. A gently paced day visiting some intriguing historic locations. Approximately 20 miles, on road. Tour will include a sewer ventilating lamp, a kiosk for measuring tides, a necropolis railway terminus and much more. Meet 10am Cutty Sark Gardens or 11am Southwark Needle. Return to Greenwich by 5pm. (Liz 020 8691 2065 / 07963 761039 No text messages.) |
Thursday 28 June: 2012 Closures. Meet 6.30pm Southwark Needle for a last look at the Olympic site road and canal closure exclusion zone that take effect from Monday 2 July. A slow requiemic explore of loss. (Barry - 07905 889 005).
Saturday 30th June: Hastings. This version of a ride we did a couple of years ago will miss out the delights of the Worth and Forest Ways (visit these on some of our other rides) to cut across country, but we will join the totally traffic free Cuckoo Trail. We'll leave this just before the end to go through some quiet country lanes before riding for several miles along the coast to Hastings and some much-deserved fish and chips in the late afternoon. Full Details from Lewisham Cyclists.
Wednesday 4th July: Greenwich Cyclists monthly meeting 7:30pm - 9:00pm Armada Centre, 21 McMillan Street (where Evelyn St meets Creek Rd, opposite the Post Depot) Deptford SE8 3EZ, 7.30pm - 9pm Map. Please ensure that you bring your bicycle into the meeting room with you.
Saturday 7th July: Tour de France: Prologue. From http://www.tourdefrancelondon.com/en/ Starting on Whitehall, in front of Trafalgar Square, the riders will race past Downing Street towards Parliament Square on an 8km course. Turning at the Houses of Parliament, the route goes along Victoria Street, past Westminster Abbey and in front of Buckingham Palace. After the Palace the riders will pass through the middle of Wellington Arch, before looping through London's most famous park, Hyde Park. Finally the riders will pass back around Hyde Park Corner and along Constitution Hill, before ending on The Mall with Buckingham Palace as a backdrop.
Join Greenwich Cyclists for a ride to Hyde Park with exclusive viewing of the event. Details.
Sunday 8th July: Tour de France: Stage 1. From http://www.letour.fr/2007/TDF/presentation/us/etape1.html The route starts on The Mall, runs through Admiralty Arch and then proceeds alongside the Thames down to the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. The riders will cross The Thames before riding past the London Eye and looping back to take in St Paul's Cathedral and the Tower of London. The riders will pass over Tower Bridge, through Bermondsey and Deptford to Greenwich where they will cross the Greenwich Meridian Line, where all time zones are measured from. The route then passes through Woolwich, Abbey Wood and Erith, before leaving London for Dartford in Kent. The route then goes through Gravesend and on to Medway, dominated by Rochester Castle and Cathedral. Passing on through Maidstone the route will take the riders to Tonbridge and then on to Royal Tunbridge Wells. The route winds through the beautiful Kent countryside, through the picturesque town of Tenterden and past Ashford to a potentially nail biting finish in Canterbury.
Sunday 15th July: The River Ravensbourne. From where the Ravensbourne enters the Thames through Deptford Creek to it's source, Caesars Well at Keston Ponds the river has history. Sir Francis Drake was knighted by Elizabeth I on Deptford Creek and the Romans named the point where the underground spring emerges from the ground to form the river after their emporer, Caesar. In an easy going ride, we follow the Ravensbourne from the Thames as it makes it's way through Lewisham and Bromley to it's source.We'll return via route 21 the Waterlink Way. Lunch at a pub in Keston. Some off road sections. Unsuitable for racey road bikes. 30 miles. Meet Cutty Sark Gardens at 10:00. (Ian 07986 872 205 – No texts please.)
Saturday 21st July: Wolfe, Westerham, and the Weald. Cycle to Westerham, along Waterlink Way, West Wickham (get train back from there if you don't like hills), Keston, Cudham, and Pilgrims' Way. Good brakes needed for one steep hill down the north downs. Cycle onto Markbeech and Hever. Lunch in Westerham. Possibility of tea in Hever or Chiddingstone.Train back from Hever or Cowden to East Croydon/ London Bridge. 35-40 miles approx. Medium level. One Steep hill up, and one steep hill down! Meet Cutty Sark Gardens, Greenwich 09:30. (Chris 07801 188768 - No texts please.)
