Ride Reports 2025
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.
We welcome reports from anyone who takes part in a ride. Multiple points of view are encouraged.
February March April May June July August September October Merit points/Frequent Flyers
Sunday 26th January: Shenley
This ride was originally meant to visit Elstree Aerodrome but was almost cancelled due to forecasts of stormy weather. On the day though seven of us decided to start earlier than planned and undertake a shortened route to Shenley Park. We gathered in the cold outside Oakwood Park Café and set off towards Cockfosters. After riding up Waggon Road we headed down Dancers Hill Road and Trotters Bottom to the Horse Bridge crossing the A1. We then took a fairly direct route to Shenley and on to the park. Here we had a short comfort break but decided not to stay for refreshments as the clouds were starting to gather ominously. We started back by largely retracing our route there but once across the A1 we headed up Galley Lane to the Arkley and then through Chipping Barnet, Cockfosters and back to Oakwood. The timing turned out to be perfect with the rain starting just as most of us arrived home. Leader Geoff; Riders Dave P, Paul L, Peter M, Richard N, Stephen; Backstop Cathy C
Sunday 2nd February: Hatfield
On a bright but cold morning we gathered at Trent Park for a ride to Hatfield. This ride was originally scheduled for early January, but was called off because it was so cold that weekend that the postmen were wearing long trousers. We set off at a good pace along the route up Waggon Road. Baker Street and the back streets of Potters Bar. At one point the leader appeared to be heading into someone's front garden but no, turned out there was an alleyway between the houses. We passed through Water End and Colney Heath before diving into a subway under the A1M and emerging by the University of Hertfordshire. From here it was a short ride along a disused railway past the Galleria to the town centre where we paused to admire the 1960's new town architecture before rushing into the warmth of a café. Just as we were leaving we were joined by another member who now lives in Hertfordshire and who had ridden across to meet us. The return was through Welham Green, Brookmans Park to Potters Bar, where some took the Coopers (Cupids?) Road way to Enfield and others continued to Barnet before dividing for our homewards routes. Leader Peter M; Riders Geoff, Marion, Paul S, Peter L, Sarah, Stephen, Tim; Backstops Cathy, Birgitta; At the café: Michèle.
Sunday 16th February: Elstree Aerodrome
How many ECC members does it
take to mend a puncture?
Photo: Cathy
It was third time lucky for this ride which had been cancelled on two previous occasions due to the weather. This time it was cold but dry when we set off and made our way through Oakwood and Cockfosters towards Beech Hill. After passing through Monken Hadley and High Barnet we headed down Galley Lane towards the Horse Bridge and once across this cycled through the country lanes surrounding Ridge. Just before emerging from Rectory Lane at Shenleybury we had to manoeuvre through a section of flooded road but then enjoyed the downhill stretch past Shenley Park towards Radlett. After riding up Loom Lane and down Common Lane to Aldenham Road we headed for our destination at Elstree Aerodrome. We locked the bikes and managed to find tables in the busy cafe before warming up with a variety of hearty lunches. As we set off home we hadn't travelled far before we were forced to stop and deal with a broken spoke and puncture. This was made more tricky as it was a large rear wheel on an electric bike. Once we had succeeded in putting the bike back together again we enjoyed an uneventful journey home passing Elstree and Borehamwood Station and taking back streets to Rowley Lane. We then cycled down Mays Lane and on to East Barnet and Oakhill Park. When we emerged from the park we split up to make our own ways home. Only three of us decided to tackle the short, but very steep climb up Parkside Gardens and then back to our starting point at Oakwood Park. Leader Geoff; Riders Jeff, Paul L, Paul S, Peter L, Peter M, Richard N, Sarah C, Stephen, Tim; Backstop Cathy
Sunday 23rd February: Queens Wood Café
Ready to depart.
