Ride Reports 2018
By Paul and others. Photos on this page are copyright © by ECC club members unless otherwise specified. Please send reports and photos to webmaster@edmontoncycleclub.org.
February March April May June July August September October November December Merit points
Sunday 28th January: Essex Shortie
In mild weather, we started out from Edmonton Leisure Centre, riding on the track next to Meridian Way east through Island Village and Gunpowder Park. Then on a side-path (halted by fly-tipping) into Avey Lane, rising to a left turn at West Green Lane. We diverted to Epping Road, and a left turn towards Copthall Green, Upshire back to Waltham Abbey gatehouse café for lunch. Return was via Waltham Cross, Bullsmoor Ln to Enfield. Leader Paul, riders Jeff, Pat, Bill, Paul J, Peter, Maz, Les.
Sunday 11th February: Winchmore Hill to High Barnet
After hot drinks, a leisurely start was made from Coffee Break Café in bright cold weather. Our five riders rode south on the new cycle lane, then went into Broomfield Park, Arnos Park, Oakhill Park to East Barnet. Then via side-roads to Hadley Common, climbing to St.Mary's Church with its ancient date carving. There was also a view of Spike Milligan's former house. We arrived at the Sebright Arms at 12.05 to find it shut till 6pm, so went on to the Black Horse in Wood Street. Our return route was by Courthouse Park, Dollis Brook, with a welcome tea-stop thanks to Peter, and onto Palmers Green and home. Riders Bill, Jeff, Paul, Peter, Theresa, plus at the start Maz, Les, Bridget, Dave, Denise.
Sunday 18th February: Lee Valley and Walthamstow Wetlands
A bright winter's day start from Edmonton Leisure Centre took us along the Lee Valley path to the Walthamstow Wetlands, where the new Coppermill Tower was open. Then south to Hackney Marshes and the towpath to east gate of Victoria Park for lunch at 12, Hub Café. Then a clockwise route around the park before progressing back on a direct path by the river to Edmonton Leisure Centre at 2.30. Leader Paul, riders Leon, Mel, Ben.
Sunday 25th February: From Café to Three Pubs!
A very cold but sunny late winters day saw a start form Caffè Nero north via the Great Cambridge Road to Bury Green, west Cheshunt, Hammond Street to Newgate Street. Here we found "No food today" at the Coach and Horses, due to repairs, so rode on to the Two Brewers at Northaw. This was found to be too busy with diners(!), so rode on to the Chequers pub by Coopers Lane Road. Here we had a nice lunch, sitting by the turtle tank (not on menu!) Return ride was via Crews Hill to Enfield by 3pm. Riders Bill, Paul, Peter, Stephen, plus Jeff at café.
Sunday 11th March: 'Cycle Enfield' A105 Route
Some E.C.C. members supported this Cycle Enfield event opening the new cycle route. With a start at the Coffee Break Café in Winchmore Hill, around 150 local cyclists of all abilities came along to try the new cycle lanes from Enfield to the A406 and back. Riders were guided by Cycle Enfield instructors on correct use of the lanes with respect to other road users. "Dr Bike" and "Bike Boutique" were also there for the two hours or so. Thanks to Bridget, Les, Mark, Maz, Paul, Ron.
Sunday 25th March: Bayford Pub, Hertfordshire
Another cool spring day - after a hot drink at the Coffee Break Café Winchmore Hill, we rode north through Enfield Town park, to Bury Green (USAF Memorial), Goff's Oak, Derry's wood, Wormley W to Bayford. There by noon, the Baker Arms provided lunch inside. Return ride from 1.15 took us via Bayford Stn, Brickendon, Old Wormley, and LVRP. Here we met Chris at Pindar, after her Stanstead Abbots ride. Then on to Waltham Cross and homewards via the Great Cambridge Rd. and Enfield. Leader Paul, riders Geoff, Melanie, Michèle, Jeff (backstop).
Sunday 8th April: Broxbourne - Lee Valley Regional Park
With persistent rain forecast, the ride was called off on the morning, at the start from Edmonton Leisure Centre.