Sunday 22nd July: Cobham for Darley and Dickens. Southwark Cyclists set out into Kent, the Thames path to Erith, busy roads to Gravesend, then canals and quiet roads. We'll pass through the award winning Shorne country park, through ancient Ashenbank with its' Iron Age fort and WW2 bunkers, check out the Southwark connection with Dickens in Cobham, as we tread in the path of Tracy Tupmann, before moving into Cobham Park to view the Darnley mausoleum. Expect lots of ancient trees and long forgotten farming methods as we bump through these ancient woodlands. It's not all tarmac, but none is any worse that the worst bits of the Thames path. Outstanding views over the rolling North Downs as we follow them down to The Medway and onwards to Rochester for train home. Lunch is some way into the ride, as well as the best choice in beer, well past Gravesend, bring sufficient fodder to keep going. 50/60 miles, with possible train to skip the Erith/Gravesend road bit. (Bill 07973 668642. No Texts please.)
Saturday 28 July: Dunwich Dynamo. 120 mile overnight ride. Details.
Saturday 28th July: Bradwell-on-sea. An easy going ride around this Essex peninsula which is defined by flat Essex marshland. The ride starts and finishes at Burnham-on-Crouch and visits Bradwell-on-Sea, St Lawrence, Maylandsea and Southminster. Pub lunch. Siutable for all bikes. Meet:
08:15 London Liverpool Street map station ticket office for the 08:34 train to Burnham-on-Crouch. 30 - 40 miles. (Ian 07986 872 205 - No texts please.)
Sunday 29th July: Crossness Beam Engine on Steam. See Joseph Bazalgette's crowning glory, one of the original four Crossness steam-driven beam engines, largest of its kind and an awesome spectacle. Gone is the constant stream of sewage which was once pumped by these mighty engines into the Thames, what remains are the decorated Victorian ironwork and engineering on a cathedral scale. Hard hats are provided on this rare Open Day at Crossness, entry fee £5 for non-members.
The ride there: Meet 10.a.m. Cutty Sark Gardens, cycle Thames Path to Thamesmead then pick our way along the Green Way over the Southern Outfall, now a grassy bank where the scented rapeseed blows. Aiming to arrive at 11.30 in time for 12 noon steaming.
Lunch: Garden barbecue at The Leather Bottle public house, Belvedere, if enough of us register interest to me by Wednesday July 25.
Afterwards, a stroll through Lesnes Abbey gardens.
Added attraction: This year's Thames blackberries are twice as large and moist as the 2006 poor crop. If you're interested, bring a plastic container for a 30-minute picking session on the way back to Cutty Sark Gardens. Total distance about 25 miles, mostly flat, suitable for all types of bike though the Thamesmead section is gritty.
Contact: Ride leader Anthony. 07740 434078 or 020 8691 8827.
Wednesday 1st August: Greenwich Cyclists monthly meeting 7:30pm - 9:00pm Armada Centre, 21 McMillan Street (where Evelyn St meets Creek Rd, opposite the Post Depot) Deptford SE8 3EZ, 7.30pm - 9pm Map. Please ensure that you bring your bicycle into the meeting room with you.
Saturday 4th August: Gravesend to Sheerness. A variation on a popular ride we did last year. This time the ride starts and finishes in Gravesend and mantains the picnic on the beach at Sheerness. You can either bring some food with you of just buy some at the Tesco store by the beach. There are a several opprtuntiers to cut this ride short if you don't want to do the whole ride. Mostly on roads, but not entirely. Should be OK for all bikes. 60 miles. Meet Greenwich Station at 08:45 for the 09:07 train to Gravesend. (Ian 07986 872205.)
Sunday 5th August: Locks, Docks and One Smoking Ferry. An easy and interesting 30 mile flat ride around East London. A different route each time. Meet Cutty Sark Gardens 10am. (Barry 07905 889005.)
