Ride Reports 2016
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 24th January: Broxbourne
A cloudy start from Edmonton as we rode along the cycle track and Meridian Way. We joined the towpath at Ponders End, riding north until we changed to the Lee Valley path at Waltham Cross. We made a short stop at the Holyfield bird hide before continuing to Broxbourne Green Café. The return ride took us west over the railway to Cheshunt and the A10 cycle track, thrn south to Enfield in the late sunshine. Leader Paul, Bridget, Eleanor, Jeff, Paul J, John C, Pat, Peter, Backstop Ron.
Sunday 21st February: Turn Up and Go
After coffee at Caffe Nero, Enfield, we decided to ride east to Wanstead Flats. John led us through south Chingford, Highams Park and Walthamstow on some main and back roads. We caught a glimpse of the very impressive Snaresbrook Crown Court along the way. We reached the Belgique café/restaurant and sat outside in mild weather to enjoy lunch. We set off back just after 1:00 on a (slightly) shorter route through Wood Street to south Chingford, where we split for our various home destinations. Leader John, Paul, Paul J, Peter, Jeff, Bridget, Zul, Maz, Les, Denise, Backstop Dave.
Sunday 28th February: Limehouse and Victoria Park
A vey windy ride from Edmonton Leisure Centre, south by the Lee to a stop at Three Mills. We found we were a trifle early here, as the mill and café don't open until May! So we rode on to Limehouse Marina, led briefly by Ellie, and back up to Victoria Park for lunch. Afterwards we rode to the Olympic Park, with a short stop at the Velodrome and the 'Cycle Surgery' shop. We couldn't see the track as it was being prepared for the world track championships (GB did well, 5 gold, 1 silver and 3 bronze). Returning, we made a final tea stop at the new Springfield Lock café before ending back at Edmonton at 3:45pm. Leader Paul, Jayne, John R, Paul J, Eleanor, Peter, Chandra, Backstop Jeff.
Sunday 13th March: South Mimms
A sunny day as we left Oakwood Park, in fact it felt almost like spring. The first part of the ride was through the suburbs, crossing Friern Barnet and North Finchley before joining the Dollis Brook trail up to Barnet. At Barnet Gate Lane we met up with a couple of latecomers, then on skirting Borehamwood and into a rural setting through Crossoaks Farm, Ridge and South Mimms. We reached the Black Horse pub at 12:45, where they coped well with the sudden arrival of a dozen hungry cyclists! The return was more direct, via Trotters Bottom, Hadleigh Highstone, Cat Hill (some grumbling in the ranks about yet another hill!) and finishing back at Oakwood Park. Leader Peter, Jeff, Jane, Eleanor, Bridget, Rosa, Evelyn, Denise, Dave, John C, Paul, Stephen, Paul J. Backstops Pat and Terry.
Sunday 20th March: Ware
On Clayton Hill. Photo: Michèle
A cool start from the Edmonton Leisure Centre to Picketts Lock, and then by the Lee towpath northwards. Two riders joined us at the Greyhound pub, and with a slight north wind we rode to Dobbs Weir and a tea stop. Then onwards to Ware, past Rye House and some rather noisy go-karts. We split to various eateries for lunch, and then returned via a similar route. We diverted via Clayton Hill and Park Farms, then back to Waltham Cross, Ordnance Road and Enfield, dropping riders en route as they made their separate way home. Leader Paul, Bridget, Simon, Pat, Eleanor, Dave, Susan, John R, Stephen, Michèle, rosa, Jeff, Jane, Chandra, Peter.
Ready for take-off. Photo: Evelyn
Sunday 27th March: North Weald Airfield
The radio was warning of hail and thunder when me met on the first day of British Summer Time for a ride out to North Weald. We rode up Kings Head Hill, then out through Chingford and Epping as the skies grew darker. Just outside Epping the heavens opened, and for ten minutes or so the hail lashed down. We took shelter at a bus stop, and waited for the worst to pass, before the cry of 'The rains's stopped!' This, of course, was a euphemism for 'It's still raining', but undeterred we continued into North Weald, to the airfield main entrance then for about two miles around the perimeter road. Either because of the weather, of because it was Easter Sunday, there was no activity at the airfield, but fortunately the café was open, where some of us enjoyed rather oversized sandwiches. After lunch we retraced our steps, past Epping, where it rained heavily again for a short while, before descending to Waltham Abbey then back through the Lea Valley to Enfield. Some of us stopped off at the new incarnation of the Narrowboat Café for tea and cakes on the way. Leader Evelyn, John R, Jane P, Jeff, Peter H, Peter M.
