Ride Reports 2015
By Paul and others. Photos on this page are copyright © by ECC club members unless otherwise specified. If you have any interesting photos from a ride which we could use, then please email them to webmaster@edmontoncycleclub.org.
February March April May June July August September October November December Merit points
Sunday 25th January: Broxbourne by Road and Towpath
A fair winter's day ride from Edmonton, we left up the Hertford Road past Waltham Cross to Cheshunt, Turnford and Wormley. A right turn onto Mill Lane brought us to the Mill café where we enjoyed some lunch before moving on to warm ourselves at the log fire at the Crown pub. Our return was via the towpath and drier paths at Cheshunt, past the White Water Centre and Enfield Lock before riding westwards towards Enfield Town. Leader Paul, Jeff, Evelyn, Peter Mo, John, Les, Maz. Mark rode independently (something to do with a bus substitution on the local rail service) and met us at the pub.
Sunday 8th February: Turn Up and Go
A new starting point, as we met at Caffe Nero in Enfield Town and chatted over a coffee while deciding where to go. We settled on Broxbourne Golf Café (what a surprise!) and rode via Hilly Fields, Whitewebbs golf course, Theobalds and Bury Green, reaching the café around midday. The ride leader job was shared with a couple of members doing a stint up front for the first time. It was sunny but cold, so we lunched inside. After lunch and a puncture repair we rode home via the A10 cycle path and Forty Hall, reaching Enfield around 2:30. Leaders Jeff, Bridget, Maz, Les: Riders Peter, Paul, Terry, John R .
Thursday 19th February: BMW Number 150
A landmark celebrated with nibbles and a cake, and no bicycle maintenance! Thanks to Pat for the cake and to Winchmore Hill Sports Club for the venue. 13 came.
Sunday 22nd February: Woodford and Hainault Loop
Starting at Edmonton Leisure Centre we rode to Woodford Café Solo to join the main ride leader. Then we rode on a suburban route through Snaresbrook, Wanstead and Ilford. The ride was cut slightly short as we all wanted to finish before the forecast deluge in the afternoon, so from Ilford we rode to Seven Kings, Chadwell Heath and north to a short break at the Redbridge Cycling Circuit. Finally we rode back through Hainault and Chagwell to Woodford. Most riders stayed for lunch at the café, while some carried on to try and get home in the dry. But the rain beat us, and we all ended up rather damp! Leader John, Maz, Les, Cihan, Pat, Paul, Bridget, Peter.
Sunday 8th March: North Weald Airfield
From Edmonton Leisure Centre we rode north east, then up King's Head Hill to Chingford then through Loughton, Theydon Bois, Coopersale to North Weald. After some route checking (which involved retracing and re-retracing our road) we did find the main gate and so to welcome lunch stop. Here we watched petrolheads driving Lamborghinis around a ludicrously small track before setting off about 2:00pm through Epping, Upshire, Waltham Abbey and back to Enfield abour 3:30pm. Leader John R, Peter Mo, Bridget, Evelyn, Terry, Ruth, Paul.
Saturday 14th March: Bike Check at West Lea School
Once again our members gave their time, effort and experience to checking bikes used at this Edmonton school.
Thursday 19th March: BMW151 on 'Cycling Injury Prevention'
Members of ECC and Southgate CC came to this evening meeting to hear a talk by Karl, a physiotherapist and an ECC club member, on how to avoid problems due to muscle strain and poor posture on the bike. Many thanks to him.
Sunday 22nd March: Lee Valley Ride, Historic South and Beyond
The first joint ride of the year, organised by Lee Valley Park and supported by the club , took us from the Waterworks Centre on an anti-clockwise tour passing Bow Locks, Limehouse Cut, Trinity Wharf and musical lighthouse. We stopped at Barrie Park for lunch, then past City airport, the Greenway to the Olympic Velopark where we watched some riders training on the track. Back to the Waterworks Centre about 3:00 pm. Leader Chris, MAz, Les, Bridget, Colin, Paul, Jane, Evelyn, Michèle, John R plus about 20 public riders.
Sunday 29th March: Bayford Village
Or maybe not, as it was raining by 9:00 am with a forecast of continuing all day and strong winds in the afternoon. There was a flurry of phone calls between regular riders, then Maz, Bodger and Paul went to Enfield Town Park in case anyone did turn up. But no-one did.
