Ride Reports 2019

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.


Sunday 27th January: Turn Up and Go

In cool morning with winter sunshine, but rain forecast later, we decided on a shortish ride to Kenwood House. Riding south from the Coffee Break café at 10.35, we went along the Green Lanes cycle path towards Alley Pally. Along back roads to Highgate, past Queens Wood to Hampstead Lane and Kenwood house café 11.30. A brief stop for lunch before return to Muswell Hill, New Southgate, where we split up for home by A406 cycle lane. Leader Peter, Paul L, Jeff, Geoff, Marion, Les, Maz, Pat, backstop Michèle.


Sunday 3rd February: Turn Up and Go

A sunny but cold winters day as we met at Enfield Town Park Café. We decided on our ride plan over hot drinks before setting off at 10.45. past Church Street, St Andrew's church to King George's fields, Green St, Brimsdown, and Gunpowder Park. Here we had an unscheduled stop for a puncture before continuing north to the Lee Valley. We discovered that the railway crossing at Trinity Lane has been replaced by a cycle unfriendly pedestrian bridge, with a level crossing for contractors traffic. But happily one of the workers was able to open the gates for us. On to Cheshunt Golf Café for lunch, then back into the cold to return by Bury Green, the A10 cycle bridge, Great Cambridge Rd Cycle Path to Enfield about 2.40pm. Leader Jeff, Paul Peter Maz Les Hanife Geoff, backstop Michèle.


Sunday 17th February: Shenley Orchard Café

A lovely bright winters day as we left the Coffee Break café, through Cockfosters, Beech Hill, High Barnet and west to Galley Lane. Over the A1 via the horse bridge and on country lanes to Shenley, catching a view of the Shenley Village Lock Up on the way. The Orchard café was very busy with lots of dogs and families enjoying the sunshine! Mostly the same route back to Hich Barnet, with a stop for a puncture repair on the way. We split up at Barnet, some to tea at Peter's, then finally back to Winchmore Hill. Leader Paul, Ian, Jeff, Geoff, Peter, Bridget, Chris, Les, John, Debbie, backstop Maz.


Sunday 24th February: Turn Up and Go

From Whitewebbs Café we rode towards Crews Hill on Theobalds Road, and then along Coopers Lane Road to a short visit to the Jain temple at the Oshwal Centre. Then a circular ride via Brookmans Park, Bradmore Lane, Hawkshead Lane to the Chequers pub just outside Potters Bar. Here we sat outside in the unseasonal warm sunshine! Back on the Ridgeway to Enfield area about 3pm. Leaders Maz, Les, Geoff, Jeff, Cathy, Paul, John, Hanife, Hayley, Peter. About 35miles.


Sunday 10th March. Turn Up and Go

Ride blown away. Due to vicious high winds and showers, we called off this ride and stayed in the Coffee Break café. We being Paul, Les, Maz, Paul J, Pat.


Sunday 17th March: A Sandwich in Sandridge

A sunny but windy start from Beggars Hollow golf café. Riding on road via Crews Hill, Potter's Bar, Brookmans Park, Waters End, Colney Health and Smallford to reach the Heartwood tea rooms just after midday. We had phoned ahead, and they had reserved a block of tables for us, where we enjoyed some fine food and a range of speciality teas. We left at 1.40 and returned by the same route, with the clouds getting blacker and blacker, until at Potters Bar the deluge came. We sheltered in a shop doorway, and fortunately it passed quickly after which we split up into groups back to our various destinations. Leader Jeff, Peter, Keung, Chris, Paul, Cathy M, Geoff, Hayley, Bridget, Chandra, Maz, backstop Les.


Sunday 24th March. Ivy Chimneys

A bright start from Edmonton Leisure Centre, north on new cycle lane, then east on the misnamed South Street to Gunpowder Park. We had a short break here, followed by a peleton malfunction* at Avey Lane and a puncture forced delay! Eventually we moved on east on Epping Road to Ivy Chimneys for an outdoor lunch. Returning by High Beach, down Mott Street to Edmonton area. Leader Paul L, Geoff, Cathy, Ian B, Hanife, Jeff, Michèle, Maz, Bill, Backstops Paul J, Les.