Photo: David
We left the café at Firs Farm Wetlands promptly at 10 o'clock for a short ride to the café in Queens Wood for coffee and a croissant. It was well attended, with 15 riders, including some who hadn't been on a ride yet this year. The route took us around Palmers Green to Arnos Park, then over to the Friern Bridge Retail Park, alongside the North Circular and through the Islington & St Pancras cemetery, around Muswell Hill and up Muswell Hill Road to Queen's Wood and its café. We cycled at a leisurely pace, arriving there around 11.30. The café was rather crowded as the mild weather had brought out lots of people, but we managed to find seats and enjoy our hot drink and snack. The route back took us around the wood, through Alexandra Park and back to Palmers Green along Palmerston Road, arriving back just after 1pm. Ride leader: Tim; backstop: Richard; Riders: Geoff, Jeff, Peter, Paul L, Paul S, David, Karen, Sarah, Bridget, Cathy, Hyacinth, Pat, Morna.
Sunday 2nd March: Bruce Castle Museum: Urban history and pub lunch
A glorious sunny ride from Coffee Break café meandering south on back roads towards Wood Green, past 20th century poet Stevie Smith's house, Noel Park estate, a former rail station, Downhills Park and north into Lordship Lane Park. Reading a plaque on Luke Howard the 19th century cloud namer. A brief ride on the cycle training course of 1940s and on to the Antwerp Arms pub for lunch stop and ales. Then a brief look at Bruce Castle museum of local history before returning north to Edmonton and the Coffee Break about 2:30pm. Leader Paul L; Riders Karen, Paul S, Geoff, Cathy, Dave P, Peter M, Jeff, Morna, Sarah C, Debbie; Backstops Stephen, David.
Sunday 9th March: Abridge
From Coffee Break café eastwards past Edmonton, Chingford, Woodford, Chigwell in pleasant sunshine to countryside and Abridge village café, arriving about 11:45. Here we enjoyed lunch outside or in the pub. The return ride was towards Theydon Bois, High Beach, Enfield and Winchmore Hill, arriving back 2.30pm. Leader Jeff; Riders Paul L, Sarah, Jayne, Karl, Tim, Dave P, Bernie, Rosa, Geoff, Angie; Backstops Pat, Stephen.
Saturday 15th March: Wildhill
We all gathered at Beggars Hollow bemoaning the fact that it was about 10 degrees colder than the previous weekend. But nevertheless we set off on a route that took us through the back of Cheshunt to Goffs Oak. From here to Newgate Street, where there is a particularly challenging hill on the approach. Once we navigated this the leader must have relaxed because we missd the turning onto Tylers Causeway. After turning around we headed to Cucumber Lane and Essendon. Finally an undulating run into Wildhill and the Woodman pub, where we arrived just as they were opening. Perhaps the wrong turning was planned! Once we had enjoyed the fine array of beers and sandwiches we set off again via a more direct return route, passing along Kentish Lane, A1000, Coopers Lane, Coopers Lane Road through Crews Hill back to Enfield. Leader Peter M, Riders Geoff, Cathy, Dave P, David, Pat, Stephen, Paul S; Backstop Rosa.
Sunday 23rd March: Dobbs Weir
Ten of us left Beggars Hollow and headed towards Cedars Park, picking up a couple more riders en route. From here we took the bridge across the A10, followed the path to St Mary’s High School and then onward to Goffs Lane. Soon we were cycling up Park Lane and meeting the two most challenging hills of our outward journey. After this we could enjoy the descent of Holy Cross Hill before making our way to Baas Hill, Mill Lane and on to Dobbs Weir. After hearty lunches in a busy River Palace Café, we took an easy route back through Lea Valley Park and Gunpowder Park, the only incline of note being Clayton Hill. We returned to the start via Enfield Island Village with most of us dispersing at the Clay Hill roundabout. As was feared from the weather forecast we did encounter some rain on the return leg but at least we had stayed dry for lunch. Leader Geoff; Riders Adrian, Debbie, Deirdre, Jeff, Paul L, Peter M, Rosa, Stephen, Tim; Backstop Cathy
Sunday 6th April: Hendon Bagel Bakery
A brilliant sunny ride from Firs Farm community hub café, west through Palmers Green, Arnos Park, Frien Barnet and Tally Ho Finchley. We used the bike stands opposite, then to the bakery for light lunch, buying bagels, cakes for later. Return part more down hill east to Firs café c 1.40pm. Leader Bridget; Riders Maz, Karen, Sue, Marion, Pat, Debbie, Hyacinth, Paul L, Dave, Paul S; Backstop Jeff.