Sunday 12th April: Annual Club Lunch
On the Towpath. Photo: Michèle
This year we tried a new idea, and opted for a buffet lunch slightly later in the year. We were hosted by the White Water Centre at Lee Valley Waltham Cross. Eleven riders came from Enfield Town Park, three others rode independently and others came by car. Lunch was from 12:00, and we were able to take our bikes through to a private south facing terrace - sunny but face on to a southerly wind which reduced the benefit. We enjoyed a lovely spread with drinks. Afterwards an appreciation of members' efforts throughout 2014 with the rounds of applause and the awards of certificates. Thanks to Maz and Chris for organising it all, and to our hosts at the WWC. The ride back left around 3:50pm. Leader Paul, Maz, Les, Evelyn, John R, Peter, Pat, Jayne, Karl, Michèle, Cathy, plus another thirteen others who travelled independently.
Sunday 19th April: Marshes, Rivers and Lakes of Lee Valley
A joint ride with the Lee Valley Regional Park. We set off from Pindar Car park, Cheshunt, with 12 club riders plus 21 members of the public. Our route took in the Park Farms and Clayton Hill, Nazeing Meads, the sailing lakes and along the banks of the River Stort to Roydon. Here we crossed over the level crossing and made our way to Stansted Abbotts for lunch. Then back via the Lee towpath, reaching Pindar around 2.30pm. Leader Chris, Les, Maz, Jayne, Peter, Jeff, Paul, Bridget, Evelyn, Jane P, John R, Eleanor.
Sunday 26th April: Great Dunmow and the Flitch Way
A damp start from Ponders End by train to Sawbridgeworth. Then quickly out into the country eastwards through Hatfield Heath, Hatfield Broad Oak, Hellman's Cross, Great Canfield, Barnston and into Great Dunmow at around 12:30. There was a choice of eateries, but we all opted for the Musketeer café with its well advertised 'Secret' garden. Thanks to the staff there who coped admirably with the sudden and unexpected rush of customers. Our return ride took us through Bacon End and on to the disused rail line known as the Flitch Way. This took us almost to Bishops Stortford, with low flying planes coming in to Stansted over the last mile or so. Back through Great and Little Hallingbury to Swabridgeworth. There was about 45 minutes to wait for the train, but fortunately a pub by the station was serving tea and coffee. We caught the 16:32 train back to Ponders End, arriving at 17:05. Leader Peter M, Jeff, Paul, Les, Maz, John R, Michèle, Pat, Jane P, Julian, Eleanor, Adrian, Peter
Sunday 3rd May: Queen Elizabeth Park and Velodrome
Dreadful weather. Thanks to Peter, Eleanor, Dave for meeting Paul at the start, where we decided to call it off.
Sunday 17th May: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (Joint ride with Lee Valley Park Authority)
Most set off at 10:00 in good spring weather from Fishers Green. Five more joined at Stonebridge Lock, before a coffee stop at Markfield Park café. Then onward to the west side of the Olympic Park and a tour of the sights. Lunch stop at the velodrome and cafés in the park. We set off back around 2:30pm, northwards by the Hackney Marshes and along the Lee towpath (again!) to Fishers Green. Club riders were leader Chris, Maz, Bridget, Peter, Les, Jane, Evelyn, Paul, Jeff, Eleanor, John R, Caroline.
Friday 22nd May: Charity Night Hike
The walkers were supporting the Nightingale Cancer Support Centre and Noah's Ark Children's Hospice. We helped to marshal the event and guide the walkers around the 9 mile/15 kilometer course. Start was at Enfield Civic Centre at 8:00pm, and the last walkers returned there by about 12:30am. Thanks to Bridget, Colin, Jane, Maz, Paul.