* Email predictive text rendered this as a 'peloponnese malfunction', which sounds much more poetic


Sunday 7th April: Abridge Garden Centre

A dull, misty and chilly start from Coffee Break café. East to Chingford then along banks of River Roding and recreation ground. Through Loughton to Abridge Road and the lunch stop, outside with a canopy heater!. The return ride was in drizzle via Theydon Boys, Jack's Hill, and High Beach for Mott Street decent to Lea Valley and Enfield. Leaders Maz and Les, with Bill, Jeff, Geoff, Sharon, Rosa, Paul, Michèle, Hanife, Keung


Sunday 14th April: Kenwood House

From the Coffee Break café we rode on the cycle lanes south, across the North Circular Road, Alexandre Palace, Hornsey, Queens Wood, Highgate to Kenwood. There ia a great view across London from here. We enjoyed lunch outside, meeting a Breeze women's ride. Some of us took a brief look inside the house, including a Vermeer painting, The Guitar Player. A slightly different route route back to the Coffee Break, where some decanted to the Little Green Dragon pub. Leader Bridget, Paul, Jeff, Geoff, Sharon, Hanife, Bill, Rosa, Peter, backstop Pat.


Sunday 28th April: Ongar

A 9.15 start from Coffee Break café saw us heading east to the Chingford Leisure Centre (via a detour!) to meet leader John. Then to Buckhurst Hill, Theydon Bois, (with a puncture stop!), over the M11 to Hobbs Cross, Stapleford Tawney, and Stafford Rivers. On country lanes to the Stag pub in Ongar, arriving 12.25 for lunch, eaten inside as light drizzle fell. Our return took in Greensted, Toot Hill, Theydon Bois, Loughton to Chingford and back to Edmonton Green about 3.30. Leader John, Rosa, Geoff, Bridget, Paul, Jeff, backstop Peter. Part rider Trevor.


Sunday 5th May: William Morris Museum / God's Own Junkyard

Cafe in Gods Own Junkyard
Café in God's Own Junkyard. Photo: Geoff

A sunny day as we left from the Leisure Centre. On the way we were all handed cards asking us to take part in a TfL survey of cycling in London. We rode east across Lea Valley to Walthamstow, back roads to Lloyd Park and the William Morris Museum. Aside from the usual exhibits there was an interesting gallery with a temporary exhibition of Chinese posters from the Cultural Revolution. Then on Shernhall Road to Gods Own Junkyard. This is an Aladdins Cave full of 50s/60s/70s memorabilia and illuminated neon signs everywhere, plus a loo inside a tardis! Lunch at the café there, followed by a beer at the microbrewery opposite, before returning via a similar route. Leader Paul, riders Cathy, Jeff, Geoff, Sharon, Pat, Peter, Les, backstop Maz.


Sunday 12th May: Turn Up and Go

On a bright sunny morning we met in Oakwood Park and welcomed two new members in Steve and his wife Charlotte ("Charlie"). Over coffee we decided on a ride to Hatfield House which Peter agreed to lead. Unfortunately, as we set off Peter discovered a problem with his rear brake which a little later forced him to withdraw from the trip. Geoff then took over as leader and we proceeded at a leisurely pace through Potters Bar and Welham Green to our destination. Here we enjoyed lunch at a busy Hatfield House Café before setting off for home, encountering numerous other cycling groups on our way back. Leaders Peter/Geoff, riders Cathy C, Steve, "Charlie", Keung, Michèle, Rosa, Hanife, backstop Pat


Friday 17th May: Marshalling the Nightingale Night Hike

Pyjama walk for Nightingale Cancer Support Centre. Our marshalls led by Pat helped guide around 250 walkers along the 5 or 9 course, starting and finishing at Enfield Civic Centre. Well done and thanks for your time.


Sunday 19th May: Tea and Cakes

A late start from the Coffee Break café through the back streets to Lee Valley, and then up (part of) Mott Street and Lippetts Hill to lunch in the garden of the Owl pub. Then some took an extra lap around Church Lane while the sensible contingent relaxed in the pub! Eventually we all met up at High Beach Church for tea and cakes about 2pm. We stayed there for about an hour before returning via a similar route (but without the extra lap!) Leader Maz, riders Geoff, Jeff, Sharon, Cathy, Peter, Paul, Pat, Bridget, backstop Les.


