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Ride Reports
2006
Reports from the saddle by
our roving reporters!
Sun 22.01.2006 -
Winter trip to Hackney
A brilliant turnout in sunny, calm cold weather. Grabo gets a photo of a young fox by Edmonton L/C. Along the Lee towpath M&S joins us at Hale Lock. Onward south for tea at Springfield Marina Cafe. Four leave
the remaining 16 to ride on to Victoria Park, where the cafe was shut till spring?? So it was on the Falcon & Firkin pub for a nice choice of menu. Mel gets a train back at Hackney Downs and another 3 ride off early. Back to towpath by shortcut, then by Eastern paths to Springfield
Marina. Then back to Edmonton and Enfield.
Paul, Graham, Jim, Ian, Andy Hw, Dave L, John A, Alan, Jimmy, Michele, Denis, Celine, Bharat, Gunsel, Peter, Rosa, Stuart, Mel, JJ.
Grabo's stats: 26.62 miles, Avg 7.5 mph in 3hrs, 3mins, 47.1 seconds!!
Sun 12.02.2006 -
Epping Forest in the rain!
A blowy cold morning awaited us. John W, Ian & Kieron arrived by car to see us off.
New member Tony cycled from Walthamstow. Andy was sporting a flower daisy
buff which lit up an otherwise bleak and blustery day ;-) Footpaths and side roads to Enfield Lock then to Sewardstone Rd on cycle route. John A. and Gavin left us here. Up the Mott Street hill (partly walked by some-puff puff) with a couple of rather chatty
horse riders to High Beech. A welcome stop for tea and chocolate by the Kings Oak pub. Some off-roading before lunch at The Owl pub where Gunsel, Kieron and Ian joined us by car. Back by the same route by about 4pm.
Riders - Richard, Tony, John A, Andy Hk, Riza, Graham, Gavin,
Drivers - Gunsel, Ian, Kieron
Sun 26.02.2006 -
Ye Winters Tale down 'ackney way
Ian delayed by techno problems, and other members
were off to watch the 'hard men' racing round Herts.
We set off from ELC, tea stop at the Springfield Park High Cafe. Ian catches us
up here. Grabo on secret pork pie (?!) As we leave the cafe, the sleet is falling and we head to the Victoria Park pub (was Falcon and Firkin) for lunch. Graham's new style mudguards much better but
improvements still to do, he says.
We all warm up with lunch and head back via shortcut to Lee. Back 4 get diverted
the scenic way, meeting up with the rest of us at the Springfield Marina Lower
Cafe.
Paul,
Graham, Jim, Alan, Pat B, Gunsel, Riza, Ian, Andy Hw.
Grabo's stats: 24.9 miles in 3 hrs 11 mins, at average 8.3 mph.
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Sun 12.03.2006 -
North to the Woodman in Wormley
A cool dry start, we headed from the Civic Centre, past Forty Hall. Here we
met up with Jane & Steve by the Pied Bull. Then past the site where Temple Bar used to be,
and on to Goffs Oak. Climbing the hills towards Wormley, two leave us for home. Lunch at the Woodman. We then
rode Eastwards to the Lee Valley, led by Andy along the scenic route. Sadly the Old English Gentleman pub is now shut down.
Home to Enfield about 4pm.
Paul, Andy Hw, Pauline, Ian, Alan, Jim, John W, John A, Kieron, Michele, Jane Pk, Steve B, Pat, Dave P, Jane P, Nina P, Robbie P, Bharat, Graham, Dave L.
Stats: 21.4 miles at 7.6mph in 2hrs 48mins.
Sun 26.03.2006 -
Eastway Cycle Circuit and springtime lunch
Off from Edmonton Leisure Centre at 10.25 towards Springfield Marina Cafe, Jane meets us just before. The SE on the scenic route, round a muddy gate, Gunsel slips over and gets grazed a bit. Dr P on hand. Onto the Eastway circuit to witness a splendid sprint in the mens' race. Off to Victoria Park pub for lunch
eaten in high chairs! Alan shows us his humorous(?) birthday cards. As we prepare to go, Dr A sorts out Gunsel's seat (eh? - Ed) Back again via the scenic route - this time it's Paul's turn to fall off (in slow motion!) and cut his knee. Later we meet Michele out dog walking - she had
missed the start of the ride as she had forgotten to put her clocks forward!
