Ride Reports 2008
Reports from the
saddle by our roving reporters!
Sun 26.12.08 - Boxing Day
lunch
An 11.00am start from Enfield, along Burnt farm Ride to Goffs Oak in the
nippy air. Riding north west to Newgate Street and the Coach and Horses
for a drink - and an ice cream for Grabo - as usual! Alas the Beehive
was shut so we back tracked to The Goffs Oak for a hot lunch.
We returned to Enfield via Bury Green by about 4.00pm.
Paul, Kieron, Peter L, Peter M, Jane P, Trevor, John A,
John W, Ian, Graham, Maz, Lez, Nick, Trisha, Alan Lm, Dave Lf, Paul Y,
Shiela
Grabostats: 20.6mls, 2hrs 35mins, 29mph max!
Sun 14.12.08 - St Albans
and Welham Green
We split into 2 groups from the start - fast and slower paced groups.
Group 1 to St Albans at a faster pace, Kieron getting 3 punctures on the
way!
Group 2 at a more moderate pace stopping at Whitewebbs Cafe for some
tea, then past the plethora of Christmas trees in Crewes Hill before a
short halt in Northaw Village. Then through to Brookmans Park and Welham
Green to the Hope and Anchor for lunch.
Then back via Potters Bar to Enfield just at dusk.
G1 - Dave LF, Kieron, Peter L, Peter Ms, Alan L, Julian
G2 - Paul, Ian, Peter Mr, Liam, Trevor, Rosa, Alan T, Clive, Audrey
Stats: Approx 30mls for group 2
Sun 7.12.08 - The
Inaugural Santa Ride
A good turn out at the Civic Centre where there was one rule for today's
ride - everyone, or their bike, must be decorated in a Christmas theme.
Centre stage was perhaps Graham's trailer magnificently decorated by the
Reeve family. Also on parade was Will's musical trailer.
Three circuits around the Enfield Town one way system before a drink in
The George and a choir of singing bikers with a rendition of 'The 12
Days of Christmas' in the street outside!
We then rode for some lunch at the Forty Hall Cafe before being invited
back to Chez Richard and family for mulled wine and mince pies.
Prize costume awards to Ania and Ian.
Many thanks to Sujal and Richard, Anya and Jasmine for their hard work.
Richard, Sujal, Anya, Jasmine, Paul, Dave LF, Ian, Sue,
Michèle, Maggie, Chrystal, Maz, Les, Dave
Pg, Alan, Graham, Jane P, Peter Mr, Donna,
Cherry, Liam, Kieron, Jane G, Peter L, Lena, Nicola, Will, Trisha, Andy
Hn, Ania, Alex
Grabostats: 8.6mls, 1hr 21mins
Sun 30.11.08 - Winter
warmer Ride
Edmonton Leisure centre, past Picketts Lock and up to Waltham Abbey
where we had a snack inside the Riverside cafe.
We left just as it started to rain and headed for The Plough on
Sewardstone Road for lunch and to dry out.
Kieron and Maggie joined us by car for a long lunch before riding
southwards and home via Ponders End.
Paul, Trevor, Peter M, Peter L, Peter H, Graham, Alan,
Jane, Dave LF
Grabostats: 20.68mls, 2hrs 17mins, 16.9mph max.
Sun 16.11.08 -
Wormley in the Rain!
Heading off from Civic Centre, we had a quick tea at Whitewebbs Golf
cafe, then via Theobalds Park, Bury Green and Cheshunt to Wormley West
End and the Woodman pub for a good lunch and heading back via the Lea
Valley.
Paul, Kieron, Alan, Graham, Pat, John R, Les, Peter Ms,
Phil, Peter L, Nicola, Dave Pg
Grabostats: 22.17mls, 2hrs 25mins, 25mph max!
Sun 2.11.08 - High Beech
and Forest Paths
The ride left the Edmonton Leisure Centre and went alongside the Lea
northwards. Up the infamous Mott Street, that usually sees a couple or
so riders walking up, to High Beech Green Cafe for tea and cakes!
