Ride Reports 2009
Reports from the saddle by our roving reporters!

Sunday 11 January – Hog Hill, Redbridge Cycling Centre We rode in sunny windy weather from Edmonton eastwards via Chingford, Loughton to Hog Hill. We arrived at 11.45 and had some lunch, nice café – viewing area inside, before some of us rode the tarmac or off road courses. The fee was £3.50, a discount given if 10 or more ride. The site is still being landscaped with trees and shrubs so will look better in time. After 2.30 some stay, some set off home via Woodford, Chingford Mt. Route there about 1.5hs, 50ms back. The site and building give an encouraging outlook for cycling sport use. www.redbridgecyclin gcentre.co. uk  

Dave L, Kieron, Paul, Dave PR, Peter L, Hyacinth, Maria, Rosa, Bharat, Paolo, Andy C, Les, Donna, Phil.

Sunday 1 February – Annual club lunch
We rode from two start points to Cheshunt YHA, others arrived by train, bus, car, foot. We enjoyed a good lunch and company. Many thanks to Dave for organising, and to C. YHA for hosting. Prizes for 2008 merit points were handed out before leaving about 3 pm. G1 Paul, Angela, Nicola, Lena, Peter L, Grabo, Maria, Kieron, Jane, Jill, Trevor, Chris, Jim. G2 Richard, Dave L, Ian, Mark, Peter MS, Tony, Pat, Nikki, Jane PK, Michael. Others, Andy C, Andy HW, Daniel M, Michele, Cherry, John H, Les, Maz, Rose, Peter H, Dave P, Alan, Trisha, Peter MR, Lyn, Liam.

Sunday 22 February – East to Ivy Chimneys Forest Gate Inn
We warmed up by riding the towpath to Enfield I.V. Then the ascent of Mott St. to High Beech tea stop. Like ‘Alpe d’Ovez’ said Graham. Then eastwards along sandy paths before the Copped Hall route to I.C. for lunch. Grabo liked the pub cat. We returned on the same route. Paul, Graham, Sue, Maggie, Nina, Dave PG, Jon, Nick, Julian, Tracey, Peter HY, Phil, Andy C, Peter MS, Chris HY, Richard, Trevor, Peter MR, Bharat, Trisha, Paolo, Chris W, Michele, Daniel, Donna, Clive, Audrey, Ania, Dave L, Chrystal.

Grabostats 30.56 miles, 8.6 mph, 20.5 mph max, 3 hours 31 mins

Sunday 1 March – Barnet, Mill Hill, museum and lunch
We rode west from Enfield to Finchley, joining Barnet cyclists at Mike Gee’s house for a tea stop. We all headed to Sanders Lane Mill Hill at the Angel & Crown for a press photo call, to show support for anti road local plans. After an off road ride westward to the Greyhound and museum for lunch at Hendon, Sunnyhill Park. Edmonton cyclists back via N. Finchley to home.

Richard, Paul, Graham, Maggie, Gerard, Jane G, Kieron, Ann, Brian, Trisha, Alan L, Peter MS, Nick, Rosa, Seamus, Bharat, Peter MR, Alan T, Phil, Richard F, Maz, Les, Chrystal.

Grabostats 26.25 miles, 7.8 mph ave, 25.6 mph max, 3 hours 21 mins.

Sunday 22 March – Herts Countryside
We went by train from Enfield Chase to Hertford North. Led by Nick we rode NE past Waterford, Stapleford, Dane End and Nasty (rather nice village) to Aspenden ‘The Fox’ for an outdoor lunch. Birthday cheers for Maz the next day. Riding an anti-clockwise route past Cottered, Cromer windmill south westwards. As we waited for Liam’s puncture work, we hailed a passing ice cream van for many sales. We got back to H.N. about 4.50 for 5.12 train back home. Thanks to Nick for leading and route. Nick, Richard, Martin, Paul, Nikki, Richard F, Maggie, Chrystal, Dave PG, Ian, Sue, Liam, Donna, Peter Hy, Julian, Chris Hy, Trisha, Jill, Trevor, Les, Maz, Peter MS.

