Ride Reports 1998 - by Paul Lafosse

22.2.98  Monken Hadley ride
About 25 people set off up Chase Side, Southgate, right towards Oakwood.  It was good to see many younger riders.  Then down Snakes Lane through Trent Park (no bites at least).  West towards Cockfosters Rd.  Then on to the rough ground at Games Rd.  Whooosh! Puncture time for Jason's son.  Don't worry readers, the ride leader was suitably reprimanded by Dr Bike Dave for allowing the unroadworthy machine out.  Tut, tut !
With the unrepairable bike sent home we moved up to the common.  Then to Barnet and Oak Hill Cafe for a long, relaxing lunch plus cake and ice creams.
Taking the Pymmes Brook Trail back we arrived back at Arnos Grove by 3pm.  Newcomers seemed happy with the comfortable pace.

25.4.98  20mph Day
Many of you will have seen the press coverage of our 20mph day of action.  Despite torrential rain a hardy 12 riders turned heads as we staged a colourful "Critical Mass" style publicity ride through Enfield Town with 20mph signs on our backs.
We created 3 temporary "20 mph zones" as we rode from the town via Lincoln Rd, to Albany Park, and received signs of support from motorists and walkers.
The following week, local papers carried stories that the council, who have recently been given increased powers to introduce 20 mph zones, have agreed to impose these around several schools in the Borough.  Excellent timing for our campaign.

Bike Week 1998
After a stunningly successful Dr Bike at Central Library, a group of 25 set off on our family ride to Enfield Lock then up the Lee towpath.  A few showers later we lunched at the Fish & Eels at Dobbs Weir with an interesting menu of Hanky Pankey and Spotted Dick.  Back, after a heavy shower, via Theobalds and Forty Hill for tea at 3pm.

Tuesday evening for the Ice Cream Ride down Ally Pally parkland walk, through puddles, gravel, ...etc, past Finsbury Park annd Holloway one-way to Marine Ices for yummy ices at 10pm.   Dr Bike commenced his summer diet with a sensible low-cal "Killer Chocolate Tornado".  A ride to remember!

The Thursday ride was a pub ride round North Enfield in cooler weather.  Our dozen riders ended at the Crown & Horseshoes, Chase Side.  Things warmed up with shocking stories of trains, llama's, ostriches and stag nights.   Alan 'David Bailey' Thorndyke was our cameraman, capturing many happy moments.  Mike 'the machanic's quick observation alerted us to a bike thief in the beer garden.  The youthswere seen off by Adrian 'Linford' Donnelly, but they escaped in cars.  At least they failed to get Steve's bike.

14.6.98  Breakthrough B.C. Charity Ride
Well done to our riders who Trent Pk to Knebworth (30 miles).  Dave, Mike, Sarah, Trevor, Debbie, Alan.

9.8.98  Herts Countryside
A dozen riders, led by Andy Hoines, rode in dull through Lee Valley Park, past Rye House.  A pool dip was put off due to building works.  Then to Andy's club for lunch including Christianne's croissants - great!
Then to Hertford (Ale stop!) then off to Cole Green by old railway.  Then after lunch to Bayford tea stop.  Then to the Woodman at Wormley West End.  Even the sun came out!

16.8.98  History & Art Ride
Led by Jason we caught a train from Brimsdown to Sawbridgeworth.  Cycling West towards Widford for lunch and back via afternoon tea and antiques stop.  A great easily paced ride.

13.12.98  Barnet Brookside.
Paul, Ian, Alan, Stephen, Debbie rode this route (from London Cycle Guide by N. Crowther).
We joined it at N.Finchley then South by Dollis Brook under the tube viaduct, past Windsor Open Space, past suburban Hendon.
Then we met Barnet LCC Christmas riders (28 of them!) in festive costume.  Tea at a garden centre.  Rejoining the set route at Highwood Hill, lunch at the Rising Sun. 
Down Totteridge Lane eastwards, left down Barnet Lane into King George V fields then to Totteridge tube station.  Splitting at 3pm for homeward run.

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