Ride Reports 2013
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
Thursday 3rd January: Club meeting / social
At this meeting Mr Alan Thorndyke was appointed as the club's Life President.
Sadly, Alan passed away after a short illness in February. See here for a web page set up by Alan's family in his memory.
Sunday 13th January: Half day ride to Cheshunt
Meeting before 11:00am at Beggars Hollow for a quick tea and bacon roll, then north to Whitewebbs Lane, Bulls Cross, Old Park Ride, Bury Green, Churchgate Road to Cheshunt Park Golf Course. We also saw members Dave P and Bernie riding west. After more tea and coffee (well it was a very cold day!) we rode east to the Lea Valley, where we saw Chris in her Park Ranger's van. We continued back to Enfield via Ordnance Road, and split up to our various directions home by Turkey Street and Baker Street. Leaders Maz, Les. Riders Paul, Graham, Sarah, Catherine, Emma, Cathy, Mary, Peter M. Grabostats* 15.2 miles, 8.3 mph, 1 hour 52 minutes, 749 calories.
Thursday 17th January: Bike Maintenance Workshop 125
13 came, and we introduced a new dimension to bicycle maintenance by playing card games afterwards. To be continued ...
Sunday 27th January: Annual Club Lunch
A glorious sunny start as the peloton rode from Enfield Civic Centre to Old Owen's Sports Ground at Potters Bar. Here we met up with the others arriving by car or bus. After a relaxing drink we enjoyed the three course lunch. We then had our club announcements of awards certificates for member's efforts in 2012. Our thanks to our hosts, meal organiser Maz, Pat for WHSC, Jayne and Maz for Norfolk trip, Alan our Club President. Most left for home by about 4pm. Ride leader Paul, Cathy, Graham, Jill & Trevor, Jayne, John R, Mark, Will, Ron & Bridget, Colin, Millie, Maz & Les, Pat & John, Sibel, Alan, Maggie, Chris, Sarah, Peter, Mary. Grabostats*: 13.6 miles, 1h 20m, 9.1mph ave, 28mph max, 870 calories.
Before the meal
Photo: Peter
Coffee Time
Photo: Peter
Sunday 10th February: Hog Hill, Redbridge Cycling Centre (Not)
With the rain lashing down and forecast for more, we called off this ride. There was a late email and phone around, and Les went to the Edmonton Leisure Centre just in case anyone turned up. But everyone had more sense!
Sunday 17th February
No ECC ride, but the Barnet group were seen riding along Paul's road. Rumour has it PeterM had defected there.
Thursday 21st February: Bike Maintenance Workshop 126
12 came, most of the time was spent playing cards!
Sunday 24th February: Broxbourne
Another bitterly cold day as seven set off from Edmonton, using the towpath direct to the reopened Narrowboat Café at Waltham Abbey for hot drinks. Here three riders turned back, while the remmaining four carried on to the Crown pub for lunch. They were rewarded with a tail wind on the return journey, getting back at 2:45pm. Leader Paul, PeterM, Les, Maz, John R, Trevor, Lucy.
Sunday 17th March: Lee Valley Ride
We set off from Cheshunt Pindar car park towards the Olympic Park area. Leader Chris had a puncture north of Stonebridge Lock, where others joined us. As the sky was grey with heavy showers, we had an early lunch at Pistachios café in Markfield Recreation Ground, then continued south using the Greenway to view the ongoing works at the Olympic site, which is due to re-open in stages from July. Yet more rain fell as we set off homewards! Leader Chris (LVRP), Les, Maz, Graham, Paul plus 3 others. Grabostats* 22.3 miles, 2hours 24 minutes, 8mph, 1303 calories.
Sunday 24th March: Chelmsford (Not)
The first weekend of spring, and there was snow on the ground and a biting easterly wind. We had called off the planned Chelmsford ride a few days earlier due to the arctic forecast (with email and web site notifications) and instead met at Beggars Hollow for an inpromptu ride according to the weather conditions. In the end it was too cold for enjoyable cycling so we dispersed home. Attendees Les, Max, Graham, Bridgit, Peter.
