Ride Reports 2012
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 22 January: Borehamwood
A bright, windy ride from Enfield, calling at Oakhill Park Café for tea. Then westwards on Station Road, over the A1000 to Mays Lane, Rowley Lane to the Mops and Brooms Pub for a long lunch, good food. Afterwards riding on Galley Lane towards High Barnet, Meadway, Southgate and Enfield. Leader Les, Maz, Peter L, Ron, Robert, Jane GM, John C, Graham, Paul L, Sarah, Alan, Michèle, Zack, Mary. Grabostats* 23.0 miles, 2 hrs 54 mins, 7.9mph, 1,266 feet of ascent.
Thursday 2 February: Planning meeting at The Wheatsheaf
12 came on what was a very cold evening.
Sunday 12 February: Annual Lunch at Old Owens Sports Club, Potters Bar.
The feeder ride from Enfield set off at 11.20. Thankfully the ice and snow had mostly melted. Route took in Clay Hill, Rosewood, Beech, Cattlegate Road, Coopers End Road, Coopers Lane to Owens. After a relaxing drink we sat down to our lunch at the dining room tables with atmospheric candle-lighting provided! The club supplied a wine selection with the meal. After the second course, we did some musical chairs and moved to other seats for the third course. We then had a round of thanks to our hosts, Old Owens, and to Maz and Pat for organising. Finally certificates were awarded for everyone, 1st place to Trisha on 920 points. Most people started homeward after 3.45pm. Maz, Les, Alan, Sibel, Peter MO, Angela, Sam, Gary, Jayne, Karl. Riders: Paul, Graham, Nick, Will, Cathy, Trevor, Jill, Jacquie, John R, Mary. Grabostats * 13.6 miles, 1h 38m; 8.3mph average.
Sunday 26 February: Redbridge Cycling Centre, Hog Hill
A cloudy and mild day as we rode from Edmonton Leisure Centre east, past Highams Park to Snakes Lane, Woodford, where we enjoyed a tea stop (and a free bacon roll) at the Café Solo. Riding on via Claybury Park towads Hainault, arriving at Hog Hill at 12:50. We relaxed in the sunshine as a fun-run finished (Can the words fun and run ever go together?). Some members paid the fee to ride around the road course, while others stayed in the cafe´. Returns via the outbound route. Leaders John R, Les. Vicky, Maz, Graham, Sibel, Peter D, Paul, Pat, Trevor, Jill, Peter M, Jayne, Michèle, Nick, Jane. Grabostats* 32.4 miles, 3 hrs 38 mins, 8.9mph, 1,075 ft of ascent, 2,046 calories (not counting the bacon roll).
Sunday 11 March: High Barnet and the Well House
Barnet Physic Well. Photo: Paul
Les lead from Enfield to Oakhill Park, where after a coffee Peter M took over and led through Hadley Common and backroads to High Barnet. We found a quiet backstreet pub for lunch, The Sebright Arms, where the weather was warm enough to sit outside. We rode on south past the Barnet Physic Well, where Samuel Pepys once took the waters, to the Dollis Brook trail. East to Oakhill Park, then Les took over along Pymmes Brook and home to Enfield. Leaders Les, Peter M. Maz, Graham, Gerald, John R, John C, Sibel, Paul, Peter D, Pat, Mary. Grabostats* 22 miles, 7.7mph.
Sunday 25 March: LCC Ride to Staples Corner, The A406 Great Divide
Picnic at Staples Corner. Photo: Graham
Many local London Cycling Campaign groups met at New Southgate Station for the start. The ride was led by Barnet LCC co-ordinator David Shannon to support the 'Love London, Go Dutch' campaign. The ride shadowed the motor-centric A406 past Henly's Corner to Staples Corner for the picnic in the park. We crossed the North circular several times in safety, thanks to sterling work from the marshalls, the last time on the Staples Corner flyover! ECC members Will, Graham, Peter D and Peter M supported the ride. See the LCC magazine April-May for more. Grabostats* 22.2 miles, 3hrs 10mins 7mph.
