Ride and Events Diary 2012


February 2012

Date: Sunday 12 February
Time: 11:00 am
Meeting PlaceEnfield Civic Centre
Information: Ride to Old Owens Sports Club, Potters Bar for the annual lunch. See Maz for tickets.
Leader: Paul

Date: Thursday 16 February
Time: 7:00 pm
Meeting PlaceWinchmore Hill Sports Club Pavillion, Firs Lane, N21 3ER
Information: Bike Maintenance Workshop

Date: Sunday 26 February
Time: 10:00 am
Meeting PlaceEdmonton Leisure Centre
Information: Hogs Hill Olympic Cycling venue. There's a cafe if you don't fancy trying the circuit. (and if you do, apparently there's a charge and you must wear a helmet). About 30 miles
Leader: John


March 2012

Date: Thursday 1 March
Time: 8:00 pm
Meeting PlaceWinchmore Hill Sports Club Pavillion, Firs Lane, N21 3ER
Information: ECC meeting / social

Date: Sunday 11 March
Time: 10:00 am
Meeting PlaceEnfield Civic Centre
Information: Ride towards Barnet, route dependant on the weather and state of off road tracks! Probably about 20-25 miles, with a few hills (Barnet is claimed to be the highest point on the London to York Road).
Leader: Les

Date: Wednesday 14 March
Time: 7:00 pm
Meeting PlaceWinchmore Hill Sports Club Pavillion, Firs Lane, N21 3ER
Information: Bike Maintenance Workshop. Note that it is on Wednesday this week (owing to availability of venue)

Date: Sunday 18 March
Information: No ECC ride, but Waltham Forest Cycling Club are organising a daffodil ride to Trent Park, which we may gatecrash. We did not receive any further details, so this ride is canceled.

Date: Sunday 25 March
Time: 10:00 am
Meeting PlaceNew Southgate Station
Information: Giro de North Circular Juntions. The North Circular Road (A406) is a challenging barrier to cycling to and from north London. Join Barnet LCC as they zig-zag over all of the crossing points on the A406 from New Southgate to Staples Corner. The ride will finish around lunchtime with a picnic at the secret park in the center of Staples Corner.
This a fun ride, the pace will be slow and it will be suitable for all ages. It will be orderly and professionally marshaled, so that all the family can safely make their way over some of the worst junctions for cyclists in north London. For more information and map of the route see http://barnetlcc.com. Will (known to some ECC members) will be one of the marshals and will be happy to lead people back to New Southgate.
Leader: Barnet LCC


April 2012

Date: Sunday 1 April
Time: 9:45 am
Meeting PlaceEnfield Chase Station
Information: Train to Hertford North then ride to Ardeley. Some hills and quite a lot of off-road tracks, which may be muddy if there has been recent rain. This ride is best suited to mountain bikes or hybrids. About 25 miles.
Leader: Peter M

Date: Thursday 5 April
Time: 8:00 pm
Meeting PlaceThe Wheatsheaf pub, 185 Baker Street, Enfield
Information: ECC meeting / social

Date: Sunday 8 April
Time: 9:30 am
Meeting PlacePonders End Station
Information: Train to Cheshunt to join ...

Date: Sunday 8 April
Time: 10:00 am
Meeting PlacePindar car park, Cheshunt
Information: A circular 25 mile guided cycle ride, heading through River Lee Country Park and onto the new Cycle 1 Path to Roydon. There'll be a stop for lunch in a cafe along the way or you can bring along a picnic. Organised by the Lee Valley Park Authority. . Free, but please book through the Lee Valley Information Service on 08456 770 600. We have now decided not to meet up in advance. Train times to Cheshunt can be found here.
Leader: Lee Valley Park Authority

Date: Tuesday 17 April
Time: 7:00 pm
Meeting PlaceEnfield Civic Centre
Information: Cycle Forum. Have your say on local cycling issues, and discuss with the council Transport Department. Postponed to 22nd May.