Dr Paul, Graham, Gunsel, Dr Andy, Debbie, Alan, Pat, Jim, Jane, Ian.
Grabo's stats: 27.8 miles at 8mph in 3hrs 26 mins.
Sun 09.04.2006 -
Family Parks Tour
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Meeting up at Ally Pally station (some had caught the train from Enfield), we set off towards the scenic Muswell Hill old railway line. Then on to Highgate Wood (no cycling allowed!!) where the youngsters had a go on the adventure playground and the oldies had a cup of tea. We then split off into 3 groups, some riding the Parkland walk to Finsbury Park after lunch at Queens Wood cafe, others riding there and back before lunch at the Woodman.
Paul L, Gunsel, Alan, Graham, Andy, Ian, Peter, Kieron, Michele, Celine, Bharat, Richard, Anya, Aldo, Kim, Jack, Laura, Paul Br, Francine, Luke, Rosa, John A.
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Sun 07.05.2006 -
Road Ride to King William IV, Heydon
Brimsdown train to Bishops Stortford. We then rode NW towards Manuden along new
spring leafy lanes. No tea stop
complained Grabo ("sorry!" - Richard). The sun starts to appear as we head towards lunch at the King William IV pub in Heydon. To lunch at 2.30, where we were grateful to the staff for an enjoyable menu.
Back South past Meesden, Brent Pelham and then we had an idea... let's try and ride along England's longest ford: Violets Lane, Furneux Pelham at 903 metres long. But before long we saw deep pools of brown water! Like a vision out of the blue, along came Ash, Zoe and Steve in a Toyota 4x4 pickup and kindly gave a series of adrenaline-packed lifts through the ford carrying bikes and riders. Others rode their bikes through, and others still found a longer road route avoiding the ford. Then on via Manuden and back to Bishops Stortford. Back to Enfield after 8pm! Thanks to Richard for route ..etc. The weather turned out OK in the end.
Richard, Dave M, Denise M, Graham, Steve J, Paul, Dr Ian, Alan, Gunsel, Andy Hw, Michele, Jim, Jane B, Pat B, Rosa, John A, Dr Peter, Gavin. Grabo's stats: 49.94 miles at 8.2mph in 6hrs 2 min.
 
Sun 28.05.2006 -
Eastway Cycle Circuit, Victoria Pk & Greenwich
An early start to see Kieron
taking part in the racing. (see photo: Is that Kieron in the lead,
or is he about to be lapped?!) Tea and coffee stop at Eastway circuit, and
a few of us rode round the circuit in between races. Five of our
riders then set off for home, while the remaining 11 rode on to Victoria
Park for lunch al fresco. The sunny day prompted five to go on
further, via Mile End Park, to Greenwich, climbing up to the meridian
line for the view.
Grabo's stats: 27.27 miles at 7.8mph in 3hrs 37 mins
Max 20.7 mph.
Paul, Andy, Riza, Graham, Alan, Bernadette,
Richard, Gunsel, Pane Pk, Trevor, John A, Kieron, Michele, Jane B, Ian,
Daniel, Dave L.
 
Tues 20.06.2006 - The
Original Ice Cream Ride - accept no substitute!
A windy trip(!) from Enfield and
Palmers Green to Ally Pally. A drink stop at the Phoenix Bar before
heading onto the Parkland Walk and then on to Marine Ices. We ride
with riders and bikes decked out in Richard's multi-coloured glow
sticks. Rosa has her rear lamp bracket fixed and we remove a(nother)
rogue carrier bag from Grabo's rear mech. Caring (or points-hungry) Dr
Kieron rescues both. At Marine Ices, Graham has drawn up his
"specification" for his new Ice Cream creation "Il Grabo"
and amazingly the staff make it for him - six dollops, wafers and
all! Set off for home just before midnight. Five night-riders
went on to join up with Greenwich Cyclists overnight solstice ride.
Grabo's stats: 25 miles at average 9.2mph, Max 19.7mph.
The Early Birds: Paul, Graham, Bharat, Peter, Richard,
Rosa.