Sunday 2nd June: Dobbs Weir

Geoff's country tour. A fine summers day from Enfield, east to Lea Valley farms, up Clayton hill then lanes to Dobbs Weir riverside cafe for lunch stop. We were all rather weighed down by the large portions! Our second half took in Broxbourne then west towards Paradise Park on shady lanes to Newgate Street village. Then Carbonne hill!! down, up, down, up to Northaw and the the Chequers pub on the edge of Potters Bar to recover. Two groups split for home ride. Leader Geoff, riders Sharon, Les, Maz, Paul, Jeff, Colin, Jane, Martina, Rosa, Pat, Will, Lyn, and not forgetting Mr Dixon! Backstop Peter.


Sunday 9th June: Barnet Medieval Festival

A sunny ride from Enfield Park, on cycle path by Green Lanes then through Arnos Park and across Saint Pancras and Islington cemetery. We stopped at the café in Stephens House and Gardens, Finchley, for a coffee. Then by the babbling Dollis Brook cycle trail, uphill to Byng Road field for the festival. Lunch from the various food stalls, then we watched a re-enactment of the 1471 Battle of Barnet. Ride back 4.45, as light rain to heavy set in 25 minutes later!! Leader Peter, riders Rosa, Paul L, Geoff, Jeff, Cathy, Les, Michèle, backstop Keung.


Friday June 14th: Evening ride to Ridge

This ride was planned for Thursday, but was postponed due to atrocious weather. We rode from Oakwood Park Café by way of Wag(g)on* Road, Trotters Bottom, Packhorse Bridge, Dyrham Lane to Ridge. As the pub was packed we sat outside to eat undercover where we enjoyed a selection pizzas and Italian food. But it was not the balmy summer's evening we had hoped for, and as the sun wend down we became a bit chilly. So we left fairly early, about 9:30pm while it was still light, and rode back through Barnet and Winchmore Hill. Leader Maz, riders Les, Peter, Geoff, Chris, Paul.

* Waggon Road on the Enfield road signs, Wagon Road on the Barnet ones!


Sunday June 16th: Harlow to Cheshunt

Setting off from North Weald
Setting off from North Weald after lunch.
Photo: Liz
Dora
Dora with her fan club.
Photo: Liz

We met at Cheshunt Station for a trian to Harlow Town at 9:45. At Harlow we met up with the ride leader Martin, and after a coffee we set off in light drizzle at about 10:30. We rode northeast out of Harlow, and for a while the rain became heavier so we sheltered under a tree before it eased off. On country lanes by Matching, High Laver, Magdalena Laver with a short puncture stop, before riding to North Weald. Herre we entered the airfield and rode around the perimeter to a cafe on the top deck of a red bus for lunch, watching aircraft and a gyrocopter. Here Liz and Dora joined us. We left about 1.30 back around the airfield then west to Thornwood Common, Epping Green back to Nazeing area. Then south to Cheshunt, stopping at Cedars Park for ices. Leader Martin, riders Peter, Paul J, Les, Maz, Rosa, John, Paul L, backstop Jeff.


Sunday 23rd June: Hertford and Welwyn

A sunny ride from Whitewebbs golf café towards Cheshunt golf course. Then up some challenging hills, past Brickendon and into old scenic Hertford. Many cafés to choose from for refreshments. We then rode west on Cole Green way old railway line to Welwyn Garden City, a very leafy quiet track. We stopped in the main shopping area for coffee, ices etc. Return ride headed towards Potters Bar as we split for Enfield area. Strava said approximately 45 miles. Leader Jeff, riders Paul, Geoff, Sharon, Bridget, Les, Maz, John, backstop Keung.


Sunday 30th June: Victoria Park

A medium paced ride from the Coffee Break café east to Lea towpath, stopping for shopping(?) at Edmonton Green. Then south via Walthamstow Wetlands to Hackney and Victoria Park hub Café lunchtime. We saw a helicopter ambulance land there but it seemed to be a PR stunt rather then a genuine emergency. A slow circuit of the park followed. Return with a brief stop at Lea Valley horse centre, now with no café, onwards back on same route to finish at Edmonton Green. Leader Paul, riders Geoff, Cathy, Hyacinth, Bridget, John, Hayley, backstops Jeff, Michèle.


