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Ride Reports 2005
Reports from the saddle by our roving reporters!

15.1.2005 - Sustrans path clear-up
Richard and Paul helped Chris and the Sustrans Rangers clear up litter and cut back vegetation along Route 1 in Edmonton, by the Lee.  This needs doing periodically.  More helpers required.  It's not too hard (believe that and you'll believe anything).  Wear old gear and boots - bring thick gloves & secateurs if poss.  Next clear up date to be confirmed.   

30.1.2005 - South to Victoria Park
Joined Sustrans Route 1 at Picketts Lock and then rode to Springfield Park to enjoy the new elevated cafe with an easterly view. Alan on quiche already!  Further on, we found recent path improvements to the often muddy stretch.  Proper lunch at Victoria Park.  The we set off back, taking the scenic marshes route.  Rear flat tyre for Alan.  Total front disc failure for Bharat.  Grabo's stats: 27.29 miles in 3hrs 42min at 7.3 mph.     Ian (Dr Bike), Gavin, Fred, Alan, Jim, Dave P, Jane, Nina, Robbie, Gunsel, Graham, Riza, George, Kieron, Bharat, Patrick, Chris.  

13.2.2005 - A Winters Trail
Eight set off from Enfield to go North along the Lee.  After hot coffee at Waltham Abbey cafe, Jane did a quick change into warmer clothes on this windy, freezing day.  Up to Fish & Eels pub in Broxbourne for lunch.  Path a bit quagmire-ish, and Riza took a fall, but OK (and Riza, you thought that nobody spotted you!)  Joined here by ninth rider.  Blown home by cold North winds!   Grabo Stats: 24 miles in 3 hrs 33 mins at 7 mph.    Ian, Graham, Alan, Jim, Riza, Jane, Steve, Kieron, Patrick. 

27.2.2005 - Stay-in-the-pub-and-keep-out-of-the-snow ride
Eastwards, Edmonton's Eleven rode past Salmons Brook, to the river Lee.  Then south to Springfield Cafe for tea.  East again across Sustrans Route 1 to the marshes, turning back to the Princess of Wales for lunch at noon.  Watched the now outside, and eventually persuaded ourselves to leave!  Back to Edmonton against a headwind and snow!      Richard, Trevor, Paul, Ian, Dave L, John W, Riza, Graham, Bharat with Blue Giant (bike!), Gavin, Kieron, Patrick (recumbent). 

13.3.2005 - Lost in the woods
With ride leader Paul ill with flu, Richard and Ian conspired to lead this ride.  Round the back doubles, then up Kings Head Hill to Queen Elizabeth's hunting lodge which was closed (opening hours to remember:  1pm - 4pm!), so we went to the cafe instead.   We then muddled our way the best we could round Epping Forest, to High Beach. Then to the Owl for lunch - with those vibrating flying saucer thingies to tell you that lunch is ready!  We returned the more direct route via Enfield Island Village after the steep drop down to Sewardstone Road.  Grabo's stats:  22.7 miles at 8.2 mph in 2 hrs 30 mins.   Richard, Ian S, Alan, Graham, Jim, Dave L, Bharat, Marian C, Riza, Kieron, Caroline Y, Barry Y, Sergio, Daniela, Steve, Andy.

20.3.2005 - Ride to Hackney City Farm

A "family" ride with 17 adults and no children! But we decided to visit the farm anyway.  The usual route to Springfield Cafe, and then down the much improved route to Victoria Park (thanks Sustrans!).  Then via minor backroads to Hackney City Farm for a cursory look at pigs, sheep, geese ..etc, but that just gave most of us an apetite for lunch!  Fortunately, there was an excellent cafe on-site.  "Swift" visit to the Anchor & Hope on the way home.   Grabo's stats: 28.37 miles in 3hrs 30 mins at 8.0 mph.   Paul, Richard, Ian, Jim, Alan, Dave L, John W, David, Sergio, Daniela, Kieron, Gavin, Jane, Gunsel, Bharat, Graham, Judy.

