Ride and Events Diary 2014


January 2014

Date: Tuesday 7 January
Time: 8:00 pm
Meeting PlaceWinchmore Hill Sports Club Pavillion, Firs Lane, N21 3ER
Information: ECC meeting / social. Note that from now on these meetings will be held on the first Tuesday of each month.

Date: Tuesday 21 January
Time: 7:30 pm
Meeting PlaceWinchmore Hill Sports Club Pavillion, Firs Lane, N21 3ER
Information: Bike Maintenance Workshop. Note that from now on these workshops will be held on the third Tuesday of each month.

Date: Sunday 26 January
Time: 11:00 am
Meeting PlaceEnfield Town Park
Information: Ride to the Annual Lunch at Old Owens Sports Club, Potters Bar. Fully booked. If you have booked, and you are not joining the ride from Enfield, please arrive at Old Owens by 12:00 for 12:30.
Leader: Paul


February 2014

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

Date: Sunday 9 February
Time: 10:00 am
Meeting PlaceEdmonton Leisure Centre
Information: Short ride to the Waterworks Nature Reserve Cafe
Leader: Paul

Date: Tuesday 18 February
Time: 7:30 pm
Meeting PlaceWinchmore Hill Sports Club Pavillion, Firs Lane, N21 3ER
Information: Bike Maintenance Workshop.

Date: Sunday 23 February
Time: 10:00 am
Meeting PlaceBeggars Hollow
Information: Half day ride to the Broxbourne Golf Club Café, all on road. Back around 1:00pm. About 20 miles
Leader: Les


March 2014

Date: Tuesday 4 March
Time: 8:00 pm
Meeting PlaceWinchmore Hill Sports Club Pavillion, Firs Lane, N21 3ER
Information: ECC meeting / social.

Date: Sunday 9 March
Time: 10:00 am
Meeting PlaceEnfield Town Park
Information: Bayford, Baker's Arms. About 26 miles, with some hills
Leader: Paul

Date: Sunday 16 March
Time: 10:00 am
Meeting PlaceWhite Water Centre
Information: Cycling for Gold. A guided cycle ride pedalling southwards through River Lee Country Park towards Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the newly opened Lee Valley VeloPark. Run by the Lee Valley Park Authority. See http://www.visitleevalley.org.uk/en/content/cms/whatson/cycling-for-gold/ for details.
Note the starting point has changed from that previously announced. This is because the road to the Pindar car park will be blocked on the day of the ride. Cars can park in the Lee Valley White Water Centre, Station Road, Waltham Cross, Herts, EN9 1AB. Meet at reception with the bicycles; it will be a very prompt start at 10 to be at the velo park for 12 to get a tour of the velo drome. If we get there much after 12 we'll miss our slot, so there won't be any toilet stops on the way down. There are toilets at the White Water Centre.
Leader: Chris

Date: Tuesday 18 March
Time: 7:30 pm
Meeting PlaceWinchmore Hill Sports Club Pavillion, Firs Lane, N21 3ER
Information: Bike Maintenance Workshop.

Date: Sunday 23 March
Time: 10:00 am
Meeting PlaceBeggars Hollow
Information: Mystery ride, with pub lunch. About 25 miles.
Leader: Maz

Date: Saturday 29 March
Time: 8:00 pm
Meeting PlaceWinchmore Hill Sports Club Pavillion, Firs Lane, N21 3ER
Information: A social evening organised by our friends at Winchmore Hill Sports Club. Featuring The Rivals, who are described as an experienced pub band with a great modern set list. Entry £5 on the door.


April 2014

Date: Tuesday 1 April
Time: 8:00 pm
Meeting PlaceThe Wheatsheaf pub, 185 Baker Street, Enfield
Information: ECC meeting / social.

Date: Sunday 6 April
Time: 9:30 am
Meeting PlaceEdmonton Leisure Centre
Information: All road ride to the RSPB site at Rainham Marshes. About 48 miles. Note the earlier than usual start.
Leader: John R

Date: Sunday 13 April
Time: 10:00 am
Meeting PlaceOakwood Park
Information: St Albans and Gorhambury. About 40 miles. This is a repeat of a ride from last year, hopefully in better weather.
Leader: Cathy

Date: Tuesday 15 April
Time: 7:30 pm
Meeting PlaceWinchmore Hill Sports Club Pavillion, Firs Lane, N21 3ER
Information: Bike Maintenance Workshop.