Sunday 13th April: Woodberry Wetlands
On a bright but cold morning we gathered at Firs Farm Café for a ride to the Woodberry Wetlands. We set off at a good pace to Ally Pally, along the first part of the Parklands Walk, then a short while later along the longer part to Finsbury Park. In this section a new bridge for the path was being built, so we had to carry/wheel our bikes down to the road and then back up again to rejoin the path. From there we cycled though Finsbury Park then along Green Lanes for a bit before taking the new river path round to the wetlands. We sat outside in the sun enjoying our 'posh' toasted sarnies. We were met there by one rider who had missed the start due to tyre issues and so had made her own way there on a more direct route. The route back took us through Clapton, Springfield Marina, the Walthamstow Wetlands and Edmonton Green, where some riders left us for a more direct route home. Leader: Tim; Riders: Geoff, Jeff, Angie, Paul S, Paul L, Peter, Maria, Pat, Sue, Stephen; Backstop Richard
Sunday 20th April: Trinity Buoy Wharf
At the riverside.
Photo: Richard
A bright start from Edmonton, southeast by Lee Valley Park, Walthamstow Wetlands, Hackney Marches, Three Mills, Limehouse Cut, Narrow Street and CS3,to East India Dock basin. We paused for a photo call, then on to Trinity Buoy Wharf and lunch at Orchard Café,by an old lightship, the Faraday hut, and 1000 year music artwork. Many art workshops to see there. Return via Mile End Park, Victoria Park and the Olympic Park to Edmonton about 3pm. Leader: Paul L; Riders: Marion, Paul S, Geoff, Cathy, Peter M, Bharat, Hyacinth, Louise: Backstops Karen, Richard.
Sunday 27th April: Bluebells in Wanstead Park
Bluebells in Wanstead Park
Photo: Paul L
We left Edmonton Green promptly at 9.30 for a short ride to Wanstead Park to see the bluebells. It was the best attended ride of the year so far, with 19 riders, including one newish club member and a few rarely seen members. Clearly a good choice of destination. The route took us through Walthamstow, past Whipps Cross and onto Wanstead and the park. We were lucky to see a wood full of bluebells in bloom. After the inevitable photos, we headed down to the tea hut for a drink and snack. The route back took us through Leytonstone, Leyton and the Walthamstow Wetlands. Unfortunately one rider fell and was unable to continue and another had teething problems with her Ebike. Nevertheless it was an enjoyable ride in lovely sunshine. Ride leader: Tim; Riders: Geoff, Jeff, Peter, Paul L, Ben, Bridget, Colin, Cathy, Marion, Alan, Pat, Debbie, Maz, Peter, Angie, Lou and Bharat; Backstop: Sue.
Sunday 4th May: Harlow Town Park
After days of hot weather temperatures dropped dramatically on the morning of our ride. Suitably attired in warm clothing we set off from Beggars Hollow and made our way through Enfield Island Village and Waltham Abbey towards Upshire. Here we tackled Horseshoe Hill (with one rider suffering a “mechanical” half way up) quickly followed by Crown Hill. With the two hardest climbs of the day completed we made leisurely progress through Epping Uplands and on to our destination at Harlow Park. We arrived just after a “Race for Life” charity event had completed so the café was quite busy. Nevertheless we didn’t have to wait too long for our well-earned lunches before setting off back through Roydon and on to Lea Valley Farm. After travelling a bit further through Lea Valley Park we forked off right towards Cheshunt railway station and then back via Theobalds Lane and the A10 cycle path. Leader Geoff; Riders Antony, Bharat, Dave P, Debbie, Jeff, Paul L, Paul S, Peter M, Richard N; Backstop Cathy.