Sunday 3rd April: Annual Club Lunch
This was held for the second year running at the White Water Olympic Centre, Waltham Cross. A magnificant buffet spread for all tastes, which we enjoyed on the terrace balcony. There followed the presentation of award certificates and the Alan Thorndyke Cup for the top attender. A round of thanks to our hosts, club organisers and the Winchmore Hill Sports Club was given with loud applause. There was an opportunity for members to make suggestions for future club rides and other events, and the results are summarised here. Twenty five rode to the event, with a further five arriving by other transport. Thanks to Chris and Maz for organising the event. Riders Group 1: Leader Paul, Jane P, Evelyn, Sian, Michael, Pat B, John R, Karl, Dan, Rosa, Janine, Dave, Susan, Katie, Michèle, Trevor, Jill. Riders Group 2: Leaders Les and Maz, Cathy, Eleanor, Bridget, Colin, Jeff, Peter H. Non riders: Brid, Gary, Jayne, Chris, Peter M.
Sunday 10th April: Barking Park
Barking Park. Photo: Michèle
Starting at Edmonton Leisure Centre in lovely sunshine, although a bit chilly, seven of us set off for Barking Park. The route crossed the Lea Valley tow path, through Walthamstow, Leyton (stopping at the house where John R was born ! xx years ago), Leytonstone, Forest Gate, Manor Park (past the City of London Cemetery where Bobby Moore, to name but one famous resident, is buried) on through Ilford and then our destination Barking Park. We all sat outside the café after getting something to eat and drink. After a quick photo call off we set again following a different route back via Wanstead, South Woodford, Highams Park and Chingford John, after leading the group back to under Conduit Lane Bridge (which was where the group said that they knew the way back) left the group and rode back home to Woodford. Leader: John R, Evelyn, Jeff, Jane P, Chandra, Ben, Michèle
Sunday 17th April: Abridge
Meeting at Enfield Towm Park. Photo: Evelyn
From Enfield Town Park we were led by our tandem duo north to Caterhatch Lane, then Hertford Road, Ordnance Road to Island Village and Gunpowder Park. We climbed up Avery Lane, then along the main road a bit before turnnig off for Ivy Chimneys, across the M11 and downhill to Abridge. Here we stopped sat the Log Cabin café for lunch at 12:15. We left at 1:35 for a shorter route back past Theydon Bois to High Beach and Mott Street descent before reaching the Enfield area about 2:40. Leaders Les/Maz, Jeff, Bridget, Peter, Dave M, John, Ben, Michèle, Chandra, Evelyn, Jane, Paul, Pat.
Thursday 21st April: Evening ride
The first of our evening rides this year took us up around Whitewebbs park and back, setting off around 7:30pm and returning in the fading light by about 8:30pm. Followed by a social evening at the Sports Club. Leaders Les/Maz, Chris, Peter, Brian.
Sunday 1st May: Central London
A lovely sunny day as we set out on road from Edmonton. Main roads gave way to quieter back streets as we weaved through Islington and Bloomsbury to a triumphant ride through Marble Arch and into Hyde Park. Here we stopped for a lunch break by the Serpentine before riding on to Buckingham Palace, the Mall, and Horseguards Parade, Once we had negotiated some nasty traffic at Parliament Square we took part of the new east-west cycleway along the Embankment to Blackfriars Bridge. Back through Kings Cross, Arsenal to a brief stop in Finsbury Park before making it home to Edmonton. About 27 miles. Leader Evelyn, Peter M, Peter H, Susan, Dave L, John R, Jeff, Michèle, Rosa, Janine, Trevor, Jane P, Eleanor, Ben, Stephen, Bridget, Pat.