Sunday 1st April: Ardeley, Herts
By train from Enfield Chase to Hertforn North, where we set off about 10:45 north westwards. We rode on a mixture of roads and off-road paths (all very dry after no rain for several weeks) in spring sunshine, past Great Gobions Farm and through Watton at Stone to The Jolly Waggoners pub at Ardeley for an outdoor lunch. After lunch we rode along more off road paths, past Wood End, Sacconbe Green then back on road to Hertford North where we caught a train with about 20 seconds to spare. See here for a map of the route. Leader Peter M, Peter D, Paul, Graham, Cathy, Mark, Michèle, Rosa, John C, Trevor, Mary, Dave, Denise, Les, Maz. Grabostats* 23.0 miles, 2 hrs 47 mins, 8.2mph, 1,087 feet of ascent, 1,255 calories.
Sunday 8th April: Lee Valley 'Mystery' Ride
New path in the Lee Valley. Photo: LVRP
A ride organised by the Lee Valley Regionalk Park Authority and open to the public. On a day of light showers we set off from Cheshunt Pindar car park. Past LV Park Farms, up Claydon Hill to Dobbs Weir, before more off road on the new cycle path N9 tp Roydon and Stanstead Abbots. The group split for lunch, with some going to the Jolly Fisherman puband others to the village café. Back via towpath to Dobbs Weir to Cheshunt. Only five punctures! Leader Chris A, Les, Maz, Peter M, Angela, Peter D, Paul, Graham, John R plus 13 public riders. Grabostats* 20.1 miles, 2 hrs 18 mins, 8.1mph.
Sunday 22 April: Essendon
Leaving the Candlestick after lunch. Photo: Peter
A sunny ride (despite the weather forecast) from Enfield, with a tea/coffee stop at the Two Brewers pub in Northaw. Then past Nyn Park on the A1000, B158 and lanes to Essendon village and lunch at the Candlestick. Our return route took in Potters Bar and Coopers End Road to Enfield, where we were in time to see the borough's St George's day parade. Thanks to new leader Peter D. Peter M, Peter L, Paul, Graham, John R, Les, Maz, Jayne, Mark, Pat, Cathy. Dave, Denise, Trevor, Jill. Grabostats* 25.2 miles, 9,6mph, 1,465 feet ascent, 1,468 calories.
Saturday 28 April: Love London Go Dutch Rally
Enfield LCC members set off to Hyde Park and the rally at 9:15am in light rain. The route took in Green Lanes, Finsbury Park, Holloway Road, Camden, Regents Park, Baker Street and Park Lane, where we found thousands of other cyclists riding to the event! About 1:00 pm the mass peleton rode off down Piccadilly, Trafalgar Square then by Embankment to Blackfriars Bridge. Our group then diverted to Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese pub in Fleet Street to eat and dry off. The ride back was from 2:15 northwards via the City. Leader Trisha, Richard, Nick, John R, Michèle, Peter D, Angela, Lauren. Grabostats* 27.5 miles, 9mph average.
Sunday 6 May: Broxbourne and Lee Valley
On Clayton Hill. Photo: Dilip
A dull and chilly start from the Edmonton Leisure Centre as we set off along Pickets Lock towpath northwards. then east to Gunpowder park before a tea stop at Lee Valley Park Farm, where Paul liberated a dozen or so copies of the new Lea Valley map. On via Clayton Hill to a long lunch at the Crown, Broxbourne. Return ride was somewhat faster, being both more direct along the towpath and wind assissted. At Waltham Cross we saw an aerobatic display by what looked to be an old Spitfire. Back to ELC at 3.40pm. Leader Paul, Graham, Peter M, Alan, Bill, Sibel, Dilip, Sam, Russell, Michèle, Pat. Grabostats* 30.1 miles, 3 hours 43 minutes, 8mph, 440 feet of ascent, 1,672 calories.
Friday 18 May: Enfield Night Hike
At the Start. Photo: Nightingale
Wot no Walkers!. Photo: Nightingale
We helped with marshalling of this event to raise funds for the Nightingale Hospice. Afterwards, we received these comments from the organisers:-
"I write to thank the members of the Edmonton Cycle Club for their fantastic support at the Enfield Night Hike 2012. Their support ensured the event ran very smoothly and gave us the reassurance that all participants were safe."
"I attach some images of the event for your records."