The Night Owls: Kieron, Ian, Michele, Riza, Daniel T. Thurs
22.06.2006 - Bike Week Quiz Ride
A nice summer's evening for the
shorty ride around Whitewebbs Park area. Some path detours were
found (i.e. we got lost!). Then to King & Tinker pub rose garden
for beer & biccies. Graham displaying new stagecoach style solar
lap (2 for £5 at Co-op!). On past the golf course to the Crown
& Horsehoes for more beer and an indoor/outdoor cycling anagrams quiz
by Richard. Won by Peter & Michele. Later on we celebrate
Michele's imminent birthday with chocolate cake.
Grabo's stats: 8.4 miles at average 7.1. mph, Max 17.1mph.
Paul, Ian, Kieron, Graham, Bharat, Daniel, Peter, Pat B, Dave L, Michele,
Rosa, Richard, Liam. Sun
25.06.2006 - Enfield Bike-a-thon
A sunny warm day as approx 80
riders set off round the borough in five groups, while the local press
took pictures. Lunch taken at Trent Park as groups met up.
Marshals doing roving greatly helped the traffic flow at junctions.
Edmonton Rotary on hand with bananas at Edmonton Leisure Centre and Forty
Hall. A countryside feel doing the towpath Northwards.
Group 5 got back around 3.30pm (just in time for the footie!).
Goodie bags and certificates given out, then some marshals retired to the
Cricketers for a debrief, chat and drinks.
Well done for finishing! I hope you enjoyed the
day! And for those of you who are occasional cyclists, I hope it has inspired
you to ride more.
It was especially good to see so many young ones
out on the ride. They are the ones who can really make a difference in the
future, and I think it's easy for grown-ups to underestimate what they are
capable of.
We have great pleasure in announcing that we
raised £724.85 for the Nightingale Hospice Trust.
This
event was organised by
Richard R from
Enfield Cycling Campaign, a local group of London
Cycling Campaign, as part of 'Bike Week' 2006.
Supported by Enfield
Leisure Centres Trust.
Administration and bananas by
John W and Pat C
from the Rotary
Club of Edmonton.
Mechanical
backup by Dr Dave S from Halfords Bikehut Superstore, Enfield.
Pat B for
driving, Reni R for being in reserve to drive.
Mary Rose from
Nightingale Hospice Trust.
Enfield Parks Outreach Team (Star L and Alan M), St John Ambulance, all 24 marshals, and all the public who took part!
Sun 02.07.06 - Suffolk Coastal
Loop - Picnic on the beach
A hot day ahead - up to 90C - as we meet at
various stations to get group saver tickets. Rebecca and George arrive at
Liverpool Street just in time. Train to Manningtree, riding east to Mistly
on the Stour Estuary, great view. Past Bradfield to Wrabness nature reserve,
tea by caravans and the "beach". Towards Dovercourt and Harwich seafront. On
the journey, the tarmac was melting onto the tyres. Andy H cooled people
down with water down their backs. Then Rebecca produced a birthday cake for
10 years of the ECC. Thanks and yum yum! Some had lunch by the sea in the
shade, some went to the pub. Peter and Trevor had a paddle.
Then we head back to the station where the
bar was shut! It was pints and pasties at Liverpool Street station. Kieron
broke his diet with Guinness and chips. Scenic trip, 30miles in 30C of heat,
phew...!
Rebecca, George, Andy, Michele, Kieron,
Peter, Ian, Jim, Sangeeta, Julian, Dave M, Denise M, Pat, Jane B, Gunsel,
Rosa, Wayne, Trevor, Daniel.
Sun 23.07.06 - London to
Cambridge for Breakthrough Breast Cancer
On a very warm day that reached 83 degrees F,
9 of us set off with 2-3000 others from Waltham Abbey show ground, new
member Jackie met up with us at the start, towards Nazeing where Alan T had
a tumble. We got him on to the grass verge and gave him (and his bike) basic
first aid until medical help arrived. Three Ambulances and the Police
arrived ! Medics allowed him to carry on. He sped off we could barely catch
him !
On to Widford for an hours rest and food stop,
then Alan was re-bandaged as he was still bleeding - injuries on his head,
shoulder, hand and his thigh. We started to see the faster riders on their
way back home from Cambridge ! From there the route went to Langley at about
13.10pm where we had another stop and ices.