Sunday 14th April: The Extremely Late Easter Egg Hunt
From Enfield we rode south east through Bush Hill Park towards Chingford, observing some clues along the way. Crossing Kings Head Hill, southwards on quieter roads before our lunch at Chingford Mount. After lunch our hunt took us along more backstreets, under the A406, around Folly Lane before our quizmaster (quizmistress?) revealed the answers. After some lovely chocolate egg prizes, many thanks Maggie, we rode back towards Edmonton, with some of us stopping at the Cart pub. All this in the first spring like weather of the year! Leader Maggie, Ron, Graham, Paul, Peter, Bridgit, Trevor, Jill, John R, Maz, Les, Pat, John C, Michèle, Cathy, Cihan. Grabostats * 19.8 miles, 2 hours 24 minutes, 8.2mph average, 1027 calories.
Sunday 21st April: On and Off Road to Bayford
On a woodland path. Photo: Michèle
After morning tea etc. we set off from Beggars Hollow Golf café about 10:40 in bright spring weather. Through the golf course path to Whitewebbs Lane, left to Theobalds Park Road, north on Burnt Farm Ride enjoying the scenery. Then past Goff's Oak to Hammond Street before venturing off road into Derry's Wood. Passing walkers, dogs and conservation workers we reached White Stubbs Lane, then continued on road to the Baker's Arms pub in Bayford. After lunch outside in sunshine we returned via Brickenham, detour into the Broxbourne Sculpture Trail. East to Wormley and the Lee Valley Path to Cedars Park in Cheshunt for a tea stop. Finally over the A10 bridge, Bury Green to Enfield Town finish. Leader Paul, Mark, Graham, Michèle, Bridget, Ben, Sara, Peter, John R, Pat. Grabostats * 24.7 miles, 8.2 mph, 3 hours, 1,344 calories.
Sunday 28th April: Cycling, Sailing and 'Flying' in East London
A sunny, breezy spring day saw us ride south from the Edmonton Leisure Centre, joining the towpath at Leeside Road, fighting swarms of gnats then sampling the newly resurfaced towpath. There was a rowing regatta near to Springfield café, and the crowds made the towpath very busy! On to a tea stop at the View Tube café. Continuing South East on the Greenway, past the impressive Abbey Mills Pumping Station to Becton Alps then the Woolwich Ferry. After waiting for about ten minutes we crossed to the South bank and rode west along the Thames path to our lunch stop at the Thames Barrier café. After lunch, at about 2pm, we rode on the the Thames cable car site at Pheonix Wharf. With two bikes per cabin we enjoyed fabulous views on the 10 minute 'flight' to the north bank. We then rode west to Limehouse, beside the Regent's Canal to Victoria Park for a brief stop before returning along the Lee Valley towpath. Many thanks to our leader and ride planner, Peter Mo. Leader Peter, Mary, Paul, John R, Jill, Trevor, Dave M, James, Mel, Les, Maz, Michèle, Emily. No Grabostats(*), but about 32 miles.
Coffee at the Olympic Park
Photo: Peter
On the Woolwich Ferry
Photo: Peter
By the Thames Barrier
Photo: Peter
Flying?
Photo: Peter
Thursday 2nd May: Planning Meeting
Tonights meeting included a 'Bring and Buy' sale in support of Alan Thorndyke's nominated charity, The Association for International Cancer Research, at which £214 was raised.
Sunday 5th May: Romford
A nice spring day from Edmonton Leisure Centre eastwards. Whoops! A 'dead leg' for Paul after a glancing blow by a cable box on the way. Onwards to Woodford Café Solo for a coffee stop and hand over leader rôle to from Les to John. Then past Seven Kings, east on the A118 to Romford. Lunch at the Café Château in full sunshine. Our return ride went north west on White Hart Lane, Whalebone Lane before a short stop at the Redbridge Cycle Centre where some had a quick ride on the road track. Homewards via Woodford tube Station, Chingford to Edmonton, arriving about 4:00 pm. Thanks John and Les. Leader John, Les, Maz, Peter Mo, Paul, Sara, Trevor, Jill, Peter Mu, Patt, Jeff. About 35 miles.