Some went off road through the forest while others stayed on road to the
Royal Forest Hotel for a good lunch.
Back along a similar route by late afternoon.
Kieron, Paul, Richard, Dave Lf, Alan, Graham, Peter Ms,
Sue A, Maz, Les, Nick, John A, John R, Martin.
Grabostats: 22.9mls, 2hrs 50mins, 23.6mph max speed.
Sun 19.10.08 - Alan and
Andy's Enfield Parks Cycle Tour
A
repeat of last years ride that proved popular but with a slightly
improved route taking in some of Enfield's premier parks.
First stop Forty Hall, then via Whitewebbs Woods, Hilly Fields, Rectory
Farm towards Trent Park for lunch at the cafe.
Then along Snakes Lane - where Paul had a slight argument with a barrier
- to Oakwood and Oakwood Park, through to Grovelands Park and a brief
stop for refreshments at the cafe.
Some stayed here while the others continued on to Southgate Green where
we stopped in the Minchendon Oak Gardens, where Alan and Andy gave a
brief talk on the famous Oak and a potted history of the old chapel
there that dates back to the early 1600s.
Down Waterfall Road and into Arnos Park. Then through Broomfield Park
and back to Grovelands.
The group then made their way back to Enfield and the Town Park.
Alan M, Andy Hw, Paul, Peter Mr, Peter L, Alan T, Dave M, Denise M,
Pat, Liam, Trevor, Jill, Jon, John Sl, Jessica, Jeff, Marion, Nick,
Seamus, Lyn, Graham, Paolo, Trisha, Star, John R, John
Grabostats: 18.4mls, 2hrs 18mins
Sun 12.10.08 - The Cycle
Show at Earls Court
A
small but select (!) group headed into London to the annual show at
Earls Court.
Paul, Seamus, Lyn, Andy Hn, Ania
Sun 5.10.08
Ride cancelled due to heavy rain!
Sun 28.09.08 - South
Hertfordshire
Hurrah for another warm day as we had tea at Whitewebbs Golf cafe. Then
northwards along Burnt Farm Ride bridal path, Goffs Oak to Newgate
Street.
We did a quick stop to pick eat wild blackberries on route and helped a
motorist with a spider problem!! A quick stop at The Crown then off to
lunch al fresco at the Bakers Arms in Bayford.
Then back via Hollycross Hill, Wormley to The Goff's Oak pub as
Michèle had a puncture to fix. We then
relax before heading to Enfield and home.
Paul, Peter L, Peter Mr, Peter Ms, Alan, Ian, Maggie,
Michèle, Crystal, Lyn.
Distance approx 26 miles
Sun 21.09.08 - The 2nd
London Freewheel
Another warm sunny day as we went via the towpath and Victoria park to
the central London 'bikes only' course for the
Hovis
London Freewheel event. Everyone people relaxed
and enjoyed the displays laid on by L.C.C., C.T.C., Sustrans, T.F.L. and
others. This is a once a year event which sees a big part of central
London reserved for bikes only and where you can experience London in a
totally different atmosphere.
Thanks to everyone who helped marshal our groups to Tower Hill and from
our start points at Edmonton and Enfield . The marshals and others were:
Richard, Sujal, Anya, Jasmin, Kieron, Paul, Alan, Graham, Donna, Lyn,
Tony C,
Michèle, Trisha, Bharat, Trevor, Jim,
Dave Pg, Peter H, Liam, Jon, Peter L, Wayne, Ian, Seamus plus about 40
others!
Grabostats: 42.23 mls, 5hrs 33mins
Sun 14.09.08 - South on
the Lea
A
relaxed ride to the usual tea stop at Springfield Marina then onto Victoria
Park - all along the towpath.
Lunch
at the Britannia pub was planned but no food available! So some ride into
London and some go to the Nature Reserve cafe.