Sunday 11th May: Hertford
The promise of sunny weather attracted a lot of takers for this ride and 16 of us set off from Beggars Hollow with a 17th member meeting us at Bullsmore Lane. After travelling up the cycle path to Theobalds Lane we took the bridge crossing the A10, passing the Google construction works and St Mary’s High School. We successfully tackled the Park Lane and Park Lane Paradise hills but on the descent down Holy Cross Hill one of our riders suffered a puncture which proved tougher to fix than usual. A very tight fitting tyre was stubborn to remove and replace but thanks to a team effort we were eventually up and running and able to continue on our way past Hertfordshire Zoo and on to Hoddesdon. From here we cycled along some lovely country lanes to Hertford where we split into groups and sat outside in the sun to eat lunch from the various eating places available. Returning home we cycled through Hertingfordbury, Letty Green and Essendon before passing one of our favourite pubs, the Woodman in Wildhill. It was getting a bit late so we had to use a lot of will-power to avoid stopping for further refreshments. We completed our ride down Coopers Lane Road, passing the Oshwal Centre Temple, and then down Cattlegate Road and Crews Hill back to Beggars Hollow. Leader Geoff; Riders Angie, Bharat, Bridget, Colin, Debbie, Imran, Dean, Noor, Pat, Paul L, Paul S, Peter M, Richard N, Rosa, Sue; Backstop Cathy
Sunday 18th May: Southend Farm Lakes
We gathered at the Halfway House for a relatively short ride to Southend Lakes. Although having a large group with some new riders, we set off at a good pace up the A10 (side road and cycle path, not the main road!), through the crematorium and along back roads to Gunpowder Park, where another rider joined us. From there we headed up Avey Lane, turning off half way to ride round the edge of Epping Forest and down towards the M25. From there it was only a short ride to the lakes and the café, where many enjoyed a bacon sarnie (or more!). The route back took us along Upshire Road into Waltham Abbey, back to Gunpowder Park and along Ordnance Road and Turkey Street to the A10 cycle path, which brought us back to our starting point. Leader Tim; Riders Jeff, Paul S, Paul L, Peter, Maz, Bridget, Colin, Hyacinth, Lou, Sarah, Caroline, Suzy. Backstop Richard.
Sunday 8th June: Codicote
Crossing the Mimram on the way to Codicote.
Photo: Tim
In Codicote.
Photo: Geoff
The nine riders, no not Tolkien's Nazgûl but nine club members, set off from Trent Park on a sunny Sunday morning. We rode a familar route up Waggon Road and down to Potters Bar, where we joined the main A1000 towards Hatfield. While riding along a main road is not most people's first choice, it did the job and took us to Hatfield is a relatively short time. From here through Old Hatfield and along the cycle paths to Welwyn Garden City where we stopped for a short break. Setting off again, we passed through Ayot St Peter, with its Arts and Crafts church which we visited last year and then down to a ford across the Mimram before ascending to Codicote. Never ones to let a photo opportunity slip by, we gathered aroound the village sign in the centre of Codicote before the short but steep ride to Spokes Cyclists Café. At Spokes we were delighted to see the emu was up and about, as on the recce Peter reported he hadn't seen it. We enjoyed a lunch there, food was good but the portions not generous, before being to treated to a lecture from the proprietor about the various forms of coffee on sale. We quickly made our escape before he could return with a test, riding back through Tewin, Old Hatfield, and Potters Bar. Here most riders left the ride to travel down Coopers Lane Road to Enfield, while the leader returned on his own to the Barnet area. A long ride, about 47 miles, but very satisfying. Leader: Peter M; Riders Angie, Bridget, Geoff, Jeff, Paul S, Richard, Tim; Backstop: Rosa
Sunday 15th June: Walthamstow Museums
A warm sunny ride to cultural Walthamstow, visiting the pumphouse engineering museum. Then to the popular God's Own Junkyard, the emporium of neon signs and quirky objects. Opposite is the Malt huis brewery and Moroccan café. Lunch at Lloyd Park café .Back to Edmonton c 2.30pm. Leader Paul; Riders Hyacinth. Geoff. Cathy. Jeff. Paul S. Morna, Sarah, Bharat; Backstop Richard.
Sunday 22nd June: Les Bailey Memorial Ride (1): Sawbridgeworth
Ready to set off.
Photo: Geoff
Relaxing in the pub at lunchtime.