Saturday 11th August: Romney Marshes. A 60 mile flat ride around Romney Marshes starting and finshing in Folkstone. The ride heads south along the coast going through Hythe, Dymchurch and St Mary's Bay to Dungeness - where we'll stop to take a look at the power station and the lighthouse. From Dungeness we head inland to Lydd and Brookland. The ride finishes along the northern edge of the marshes heading back to folkstone. Lunch in a pub and suitable for all bikes. Meet 08:45 London Bridge Station ticket office for the 09:07 train to Folkstone. (Ian 07986 872205.)
Sunday 12th August: Retracing the Surrey Canal. From source to end, and branches. Meet 10am at Southwark Needle or 11am at Cutty Sark Gardens for a much-stopping look at the industrial archaeology, and psycho-geography, of this almost lost waterway. 12 miles or so. (Barry 07905 889 005.)
Saturday 18th August: Wolfe, Westerham, and the Weald. Cycle to Westerham, along Waterlink Way, West Wickham (get train back from there if you don't like hills), Keston, Cudham, and Pilgrims' Way. Good brakes needed for one steep hill down the north downs. Cycle onto Markbeech and Hever. Lunch in Westerham. Possibility of tea in Hever or Chiddingstone.Train back from Hever or Cowden to East Croydon/ London Bridge. 35-40 miles approx. Medium level. One Steep hill up, and one steep hill down! Meet Cutty Sark Gardens, Greenwich 09:30. (Chris 07801 188768 - No texts please.)
Sunday 19 August: Essex Ferries. Meet 8.30am Southwark Needle or 8.45am Liverpool Street station for the 9.02am train to Manningtree. 4 go for the price of 2. £10 each then. Then the dozen rolling miles to Harwich for coffee and the tiny ferry to Felixstowe across the mouths of the Stour and Orwell and into Suffolk. And then the even tinier boat across the Debden to Bawdsey. About £6 for those ferries. About 40 miles in all. Easy paced for all. (Barry. 07905 889 005.)
Friday 24 – Tuesday 28 August: The Wild Wales Challenge. SORRY – FULLY BOOKED! Greenwich Cyclists are heading back to North Wales for the 6th time for a weekend of fun and challenging rides through some of the most beautiful scenery in Wales. Further info/FAQ
Saturday 25th August: Eastbourne Pevensey and Bexhill. This ride goes along the south coast from Eastbourne to Bexhill-on-Sea before turning inland to Hooe and Wartling, then comes back to the coast at Pevensey and returns to Eastbourne. Highlights of the ride are the Eastbourne Redoubt, Martello Towers, the 1066 landing point at Norman's Bay, the De La War Pavilion, Herstmonceaux Castle and Pevensey Castle as well as some by the sea riding. Pub lunch. An all day ride and only 40 miles so it's perfect for riders looking to get out of London but aren't sure what kind of distance they can manage. Some hills in the middle of the ride but nothing over 150 feet. Meet 08:45 London Bridge Station ticket office for the 09:11 train to Brighton, changing at East Croydon for the 09:33 train to Eastbourne which arrives at 10:44. (Ian - 07986 872205, No texts please.)
Wednesday 5th September: Greenwich Cyclists monthly meeting 7:30pm - 9:00pm Armada Centre, 21 McMillan Street (where Evelyn St meets Creek Rd, opposite the Post Depot) Deptford SE8 3EZ, 7.30pm - 9pm Map. Please ensure that you bring your bicycle into the meeting room with you.
Saturday 8th September: Canterbury Loop 07. Ride up the Crab and Winkle Way to Whitstable and then join the Viking Coastal Trail and ride along the coast through Herne Bay, pass Reculver, and go through Margate, Broadstairs, before turning back to Canterbury just past Ramsgate. Meet 08:40 London Bridge Station )ticket office for the 09:07 train to Canterbury West. 55 miles. (Ian - 07986 872205.)
Sunday 9 September: Rainham Marshes. Meet 10am Cutty Sark Gardens for the 25 exploring miles to the RSPB visitor centre at their Rainham Marshes reserve via the Woolwich Ferry. Back on the A13 bikepaths and Greenwich Foot Tunnel. (Barry - 07905 889 005.)
