Greenwich Foot Tunnel:

The tunnel ceiling cabling and conduit trays have rotted away and need replacing. Most of this work is being done during the day, but we're told the more hazardous bits will need doing while the tunnel is closed off. This won't happen until June 2002, when the tunnel may be closed overnight from 8pm to 5am for around 25 weekday nights. We've suggested the Council ask the DLR to run night replacement trains (to carry bikes) and to consider shorter closure hours or a ferry. Our counts show that the foot tunnel already takes almost as many bikes per rush hour as the Creek Road route into central London. Let us know how the closure will effect you . Any other ideas?

Unitary Development Plan

Greenwich Council has just published the above. It's the formal guide on how land in Greenwich will be used until 2011. It's the key planning guidance. The deadline for comments is 8 April 2002. There are cycling references throughout the document and the special section on cycling starts off well.. "Cycling will be promoted in the Borough...", but that section is only one page out of 281. We'll discuss our views on 6 March. See Events.

And www.greenwich.gov.uk for details.

Wild Wales Weekend

August Bank Holiday

Fancy Bala in North Wales for a long August Bank Holiday weekend centred on the 500 bike Wild Wales Ride on Sunday 25 August? We're staying in an £8 a night bunk house. See that date under Rides on the website for very full details.

International Women's Festival

The six rides plus the optional courses that the women of the group are organising for women as part of this special festival have attracted a lot of interest. They are designed to attract new cyclists, and are doing. See Events. To register: iwfbike@yahoo.com or 020 7093 0872. The very helpful Harry Perry Bikes of Woolwich (020 8854 2383) are lending six bikes, free.

Sustrans National Cycle Route

Greenwich Cyclists became Ranger for the Cutty Sark to Dartford stretch a year or so ago. The first "corporate" (ish) such arrangement anywhere. In the last two weeks, Southwark Cyclists and then Lewisham Cyclists took over their bits. On Friday 8 March Sustrans' Director and Board ride the Thames route from Woolwich Arsenal to the Cutty Sark and onwards. Contact Barry if you want to tag along.

More Maintenance!

Bike maintenance classes

The three sets of maintenance we've done all sold out very quickly. A new set of 4 x 3 hour basic maintenance Tuesday evening classes is planned for April, with a similar May course for those who want to do more complex work on their bikes. £30 per course, payable in advance, no refund unless we can resell your place. Booking now, 12 per class maximum, and subject to demand. Contact masonb@supanet.com

Spring in the Saddle

Below is our latest rides programme. Our rides are enjoyable, informative, sociable and fun. All (except as shown) are free to anyone without booking. Most events start from Cutty Sark Gardens (CSG) in Greenwich. None of these rides are races ñ they are paced for all.

On train assisted rides, we leave very soon after the meeting time. Expect help with minor problems like punctures but ensure your bike is roadworthy and bring a pump and a spare inner tube or two.

Saturday 2 March: 9am Cutty Sark or 10am Liverpool Street station for 40 mile Essex estuary tour.

Sunday 3 March: 10am Cutty Sark: East London Greenway ride. 20 miles on paved surfaces but nearly all off road.

Wednesday 6 March: Greenwich Cyclists monthly meeting. 177 Trafalgar Road, London SE10. 7.30-9pm. Pub opposite after.

Saturday 9 March: 10am-1pm or 2-5pm: The Absolute Beginners Ride. Professional training for non-riders. Bring a bike, or we may be able to lend you one. Meet outside the Waterfront Leisure Centre, Woolwich. This special event is part of the Greenwich International Women's Festival.

Saturday 9 March: 10am, Cutty Sark Gardens: Chislehurst Caves. A repeat of last year's ride to Chislehurst Caves and a tour around the caves themselves. 20 mile round trip, some of which may be through the woods, depending on the weather. All on-road if it's mucky. As many quiet roads as possible! Admission fee of about a fiver to the caves and lunch in the caves' cafe.

Sunday 10 March: 10am Cutty Sark: a few miles to the Woolwich Flood Barrier and back. Ideal for beginners. This special event is part of the Greenwich International Women's Festival.

Sunday 10th March: 9am (yes), Cutty Sark Gardens: 50ish reasonably flat miles along the Thames to Windsor. Plenty of drop out points and train back to Waterloo.

Saturday 16 March: 10am Cutty Sark: Locks, Docks and one smoking ferry: 10, 20 or 30 miles round Docklands. This special event is part of the Greenwich International Women's Festival.

Saturday 16 March: 9am, Cutty Sark Gardens: Let's go to Brighton! 56 reasonably hilly miles to Brighton. Lunch at the Dog and Duck in Outwood and another chance to climb the famous Turners Hill and Ditchling Beacon.

Sunday 17 March: 10am Cutty Sark: the Waterlink Way Sustrans route 21 to Gatwick. 30 miles. Train back.

Tuesday 19 March: Afterworker: 7pm Cutty Sark. Short, sociable ride. This special event is part of the Greenwich International Women's Festival.

Saturday 23 March: 10am Cutty Sark: slow explore up to the South Bank along the Thames Path.This special event is part of the Greenwich International Women's Festival.

Good Friday 29 March: to Herne Hill velodrome to watch day of events and pro-races. Details to follow

Friday 29 March: 6pm South Bank by NFT. Central London Critical Mass (bit political).

Wednesday April 3: Greenwich Cyclists monthly meeting: 7.30-9pm, 177 Trafalgar Road. Pub opposite after

Saturday 6 April: meet 11am Cutty Sark for ride there or 12.45pm at Herne Hill Velodrome, Burbage Road, Dulwich, SE24. We've taken it over for 3 hours...borrow a track bike, get trained and try the banking. Collection to cover costs...about £10. If you enjoy it, you'll then be qualified to join the regular summer Tuesday evening sessions.

Saturday 13 April: 10am Cutty Sark. 60 very varied miles to Whitstable. Or train it to Rochester and meet us there at 1pm. Then train it back or stay over and...

Sunday 14 April: 11am Whitstable Harbour. 60 wonderful seaside miles to Dover and train back

Sunday 21 April: 10am Cutty Sark. Mayor's Charity Bike Ride to Erith, and back. 020 8921 5075 for entry form and details.
Full rides list at the events page.

Also our email list for updates, news and gossip.

Tickets for the sleeper coach back from the legendary overnight Dunwich Dynamo rideare selling well. Grab one now. They'll all go. See FAQs under July rides.

CONTACT US

We welcome your contributions, suggestions and even your criticisms! We meet on the first Wednesday of every month (next meeting 5th December) at The Forum, 177 Trafalgar Road, Greenwich, SE10 9EQ. Write to us there or try:

Co-ordinator: Barry Mason - phone 020 7232 0444 or masonb@supanet.com

Planning co-ordinator: Greg Englefield - Phone 020 8318 2742
or greg_englefield@hotmail.com

Membership secretary: Liz Delap: liz.delap@dial.pipex.com

Pedal Power Newsletter: bikepest@hotmail.com

P&P Greenwich Cyclists, c/o Greenwich Forum, 177 Trafalgar Rd, SE1

Next meeting: 7:30pm, Wednesday 6 March, The Forum, 177 Trafalgar Road, SE10. All welcome!