Marble Arch
Photo: Evelyn
Horseguards Parade
Photo: Evelyn
Buckingham Palace
Photo: Evelyn
Sunday 8th May: Rainham Marshes
Setting off from the RSPB Café.
Photo: Michèle
The warmest day of the year so far, as we rode east from Edmonton on back roads through Chingford, Highams Park, Woodford, Redbridge and a short park stop. We continued onwards to Dagenham (past a shop in Seven Kings called the 'Best Moon Shop' - any ideas?) then the A1306 cycle path to Rainham, and alongside the river to the RSPB café on the edge of the marshes. Leaving at 2:40pm we rode back via a slightly different route to Valentines Park, Ilford, where the ice cream queue seemed a mile long. Then back through South Chingford to Edmonton. A long day - 48 miles cycling and we reached Edmonton again at 6:15pm. Leader John R, Peter M, Les, Maz, Jane, Dave P, Stephen, Stephen, Trevor, Evelyn, Adrian, Ben, Paul, Rosa, Janine, Michèle, Jeff, John C, Eleanor, Pat.
Sunday 15th May: Mystery ride
A later start after morning coffee at Trent Park Café. Through the woody trail and uphill to Hadley Road. A fast downhill, past the Pick Your Own farm to the Ridgeway then Rectory farm, the Red House to Clay Hill. Then Flash Lane to the old 'New' River course, into Whitewebbs Park and on to Maidens Bridge and Myddleton House. Here we sat the the café gardens enjoying lunch before an impromptu tour of the gardens plus a very informative talk by the head gardner 'Brian', accompanied by historical notes and photos. Return via Whitewebbs, Clay Hill and Beggars Hollow, where we split for our various journeys home. Leader Chris, Maz, Les, Jane P, Jayne D, Dave L, Susan, Paul L, Bridget, Jeff, Evelyn, Pauls J, Peter.
Thursday 19th May: Evening ride
Starting at Winchmore Hill Sports Club, we rode on the back roads to Palmers Green, then along the Pymms Brook trail through Arnos and Oakhill Parks to East Barnet. We continued up to New Barnet before looping back through Cockfosters, Oakwood, a fish and chip shop (you know who you are) and back to Winchmore Hill. Followed by a social evening at the Sports Club. Leaders Les/Maz, Paul J, Terry, Jeff, Bridget, Peter. Others joined us later at the club.
Friday 20th May: The 5th Enfield Night Hike (Colour Walk)
Ready to go.
Photo: Maz
This was a charity event in aid of the Nightingale Cancer Support Centre. Our riders helped to marshal side roads and junctions with mobile and static marshals on the 15 km route. Many thanks to Eleanor, Bridget, Les, Mas, Michèle, Paul, Peter.
Sunday 22nd May: Waltham Abbey Gardens and High Beach Church Tea
High Beach Church.
Photo: Michèle
Waltham Abbey Gardens.
Photo: Michèle
A bright start at Edmonton Leisure Centre north on the towpath from Picketts Lock to the newish Narrowboat Café. We had an early lunch there, then on to Waltham Abbey gardens and the 13/14th century remains, before tackling the ascent of Mott Street to the Holy Innocents church for tea and cakes from 2pm. Return via Mott Street to Enfield around 3:30pm. Leader Paul, Peter, Evelyn, Chandra, John C, Michèle, Jeff
Sunday 29th May: Ardeley any cars!
A dull start at 10:45 from Hertford North station forecourt, following (for most riders) a 16 minute train journey from Gordon Hill. The peleton of 16 set off initially towards Bramfield, then on farm tracks to Watton at Stone and onwards, over 'Idle Hill' to a brief stop in Bennington. More off road to Ardeley village , where the Jolly Waggoners pub was not so jolly as they were not serving any food to passing trade. We all queued in the farm shop café across the road. By the time we had all been served and eaten, it was 2pm when we set off on the return leg in some welcome sunshine along the remains of a roman road. We stopped for photos by the sign announcing the village of Nasty, then onward by Great Munden, off road to Saccombebury Manor farm, Claymore End and back to Hertford North for the 4:17pm train. Leader Peter, Jayne, Paul, Les, Maz, Jeff, Stephen, Josh, John C, Dave M, Denise, Eleanor, Bridget, Jane P, Jill, Trevor,
Sunday 12th June: Northern Heights
Hill Gardens, after a soggy picnic.
