I could not let this week go past without remembering Olatunji Johnson Adeyanju, known as TJ, a 17 year old just starting out on what had the potential to be, by all accounts, an adult life that would have made a difference in his community. As most of you know, he was knocked from his bike on on Deptford Church St, in March last year, by a driver who didn’t… Read More »A Sad Reminder
Well, only Natasha at the Needle. The massive drenching showers of earlier in the afternoon had completely disappeared and if you had planned to come, but changed your mind due to that earlier weather, you missed a treat. Over the bridge, through the mad mayhem that is rush hour Thames crossing traffic, for maybe a minute, down to the riverside and peace, calm, sun peeping through the clouds, for the next two hours or so. A real theme of this ride, Far from the Madding Crowd, you might say.
The ornamental canal was dotted with the nests of water birds. One fine swan stretched up to reveal one beautiful, huge, blue egg. We oohed and aaaahed at the coot chicks, bobbing up and down. Earlier, I had seen what looked to be a wagtail, but a yellow one, trying to drink. I have never seen a yellow one here before, anyone else? Or am I mistaken- definitely possible!
On through the two basins, Shadwell and Limehouse, to the Regent Canal. Natasha was a West Londoner, so was keen to know through just what parts of London we were weaving our way. The canal was quieter than at the weekend, and sometimes we were even able to ride alongside each other. At one point we passed a little fluffy pile of sleeping goslings, nestling together on the towpath, carefully guarded by both parents. I would have loved to photograph this, but the parents looked a bit large and fierce, so just squeeed! and rode by. We headed up the steep slope at the Islington tunnel, where the towpath and the strong horses had to stop and leave the bargees to power their craft through by leg and footpower alone and found our way through the useful and quiet network of cycle lanes here back to the canal further along. Soon we became aware that we were in the Kings Cross/St Pancras area because of the massive amount of building work alongside the canal. We headed up the steps leading to the new St Martins Fashion School.
Some of us rode out from London to join others who trained it out to Otford for our Cheese Run Ride to Winterdale Shaw Farm yesterday. A mix of sunshine and showers, beautiful bluebells, some hills, some great descents, and one wild, wonderful glide along the Knatts valley before heading back to Otford and thence to town. Thanks to Andrew for leading this one. Great route.
Well, I was expecting to be sitting on my own waiting for no one yesterday. I had received several messages throughout the day from folks saying the wind and possible rain was sending them straight home. The wind at London Bridge was pretty wild. My helmet was blown off my head as I unclipped it and retrieved by a kindly passer by. However, there are some hardy folks among us… Read More »Thursdays Afterworker
I’ll be at the Southwark Needle again, this Thursday 9th May, at 6.30pm. South end of London Bridge outside Evans. This time, I’ll head to the northside of the river and ride eastwards to Island Gardens, stroll through the tunnel to Greenwich, pedal up through the park, across Blackheath and down to the Waterlink Way, which I’ll follow for a bit. It connects with a few good cyclepaths that allow pleasant, traffic… Read More »Afterworker this week
As the warm weather arrives, be sure to check our rides on our Rides and Events page. We run rides every weekend throughout the year, regardless of the weather (unless health and safety concerns are too great, which is rare). However, we know that some of you prefer to ride when the weather’s better, so don’t forget to check out what we are doing now the weather is improving. Some… Read More »Rides programme hotting up
Just a quick update for tomorrow-meeting around 9am at London Bridge for the 9.24 to E. Grinstead. Lunch probably in Hartfield about halfway or so on this 40 mile ride. Link to route here http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=buluqhkruconauuc Leader contact: Jane on 07826559603 (phone now working fine)
What’s going on in Lewisham, that is, as regards the council actively implementing measures to improve cycling for those of us already out there, and, arguably, even more importantly, to get new cyclists making the choice to leave their bikes at home and walk or ride on their daily journeys. Well, Lewisham Cyclists is about to find out the answer to that question. Last year, we put together what we… Read More »What’s Going On?
I rode out to the meetpoint at Cutty Sark Gardens, not really expecting anyone to turn up for this ride. It was bitterly cold, with a freezing easterly blowing up the river and flakes of snow were falling. I had already received three messages from people who had thought earlier in the week, they would come, saying they had thought better of it. However, London cyclists are obviously pretty tough… Read More »Canals and Coffee Ride part Two
Just a quick reminder-our meeting tonight at the Dog and Bell in Deptford, 6.30pm. All welcome. And here is a link to a route for our ride on Saturday. London based, 30 miles, easy, although some busy sections so not suitable for young children. Meeting Greenwich, Cutty Sark Gardens by the foot tunnel entrance 10am. read our ride info page if you have never ridden with us before. If you… Read More »Meeting tonight and ride this weekend