3.4.2005 - Wormley Woodman & Lee
Past Forty Hall and Theobalds, 1st puncture to Alan.  Past the old site of Temple Bar, now grassed over.  Past Goffs Oak, up Holy Cross Hill. Noon lunch al-fresco at the Woodman. Then East to A10at Wormley and Slipe Lane to Lee towpath.  2nd puncture to Alan!  3pm tea at Riverside Cafe - then saw Rebecca heading north.  Grabo's stats: 20.48 miles at 8.0 mph in 2hrs 28 mins.  Top speed: 24.2mph!  Paul, Dr Ian, Dr Kieron, Dr Bharat, Alan, Gunsel, Graham, Alon, George, Vicky, Tony & Jackie, Hohn W, Jane, Liam, Peter.

17.4.2005 - Parkland Walk - joint ride with Haringey LCC
A sunny spring day for a family-friendly shorter ride.  From Ally Pally, along the disused railway line to Muswell Hill Road, then around quiet backroads to Queens Wood Cafe.  Playtime and teatime enjoyed there.  Back on trail at Highgate we went leisurely downhill.  A gear problem sorted out for Hugh (eventually).  On to Finsbury Park for lunch and playground.  Thanks to Richard and Gerry for route.  Richard, Sujal, Jasmin, Anya, Gerry, Callum, Dr Paul, Dr Ian, Dr Kieron, Dr Tony, Jackie, Marion, Jeff, John S, Adam+2, Graham, Hugh, Leon, Jane, Steve, Mark, Arthur, Alfie + 4 others.

24.4.2005 - Ware Countryside

Started by Greyhound PH at Enfield Lock, then up the towpath to meet Andy.  Brunch stop at cafe opposite Fish & Eeels.The off-road, Andy led us towards Wareside on the old railway line.  Over 2 stiles(!), past cattle, through a ford (some of us took the water route!).  West to Wadesmill to the rather posh Feathers Inn for lunch.  Then off home via old A10 and Lee towpath.   A brilliant ride - thanks Andy!  Grabo's stats: 41.88 miles at 8.6mph in 4hrs 5 mins.  Andy Hk, Paul, Richard, Ian, Kieron, Alan, Graham, Dr Bharat, George, Jane, Gunsel, Sangeeta, Gavin, Peter M, John W, John-Aust.

 

15.5.2005 - Literary Landscapes

A sunny spring day as we got the train from Ally Pally to Welwyn Garden CIty.  We joined our club quartet who rode the Cole Green Way from Hertford.  A lady cyclist from Ecuador joined us en-route to Peterborough (tonight) and Edinburgh (eventually).
Morning tea stop at Vennstone Garden Centre.  Then got mixed up with a local charity ride, and said "hello".  Onwards NW for lunch al-fresco at the Strathmore Arms in St Pauls Walden.  Then on to Shaw's Corner, the home of George Bernard-Shaw.  Back to Welwyn GC for more tea ..etc.  Thanks to Rebecca for leading an excellent ride!  Grabo's stats absent as he missed the train.  Rebecca, Richard, Jane, Ian, Gavin, Laurance, Gunsel, Alan, Sangeeta, Dave "Elton" M, Denise M, Jim, Dr Kieron, Paul, Denise G, Peter M.

 

22.5.2005 - Royal Gunpowder Mills

The weather forecast said "sun and showers" and they were right for once!  Luckily we were able to dodge the showers.  North along the Lee from Edmonton Leisure Centre, then stopped at the Riverside Cafe for tea 'n' punctures (John W).  Then on to the Royal Gunpowder Mills museum.  Lots to see at this interesting and often overlooked site.  We went on the land train and saw lots of out-buildings, and wildlife.  The Napoleonic Association were also there - we covered our ears and watched their skirmish  - lots of guns and cannons going off.  Well worth the visit.  Home via a pit-stop at the Greyhound PH.   Grabo's stats: 17.85 miles at 7.3 mph in 2hrs 38 secs.  Paul, Richard, Sujal, Anya, Jasmin, Dr Stuart, Mel, Alan, Jim, Dr Kieron, Graham, John W, Ian, Bharat, Victor, Nivi. 

12.06.2005 - Enfield Bike-a-thon 
A sunny day at Forty Hall saw the four groups seen off by Mayor Bill Price on the 20 mile route.  Club members and helpers had arrived early to set up our reception area.  Off at staggered times towards Trent Park and a tea stop.  On to Edmonton Leisure Centre for refreshments ..etc.  Off again North along Lee towpath.  West at Enfield Lock to Forty Hall, with the last arrivals getting back at 4.20.  Certificates awarded, photos taken.  Over 130 riders, too many to mention by name!   
 