"At the moment we cannot confirm the total raised from this event but hope it will exceed last year’s total of £23,000. Funds received will be shared between the Nightingale Cancer Support Centre and Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals."
"The Nightingale Cancer Support Centre (formerly the Nightingale Community Hospice Trust) was set up in 2002 to provide a much needed layer of support to people affected by cancer – right from the critical point of diagnosis. We are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and helping our clients cope, whatever their circumstances. We do this by providing practical, emotional and physical support throughout their journey, hence our tagline ‘helping the people of Enfield live through cancer’. All our services are free and available not only to cancer sufferers but also to their families and carers."
"We rely totally on the good will of organisations like Edmonton Cycle Club and I just wanted to let you know that it is greatly appreciated and never taken for granted."
"We have provisionally booked the date for the 2013 event and hope we can call on your support again with this event."
Thanks to everbody who helped out.
Sunday 20th May: Bayford
A grey cool day from Enfield via Burnt Farm Ride, Goff's Oak, Wormley Woods and Bencroft Wood to lunch at the Baker's Arms in Bayford. Leaving at 2:30pm back through Wormley West End, Cheshunt, Bury Green and Forty Hill back to Enfield around 3:15pm. Leader Paul, Les, Peter M, Sibel, Michèle, Patrik, Peter H, Graham. Grabostats* 22.9 miles, 2 hours 53 mins, 8.5mph, 1,520 calories.
Sunday 10th June: Barnet Greenacre Ride
Edmonton Cycle Club rode from Palmers Green to the Arts Depot, Finchley to help marshal this open ride. After the noon start by the mayor of Barnet we rode on a to Finchley Victoria Park where we stopped for a raffle and a rest. Then on by quiet paths to Henlys Corner and back by Dollis Brook to finish at Swan Lane open space. The local police were on hand to direct traffic, and the Barnet Cyclists were also involved in marshalling. ECC riders: Paul, Graham, Alan, Michèle, Richard, Les, Maz, Noreen.
Sunday 17th June: Harpenden and St Albans (Not)
A horrible start as First Capital Connect went AWOL for the morning. The leader arrived late after his train was cancelled, and four riders were stuck in a train outside Bowes Park for nearly an hour. When we got together, we decided to abandon the original ride. Instead we repeated a ride from last November, through East Finchley, Hampstead Garden Suburb and Totteridge to Barnet. At Barnet we stopped at the Sebright Arms, only to discover the garden was out of action for refurbishment. But although the pub was busy inside for Fathers' Day we were made welcome and received excellent service and food. Afterwards, back across Hadley common to New Barnet, where Les took over to lead back to Palmers Green. Peter M, Les (leaders), Dave, Denise, Michèle, Maz, Pat, Graham. No grabostats, as Graham had forgotten to recharge the battery, but probably around 20 miles.
See here for a letter of complaint written to First Capital Connect, and here for their reply.
Tuesday 19th June: Evening Ride and Pub Supper
Almost the longest day of the year, and we set off from Enfield at 7:15 along the very familiar route up Clay Hill, Rosewood Drive, Cattlegate Road, Northaw where we stopped at the Two Brewers Pub. Inside they were showing the football, but we sat outside until about 10:00pm enjoying our food and drinks. Then back in the dark via Coopers End Road. Leader Les, Maz, Graham, Sibel, Paul L, Michèle, Mark S, Jackie, Peter M. Grabostats* 13.5miles, 9.4mph.
Thursday 21st June: BMW
David on a unicycle. Photo: Paul
Peter M's son David gave a demonstration of riding a unicycle!
Sunday 24th June: Enfield Festival of Cycling, Town Park
After overnight rain the sun did come out although there were a few rogue showers through the day. Nick suppplied the gazebos used for the Dr Bike stand and the information stall. There was a steady stream of customers for the Doctors, and lots of interest in the club information stall. Other groups at the festival included Halfords, Top Riders, face painting, police cycle tagging, a bouncy castle, bicycle powered smoothie making and a roamimg juggler. Special thanks to Les and Andy on the Dr Bike stand, assisted by Ron from the Barnet Cyclists. About 21 club members were there for some or all of the day. Thanks to Tom Acton of Enfield Council for setting it all up.