At Battersea Park. Photo: Michèle
Chain repairs. Photo: Michèle
Sunday 24th May: Richmond Park
We set off from Liverpool Street Station KinderTransport Memorial, across the City (where we saw some workmen using a pneumatic drill on the wall of the Bank of England!), then across Southwark Bridge, around the South Bank to a coffee stop in Battersea Park. Then through Wandsworth, Puthey Heath and Roehampton to the park. There was a mechanical hitch by Putney Heath which saw a chain wedged between the gear sprockets, while others enjoyed (?) an unplanned food stop outside a Greggs Bakers shop. Then into the park and across to Pembroke Lodge for lunch. On the return we stopped to admire the view from Richmond Hill, then saw deer crossing our path in the park. Leaving the park, we rode to Barnes and along the Thames path and Chelsea Embankment to Battersea Park once more for a quick comfort stop. Finally we rode across to CS8 in light rain, then back to Liverpool Street for the train home. Leader Peter M, Evelyn, Paul, John R, Peter H, Jeff, Jayne, Karl, Ron, Eleanor, Sian. Michael, Steve, Les, Maz, Michèle and David.
Sunday 7th June: Chiselhurst Caves, Kent
From Edmonton Leisure Centre just after 10:00am, we rode south east past Walthamstow, Leyton, Stratford, Isle of Dogs to Greenwich Foot Tunnel. Peter had a tyre problem on the way and decided to pull out just after Stratford. After crossing under the river we rode up Maze Hill to Blackheath and on to the caves by about 1:30pm. Six of the group joined a public tour of the caves, after which we rode north to the Woolwich Ferry, good timing, then on to the Greenway where we split for home. Leader John, Jeff, Paul, Peter, Karl, Jayne, Evelyn, Mark, Jacquie.
Sunday 14th June: Tea and Cakes at High Beach
We met at Enfield Town Park after 10:30 to enjoy breakfast at the café, before setting off about 11:30 in light drizzle east onto Lincoln Road then south through Picketts Lock to the A406 path. Through south Chingford then off road on forest tracks up (and I mean up) towards Epping Forest. We stopped for a break at the motorbikers' café, before the final short ride to Holy Innocents Church at High Beach. Here they were serving their excellent cakes (every Sunday, 2:00 to 5:30pm. 3rd May to 27th September). Some enjoyed instruction on the church bells. Back via Mott Street and so home. Leader Maz, Les, Peter, Steve, Jeff, Paul, Evelyn, Michèle, Bridget, Jess, Eleanor, Pat.
Friday 19th June - Monday 22nd June: Weekend away to Hornigtoft, Norfolk
See here for a report. Or here for another view of the weekend, this time from Julian.
The peleton sets off. Photo: Paul
Sunday 28th June: The Only Way is Essex
A 50 mile charity ride around Essex in support of Nightingale Cancer Support Centre The ride left Waltham Abbey showground at 10:00 am, with a staggered start for the 180 riders led by John. The ride took in Nazeing, Roydon, Widford, Much Hadham, Little Hallingbury, Sawbridgeworth, Sheering, North Weald, and Epping. There was some rain in the morning before clearing to sunny spells around lunchtime. The club provided ride marshals, base support and the sag waggon, and helped with punctures, broken gears and a buckled wheel. Nightingale support vehicles provided drink and energy stops at 17 and 34 miles. Thanks to Lesa and team for organisation, and to club members for their hard work on the day. John R, Jeff, Sarah, Jayne, Maz, Les, Evelyn, Paul.
At North Woolwich. Photo: Paul
Sunday 5th July: LVRP 'Ride, Fly, Sail'
With light rain in the first part of the morning, it seems some were put off from meeting at the Waterworks Centre. In the end fourteen set off at 10:35 along the towpath past Old Ford Lock, Three Mills, Limehouse, Leamouth to the cable car northern terminus. The rain had cleared up by now, so we enjoyed the spectacular views across London as we 'flew' across the river. From North Greenwich we rode along the Thames Path to the Barrier Park Café for lunch. Continuing eastwards to Woolwich, we crossed back again on the Woolwich Ferry, then through Becton and onto the Greenway. This led us to the Olympic Park, where we stopped for a short while by the Velopark, before returning to the Waterworks Centre. Leader Chris A, Dave, Trevor, Jeff, Paul, Eleanor, Susan, Michael, Sian, Evelyn, Emile, Chris, Peter, PeterM.