Date: Thursday 19 April
Time: 7:00 pm
Meeting PlaceWinchmore Hill Sports Club Pavillion, Firs Lane, N21 3ER
Information: Bike Maintenance Workshop

Date: Sunday 22 April
Time: 10:00 am
Meeting PlaceEnfield Civic Centre
Information: Ride to Essendon. 25 to 28 miles with a few steep hills. All on road, mainly country lanes with a few main roads. Morning stop for coffee at Northaw, then on through Brookmans Park to Essendon. Pub lunch near Essendon (main meals around £11/12, also sandwiches), or bring your own picnic (weather not guaranteed!). Route back similar, detouring through Potters Bar.
Leader: Peter D

Date: Saturday 28 April
Time: 9:00 am
Meeting PlaceEnfield Civic Centre
Information: LCC Ride, open to all - 'Love London, Go Dutch' mass cycle ride from Hyde Park, Speakers Corner to Blackfriars - see here for more details. It will be this year's biggest mass ride on a `traffic free' central London route. The ride starts from Park Lane, Marble Arch at about 12.00 and finishes at Blackfriars at 13.00. There will then be a rally between 13.00 and 14.00. We will be leading a feeder ride to take cyclists to the start at Hyde Park. This ride will be all on road, some of which may be busy. Return time 14:30, departure point to be advised on the day. Open to all cyclists not just LCC members.
Leader: Trisha


May 2012

Date: Thursday 3 May
Time: 8:00 pm
Meeting PlaceWinchmore Hill Sports Club Pavillion, Firs Lane, N21 3ER
Information: ECC meeting / social

Date: Sunday 6 May
Time: 10:00 am
Meeting PlaceEdmonton Leisure Centre
Information: A towpath ride at a leisurely pace, taking in Lee Valley, through Gunpowder Park Nature Area, LV Park Farms, possibly Clay Hill with possible stop at Hayes Hill Farm Café for tea. Lunch at Broxbourne, The Crown Pub or Café across river and railway to return to ELC. About 25 miles.
Leader: Paul L

Date: Sunday 13 May
Time: 10:00 am
Meeting PlaceEdmonton Leisure Centre
Information: Parks 'n Cafés. A leisurely pace ride clockwise visiting urban parks, tea at Oakhill Park, north through Victoria Park, Barnet, Hadley Common, Trent Park, Oakwood Park, Enfield Town Park towards ELC finish. About 20 miles, urban, some off road.
Leader: Paul L

Date: Thursday 17 May
Time: 7:00 pm
Meeting PlaceWinchmore Hill Sports Club Pavillion, Firs Lane, N21 3ER
Information: Bike Maintenance Workshop

Date: Friday 18 May
Time: 8:00 pm
Information: Nightingale Hospice Night Walk. Marshals required - contact the ride secreatary on eccridesec@hotmail.co.uk with offers of help

Date: Sunday 20 May
Time: 10:00 am
Meeting PlaceEnfield Civic Centre
Information: Road ride towards Bayford. This ride is in place of the previously advertised ride to Richmond Park, which has had to be postponed due to rail engineering works. Around 25-20 miles, with some hills.
Leader: tbc

Date: Tuesday 22 May
Time: 7:00 pm
Meeting PlaceEnfield Civic Centre
Information: Cycle Forum. Have your say on local cycling issues, and discuss with the council Transport Department. Postponed from 17th April.


June 2012

Date: Saturday 2 June
Information: Weekend away to Sheringham YHA. Fully booked.

Date: Tuesday 5 June
Time: 10:00 am
Meeting PlacePindar car park, Cheshunt
Information: Lee Valley Park Authority Jubilee ride, taking in the Olympic sites. See here for further information. Train times to Cheshunt can be found here.
Leader: Lee Valley Park Authority

Date: Thursday 7 June
Time: 8:00 pm
Meeting PlaceThe Wheatsheaf pub, 185 Baker Street, Enfield
Information: ECC meeting / social

Date: Sunday 10 June
Time: 10:00 am
Meeting PlacePalmers Green Triangle
Information: Ride to the Greenacre bike rally, a cycling festival in North Finchley, followed by a public ride on local roads.
Leader: Paul