Some
relaxing in the late summer sun before returning home on the towpath trail.
Kieron, Wayne, Peter J, Peter Mr, Niki T, Peter H, Dave Pg, Alan T, John Sn,
Jessica, Seamus, Paul, Jane, Lyn, Graham, Donna, Peter L, Peter Ms, Nick,
Bharat.
Grabostats: 28.08 mls, 3hrs 6mins, max 17.2mph.
Sat 30 Aug - Mon 1 Sept
08 - Saffron Walden Weekend
Ride
report for this weekend away coming shortly on our 2008 holidays page
here
Sun 24.08.08 - A bit of
Blues
A
damp start to the day as we rode north from Edmonton up the towpath to the
Riverside Cafe at Waltham Abbey. Then westwards to the Forty Hall courtyard
cafe for more tea and cakes! Graham gave top score for the Apple pie.
Then
we went south to Broomfield Park for the free bandstand concert by Roxy and
the Bluecats followed by drinks at the Alfred Herring pub.
Paul, Michele, Graham, Ian, Donna, Peter H, Dave Pg, Daniel T, Andy Hw, -
and at concert - Dave L, Barbara, Maggie, Crystal, Gunsel.
Grabo's stats - 28.8 mls, max 20.3mph.
Sun 17.08.08 - Bayford
We
rode north on Burnt Farm Ride towards Newgate Street Village in sunny warm
weather arriving at noon at the Bakers Arms in Bayford enjoying some good
food, including roasts, outside in the garden. Andy joined us as food was
coming out.
We
rode back via Wormley West End and Bury Green.
Final
tea and cake at forty Hall cafe.
Paul, Alan T, Grabo, John Sn, Jessica, Peter H, Dave Pg, Trisha, Mark N,
Andy Hw.
Grabo's stats - 36.21mls, Max 17.4mph
Sun 10.08.08 - To the
Dickens Inn by the Thames
Riding from Edmonton by the River Lea we stopped for our usual morning tea
at
Springfield Cafe. Then via the marshes path to Victoria Park. We got
lucky with some free fruit and vitamin waters called Glaceau handed to us by
a vendor in a 3 wheel motorised van!
Riding via the canal past Mile End Park,
Limehouse Basin and to
St Katharine's Dock - this part of the route the ride was lead by
ex-local girl Trisha - where we had lunch at the
Dickens Inn.
Return trip was via same route, some stopping at the Anchor and Hope pub and
the others catching a quick shower on the way home!
Paul, Alan M, Peter M, Denise, Graham, Trisha, Jim, Andy Hw, Nick, Martin,
Peter H, Dave Pg, William, Maggie, Crystal, Dave M, Bharat, Peter Nb. Dave
Lf and Kieron were at the start and went off on their own.
Grabo's
stats - 36.21 mls, max 17.5mph.
Sun 27.07.08 - London to
Cambridge
A
very warm start to the day at Picketts Lock Centre starting at soon after
9.00am for this
Bike
Events organised ride to Cambridge for charity - about 55 miles. We were
just a small group amongst hundreds of riders.
First
stop was Widford for refreshments - it was getting warm!
A
second stop at The Bull pub, Langley and the riders were starting to thin
out as the fast ones were way ahead.
Crossing over the M11 some stopped at Whittlesford in the Bees in the Wall
pub, with free H2O drinks!
Some
of our club arrived at the end of the route mid afternoon, some later. Andy
Hw had set out on his own and arrived at just gone 2.00pm.
We
had all found each other again as we relaxed in the large green at the end
of the route, with the tannoy announcer welcoming people as they arrived
over the finish line. A beer or two was enjoyed from the beer tent as a jazz
band played music and stunt riders demonstrated their skills over jumps.
It
was the hottest day of the year reaching almost 90F!
For
the return journey we got the train back home and a power failure at
Cambridge station meant that most of us managed to get back home without
paying! (we did look around for someone to pay but couldn't get anyone to
give us a ticket, honest...)