Trevorstat: 32 miles.

Sunday 29 March – Isle of Dogs via Lee river
A colder bright day as we stopped for tea at the pitch & putt golf centre by the nature reserve. Then west via Vicky Park, Mile End Park to encounter riverside building works, which meant a diversion to Westferry Road before lunch at Island Gardens or the Watermans Inn. Trevor then led us back, passing Mudchute Park to V. Park, as we had a quick tea stop. Back home about 6 pm. Paul, Dave Pg, Graham, Sue, Maz, Les, Peter Hy, Jane P, Trisha, Seamus, Trevor, Peter MR, Liam, Alan T, Ron.

Grabostats 36.54 miles, 8.4 mph ave in 4 hours 19 mins 4 secs!

Sunday 12 April – Julian’s South Herts tour
We rode north from Enfield via Burnt Farm Ride, Goff’s Oak, Bread and Cheese Lane, Wormley, Brickenden to a midday stop at the Bakers Arms for tea/coffee and cat spotting. We headed into Hertford to the Old Barge by the Lea for lunch and Graham’s mint ice cream. Post lunch, Ania’s chain broke and our leader lost drive on his rear mech, so some needed to push him to Broxbourne Station. The rest of us joined the towpath, to return homewards, led by Nick. Julian, Nick, Paul, Les, Maz, Peter L, Peter MR, Peter MS, Hyacinth, Graham, Dave P, Andy C, Gerard, Andy HN, Ania, Trisha, Seamus, Paolo.

Grabostats 36 miles, 9.2 mph ave, 25.2 mph max, 2 hours 59 minutes.

Sun 19April - South on the Lea

18 of us rode south on the Lea - not stopping at the usual Riverside Cafe for tea, much to the annoyance of some! - and headed straight for Victoria Park.

Less than 1 minute after leaving Edmonton Leisure Centre, Gunsel got struck by the lowering barrier while going through the Asda car park. She was a bit stunned but luckily only damaged pride and a scratch on her crash helmet!

Then, when we had just entered the Lea valley park near Stonebridge Lock, Peter L got a rear puncture. Soon fixed, we were on our way.

 A quick comfort stop at Victoria Park, and we were on our way to Hackney City Farm.

The farm was holding a bike day, with a small bike jumble, cycle powered music, a bike 'beauty' contest and some grass track racing just down the road. While some enjoyed the music and their food in the garden, others partook of the offerings in the cafe.

From here, most returned home the same way, while Kieron and the others went on to the grass track racing then further afield.

Kieron, Jane, Michèle, Daniel, Gunsel, Peter L, Maria, Andy H, Paul LF, Andy C, Peter, Trisha 

Andy's stats: 25.2 miles, ride time 2.5 hours, max speed 19mph.

Sunday 26 April – Hendon Aircraft Museum
We set off from Palmers Green in sunny weather, using Arnos Park, then west via F. Barnet, N. Finchley, Mill Hill Holders Hill, Bunns Lane, Grahame Pk way to the museum. This only took 1 hour! Some then had an early lunch at the café before viewing the planes, mostly RAF but quite a few other nations’ planes. The Battle of Britain hall was also worth seeing. Graham enjoyed the Sunderland Flying Boat. We returned to P.G. about 4.30 for ice creams in the park. Paul, Graham, Peter L, Peter MS, Alan, Dave P, Trisha, Hyacinth, Les, Nick, Peter MR, Chris H, Pat, Dave L.

Grabostats 17.6 miles, 23 mph max, 10.4 mph ave.

Sunday 10 May – Richard’s Essex windmills ride
From Enfield and Brimsdown (train assist), we met at Harlow T. before riding NE, past Matching Tye on winding roads in the sunshine. Maggie had a puncture just before White Roding windmill and the pub stop for lunch. Then after a field diversion and Nick’s puncture we viewed windmill 2 at Aythorpe Roding and had brief pub stop. Back to Harlow for train 5 pm. Some stayed for dinner at the Chequers, some rode back home.