14.06.2005 - Easy Evening Ride and Quiz
Meeting at Enfield Civic Centre at 7pm, some wanted to ride on-road and some off-road.  Set off north up to Whitewebbs, then split into 2 groups, meeting back later at the Fallow Buck.  We did some rough riding (?!) emerging at Flash Lane.  Quick pub stop then back to the Crown & Horseshoes for the Paul's quiz.  1st place: Fred.  Joint 2nd: Mel & Stuart, Ian & Kieron.    Fred, Mel, Stuart, Ian, Kieron, Caroline T, Richard, Paul B, Paul L, Gunsel, Riza, Peter, Jane, Wayne, Trevor, JJ, Benoit, John M, Paul HC, Stirling, Mike, Graham.

 

16.06.2005 - The Original Ice Cream Ride
Two groups from Enfield and Palmers Green joined up to stop at Ally Pally for drinks.  Then onto the Parkland Walk old railway to Finsbury Park.  On road to Camden.  A mouthwatering selection of snacks and ices.  Late puncture on way home to Ian WH.  Back after 1am.  Mike, Ian S, Alan, Richard, Peter M, John W, Ben, Kieron, Paul, Wayne, Dave L, Graham, Fred, Sangeeta (the only girl!), Matt, Bharat, Julian, Ian WH.

 

24 - 27 June 2005 - ECC trip to Brittany
13 ECC'ers spent a long weekend in Brittany, eating, drinking, and occasionally cycling.
 John W, Ian S, Richard, Kieron, Bharat, Steve, Jane, Rebecca, Gunsel, Lyn, Dave L, Alan, Pete M.

Click here for the full photo-story!

   

 

10.07.2005 - Mystery Tour Southwards
SouthEast to the Lee towpath in lovely waether, carefully past the Harigey Mayor's Fun Run.  Tea 'n' stuff at Springfield Cafe.  On across 'ackney Marshes to Victoria Park for lunch.  On to 3 Mills Flour Mill Museam and guided tour.  Back up the Greenway complete with VE/J Day flypast at 5pm.  First Aid by Dr Paul for "bramble" George.  Four stopped at Anchor & Hope (no prizes for guessing which four!).  Paul says thanks to Physio Annabel for head & back massage!   Grabo's stats:  30.7 miles at 7.8 mph in 3hrs 53 mins.  Paul, DR Kieron, Dr Ian, Peter, Laurent & Annabel, Jane & Steve, George, Jim, Bill, Richard M, Dave & Jane, Trevor, John W, Graham.

14.07.2005 - Evening Ride to The Farmers Boy, Brickendon
Seven night owls rode from Enfield Civic to the Farmer's Boy in Brickendon Green (via the hilly route) for a late supper.  Back by train from Bayford.  Richard promises that the next "gastronomic" ride will have less hills!  Richard's made-up stats:  About 10 miles in just over an hour at anything between 3mph (Denise walking uphill with her "bad back")  and 58mph?! (as clocked by Ian's computer coming down Carbone Hill - either that computer's on the blink or you came within 2mph of the National speed limit!!)  Richard, Ian, Dave & Denise M, Barry, Fred, Kieron.

24.07.2005 - Bike Events London to Cambridge
We met at the Greyhound pub at 8am and rode up to Waltham Abbey for the 9am start.  George saw us off, and we thought we saw Patrick M, but where was he going? Fred went missing. First pit-stop at Widford at 10.15, just as the rain started!  Set off towards the Langley stop.  Then Graham had a fall due to conflict between his cape and the toeclips on his new bike.  And Peter gets a cut on his shin from his pedal!  More food and stuff at Ickleton and then we press on in constant rain! We pass Dave L on his way back from Cambridge! Near the finish, we are herded onto a new cycle path for the arrival into Cambridge.  Arrived 3.40pm, got certified(!) and given a citrus drink.  Then Grabo, Peter M and Dave P sought medical attention.  Home on the train to Cheshunt. And still no idea where Fred went!  Grabo's stats:  64.4 miles at 9.3 mph in 6hrs 52 min.  Alan [007], Paul [008], Kieron [13], Ian [1313], Peter, Graham, Fred, Dave P.

