Ride Reports 2001 - by Paul Lafosse

21.1.2001 - The Brass Monkey ride (by special correspondent Henry)
Despite somewhat inclement weather, three (or should that be 6?) 'brass monkeys' made our way north up the towpath, against driving rain and an icy wind.  The only life around was the odd solitary fisherman under a bridge and flocks of menacing looking geese standing on the frozen River Lee.  We took up Andy's kind offer of coffee & croissants at his place in Broxbourne (thanks, Christianne!).  Once thawed out, Wayne and I got back on our bikes and headed back south on-road.  After some time (in truth, about 15 minutes!) we felt the need for further liquid refreshment and as luck would have it the Turnford Massey loomed oasis-like  in front of us.  On leaving the pub, we headed off home to thaw out again.  Were we crazy?  Well, on reflection, Wayne had the excuse of wanting to try out his new Voodoo.  Me, I can offer no explanation as to why I got out of my cosy bed that morning, although I did find out the answer to two burning questions:
Q1:  Does a hotel-style shower cap stretched over a cycle helmet do a good job of keeping the rain out?
A:  Yes, but remember to take it off before walking into a packed bar!
Q2:  Are my thinsulate gloves any use when it's cold AND wet?
A:  No!

18.2.2001 - Hysterical Hampstead
Into town for a change!  From Enfield Town to Highgate Woods cafe in dry weather for tea.  Then up to the Village with a historical commentary about local celebs by former resident Dave.  Using the Hampstead Heath Cycle Path west past Jack Straws Castle, to Golders Hill Park and a look at the wildfowl.  Lunch stop at the Duke of Hamilton's pub with BMacs(?).  Back via the Parkland Walk and Finsbury Park in winter sun.  Bad luck for Ian S with chain problem.
Dave, Margaret, Gordon, Ian S, Richard, Jasmin, Jim, Alan, Sue, Ian N, John Paul.

18.3.2001 - Rib Valley Ride, Hertfordshire
By train to Hertford (with Alan just making it by breaking the world speed record for a pensioner carrying a bike up a flight of steps!!), and then off into the countryside, enjoying such silly place names as Bengeo, Thundridge and Cold Christmas.  We were glad there was a bridge at Barwick Ford, as the water was three feet deep and rising.  At lunchtime Jim and ALan enjoyed their bargain roast dinners - three courses and a coffee for four quid!  Back to Hertford via Standon, Great Munden and Sacombe, with good use of the time before the train came enjoying a pint of Large in the White Horse.  A lovely scenic ride, with hardly any hills, which we will be repeating in warmer weather on 12th August (better luck next time, Dave...)
Alan, Jim, Wayne, Ian and Elaine.

1.4.2001 (no jokes 'ere!) - Enfield Parks Link-up ride
From Enfield Town gently around the park up to Carrs Lane, down to Grange Park station.  Heading upwards past Highlands area, west along Boxers lake.  On to Oakwood for a lap around the park.  Then North to Cockfosters and the Trent Park cafe for tea and cake (rather large squishy cakes for some people!).  Heading south again, slavering shamelessly outside shops like 'Belgian Chocs' and 'Pretty Things' underwear emporium.  Down to Broomfield Park, then the Woodman for lunch.  Ices at Grovelands.  The sun did come out, which filled us with hope for the summer ... (ho hum)
Dave, Paul, Ian, Richard, Elaine, Wendy, Janet (well done!), Alan, Trevor, Tony, Jeff & Marion.

29.4.2001 - Three Mills Island
In spite of last minute indecision by many, and appalling weather forecasts, a surprisingly large number of brave souls left ELC along the Lee Towpath.  Whoops!  Dr Bike materialises to get new pedals for Marion, while the rest of us enjoyed tea and cakes in the sunshine at the Springfield Cafe.  Then in and out of the mud - and in and out of about two hundred badly organised charity walkers - bah!  South-east along the Greenway, past the 'Cathedral of Sewage', the Abbey Mills Pumping Station.  Lunch at the Three Mills in bright weather - just as well there was a Tesco as the cafe was unexpectedly closed!  Back along the towpath, with Richard's puncture a good excuse for another beer at the Anchor & Hope (very handy).  And it didn't rain until the end!
Paul, Caroline (a great start!), Ian, Wayne, Elaine, Chris, Jim, Marion, Richard & Alan.

13.5.2001 - Rangers Ride to Wormley
From Enfield Civic - Whoops! Ranger Chris's puncture!  North past Forty Hall, olde Temple Bar (no pub!).  Trevor's gear cable broke, repaired by Doc Wayne.  Past Cuffley to Wormley.  Lunch at Woodman, sunbathing from our Polish cyclists!  Back via Turnford on the Lee Towpath, drink at the 'Old English Gentleman'.  Peter's puncture time.  Special thanks to Helen , CHristina & Chris.
Ram, Paul, Ian, Alan, Wayne, Peter, Elaine, Tony, Jackie, Halina, Trevor, Janet, Jim, Stuart, Marion, Jeff, Andrew, Regina, Agatha.