Photo: Dave
We assembled at Whitewebbs Café in warm but comfortable weather, thankful that the 30° plus temperatures of the previous day were not being repeated. After a team photo we headed off towards Enfield Island Village and made our way through Gunpowder Park and up to Waltham Abbey. From here we cycled through Lea Valley Park, past the farm and up to Nazing. We tackled the most difficult hill of the day as we ascended Hoe Lane and could then relax in the knowledge that there would be nothing as challenging to follow. After making our way along Common Road and Epping Road we hit the outskirts of Harlow, headed for the Town Park and on to Gilston. At Pye Corner we took quiet country Lanes to Beanfield Road and then West Road into Sawbridgeworth. Sawbridgeworth was surprisingly quiet with many of the eating places closed. We found a nice local pub but it wasn't serving food. However, apparently the beer was good so we planted ourselves in the beer garden and brought in sandwiches from a nearby store. We had made good time so enjoyed a leisurely lunch before setting off back through Lower Sheering, past the Mayfield Bakery and back to Epping Road. For most of the return journey we were facing headwinds which slowed us down a bit, but we continued to Epping Uplands and then up to High Road, Epping. We came back through High Beach and popped in to see if the other group were still enjoying tea and cakes at Holy Innocents Church. Apparently we had missed them by about 15 minutes. We arrived back at the Little Green Dragon not long after the scheduled time of 4.00pm and enjoyed some welcome liquid refreshment and tasty food provided by Pat. Leader Geoff; Riders Bridget, Cliff N, Dave P, Deirdre, Jeff, Keeley, Paul L, Richard N, Rosa; Backstop Peter M
Sunday 29th June: Lewis Ice Cream Farm
This was a gentle, half day ride after our efforts of the previous week. After breakfast we set off on an initially familiar route along Waggon and Dancers Hill Roads before turning off to negotiate the atrocious cycle crossing of the M25 at Bignalls Corner. From here we rode through South Mimms and Cattlegate Farm before crossing the A1 at the horse s*** bridge and riding up to the Ice Cream Farm. Which, as you might expect on a sunny Sunday was crowded but as it was still only about 11:30am not impossibly so. After consuming two or even three (you know who you are) scoops of ice cream each we left about 12:30. We split up for the homeward route, with one group trying the new cycle path between Ferny Hill and the Ridgeway. Very quiet, but the surface was challenging in places, and it's not really recommended for road or small-wheeled bikes. Leaders Peter, Bridget; Riders Bharat, Cathy, Debbie, Geoff, Jeff, Kieron, Paul L. Paul S, Richard, Stephen, Tim (This from memory, so if I've missed you out apologies and please let me know); Backstop Colin
Sunday 13th July: Richmond Park
Deer in Richmond Park.
Photo: Geoff
Seven of us arrived at Coffee Break Café expecting scorching temperatures but instead found ourselves underdressed and shivering in the cold. Thankfully the weather quickly improved and before we had travelled far we were experiencing the sunshine that had been forecast. After setting off down Green Lanes we turned towards Arnos Park and then over the bridge at New Southgate Rail Station. The outward journey took us through Finchley, Golders Green, Cricklewood, Willesden Junction, Acton, Chiswick, Mortlake and on to Richmond Park. Riding mostly on quiet side roads we witnessed some very posh residencies not to mention one or two interesting looking pubs. Once there we all decided to start our lap of the Park and stop for lunch at the Pembroke Lodge Café. By now the weather was unbelievably hot and we sat outside enjoying the various refreshments on offer. Soon after setting off back we encountered a large group of young deer and stopped to get some close up photos. Once out of the park we headed back over Putney Bridge and cycled through Hyde Park before stopping briefly in Regents Park where ice cream was on sale. The rest of the route took us through Camden, Whittington Park, Wood Green Common and back to Green Lanes where we used the cycle lane to take us back to Coffee Break. Leader Geoff; Riders Angie, Bharat, Deirdre, Paul L, Sarah M; Backstop Richard N
Sunday 20th July: Trinity Wharf
A showery start faded as we rode south via Walthamstow Wetlands, Hackney Marshes, Three Mills, Bow Locks, Limehouse Cut to Bow Creek on CS3. Lunch at the Orchard café and look around the artistic buildings, musical installation, Faraday hut, lightship. Return by Mile End and Victoria Park to Edmonton about 3.30pm. Yep déjà vu all over again!! Q What sportsman said that? Leader Paul; Riders Peter, Tim, Pat, Backstps Bharat, Richard.