Sunday 12th May: West from Chelmsford
We met up at Liverpool Street to catch the 10:03 train to Chelmsford. A nice, sunny, breezy day as we met John at Chelmsford and began the ride. The first half before lunch took in Writtle, Edney Common, Highwood, Blackmoor (with a motorcycle rally), Kelvendon Hatch, Naverstock and over the M25 to Nupers Hatch for a pub stop at the Royal Oak. Some ate outside in the sun. The afternoon took us past Bournbridge, Lambourne End, Chigwell, Buckhurst Hill to Chingford Kings Head Hill. Here we split up into smaller groups to ride home about 3:30pm. Leader John R, Peter Mu, Paul, Terry, Les, Maz, Sarah, Trevor, Jill, John C, Peter Mo. About 30 miles.
Friday 17th May: Enfield Night Hike
Our members helped to marshal the 600 walkers on this 15km walk from Enfield via Oakwood, Southgate, Palmers Green, Winchmore Hill and back. All in aid of the Nightingale Cancer Support Centre and Chase Farm NHS Trust. Thanks to Cathy, Jeff, Maz, Les, Paul, Paul S, Graham.
Sunday 19th May: Lee Valley Park
A ride from Cheshunt Pindar car park, through the Lee Valley park and up Clayton Hill. Then onwards to Dobbs Weir and alongside the river Stort to Roydon. Lunch stop at Stansted Abbotts before the ride back to Cheshunt. Leader Chris (LVRP), Les, Maz, Sue G, Michèle, Mark, Pat, Jeff plus five members of the public.
Sunday 26th May: Borehamwood Pub Ride
We set off from Oakwood Park after tea in the warm sunshire, at last. Past Old Saracens Rugby Club, Cat Hill roundabout to Games Road. Here John diverted aroundly Hadley, while the rest of us went off road through Hadley Woods. We met up again by Hadley Church, around the back streets of Barnet then down Galley Lane to the A1. We crossed on the bridge then rode a roundabout loop via Crossoaks Farm, Well End before reaching the Mops and Brooms pub just after opening time. Les and Maz joined us for lunch, then just as we were leaving Nick arrived. We returned through High Barnet to New Barnet, where Peter hosted a tea stop in his garden (cake provided by Mary). Leaving Peter's, we rode up Cat Hill, through Oakwood to Enfield. Leader Paul, Peter Mo, Jeff, Mary, John R, Michéle,Maz, Les, Nick.
Sunday 2nd June: Wadesmill through Two Fords.
Starting from the Greyhound pub at 10:20, we rode a direct route to Dobbs Weir where we stopped for tea at the Rivers Edge café. Then north west to Stanstead Abbots and off road towards the ford at Watersplace Farm. Here we followed the old railway line to the B1004 and Wareside, Babbs Green, Bakers End, Rush Green to Barwick Ford (no alpacas spotted!). Lunch was at the Feathers, Wadesmill before riding back through Ware and Dobbs Weir. Here Mary had a puncture, so we replaced the tube. It kept up to Waltham Cross then rapidly lost pressure again - lightning striking twice? By repeated pumpings, we reached Enfield. Leader Paul, Jeff, Trevor, Mary, John C, Maz, Les, Peter Mo, Cathy, Pat. About 35 miles.
Sunday 16th June: Chiltern Hills
This ride required a longer (and more expensive) than usual train ride to reach the start which, coupled with a less than inspiring weather forecast, probably deterred some riders. Those who were undeterred enjoyed a spectacular ride out into new territory. Leaving Chesham at about 11:30, we were quickly climbing into the hills, along a narrow lane that at one point seemed to pass through someone's front garden. We made good time, so took an unplanned tea stop at The Lee, a picture postcard village that was once used as a setting for the Midsomer Murders. Then the big climb of the day, up to the hamlet of Dunsmore where Les amused us with his imitation of a duck. We continued downhill and up again to reach the picnic spot at Coombe Hill. Here it was trying very hard to rain, which meant a fairly short stop to eat our sandwiches and take in the view. After lunch we rode direct to Great Missenden, and enjoyed a cream tea in the church while being entertained by a saxophone quartet. Finally we rode back to Chesham, in time for the 16:27 train back to the smoke. Leader PeterM, Les, Max, Bridget, Michèle, Nick, Julian. About 22 miles.
Tea stop at The Lee
Photo: Nick
Resting at the top
Photo: Nick
View from Coombe Hill
Photo: Nick
Lunch Time
Photo: Nick
Tuesday 18th June: Evening Ride.