Sunday 9th September: Tour of Britain Prologue. For the first time the Tour of Britain starts with a prologue time trial and the venue is Crystal Palace Park. The short 2.5km event takes place entirely within the confines of the park on the old motor racing circuit. As most south Londoners know the park is situatd on a hill so the wiiner on the day will receive the King of the Moutains jersey as well as the leaders yellow jersy. The prologue starts at 15:00 and features 96 riders setting off at 1 minute intervals. We'll leave and ride back to Greenwich when the event finishes at about 16:45. There is a bike park at the event but there is no mention of catering so it might be a good idea to bring your own food. The return ride to Greenwich is about 15 miles. Meet Cutty Sark Gardens 11:00. (Ian - 07986 872205.)
Saturday 15th September: Gunpowder. Small Arms, Waterworks, and Pumps! Join Southwark Cyclists as we celebrate Open House this year with a ride along the Lee Valley with a difference. Cutting through London, and up to Epping Forest, we traverse down to the Country park that was the Waltham Abbey ordnance factory, where Nature has established itself again now the factory has gone, wild meadows and sunken forests included. Onwards to the once home of the Lee Enfield rifle, and a quick visit to an Edwardian Pumping station. The route also includes the new Lee Valley Athletics centre, Wedgwood drawing rooms, Caesar entering Rome, and Camilla's old pad. Returning to London along what we can find of the New river. Not too much dithering, although a relaxed 40 some miles of cycle path, woodland and a bit of road. Meet Southwark Needle at the South End of London Bridge at 09.00. Original BSA cycles welcome. (Bill - 07973 668642 - Usual No Texts please.)
Saturday 15th Septemeber: Wolfe, Westerham, and the Weald. Cycle to Westerham, along Waterlink Way, West Wickham (get train back from there if you don't like hills), Keston, Cudham, and Pilgrims' Way. Good brakes needed for one steep hill down the north downs. Cycle onto Markbeech and Hever. Lunch in Westerham. Possibility of tea in Hever or Chiddingstone.Train back from Hever or Cowden to East Croydon/ London Bridge. 35-40 miles approx. Medium level. One Steep hill up, and one steep hill down! Meet Cutty Sark Gardens, Greenwich 09:30. (Chris 07801 188768 - No texts please.)
Sunday 16th September: Sevendroog Castle and Woolwich Barracks. Short and easy-paced ride to Open House at Severndroog Castle and Woolwich Royal Artillery Mess. The Grade II-listed castle is a triangular structure near the top of Shooters Hill with magnificent views across London. We get there through Greenwich Park, passing in front of the Jacobean Charlton House and across Woolwich Common. Lunch at panoramic café nearby. Then downhill to the RA Barracks in Woolwich, longest Georgian frontage in Europe, to see where officers and men dined during the Napoleonic wars. Total distance about 12 miles, suitable for all ages and bikes. (Anthony - 07740 434 078. No texts please.)
Saturday 22nd September: Lewes, Newhaven and Seaford. This ride is straight from the pages of Cycling Plus. The ride leaves Lewes and heads straight to the coast at Newhaven. There's a little seashore riding to Seaford and then it's back inland to Wilmington, Arlington, Selmeston and Laughton. Finally we skirt Glyndebourne Opera House before heading back to Lewes. Only 40 miles and the ride utilises 2 valleys cut through the South Downs by the rivers Ouse and Cuckmere so it should be scenic but not too hard on the legs. We'll take a look at Newhaven Fort and Lewes Castle if we've got time. Pub lunch. Suitable for all bikes. Meet Waterloo Station Ticket Office at 08:40 for the 09:03 train. Change at Clapham Junction for the 09:23 train arriving Lewes at 10:23. (Alternatively Join the same train, 09:33 at East Croydon.) 40 miles. (Ian 07986 872 205 - No texts please.)
Sunday 23rd September: London Hovis Freewheel. Join Greenwich Cyclists for a gently ride to Central London where 7.5 miles of road are to be closed to vehicles on Sunday 23rd September. Meet at Cutty Sark Gardens, leaving at 10.45 am, to follow our own riverside route to join the official route at London Bridge. The ride goes to Green Park, where there will be a Festival from midday.You can register for the event and find out more. Please note that we will not be riding from one of the designated hubs, none of which are close enough to Greenwich. You can join us for the return trip, or make your own way back.