Photo: Michèle
A damp drizzly start around 10:45 from Oakwood Park Café. The group of 7 went westward by Brunswick Park Road, Friern Barnet, then by Bobby Moore Way into St Pancras and Islington Cemetery. On leaving there, we crossed the Great North Road and into Hampstead Garden Suburb and then to Golders Hill Park. We revived ourselves with hot drinks at the café there watching the rain. But we convinced ourselves it had eased off and so we rode on to Hill Gardens, only a few minutes away. There we sat in a shelter enjoying our picnics and some sparkling elderberry. The rain stopped for a short while as we looked around the ornamental pond and gardens and colonnade, where we noticed a pre wedding photoshoot taking place. We decided to cut short the return ride, and came back directly through East Finchley, Cherry Tree Wood, Muswell Hill to Palmers Green where we split up (and the rain stopped!). Leader Peter, Jeff, Paul, Bridget, Pat, Ben Michèle.
Saturday 18th June: Lee Valley Ride to the Olympic Park
A cool, unseasonal day started at Stonebridge Lock, Tottenham, with members of the public, led by Chris of Lee Valley Regional Park, and ourselves. After some bike checks, we left at 10:15 south by the Lee to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park with ride tour by Chris. Four people enjoyed the off road course at the velopark, whil others had lunch or watched the velodrome track practice. Back by Hackney Marshes to Stonebridge Lock by 3pm. Leader Chris, Les, Maz, Hyacinth, Josh, Eleanor, Dave, Susan, Peter H, Paul + 7 public.
Sunday 19th June: Summer Barbecue
A sunny start from the Edmonton Leisure Centre as we seven rode west on Pymmes Trail at 11am. A brief stop at Edmonton Cemetery to honour the late Alan Thorndyke, then past Firs Farm Wetlands, Palmers Green, Arnos Park to Oakhill Park tea stop. Arrival chez Peter at 1:00pm as we unloaded our food supplies onto the heating BBQ, eating from 2pm onwards. A well prepared spread of meats, salad, rice, vegetarian and vegan foods plus wine, beer and soft drinks. We all sat outside enjoying the food and company till around 4pm. Many thanks to Peter our host and other chefs and helpers. Leader Paul, Pat, Ben, Peter H, Michèle, Stephen, Rosa, plus non riders Peter, Les, Maz, Cathy.
Sunday 3rd July: 20th Anniversary Ride Round the Borough
A brighter summery start from Edmonton Leisure Centre past the original site which is now an ASDA shop. East on new path by Salmons Brook towards Pickets Lock and north on the cycle track to Enfield Lock. Here we turned westwards on the path over Mollinsons Ave to Albany Park past Enfield Cemetery to Forty Hall by Turkey Brook to lunch at Whitewebb Cafe. After lunch we rode south west to Enfield Town Park via Carrs Lane and Grange Park to Grovelands Park onto Broomfield Park Palmers Green, Hazelwood Rec , the new Firs Farm Wetlands. We then headed to Bury Lodge Park Fete, with ice cream, stalls, choir, dog show et al, at 2.30 pm.
Sunday 10th July: Richmond Park
Meeting at 10.15 at Liverpool Street station as drizzle fell, Eleanor led us south west over Southwark Bridge, round the South Bank and into Battersea Park for tea stop. Then Peter led towards Putney, Barnes, Roehampton Gate to the Richmond Park café for lunch stop as the sun came out. Post lunch ride was clockwise around the park, spotting lots of road club cyclists and several deer. Comfort stop at Pembroke house cafe as we completed park lap return route by Putney Rowing Club, Battersea Park, Embankment, Westminster Abbey (were we were severly told off by a beadle for cycling in the Abbey grounds, despite the presence of many cars!), Parliament Square, and CS3 back to Liverpool Street for 4.50 train. Distance 32 miles
Saturday 16th July: Firs Farm Wetlands and Dr Bike
Club members gave their time and effort to do a day of Dr Bike safety checks. As previously, members helped out from start to finish. A long day 10 - 6pm in very hot sunshine. Our hats off to chief mechanic Dr Les for his hard work and dedication. Many thanks to him and members there. A special thanks to Paul who was there all day and for Chris A for coming at the end to help pack away and make things easier back to base.