Sunday 12th July: Bayford
From Enfield Town Park we rode north by Hillyfields, Whitewebbs Park, Burnt Farm Ride, Goffs Oak and into Wormley Wood. Here we followed the off road tracks before emerging on the other side into White Stubbs Lane and on to Bayford. Lunch at the Bakers Arms, then back through Wormley west End, past the Woodman and Olive (!) pub/Greek restaurant where we had to stop to fix a puncture. It proved a struggle, as the rim tape was perished, the tyre was exceptionally tight and the rain started! Finally we restarted back along the familiar route up Holycross Hill to Bury Green, Forty Hall and Enfield. Most left for home here, a few continued to Bury Lodge Park for the tail end of the fête there. In parallel to this ride, Maz was leading a parks ride for the local Women's Institute, which also finished up at the fête. Leader Paul. Jeff, Eleanor, Les, Maz, Bridget, John R, Jane P, Peter, Michèle, Jess, Terry, plus 3 others.
Drought at the cascade. Photo: Peter
Sunday 19th July: Windsor Great Park
Riding from the Edmonton Leisure Centre to Waterloo Station in summer sunshine, we caught the 11:39 train to Virginia Water. Here we followed some fast roads to Windsor Great Park, which we skirted then entered through Englefield Green. Lunch stop at the café at the entrance to the Savill Garden, then our main ride around the park lanes and past lakes. It was fairly slow at first due to the number of people about. We stopped at the so called cascade for a photo call, but where had all the water gone? Then along more lanes, with the number of people thinning out as we moved away from the car parks, up to the Polo fields where there were a few horse boxes and some carriages, looking as if an event had finished some time ago. Leaving the park we rode to Ascot and afternoon coffee, while some took a detour to look at the race track. We caught the 16:40 train back to Waterloo, where some split to make their own way home and others rode to Liverpool Street. There was a chain failure near to Liverpool Street, so we walked the last bit. Thanks to Evelyn for planning and leading her first ride, and taking us to a new destination. Leader Evelyn, Peter, Paul, John R, Eleanor, Susan, Michèle, Dave, Jeff, Trevor.
Sunday 26th July: Hilly Fields Concert
'Rain, rain, Go away, Let it come another day' says the song. But no, it didn't. Lashing bursts and strong winds prevented this ride. It did ease up by about 3:00pm, but too late for us. Did anyone got to the alternative venue of St Luke's church to hear the Soul Agents covers band? Thanks to Maz and Les for going to the café for the ride call off.
Picnic at Ride London. Photo: Paul
Saturday 1st August: Prudential Ride London
Enfield Cycling Campaign and ECC joined up to escort about 40 riders to the closed route and festival in central London. Leaving the Leisure Centre at 9:15, we arrived at Leadenhall Market c 1:00pm. Marshals and helpers retired to Green Park for R and R. Return trip about 3:40pm. Many tens of thousands came to ride the closed streets in great weather. Many thanks to leader Adrian, David, Tony, Paul, Paul L, Eleanor, Evelyn, Michèle, Rosa, Dave, John R, Gary, Susan.
Sunday 9th August: Cycle the Land of the Giants (Lee Valley ride)
Start and finish at the Old Mill and Meadows, Broxbourne. Our monthly ride with Lee Valley Regional Park set off southbound with a guided tour of some new "Giant" oak wilflife scultptures among the glades and paths. Then to the White Water Centre for a short tea stop and on to Fishers Green and Park Farms for lunch (food at the café a bit pricey). About 2:00 pm we rode back to Old Mill Meadows to finish by 3:00pm on a warm summer's day. Leader Chris, Pat, Bridget, Sian, Michael, Dave, Susan, Eleanor, Evelyn, Jess, Peter, Paul plus about 20 public riders.
Coombe Hill. Photo: Peter
Cream Tea at The Lee. Photo: Peter
Sunday 16th August: Chiltern Hills and Cream Tea
After meeting at Chesham station (some by Metropolitan Line, others by car, but not Paul who missed the train!), we set off north westwards about 11:15am. The route took in some leafy lanes and (as advertised) some challenging rewarding hills. The sun was out and the temperature about right for once, as we headed into the picturesque village of Wendover for lunch. Here Paul caught up with us before we set off again around the base of, and then up to the top of, Coombe Hill. We stopped by the Boer War memorial to admire the fantastic views over Aylesbury Vale before an undulating ride to The Lee, where we stopped at St John's Old Church (13th Century) for a cream tea. The final section took us on some fairly narrow lanes back down to Chesham, reaching there about 4:40pm. About 25 miles. The train contingent caught the 4:56 back to London. Leader Peter M, John R, Julian, Tracey, Chandra, Paul L, Les, Maz.