G1, Richard, Kieron, Jane Gm, Andy C, Paolo, Denise, Trisha, Andy HW. G2, Paul, Graham, Nikki, Dave P, Gunsel, Clive, Audrey, Alan, Lyn. G3, Trevor, Maggie, Nick, Cathy, Jayne D, Jane P, Lian, Daniel, Michele, Peter MR, Peter MS, Les, Maz, William, Chrystal.

Sunday 17 May – Welwyn Garden City

A windy day and heavy showers, as we rode from Enfield towards Potters Bar, on to Hatfield ASDA café for tea & coffee etc. Using good cycle paths we rode to WGC to the Cork Pub for nice lunch. Riding back about 3.30 into brisk wind to Enfield.

Dave PG, Peter L, Peter MR, Emily, Peter H, Chris H, Paul, Trisha, Maz, Les, Maggie, Sophia, Julian, Tracey, Nikki, Dave LM, Chrystal, Perky. Mazstat: 32 miles.

Sunday 24 May – Daniel’s North London parks tour

From Southgate Circus, past Broomfield, SE through Tottenham Cemetery, Lordship Park, Downhills, on to Finsbury Park. Then riding up slope on the Parkland Walk to Highgate and on to Kenwood House, Hampstead for lunch and walkabout. Most sat in the grounds at lunchtime. Later we visited Waterlow Park and art show, before heading to the Spaniards pub till 6.30, all in warm sunshine!

Daniel, Michèle, Paul, Maggie, Peter L, Chrystal, Nicola, Patrick MR, Hyacinth, Trisha, Dave PG, Peter MS, Maz, Les, Alan, Graham, Jill, Trevor, Ian.

Grabostats 29.7 miles, 3 hours 22 mins, 7.9 mph ave, 24.5 mph max.

Subday 14 June – Bike Week – Enfield’s Big Bike Ride for Nightingale Comm Hospice Trust

A magnificent turnout at Enfield Civic for the charity local ride. Over 140 riders, marshals and support van took part via Enfield Town, The Beehive, Church St, Edmonton Hertford Rd, David Lloyd Centre, Baker St to Enfield Town Park. There was a steel band, bouncy castle, and warm sun as we enjoyed a picnic. Many thanks to Enfield Road Safety, Mayor Saava, NCHT, The Beehive, D. Lloyd Ctr and Edmonton and Southgate Cycling Clubs and all marshals-organizers .

Tuesday 16 June – North of Enfield soiree

From Enfield Civic on a warm evening via Theobalds Park, Bury Green, Barrow Lane to the Goff’s Oak pub. After Maggie’s puncture we head back via BFR, Hilly Fields to ye Crown and Horseshoes for Julian and Tracey’s quiz, won by the ‘What’s in a name?’ team.

Paul, Julian, Tracey, Peter L, Andy C, Trisha, Nikki, Jane P, Peter MR, Pat, Fred, Maggie, Graham, Les, Maz, Ian, Andy HN, Paolo, Kieron, Nick, Michèle, Chrystal, Perky.

Grabostats 11.9 miles, 1 hr 16m, 9.3 mph, 26.4 mph.

Thursday 18 June – The Original Marine Ices Ride. Accept no other!

The two pelotons met up at Palmers Green, then rode to Ally Pally for a quickie. Then via the Parkland Walk to Finsbury Park and on to Camden’s Ice Cream Palace. We arrived about 9.30 pm to tuck into a meal followed by yummy ice cream delights, including Graham’s one off multi-colour- flavoured plate full! Back home about 1 am for our record turnout.