Date: Sunday 17 June
Time: 9:45 am
Meeting PlaceAlexandra Palace Station
Information: Salute to Dr Beeching. A train assisted ride starting from Welwyn Garden City station and following a number of disused railways towards Harpenden then back around St Albans to Hatfield to pick up the return train. As much of the ride is on disused rail lines, it will be fairly flat and traffic free. Surfaces are generally smooth but not always paved. About 20 miles.
Leader: Peter M

Date: Tuesday 19 June
Time: 7:00 pm
Meeting PlaceEnfield Civic Centre
Information: Mystery Pub ride, ending with drinks and food in rural Hertfordshire. Bring good lights, as we are likely to be riding on unlit lanes after dark on the return journey. About 15 miles.
Leader: Les

Date: Thursday 21 June
Time: 7:00 pm
Meeting PlaceWinchmore Hill Sports Club Pavillion, Firs Lane, N21 3ER
Information: Bike Maintenance Workshop, focussing on de-squeaking your bike.

Date: Sunday 24 June
Time: 11:00 am
Meeting PlaceEnfield Town Park
Information: 6th Enfield Festival of Cycling. Free Doctor Bike safety check and information stands. Help is needed to staff the stand and Dr Bike - please come to the park from 9:00am.

Date: Saturday 30 June
Time: 11:00 am
Meeting PlaceBush Hill Park
Information: Coach and Play' day, organised by Friends of Bush Hill Park and Enfield Sports Development Team. Includes a 'Doctor Bike' surgery. See here for a leaflet outlining the event. Please can you spare a few hours to help?


July 2012

Date: Thursday 5 July
Time: 8:00 pm
Meeting PlaceWinchmore Hill Sports Club Pavillion, Firs Lane, N21 3ER
Information: ECC meeting / social

Date: Sunday 8 July
Time: 10:30 am
Meeting PlaceChelmsford Station
Information: A 35 mile circular ride through the quiet country lanes of Essex, 100% road on lovely, flat, smooth tarmac, perfect for the road bike. Pub lunch (or bring a packed lunch). No tea stops. Note the change of date, which was forced on us by our old friend rail engineering works!
Leader: John R

Date: Sunday 15 July
Time: 10:30 am
Meeting PlaceOakwood Park
Information: A half day ride around Hadley and Trent Park, ending up in Hilly Fields in the afternoon where there is a free concert featuring 'The Soul Agents' playing 60's soul music. If you're staying for the concert, then why not bring some picnic food to share?
Leader: Karl

Date: Thursday 19 July
Time: 7:00 pm
Meeting PlaceWinchmore Hill Sports Club Pavillion, Firs Lane, N21 3ER
Information: Bike Maintenance Workshop. If the weather's fine, we'll be cleaning chains. It's a messy job, so has to be done outside.

Date: Sunday 22 July
Time: 8:00 am
Meeting PlaceEdmonton Leisure Centre
Information: London to Cambridge ride, organised by Bike Events. The ride is on public roads throughout. We come back by train. 60 miles.
Leader: tbc


August 2012

Date: Thursday 2 August
Time: 8:00 pm
Meeting PlaceThe Wheatsheaf pub, 185 Baker Street, Enfield
Information: ECC meeting / social

Date: Sunday 5 August
Time: 10:00 am
Meeting PlaceEnfield Civic Centre
Information: Wadesmill, some off road and two fords. Café and pub stops.
Leader: Paul

Date: Sunday 12 August
Time: 11:00 am
Meeting PlaceBeggars Hollow
Information: Tea and Cakes ride to High Beach, where they serve lovely home made food in the church grounds. Probably about 20 miles. It's called High Beach for a reason, so there will be a hill to climb before your well deserved cake! There will be no lunch stop on this ride, so either eat a good breakfast or come early and eat at the café first.
Leader: Maz

Date: Thursday 16 August
Time: 7:00 pm
Meeting PlaceWinchmore Hill Sports Club Pavillion, Firs Lane, N21 3ER
Information: Bike Maintenance Workshop.