Sunday 17th July: Lee Valley Ride to Docklands; Ride, Fly, Ride, Sail, Ride.
From Stonebridge Lock at 10.10 Southbound escorting the public, first stop 'Three Mills' for tea. Then Limehouse Cut, CS3 to Leamouth opposite The O2 and east to the cable car for 'flight' to southbank, 10 mins. East along the cycle track to Thames Barrier Café for lunch and puncture repair. After lunch we took the Woolwich Ferry 'John Burns'. Slight drizzle faded as we set off again 1.30 past the airport to Beckton and The Greenway, on to the Olympic Park for a tea stop at the Velo Park. Finally return to base via Hackney Marshes to Stonebridge Lock circa 5.30.
Sunday 24 July: Broxbourne and Hilly Fields Salsa
Strictly?
Photo: Maz
We rode from Enfield Town Park northwards past Forty Hall, Bury Green, Cheshunt, east over the railway flyover and up towpath to lunch at Broxbourne Green Café 1pm. All in warm sunshine! Our return stage southwards, then over railway at Cheshunt station, A10 cycle track, Turkey Street, Forty Hall grounds to Hilly Fields at 3.05. Most stayed on for the Cuban Salsa Music and some of us even joined the dance class by the bandstand!
Saturday 30th July: Prudential Ride London
Enfield LCC organised a feeder ride in from Edmonton with club support. About 30 public turned up, and we rode down the well travelled route along the towpath, through the Olympic Park and into the City along CS3 to Blackfriars. Here people joined the traffic free circuit of London, taking in the Embankment, Buckingham Palace, Waterloo Bridge, Lincolns Inn and the Bank, with various random entertainment along the route. Those who wished to ride back with us met at 2:45 for a return ride that was the reverse of the outward route. Total distance (including one lap if the London circuit) 38 miles. Leader Trevor, Michèle, Jeff, John R, Jill, Peter.
Sunday 7th August: The Chiltern Hills
A sparsely attended ride, possibly because of the distance to the start and many regular members were recovering from a trip to Holland the previous week. We met at Chesham station and set off on an undulating road to Wendover for lunch. After lunch there was a late change of plan, as we had learned that the Lee church was not serving afternoon teas this year. Instead we climbed Coombe Hill for the view and then went to Ellesborough Church, where they were serving tea but hadn't thought to put out any tables or chairs!. Afterwards we made our way back through the Lee to Chesham. About 28 miles, but with several steep hills it felt longer! Leader Peter, Ben, Pat.
Friday 19th August: 20th celebration of ECC and 60th birthday party for Paul
Around 50 members enjoyed a wonderful evening of celebrations for 20 years of club rides plus Paul's big 6-0. Several original members came along to join with current members. We were entertained by the 2FBS rock group late into the night, many thanks guys. A wonderful spread of food was prepared for guests by Maz and Chris, decorations put up by Pat, Bridget, Peter, Les, Paul and Chris. There was an interval with thanks expressed to all members, followed by a dance display with the audience joining in. More freestyle dancing to the band till 11:30, with birthday cake and a toast to Winchmore Hill Sports Club and members past and present. Many thanks to all who came and the organisers made it a happy occasion.
Sunday 21st August: President's Ride: Firs Farm Wetlands and Hilly Fields
A new start venue at Broomfield Park Community café Palmers Green. We made a leisurely ride from 11:45 after tea/coffee, riding east to Firs Farm Wetlands to plant a plaque in memory of Alan Thorndyke by a tree. We then rode east to Riverside cafée near Waltham Abbey to lunch then to Hilly Fields at 3pm for a picnic to 5:30 with music by, yes, 2FBS again in glorious sunny weather. Leader Paul, Eleanor, Bridget, Jeff, Peter, Maz, Michèle, Les plus at the concert Wayne and Elaine.
