Ride Reports 2014
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 25th January: Broxbourne by Road and Towpath
A fair winter's day ride from Edmonton, we left up the Hertford Road past Waltham Cross to Cheshunt, Turnford and Wormley. A right turn onto Mill Lane brought us to the Mill café where we enjoyed some lunch before moving on to warm ourselves at the log fire at the Crown pub. Our return was via the towpath and drier paths at Cheshunt, past the White Water Centre and Enfield Lock before riding westwards towards Enfield Town. Leader Paul, Jeff, Evelyn, Peter Mo, John, Les, Maz. Mark rode independently (something to do with a bus substitution on the local rail service) and met us at the pub.
Sunday 26th January: Annual CLub Lunch
This year's annual lunch was held at Old Owens Sports Ground, Potters Bar. We arrived around midday, some by car and others by bike, as heavy rain fell. Drinks in the bar were followed by lunch at about 1:15pm, three courses with wine plus cheese and biscuits and coffee.
Paul then began our awards with a toast to absent friends, the late Alan Thorndyke, and our hosts. Medals and prizes were awarded to Maz, Les, Peter, John, Chris and Pat, followed by certificates for those who featured in the merit points table. Members warmly showed their thanks for people's efforts. Our leading scorer was Maz, with 765 points. Thanks for all her time and hard work organising events and club business. Both she and Pat, of Winchmore Hill Sports Club, were presented with flowers.
There was also a questionnaire at every place seeking members' views about last year's rides and ride preferences in general. See here for a discussion of the results.
The event finished around 4pm, just as light was fading but thankfully the rain had stopped. The seven riders left first, along Coopers End Road where they had to dodge a fallen tree across the road.
Riders: Paul L, Mark, Trevor, Jill, John R, Peter M, John H Others: Chris, Les, Maz, Jayne, Karl, John C, Pat, Sarah, Jane, Sibel, Cathy, Paul N, Liz, Jeff, Michèle, Gary, Bridget, Colin and Millie.
Coffee time
Photo: Karl
Pat and Paul
Photo: Karl
John, Paul and Peter
Photo: Karl
Sunday 9th February: Short ride to Hackney Marshes
A dry start from the Edmonton Leisure Centre, riding towards Picketts Lock then southwards against a strong headwind. At Markfield Park we diverted along back streets to reach Springfield Park, meeting Maz and Les by the café. We continued eastwards towards the nature café, but with a diversion due to a flooded underpass, to a midday lunch. Some light rain fell while we were eating, but had stopped by the time we emerged to ride back along the towpath to Tottenham Hale High Road. Here we split up, with some riding directly home and others to tea and cakes chez Paul. Leader Paul L, Peter M, Trevor, Terry, Paul N, Maz, Steve, Sian, Michael.
Sunday 23rd February: Half day ride
After a quick brew at Beggars Hollow café we set off northwards, passing east of Whitewebbs Lane, Bullsmoor Lane, Cedars Park to West Cheshunt Golf Café for elevenses. Return route past the white water centre, Waltham Cross and Enfield, reaching home around 1:30 pm. The rain held off but there was a strong breeze. Leader Les, Maz, Sarah, Paul, John R, Chris, Bridget, Michèle
Sunday 9th March: Bayford
On Clayton Hill. Photo: Michèle
At last! Warm sunny weather after months of rain to show that spring is on the way. From Enfield Town Park north by Hilly Fields, Whitewebbs, Burnt Farm Ride, Goff's Oak to Newgate Street and on to Bayford. Lunch outdoors at the Baker's Arms. We left around 1:40 east to Wormley and Lee Valley with a tea stop at the farm centre. Back to Enfield around 5:00 pm. Leader Paul, Cathy, John R, Dave M, Michèle, Peter Mu, John C, Michael.
Sunday 16th March: Olympic Park and Velodrome
Group photo. Photo: Lee Valley Park
This was a public ride organised by the Lee Valley Park Authority, with ECC members helping as marshals. The main ride started from the White Water Centre, whilst others joined us at Stonebridge Lock. It was a glorious sunny day as we rode southwards on Route NCN(National Cycle Network)1 to the Olympic Park. Here we had a private guided tour of the Velodrome and its surroundings, thanks to the staff there who were still tidying up from an event the previous evening. We moved on to lunch at a café in the park. Some club members hope to try out the Velodrome in the future (although apparently there is quite a long waiting list). Return through Walthamstow Marshes and Gunpowder Park. Leader Chris A, Maz, Trevor, Michèle, Paul, John, Terry, Mel, James, Steve, Pete + 21 public riders.