Sunday 27th: Borehamwood and Mill Hill
Edgwarebury Lane. It looks rural but is inside the M25, and about half a mile from the M1!
Photo: Tim
At the stables
Photo: Tim
We set off along a familiar route through Cockfosters and up Waggon Road, then continued to the A1 horse bridge and into Borehamwood. A delightful trip around the backstreets of Borehamwood brought us to a long hill (the sort that gets steeper the further up you go) that led to Barnet Lane, and from here we turned into Edgewarebury Lane. Fortunately we all heeded the leader’s warning that the road surface here was dire, and the steep, pockmarked descent was negotiated without incident. This led us to Edgware Way and the busy Apex corner roundabout, which we were relieved to discover has a cycling underpass. On to Mill Hill, and another hors catégorie climb through the grounds of Mill Hill School before descending Partingdale Lane to the London Equestrian Centre. Here we enjoyed some healthy or not so healthy food at their large café while watching various horses being led in and out of stables. After lunch we rode directly back to Oak Hill Park in East Barnet where we split for our various homeward destinations. Leader Peter M; Riders Angie, Birgitta, Debbie, Pat, Paul. Richard, Tim; Backstops Bharat, Jeff.
Sunday 3rd August: High Beach
A summer's ride to the motorcyclist's café followed by tea and cakes at the church. The weather was OK as we rode east via Edmonton Green, Chingford Lane, Woodford High Road, off road up Fairmead Roadd through forest to lunch outside. Then a short uphill ride to high Beach church for lovely cakes and tea. Leader's surprise was the musical ceilidh band held inside as drizzle fell. Lively music and instructed dancing by some. Ride back by Mott Street, Lee Valley, to Enfield and Edmonton arriving back about 4pm.
Leader Bridget; Riders Paul, Peter, Geoff, Cathy, Tim, Sue, Debbie, Jeff, Pat, Stephen, Hal, Sarah, Colin, Paul S, Andrew, Dan, Joseph Backstops Bharat, Richard. At the church: Caroline.
Sunday 10th August: Stephen's House and Garden
Conversing with Spike Milligan.
Photo: Tim
Stephen's House and Gardens in Finchley is a destination that the club had not visited in the years I have been riding, so in my quest to go somewhere 'new', I decided to make up an interesting route there. Departing from Firs Farm café, we rode through Palmers Green and along the Pimmes Brook Trail to Oakhill Park, at which point we left the park and ventured up a steep hill (moans from some riders!) to Oakleigh Park Station and then up hill again (more moans) to the High Road in Whetstone which we crossed and headed down to the Dollis Valley cycle path. We followed the scenic cycle path along the river to Finchley, where we left it and rode the short distance to the park and café. Serving us all with our morning snack took a while, so after an extended break and many photographs with Spike Milligan bench (see pic) we continued our ride along to East Finchley, up to Muswell Hill and home via Ally Pally.
Leader: Tim; Riders: Paul L, Peter M, Geoff, Cathy, Jeff, Sarah, Richard, Angie, Bridget, Karen, Peter D, Sue, Hal, Morna, Debbie; Backstop: Bharat.
Sunday 17th August: Stanstead Abbotts
Riding 9:35 from Edmonton Leisure Centre to Meridian Way then north on a cycle path towards Waltham Town lock. On to Dobbs Weir past Stort Junction to water and cultural information stop at Rye Gatehouse. Then 15 minutess through the nature reserve to Village Pantry café lunch. Return via Broxbourne, etc. on road towards Cheshunt and Enfield Town as we split for home.
Leader Paul L; Riders Tim, Geoff, Cathy, Sarah C, Debbie, Paul S, Jeff; Backstops Bharat, Richard.
Sunday 24th August: Harpenden Market
End of bus lane?.