Sunday 15th April: Hendon Air Museum
After morning tea at the Whitewebbs golf café, we set off in dry weather. Route took us via The Ridgeway, Hadley Rd, Beech Hill, with a comfort stop at the Barnet Courthouse café. From there followed Wood Street west, Hendon Wood Lane, Highwood Hill, Mill Hill, before approaching Hendon Air Museum. There we enjoyed lunch and a brief look around the aircraft exhibitions - worth a longer look. At 1.20, the return route took the earlier path, except Totteridge Lane, Frien Barnet, arriving back at Palmers Green and Enfield around 3.30. Leader Paul J; riders Geoff, Peter H, Peter MO, Laurent & son, Jayne, Sarah, Maz, Leon, Les, Jeff, Paul L.
Sunday 22nd April: Redbridge Cycling Centre
We rode from Coffee Break Café in Winchmore Hill via Edmonton, LVRP, Walthamstow, Wanstead, Gants Hill and Fairlop Water to Redbridge Cycling Centre at 12.30. There we watched some in-line skaters and target shooting, but no cycling! We had some lunch outside in very bright warm weather, with great views of London and south Essex from Hog Hill. The return ride was via Chingford back to Enfield. Leader Les; riders Maz, Jeff, Laurent and son, Michèle, Paul L (backstop).
Sunday 29 April: St. Albans
We met up at Oakwood Park, where it seemed the café was closed for renovation. Undeterred, we headed off through Hadley Wood, National Cycle Route 12 and Potters Bar to Brookmans Park, where we stopped at a tea shop for elevenses. Fortified, we rode on following the cycle route to Hatfield, then switched to the Alban Way for the five mile level run to St Albans. Here we found that all three of our potential lunch pubs were fully booked, so we ended up at Nandos in the High Street, where the menu was chicken or chicken. Stepping back outside again we realised how cold it was, totally unseasonable for late April, so we quickly set off towards Shenley via Black Lion Hill - well we needed to keep warm. After Shenley we rode across to the horse bridge over the A1 and up Galley Lane towards Barnet. Here the original plan was to stop at Lewis farm for an ice cream in glorious sunshine, but in temperatures of only a few degrees no-one felt very enthusiastic! So we carried on through Barnet as people gradually filtered off to make their separate ways home. Leader Peter, Les, Maz, Steve, Chandra, Melanie, Jeff, Geoff, Tash, Zack, Roland.
Sunday 6th May: Turn Up and Go
Meeting at Enfield Town Park Café, we decided on a countryside ride. This took us north through Whitewebbs Golf Course, Burnt Farm Ride, Goff's Oak, Derry and Bencroft woods and White Stubbs Lane to Brickendon and the Farmer's Boy pub at 12.30. Here we enjoyed a nice lunch outside in blazing spring sunshine, with some of us opting for children's portions!. Our return took a shorter route via West Cheshunt, due to lost luggage at Enfield Café, arriving at 2.30. Riders: Bill, Jeff, Paul, Peter, Theresa.
Sunday 13th May: Olympic Park and Walthamstow Wetlands
A brighter day as we left Edmonton Leisure Centre to Lee Valley and onto the Walthamstow Wetlands, but blighted by lots of annoying flies en route. A quick view from the Coppermill Tower, then on to Hackney and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Here we had a brief stop at the Velodrome (Cycle Surgery gone). Then to Green Box café on the Greenway. Our return ride was warmer, heading north to Picketts Lock. Here we split up, some heading home, while five of us went on to Myddelton House for a display of beekeeping and candle making. From here it was on to Forty Hall market stands and a W.I. tea until 3.45. Leader Paul, riders Jeff, Geoff, Bill, Bridget, Keung, Les, backstops Maz, Peter.
Friday 18th May: Enfield Night Hike walk for Nightingale Cancer Support Centre
ECC ride marshalls helped guide the hundreds of pyjama-clad walkers on their way round the 9-mile / 15km course. The start was from Enfield Civic Centre, with breaks at Oakwood, Southgate, the Intimate Theatre in Palmers Green, then back to Enfield Civic Centre finish. ECC staff were Maz, Les, Bridget, Jeff, Paul.