Dave
Pg managed to ride home as well - getting back at around midnight. Well done
Dave.
Paul, Trevor, Peter H, Dave Pg, Peter M, Maggie, Liam, Peter L,
Kieron, Chris H, Donna, Pat, Andy Hw, Jon, Nick, Dave M, Denise M rode part
of the way and Jenny, Jane, Dave L, Sylvia were seen on route.
Trevor's
stats - 64 miles. Paul's ride time - 4hrs 25 mins.
Sun 20.07.08 - Shenley
village, Hertfordshire
West
from Enfield into a strong headwind, we would have stopped at Forty Hall
cafe, but a delay in tea brewing meant we rode on!
Past
Monken Hadley going westwards, over the A1 via country lanes to the White
Horse pub for lunch. 4 others joined us here.
A
tasty menu was eaten Al Fresco as clouds threatened. An eye opening photo
was seen on the loo wall .. (this is all the info I was given about this, so
can't write more!!)
Back
via Trent Park for afternoon tea and apple pie.
Two
groups split for Enfield and Edmonton for the return home.
Paul, Dave Pg, Jane Pk, Maggie, Chrystal, Graham, Lyn, Ian, Nick, Jon, Peter
H, Peter L, Seamus, Alan, Bharat, Kieron, Donna, Dave L, Julian.
Grabos stats - 24.77 mls, 2hrs 41 mins. Max 24.8 mph
Sun 06.07.08 - Wadesmill
Our
group started off from Civic Centre and took a road route to The Greyhound
pub and picked up the Lea towpath for the journey north, picking up Andy Hw
at Kings Weir on route.
A
pleasant journey to Stanstead Abbotts and then through the town to a path
cutting across country more or less north towards the Ash Valley. Although
the path was quite stony and loose in places, it cuts through some wonderful
scenery.
On
down to the River Ash and an old railway line that used to run to
Buntingford and is now a pathway.
Turning off we rode through Helham Green, Babbs End, Nobland Green, Rush
Green and splashed through the ford at Barwick Ford, which always causes
amusement!
Just
past here the rain came down heavily and steadily so we sheltered under
trees and donned waterproofs.
Down
the road for the finale couple of miles to the
Feathers Inn in
Wadesmill
- site of the
first ever turnpike in Britain (more info
here and
here)!
Welcome to Trisha on her first ECC ride!
Paul, Andy Hw, Kieron, Alan M, Mark S, Peter L, Dave M, Denise M, Rosa,
Maggie, Trevor, Dave P, Trisha, Liam, Donna, Crystal.
40
miles.
Sun 22.06.08 - Bike Week
events - The 2nd Festival of Cycling
We
have what you want - information that is.
This
time the festival moved from Enfield Town to the new larger site at the Lee
Valley Athletics Centre, as part of the Lea Valley Sports Festival.
We
struggled to put up our gazebos initially as the wind was quite strong but
warm.
Our
cycle stalls enjoyed a busy day - we had our club information stall
including Enfield LCC info, free Dr Bike safety checks and a children's
cycle poster design competition.
Dr Bike at work
I see Dave has traded in his Cannondale for a newer model!
Thurs 19.06.08 - Bike
Week events - The Great Ice Cram Ride
A
bright evening again as we rode via Palmers Green, Alexandra Palace and
grounds towards Finsbury Park via 'Parkland Walk'. Then by a new backstreet
route to Marine Ices, the Italian ice cream restaurant, getting there by
10.00 pm.
We
enjoyed snacks of all sorts as well as the famous home made ice cream menu.
Back
by 1.00 am!
Kieron, Paul, Graham, Alan, Maria, Dave Pg, Jacque,
Michèle, Trevor, Peter M, Peter H, Chris
H, Alon, Nick, Bharat, Richard, Angela.