Tuesday 22.5.2001 -  An Evening Potter
A local roll-out along leafy Enfield lanes, ending up at the Crown & Horseshoes.  Wayne, Peter, Elaine, Paul L, Ian, Sally, Paul B, Richard, Stuart, Caroline, John, Haydar, and another John!

FESTIVAL OF CYCLING 2001 !
Hope you had a good time!!!
This year's festival saw record turnouts at nearly all the events, including over 100 riders on the Ride to Paradise.

Thanks to everybody who took part.  Hope you enjoyed yourselves!
Special thanks to all those who acted as marshals on the Ride to Paradise and helped keep the event safe and fun, even though we were swamped with people!!

Sunday 17 June – Festival of Cycling Launch Party

Those who had never witnessed a 22-stone man on a BMX bike were in for a treat, as lots of interesting and sexy new bikes were tried out on the ‘once round the bar’ stunt circuit! Ian and Sally won the "guess the baby photo" contest and lots of fun was had by all. Thanks to Halfords and the Edmonton Leisure Centre staff.

Tuesday 19 June – Staggeringly Popular Evening Ride

An amazing 45 people turned up to enjoy the evening sunshine and leafy lanes of Enfield (and have a rather too-close encounter with the strange local pond-life). We did a circuit of Hillyfields and Whitewebbs, ending up taking over the beer garden at the Crown & Horseshoes. Cheers all!

Thursday 21 June – Marine Ices Late Late Ride

We’ve been doing this for years, and yet we still get lost somewhere! Our usual breakneck career through Muswell Hill and the Parkland Walk, darting through Camden to enjoy huge and glorious ice-creams at Marine Ices. Some folk even had two portions, and who can blame them? If only we could organise not having to ride back.......Wayne, Elaine, Richard, Stephen, Adrian, Alan, Sue, Ian S, Ian N, Andy, Tony, Jeff, Marion, Charlie, Gary, Michael, John ..... and four more! Who were those mystery stunt riders?

Sunday 24 June - A Century Ride to Paradise

In glorious hot weather, about 105 (good heavens!) riders set off for our trip to Paradise Wildlife Park, Broxbourne. We split into smaller, manageable groups and headed north along the Lee, stopping for tea and ices at Broxbourne café. After a photo shoot at the park, everyone enjoyed looking at the animals and trying out the amusements. Back to Halfords by train, or by bike for those hardier souls.   Special thanks to everyone who helped to make this day a great success – especially Richard, Ken (and Enfield Leisure Centres Trust), Dave (and Halfords), Ian S, Viv and Bun, and all the club members who acted as marshals along the route.

Sunday 8.7.2001 - Hertford Loop Ride
A late change due to roadworks saw us go north along the Lee instead of 'round the borough'.  We had tea at Broxbourne and then lunch at the Jolly Fisherman, which has got much better.  Then north-west to Ware and Hertford, stopping for afternoon tea at the Café Rouge, where we met up with Paul and Jim and friends from Southgate CC.  Back via the Mangrove Road (thankfully no swamps).  An unscheduled detour for Ken and Georgina - more off-roading but OK!  Back again via the towpath, where we saw Jeff, Sian and Gerry heading north!  Special thanks to Dave "Two Punctures" and Viv and her Magic Van.  Other intrepid souls were Ken, Georgina, Gunsel, Uktu, John, Jim, Alan, Ian S, Ian N, Sue, Paul, Hyacinth, Sally, another Ian, Clifford, Stuart, Trevor and Margaret.

Thursday 12.7.2001 - Ivy Chimneys Evening Ride
We had heard of the Picketts Lock Flyer, a free bus that takes cycles on board, so we decided to try it out - pretty useful, but unfortunately it couldn't take us all!  After this excitement, we rode up via High Beach to Ivy Chimneys and the glorious Forest Gate pub.  With a drink or two inside, we rode home with Alan as lead singer!  Wayne, Ian S, Paul L, Trevor, Jackie, Erica, Chris W, Sue, Richard and Warbling Alan.

Sunday 22.7.2001 - London to Cambridge for Breakthrough Breast Cancer
Fifteen iron-buttocked souls once again set out to enjoy the countryside and raise cash to help charity.  A well-organised country road route led us via Widford and Langley.  It was only the thought of the home-made cakes at Hinxton that kept some people going! After everyone phoned their mums on their mobiles at Midsummer Common, we collapsed onto the train back to Enfield.  Well done all.  Paul L, Ian S, Elaine, Ian N, Stuart, Sue, Jeff, Tony, Sally, Chris, Trevor, Brian, Clifford, Mus - and Alan, aka 007, Licensed to Go Faster Than A Pensioner Should!

Sunday 12.8.2001 - Shenley, Hertfordshire
West from Enfield towards Hadley Wood in light rain.  We tried to find the Sustrans route to Shenley but blazed our own trail instead!  We settled for a dry noonday roast lunch at Ye White Horse.  Back in sunny weather.  Stephen, Richard, Ian S, Caroline, Paul, Ian N, Stuart, Jim, John & Graham.