Saturday 19th - Sunday 27th May: CTC Trip to France
Five club members enjoyed a CTC cycling holiday in the Dordogne river valley in France. Although not a club ride/event, we would recommend the trip to others. The hotel was very good, as were the meals, service, and rides to places of interest on our days out. It was great to meet our CTC organisers Pam and Dave, and enjoy the great company of fellow UK CTC members. See www.cyclingholidays.org for future similar events.
Sunday 3rd June: William Morris Gallery
In the gardens behind the gallery.
Photo: Michèle
The summer rides began with a short outing to the William Morris Museum, to view the 19th century Arts & Crafts exhibits. Many of the design items shown evolved into well-known 20th century brands and home furnishings. We then enjoyed lunch at the park café in very warm weather. Return was back to Edmonton Leisure Centre and onto the Little Green Dragon pub for refreshments. Leader Paul, riders Jeff, Geoff, Les, Maz, Pat, Michèle, Keung, Peter, backstop Paul J.
Sunday 10th June: The Battle of Barnet
On a sunny and very warm summer's day, riders left Enfield southwards via Palmers Green, Arnos Park and back roads of New Southgate to Finchley. Here a break was taken at "Bespoke Café" in Ballard's Lane. Moving on we took the Dollis Brook cycle path, and an uphill loop at Mill Hill East, onto High Barnet. Lunch there was at the site of the Barnet Fayre and Re-enactments. Riders watched the short demo of the 15thcentury battle, accompanied by PA commentary. Afternoon ended with ride back to Enfield area at 3.45. Leader Peter, Paul, Jeff, Geoff, Debbie, backstop Michèle.
Sunday 24th June: Loughton and High Beach for Tea & Cakes
Our start from Coffee Break Café in Winchmore Hill was in blazing hot summer sun. We set off eastwards via Edmonton, Chingford and Woodford (Solo Café). Then north by urban back streets, over the M11, through Chigwell, onto Loughton and up a short track to "The Forresters" pub at 12.30 for an outdoor lunch. Here some watched the England football match on TV. The second part saw us ride down Baldwins and Goldings Hills to B172 to High Beach tea and cake stop at the Holy Innocent church. Return after 3.30 back to Enfield. Leader Maz, Les, Jeff, Paul, Geoff, Cathy, Paul J, John, backstop Sarah.
Sunday 8th July: Kenwood House
More hot summer weather marked our departure from Coffee Break Café, Winchmore Hill. We took the A105 cycle route, then crossing to Bowes Park, Alexandra Palace grounds, Hornsey and Highgate to Kenwood. Here we enjoyed a relaxed lunch, in the park full of visitors. Some of us viewed the house. We left after 1pm, back via Muswell Hill onto Winchmore Hill café to finish our medium ride.Well done to first time leader Bridget; other riders were Jeff, Geoff, Keung, John, Peter, Marion, backstops Les & Paul.
Saturday 14th July: Firs Farm Wetlands Summer Festival
A small group of members devoted over 8 hours to our Dr. Bike free check-over stand. In blazing hot sunshine, with very short breaks, our top mechanic Les and many helpers checked many bikes. The bikes were in various states of use! Lots of advice was given out, hopefully encouraging people to join us as members! Many other club members came by at the event. Thanks to Les, Maz, Bridget, Jeff, Paul.
Sunday 22nd July: Thames Chase Forest Centre, Essex
Another hot day out, with an early 9.30 start from Coffee Break Café. Off east to Chingford Leisure Centre to meet ride leader John. From there it was on east via Loughton, Chigwell, Havering, Harold Wood, Cranham to Thames Chase Forest Centre at 12.30. We then had lunch and many cold drinks inside the large café/visitor centre. The site has many walking and cycling trails, and wildlife to see. After a good rest we left at 1.45 toward Upminster and Hornchurch, stopping at Romford centre for ices. Then onto Barkingside, S. Woodford, Walthamstow to Edmonton, using some side roads and tracks. A well planned route by leader John. Other riders Maz, Jeff, Geoff, Bridget, Paul, backstop Les.