22.02
miles, 8.3mph av, 2hrs 37mins
Tues 17.06.08 - Bike Week
events -'Ride and
Quiz' evening
From
the Civic Centre the ride went north past Forty Hall to Burnt Farm Ride,
Goffs Oak, west to Cuffley, up Cattlegate Rd and back to Enfield via Hilly
Fields to the Crown and Horseshoes. We enjoyed a drink or two with the quiz
being on pub names. (the winner will surely be a pub-goer of some caliber !)
Small bike stuff prizes were handed out and a birthday cake for Maria.
Results = 1st - 26
points.. Richard, Jane Pk. 2nd - 20
points.. Maggie, Trevor, Will. 3rd -
19 points.. Nick, Jon, Angela.
4th - 18 points.. Tracey, Julian.
5th - 17 points..
Chris H, Maria, Kieron.
6th - 5 points.. Peter H,
Dave Pg. (Alan T at home got 13 points)
Paul, Graham,
Kieron, Peter M, Peter H, Lee Ann, Dave Pg, Robin, Maria, Tracey, Julian,
Phil, Rosa.
Grabos stats - 13 miles, 9.2 mph av, 1hr 26
mins
Sun 15.06.08 - Bike
Week events - The Big Bike charity ride
Due
to circumstances beyond our control, the 16 seat bike we were going to use
went for an unofficial ride - it was stolen! It was found some days later
but too late for us.
We
hope to re-schedule this event to some time in the future and are waiting to
hear from the bikes owners.
Some
of the riders that turned up anyway went on to the 'Greenacre Fair' at North
Finchley. They met up at Bowes Park station and rode with Will and his
musical trailer to the event and went around the 3 mile road course a few
times, near Friary Park.
Thanks to Will for hosting afternoon tea and cake.
Will, Richard, Sujal, Anya, Jasmin, Kieron, Pat, Alan, Graham, Trevor,
Angela, Paul, Dave Pg.
Sun 08.06.08 -
North of Enfield
An
earlier start - 9.30am - heading north up Burnt Farm Ride to Goffs Oak,
sweeping down eastwards to Cheshunt and the Lea Valley.
Then
to Riverside Cafe for lunch in the sun.
We
then rode to Southbury Leisure Centre for the cycle goods sale by Cycle
Promotions.
Paul, Trevor, Jon, Pat, Graham, Alan, Dave Lf, Seamus,
Michèle, Celine, Angela, Nick, Kieron,
Phil T, Dave Pg, Peter H.
Others who turned up just to the sale - Nikki, Dave Pr, Bernie, Andy Hn,
Helen L.
Grabos stats - 19.5 mls, 8.5mph av, 2 hrs 7 mins 25 secs cycling time
Sun 25.05.08
Yet
another ride that was cancelled due to the abominable weather!
Sat 10 - Mon 12.05.08 -
Norfolk Weekend
Read
about the first of this years weekends away on our 2008 holidays page
here
Sun 04.05.08 - Dobbs
Weir
We left Enfield to ride north east to the Lea by the
Greyhound pub, then north for tea at the Riverside Cafe, Waltham Cross.
Riding the scenic route via Fishers Green then to Dobbs Weir
for a lazy lunch at a picnic site.
Some ride further on while others take the road home.
Kieron, Ian, Dave Pg, Dave LF, Trevor,
Michèle, Peter M, Rosa, Connie,
Stephanie, Jerral, Graham, Alan, Angela, Nikki, Perky, Pat, Paul, Liam,
Diane, Leeroy.
Grabos stats - 25.32 mls, 7.9 mph ave, 17.3 mph max, 3 hrs 7
mins riding time.
Sun 27.04.08 - Wormley
West End and Sculpture Trail
April sun and showers saw us head north past
Theobalds and West Cheshunt, along Bread and Cheese Lane to the Woodman in
Wormley West End for a long lunch. Some then rode a couple of miles further
to
Broxbourne Woods Sculpture Trail, a trail through a corner of the woods
where you will come across large wooden sculptures.