Thursday 16.8.2001 - Evening Ride
Our final ride of the season saw a small group dodge the earlier rain and see the sun set over the Lee.  Finale drinks at the Old English Gentleman.  Ian S, Graham, Sue, Trevor, Jeff and a few more.

Sunday 28.8.2001 - Lee Valley Country
Following a photocall at the Civic Centre, for adult cycle training with Madame Mayor, we cycled north on the towpath.  Whoops!  Annette's puncture to fix.  Lunch at the Fish & Eels, as rain set in.  Back to Enfield and the rain didn't let up.  Ian S, Paul, Alan, Jim, Caroline, Gunsel, Utku, Ken, Annette, Michael, Graham & Stuart.

Sunday 9.9.2001 - Three Mills tidal basin, Bow
A re-visit to this ride, now that the museum is open.  South from ELC along the Lee, with morning tea to revive us at the Springfield Cafe.  One day they'll have enough chairs.... Then along the Greenway at Old Ford, past the "Cathedral of Sewage", Abbey Mills Pumping Station.  Linch at Tesco's (!), then an interesting guided tour of the Three Mills Museum.  Back again in windy weather.  Paul L, Richard, Alan, Gunsel, Utku, Annette, James, Anthony, Sangeeta, Anya, Monica, Trevor, Graham, Gerry, Callum & Clifford.

Saturday 22.9.2001 - Car-Free Day at Tower Bridge
Enfield and Haringey LCC members cycled down into London along London Cycle Network routes to join the festivities on Tower Bridge organised by the Greater London Authority, Transport for London, the Corporation of London and the boroughs of Southwark and Tower Hamlets.  10 London Boroughs closed roads and two more staged supporting events (alas, not Enfield, but see later note).  We were among the eleven LCC groups who organised rides to Tower Bridge.  London Buses provided 10,000 free bus tickets.  There was music, theatre, Ken Livingstone in a rickshaw, and a fireboat display.  More than 900 towns across Europe officially participated in Car Free Day, including the grand total of 13 in Britain!!  This was the second time that London had taken part.
There was a great party atmosphere on the bridge, with hundreds of people, carnival bands, cafe's and activities.  Some of the bridge had been grassed over.  LCC's stall was there.  So were Stephen, Richard, Ian S, Ian N, Gunsel, Utku, Gavin & Trevor.  Next year we want to make Car Free Day a real festival in Enfield - the theme is "not roads closed to car, but roads opened to people".  To make this happen we need ideas and involvement from local cyclists, so please get in touch if you want to help.

Sunday 23.9.2001 - Let's go North
From Enfield up to the Lee, up to Hayes Hill Farm cafe for tea.  A spot of birdwatching, then a quick dash to Broxbourne Cafe as the rain started to fall!  Back via the Gentleman, so that we could have a beer while Alan fixed his puncture.  Paul, Ian S, Wayne, Peter, Stuart, Alan, Graham, Val, Roz, Robert, Thomas & Trevor.

Sunday 7.10.2001 - Victoria Park waterproof trousers ride!
With threatening skies, our brave band of hardy souls went South to Hackney, while most sensible folk stayed in their beds.  Jacques Mayfair turned up to see them go but then retreated to his duvet with a cup of tea and the Sunday papers!  Those who set forth were Trevor, Jim, Stuart, Graham, Shirley, Gunsel, Monica, Anya & Sangeeta.

Sunday 21.10.2001 - Wash-out!!
Planned ride along Pymmes Trail called off after a night of heavy rain deluged our route.  Not even the usual ECC stalwarts were brave (mad?) enough to venture out in the morning downpour.  This ride will be rescheduled for early May.

Sunday 4.11.2001 - The Hangover Ride
Regrouping for a fried brekkie after Wayne's Fireworks Barbeque on Saturday night.  Not so much a hangover for him as the effects of being up till 5.30am and then having to lead a ride at 11.00!  After breakfast at Springfield, most of us went on down the towpath and had

Sunday 25.11.2001 - Sustrans Route 12 sussed!
We explored the newly opened track from Hadley Wood to Welwyn Garden City.  Stephen, Richard, Ian S, Alan, Trevor, Graham.

Sunday 9.12.2001 - Ham & High playtime ride
From Finsbury Park, Paul ventured out with the Haringey LCC and others to Highgate and Hampstead.  Back via a short train ride.  Gerry, Callum, Paul L, Chris, Esme, Patrick, Gosia, Anya S, Sangeeta, Monica, Anya F.

Boxing Day 26.12.2001 - Cold Turkey ride
Yes, out we came in cold, frosty sunshine, folks.  Riding down South along the Lee to the "Waters Edge".  Festive fashion-biker award to Father Xmas Alan.   Plus... Wayne, Peter, Elaine, Graham, Paul L, Paul B, Jeff, Marion, Stuart, Hyacinth, Dave L.

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