Saturday 28th July: Ride London with Enfield Cycling Campaign
Club members helped guide the public from Edmonton Leisure Centre at 9.15 into central London for the closed route and festival at Green and St.James's Parks. Our route took us down the Lee towpath east to Victoria Park, Mile End Park to Cornhill meeting place by Royal Exchange. Then we split up to ride the route. Marshals and leaders enjoyed a lunch break at Green Park London Cycling Campaign area. The return leg from 3pm was via the same route. Enfield LCC leader David, Edmonton CC riders Les, Maz, Peter, Paul.
Saturday 5th August: Broxbourne and Hilly Fields Music
Another hot day out - starting from Enfield Town Park then riding via Whitewebbs Park, Theobalds House, Bury Green to Cheshunt golf café. There, alas, there was no food! So, at midday we rode on to Pond Café (per Boxing Day) for a nice lunch. Afterwards it was back via the cycle path by A10 to Clay Hill, with option of Hilly Fields for music from The Bluejays. Leader Paul, Geoff, Cathy, Marian, Richard, Bridget, backstop Jeff.
Saturday 12th August: Thames Path from Tower Bridge to Erith
Leaving from Liverpool St. Station at 10.45, over Tower Bridge then by paths and narrow streets eastward. A stop was made at the Cutty Sark for a quick coffee. Onwards then to Woolwich Barrier café for lunch. Here we met some other members going the other way as we continued eastwards, on to Erith town. Then we turned round back to Woolwich Ferry (shuts in October for three months for works to pier head and testing of new boats). Finally on Greenway cycle track to Stratford for trains home. Leader Peter, John, David, Keung, Trevor, Paul.
13 - 19 August: CTC Holiday "Birthday Rides" in Yarnfield, Staffs
Four members went to Yarnfield Conference Centre in Staffordshire. We enjoyed the company of 350 others on our five days of riding. There were multiple choices of daily rides - long, medium or short. We visited Northbury Junction marina, Cosford RAF Museum, Newport, Market Drayton, the Wedgewood Centre, Millport poppy display, Audlem, and Eccleshall. The Centre's food and evening entertainment was much enjoyed.
Saturday 25th August: Barbecue Lunch
At the club barbecue.
Photo: Maz
Having missed our April lunch, we left our annual social "do" to the Bank Holiday weekend. Many thanks are due to Chris and Joe for organising the site, food buying and prep, and the double gazebo. Our feeder ride from the Coffee Break Café in Winchmore Hill left at 12.30, getting to Pindar Sculpture Park in Cheshunt at 1.15. Other members came separately by car, train or bike. We had a relaxed afternoon of good BBQ food and drinks, which was enjoyed by all. A round of thanks was given, and the 2017 Awards given out. Attending were Chris, Joe, Maz, Les, Bridget, Colin, Paul, Jeff, Peter, Karl, Jayne, Cathy C, Marian, Pat, John, Laurent, Lucian, Leon, Francis and wife.
Sunday 2nd September: "Turn up and Go" to Barnet and Palmers Green Festival
A glorious sunny day saw us start from Enfield Town Park café. We rode west towards Trent Park, then to Monken Hadley, stopping to view a former house of comedian Spike Milligan. Then on past the Sebright Arms (back to lunchtime hours) to Wood Street and the Courthouse café for lunch. We then rode to Palmers Green late summer Festival to enjoy the afternoon's entertainments. Some helped the Enfield LCC group with the "Try A Bike" sessions, which were very well attended. Also present were Cycle Enfield promoting cycle services. Riders Paul, Pat, Les, Maz, Jeff, Bridget.