Saturday 29th September: New Ash Green. Please note – this is a replacement for the previously announced Windsor and back ride cancelled due to foot and mouth. We're heading off to New Ash Green for a very quick look at a 1960s planned town in the Kent countryside but this is basically an excuse to pootle down some rather nice Kent Lanes. We're climbing over the North Downs so some climbing, but you'll be rewarded by a nice long amble along part of the Pilgrim's Way. If you want to check out New Ash Green itself, go to: www.span-kent.co.uk Or start googling. Pub lunch. Suitable for any bike – there is a short severe off-road climb but since anyone on anything other than a mountain bike or mountain goat will have to walk this anyway, you won't be at a disadvantage on a racer. Total distance 65 miles MAX, hence relatively early start. Opportunity to catch a train back from St Mary Cray after 50 miles if you prefer. For folks from the east who don't want to go back to Greenwich, we'll be returning via New Eltham. Bring lights. Meet Cutty Sark Gardens at 8:30, Ladywell Fields at 9:00 for prompt departure. (Paul - 07957 209 322 - No texts please)
Wednesday 3rd October: Greenwich Cyclists monthly meeting 7:30pm - 9:00pm Armada Centre, 21 McMillan Street (where Evelyn St meets Creek Rd, opposite the Post Depot) Deptford SE8 3EZ, 7.30pm - 9pm Map. Please ensure that you bring your bicycle into the meeting room with you.
Saturday 6th October: Bishop's Stortford to Saffron Walden. Join Lewisham Cyclists for this Essex Lanes explore. It's a short hop from Liverpool Street to to Bishops Stortford, only a 37 minute train ride ride leaving lots of time to cover the shortish distance. Pub lunch. Suitable for any bike. Meet:
08:35 Liverpool Street Station ticket office for the 08:55 train to Bishop's Stortford. (Ian - 07986 872205 - No texts please.)
Sunday 7 October: Locks, Docks and one Smoking Ferry. Meet 9am Southwark Needle or 10am Cutty Sark Gardens for all-day docklands ramble paced for all.
Saturday 13th October: West Malling to Bearstead. Across the Medway valley to the pilgrims way [40-45 miles]. This ride will suit all abilities - Leader: Andrew Fergar [contact 07717693701, no texts please] or Email: kayacan@aol.com There's a choice of two meeting points and two possible trains [but please purchase a return ticket to Bearstead]: Meet Trevor at the main ticket office, London Bridge station, concourse entrance @ 08:40-08:55 [ 09:18 to West Malling, arriving 09:58] or Andrew @ Bromley South station forecourt @ 09:05 - 09:20. [Bromley South @ 09:37, arrival West Malling @ 10:06]. This should be a great autumnal country ride cycling in an easterly direction across the beautiful country of the Medway valley, mostly using country lanes, we'll stop after 20 miles or so for some at lunch in the ancient village of Horsmonden, [pub food or bring your own lunch] then continue, crossing the rivers Tiese, Buelt and Len, climbing up to follow part of the Pilgrims Way, ending at The Black Horse at Thurnham at around 15:30, where there's the option of drinks and good food, train to London later, or you can catch the train back to London Bridge from the local station, Bearsted [1.5 miles, and an escort to the station]. Terrain: mostly flat, with small hills at the beginning, one climb towards the end. This ride is being organised by the Bromley cyclists group.
Saturday 20th October: Wolfe, Westerham, and the Weald. Cycle to Westerham, along Waterlink Way, West Wickham (get train back from there if you don't like hills), Keston, Cudham, and Pilgrims' Way. Good brakes needed for one steep hill down the north downs. Cycle onto Markbeech and Hever. Lunch in Westerham. Possibility of tea in Hever or Chiddingstone.Train back from Hever or Cowden to East Croydon/ London Bridge. 35-40 miles approx. Medium level. One Steep hill up, and one steep hill down! Meet Cutty Sark Gardens, Greenwich 09:30. (Chris 07801 188768 - No texts please.)
Saturday 20th October: Bromley Borough Boundaries. Meet Andrew Fergar on forecourt of Bromley South Station at 10am for a 20 mile local ride ( approx ) that will mostly be within Bromley Borough boundaries - passing through Downe and Knockholt. (Bromley Cyclists. Contact Andrew Ferbar 07717693701.)