07.08.2005 - Herts tour on Sustrans Route 12
A hot sunny day.  By train from Enfield to Hertford N.   We meet up with Dave L, Andy and Dave P at Hertford N.  On the Cole Green Way to Welwyn GC.  Onwards to Codicate along lanes to lunch at the Goat.  Even the pub dog, a fox terrier called "Ricky" had a bite!  Jim went missing somewhere, but luckily we found him at Stevenage, after hed taken a diversion via the A1(M) !!!  At Stevenage station we split up with some of us doing Route 12 almost as far as Letchworth and the others catching the train back.  Grabo's stats:  23.12 miles at 8.9 mph in 2hrs 53 mins.  (Those who went to Letchworth & back would have done about another 10 miles).   Richard, Bharat, Peter, Kieron, Dave M, Denise M, Jim, Andy, Paul, Rebecca, Dave P, Graham, Alan, George, Dave L, Trevor, Gavin. 

09.08.2005 - Ruby Tuesday
Richard led this evening ride from Edmonton Leisure Centre up the towpath to Shuhag Tandoori in Waltham Abbey, via the Old English Gentleman for a drink.  Some met up along the way.  A pleasant meal, and drinks for all.  Mel discovered that you can leave a handbag complete with credit cards for 2 hours outside a restaurant in Waltham Abbey and find it still there when you get back!!   Richard, Sujal, Wayne, Elaine, Stuart, Mel, Peter, Ian, John A, Bharat, Dave L, Trevor, Riza, Kieron.

21.08.2005 - Hackney City Farm (again)
Lovely weather again today.  Dr Kieron fixes Riza's flat.  To towpath via Salmon's Brook and level crossing.  Tea stop at Springfield Cafe.  Past Hackney Marshes, and Gunsel spots a local Anaconda, and lets half of North London know about it.  A 2ft x 30ft snake entering the Lee?  Along Regents Canal via Victoria Pk to Hackney City Farm.  Nice lunch, and a look at the animals.   Jane feeds crackers to the chickens.  Home via Victoria Park, resting a while to listen to live Ska band.  Welcome to new riders Kay and John.  Grabo's stats:  29 miles at 7.6mph in 3hrs 49 min.  Peter, Stuart, Gunsel, John A, Paul, Richard, Sujal, Anya, Jasmin, Riza, Jim, Alan, Graham, Kay, Steve B, Jane P, Trevor, Dr Kieron, Dave T, Jane T.

04.09.2005 - Lunch & Salsa at Hillyfields Bandstand
From Enfield through Forty Hill grounds alongside Turkey Brook, past the golfers to Whitewebbs House and the Plough pubs for lunch.  After a relaxing time headed off to Hillyfields.  Crunch!  as Graham's rear mech came apart!  At Hillyfields, we settle down and relax to salsa music by Merengada.  Various other club members and friends joined us.  Food and cakes care of Sujal and Gunsel - thanks!  Some lively dancing by certain club members who will not be named!  Paul, Richard, Sujal, Jasmin, Anya, Graham, Ian, Peter, Jim C, Jane Pk, Bharat, Dave Pt, Jane Pt, Robbie Pt, Nina Pt, Dave L, Patrick S, Andy , Gunsel, Sarah, Jim & Helen, Riza, Justine & son.

11.09.2005 - Edmonton to Dobbs Weir
Up the North/South cycle track to Ponders End as there were works on towpath.  Stop at Riverside Cafe for tea.  Further on Bharat and Peter fix Robbie's chain.  Onward to Dobbs Weir, wehere we all eat at the cafe.Dave enjoys debut of his Kona bike.  Grabo on his utility bike with red carb motif (uneaten.  Paul, Dr Bharat, Dr Peter, Jim, Graham, Kay, Alan, Dave P, Jane P, Robbie, Nina, John A, Steve J, Pete A.