 Paul, Dave LF, Graham, Dave PG, Paolo, Richard, Kieron, Jane G, Trevor, Trisha, Maggie, Chrystal, Maz, Les, Alan, Michèle, Peter H, Jane PK, Ian, Peter MR, John R, Jayne D, Chris H, Andy C.

Grabostats 17.31 miles, 9.7 mph ave, 1 hr 47 mins.

Sunday 21 June – The 3rd Enfield Festival of Cycling, Picketts Lock Centre

A great warm sunny day as we faced the public at the Sporting Futures Day. Our hard working doc bikes Kieron and Andy worked tirelessly to safety check loads of bikes, helped by other members. Peter’s musical trailer provided some classic pop tunes. Les, Maz, Trisha, Sue, Donna, Jane P, Paul, Alan and others helped on our info desk with the prize draw on offer. Enfield Road Safety – Cycle School, Company of Cyclists, Sustrans, electric bikes, NCHT also came to the show. Many thanks to Richard, our LCC coordinator, for his dedicated hard work organising this week’s events.

Saturday 27 June – Harlow, Essex.    By Michèle

Pendant une journée très ensoleillée, Kieron a conduit 6 d’entre nous (Peter L, Alan LM, Andy C, Trisha, Daniel et Michèle) au Musée d’Harlow pour voir une exposition de vieux vélos (entre autre). Mangés au ‘Beefeater’ où Michèle a regretté être assise à coté de Peter Car, avec sa chemise jaune fluorescente, il attirait énormément de moucherons!

Dessert à Sainsbury avec glaces et gâteaux. Le soir, nous nous sommes abrités pour un moment, du tonnerre et d'une pluie soudaine dans un MacDonald.

Plus ou moins 50ms.   (?)

Sunday 28 June – Post Bike Festival Family Ride

A slow leisurely pedal from ELC up the towpath to breakfast at Waltham Abbey café, before following the Lea to Fishers Green. Lunch, ices and animals at Hayes Hill Farm, Graham saw some snakes! Then back via the Greyhound to Hilly Fields and some cool jazz.

Barbara, Maggie, Rosa, Daniel, Sujal joined us till 5.30 pm. Paul, John R, Seamus, Peter L, Graham, Brian C, Liam, Nicola, Andy HW, Michèle, Richard, Anya, Jasmin, Sue, Peter MS, Chris H, Dave LF, Trisha, Sarah, Ian, Maz, Les, Ayesha, Nick, Annette + 3c.

Grabostats 21.6 miles, 2 hours 20 mins, 9.2 mph ave, 21.9 mph max.

Sunday 12 July – Lea Valley and Wormley

A joint ride with Enfield Parks Outreach Team. An easy paced family ride, first stop to Waltham Abbey riverside café. Then along the path to Wormley Wharf Road, onwards west to Wormley West End, The Woodman, Liam has a puncture, Trisha’s gears play up. The children enjoyed the activity area. Back via Enfield about 5.30.

Paul, Alan M, Peter L, Nicola, Matthew, Peter MR, Trevor, Graham, Bharat, Sharon, Luke, Chris H, Alan T, Liam, Angela, Les, Maz, Gary, Trisha, Wayne, Annette + 3c.

Sunday 26 July – Breakthrough Breast Cancer, Picketts Lock-Cambridge

A warm day with sunny spells. We set off at 8.58, stopping at Widford 10.34 for tea and food refreshments. Onwards to Langley at 12.51 for more T & F and rest. The weather was more cloudy but still warm as we stopped again at Duxford School and the Bees in the Wall Whittlesford at 2.37. After an hour we did the last leg to Cambridge by 4.19 pm. After more refreshment, we rode to the station for the 5.51 train back. Some then visited ye Picture Palace.

Paul, Peter L, Gunsel, Gary, Maggie, Chris H, Chrystal, Les, Maz, Jill, Trevor, Peter H, Michèle.