Sunday 21st October: Thames Path to Erith. This is a great ride along the south bank of the Thames to Erith. The route rarely leaves the side of the river and affords great views of Canary Wharf, the Dome and the Thames Barrier. A very easy paced ride, suitable for riders of all ages and abilities. Chat and ride. Find a pub or cafe for lunch. Suitable for all bikes except racey road bikes. 26 miles. (Ian - 07986 872205 - No texts please.)
Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th October: Wonderful Whitstable Weekend. We do this a couple of times a year. Amazing variety from the big roads out of London to 13 very different seaside resorts on coast-hugging Sunday.Meet 9am Saturday 27 October at Cutty Sark Gardens for the 60 mile ride to Whitstable. 99% tarmac. Some grassy bits ok for touring bikes. Coffee Gravesend. Lunch Rochester. (Phone me direct if you want to train it to either to find us). Some of us have booked into the treaty Duke of Cumberland for dinner and B&B. 01227 280617. Whitstable Tourist Office has other places: 01227 275482. (Self-booking please).
Sunday: meet 10am at Whitstable Harbour for an optional fresh oyster then 55 ozone-overdose miles to Dover. Train back from there. (nb: we usually time that harbour meet to the first train from London. But there's big engineering works planned that day, so not this daylight-saving time). (Barry. 07905 889 005.)
Sunday 28th October: Farningham and back. Our customary amble down the Waterlink Way before hitting the road. Some wonderful country lanes, despite the M25 never being far away. Pub lunch in Farningham. Some climbing on the way out, quick and pretty easy on the way back. Suitable for all bikes except extreme full-on racers – very short bit of mild off-road. Distance about 45 miles. It's possible to return from Eynsford by train at the half way point. If you do want to do this, check that there are no engineering works and be prepared to ride at a pace (still reasonable) to allow the rest to finish at a reasonable time. Bring lights of course. Meet Cutty Sark Gardens 9:30 or Ladywell Fields by Ladywell Station 10:00 PROMPT DEPARTURE. (Paul - 07957 209322, No texts please.)
Saturday 3rd November: River Lee Navigation. Southwark Cyclists head up the Lee Valley, although taking a slightly different route than usual. Taking cycle paths direct to Walthamstow Marshes, we pick up the Lee, although we will leave it from time to time to climb access points for stunning views, and to explore the North London marshlands. So as to avoid the fishermen, we take LCN 1 which leads us away from the path, and explore the cycle ways that cross the meadows as we head upstream from Waltham Abbey. although we ought to find time for tea and cakes! Lunch at hertford, and a U turn takes us back the way we came, we then veer off and follow the New River as it makes it's way back to the City. The Northern parts of this man made waterway are quite accessible, although roads will be used, however, once we pass back through Enfield we'll leave the bank and follow the roads, not only tdo the numerous kissing gates make the route almost impassable, the winter nights will be catching us up.
Sunday 4th November: Mixing it with old cars. We're off to follow the London to Brighton Veteran car run, familiar to some from that old favourite wet Sunday afternoon film Genevieve. None of the cars in the run were made after 1905 so you can check out the new fangled machines before it all started to go kind of pear-shaped. No apologies for the early start – it's needed to give us a chance of seeing a good selection of the cars and they leave even earlier from Hyde Park corner. We'll be riding fairly fast from Greenwich to Croydon to meet up with them.
IMPORTANT FOOD NOTE: So that we can see as much of the event as possible and keep moving bring your own food for lunch we don't plan to go to a pub for lunch or go hunting for food outlets. The car drivers have a coffee stop in Crawley and we may join them. We may well go for food and a drink once we hit Brighton – that depends on the consensus of the ride. Suitable for all bikes as we will be following the cars down by road. And, to no-one's surprise, the old cars won't be panting up Ditchling Beacon so the ride will be easier than some of our Brighton rides. Pace will probably be fairly fast in order to see (and overtake?) lots of cars but we'll see how it goes. To quote a line from the film: "You'll be intoxicated by the exuberance of your own velocity." Maybe. For the less exuberant, opportunities to drop out at various points and return by train. Official site of the event: http://www.lbvcr.com.If you want to get in the mood, check out this version of Larry Adler's famous theme. Total distance about 65 miles. Train back. Meet 7:45 Cutty Sark Gardens, Greenwich 8:15 Ladywell Fields PROMPT DEPARTURE. More info from Paul: 07957 209322. NO TEXTS PLEASE.