Saturday 30th June: Bush Hill Park 'Coach and Play' Day
Our Dr. Bike team attended this community sports day 'try it out' session. A sunny and Windy day saw our services in high demand, mainly on children's cycles. Les was very busy, helped by Maz, Paul, Graham and Alan.
Sunday 8th July: Around Chelmsford
Riding through the flood. Photo: Maz
The rain started just as people were leaving their houses, and by the time the main group reached Stratford it was coming down in stair-rods. Most turned back there, and only four made it to the start of the ride at Chelmsford. Here we decided to wait an hour in a coffee bar, and if it hadn't cleared up we'd call it a day. After the hour the rain had definitely eased, so we decided to make a stab at it. We rode out through the village of Good Easter, where a pub landlord gave us some decidedly dodgy directions, and continued towards lunch at White Roding. Perhaps we should have listened to the landlord, as we found ourselves riding though floods that were 6 to 9 inches deep and too long to freewheel across. Se we had to pedal, with the inevitable result of squelchy feet for the rest of the day. We reached the lunch stop in the Black horse at White Roding around 1:00pm, just as the rest of the country was settling down to watch Andy Murray. After lunch the rain returned, and at one point we sought refuge in a bus shelter. Thanks to Sunday transport cuts there were no bus passengers waiting there to object! Once this had eased off we continued through more villages, arriving back in a very soggy Chelmsford just before 4. alternative grabostats* from Les showed 34.6 miles, at an average speed of 12.2mph. Leader John R, Les, Maz, PeterM, plus Paul, Julian, Dave M, Denise M, Michèle on the first part.
Sunday 15th July: Local Ride and Concert
Starting at Oakhill Park Café at 10:45, we rode through Trent Park, Games Road, Hadley Common, Beech Hill and Ferney Hill to the café. Then Clay Hill, Whitewebbs Golf Course and Forty Hall to the Rose and Crown where we waited for the concert to start. It had been moved from Hilly Fields to St Luke's Church due to waterlogged ground.The Soul Agents Group performed a selection of 50's, 60's and 70's hits. Leader Karl and Son, Les, Maz, Graham, Jenny, Paul, Birgitta, Peter M, Virginia, Peter HK, Jackie, Ron, Sue G, Alan, Ben, Sue D, Michèle, Cathy, Pat. Grabostats* 16.3 miles, 8.2mph average.
Sunday 22nd July: London to Cambridge (In support of Breakthrough Breast Cancer, organised by Bike Events)
The group of eight reached Picketts Lock at 8:30 and were seen off by Dave S in bright sunshine. They met up again at Widford Field at 10:21 (precise timings from Paul!) for a food and drink stop, then on to Langley at 12:17. As they left, Michèle's chain broke, so she and Jane went back to the Dr Bike there. After two repairs, and now in low gear, she set off again to the next stop at Duxford School at 13:53 (Has Paul been writing train timetables?). Off again at 14:57 on the last stage past Whittlesford, Newton, Harston, Haslingfield, past the telescopes and through traffic to finish at 16:14. They all received a medal and certificate, and relaxed with food and drink to a musical background. Then on to the rail station for the 18:42 (I knew train timetables would come into this somewhere!) back to London. They found the carriage for easy bike storage and returned via Cheshund and Edmonton Green. Earlier John R, Nick, Barbara had arrived around 14:30. Well done to John R, Nick, Barbara, Trevor, Rosa, Paul, Michèle, Jane, Satish, Dilip, Virginia. Total riding time was 4:39, plus 2½ hours resting.
Sunday 5th August: Wadesmill (Not)
Due to torrential showers at 10:15 we hid by a bus shelter before riding as far as the Town Park café! Time went by and still it rained, till at 12:00 we called off the ride. Then the sun came out! Nul points all round. Paul, Graham, Jill, Trevor, Les, Pat, Michèle, John C, Nick, Mark S.
Sunday 12th August: High Beach Church Tea and Cake Ride
High Beech Church. Photo: Peter
High Beech Church. Photo: Peter
From Beggars Hollow we rode east across the Durants Park new path, Lee Valley and Chingford to a short stop at the Larkshall pub. Then onwards to Woodford and on Epping New Road to Epping forest, where Peter had a puncture. Along forest paths to High Beech church for tea. Lovely cakes and sunshine, some rang the church bells. Back via Mott Street. Grabostats* 26.25 miles, 2 hours 55 minutes, 1573 calories. Leader Maz, Les, Ron, Mark S, Graham, Gerald, John C, Sarah, Sibel, Birgitta, Paul, Phil, Peter M, Gunsel.