From Enfied Civic centre we rode west towards Barnet then South Mimms and on to Ridge, where we stopped at the Old Guinea pub for food and drinks. Leader Peter Mo, Pat, Jane, Les, Maz, Jeff, Trevor
Thursday 20th June: Bike Maintenance Workshop.
Not much bike maintenance tonight, as we had a social games evening instead, and discovered Michèle is an ace table tennis player.
Sunday 23rd June: Alexandra Parks Arts Festival.
Meeting at Beggars Hollow, we rode up Clay Hill, across the Ridgeway and through Trent Park. Here we met Jane, who joined us through Oak Hill and Arnos Parks to Bowes Park (which is not a park!). Here we saw the most interesting underpants in London in the window of an apparantly abandoned shop in Myddleton Road. On to Albert Rec where we met Will with his water clock and picnic table xylophone. We stayed for lunch then went on to visit Anne and Brian's open house art exhibition nearby, where we were made welcome with drinks. We split up afterwards to make our separate ways home. Leader Paul, Michèle, Peter Mo, Jeff, Jane.
Sunday 7th July: TOWIE Ride
The Only Way is Essex. This was a charity ride organised by the Nightingale Cancer Support Centre. A very hot day was predicted as the riders started just after 9:00 am at Waltham Cross. We left through the Lee Valley Park, then joined the road northwards to Roydon and Widford and the first check point. Club members acted as marshals along the course, with Paul and Kathy in the rear plus a minibus and Lesa's supplies car. At the Hadhams the route went east on the A120 to Bishops Stortford then south east to Sawbridgeworth. Some had a short lunch stop at the Queens Head before check point 2. The final section was past Magdalen Laver, North Weald and into busy Epping, then the Wake Arms and back to Waltham Abbey, where the last riders returned about 2:30pm. Out thanks to all the organisers and to our members for their time. About 50 miles, with 60 plus riders. John R, Julian, Peter Mo, Chris, Maz, Paul, Les, Bridget, Sarah, Jacquie.
We subsequently received a letter from the organisers, in which they said
"We were so grateful for the expertise you offered in the planning of the event and the support you gave on the day; we couldn't have done it without you. I thought that you would like to know that to date we have collected £1907.00 with more sponsorship money to come."
Sunday 14th July: Maz's Mystery Ride
A leisurely ride in very warm summer weather from the Edmonton Leisure Centre, via the Lee towpath at Stonebridge Lock. Riding to a midday lunch stop at Springfield Café. Then back north to Angel Road and Lee Park Way to our mystery destination ... Bury Lodge Summer Fete, just in time to see the exotic birds of prey loose in the trees. We then enjoyed a rest by the shady bowls club with afternoon tea and cake (sounds familiar?), in temperatures of around 30 degrees. Leader Maz, John R, Bridget, Paul, Jeff, Gunsel, Trevor, Pat, Laurent, Michèle, Cathy, Les
Sunday 21st July: Tea and Cakes
Another sweltering hot day saw us ride east from the Leisure Centre towards Chingford, including some tricky off road paths. We made an early lunch stop at Butler's Retreat, next to Queen Elizabeth's hunting lodge at Chingford which is full of 16th century historical interest. After a relaxing lunch, we rode more off road paths through Epping Forest past the motorcyclists' café, reaching High Beach church at 2:00pm. Here we enjoyed the cakes and tea, accompanied by tome historical music and song, as we sat outside in the sun. We were joined by Karl and Les. The return took in the fast descent of Mott Street to Island Village where we split into groups for home. Leader Maz, Paul, Peter Mo, Mary, John R, John C, Michèle, Trevor, Cathy, Jeff, Tony.
Sunday 28th July(1): Cambridge Charity Ride
A number of us took part in this ride for Breakthrough Breast Cancer. A bright start, with a warm tailwinf from Picketts Lock at 8:42. There was a half hour morning tea stop at Widford, a 45 minutes lunch stop at Langley around midday and an early afternoon stop at Duxford Primary School at about 1:30. We reached Cambridge just after 3:30pm, still in good weather. Here we saw Richard and Nick who had arrived three hours earlier!. We left by train just before five, reaching Brimsdown and Ponders End about 6:15. Total ride time was three minutes short of five hours. Well done to John T, Bridget, Jeff, Michèle, Paul L, Richard, Nick.