Date: Sunday 19 August
Time: 10:30 am
Meeting PlaceBeggars Hollow
Information: A half day ride, ending up in Hilly Fields in the afternoon where there is a free jazz concert featuring Colin Peter's Quartet. If you're staying for the concert, then why not bring some picnic food to share?
Leader: tbc

Date: Sunday 26 August
Time: 10:00 am
Meeting PlaceLiverpool Street Station, by the KinderTransport memorial
Information: Richmond Park. This ride was postponed from last May, when rail engineering works made it difficult to reach Liverpool Street. According to the Greater Anglia web site while there are engineering works they mean trains are retimed rather than cancelled! Riding through the City and around the South Bank, then across Wimbledon Common to Richmond Park. Back along the river banks and Boris' cycling superhighways (which aren't really that super). Fairly flat, and although the start and end are through traffic, most of the ride is along quiet roads, cycle paths and through parks. Café lunch or bring picnic. About 35 miles.
Leader: Peter M


September 2012

Date: Sunday 2 September
Time: 10:00 am
Meeting PlaceEdmonton Leisure Centre
Information: Ride to Cedars Park, Waltham Cross, where there is a free concert from 2:00pm featuring the Enfield Brass Band. Flat, and probably around 20 miles. Another picnic opportunity?
Leader: tbc

Date: Thursday 6 September
Time: 8:00 pm
Meeting PlaceWinchmore Hill Sports Club Pavillion, Firs Lane, N21 3ER
Information: ECC meeting / social

Date: Saturday 8 September
Time: 9:34 am
Meeting PlaceAlexandra Palace Station
Information: Salute to Dr Beeching. A train assisted ride starting from Welwyn Garden City station and following a number of disused railways towards Harpenden then back around St Albans to Hatfield to pick up the return train. As much of the ride is on disused rail lines, it will be fairly flat and traffic free. Surfaces are generally smooth but not always paved. About 20 miles. This ride was cancelled at the last minute in June due to unscheduled rail engineering works. Today's ride is on a Saturday, in the hope that the trains will be more reliable.
Leader: Peter M

Date: Tuesday 11 September
Time: 7:00 pm
Meeting PlaceEnfield Civic Centre
Information: Cycle Forum. Have your say on local cycling issues, and discuss with the council Transport Department.
Leader:  

Date: Sunday 16 September
Time: 9:00 am
Meeting PlaceEdmonton Leisure Centre
Information: Broxbourne, where we can join the Lee Valley Park Family Cycle Ride starting at 10:30. The club ride will be on road/towpath and fairly fast (well, fast by our standards at any rate), so not suitable for young children. There is a car park at Broxborne for families wishing to join the ride there.
Leader: tbc

Date: Thursday 20 September
Time: 7:00 pm
Meeting PlaceWinchmore Hill Sports Club Pavillion, Firs Lane, N21 3ER
Information: Bike Maintenance Workshop.

Date: Sunday 23 September
Time: 10:00 am
Meeting PlaceEdmonton Leisure Centre
Information: As part of London Open House weekend, we plan to visit three buildings of varied character and vintage within the borough of Waltham Forest. The ride will be approximately 25-30 miles. Be prepared for some off-road sections, including steps where bikes will need to be carried, and some busy urban junctions where we will be riding in traffic. There will be some moderate hill climbs. Pub stop for lunch. MTB or hybrid bikes recommended.
Leader: Nick

Date: Sunday 30 September
Time: 10:00 am
Meeting PlaceEdmonton Leisure Centre
Information: The last Tea and Cakes ride of the year, towards Broxbourne and then High Beech, where they serve lovely home made food in the church grounds. Probably about 20 miles. It's called High Beech for a reason, so there will be a hill to climb before your well deserved cake!
Leader: Paul


October 2012

Date: Thursday 4 October
Time: 8:00 pm
Meeting PlaceThe Wheatsheaf pub, 185 Baker Street, Enfield
Information: ECC meeting / social

Date: Sunday 7 October
Time: 9:00 am
Meeting PlaceChicken Shed Theatre, Cockfosters
Information: We have been asked to help marshall a charity run in Trent Park in the morning. After the run has finished there will be an ad-hoc ride, possible through Hadley Wood but depending on the time available and the energy of the riders!