Sunday 2 August – The Mosquito Plane Museum and ShenleyFrom Enfield via a tea stop at Trent Park. Then west to Monken Hadley, stopping after the A1(M) footbridge for blackberry tasting. Some of us went round the museum, others rode to our lunch stop at the White Horse. We rode back via Barnet, and others rode to the Picture Palace pub.

Paul, Angela, Dave P, Graham, Seamus, Gary, Peter M, Denise, Pat, Paolo, Les, Maz, Bharat, Michèle, Daniel, Laurent, Annette, Maria M.

Grabostats 30.7 miles at 8.9 mph, 3 hours 28 mins, 28.7 mph max.

Sunday 9 August – Woolwich Arsenal, Museum of Firepower and pub

South from ELC by the Lee with a short tea stop, we rode SE via the Greenway to North Woolwich. A short river ferry trip to the Woolwich Arsenal Southbank. Some stayed to enjoy the military band music while the rest went to lunch at the Great Harry. Afterwards we rode west on the Thames path to Greenwich. Afternoon tea at Island Gardens, then north via Limehouse Cut homewards.

Leader Peter L, Nicola L, Wayne, Graham, Alan, Dave P, Angela, Paul, Trisha, Paolo, John W, Nick, Peter MR, Michele, Maz, Les.

Grabostats 43.5 miles in 4 hours 36 minutes.

Sunday 16 August – Trevor’s Newham tour

From ELC we had a tea stop at Lea Valley Golf Centre. Then rode on via Old Ford Lock and various towpaths. A brief look at the Ecology Park Oasis, then the Trinity Wharf area with the lighthouses and Friday’s hut. Riding east past Excel we used a lift system over the Royal Docks to the Thames Barrier Park and lunch break. The return trip via Beckton Alps, Greenway, Olympic area to the Lee northwards to Edmonton. Thanks Trevor.

Leader Trevor, Dave P, Paul, Graham, Sue, John R, Gary, Trisha, Chris A, Les, Maz, Donna, Michele, Jill, Heather.

Grabostats 39.71 miles at 8.6 mph ave with 26.7 mph max, 4 hours 38 mins.

Sunday 23 August – St Albans city lunch

We rode NW from Enfield in fine weather past Trent Park, Bentley Heath to Colney Heath and a tea stop, thanks to Ye Crooked Billet pub. Then by some country lanes to St Albans Sopwell Lane to Ye Cock Inn for lunch. Some of us went walkabout in the park. Our return ride after 3pm used the same roads except a changed route via Welham Green, Sibthorpe Arms, then via Potters Bar Cooper’s Lane to Crews Hill Enfield. Thanks Trisha.

Leader Trisha, Donna, Peter MS, Graham, Maggie, Dave PG, John W, Wayne, Paul, Chris H, Nick, Michele, Seamus, Maz, Les, Paolo, Peter MR, Mark F, Chrystal.

Grabostats 37.3 miles at 9.8 mph ave, 27 mph max, 3 hours 48 minutes.

Sunday 30 August – Bayford and Sculpture Trail

The weather was cloudy as we rode north from Enfield, stopping at Whitewebbs golf café for tea. Then northwards, offroad on Burnt Farm Ride, Goff’s Oak, Newgate St to Bayford, Baker’s Arms for lunch. Joined by Dave LF and Nick. Paul of N10 had a tyre valve leak, later changed thanks to Nick. A short visit to Broxbourne Sculpture Trail before riding to Wormley by the Lee back to Enfield. Can you recall the artworks?

Leader Paul, Graham, Marian C, Trevor, Jill, Liam, Peter MR, John R, Trisha, Paul N10, Seamus, Les, Maz, Alan, Michele, Daniel, Peter MS, Pauline N14, Nick.

Grabostats 27.27 miles, 9.4 mph ave, 2 hours 53m.

Sunday 6 September – High Beech, café and church tea

A short ride east to S. Chingford café for breakfast. Then along quiet rides to join some forest paths up to the Royal Forest Hotel for luncheon. A few riders sampled the craft fair nearby. After more offroad lanes up to High Beech we retired to the Holy Innocents church for fabulous cakes and tea outside in sunshine. Home via Mott St decent 10% and 12% or 1 in 8 in old terms, and Enfield LK.