Sunday 9th September: Stanstead Abbots, Ware and Roydon
An early at 9.45 from the Greyhound Enfield, north on the towpath to Dobbs Weir coffee café. The on past Rye House Gatehouse, Stanstead Innings wildlife area at Stanstead Abbots and into Ware at 12:10. Here we stopped at Jacoby's Restaurant / Café for lunch. Our return was on road, back past Stanstead Abbots to Roydon Lock by the River Stort. Unfortunately no ice creams were had, as café shut! So on via Stort towpath to Broxbourne Green Box Café by 2.30. We got back to Enfield around 4:30. Leader Paul, Bill, Jeff, Pat, Les, Maz, Paul J, backstop Keung.
Sunday 16th September: Abridge and High Beach
The day was bright for the start from Coffee Break Café. We rode east through Edmonton, South Chingford, Woodford, Roding Valley and onto Abridge. Here we had lunch at the garden centre at 12.45 (where many curious objects were also for sale). Our return ride was via the Wakes Arms junction to High Beach for tea/coffee/cakes at the church at 2pm. We enjoyed the very nice cakes whilst sitting outside. (Church does the cakes regularly from May to September Sundays at 2pm) The ride back to Enfield area took us down Church Lane, Lippitts Hill and Mott Street. Leader Maz, Bridget, Paul, John, Marion, Jeff, Geoff, Keung, Julian, backstop Les.
Sunday 23 September: A "Turn-Up-And-Go" Ride
But, as it turned out, it was a "No Go", as the weather, as forecast, was a wash-out!
Sunday 30 September: East London, Woolwich foot tunnel and the Cable Car
We left from a sunny Edmonton Leisure Centre along the Lee towpath to Green Café on the Greenway at 11.00. We met Dutch cycle engineers visiting London's cycle infrastructure. Continuing on the Greenway, and then turning off to Canning Town as a short cut to Excel and City Airport, we arrived at Woolwich foot tunnel. (The original plan to use the Woolwich ferry for the last time before its upgrade was thwarted by TfL's decision to close the ferry with zero notice - see here for a letter of complaint, and here for the very inadequate response received only after three reminders!) Then a short ride to the Thames Barrier café for lunchtime. Some Vespa motor scooters were seen. From here we continued on the path to the Cable Car station for the ride across north. Back on the bikes, we took the road to Canning Town, and via backstreets to the Greenway homewards to Edmonton Leisure Centre at 4pm. Leader Peter, Paul, Keung, Bill, Martina.
Sunday 7th October: Enfield to Waltham Abbey Lunch
Leader Maz, Peter, Jeff, Geoff, Paul J, Martina, Claire, Hayley, Les.
Sunday 21st October: Aldenham Country Park
The ride took us from Trent Park via Cockfosters Rd, Hadley Wood and NCN12, Well End, Borehamwood, Tykes Water Lane, Butterfly Lane to the Country Park. Here lunch was taken outside the new café. Then a one-and-half mile circuit of the lake and viewing at the airfield. The return leg included a tea stop at Borehamwood, then back towards Enfield and Southgate area, in sunny mild weather. Leader Peter, Jeff, Paul, Geoff, Keung.
Sunday 4th November: Autumnal Colour in the Lee Valley
A 10.15 start from Enfield Town Park Café, saw us head off east to the Great Cambridge Road via various backroads onto the Hertford Road. The Brimsdown path took us to Enfield Lock. Across Gunpowder Park to the Lee Valley at Waltham Abbey. Our route took us along winding paths in nice autumnal weather to Lee Valley Park Farms for a tea stop (also local milk on sale from a machine!) Then up Clayton Hill for views, before lunch at the Old Mill Retreat café at Broxbourne. Return leg was south via Cheshunt pond to Enfield Civic Centre. Leader Paul L, Jeff, Geoff, Cathy C, Peter M, Mel, Mark B, Peter H, Rosa, Paul J, Hanife, Mark S, backstop Michèle.