Sunday 23rd March: Mystery Ride
Well, it was billed as a mystery ride, although all the regulars knew it was to the Mops and Brooms pub in Borehamwood! We started off at Beggars Hollow with a long discussion about the route, eventually settling on a northwards loop through Brookmans Park, So off we went through the golf course and Crews Hill to Coopers Lane Road and Brookmans Park. This seems to be the sort of area where footballers who can't quite afford Hadley live, and we passed a gentleman taking his vintage Rolls Royce out for a spin. We carried on to the old A1 and followed the cycle path down to Bignells Corner (where, like most cycle paths, it vanishes just as you approach a junction). Eventually we went through Crossoaks farm and down to Borehamwood and a pub lunch. Return through Barnet, Southgate, Palmers Green to Enfield. Leaders Peter Mo (am), Paul (pm), Terry, John, James, Mel, Jeff, Peter Mu.
Sunday 13th April: St Albans and Gorehambury
From Oakwood Park café north west by Waggon Road, Brookmans Park, Welham Green to Hatfield then along the old rail line to St Albans. We were pleased to find the path here as been resurfaced. After a couple of wrong turnings we reached the Goat pub at 12:50, lunch outside. We then rode past the abbey west to Gorehambury Park, saluting the cowshed where we sheltered last October as we passed. We continued through the estate, which doesn't seem to really encourage visitors (the house is open Thursday afternoons in summer only), and found that a short part of the track was unpaved and quite a rough surface, totally unsuitable for road bikes. On leaving the estate we explored the suburbs of St Albans before retracing our path back home, with a tea/beer stop in Brookmans Park on the way. Leader Peter Mo, John R, John C, Ron, Peter Mu, Jackie, Paul L
Sunday 27th April: East London Tour
We set off from Edmonton Leisure Centre, and met up with one of our riders who had a puncture on the way to the meeting. Then south along the towpath to Springfield café, where there appeared to be rowing regatta taking place. Continuing towards Hackney Marshes we came to an abrupt stop when a rider caught the edge of the path and fell heavily on the tarmac. He was badly concussed, and so after a few minutes we took him to Homerton Hospital A and E. A couple of the group stayed with him while the others cut short the ride with a lunch stop at Greenway café followed by a meander across the Olympic Park. The casualty was kept in for observation, and discharged 24 hours later with a statement that he was 'persistently normal'.
Many thanks to everyone who helped, and especially those who stayed at the hospital and arranged for the bicycle to be repatriated. The injury would probably have been much more serious, and possibly fatal, if the rider had not been wearing a helmet.
Leader Peter Mo, John R, Trevor, Maz, Les, Peter H, John C, Michèle, Jeff, Paul L.
Sunday 4th May: Clayton Hill and Broxbourne
A delayed start due to a mix up over the location, with some meeting at Beggars Hollow while others went to Edmonton Leisure Centre. Eventually we all met up at Beggars Hollow, and we set off through Island Village to Fishers Green and Clayton Hill where we stopped for the customary rest. We continued round the loop to the Crown pub at Broxbourne for lunch - a liquid lunch for some as the food delay was 40 minutes. We returned due south on the towpath, stopping at the Narrowboat café at Waltham Cross for some food. While we were there we were treated to an aerobatic display by what appeared to be a Spitfire. The same thing happened on this weekend two years ago, although we have not been able to identify the event. Does anyone have any ideas? Back around 4:30 pm. Leader Paul L, Peter Mo, Jeff, Peter Mu. Some regular club riders were helping with an Enfield Cycling Campaign ride for beginners which was being held at the same time.
Sunday 11th May: Stanstead Abbotts
This was a Lee Valley arranged public ride, but a very poor weather forecast (deluges threatened from midday) meant that of the 21 public riders booked only three turned up. Undaunted we set off from Pindar car park through Fishers Green, over Clayton Hill (with a puncture repair stop) and past Royden (with another puncture repair - same bike, other wheel) to Stanstead Abbotts. The rain held off, and on the return leg we stopped at Rye House where Chris had arranged a private tour of the gatehouse, then back to Broxbourne and Pindar. Leader Chris, Peter Mu, Peter Mo.