Date: Sunday 14 October
Time: 10:00 am
Meeting PlaceEnfield Civic Centre
Information: Bayford, with lunch at the Bakers Arms. Mix of on and off road. About 25 miles
Leader: Paul

Date: Tuesday 16 October
Time: 7:00 pm
Meeting PlaceWinchmore Hill Sports Club Pavillion, Firs Lane, N21 3ER
Information: Bike Maintenance Workshop. Note that it is on a Tuesday this month, as the normal venue is unavailable on Thursday. This workshop is postponed until Thursday 25th October.

Date: Thursday 25 October
Time: 7:00 pm
Meeting PlaceWinchmore Hill Sports Club Pavillion, Firs Lane, N21 3ER
Information: Bike Maintenance Workshop. Postponed from 16th October.

Date: Sunday 28 October
Time: 9:30 am
Meeting PlaceEdmonton Leisure Centre
Information: Ride towards Ivy Chimneys/Epping. Clocks went back last night, so the start time is really 10:30 by your body clock! Please remember to bring lights as we may be back after dark.
Leader: Maz/John R


November 2012

Date: Thursday 1 November
Time: 8:00 pm
Meeting PlaceWinchmore Hill Sports Club Pavillion, Firs Lane, N21 3ER
Information: ECC Annual General Meeting. All members, old and new, are encouraged to attend. If you want to suggest an agenda item, please email it to eccridesec@hotmail.co.uk

Date: Sunday 4 November
Time: 9:30 am
Meeting PlaceEdmonton Leisure Centre
Information: Towpath ride (it's re-opened past the Olympic Stadium now) to the Decathlon store in Surrey Quays for a browse. Please note that this is a change from the diary entry in the newsletter.
Leader: Les

Date: Thursday 15 November
Time: 7:00 pm
Meeting PlaceWinchmore Hill Sports Club Pavillion, Firs Lane, N21 3ER
Information: Bike Maintenance Workshop. Back to our usual time of 3rd Thursday. Let's hope nothing happens to cause us to change it ...

Date: Sunday 18 November
Time: 10:00 am
Meeting PlaceOakwood Park
Information: Ridge and maybe South Mimms. This ride will be on road or paved paths throughout, so suitable for all bikes. There will be no morning tea stop, so please turn up early if you want to have a drink or snack from the café first. Please note that this is a change from the diary entry in the newsletter.
Leader: Peter M

Date: Sunday 25 November
Time: 3:30 pm
Meeting PlaceEnfield Civic Centre
Information: Enfield Charity Christmas Parade. We have been invited to help again this year. It starts at the Civic Centre at 4pm and is the same route as last year. Could anyone wishing to help marshaling the event let Maz know on 07970 771275. There is carol singing and fireworks later in the evening! We will probably meet up about 3.30 for any instructions, those who are thinking of joining in the fun perhaps you could bling up your bike ready for the Christmas Ride in December to the London lights!!! (will mean getting your Christmas tinsel/decorations out early though!!!).
Leader: Maz


December 2012

Date: Thursday 6 December
Time: 8:00 pm
Meeting PlaceThe Wheatsheaf pub, 185 Baker Street, Enfield
Information: ECC meeting / social

Date: Sunday 9 December
Time: 4:00 pm
Meeting PlaceEdmonton Leisure Centre
Information: Christmas Lights Ride, to the West End then along Oxford Street and Regent Street, ending up at Covent Garden. Decorated bikes, Santa costumes, glitter etc. all welcome.
Leader: John R

Date: Wednesday 12 December
Time: 7:00 pm
Meeting PlaceEnfield Civic Centre
Information: Cycle Forum. Have your say on local cycling issues, and discuss with the council Transport Department.

Date: Thursday 13 December
Time: 7:00 pm
Meeting PlaceWinchmore Hill Sports Club Pavillion, Firs Lane, N21 3ER
Information: Bike Maintenance Workshop. But being the last meeting of the year, it will be a social evening without any bike maintenance. Please note that the date has changed from that in the diary entry in the newsletter.

Date: Wednesday 26 December
Time: 11:00 am
Meeting PlaceEdmonton Leisure Centre
Information: Work off the turkey and mince pies with our Boxing day ride. Route to be decided (it depends on which pub or café is open).
Leader: Paul