Hexton WI Café (before the rain!). Photo: Paul
Birthday Boy!. Photo: Paul's camera (but obviously Paul didn't take it!)
Sunday 23rd August: Northern Herts Countryside
No trains at Enfield Chase today so we rode to Potters Bar for the 10:21 train to Letchworth. There we met leader Stuart, who took us through Great Wymondley, Preston, Lilley to Hexton. Here we stopped for a long lunch (ie slow service) at a community café. Just about now the forecast rain started to fall! It showed no sign of stopping as we set off again through Pirton, Holwell and Ickleford and so back to Letchworth. Stuart invited us back to his house for tea - by now the rain has stopped so we sat in his and Mel's garden enjoying nibbles and drinks, plus a birthday cake (you know who you are!). Back to the station for the 4:29 train, Potters Bar at 5:03 and then homewards down the Ridgeway. Many thanks to Stuart and Mel for their hospitality, and to Geoff who shared the leader's rôle during the day. About 30 miles. Leader Stuart, Peter M, Eleanor, Jeff, Max, Les, Cathy, Paul L, Julian, Gary, Geoff.
Sunday 30th August: Presidents Ride to Broomfield Park Music
The bank holiday plus a poor weather forecast cut down on the numbers, and four members set off from Enfield Town Park just after 11:00 am. We rode westwards through quiet roads and paths to Oakwood Park, then on to Oak Hill park (don't confuse them!) in East Barnet. Here we stopped for a coffee and sandwich. Then on to Peter M's house for a communal diagnosis of the blight afflicting his rosemary bush, and finally down to Broomfield Park where we shared food and wine while listening to Professor Redhair's blues outfit. Although overcast, the promised rain never materialised! Leader Paul L, Jess, Jeff, Peter M
Sunday 6th September: Chelmsford
A feeder ride from Edmonton Leisure Centre took some members to Café Solo in Woodford, whilst others made their way directly to the start. From Woodford we rode north-east, over the M11 and M25 and through the villages of Naverstock, Kelvedon Hatch, Blackmore and Loves Green to reach the Rose and Crown pub in Writtle two minutes ahead of John's ETA! After lunch outside in the warm sunshine (last time this year?), two riders opted to go into Chelmsford and take the train back, while others rode back on a different route, taking in Fyfield and North Weald before separating to go our own ways at Epping, with some taking the Central Line back into London. About 50 miles. Leader John R, Les, Maz, Paul, Eleanor, Gerald, Bridget, Peter M
At Fishers Green. Photo: Paul
Sunday 13th September: Lee Valley North
A LVRP ride with club support, and an early 9 am start at Fishers' Green. We went out past the farm, over Clayton Hill to the sailing lakes and along Glen Faba to the river Stort path. From here it was over the Roydon level crossing and into Stanstead Abbotts. Back down the towpath with a brief stop at Rye House Gatehouse , which was open allowing some to take in the view from its roof. Return to Fishers' Green about 12:00. Leader Chris, Dave, Susan, Eleanor, John R, Pauline, Les, Maz, Paul, Jess, Steve, Peter plus riders from the public.
Sunday 20th September: London Open House
From Edmonton Leisure Centre our ride took in Markfield Beam Engine House, South Tottenham. Then on Lee Valley paths to the Riding Centre and café for a refreshment break. Our ride continues using the Bow Cycle underpass to the House Mill Tidal Mill Mueum. We enjoyed a 20 minute tour of the mill, followed by lunch in their café garden. The return leg took in the Olyympic Park grounds and so back to Edmonton. Leader Paul, Bridget, Btid, John, Jeff, Evelyn, Peter M.