Saturday 17th May: Space for Cycling Rally
The Enfield Cycling Campaign Group organised this ride from Enfield Civic Centre into Central London to join other borough groups in support of the London Cycling Campaign's 'Space for Cycling' rally through closed streets in the City and West End. About 5,000 people attended the rally, which was reported on the evening TV news. Thanks to Adrian, Roger, Trisha, Richard, Will, Nick and others.
Sunday 18th May: Weald Country Park
Nine riders left the Edmonton Leisure Centre to join our main leader, John, at the Café Solo, Woodford. After a coffee and the obligatory bacon roll we rode north east through Theydon Bois, Loughton, Abridge, Naverstock arriving at the country park around 1:30pm. We enjoyed lunch outside, admired the deer then set off back along country and urban roads to Edmonton. The sun shone all day, indeed this was the first ride of the year where sun cream was needed! Distance about 42 miles. Leader John, Maz, Les, Jeff, Paul, Peter Mu, Michèle, Pat, Evelyn, Peter Mo.
Taking a breather at Woodford. Photo: Michèle
Taking a breather at Woodford. Photo: Evelyn
Sunday 1st June: Music on the Lawn
A relaxed ride from Whitewebbs Golf café on a sunny and warm day. Through the golf course, right on Whitewebbs Lane, north over the M25 by Theobalds Park, along the track and right past Wood Green Farm. Here we had to dismount and push our bikes as the path is designated as 'No Cycling'. Then to Cheshunt Park golf café. After lunch we crossed the A10 to the Lee Valley park using the new bridge over Cadmore Lane rail crossing. Finally back to Enfield via Albany Park. Turkey Street and Forty Hall. Here we joined the crowd for the 'Music on the Lawn' event at Forty Hall where we stayed until about 7:00 pm. Leader Maz, Pat, Sian, Cathy, Evelyn, Bridget, Colin, Dave P, Jeff, Peter Mo. Joined at Forty Hall by Les, Michèle.
Sunday 8th June: Gold Medal Ride
Opposite the Dome. Photo: Chris
Sunny and warm again as we set off from the Waterworks Centre in the lower Lee Valley. Past the marshes, Three Mills to Limehouse then along CS3 towards North Greenwich. Here we stopped firstly at a viewpoint across the Thames to the Dome, then a few minutes later at Trinity Wharf, were we visited the lighthouse and heard its long playing music, which is designed not to repeat for 1,000 years. We moved on to Barrier Park for a lunch stop. Afterwards we rode north past the City Airport, through Beckton Park and along the Greenway to the Olympic Park. Here we were able to try a couple of laps on the road circuit and watch club training on the velodrome track. Finally we returned to start at around 3:45pm. Many thanks to Lee Valley Park staff and club marshalls. Leader Chris, Maz, Peter Mo, John R, Paul, Evelyn, John C and 11 public riders.
Sunday 15th June: Finsbury Park Festival of Cycling
We left from Palmers Green Triangle in uncertain weather to ride via Ally Pally and the Cherry Tree Park café to the old rail line from Highgate to Finsbury Park. (If the Second World War had not intervened, this may by now have been part of the Northern Line). At the park we looked around the stands featuring the London Cycling Campaign, British Cycling, Doctor Bike, Metropolitan Police and the Boris Bikes among others. Return home via Green Lanes. Leader Paul, Jeff, Peter Mo, Les, Jayne, Maz, Trevor, Cathy, Michè, Pat.
Wednesday 18th June: Evening Ride and Supper
From Oakwood Park north to Potters Bar, where we enjoyed the delightful choice of food and drinks at Potty Pancakes. Some of you may remember this as the White Lion pub! Leader Les, Maz, Peter Mo, Terry, Bridget, Jeff, Roger
Sunday 22nd June: Shenley
Rest Stop. Photo: Michèle
Starting from Enfield Town park café (Have you noticed how nearly all our rides start from cafés?) we rode west to Cockfosters, Beech Hill and High Barnet where we stopped for a tea break by the church. Then onwards through Wood Street, Galley Lane and over the A1 bridge to Shenley for lunch at yet another café. Here we met a local Sky ride group from St Albans. About 2:00 pm we went back east to King William IV pub for a drink. The return ride was the reverse of the outward route to Cockfosters, where the peleton split for their various destinations. Leader Paul, Michèle, Jeff, Evelyn, John R, Peter Mu.