Installing the plaque
Photo: Peter
The Plaque
Photo: Peter
The Tree
Photo: Peter
Alan's Grave
Photo: Peter
Sunday 28th August: Letty Green
In the pub garden at Letty Green
Photo: Michèle
Meeting at Whitewebbs golf club café, Clay Hill Enfield at 10:00 we set off after coffee northwoods along Whitewebbs Lane, Bury Green West Chesunt, Wormley West End, Brickendon followed by a long descent to Cole Green Way. We rode along the trackbed for about three miles to lunch at the Cowper Arms pub in Letty Green. Thanks to leader Michèle for chocolates! Return ride at about 2:00 p.m. through Essendon, Kentish Lane, Old Owen's Sports Club to Crews Hill, arriving back about 4:00 pm. Leader Michèle. Paul J, John R, Chandra, Jane P, Trevor, Jeff, Peter M, Pauline, Andrew, Eleanor, Dave, Katie, susan, Paul, Hyacinth, Brian.
Sunday 4th September: High Beach Tea and Cake
The ride set off at 12:20 from Edmonton Leisure Centre eastwards towards Chingford and Woodford then North on Epping New Road. A lunch stop at the bikers new café building near High Beach (very nice food) then after 2:00 pm the short ride up to the church for tea and cakes. A longer ride back by Upshire fast road, Waltham Abbey and the towpath to Brimsdown and Enfield area. Leader Maz, Les, Eleanor, Bridget, John C, Martin, Paul, Jeff.
Sunday 11th September: Land of the Giants (LVRP)
A leisurely ride from Old Mill Meadows, Broxbourne took us south through the woods between the river and the railway. Along the way we met Jane P who was out with her Ramblers group. Chris showed us a sunken barge and explained the various wood sculptures in detail, while some of us sat on the high chair again. Our return took in the White Water Centre for lunch as we rode back to Old Mill Meadows to finish. Leader Chris, Eleanor, Paul J, Jeff, Paul, Chandra plus public.
Sunday 18th September: Into Deepest Essex
Well, at the last minute (the Friday before actually) John had to reccy a new route as he found out there were no trains from Chelmsford on the 18th! He shortened the ride to the Tea Rooms at Blackmore. The group met him at Café Solo at Woodford and rode via Chigwell, Lambourne End, Kelvedon Hatch to Blackmore whereby we had a very nice lunch in the tea rooms, which were obviously popular with cyclists across Essex. We left at about 2 pm and headed for Norton Heath and eventually picked up the original return route John had planned from Writtle, but on the way we had a mechanical problem where someone's pedal axle completely snapped in half. The rider limped to Willingale and waited for his Dad to pick him up (good ol' Dad). The rest of the group carried on via Fyfield, Morton, North Weald and Epping where we finally split for our various routes home at the Upshire turnoff on the Epping Road. Leader John R, Paul, Jane, Eleanor, Susan, Dave, John C, Jeff, Trevor, Bridget, Martin, Chandra, Peter, Ben
Sunday 25th September: Something Spiritual
Outside the Temple
Photo: Maz
A morning tea start at Oakwood Park café led us through Trent Park, past Hadley Wood Station and onto a new stretch of National Cycle Network 12. From there we rode around Trotters Bottom and back into Barnet Wood Street where we stopped at Courthouse Café and Park for lunch. Our afternoon mystery visit followed a ride to Potters Bar and down Coopers Lane, where we stopped at the Oshwal Centre, a Jain temple and community centre. Some of us went into the temple to admire the marble carvings and peaceful atmosphere. The kind hosts invited us to some food in the main meeting rooms where we were made most welcome, thanks to them. Afterwards we split into 2 groups for home via Enfield or Barnet. Leader Maz, Les, Chandra, Chris, Peter, Paul, John R, Sian, Michael, Jeff.