Sunday 29th September: High Beach Tea and Cakes
Meeting at Enfield Town Park before riding north via Whitewebbs golf course to Cheshunt golf club café. There was some off road at Bulls Cross, and a short stretch on a footpath through a farm where we walked. After a sunny lunch we rode east by Cadmore Lane to the Lee Valley and Waltham Cross. Into Gunpowder Park before the Avey Lane ascent to High Beach (and I swear it's got steeper since last year!). Here we enjoyed the usual tempting array of cakes outside in the churchyard. There were a lot of people there, including other cyclists and ECC members Dave and Jane T. Not surprising as it was a lovely day and the last such session of the year. Ride back down Mott Street to Enfield about 4:00 pm. Leader Paul, Jeff, Jess, Jane P, John, Sian, Peter M.
Sunday 4th October: The Pilgrim's Progress
We met at Beggars Hollow at 9:30 for a slightly longer ride out into Hertfordshire. Fortified by bacon rolls we set off along Coopers Lane to Potters Bar. Here some left us, while the rest continued through Essendon, Letty Green, Cole Green Way to Welwyn Garden City for a coffee stop. We set off again to Ayot Green, and along a very narrow, and rather hilly road to Coleman Green, erstwhile residence of the 17th Century preacher and dissenter John Bunyan, who is honoured with a pub named after him! An enjoyable lunch stop there in warm sunshine before our return leg through Hatfield, Broomkans Park, Potters Bar and back to Enfield around 4:30pm. About 40 miles. Leader Peter M, Evelyn, Bridget, John, Jeff, Peter L, Dave M, Maz, Les.
Sunday 11th October: Cedars Park and Broxbourne
After tea at Enfield Town Park we rode to Cedar Park in Cheshunt via North Enfield, over the M25 and the A10 Cycle Bridge to the Park. Yet another tea, then a road ride to Mill Lane, Broxbourne to the green café building for lunch. Return road ride through Waltham Cross in autumnal sun. Leader Paul L, Jeff, John R, Paul S, Jane P, Eleanor, Peter, Paul J.
Sunday 18th October: Parks ride
A leaisurely start from Oakhill Park by Pymmes Brook, brief stop at Oak Hill Park then on through Arnos Park, Broomfield Park (another café!), then on back roads past Bowes Park Station through Woodside Park, Noel Park Estate to Downhills Park café for lunch. After lunch we rode north into Lordship Rec to see the model traffic area. Then a short visit to Bruce Castle Museum of local history before tiding through Tottenham Cemetery for tea anf cakes at Paul's house. Leader Paul L, Bridget, Jane P, Jess, Jeff, John R, Peter
Sunday 25th October: Local Ride and Sunday Lunch
A sunny autumn start after tea at Whitewebbs Golf Café east under the A10 and into Albany Park, then through Enfield Island Village into Gunpowder Park. Up (part of) Avery Lane then left around the back of Waltham Abbey, crossimg the A121 then through the back streets of the town before taking the familiar route back to Turkey Street. From here we went up to Whitewebbs Park Carvery restaurant, where we enjoyed a long lunch lasting until about 3:00 pm. Some left us before the meal, while others met us there. Thanks to Jess for the idea. Leader Peter M, Jess, Paul L, Paul J, Michèle, Phil, Susan, Dave LM and daughter. Joining us for the meal were Maz, Les, Jeff, Eleanor.
Friday 30th October : The Night Before Halloween
This Lee Valley ride was cancelled due to low public bookings
Sunday 15th November: The Northern Heights
A large group, age ranges from 7 to 60 something, set off from Oakwood Park around 10:45am. We rode on quiet back roads through Friern Barnet, over the A406 and through St Pancras and Islington Cemetery. Then through Hampstead Garden Suburb to Golders Hill Park for lunch. Here some of the younger riders and their families left us, while the remainder rode the short distance to the little known Hill Gardens and Pergola. After a brief stop here we rode over the top of Hampstead Heath, past the bathing ponds (one of which had been drained revealing an old car at the bottom). Up Swains Lane to Highgate (congratulations to those who rode the full length of Swains Lane while the rest of us walked through Waterlow Park). The last leg took us through Crouch End, up to Parklands Walk with its panoramic views, past Alexandra Palace and on to Palmers Green where we split in our various directions home. Leader Peter M, Bridget, Eleanor, Susan, Dave, Terry, Ron, Paul J, Pail L, John and 7 others. Les and Maz cheered us off at the start on their tandem!