Date: Thursday 24 April
Time: 8:00 pm
Meeting PlaceThe Wheatsheaf pub, 185 Baker Street, Enfield
Information: Annual Meeting of the Enfield Cycling Campaign (one of the London Cycling Campaign's borough groups). The meeting is open to everyone, although only LCC members may vote.

This meeting is cancelled (or postponed?) as David Burrows MP has called a Public Meeting at the same time to discuss 'concerns' about the mini Holland scheme in Enfield and in particular Palmers Green. We feel it is better if we as a campaigning group attend his meeting to dispel any misconceptions about the scheme and put forward the positives that cycling can bring to the area. If you were intending to attend the AGM, or even if you were not intending to, please attend David Burrows Meeting instead. The meeting will take place on Thursday, April 24 at 8pm in the large hall of St Monica's Church in Stonard Road Palmers Green.

Date: Sunday 27 April
Time: 10:00 am
Meeting PlaceEdmonton Leisure Centre
Information: Exploring the river. Crossing the Thames southbound on the Woolwich ferry (free), then northbound on the cable car (£3.30 Oyster card, £4.40 cash). If there is fog or a high wind then we may have to reconsider on the day, as the river crossings may not be running. Mainly off road on paved paths, 32 miles.
Leader: Peter


May 2014

Date: Sunday 4 May
Time: 10:00 am
Meeting PlaceBeggars Hollow
Information: Clayton Hill and Broxbourne. About 30 miles
Leader: Paul

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

Date: Sunday 11 May
Time: 10:00 am
Meeting PlacePindar car park, Cheshunt
Information: Marshes, Rivers & Historic structures. A leisurely paced 30 mile circular cycle ride through the north of the Regional Park to Stanstead Abbotts. Stopping for lunch in a café/pub or bring a picnic. Run by the Lee Valley Park Authority
Leader: Chris

Date: Sunday 18 May
Time: 9:30 am
Meeting PlaceEdmonton Leisure Centre
Information: Weald Country Park. About 40 miles, on road. Note that the start time has been brought forwards by half an hour, to give us time for a bacon roll at Woodford café
Leader: John

Date: Tuesday 20 May
Time: 7:30 pm
Meeting PlaceWinchmore Hill Sports Club Pavillion, Firs Lane, N21 3ER
Information: Bike Maintenance Workshop.

Date: Thursday 22 May
Information: Local and European elections. The London Cycling Campaign is calling on every candiadate in this year's London local elections to improve the quality of life for all by making local streets safe and inviting for everyone to cycle. TAKE ACTION: Email your election candidates via the LCC website www.space4cycling.org.


June 2014

Date: Sunday 1 June
Time: 10:00 am
Meeting PlaceBeggars Hollow
Information: Music on the Lawn: A short (20 mile) local road ride finishing up at Forty Hall for the Music on the Lawn event.
Leader: Les

Date: Thursday 5 June
Time: 8:00 pm
Meeting PlaceThe Wheatsheaf pub, 185 Baker Street, Enfield
Information: ECC meeting / social. Note that the day for both the planning meetings and the bike maintenance workshops has reverted to Thursdays.

Date: Sunday 8 June
Time: 10:00 am
Meeting PlaceLee Valley Waterworks Centre
Information: Gold Medal Cycle Ride. A 25 mile circular cycle ride discovering the south of the Lee Valley park and beyond including a visit to the newly opened Lee Valley VeloPark. We'll stop for lunch on the way or bring a packed lunch. Run by the Lee Valley Park Authority
Leader: Chris

Date: Sunday 15 June
Time: 10:00 am
Meeting PlacePalmers Green Triangle
Information: We are not going ahead with the provisional ride from Leighton Buzzard previously scheduled. Instead, a short (and as far as possible traffic free) ride through North London to Finsbury Park for the Finsbury Park Festival of Cycling.
Leader: Paul

Date: Wednesday 18 June
Time: 6:45 pm
Meeting PlaceOakwood Park
Information: Short evening ride to Potty Pancakes in Potters Bar. See here for the menu. Approx 15 miles round trip returning back via Coopers Lane after dark so bring bright lights. Potty Pancakes have agreed to provide secure parking for our bikes next to the outdoor seating so as long as it's a warm/dry evening we will be eating alfresco!!
Leader: Maz

Date: Thursday 19 June
Time: 7:30 pm
Meeting PlaceWinchmore Hill Sports Club Pavillion, Firs Lane, N21 3ER
Information: Bike Maintenance Workshop. Note that the day has reverted to Thursday. The BMW is CANCELLED, as it clashes with the England football match, and the Sports Club will be full of people watching it. All ECC club members are welcome to come along to join the celebrations/commiserations.