Photo:Geoff
Eleven of us assembled at Trent Park where we bumped into Chris Aspin walking her dog. After setting off we cycled up Waggon Road and made our way towards Potters Bar and on to Waterend. After passing through Colney Heath we headed for Sandridge and then took country lanes all the way to Wheathampstead. We reached Harpenden around lunchtime and found it quite busy. Spoilt for choice of eating places we split up for lunch and to explore the town and market. On our return we took a different route back to Sandridge and Colney Heath before passing through Waterend again and on to the western side of Potters Bar and Dame Alice Owen School. After tackling the hill up Bakers Street to Dancers Hill Road we cycled up to Kitts End and Monken Hadley. At this point we split into two groups with one continuing on to Barnet and the other taking Camlet Way and Beech Hill back to the Cockfosters Road. An enjoyable day in perfect weather for cycling.
Leader Geoff; Riders Andrew D and Dan, Jeff, Pat, Peter M, Richard N, Sarah C, Stephen, Sue; Backstop Bharat
Sunday 31st August: Greenwich
Twelve of us set off from Edmonton on the ride to Greenwich. The route took us along the River Lea towpath, the Regents Canal and the Thames path to Island Gardens, where we had to park our bikes as one of the lifts for the Greenwich foot tunnel was not working. Most of us went to Goddard's Pie and Mash shop for lunch. This is always a real treat. Two of us even managed a fruit crumble too! We returned via the Thames Path, the Greenway, the Olympic Park and Walthamstow wetlands. Leader: Tim; Backstop: Bharat; Riders: Geoff, Cathy, Sue, Pat, Bridget, Colin, Paul L, Adrian, Andrew, Richard.
Sunday 7th September: Chingford and High Beach
Riding at 11.30 from Edmonton Green eastwards to some Chingford side roads and off road bit to above museum and Butlers Retreat café. We missed the museum as it was closed for lunch between 1 and 2pm - remember this for next time! Riding onwards to church tea via Fairlead Road, left turn to church for 2pm tea and cake outside. Return down Mott Street to Enfield by A10 as we split off. Leader Paul; Riders Geoff, Cathy, Richard, Debbie; Backstop Bharat.
Sunday 14th September: Tewin
Only 3 of us signed up for this ride. I don't know if it was the mention of a few hills which put people off but given that the three of us who did sign up had an average age of 76 I don't know what the youngsters had to fear! Anyway, the three of us met at Beggars Hollow a bit earlier than originally planned in the hope we would miss the rain forecast for later. We headed straight for Cheshunt Park Golf Course after which we tackled the only three (slightly) challenging hills of the day. After this we cruised up to Brickendon, past Bayford Rail Station and on to Hertingfordbury. After passing down The Old Coach Road we turned off and crossed the A414 with care before heading down to the B1000. We were only on the B1000 for a short while before turning off at Archers Green Lane and on to Tewin. We enjoyed lunch sitting outside The Honey Hill Tearooms (formerly Bumpkins) before riding back through the outskirts of Welwyn Garden City, passing by Hatfield House and back via Brookmans Park and Potters Bar. We finished by cycling down Coopers Lane Road, Cattlegate Road and back to Beggars Hollow via Crews Hill. And yes we did arrive back before the rain. Leader Geoff; Riders Richard N, Stephen; Backstop not needed
Thursday 25th September: Presentation Evening
Presenting the cheque to the North London Hospice.
Photo: Geoff
We were delighted to welcome Rachel, from the North London Hospice to receive the ceremonial cheque following the Les Bailey memorial fund raising ride last June. Rachel thanked us and spoke of the work of the hospice, which costs something of the order of £16 million to run yet they receive less than half of that from the NHS. We also raised a glass in memory of Les and Paul gave out certificates to all participants. A special thanks to those who provided the huge array of food on offer. There was so much that we wern't allowed to leave until we had taken some home with us!
Sunday 28th September: Buntingford
Our train assisted ride from Hertford North to Buntingford ended up being rather eventful. To begin with the ride leader missed the train due to an unforeseen technical problem, meaning another rider had to start leading the ride! Then, just 6 miles in another rider had a puncture, which took a long time to sort out. The only advantage was that the ride leader was able to catch up the group and the take over leading. Then we had a further short stop as the rain came down but we're able to shelter in a cafe marquee. Finally we made it to Buntingford where we had a very pleasant lunch in a cafe. As we set off to return to Hertford North the rain started again and didn't let up, resulting in a two hour cycle in rain. The consensus was that it was a lovely route that is worth repeating when it's dry! Ride leader: Tim; Backstop: Bharat; Riders: Paul L, Peter, Geoff, Richard, Stephen, Dave, Bernie, Sue, Bridget, Angie.