Sunday 9th October: Cycle the Marshes, Rivers & Lakes of Lee Valley
The last joint ride of 2016, as we set off in glorious sunny skies from Pindar car park northwards along the shaded paths to Dobbs Weir and on to Rye House Gatehouse. Then northwest to Stanstead Abbots for pub or café lunch. At the café we met with erstwhile members Richard, Nick and Dave. We were joined for part of the return leg by Mark, as we rode past the lakes and wildlife, over Roydon railway line to the river Stort, then up Clayton Hill, Fishers Green and back to Cheshunt about 2:30pm. All enjoyed a sunny tour of the Lee Valley Park! Thanks to Leader Chris for the route and guided talkover, plus Peter, Paul, Jeff, Maz, Wayne, Les, John R and public riders.
Sunday 16th October: Aldenham Country Park
Autumn had definitely arrived, with colder weather, grey skies and heavy rain. Not surprisingly, only one person turned up for the ride. But with an improving forecast, and the appearance of a postage stamp size piece of blue sky, we went for it. The weather gradually improved as we rode through Cockfosters, Hadley Wood and across the motorways at Dancers Hill. With all the millions that are spend on the M25, you'd think they could provide a decent cycle route across Bignalls Corner, but no, it's still unpaved, narrow and with absurdly sharp corners. Once past there, we rode up to Shenley, Radlett and down to Aldenham Country Park. Here we stopped for lunch, then made a circuit of the lake before returning past Elstree Aerodrome, then Radlett again, Borehamwood, past the Mops and Brooms (closed for 'refurbishment' - another gastropub?) and back to the top of Dancers Hill, where we split for our respective routes home. Leader Peter, Julian, no backstop!
Sunday 23rd October: Bayford
In Cedars Park - You know who you are!
Photo: Maz
Gee up!
Photo: Maz
Another glorious sunny autumn day as we left Enfield Town Park. Riding northwards to Whitewebbs Park, Burnt Farm Ride to Goffs Oak. Then off road through Derry's and Wormley Wood before rejoining White Stubbs Lane and on to the pub at Bayford for lunch. We can recommend the 'modest' roast dinners - reasonably priced and filling without leaving one bloated! Return via Brickendon, Wormley and a tea stop at Cedars Park Café. Photo stop by the sculpted camel and tiger there. Leaving the park around 3:30 we rode down the A10 cycle path and past Forty Hall to Enfield Town. Leader Paul L, Paul J, Les, Maz, Jeff, John R, Wayne, Faye, Sarah, Dave, Susan, Hyacinth, Eleanor, Martin, Liz, Peter, Jane P.
Sunday 30th October: Kelvedon Hatch 'Secret' Nuclear Bunker
ECC riders met at 9:00 am, very misty and foggy. Our ride east via Chingford to meet leader John at Café Solo, Woodford, sadly not open! Paul took a train to Theydon Bois while the others rode. Then east over the M11 and M25 and along country lanes to Kelvedon. We had lunch before exploring the bunker with audio wands - we all found the atmosphere rather spooky, thinking of what it may have been used for. Return ride at 2pm, the fog had lifted a bit, through Naverstock, Stapleford Abbots, Chigwell, Buckhurst Hill, Kings Head Hill, Chingford Green to Enfield. Leader John R, Maz, Bridget, Jeff, Paul.
Sunday 6th November: South Mimms
Outside the Black Horse.
Photo: Michèle
A repeat of a ride from earlier this year, with a deceptively sunny start from Oakwood Park. We rode through some of North London's 1930s suburbs to North Finchley and then on the Dollis Brook Cycle Way around the back of Barnet to Barnet Gate Lane. Then down Rowley Lane to Borehamwood and on through Crossoaks Farm to Ridge and South Mimms. Here we stopped just before 1pm for lunch at the Black Horse pub, leaving over an hour later as the clouds were gathering. The rain began as we rode back through Kitts End and Monken Hadley, and by Cockforsters we were all dripping wet . We returned to Oakwood Park as the light was going about 4pm, where we split for home. Leader Peter, Paul, Paul J, Jane, Stephen, Terry, Michèle,John R, Eleanor.