Date: Sunday 22 June
Time: 10:00 am
Meeting PlaceEnfield Town Park
Information: Road ride to Shenley and back. About 30 miles, some hills.
Leader: Paul

Date: Friday 27 June
Time: 7:30 pm
Meeting PlaceEnfield Civic Centre
Information: Enfield Night Hike. This is a sponsored walk on behalf of the Nightingale Hospice, and as before we have been asked to help with the marshalling.
Leader: Les/Maz

Date: Sunday 29 June
Time: 9:30 am
Meeting PlaceEdmonton Leisure Centre
Information: All road ride to the RSPB site at Rainham Marshes. About 48 miles. Note the earlier than usual start. This ride was postponed from 6th April owing to bad weather.
Leader: John R


July 2014

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

Date: Saturday 5 July
Time: 12:00 pm
Meeting PlaceWinchmore Hill
Information: Support the Mini Holland bid. Join a 'cash mob' to spend some money in the Palmers Green shops. The local shopkeepers are opposing the Mini Holland bid believing it will adversly affect parking, and hence business, in Palmers Green. Show that cyclists are customers too. There is a 'Shopping Festival' taking place today. Meet at the junction of Compton Road and Green Lanes. Organised by the Enfield Cycling Campaign.

Date: Sunday 6 July
Time: 9:00 am
Meeting PlaceWaltham Abbey
Information: The Only Way is Essex. This is a 50 mile sponsored ride in support of Nightingale Hospice. The club has been asked to join the riders and provide mobile marshalling and assistance to less experienced cyclists. It will mean riding in ones and twos around the circuit rather than as a single group. See http://www.nightingalesupport.org.uk/pages/fundraising/towie-bike-ride.shtml for details.

Date: Monday 7 July
Time: 9:00 am
Meeting PlaceEdmonton Leisure Centre
Information: The Tour de France is coming as close to Enfield as it is ever likely to! We will be riding to a suitable vantage point to watch the riders flash by.
Leader: TBA

Date: Sunday 13 July
Time: 10:00 am
Meeting PlaceEdmonton Leisure Centre
Information: Exploring the river. Crossing the Thames southbound on the Woolwich ferry (free), then northbound on the cable car (£3.30 Oyster card, £4.40 cash). If there is fog or a high wind then we may have to reconsider on the day, as the river crossings may not be running. Mainly off road on paved paths, 32 miles. This is the ride which we had to abandon last April.
Leader: Peter

Date: Thursday 17 July
Time: 7:30 pm
Meeting PlaceWinchmore Hill Sports Club Pavillion, Firs Lane, N21 3ER
Information: Bike Maintenance Workshop. We will be cleaning chains tonight. It's a messy job so has to be done outdoors. Requested donation £3, to cover the extra cost of the cleaning fluid.

Date: Sunday 20 July
Time: 10:30 am
Meeting PlaceEnfield Town Park
Information: The ever popular Tea and Cakes ride to High Beech. Local ride finishing up at High Beech church for their delicious home made tea and cakes, then back down Mott Street home. No lunch stop (so as to leave room for the cake), arrive early if you want a cooked breakfast at the café before we set off
Leader: Maz

Date: Sunday 27 July
Time: 10:45 am
Meeting PlaceChesham Metropolitan Line Station
Information: Car assisted ride around Chiltern Hills. Driving to Chesham then a ride around the Chilterns, with a picnic at Coombe Hill and hopefully a cream tea at Lee Church. This ride has been posponed until a later date.
Leader: Peter


August 2014

Date: Sunday 3 August
Time: 10:00 am
Meeting PlaceOakwood Park
Information: President's Ride. A ride around local parks, finishing up with a picnic at Broomfield park where there is concert of slide guitar music. In memory of our late president, Alan Thordyke, who loved events like this.
Leader: Les

Date: Thursday 7 August
Time: 8:00 pm
Meeting PlaceThe Wheatsheaf pub, 185 Baker Street, Enfield
Information: ECC meeting / social. Can all those going to Blaxhall please try to attend.