Friday 27th June: Night Hike Marshalling
Dressed for the Occasion. Photo: Michèle
The fourth Enfield night hike in aid of Nightingale Cancer Support Centre. We helped the static marshals guide hundreds of walkers around the 15km course, starting and finishing at Enfield Civic Centre, Thanks to all who helped, Michèle, Paul, Jeff, Les, Maz, Roger, Pat. Also thanks to the Stag 'n Hounds pub, St Paul's café and Enfield Advertiser for the photo call.
Sunday 29th June: Rainham Nature Reserve
From Enfield Leisure Centre (not a café!) early to the main start at Woodford Café (you didn't really think we would miss out on our bacon rolls, did you?). Then on to South Woodford, Wanstead, Dagenham, South Hornchurch, Rainham. On quiet paths across the marshes to the reserve nature centre building and, yes, the café at 1:00 pm. The sun faded to light drizzle at lunch before we set off north again to National Cycle Network route 13 back by the Thames Path before heading north at Rainham Station. With rain falling we enjoyed a tea stop provided by Mrs Read, John's Mum. Then onward to Woodford where we split into two groups to ride back to Edmonton by around 5:30pm. Leader John R, Vicky, Jeff, Evelyn, Paul, Sian, Michael, Maz, Les, Julian. 48 miles.
Well done to Jane and friends for completing a Land's End to John o'Groats ride.
Sunday 6th June: The Only Way is Essex
This is a charity ride organised by the Nightingale Cancer Support Centre. We helped guide the 80 or so riders around the fifty mile course. From Lee Valley Showground. Waltham Abbey at 10:00am, initially in light drizzle. There was an epidemic of punctures in the first few miles, probably due to damp, sticky gravel picked up in the park paths. North past Nazeing, Roydon, Widford to a water stop at the Bull, Much Hadham. Then east along the B1004 through Sawbridgeworth Hatfield Heath and on the North Weald along the route of the Tour de France (see below), past Epping (but no intermediate sprint here) and back to Lee Valley. The last riders reached base around 4:00pm. Well done to all. Club helpers: Chris, Maz, Les, Jeff, John, Peter Mo, Evelyn, Paul.
Monday 7th June: Le Tour de Woodford France: Stage 3, Cambridge to London
We met up at Edmonton Leisure Centre at 9:30am, and 7 members rode to Chingford A104 to watch the Caravan and then the riders flash by. Nearby roads were closed for the day. We were not sure how crowded the route would be - as it turned out we needn't have arrived so early. Some went to a nearby church where they were showing the 12:15 start on television. Various random marshals, police and French gendarmes passed through at irregular intervals, then the caravan full of advertising floats and finally, at 3:28pm, the first two riders followed by the peleton a few minutes later. Afterwards we were invited to John and Pauline's house nearby for tea and to watch finish on television, many thanks. In the time it took us to travel about half a mile to John and Paulines house the peleton had reached the edge of the city! Peter Mo, Paul, Terry, Jeff, Maz, Les, Evelyn
Sunday 13th July: Sweet Thames Flow Softly
A nice warm day at the Edmonton Leisure Centre, although the forecast had been decidedly unsettled. We rode south on the Lee towpath to the Greenway, with a coffee stop at the Green Box café by the Olympic Park. Next to the café there is a bike hire service. Then along the Greenway, holding our noses at times (it's built atop a sewer) to Becton. Here John led a short diversion hoping to avoid the broken glass that was accumulating on the original path. We crossed the river on the Woolwich Ferryboat 'John Burns' and rode west on the Thames path to the Barrier café for lunch. Leaving after 2:00pm we went west to the cable car station at Greenwich, then 'flew' across the river to the Royal Docks. As expected, there were great views along the way. We finished the ride through Poplar to Limehouse Basin, up to Victoria Park for a comfort stop then finally back along the towpath to reach Edmonton shortly after 5:00pm. Leader Peter Mo, Jeff, Mark, John R, Evelyn, Paul, Steve, Howard, Terry, Les, Maz, Eleanor, Peter Hu, Mike. 32 miles.
Sunday 20th July: Tea and Cakes
We met up at Enfield Town Park for breakfast, and as we gathered the sun came out. We rode first into Church Street where there was a static exhibition of vintage vehicles on the market square. After admiring the tractor we continued to Chingford, and with some off road up to the Royal Forest Hotel for an outdoor lunch. A short forest path ride took us to the bikers café, and then on to High Beech church. There we enjoyed the usual selection of mouth watering cakes outside, accompanied by one member playing Silent Night on the church bells. Our return ride down Mott Street took us to Enfield Lock and Brimsdown, with members gradually peeling off as they reached their homeward turning. Leader Maz, Les, Peter Mo, Mark, Sibel, Michèle,Eleanor, Will, Trevor, Jayne, Karl, John C, Paul.