Sunday 19th August: Hilly Fields Jazz Concert and Picnic
Sculpture Chair. Photo: Michèle
A later start from Whitewebbs Golf Course off Clay Hill, north past the M25, Temple House, Bury Green to Cheshunt Golf Café for a tea stop. Then east to Lee Valley with a photo call by the high chair sculpture. After a light shower we returned via Forty Hall, Turkey Brook to the Rose and Crown at 2pm, and after a pint to the park for the concert by the Colin Peters Quartet. Some members met us at the park for the picnic. Leader Les, Maz,Paul, Graham, Peter M, Mary, Sue D, Pat, Michèle, Deborah, Sarah, Peter Hk, Kelly, Birgitta, plus for the picnic Richard, Sujal, Jane, Kieron, Dave, Barbara, Alan. Grabostats * 15.5 miles, 2 hours 2 minutes, 7.6 mph, 1,072 calories.
Sunday 26th August: Richmond Park
A warm sunny day as 18 met at Liverpool Street station at 10:00 am. Crossing the Thames then using London Cycling Network route 4 we went west. Our morning tea stop was at Battersea Park by the lake. Then west through Putney, Wimbledon Common by the windmill and on to Richmond Park. We stopped for lunch at Pembroke House and Café. On to Richmond Hill where we enjoyed the famous view before returning eastwards, with some of the route on Cycling Superhighways (which really aren't that super) and along the Thames path, reaching Liverpool Street around 5:00pm. See here for a map of the route. Leader PeterM, Paul, Mary, Sibel, Deborah, Les, Maz, Sarah, Trevor, Jill, Richard, John C, John R, Julienm Cathy, Laurent, Nick, Gary. About 35 miles.
Coffee stop in Battersea Park
Photo: Peter
View from Richmond Hill
Photo: Nick
At Richmond Hill
Photo: Nick
Deer in Richmond Park (1)
Photo: Nick
Deer in Richmond Park (2)
Photo: Nick
Sunday 1st September: Cedars Park Brass Band Concert, Waltham Cross
Our quintet rode from Edmonton eastwards to Stewardson Road, up to Gunpowder Park before heading to the Lee Valley Park for tea. Still grey skies as we rode to Cheshunt. Here by Cadmore Lane and Elm Drive is a golden post box in honour of olympian Laura Trott. After lunch at ther café three of us rode to Cedars Park to hear the music. We left around 3:30pm, back via Enfield. Leader Les, Paul, Graham, Martin, Bernadette. Around 20 miles.
Saturday 8th September: Harpenden and St Albans
A Saturday ride for once, in the hope the trains would be more reliable than when we last tried this route! It worked, and a select group of riders traveled to Welwyn Garden City. The hardest part was negotiating the exit route through the shopping centre, and then persuading Mary that we were not stopping at John Lewis. But soon we were on the old rail line towards Luton, heading towards a coffee stop in Wheathamstead. The original coffee shop was firmly closed, but we fould a baker which served take away drinks, and in the glorious weather sat outside by the mill stream. Then on towards Harpendon, where Daniel left us, and back to the pub at Amwell for lunch. Peter had something called a 'trench', which turned out to be half a loaf toppend with chilli-con-carne! Afterwards we headed towards St Albans then on the old rail line back to Hatfield, where we arrived in perfect time to catch the train back. See here for a map of the route. About 20 miles. Leader Peter M, Mary, Sue, Sarah, Martin, Bernadette, and Daniel for the first part.
Sunday 16th September: Lee Valley Regional Park Family Ride
Seven ECC members rode from Edmonton to Old Mill and Meadows, Broxbourne, to join others and public riders. Leader Chris gave out the route plan, which took us on woody paths to the White Water Centre at Waltham Abbey. Then eastwards to the LVP farm for lunch. The main ride completed a circular ride via Clayton Hill, while most ECC riders returned to Edmonton or Enfield. Leaders Chris, Jez. Riders Paul, Graham, Peter M,Rosa,Alan,John R,PAt, Sarah, Drew, Maz, Les, Jayne plus 16 members of the public.