Wednesday 7th November: Greenwich Cyclists monthly meeting 7:30pm - 9:00pm Armada Centre, 21 McMillan Street (where Evelyn St meets Creek Rd, opposite the Post Depot) Deptford SE8 3EZ, 7.30pm - 9pm Map. Please ensure that you bring your bicycle into the meeting room with you.
Saturday 10th November: Bearstead Circular. There are two meeting points and two possible trains [but please purchase a return ticket to Bearsted]: Meet Trevor at the main ticket office, London Bridge station, concourse entrance @ 08:40-08:55 [ catching the 09:18] or Andrew @ Bromley South station forecourt @ 09:05 - 09:20. [leaves Bromley South @ 09:37]
This should be a great autumnal country ride ....a circular ride taking in nice country, lovely villages, vineyards, stopping off at scenic or interesting points and with a lunch stop en route. ending at The Black Horse at Thurnham at around 15:30, where there's the option of drinks and good food, or catch the train immediately back to London Bridge or Bromley from Bearsted [1.5 miles].
Note: for those wishing a somewhat shorter ride, we will pass several stations during the second half of the ride. Terrain: some hills, with flat sections - suitable for most experience levels
A limited number of hi res full colour overviews of the route ( 1 - 100000 scale ) will be issued free at the start of the ride.
This ride is open to all. 45 miles. (Andrew Fergar 07717 693 701 - no texts please).
Sunday 11th November: Downe, then up, then back. A ride out to Downe (great news folks – we stop short of the Cudham climb!) for what will probably be a fairly leisurely pub lunch at the George and Dragon.
After lunch, past Charles Darwin's House, Biggin Hill, the odd bit of climbing but nothing you won't be able to manage. We will of course wait for everyone. Some nice country lanes, with some autumn colours probably still left to admire. Pace decidedly moderate but we should still be back at a fairly respectable hour. Bring lights of course. Short bit of very moderate off-road which a full-on racer could do – I'll be doing it on a narrow-tyred fast city bike. Distance probably lower end of range 35 to 40 miles. (Paul, 07957 209 322 - No texts please.)
Saturday 17th November: Sevenoaks Loop. The ride which starts and finishes in Sevenoaks (only 24 minutes from London Bridge) skirts the ridge overlooking the Weald, through Goathurst Common and Ide Hill before dropping to Edenbridge. Just past Edenbridge we'll make a short detour to look at Hever Castle which overlooks the River Eden. From Hever we head south and cross the River Medway just before Fordcombe. On through Speldhurst we head north and cross Eden Valley and the Medway again at Leigh before climbing the big One Tree Hill back into Sevenoaks.
Speldhurst at 24 miles is about 3 to 4 miles from Tunbridge Wells Station and is a possible jumping off point for anyone wanting to cut the ride short. This is a hilly ride (91 feet of climbing per mile) entirely on roads and is suitable for any kind of bike. Bring lights. We'll find a pub for lunch. 37 miles. (Ian, 07986 872 205 - No texts please.)
Saturday 24th November: Edenbridge Loop. The ride starts at finishes in Edenbridge at Edenbridge Town Station (there are two stations in Edenbridge). From Edenbridge the ride heads north crossing the M25 and climbs the North Downs and travels along the ridge for 5 miles. The route then turns south through Godstone, Lingfield and Dormansland before turning north gain and heading back to Edenbridge. We'll take a short detour before returning to Edenbridge to look at Hever Castle. Dormansland at 18 miles and Cowden at 30 miles are possible jumping off points for cutting the ride short. This is a hilly ride (76 feet of climbing per mile), entirely on roads an d is suitable for any kind of bike. Bring lights. We'll find a pub for lunch. 35 miles. Meet London Bridge Station ticket office at 08:40 for the 09:08 train to Edenbridge arriving at 09:48. (Ian, 07986 872 205 - No texts please.)