Sunday 7th July: Presidents Ride

The sky cleared on our mystery route ride from the Coffee Break café. Wee took a tour of Firs Farm wetlands with a visit to the memorial tree for our late president Alan. Then on cycle lanes to Broomfield Park, new wetlands area, Arnos Park and by Pymmes Trail to Oakhill Park East Barnet, where the community festival and car show was taking place. Lunch at the café there to 1.30. then we rode northeast to Hilly Fields for a Queen tribute concert at 3:00pm. Lovely ices thanks to Jeff. Leader Maz, riders Bridget, Paul, John, Cathy, Pat, Rosa, Marion, Hanife, Hayley, Martina, Jeff, backstops Les, Geoff.


Sunday 14th July: Le Tour de Hertford

Bastille day ride to Hertford and beyond. A swift start from the golf café, Enfield after some surprise rain in the early mornng. We rode north to Cheshunt Paradise Lane, White Stubbs Lane, Brickendon to Hertford. Then along country lanes and broad tracks via Sacombe Green to Wadesmill. Here we stopped at the Feathers pub, but found the menu very uninspiring so we pushed on the Ware. Here most of us ended up at an outside table of a Greek restaurant for lunch. Riverside path back to Hertford then by reverse of the outward route to Enfield by 4.30 or so. Leader Peter, riders Stephen, Rosa, Paul, Hanife, Hyacinth, backstop Jeff and Keung.


Sunday 21st July: Picketts Lock to Cambridge:

Six members took part in this Bike Events ride. The weather was near perfect with a sunny light breeze and a temperature of 23 degrees. We rode north east to Upshire, Epping Green, and Roydon for a 15 minute break. The on to Much Hadham and the lunch stop at Arkesden. After lunch through Whittlesford for a cold drink, and finally the south west approach through villages into Cambridge to Jesus's Green finish at 2.50 to 3.30 for us. Total distance 60 miles. Five of us rode to the station to catch the 4.32 train to home stations, with one staying overnight in Cambridge. Well done Bridget, Rosa, Geoff, Jeff, Keung, Paul.


Sunday 28th July: Brickendon

A dull start and drizzle from Enfield Park Café. North by Burnt Farm Ride, Wormley Woods off road and close to nettles to Farmers Boy pub at 12.10. Return via Wormley Lea Valley, Cedars Park to Enfield about 3.pm. Leader Paul, Riders Marion R, David, Geoff, Chris (part).


Sunday 4th August: Hatfield and St Albans

This was an ad hoc last minute ride planned a couple of days earlier. We met at a new venue, Oakwood Station, which is conveniently uphill for everyone! We rode out via Potters Bar, Brookmans Park then through Hatfield and onto the Alban Way. We rode the full length of the Alban Way to Verulamium Park for lunch, then back intially via the same route but diverting through Colney Heath, WaterEnd, Potters Bar and down Coopers Lane to the Enfield area. Leader Peter, riders Jeff, Rosa, Jayne, Marion and backstop Pat.


Sunday 11th August: High Beach

With several of the club away in Sweden, five of us met in Enfield Town Park for a 'turn up and go' ride. We decided to entrust Geoff's GPS unit to guide us on an untried route through Waltham Abbey to High Beach. The Satnav batteries lasted just long enough to get us there where we joined a large gathering of "Hell's Angels" at the Bikers Café for a lunch of chunky sandwiches, bacon rolls and bread pudding. We returned via Lea Valley Park, Enfield Island Village and Albany Park. Leader Geoff, Riders Pat, Rosa, David, Backstop Peter.


Sunday 18th August: Not Aldenham Country Park

We had met in Trent Park café just as the rain set in. After several teas, toast etc., the rain was still falling 12.00, so we decided to all go home. The weather then cleared just as we split up in different directions!! Blue sky, warm etc, but too late!! Potential riders: Geoff Cathy Jeff Les Stephen Marion Maz Pat Paul Rosa.


Sunday 25th August: Broxbourne

A sunny hot day, starting at the Coffee Break café. We rode towards Waltham Cross lock, along scenic paths (frustrating an escape bid by a rogue banana) to a bird hide, then over Clayton hill on to Dobbs Weir cafe. Returning by way of Cheshunt to Cedars Park for ices in 32° heat. Back towards Enfield by A10 path where we split up. Leader Paul, riders Jeff, Geoff, Rosa, Peter, Debbie, Cynthia, backstop Stephen.