Sunday 20th November: Winter Ride to Victoria Park
It had rained pretty solidly for the previous 48 hours, but it had just about stopped as a rather reduced group set off from Edmonton Leisure centre at 10am. To the towpath at Stonebridge Lock, then south to Tottenham Hale before a short diversion for bridge repairs and a road route by Markfield park to avoid muddy potholes. We had thought of lunching at some new cafés that had appeared by the olympic park, but thought again when we saw their eye watering prices. Instead we went on to Victoria Park Hub café for lunch inside before taking the reverse back to Stonebridge Lock. Leader Paul, Eleanor, Peter
Sunday 27th November: Enfield Christmas Parade of Light
The traditional seasonal parade took place around Enfield Town, leaving the Civic Centre at 4pm. Many local groups and charities took part with colourful floats. Enfield LCC were represented, and Edmonton CC helped to marshal the event. Thanks to Maz, Bridget and Paul. Earlier, the Lets Sing Out choir, including Maz, Bridget and Jeff were singing in the Market Square.
Sunday 11th December: Carvery Lunch
With a table booked for 3pm, we met at noon for a gentle ride via Bury green to Cheshunt Golf Club Café for hot drinks. Then back to Whitewebbs pub by way of Cheshunt Pond and over the A10 cycle bridge arriving just before 3 p.m. There we enjoyed a roast dinner and (for some!) ice cream at a large round table till 4:30. Home in the dark! Leaders Maz and Les, Jeff, Paul, Peter, Bridget, Liz, Martin, Joining us at the restaurant were Colin, Millie, Jane,
Where's Wally?
Photo: Maz
Carvery Lunch
Photo: Paul
Thurstay 15th December: Christmas Social Evening
Our last social evening of 2016 was a special party of snacks and drinks plus a quiz. This year the theme was a compendium of music from the 50s to the 90s, with each question illustrated byt the appropriate soundtrack. Some questions earned bonus points for singing or dancing the answer! Quizmaster was Elleanor who devised and produced the whole show with its interactive technology. A very enjoyable evenng for the 25 or so members who attended. Thanks to Ellie for the quiz, to Winchmore Hill Sports Club for hosting our meetings and to all of you for your contributions over the year.
Monday 26th December: Boxing Day Ride
A sunny start from Edmonton Leisure Centre took us northeast to Ponders End, over the rail bridge to Brimsdown and on to the cycle path for Enfield Lock. Here two more riders joined us, as we went into Gunpowder Park and then Lee Valley Regional Park. We stopped for a puncture repair, followed by a photo call at the giant chair sculpture, where several members, including some of those of more mature years, climbed the structure (Pensioners behaving badly!). We continued over the rail bridge at Cheshunt and on to Cedars Park where we had lunch inside the new café. Return just after 2pm via the wooden menagerie before taking the A10 cycle path towards Enfield. Leader Paul, Peter, Jeff, John C, Terry, Michèle, Jane P, Theresa, John C, Graham, elleanor, Liz, Martin, Pat.
On the High Chair
Photo: Ellie
Last puncture of the year!
Photo: Ellie
View of the Lake
Photo: Ellie
Tiger Tiger!
Photo: Michèle
52 Days to Timbuctu
Photo: Michèle
Club Points Table
| Position | Name | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paul L | 1100 |
| 2 | Peter M | 1050 |
| 3 | Jeff | 860 |
| 4 | Eleanor | 795 |
| 5 | Les | 690 |
| 6 | Jane P | 675 |
| 7 | Maz | 665 |
| 8 | Bridget | 660 |
| 9 | John R | 570 |
| 10 | Michèle | 505 |
| 11 | Pat | 490 |
| 12 | Susan | 355 |
| 13 | Paul J | 350 |
| 14 | Dave L | 345 |
| 15 | Chris | 315 |
| 16 | Stephen | 295 |
| 17 | Ben | 285 |
| 18 | Evelyn | 270 |
| 19 | Trevor | 265 |
| 20 | Jonh C | 225 |
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 |