Sunday 25th November: Lee Valley. Meet Cutty Sark Gardens at 9.30 am for gentle ride up Lee Valley along the towpath. We will ride as far as we can in the daylight and return by train to Liverpool Street. There are many places where we can pick up a train on this route, it is hoped that we will reach Harlow (30 miles) or a bit beyond. If there are any engineering works which prevent a train return we will cycle back, but will not be able to go so far out. Lunch in a café. Most of the ride is on the towpath, which has a hard surface. There are short stretches on hard earth, though this could be muddy if it has been raining. Suitable for road bikes, but not very skinny tyres. Some gates to manoeuvre. (Liz 07963 761039 - no texts please.)
Saturday 1 December: Worlds Aids Day Bike Ride. It's World Aids Day today and this is our ride for The Food Chain www.foodchain.org.uk - a London charity whose volunteers provide home delivered meals and other nutrition services to men, women and children who are very ill as a result of an HIV-related illness.
We'll take a voluntary donation of at least £10 off you at the start of the ride (£5 if unwaged). Every penny gets to The Food Chain. £10 is more than enough to pay for 3 people's two-course lunch and a light evening meal.
The ride? After a buy-your-own flute of something at Europe's longest champagne bar, we'll get to St Pancras Church on Euston Road for midday and the Cara Trust's free concert starring the sparkling London Gay Men's Chorus. Then we'll ride somemore and head back to the Southwark Needle start via St Andrews Chapel in Southwark Cathedral that has commemorated all with HIV and AIDS since 1991. The ride ends there, optional drink after at a surprise venue.
The start: 9am Cutty Sark Gardens and 10am Southwark Needle, south end of London Bridge.
There'll be Dr Bike at the start if yours needs a tweak, and trainer/mechanics on the ride too thanks to Southwark's very own Cycle Training UK.
A fun and sociable ride that's paced for all. No booking and very open, as ever, to all.
Just turn up. Smiling.
Barry, Southwark Cyclists, 07905 889 005.
Sunday 2nd December: Waterlink Way and Wandle Trail. Two river valleys to the south of London form the route for this easy going flat ride. We leave Greenwich and follow the Ravensbourne and Pool to Croydon. To the west of Croydon at Waddon Ponds we pick up the Wandle and follow it northwards towards the Thames. Dinner in a pub at Merton Mills and possibly a little time to do some Christmas shopping in at the market there. Suitable for all bikes although there may be a couple of short muddy sections. Meet 10am Cutty Sark Gardens. 33 miles. (Ian 07986 872 205 - No texts please.)
Wednesday 5th December: Greenwich Cyclists monthly meeting 7:30pm - 9:00pm Armada Centre, 21 McMillan Street (where Evelyn St meets Creek Rd, opposite the Post Depot) Deptford SE8 3EZ, 7.30pm - 9pm Map. Please ensure that you bring your bicycle into the meeting room with you.
Saturday 8th December: Campaign Against Climate Change. Full details.
Sunday 9 December: The Locks Docks John Ball edition. Meet 9am at Southwark Needle or 10am at Cutty Sark Gardens. Blackheath's cycling-extraordinary John Ball School have requested this special edition for pupils, parents and staff. Will be very different, all very welcome. Flyer. (Barry 07905 889 005.)
Saturday 15 December: North Kent loop. Between Sittingbourne, Maidstone and Faversham, along small lanes between orchards and over part of the North Downs. Suitable for any bikes, though there is a short un-metalled by-road with ruts and puddles, but the surface is hard. About 32 miles, some hills, medium pace. Meet Cutty Sark Gardens at 8.30 am for 9.07 train from Greenwich to Newington. Return on 3.00, 3.30 or 4.00 pm train. Pub lunch. Bring lights. (Liz 07963 761039 – no texts please.)
Tuesday 25th December: Christmas Day Ride. Meet 10am Cutty Sark Gardens and 11am at Southwark Needle. London's quietest day of the year. A slow and sociable exploring meander round central London in very good and diverse company. Drop out whenever or stay on for a late lunch up Edgware Road and maybe a pub after. Barry 07905 889 005.