back

Pedal Power 

Newsletter of Greenwich Cyclists — Issue No.8 — March 2001

On your bike — for the Mayor!

Sunday 29 April at 11am will see hundreds of cyclists meet at Cutty Sark Gardens and head for Erith on what is now the annual Mayor’s charity ride. This year it’s in aid of disabled children in Greenwich. There’s a £5 entry fee payable in advance or on the day. Riders can get themselves sponsored too. The total target is £20,000. The 15 mile route will be a journey of exploration for all involved! Routes past the Old Royal Naval College, Mast Pond Wharf (the derelict site west of Woolwich Ferry) and the long awaited Royal Arsenal stretch will all be open on the day. And then the route passes the wonderful Crossness sewage works, the little known ferry to Fords Dagenham and on into Erith for the finish and refreshments.

It should be a great day out on a safe cycle route and for many the start of a cycling summer. Greenwich Cyclists are helping with the day. Leaflet available mid-March and full details from 020 8921 5075 (24 hours).

Recycling bikes

Last month Greenwich Cyclists were asked by foster parents whether we could get a bike for a four year old boy. Within 48 hours our e-group network contacts had located a bike thanks to Merlin Matthews of cycling charity ReCycle and Paul Standeven at Hackney farm cycle workshop.

Recycle collect bikes, refurbish them and send them to less developed countries. Bikes are a cheap and effective method of transport that does not require expensive equipment. Recycle are always looking for volunteers, help and bikes. If you can help please contact Merlin at ReCycle, 60 High Street, West Mersea, Essex, CO5 8JE. Phone 01206 382 207. Paul also collects bikes for refurbishing for those in need. Please contact Hackney Farm cycle workshop. 020 7729 6381. 

Greenwich Women's Festival

With a little financial help from the Festival, we’re running a number of free events for and by women.

For bookings or further information ring 020 7232 0444 or email masonb@supanet.com.

The full spin — bike events

We’ve now got the 2001 events diary sorted. Check the email list and website....here’s March and April. Most events start from Cutty Sark Gardens (CSG) or from the Forum, 177 Trafalgar Road, SE10 (Forum). Distances vary, allowing flexibility for the wide range of riders we hope will join us. Please note that there have been some changes to our rides because of the Foot and Mouth crisis.

March

Wednesday 7: Monthly meeting. 7.30pm @ Forum

Thursday 8: Women’s bike maintenance workshop. 2-5pm @ Forum

Saturday 10: Women’s beginner’s ride. 10-12 at the Forum.

Saturday 10: 35 miles to Gravesend and back. 10am from CSG

Sunday 11: Women’s Cutty Sark to Flood Barrier ride. 10-2 from CSG

Wednesday 14: Women’s bike maintenance workshop. 7-10pm @ Forum

Saturday 17: Women’s Road skills ride. 10am-1pm from CSG

Saturday 17: to Gravesend ferry and over. 40 flat ones and Tilbury fort. 10am from CSG

Sunday 18: Women’s Docklands Tour. 10-4 from CSG

Sunday 18: kids and parents ride: 6 easy miles. 2.30pm from St John’s Church, Stratheden Road

Sunday 25 March: Canal ride, Bishops Stortford back to London. 30miles. 10am from Liverpool Street station indicator board.

Friday 30: Critical Mass. 6pm @ National Film Theatre

April

Wednesday 4: Monthly meeting. 7.30pm @ Forum

Saturday 7 April: Dungeness, the Romney Marshes and Prospect Cottage. 50 incredibly flat miles. 10am at London Bridge station by Smiths for Ashford train.

Thursday 12: Greenwich Cyclists first birthday event

Sunday 22: London Marathon

Sunday 22: Train to Southend then ferry to Burnham on Crouch and north to St Peter’s. 50 flat miles. 10am Liverpool Street station

Friday 27: Critical Mass. 6pm @ National Film Theatre

Saturday 28: London Cycling Campaign training day for local activists

Sunday 29: Mayor’s ride. 11am at Cutty Sark to Erith. Slow 15 miles. Dartford crossing ride after. Medium 30. 020 8921 5075 for £5 entry form.

If you want to suggest a ride, we’ll consider leading it, or if you know of any other existing rides we’ll be pleased to swell the numbers.

Keep in touch

Go to www.groups.yahoo.com/group/ greenwichcyclists and click on Subscribe

Cycle shorts

back