Sunday 28th July(2): Lee Valley Park Ride
Some who wern't riding to Cambridge helped marshall a Lee Valley public ride. We met at Broxbourne at 10:30, and started off by pumping up a number of semi-inflated tyres. Chris led us on a meandering route through the park, discovering new paths all the way. We saw some sunken barges in an infilled gravel pit and a WW2 gun emplacement. After lunch at the White Water Centre we rode up to a bird hide then, as the sky was becoming more threatening, rode straight back to Broxbourne. Leader Chris, Maz, Les, Jayne, Karl, PeterMo + 14 public riders.
Saturday 3rd August: Prudential Ride London (Non club ride)
This was a mass ride through central London. Each London borough had a ride into the 8 mile closed circuit area. We left Edmonton Leisure Centre at 9:20, using the Lee towpath south, then Victoria Park, Mile End Park, Limehouse Cut and Cable Street to Tower Hill. Everyone then did their own thing, either riding the circuit, sightseeing or visiting the cycling festival at Green Park. Leaders and marshals had a reserved area in the park this lunch provided. We all gathered at 3:30pm for the ride back to ELC. Overall attendance was about 65,000, with about 40 on our ride. Leader Paul, Marshals Jeff, Brian, Michele, Daniel, Tony, Paul R.
Sunday 4th August: Salute to Dr. Beeching
An unpromising start as we gathered at Beggars Hollow only to find the café closed. Something to do with reletting the contract. Why Enfield Council choose a weekend in the middle of summer for this process is a mystery! Seven of us set off on an initially familiar route through Goffs Oak and Newgate Street, where we branched off to Essendon and Letty Green. Here we joined the old Hertford-Welwyn railway line to Welywn Garden City. In the suburbs of WGC we came across a colourful church parade going round and round a car park. Apparently it was a Fillipino celebration of the Virgin Mary. At the centre of WGC we met with six others who had travelled by train or car, and after a coffee we set off along the Welwyn to Luton line as far as Wheathampstead. Here we branched off to the Elephant and Castle pub at Amwell. After lunch we continued, skirting St Albans and on the disused line to Hatfield. Some left us at Hatfield to return home, while the rest of us rode back through Brookmans Park and Potters Bar, followed by a welcome descent of Coopers Lane to Crews Hill and back to Enfield. Leader Peter Mo, Maz, Les, Bharat, John R, Michè, Pat, Mary, Sue D, Karl, Jayne, Sarah, Jeff. About 40 miles.
Sunday 11th August: Presidents Memorial Ride
Picnic in the Park. Photo: Joe Shortall
After morning tea at Enfield Park Café, we set off northwards along Baker Street to Theobalds Park, then off road past Woodgreen Farm.More tea at Cheshunt, at the Broxbourne Golf Clubhouse, then back along the towpath, past the high chair. We reached the Rose and Crown by Hilly Fields by 2:00pm, in time for another refreshment stop! Then over to the park where we laid out a picnic and wine area. Alan's daughter, Joan, joined us for a toast, and there was some (to be honest rather forgettable) music from the bandstand. Leader Les, Maz, Paul, Bridget, Peter, Ron, Chris, Michèle, John C, Jeff, Jayne, Phil. Later we were joined by Wayne, Elaine, Graham, Pat, Rosa, Tony, Jo, Barbara, Dave, Mark, Sarah, Drew, Deborah and Belle.
Sunday 18th August: Cedars Park Steel Drums Concert
Numbers were depleted by a non club ride taking place over this weekend. Leader Les, Maz, Pat, Sonal
Sunday 1st September: Richmond Park
We met up at Liverpool Street, then rode through the City (admiring the many road works) , over Southwark Bridge and around the South Bank. There were a number of twists and turns in the route as we tried to avoid the cycling nightmare that is Vauxhall Cross, and eventually reached Battersea Park for a tea stop by the lake. We continued west past Putney, where we observed a strong contender for the most useless cycle path in the country, and on to Wimbledon Common. Here four riders took an alternative route so as to avoid the rough tracks across the Common. Into Richmond Park where we soon spotted a herd of deer and to our lunch stop by Pembroke House. After lunch at about 2:30 we set off to the view spot on Richmond Hill, then on th Putney and Chelsea Embankment. Here three riders left us to continue directly to Kings Cross, where they welcomed Sarah just back from charity ride in the Netherlands. The rest went back into Battersea Park for an ice-cream then returned to Liverpool Street, arriving there about 5:15pm. Leader Peter, Ron, Rosa, Paul, John R, Michèle, Les, Maz, Karl, Dan, Jayne, Jeff, Laurent, Trevor, Jill, Pat, Maggie.