Leader Maz, Les, Graham, Bharat, Trisha, Paul, Dave P, John R, Paul S, Liam, Ed.

Grabostats 24.02 miles, 8.8 mph, 2 hours 24 minutes, 23 mph max.

Sunday 13 September – Lee valley and Rye House

We started from the L.V. park near Cheshunt Station, east to H.H. Farm, then some good off road paths up Clayton Hill with nice view. Northwards past Nazeing and greenhouses, historical info from Chris, to Dobbs Weir fish & eels or café for lunch. After a vote, we rode northwest to view Rye House gatehouse, free open day, many historical connections were found. We rode back to Cheshunt before splitting up. Thanks to leader Chris A.,

Leader Chris A, LV rangers, others Paul, Graham, Dave P, Trisha, Trevor, Jill, Paul S, Peter L, Maz, Les, Alan, Connie, Jerrall, Stephanie, Chris H, Michele, Daniel, Andy HW.

Grabostats 31.58 miles, 8.2 mph ave, 3 hours 42 minutes, 19 mph max.

Sunday 27 September – Wadesmill with off road ride

An early start north to Riverside Café, then directly up to Stanstead Abbots by the Lee. Trevor had a puncture problem. Then off road past Easneye House to the Ford at Waterplace Farm, where Paul does two falls into the river Ash, first aid by Trisha. Then north to Rush Green, Dave L joins us, and leads some to Wadesmill. The rest of us rode on to Barwick Ford by the alpaca reserve, before rejoining the rest at the Feathers pub. A nice sunny lunchtime, as we eat outside. We rode back via Ware and towpath homeward bound.

Leader Paul, Graham, Peter L, Dave P, Alan, Tony, Laurent, Kieron, Jane G, Michele, Mark F, Trevor W, Paolo, John WM, Trisha, Dave LF.

Grabostats 47 miles, 9.3 mph ave, 5 hours 1 min, 27 mph max.

Sunday 18 October – Another Red Lion at Preston

From Enfield Chase station to Hertford N, before we rode NW along the autumnal leafy lanes. A short tea stop at Venstones garden centre, the Node. We got to Preston at 1pm for lunch inside at Britain’s first community-owned pub. Leaving about 2.40 we rode back past Whitwell, Codicote, Woolmer Green, Bramfield to HN, for the 4.40 train.

Leader Richard, Pat, Paul, Jane P, Graham, Peter L, Trisha, Nick, Jane GM, Kieron, Paolo, Laurent, Peter MS, John R, Phil, Julian, Paul S, Michele, Daniel, Les, Alan, Dave M, Denise, Dave LF, William.

Grabostats 32.22 miles, 3 hours 8 mins at 10.4 mph ave. 26 mph max.

Sunday 25 October – Albury and countryside

By train from Brimsdown to Bishop’s Stortford, before riding a short way to lunch at the rebuilt Catherine Wheel pub. After lunch, a longer circular route, calling at the Brewery Tap pub, before riding back to BS for a train home.

Leader Richard, Maz, Les, Dave LF, Donna, Dave M, Denise, Nick, Paul S, Phil, Trisha, Peter M, Maggie, Trevor, Jill, Paolo, Jane P, Gary, Chrystal.

Saturday 31 October – Ghostriders in darkest Herts

A nocturnal ride from Hertford N Station, along dark and dingy lanes. Richard told us of spooky tales and goings on. Evening supper was had at the Horne Pub Datchworth. Donna had double puncture trouble, before the return trip back to Enfield.

Leader Richard, Trisha, Les, Maz, Dave LF, Peter L, Michele, Peter MS, Nick, Paul S, Jayne, Donna, John R, Ian, Ennis.

Sunday 1 November – whoosh! Rain prevented play.