Sunday 23rd September: London Open House Weekend
The weather forecast was dire, which probably accounted for the low turnout. We set off from Edmonton Leisure Centre down the Lee towpath, admiring the industrial architecture on the way. We also noticed that the café at Stonebridge Lock looked permanently closed, and the surface of the path was seriously deteriorating. True to forecast, the rain started after about half an hour. We pressed on to our first stop, the Walthamstow Pump House museum, whose contents belied its appearance as a junk yard. Among the exhibits was a collection of old bicycles. By now the rain was sheeting down, so after a coffee we decided to abandon the rest of the ride. Peter took the train from Walthamstow back to Barnet, while the others had a very soggy ride back to Enfield. 17.5 miles. Leader Nick, Graham, Rosa, Peter M.
Sunday 30th September: Broxbourne Pub and High Beach Tea
A two part ride from Edmonton. Firstly north up the familiar towpath to Fishers Green, joined by three riders at Enfield Lock. Ascending Clayton Hill, past the sailing lakes to the Crown for lunch. Then southbound past Fishers Green, through Gunpowder Park and up Avery Lane to High Beach Church for the last tea and cakes session of the year, Once again some enjoyed bell ringing!. Back via a descent of Mott Street and through Enfield Island village. Leader Paul, Graham, Peter HK, Hyacinth, Les, Maz, Deborah, Melanie, Cathy. Grabostats* 33.4 miles, 8.4 mph, 3 hrs 59 mins, 1769 calories.
Sunday 7th October(1): Chicken Shed Theatre 10K Challenge
A sunny early start at Cockfosters as we arrived to help marshal hundreds of runners and walkers on the figure of eight course around Trent Park. We were placed among the participants as the event set off at 10:00am. The leading runners were back via Snakes Lane, Oakwood and Bramley Road in about 35 minutes, and we then helped the rest on their way around the course, with last finishers around noon. Leader Maz, Karl,Dan, Paul, Cathy, Sibel, Sarah, Michèle, Birgitta.
Sunday 7th October(2): Up North on 2 Wheets
A joint ride with Lee Valley Park from Hackney Waterworks Café to the White Water Centre, with ECC members assisting in marshaling. Leader Chris, Les, Paul S, Jill, Trevor.
Sunday 14th October: Bayford
Coal tax post at Wormley. Photo: Peter
From Enfield we rode to Whitewebbs Golf Café for a tea stop. Then in bright autumn sun north on Burnt Farm Ride to Goff's Oak, and left up the hill to Newgate Street. Further north to Bayford past horse riders and a rogue coach. Lunch was outside at the Baker's Arms, from which we left at 1:45 eastwards past the station, Wormley Woods to the Lee Valley path. There was some dispute over the function of an obelisk by the level crossing at Wormley. Later research showed it was a Coal tax post erected in the 19th century. All coal passing this point towards London was subject to a special tax. We viewed Laura Trott's golden postbox at Cheshunt, and then on to a tea stop at Cedars Park. Finally west over the new bridge to Forty Hill, where Les suffered a broken chain. In true comradeship we left him there and arrived back at Enfield at 3:35. Leader Paul, Graham, Sarah, Les, Julian, Melanie, James, David, Peter M, John C, John R, Mark, Cathy, Maz.
Sunday 28th October: Toot Hill, Essex
An earlier start with the advent of GMT. We rode eastwards from Edmonton Leisure Centrte to Chingford where we met John R at the Café Uno, Woodford. We were glad to see they were still offering a free bacon roll with each coffee. Then John led us north by Loughton, Theydon Bois, over the M25 and north east to Toot Hill, where we were made most welcome by the staff of the Green Man. After lunch our ride back went past Ivy Chimneys and through Epping Forest. We had a most spectacular view of about 20 deer running across the road just ahead of us. Then on to Upshire where Les had a rear puncture, and west to Waltham Abbey. Here the changed clock and general dullness of the weather caught up with us, and it was lights on to Enfield. Leaders Maz, John R. Les, Peter M, Sarah, Paul, Graham. Grabostats* 38.2 miles, 9.3mph average, 4 hours 5 mins. 1,675ft of climb and 2,060 calories burned.