Sunday 1st September: High Barnet, and Palmers Green Festival.

A quartet of riders rode to Barnet Courthouse Café for lunch. We saw Spike Milligan's old house at Monken Hadley. Post lunch ride east to Palmers Green and multi event festival of Cycle Enfield where some of us tried out different style bikes in the 'try a bike' enclosed area, with helpers Les and Maz. Leader Paul, Riders, Bridget, Marion, Pat.


Sunday 8th September: Wimpole Hall, Cambridgeshire

By train to Letchworth where we met out hosts Stuart, Geoff, Guy and Richard. We rode east under sunny and warm skies through the Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire countryside, passing the villages of Norton, Ashwell, Orwell, to Wimpole Hall estate for lunch outside. Ride back 1.30 or so, via Croydon (no, not that one), Guilden Morden, to Letchworth about 4.30. ECC Riders Paul, Rosa, Geoff, Martina, Keung, Stephen, Laurent.


Sunday 15th September: The Owl and Teacakes

A short ride from coffee break café east to Lea Valley up Mott Street, Limpets hill to the pub for lunch, followed by a lap around Church Hill and Mott Street. Then on to High Beach Church tea at 2pm yummy cakes on offer there! Back to Winchmore area about 3.45. Leader Maz, riders Paul, Bridget, Les, Peter H, backstop Stephen. Also Pat and Colin for part of ride.


Sunday 22nd September: Kenwood House

Ride called off due to a threatening weather forecast.


Sunday 29th September: Turn up and go

Only they didn't - turn up that is. Several club members were away, and the rest were put off by the continuing bad weather. Pat and Peter made it to the start but then saw sense.


Saturday 5th October: Ad hoc ride to Colney Heath

This ride was added to the programme at very short notice, in an attempt to take advantage of a short break in the seemingly incessant rain. From Oakwood Park to Colney Heath and Barnet for a pub lunch then back through Monken Hadley. Leader Geoff, riders Maz, Les, Paul, Jeff.


Sunday 6th October: Ware

Another victim of the weather. This time it was not as bad as forecast, but the change came too late to reinstate the ride.


Sunday 13th October: Shenley and Letchmore Heath

Five intrepid cyclists met in Trent Park and decided to proceed with the ride in spite of gloomy weather forecasts. We made our way via Waggon Road to Ridge and all went well until just outside Shenley when the Heavens decided to open. We stopped for lunch in the Orchard Cafe before setting off for home. Geoff proved to be a tough taskmaster when he insisted that we complete the planned route rather than just return the same way we had come. So we came back via Aldenham Country Park (although we didn't visit), Elstree and Barnet. We did get a drenching, but it dried up a bit towards the end. Leader: Geoff, riders: Peter, Bridget, Rosa, backstop: Keung.


Sunday 20th October: The Prospect of Whitby

A grand circular ride from Edmonton Leisure Centre east on urban roads via Walthamstow, Forest Gate, Canning Town and Limehouse to the Prospect of Whitby pub. We locked up on railings before enjoying a hot lunch with a view to the river. Our return route took in St Paul's, then northwards to Islington, Hackney, Stoke Newington, Tottenham towards Edmonton by about 3.30pm. Leader John, riders Paul, Keung, Jeff, Geoff, Hanife, Les, backstop Maz


Sunday 27th October: Essendon, Wildhill and Welham Green

After weeks of rain the first day of the clocks reset to GMT came bright and cold. We left Oakwood park before the café had opened, and rode up to Cockfosters Station, collecting an extra rider there. Then out along Waggon Road, Baker Street and through Potters Bar, Swanley Bar Lane, A1000, and along Kentish Lane to Essendon, where we noted another pub had closed and was being converted to flats. We had a short break here, while the leader explained the onward road was 'undulating'. So we set off along West End Lane, Wildhill Road and Woodside Lane to the Dutch Garden Centre. We arrived there just as breakfast was finishing but lunch had not yet started, so several of us made do with various toasties, plus one vegetarian breakfast! After lunch we set off down Bulls Lane to Welham Green, then Station Road, Bradmore Lane, Warrengate Road and National Cycle Route 12 to South Mimms. Here we found the road under water, so we had a detour around South Mimms before crossing the A1 horsebridge and back home through Barnet. Total distance 30 miles. Leader Peter M, riders Geoff, Paul J, Marion, Peter H backstops Jeff, Chris