On to Ickleton by 3pm where we had more
ices and drinks etc.. Riza had a blue ice lolly and had a blue tongue and
blue lips for the rest of the day. (photo coming shortly!)
Finally got to Cambridge by around 4.25pm.
We relaxed for an hour or so in the park with drinks (from the beer
tent...), took photos and listened to the jazz, before catching the 5.51pm
train back home.
Stats: 52 miles.
Dr Paul, Dr Andy, Dr Trevor, Dr Riza, Dr Hyacinth, Dr Rosa, Jackie, Alan T,
Laurent.
Sun 06.08.06 - 10th
Anniversary Ride
From the Leisure Centre, we
set out in 23°C sunshine heading north on the towpath stopping at the
Riverside Cafe on route. Then onto the Youth Hostel at Cheshunt for the
picnic, where 3 more joined us.
The Hostel is "Swiss Chalet"
style, is 5 star graded, and has a picnic area at the back and a bar
inside!! Perfect!!
A lazy afternoon followed with
Graham in charge of dried fruit etc, and Jackie and Delia in charge of the
cider. "What's happening"
Lots of eating and drinking
and malarkey went on (in a youth hostel? honestly!).
Then a slow ride back to the
Leisure Centre.
It turned out to be the
perfect venue for the clubs 10th anniversary picnic and i'm sure the club
will pay it another visit.
Paul, Graham, Peter, John
A, Jim, Dave Pt, Jane Pt, Robbie, Pat, Jimmy, Andy Hw, Mel, Stuart, Kieron,
Maggie, Michele, Ian, Rose, Rosa, Jackie, Delia, Trevor, Rupert.
Grabo's stats : 23.5 mls,
7.5mph avg, 19.2 mph max.
Sat19 - Sun20.08.06 -
Essex Weekender-Youth Hostelling and wine tasting
Photos and a write up about
our weekend of 'culture'
here.
Sun 03.09.06 - Hilly Fields
bandstand concert
Meeting at Enfield Civic
Centre, we rode to Goffs Oak past Forty Hall and Theobalds Park. A new
plaque now shows the former site of
Temple Bar, now back in London where it
belongs. Then to the Wheelwright pub for lunch. Post lunch punctures for
Maggie and Jim.
We get to Hillyfields Park for
the free concert by "Merengada" at 3.30pm. Rosa tries to blow out the
candles on her birthday cake! Lots of bubbly drinks and snacks.
Paul, Graham, Ian, Rose,
Bharat, Kieron, Maggie, Rupert, Marion, Julia, Dave L, John A, Rosa, Peter,
Michele, Patrick, Jim, Caroline and Christina popped by.
Grabo's stats : 14.6 mls in
ihr 52mins.
Sun 10.09.06 - Broxbourne
and back
From Edmonton Leisure Centre,
we rode north on the tow path and stopped for tea at the cafe next to the
ex-Old English Gentleman. Then along winding paths to Fishers Green and the
bird hides, perhaps a bit too early for the specialty of the area, the
bittern. Jackie's seat fiddled with!! Onto lunch at Dobbs Weir as Alan has
double puncture problem. Some go to the cafe while others partake at the
Fish and Eels pub.
Ride back in warm sunshine.
Alan M, Paul, Alan T, John
A, Dan, Ian, Jim, Graham, Jackie, Kieron, Maggie, Peter, Michele, Phyllis,
Bharat, Dave L, Simon.
Sun
17.09.06 - Open House Weekend
We met at the Civic Centre and
rode around Whitewebbs Park, after Hyacinth's puncture repair. At Forty Hall
we had a short theatrically guided tour of the house with actors/staff in
period costume including the manager dressed as Sir Nicholas Raynton, who
had Forty Hall built in 1629.
A tea break at the cafe, then
off to the Pied Bull for lunch. Some chaos with the menu!
The afternoon saw us ride to
Gunpowder Park in the Lea Valley and a tour of the site from the field
station showing us lots of recent changes to enhance the landscape and
benefit the wildlife. Both well worth visiting again.