Battersea Park
Photo: Karl
Putney cycle path
Photo: Peter
Richmond Hill
Photo: Peter
Ice cream time
Photo: Peter
Saturday 7th September: Enfield Town Show
We had an information desk with the Traffic Deptartment. Paul, Les, Jenny and Michèle helped out. Thanks also to Rachel and Anna.
Sunday 15th September: Decathlon Sports Store
From the Edmonton Leisure Centre down the towpath, past Victoria and Mile End Parks to Limehouse Marina. Then on CS3 to Cable Street and Tower Bridge, Jamaica Road and Canada Water. We had lunch first before looking round the cycle department. After various purchases we left around 1:45pm, using LCN route 13 to Tower Bridge then St Katherines Dock, ornamental waterway path to Limehouse and back the way we came. At Tott St Lock, we diverted west to Paul's for tea and cakes. The weather was dull with some later rain, and windy. We left Paul's around 5pm to make our various ways home. Dry beans at Decathlon anyone? (Editor's note: I have no idea what this means but it was in Paul's script!). Leader Les, Maz, Jeff, Michèle,Pat, Paul, Trevor.
Sunday 22nd September: Chiselhurst Caves, Kent
We left ELC with the weather fine and headed towards Walthamstow by road. The route then took us past the City of London Cemetery and Manor Park Station, through East Ham and Beckton down to the Woolwich Ferry. We had to wait for the ferry as it had just opened and there is only one boat on a Sunday which was on the south side so it took a little while. Once we departed the Ferry we cycled through Woolwich, Eltham to the Caves at Chislehust. Whereby nearly all of use went on a guided tour of the caves which were very spooky but interesting. We reversed the journey and when we got to Whipps Cross we stopped to rest a bad back, One rider had a fall which, although we didn't know it at the time, resulted in a broken wrist. Leader John R, Les, Maz, Richard, Jayne, Karl, Rosa, Peter L, Trevor, Michèle, Jeff, Martin, Bridget, Panni.
Sunday 29th September: High Beach Tea and Cakes
Running repairs in Gunpowder Park. Photo: Paul
A very relaxing day! First we relaxed at Whitewebbs golf café, then a gentle ride onto Whitewebbs Lane, where new telegraph poles were being erected. Left over the M25 to Temple Bar, where we split up for various routes to the White Water Centre at Waltham Abbey. Here we relaxed again on the treeace, then by some more circular routes through Gunpowder Park, with two puctures on Sarah's bike, up Avery Lane (not so relaxing) to the church for more tea and cakes, with optional bell ringing. Back via Enfield Island Village. Leader Maz, Les, Paul, Jane, Sarah, Jeff, Ca thy, Liz, Paul N
Sunday 6th October: Chickenshed Theatre Charity Run and Lunch
For the second year we helped to marshal this event. There were about 100 runners on either a 3k or 10k through Trent Park. A lovely early autumn day for both runners and marshals. We escorted the final runners over the line at about midday, then rode off to lunch at the Old Guinea, Ridge. Thanks to all who marshalled. Ride leader Peter M, Paul, Maz, Les, Sarah, Cathy, Michèle, Jeff, Bridget.
Thursday 10th October: Enfield Cycling Campaign AGM
The Enfield Cycling Campaign is the Enfield branch of the London Cycling Campaign, and represents the campaining arm of the club. Adrian Lauchlan was elected as borough co-ordinator, with Trisha Smith as treasurer. Paul L, Les and Mark were elected as committee members without portfolio. There are currently 132 LCC members in Enfield Borough.