Sunday 3rd November: Golders Hill Park

On a bright autumn day we set off from the Coffee Break café down through Palmers Green to Alexandra Palace. Here we found the park was closed for clearing up after last night's fireworks. We diverted through the Hornsey backstreets to Highgate and Kenwood House for a stop to admire the panoramic view. Then on to Golders Hill Park for lunch at the café, and a visit to the Hill Gardens. Return via Hampstead Garden Suburb and East Finchley helped by Peter, to a finish back at the Coffee Break. Leader Paul, Riders Peter, Cathy C, Stephen, Alfie, Backstops Jeff, Geoff.


Sunday 17th November: Ware

An early start from Whitewebbs café, heading to Cheshunt, Brickendon, and Hertford to Ware High Street. Here we found the first café the second full and so we ended up in Greggs! Our return via Great Amwell to Cedars Park café for a tea stop and so back to Enfield. Leader Jeff, riders Bridget Stephen Peter Paul Geoff.


Sunday 24th November 2019: Hatfield House


In the courtyard of Hatfield House.
Photo: Maz

Eight of us set off from Trent Park on a dull but dry morning. We were also lucky that the weather was a bit warmer than it has been lately. We made good time cycling through Potters Bar and Welham Green and arrived at Hatfield House by 11.00 am for an early lunch/snack. The return journey was a bit more hilly (a lot more hilly according to some) but we made it back through Newgate Street and Cuffley to Beggars Hollow without too much trouble. After expressing their initial reaction to some of the hills Bridget and Marion decided that "Winter Warmers" was probably a friendlier term (so be warned if you see this description appearing in future diary rides). Leader: Geoff, riders: Peter, Bill, Marion, Bridget, Les, backstops: Maz and Jeff.


Sunday 1st December: Enfield Festival of Lights

Several members helped to marshal the parade route in Enfield Town. Thanks Bridget, Cathy C, Geoff, Hayley, Les, Maz, Paul


Sunday 8th December: Lunch at the Black Horse

We met at Oakwood Park for the rather windy ride up to Barnet, with stop at Hadley Church to decipher door plaque - built 1494. Then on to the Black Horse pub for lunch and drinks. Excellent food, good conversation and unhurried service made it an enjoyable outing for a winter's day. Returning homewards at about 2.15. Bill, Bridget, Cathy C, Geoff C, Paul, Peter.


Thursday 12th December: Christmas Social

Our last meeting of the year was a social do at Winchmore Hill Sports Club. Lots of seasonal snacks, plus drinks and some home made cake. Chris hosted a 'Splat the Rat' game, which resulted in many accusations of foul play! But lets not say anything about the musical selections!


Thursday 26th December: Boxing Day Ride

A hardy quartet ride from Beggars hollow café at 11.30 eastwards in cool dull weather. Into Lee Valley and north to Cheshunt past the Whitewater centre, reaching Pond Café as rain fell. An hours break for lunch before we realised we had to face the rain that was by now bucketing down. A soggy return ride by A10 cycle path to Enfield, where some finished off with a quick drink at the Bush Hill Park pub. Leader Paul, Bridget, Pat, Peter.


Club Points Table

PositionName Points
1 Paul L 244
2 Geoff 233
3 Peter 226
4 Maz 198
5 Les 184
6 Jeff 180
7= Pat 108
7= Bridget 108
9 John R 60
10= Hayley 58
10= Rosa 58
12 Cathy C 52
13 Keung 50
14= Bill 42
14= Chris 42
14= Michèle 42
17 Stephen 38
18 Hanife 34
19 Marion 30
20 Paul J 26




Points are awarded according to the following scheme **

Leading a ride for the first time 10
Leading a ride 6
Acting as backstop for a significant part of the ride5
Participating in a club ride 4
Participating in part of a ride 2
Attending a planning meeting 4
Attending a social meeting 2
Bike aid/first aid on a ride 2

   ** The points scheme has changed this year, so totals from previous years are not comparable.