Paul, Richard, Sujal,
Jasmine, Anya, Kieron, Michele, Celine, Bill, Jim, Alan T, Ian, Daniel, John
A, Patrick, Rosa, Riza, Hyacinth, Jackie, John T, Jennifer T.
Sun 8.10.06 - Eastwards to
Ongar
A late change to the schedule
as we were due to get a train into Hertfordshire but there were rail
engineering works. Met at Brimsdown, past Enfield Island Village and up Mott
Street for tea at High Beech.
Along the forest roads, past
the motorways and into leafy Essex countryside. We stopped at the Green Man
pub in Toot Hill for a welcome lunch - Curried parsnip soup, rolls,
sardines, choc pud, ice cream, coffee, beer... - as it was a slightly(!)
hillier ride than usual. New member David Pg valiantly made it to here
starting from Southgate.
About half the group went back
from here, and the rest went another few miles on to the village of
Greenstead to see the church. (info
here and
here). Photos taken of this quite amazing and atmospheric historic
building, then onto Chipping Ongar for more drinks, before returning home.
Andy, Kieron, Maggie, Ian,
Michelle, Peter, Jackie, Bill, Daniel, Jim, Rosa, Richard, Paul, Trevor,
Alan, Gunsel, Sangeeta, Jane Pk, David Pg.
Sun 5.11.06 - To the woods
we go!
Started off northbound from Civic Centre, past
Forty Hall and through the Theobalds estate to Goffs Oak. From here along
the country lanes to Wormley West End and The Woodman pub.
Some waited here for opening time (wonder who
that was!). The rest were led by Andy through more rural rides to the edge
of Broxbourne Woods and the start of the
Sculpture Trail. We enjoyed a pleasant walk viewing the various local
wooden sculptures - Roman soldier, cattle herder, wild boars etc.
Back to the pub for lunch where the others
were still on soft drinks (so they said ;-) )
Return home after 2pm. Sunny calm weather.
Grabos' stats. -
22.73 mls- 7.5 mph.
Paul, Alan T, Dave Pg, Jim, Gavin, Graham,
Denise, Rosa, Peter, Michele, Trevor, Bharat, Laurence, Jane Pk, Jackie, Dr
Chris, Julian, Tracey, Andy on his 4-wheeler!
Sun 19.11.06 - Victoria
Park
A sunny winters day saw us head south
on the Lee towpath, and then head across to the Waterworks Cafe, part of the Waterworks Nature Reserve, a new venue for
us. Some of us had an early lunch/late breakfast and had a look around the
nature reserve displays inside.
Onto Victoria Park and the usual pub, only to
find it closed. Some go across the road to a Spanish restaurant and some
stay in the park cafe by the lake.
We then had an al fresco (and quite chilly)
party on the soggy grass to celebrate Andy's 50th birthday of the previous
day, with bottles of bubbly and snacks. (thanks guys, Andy)
Grabos' stats - 27.76 miles @ 7.9 mph average
- 3hrs 28m 45secs!
Paul, Andy, Ian, Alan T, Jane Pk, Jenny,
Jane B, Grahame, Jim, Dave Pg, Dave L, Gunsel, Phil, Trevor, Jackie M, Liam,
Peter, Daniel, Bill, Carole, Jackie S, Michele, Rosa.
Sun 3.12.06 - Winter
Lunchtime Ride in Enfield Greenbelt
We met at Enfield Civic Centre after some
earlier rain and rode to Forty Hall, but no cafe open, so rode to the
Whitewebbs golf course cafe but found that shut also! So off to lunch at ye
olde
Fallow Buck in Clay Hill. A great menu there as we took over the side
bar with roasts, soups, burgers etc., with Grabo having his usual fix of ice
cream (lemon!).
We left at about 3pm and headed back to
Enfield Town, seeing club member Delia on the way.
Grabos' stats - 7.87 mls @ 7.3mph in 1hr
2mins.
Paul, Peter, Dave Pg, Jane Pk, Dr Alan T,
Graham, Alan M, Andy, Dr Hyacinth, Dave L, Maggie, Rosa, Michele, Richard,
Bill, Carole, Trevor.