Sunday 20th October: St Albans and Gorhambury
It was a bright start as we left Whitewebbs Café, riding north up the A1000 to Hatfield. Here we met with Paul N to continue along the path on the old railway line to St Albans, which has just been resurfaced (and it needed it!). We stopped at The Goat pub for lunch, where it was mild enough to eat outside. But conditions were deceptive, for as soon as we left the pub the rain started, and by the time we reached Gorhambury it was bucketing down. We sheltered in a barn on the Gorehambury Estate, not looking too closely at what was underfoot, and eventually decided it had eased enough for us to turn round and return. So we never made it to Gorhambury House, perhaps next summer? On the return trip the rain stopped by the time we reached Hatfield. Paul N and Les left there, and Peter M led the others back through Brookmans Park and Potters Bar. Leader Les, Maz, Pat, John R, Paul N, Peter M
Sunday 27th October: Toot Hill
An earlier than usual start, but as the clocks had just gone back it wasn't apparent. Maz led us to (and almost past) Café Solo at Woodford, where after a bacon roll John R led through the Essex lanes to the Green Man at Toot Hill. Peter M demonstrated how to stress test a chain, when his came off and wrapped twice around the bottom bracket! It was day before a well forecast storm hit, and we rode back into a stregthening wind. Add to that a road closure which meant a diversion up hill into Epping, and it was quite a strenuous ride back. John R left at High Beach, and Les guided the rest of us back to Enfield. Leaders Maz and John R, Les, Peter M, Jeff
Sunday 3rd November 2013: Up North on Two Wheels (LVRP Ride)
A bright start from the Waterworks Nature Reserve, joining our club riders at Tottenham Hale. Then further north past the former café at Stonebridge Lock, with plenty of work for Dr Bike Les on the way. Lunch at the White Water Centre at Waltham Cross, where we saw the British open canoe slalom event. We split up on our return ride along the towpath, as some rode back to Enfield or Edmonton. Leader Chris, Les, Maz, Jeff, Michèle, Peter, Paul N, Paul L, Deborah, Jane and H.
Sunday 17th November: Broxbourne
Mini Holland Banner. Photo: Enfield Council
After a photo call to promote Enfield Council's mini-Holland bid, we left Edmonton for Picketts Lock, then north on the towpath and through Gunpowder Park, passing the Lee Valley farm, up Clayton Hill, past the yacht club where Peter M got a puncture. Quickly repaired with expert help, then along the canal side to the Crown pub at about 12:30. Inside there was a real fire burning in the grate. Return at around 2:00pm directly south along the towpath then branching off towards Enfield. Leader Paul L, Terry, Jeff, Peter M, Peter H, Les, Maz, Michèle, Paul N
Sunday 8th December: Black Horse, South Mimms
A repeat of a 2012 ride. We left Oakwood Park café at 10:15, in sunny and mild weather. Westwards through Cockfosters to Barnet Dollis Brook riverside walk, Mays Lane, Rowley Lane and over to Borehamwood. We continued along a farm driveway to Ridge and then, as we were making good time, put in an extra loop towards Shenley before reaching the pub shortly after midday. An hour or so later we returned via the A1 horse bridge, Dancers Hill to Kitts End, then down through Barnet. Leader Peter M, Paul L, Terry, John R, Paul N.
Thursday 19th December
The last Bike Maintenance Workshop of the year became a social evening, with buffet food and wine plus mince pies and sweets. Thanks to Pat, Maz and helpers for setting the tables.
Thursday 26th December: Boxing Day Ride
A dry day as we left Enfield Town Park at 11:15, Northwards on Chase Side and across Hillyfields and Whitewebbs, before turning east to Waltham Cross. We ended up at the Cheshunt café for a hot lunch. Afterwards, we rode south to Turkey Street and so back to Enfield. And so ends 2013. Leader Paul L, John R, Will, John C, Sarah, Maz, Les, Michèle, Trevor, Nick
* 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 | Maz | 765 |
| 2 | Les | 710 |
| 3 | Peter M | 685 |
| 4 | Paul L | 660 |
| 5 | John R | 500 |
| 6 | Michèle | 420 |
| 7 | Pat | 390 |
| 8 | Jeff | 385 |
| 9 | Trevor | 340 |
| 10 | Bridget | 305 |
| 11 | Jayne | 260 |
| 12 | Karl | 225 |
| 13 | Cathy | 210 |
| 14 | Graham | 200 |
| 15 | Sarah | 190 |
| 16 | Chris | 185 |
| 17 | Mary | 165 |
| 18 | John C | 140 |
| 19 | Jill | 135 |
| 20= | Mark | 120 |
| 20= | Terry | 120 |
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 |