Date: Saturday 9 August
Time: 9:00 am
Meeting PlaceEdmonton Leisure Centre
Information: Prudential Ride London.. Join thousands of cyclists riding on a traffic free circuit in Central London. Our colleagues, the Enfield Cycling Campaign, are running a guided ride down to London, at an easy pace and mostly off road so suitable for families.
Leader: Enfield CC

Date: Sunday 10 August
Time: 10:30 am
Meeting PlaceBroxbourne Old Meadows
Information: Ice Cream Family Cycle Ride. A ride for everyone, an off road leisurely 15 mile circular cycle ride through the River Lee Country Park café lunch stop or bring a picnic. Buy an ice-cream at the end (or hot chocolate!). Run by the Lee Valley Park Authority
Leader: Chris

Date: Thursday 14 August
Time: 7:30 pm
Meeting PlaceWinchmore Hill Sports Club Pavillion, Firs Lane, N21 3ER
Information: Bike Maintenance Workshop. Moved one week earlier than usual so as take place before the weekend away.

Date: Saturday 16 August
Information: To 18 August. Weekend away to Blaxhall Youth Hostel. The club block booking is fully subscribed; there may be additional hostel places available for individual bookings (or you could try local bed and breakfasts)

Date: Thursday 21 August
Information: The Bike Maintenance Workshop previously scheduled for today was moved and took place on 14th August.

Date: Sunday 24 August
Time: 9:30 am
Meeting PlaceGreyhound Pub, South Ordnance Road, by Lee towpath
Information: Wadesmill, The Feathers pub lunch, via Stanstead Abbots. Towpath, and some off road plus two fords (though there will probably be footbridge alternatives). About 35 miles.
Leader: Paul

Date: Sunday 31 August
Time: 10:30 am
Meeting PlaceOakwood Park
Information: Parks ride finishing up at Broomfield Park for the last of their concerts, with local blues outfit Professor Redhair.
Leader: Paul


September 2014

Date: Thursday 4 September
Time: 8:00 pm
Meeting PlaceWinchmore Hill Sports Club Pavillion, Firs Lane, N21 3ER
Information: ECC meeting / social.

Date: Sunday 7 September
Time: 9:00 am
Meeting PlaceFishers Green car park
Information: Morning Ride. A 3 hour ride, covering 20 miles discovering the north of the Lee Valley park. Run by the Lee Valley Park Authority
Leader: Chris

Date: Sunday 14 September
Time: 10:00 am
Meeting PlaceBeggars Hollow
Information: Bayford, Bakers Arms for lunch. About 25 miles with some off road (and I am told that, gasp!, there is a hill)
Leader: Karl

Date: Thursday 18 September
Time: 7:30 pm
Meeting PlaceWinchmore Hill Sports Club Pavillion, Firs Lane, N21 3ER
Information: Bike Maintenance Workshop.

Date: Sunday 21 September
Time: 9:15 am
Meeting PlaceBeggars Hollow
Information: Wheathamstead, partly along disused rail lines. Note the earlier than usual start. About 42 miles with some off road. For a shorter ride (about 20 miles), there is an option to join and leave the ride at Welwyn Garden City, but please let the leader know (07779560788) if you intend to do this so we can look out for you, and note that yet again there are no trains to WGC due to engineering works - it must be the most overengineered line in the country.
Leader: Peter

Date: Sunday 28 September
Time: 10:30 am
Meeting PlaceEdmonton Leisure Centre
Information: The last Tea and Cakes ride of the summer. Local ride finishing up at High Beech church for their delicious home made tea and cakes, then back down Mott Street home. No lunch stop (so as to leave room for the cake).
Leader: TBC


October 2014

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

Date: Sunday 5 October
Time: 9:00 am
Meeting PlaceChicken Shed Theatre, Cockfosters
Information: We've been asked to help marshall a fund raising run for the Chicken Shed Theatre. This will involve riding to various parts of the course to direct the runners as they pass. It should finish by late morning, and afterwards there will be a ride to Potty Pancakes in Potters Bar for Lunch. If you're not marshalling join us at 12:00 at the Chicken Shed for the lunchtime ride.