Sun 17.12.06 - Riverside
Ride
North alongside the Lea to the Riverside Cafe
near Waltham Abbey for warming teas etc. Some have a half day, and head home
from here (not normally allowed but as Paul was in a benevolent mood...!),
while the others go on further to the Lea Valley Park Farm.
That was
the plan but a change of mind sees the group ride west to the Windmill
pub at Cheshunt, all in glorious sunny conditions.
Dave Pg, Phil R, Alan, Paul, Peter,
Michele, Rosa, Dave L, Hyacinth, Delia, Jane P, Phil E, Gunsel, Sangeeta,
Trevor, Liam, Ian, Bill.
Tues 26.12.06 - Pymmes
Brook Trail
A few club members decided to brave the day
for a ride, and rang around to see which waifs and strays could be gathered
up.
14 riders gathered at The Triangle, Palmers
Green and set of on the trail through Broomfield Park, down the road to
Arnos Park and out the other side into the Borough of Barnet. That led us
through the wilds of Waterfall Walk and on to Oak Hill Park and East Barnet
Village, by which time Bill and Ross had joined us.
Through some back streets and Victoria Park,
New Barnet, then into into Hadley Woods and the source of Pymmes Brook. (you
can get self guided trail leaflets for
Pymmes Brook Trail from Enfield
Council).
We turned left through the woods, now on part
of the
London Loop trail, and continued up to High Barnet for lunch at
'Jennies' and the pub next door.
Back via some side roads and picked up the
Trail again at Oak Hill Park, Michele suffering a flat tyre but Dr Kieron
was on hand.
Sun 31.12.06 - New Years
Eve Ride with The Tandem Club UK.
Report from the saddle
by Julian.
Nick from the
Tandem Club had
contacted us recently, asking for assistance with their New Year rides,
based at
Cheshunt Youth Hostel. Richard and Julian replied and agreed to put
together some information on things to do and see and cycle to in the area
and also agreed to lead a couple of rides on New Year’s Eve for the Tandem
Club members.
We arrived at the YHA in
Cheshunt, ready for a 10am start. Weather was wet, and the forecast wasn’t
very promising, however, there was a huge group of cyclists (including
tandems, solos, kiddibacks and child trailers) milling around the hostel
ready for the off!
Two rides had been
organised. Richard was leading a family ride along the towpath to
Broxbourne, with a stop at Paradise Wildlife Park. Julian led a longer ride
along mostly quiet roads through the Hertfordshire countryside – report on
this ride below.
A good pace was set by the
front tandem, with members of Edmonton CC being the back stops. We headed
north towards Hoddesdon, and then branched off at the town centre, over the
A10 towards Goose Green. The rain had stopped by now and we continued our
ride, skirting Broxbourne Wood, up to Monks Green and along Mangrove Lane
past the Caravan Club site. A slight delay here as a puncture was dealt
with, and then we cycled almost to Hertford town centre, branching off on
the lane towards Brickendon.
With the high rainfall the
streams along the side of the road that had been dry during the summer were
now in full flow and we also had to sail through an unofficial ford! The
kiddieback trailers lead the way and we headed to the
Farmers Boy public
house at Brickendon. People could choose to eat and drink indoors or out or
to cross over to the village green and play on the playground and sit in the
picnic area. Getting to the toilet was a bit of a game as the doors had an
upside down 7 and an upside down 5 on them for ladies and gents – not
immediately obvious which one was for which!
After being suitably
refreshed (and warming our woolly hats on the radiators) we set off again
into Broxbourne Woods towards Wormley West End. We crossed over the high
road and handed the leaders jacket to Andy who took us over the railway
lines and led us back the hostel through Lee Valley Park.
We
had a pleasant day’s ride (approx 23 miles) and Tandem Club members were
pleased to see that so many of the Edmonton CC had come out to support the
ride. Many had not expected to be take on a led ride with organised
backstops and were impressed with the support that ECC gave them. Thanks to
Andy, Dave and Trevor for their sterling efforts at the back and regular
updates to the front of the ride. On arrival at the YHA we were invited
into one of the ‘lodges’ for a very welcome cup of tea and biscuits. After
a good chat it was time to leave and prepare for the evening’s festivities
Our thanks go to members of the Tandem Club for the huge tin of choccy
biscuits!...and their great company of course! |