Then
back to the pub for the others for the ride back via Turnford Pits and the
towpath to Enfield and beyond. Elaine had a tumble but was ok thanks to
Wayne, Ian and Peter.
Some
visited the Picture Palace (pub!) for late drinks.
Mark and Daniel (from Barnet CC), Paul, Dave Pg, Connie, Angela, Phil T,
Graham, Nick, Alan, Pat, Jim, Bharat, Rosa,
Michèle, Trevor, Maggie, Rupert, Kieron,
Nikki, Perky, Helen, Linda, Julian, Tracey, Dave LF, Chris H, Andy Hw.
Grabos Stats - 23.28 mls, 8.7 mph ave, 2 hrs 40 mins riding time.
Sun 13.04.08 - Hackney
A showery day sees us take a longer stop at
the Springfield Cafe than usual for food.
Some return home from here and the rest go onwards to the
Greenway. Wayne helps with Helens puncture as we divert to East Ham and
the Millers Tail pub, then the Anchor and Hope pub on the Lea on the
homeward trip.
Paul, Wayne, Dave Pg, Peter M, Liam, Jon, John S, Helen,
Linda, Pat, Graham, Angela, Ann, Brian, Kieron, Maggie, Trevor, Bharat,
Connie, Jerral, Elaine T
Stats - 34.3 mls, 8.4 mph ave, 19.1 mph max, 4 hrs 3
min riding time.
Sun 30.03.08 - The 3
Red Lions Ride
We got the train from Enfield to Watton-at-Stone in sunny
weather. Nick had to have a minor knee repair en route!
We rode west to Codicote where we met Andy (....the only
person who forgot to put his clock onto BST and was late!) and enjoyed some
tea and home made cake.
Lunch at the 1st Red Lion at Breachwood Green where Andy
fixes a puncture.
North west and onwards to we rode to Great Ottley for the
second Red Lion, passing planes landing a few fields away at Luton airport.
Then east to Preston for the third of our pubs, only to find
it closed! Ah well, that means we'll have to do the whole ride again another
time...
So off we rode to a great tea stop at Whitwell, next to the
water cress beds - 'Emilys Teashop' - where you could buy home made cake,
tea, ice cream, jewellery and .....spare bicycle inner tubes!
After refreshments we headed back to Watton-at-Stone for the
train to Enfield.
Richard, Nick, Peter M, Paul, Graham, Alan T, Rosa,
Trevor, Andy Hw, Angela,
Michèle, Dave LF
Stats - 35.5 miles, 9.5 mph ave, 25 mph max, 3hrs 49 mins
riding time.
Sun 16.03.08 -
The weather was so
abominable we called off the ride. Paul rang around most of the regulars and
luckily only 3 turned up. So, due to rain, wind and the cold we 3 went back
to bed.....separately of course! After all, us cyclists are all decent
folk...
Sun 9.03.08 - Epping
Forest and Ivy Chimneys
A mixed start to the day weather-wise as a
handful of cyclists started out from Edmonton - a bit breezy, a bit of blue
and a bit of grey, as Maggie, Bernie, Dave P, Dave L, Kieron and Andy Ho
head off by themselves for a faster road ride the rest headed towards
Epping Forest.
First
stop is at the Butler's Retreat next to
Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge for a cuppa. Then into the
forest and, as we always endeavor to keep up ECC traditions, we stop
at another watering hole in the forest.
Onto
our lunchtime stop at the Forest Gate Inn in Ivy Chimneys on the outskirts
of Epping.
Just
about to start off on the homeward bound journey and Angela - our new member - had a puncture! A good
start then for her first outing. Several riders pitched in with help
and tools and we soon got her going again ready for the journey home.
Lots of extra 'Dr Bike' points today...
Dr
Paul, Dave LF, Dave P, Bernie, Andy Ho, Dr Andy Hw, Dr Kieron, Maggie,
Graham, Angela, Dr Dave Pg, Trevor, Pat, Rosa
Grabos' stats - 28 mls, max 24.3 mph