Date: Thursday 9 October
Time: 7:00 pm
Meeting PlaceEnfield Civic Centre
Information: Enfield Cycling Campaign meeting

Date: Sunday 12 October
Time: 10:00 am
Meeting PlaceBroxbourne Old Meadows
Information: Cycle the changing of the Colours: A circular guided ride seeing the start of the autumn colours as the ride takes us through the River Lee Country Park and local areas. Café stop or bring a packed lunch. Organised by Lee Valley Regional Park
Leader: Chris

Date: Thursday 16 October
Time: 7:30 pm
Meeting PlaceWinchmore Hill Sports Club Pavillion, Firs Lane, N21 3ER
Information: Bike Maintenance Workshop.

Date: Sunday 19 October
Time: 9:15 am
Meeting PlaceEdmonton Leisure Centre
Information: Road Ride to Chelmsford - and for those wanting a longer ride - a ride back as well, some hills average pace 12 mph. We will leave ELC 9.30 and meet John R at Woodford - Café Solo - John will then lead the ride - leaving 10.30 sharp - to the Rose and Crown Pub at Writtle for lunch. Then after lunch (2pm) we will ride to Chelmsford (from ELC 31 miles approx.) for those riders wishing to get the train home.

Leader: John R

Date: Friday 31 October
Time: 4:30 pm
Meeting PlacePindar car park, Cheshunt
Information: Halloween Night Ride. A circular guided ride through the River Lee Country Park glimpsing the creatures of the night. Good lights a must, fancy dress optional. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Organised by Lee Valley Regional Park
Leader: Chris


November 2014

Date: Thursday 6 November
Time: 8:00 pm
Meeting PlaceWinchmore Hill Sports Club Pavillion, Firs Lane, N21 3ER
Information: ECC annual meeting. All members are encouraged to attend.

Date: Sunday 9 November
Time: 10:30 am
Meeting PlaceOakwood Park
Information: Gentle ride to the Sebright Arms in Barnet for lunch. About 15 miles, but remember Barnet is at the top of a hill!
Leader: Paul

Date: Sunday 16 November
Time: 9:30 am
Meeting PlaceEnfield Town Park
Information: Nothern Heights. Ride to Oak Hill Park in East Barnet, then through Hampstead Garden Suburb, around Hampstead Heath and back through Highgate and Alexandra Palace. About 20 miles, hilly in places with some off road.
This replaces the previously advertised ride to Borehamwood, which is now scheduled for 7th December.
Leader: Maz/Peter

Date: Thursday 20 November
Time: 7:30 pm
Meeting PlaceWinchmore Hill Sports Club Pavillion, Firs Lane, N21 3ER
Information: Bike Maintenance Workshop.

Date: Sunday 23 November
Time: 10:30 am
Meeting PlacePindar car park, Cheshunt
Information: Cycle the Olympic Way. A guided ride passing the Olympic White Water Centre and stopping for lunch at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic stadium and a visit to the VeloPark. Organised by Lee Valley Regional Park
Some of us will be meeting at Stonebridge Lock at 11:15am from where we will intercept the main ride.
Leader: Chris

Date: Sunday 30 November
Time: 3:00 pm
Meeting PlaceEnfield Civic Centre
Information: Enfield Christmas Parade. Bling your bike! Note the start time has changed from that previously posted.
Leader: TBA


December 2014

Date: Thursday 4 December
Time: 8:00 pm
Meeting PlaceThe Wheatsheaf pub, 185 Baker Street, Enfield
Information: ECC meeting / social. Let's hope the beer's on this time!

Date: Sunday 7 December
Time: 10:15 am
Meeting PlaceOakwood Park
Information: Borehamwood. A circuitous ride to the Mops and Brooms pub for lunch. Probably around 25 miles
Leader: TBA

Date: Sunday 14 December
Time: 3:30 pm
Meeting PlaceEdmonton Leisure Centre
Information: Christmas Lights Ride. Into Central London and along Oxford and Regent Streets to see the lights, finishing up at Covent Garden before the return ride. About 25 miles, all on roads which may be busy in places.
Note the starting point - the previous information on this site was wrong. Sorry!
Leader: John R

Date: Thursday 18 December
Time: 7:30 pm
Meeting PlaceWinchmore Hill Sports Club Pavillion, Firs Lane, N21 3ER
Information: Bike Maintenance Workshop. Except that as it's the last meeting of the year, there won't be any bike maintenance - it will be a social with a fish and chip supper.

Date: Friday 26 December
Time: 11:30 am
Meeting PlaceEdmonton Leisure Centre
Information: A gentle ride to work off yesterday's excesses.
Leader: Paul