Sunday 4th November: Decathlon, Surrey Quays (Not)
The third ride this year hit by heavy rain on the morning, and so the ride was called off. Non riders were Les, Maz, Graham, Bridget, John R, Cathy.
Sunday 18th November: South Mimms
We met up at Oakwood Park café before riding north west towards Barnet, using the Dollis Brook Trail. Then Mays Lane, Rowley Lane, Well End, Borehamwood, Crossoaks Farm, Packhorse Lane before a short off road path to South Mimms. Here we enjoyed a relaxing lunch with a wide choice of food at the Black Horse pub. Return ride via Ridge, Summerswood Lane, over the A1M access bridge to High Barnet, stopping for a while at Hadley Highstone Battle of Barnet Memorial. We then split into two groups for Enfield and Enfield south areas, most home by 3:30pm. Leader Peter M, Paul, Julian, Tracey, Graham, Les, Maz, Paul S, Terry, Mary, Sarah, John R, Cathy, Pat, Michèle. Grabostats * 25.6 miles, 2 hours 48 mins, 9.1 mph, 1266 calories.
Sunday 9th December: Christmas Lights in the West End
Eleven riders left Edmonton Leisure Centre about 4.20 pm just as the darkness descended. We then rode quiet back streets, taken from a TFL route map, through Tottenham, Seven Sisters and Stoke Newington. Following on to the Angel Islington, through Finsbury and Bloomsbury. Eventually, we made it to Oxford Street where we road along taking in all the lights and atmosphere to Park Lane; back then to Regents Street along Upper Brook Street where there were even more festive decorations to be looked at. At Piccadilly Circus we all stayed together and got round the 3 lane one way system en-mass; we headed for Covent Garden and a tea/coffee break whilst watching the street entertainers. Peter M left us at this point going back home on the train from Kings Cross. The rest of us road back to Edmonton Leisure Centre roughly the way we came, arriving at about 8.45 pm. At some point during the ride Michèle's chain came off but otherwise it was incident free. Leader: John R, Peter M, Les, Karl, Jayne, Cathy, Maz, Bridget, Sybel, Sarah, Michèle. About 24 miles.
Wednesday 26th December: Boxing Day Ride
Our traditional late morning ride set off from the Edmonton Leisure Centre. Joining the Lee towpath at Picketts Lock, we rode to Enfield Lock where the path had some puddles due to the incessant rainfall. Through Gunpowder park, then along the Lee towpath to Fishers Green, westwards across the railway at Cadmore Lane, past the golden postbox to the Pond Café for lunch. Leaving about 2:15 and the rain came down! We crossed the A10 cycle bridge to Theobolds Park. Here Michèle had a rear puncture, so we repaced the tube quickly and headed back to Enfield Town. Here we split for home and wished everyone a happy, healthy cycling new year. Leader Paul, Riders Graham, Trevor, Nick, Michèle, John C. Grabostats * 20.5 miles, 8mph average speed, 2 hours 34 minutes, 987 calories.
* Grabostats: as measured by Graham's cycle computer (so the distances usually include the bit to/from his house)
Club Points Table
| Position | Name | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paul | 785 |
| 2 | Les | 775 |
| 3 | Peter M | 710 |
| 4 | Graham | 705 |
| 5 | Maz | 675 |
| 6 | Michèle | 465 |
| 7 | John R | 380 |
| 8 | Pat | 375 |
| 9 | Cathy | 295 |
| 10 | Sibel | 280 |
| 11 | Alan | 270 |
| 12 | Trevor | 240 |
| 13 | Karl | 230 |
| 14= | Mary | 220 |
| 14= | Sarah | 220 |
| 16 | Peter D | 215 |
| 17 | Nick | 205 |
| 18= | John C | 180 |
| 18= | Jayne | 180 |
| 20 | Mark | 145 |
Points are awarded according to the following scheme
| Leading a ride for the first time | 30 |
| Attending a full day ride | 20 |
| Club meal day | 15 |
| Attending a half day ride | 10 |
| Bike aid/First aid on a ride | 10 |
| BMW | 10 |
| Planning meeting | 5 |