1/2.10.2005 - Constable Country Weekend by Rebecca
Saturday:
We met at Liverpool St around 9am(!) to get the train to Manningtree.  The sun was out as we arrived at 10.30 and met Stuart and Richard.  We rode off North West, stopping at Budgens at East Bergholt to buy bits & pieces for later on.  Along by leafy picturesque scenery to lunch at the Cock in Polstead.  Off again NW toward our vaious B&B's in Sudbury, Bures, Little Waldingfield and Lavenham.  Six get caught in a big shower at 5pm (amazing how many people you can fit in a hotel shower - Ed!).  We all meet up at the Black Boy in Sudbury for meal and drinks.  Sadly, taxi times dictated some peoples return to B&B's while others sampled the Sudbury "nightlife".

  

Sunday:
The sun was up as 9 of us regrouped in Sudbury around 10.30 to ride to join the 4 others in Bures.  We ride southwards, exchanging stories about yesterday evening and this morning's breakfasts.  Following the Stour, Gunsel stops to buy some local organic fruit.  Crunc! as Peter's chain breaks.  Dr Richard assists.  Joined by others, we head to lunch at The Beehive in Little Horkseley: a real find, an unspoilt pub with good food, good beer and a jam session for folk musicians.  We stay there, some enjoying a game of darts, until 2.30.  Then on to Flatford Mill to see the exact spot where Constable painted The Hay Wain.   Along the River Stour path to Manningtree Station for trains home.

A brilliant, enjoyable 2 day ride.  Many thanks to Rebecca for organising and leading!  Such an injustice that it was she that got left behind at Liverpool St on the way back!
Rebecca, Gunsel, Jane Pk, Andy H, Alan, Paul, Dr Richard R, Dr Peter, Laurance, Ian, Stuart, Richard H, Gavin.

  

09.10.2005 - Marine Ices Autumn Visit
After a chilly start, our 2 groups joined at Palmers Green.  Side roads to Ally Pally, then via the Parkland Walk to Finsbury Park where, sadly,  no cafe stop was possible - they were rebuilding it!  Back on road to Camden, led by Paul and his map.  Arrived at Marine Ices by 12.30, and all got seats.  We all set off for home around 2.45, taking a short cut via Finsbury Park.  No mechanical problems today!  Enfielder back home around 5pm.  A nice ride.   Grabo's stats:  26 miles at average 8.6mph.  Paul, Ian, Dr Andy H, Kieron, Alan, Graham, George, John A, Jane, Riza, Peter.

16.10.2005 - Cycle Show at Excel
An early start at 9.30.  Quick stop at Springfield Cafe, then off via towpath and the Greenway to East London.  A bit slow to park our bikes in the compound at Excel.  We then had lunch in the centre (expensive!) before setting off to view the exhibits.  There was a fashion show at 3pm.  When the show shut, at 4pm, we set off home via Victoria Dock Road and the Greenway.  Back to Enfield in darkness.  Grabo's stats: 32.23 miles at 8.4mph in 3hrs 42mins.   Paul, Kieron, Graham, Alan, Riza, Reni, Bill, Ross.

13.11.2005 - Towpath to Lunch
A bright cool day with light frost saw 17 of us ride the new, improved NCN Route 1 towpath from Picketts Lock down to Springfield Marina cafe.  Dr Bikers Kieron and Grabo on hand for wheel & nut adjustments!  Hot drinks taken on baord, then off along teh scenic bit, ducking under the railway bridges.  Then a brief tour of the Lea Bridge Nature Reserve, although not much about.  Then off to the Princess of Wales for meals and drinks.  Set off home around 2pm to catch the daylight.  Grabos stats:  24.57 miles at avg 8mph, max 19.2mph!  Paul, Richard, Alan M, Andy, Dr Kieron, Dr Graham, Alan T, Jane, Peter, Gunsel, John A, Ken & Annette & Ashley, Michele, Jimmy & Celine.

26.12.2005 - Boxing Day Pootle
Decided on the day to head for Whitewebbs House for lunch, Dave showed us the short cuts-through Whitewebbs golf course-as we had 2 children with us.He left us there as he only had a half day pass!! Had a drink, but they were only doing 3 course meals, so we moved on. King and Tinker closed! Rosa slipped over on wet leaves(thats Gunsels trick).Back through golf course to Rose and Crown, not yet open! On to Fallow Buck, Success . Lunch with mulled wine. Back through Hilly Fields. A chilly ride, but most enjoyable.  Graham, Dr Kieron, Riza, Andy, Jane, Peter, Aldo, Kim, Jack, Laura, Rosa, John, Dave L.

 

 

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