Sunday 18th November: More Autumn Colour at Victoria Park and QE Olympic Park
We left Edmonton Leisure Centre at 10.15 in glorious sunshine, heading east to Leaside Road, and Lee Valley, passing the new Meridian Water Station. Then east by the natural Lea river bridge to the Walthamstow Wetlands by the reservoirs. From there southwest at Hackney Marshes and west into Victoria Park for a circuit ride, only to find The Hub café shut for re-decorations. So we rode east to the Box café by the Olympic stadium for lunch. Our return north in the QEO Park took in a view of the WW1 Somme model commemoration. Riding northwards on the earlier route back to Edmonton Leisure Centre for 3pm, we passed Barnet cyclists at Walthamstow Wetlands. Leader Paul L, Cathy, Geoff, Ian, Hayley, Rosa, Martin, Liz, Bill, Peter, Maz, Trevor, Jill, backstops Keung, Les, Jeff.
Sunday 25th November: RAF Museum Hendon
A cloudy day's start from Whitewebbs golf café off Clay Hill. Riding west to Hadley Road, Beech Hill, Monken Hadley, High Barnet, Wood Street, onwards to Mill Hill and RAF Hendon Museum at 11.40. We enjoyed a tour around and then lunch at one of the three cafés. Post lunch it was more touring the exhibits before regrouping at the bike stands. Return route was via Totteridge Common, Whetstone, Friern Barnet and Palmers Green, back to Enfield about 3.15pm. Leader Paul J, Bill, Jeff, Geoff, Paul L.
Sunday 2nd December: Enfield Parade of Lights
Four members took part to help marshal the parade along the route in Enfield. Many thanks to M.L.H.B.
Sunday 16th December: Christmas Lunch at Whitewebbs Park
A late morning start, on a dry day, from the Coffee Break Café saw us head north on the A105 cycle lane to Enfield. Our lunchtime event was once again held at the Whitewebbs Park pub/carvery. We enjoyed a pre-lunch drink at our table before eating; a relaxed lunch with much merriment and talking about the past year's events concluded at about 2.30pm. Many thanks to Maz for organising. Ride leader Maz, Les, Jeff, Paul, Hayley, Keung, Bill, Peter, Pat, backstop Chris. Also Bridget, Colin, Sarah, Karl, Jayne.
Wednesday 26th December: Boxing Day Ride to Cheshunt Café
At the café.
Photo: Michèle
Our last ride of 2018 started from Edmonton Leisure Centre, heading off to Meridian Way cycle lane, Enfield Island Village and Lee Valley Regional Park to Fishers Green. Here we had a short stop, then onto Cheshunt Pond café for lunch and photos. Our return ride halted after just 100 yards for a rear puncture repair! Then homewards on the A10 cycle lane. Leader Paul, Geoff, Sharon, Jeff, Hanife, Pat, Peter, backstops Michèle, Bridget.
Club Points Table
| Position | Name | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paul L | 1010 |
| 2 | Peter M | 750 |
| 3 | Jeff S | 685 |
| 4 | Les | 625 |
| 5 | Maz | 610 |
| 6 | Geoff C | 505 |
| 7 | Bridget | 410 |
| 8 | Bill | 390 |
| 9 | Paul J | 330 |
| 10 | Keung | 290 |
| 11 | Pat | 285 |
| 12 | Michèle | 215 |
| 13 | Hayley | 140 |
| 14 | Cathy C | 135 |
| 15 | John R | 125 |
| 16 | Melanie | 110 |
| 17 | Leon | 105 |
| 18 | Chris | 95 |
| 19 | Jayne | 85 |
| 20= | Karl | 70 |
| 20= | Sarah | 70 |
Points are awarded according to the following scheme
| Leading a ride for the first time | 40 |
| Leading a ride | 35 |
| Acting as backstop for a significant part of the ride | 30 |
| Participating in a club ride | 25 |
| Attending a non riding club event | 20 |
| Participating in about ¾ of a ride | 15 |
| Participating in ½ or less of a ride | 10 |
| Attending a planning meeting or BMW | 10 |
| Bike aid/first aid on a ride | 10 |
In an effort to tackle rampant inflation, the points system will be changing for 2019