Sunday 5th October: Southend Farm Lakes
After a few last minute changes 11 of us assembled outside Enfield Town Park and headed up Church Street before cycling along side streets to Enfield Crematorium. From here we rode through Albany Park followed by Gunpowder Park and then the cycle track up to Waltham Abbey. It wasn’t far now to our destination at Southend Farm and the whole outward journey took us barely an hour. Nevertheless we were more than ready to refuel on a variety of cooked brunches, or in Geoff’s case bread pudding. The start of our return saw us tackling the difficult crossing of the A121 but that achieved it was plain sailing along Forest Side, Pynest Green Lane and down Avey Lane back to Gunpowder Park. From Enfield Island Village we returned to Albany Park but to slightly extend what was quite a short ride we took a left turn and headed towards Brimsdown and Ponders End. We continued to Galliard Road, passing Jubilee Park and then right on to Bury Street. After crossing the A10 we went our separate ways, with just 4 of us returning to Enfield Town Park via Crawley Road, Wellington Road and Lincoln Road. All back by 2.00pm. Leader Geoff: Riders Andrew D, Bharat, Bridget, Colin, Paul L, Paul S, Richard N, Stephen, Tim; Backstop Cathy.
Sunday 12th October: Kenwood House and the Secret Garden
Ride off from Coffee Break café on Green Lanes path towards Palmers Green, then Alexandra Palace. Back streets of Hornsey, Highgate to Kenwood, where the London viewing point was underwhelming due to mist. Riding west through the Spaniards Lane gap to Golders Hill café and lunch, as the sun came outc. We then walked through woody paths to view the stunning secret garden in its autumn colours and the pergola. Home ride towards Muswell Hill and the old railway line, returning to the Coffee Break by early afternoon.
Leaders Bridget, Paul L; Backstop Bharat; Riders Geoff, Cathy, Richard, Stephen , Karen 1, Andrew, Karen 2, Paul S, Debbie, Peter.
Sunday 26th October: St Albans
This ride was postponed from the previous week, due to an adverse weather forecast. Second time around it was bright and sunny, but noticeably colder, when we gathered in Trent Park. The expectaiton though was that it would cloud over by midday and rain in the afternoon. So we set off early, taking advantage of the fact that our bodies had not yet accustomed to the clocks going back. We made good progress along a familiar route involving Waggon Road, the A1 horse bridge and Black Lion Hill (down, fortunately!) until we reached London Colney. Here we explored some back roads which took us to the edge of St Albans then on to the city centre. It was too early for lunch, but we adjourned for a coffee and bacon roll or similar before the leader insisted we start the return journey before the rain. So it was back on our bikes to follow the disused rail line that is the Alban Way as far as Hatfield Galleria, then through Colney Heath, Waterend and Potters Bar before separating for our homeward routes in Barnet. And yes, we did avoid the rain, although as this came later than expected we could have spent more time exploring St Albans.
Leader: Peter; Riders: Stephen, Richard, Bharat, Cass; No backstop needed
Club Points Table for 2025.
| Position | Name | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Geoff | 269 |
| 2 | Paul L | 255 |
| 3 | Peter | 225 |
| 4 | Cathy | 197 |
| 5 | Richard | 175 |
| 6 | Tim | 172 |
| 7 | Bridget | 152 |
| 8 | Bharat | 137 |
| 9 | Jeff | 115 |
| 10 | Pat | 111 |
Points are awarded according to the following scheme
| Leading a ride for the first time | 15 |
| Leading a ride | 10 |
| Acting as backstop for a significant part of the ride | 8 |
| Participating in a club ride | 5 |
| Participating in part of a ride | 1-2 |
| Attending a planning meeting | 4 |
| Attending a social meeting | 4 |
| Bike aid/first aid on a ride | 2 |
NB: Points are awarded for prearranged club events,
which generally means those announced in the diary.
Ad hoc rides organised by club members,
even if arranged through the club WhatsApp group,
do not qualify.