Sunday 22nd November: Lee Valley
The mercury had dropped a full ten degrees celcius over the previous two days, which may account for the small group which met at Broxbourne for a Lee Valley ride in the northern part of the park. Chris guided us around the burgeoning sculptures there as we rode past the White Water Centre and up to the bird hide near Fishers Green, We were disappointed not to see the bitternes, but there was a very well camouflaged snipe just visible through binoculars (once it had been pointed out to us!) On via the Park Farm, where we saw some very young calves, then over Clayton Hill and back along a very muddy path to Broxbourne, reaching there just after 1:00 pm. Leader Chris, Maz, Steve, Peter M plus two public riders. Les came to the start and assisted in some inpromptu maintenance before we set off.
Sunday 29th November: Enfield Town Parade of Lights
On a dull, windy afternoon our members helped marshal the road junctions as the parade went round the town. It started outside the Civic Centre, then anticlockwise on Baker Street, Lancaster Road, Chase Side to Church Street. The Christmas tree lighting was accompanied by carols and the event finished with fireworks. Various good causes and charities took part, and also the Enfield Cycling Campaign and Bush Hill Park 'Inclusive Freecycling'. Thanks to Bridget, Cathy and Maz.
Sunday 6th December: Victoria Park
A dry but dull day, we left the Edmonton Leisure Centre by the Lee Valley towpath towards Springfield Park Marina. Then on to Eastside, Hackney Marshes and the gate of Victoria Park. Here we enjoyed the spectacle of (at a guess) about 1,000 Father Christmas's on a charty 5/10km run. There was even a dog dressed as a reindeer! After a slow lap of the park we has lunch at the Hub Café at about midday. Coming back we rode a shorter route and split up at Stonebridge Lock for our various homeward destinations. A short ride for a winter's day, and home well before dark! Leader Paul, Peter, Terry, Eleanor, John.
Fish and chip supper. Photo: Paul
Thursday 17th December: Fish and Chip Supper
Our end of year social at Winchmore Hill Sports Club. Some members came early to set up the tables for our fish and chip supper. The food was collected from a local chip shop, thanks to Les and Maz. We all sat down to eat out meal, followed by mince pies, chocolates and drinks from the bar. The 25 members then all took part in a cycle themed quiz devised by Paul, in which Tracey and Julian came first, followed by Michèle, Jeff and John. There was a raffle in aid of the Crisis charity, and the evening raised £225. Thanks to our hosts, Pat and helpers in the kitchen and dining room.
Boxing Day in the Lee Valley. Photo: Paul
Saturday 26th December: Boxing Day Ride
Meeting at 11:00, our ride set off from Enfield Town Park via Silver Street, Willow Road, New River,, Albany Park, Gunpowder Park and the White Water Centre. We stopped for a brief photocall by the sculptures before crossing the river at Cheshunt and continuing to Pond Café. Here Peter was disappointed because, having got through the whole of Christmas without hearing 'Fairytale of New York', it was played in the café! The return ride was more direct, on the A10 cycle path back towards Enfield, gradually shedding riders as they left towards their homes. Leader Paul, Bridget, Graham, Paul J, Jane, John C, Michèle, Peter.
Club Points Table
| Position | Name | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Peter M | 1020 |
| 2 | Paul L | 970 |
| 3 | John R | 725 |
| 4 | Les | 640 |
| 5 | Maz | 625 |
| 6 | Jeff | 555 |
| 7 | Eleanor | 485 |
| 8 | Bridget | 445 |
| 9 | Evelyn | 435 |
| 10 | Pat | 335 |
| 11 | Jane P | 300 |
| 12 | Chris | 250 |
| 13 | Michèle | 245 |
| 14 | Terry | 210 |
| 15 | Jess | 200 |
| 16 | Karl | 195 |
| 17 | Jayne | 180 |
| 18= | Dave L | 155 |
| 18= | Susan | 155 |
| 20 | Paul J | 150 |
Points are awarded according to the following scheme
| Leading a ride for the first time | 30 |
| Attending a full day ride | 25 |
| Club meal day | 15 |
| Attending a half day ride | 10 |
| Bike aid/First aid on a ride | 10 |
| BMW | 10 |
| Planning meeting | 10 |