Sunday 27th July: London - Cambridge ride for Breakthrough Breast Cancer
This was not a club ride, but a number of members took part as individuals, leaving from Pickett's Lock and meeting up at various points on the way. There was the usual stop at Widford for food and drinks, then a diversion at Furneaux Pelham due to road works. Lunch stop was at Langley then onwards to Whittlesford, Bees in the Wall pub (that's what the notes say!). Many of us met up at Cambridge and took the 5:32 train back to Edmonton Green via Chashunt. Participants: Paul, Evelyn, Nick, Bill, Jane, Kieron, Sarah, Mark, John R, and apologies if I've omitted anyone. Total distance 60 miles.
Sunday 3rd August: Presidents Ride
Barnet Wellhouse. Photo: Paul
This was a ride in memory of our late president, Alan Thorndyke. We set off from Oakwood Park café to Cockfosters, Beech Hill (otherwise known as Millionaires Row, though with London house prices rising as they are you would probably need several million to buy a house there). Then west to the well building before riding along Dollis Brook, crossing to Oakwood Park for a tea stop then along Pymmes Trail to Broomfield Park for a free guitar and blues concert. We stayed until about 5:30, enjoying the music plus a picnic and some wine. Alan's daughter Joan joined us for part of the afternoon. Leader Paul, Les, Maz, Phil, James, Chris, Karl, Jayne, Bridget, Mark, Michèle, Eleanor, Peter Mo.
Saturday 9th August: Prudential Ride London
We were joining with our colleagues in the Enfield Cycling Campaign to lead a public ride from Edmonton to this event. A group of about 70 met at the Leisure Centre, from where we rode off to Picketts Lock. Here we split into two groups and went down the towpath towards Limehouse. The first group took CS3 to Tower Bridge, while the second followed the Thames Path. Here was the start of the closed circuit around Central London. Some of us joined the course and the accompanying festival, while others went to the Decathlon Sports Store in Surrey Quays. We regrouped at Tower Bridge at 3:30 for the ride back towards Enfield, with a split at Stonebridge Lock. Thanks to leaders Adrian, Les, and to marshals Maz, Peter Mo, Bridget, Evelyn, Karl, Dan, Paul L, Letitia, Eleanor and another Paul.
Sunday 24th August: Wadesmill
At the Ford. Photo: Michèle
An early start from the Greyhound pub in Enfield Lock saw us riding north to Broxbourne and Rye House. Here we held an impromptu tongue-twister completion, easily won by Bridget though as it was in Swedish we had to take her word for it! We continued to Stanstead Abbots then off road via Watersplace Farm to the first ford, and continuing on road via Babbs Green, Bakers End, Rush Green to the second one. After safely negotiating this, and noting yet again the total absence of alpacas, we finished up at the Feathers pub in Wadesmill. Just before the pub there is a roadside memorial to Thomas Clarkson who apparently was a campaigner against the slave trade. From Wadesmill we rode south along the towpath from Ware, with a stop at the newly refurbished café at Dobbs Weir, and reaching our starting point by about 5:00 pm. Leader Paul, Jeff, Bridget, Jayne, Les, Maz, Michèle.
Sunday 31st August: Blues at Broomfield Park
We met up at 10:30 at Oakwood Park café for a pre ride tea. A low turnout (2) despite waiting to 11:00, then the pair set off through Hadley Wood to High Barnet and lunch at the Sebright Arms. Back by Dollis Brook and Pymmes Trail to the music at Broomfield Park, where we were joined by Michèle plus dog, and also by our editorial colleague Chris and family. Riders: Paul, Jeff.
Sunday 7th September: Fishers Green (Lee Valley ride)
An early start around 9:15am in dull light drizzle as we helped marshal the peleton. From Fishers Green car park past the farms, then off road up Clayton Hill and down to the River Stort towpath. Over Roydon level crossing before turning left to Rye Meads, Stanstead Abbotts and the River Lee to our rest stop at Dobbs Weir as the sun came out. Afterwards it was south by side paths and towpath to Fishers Green car park by 12:30. There were no mechanical problem from the public riders, but both the leader and the backstop suffered punctures! Leader Chris, Maz, Les, Jeff, Paul
Sunday 14th September: Hertfordshire Countryside
Starting at 10:45 from the Golf café at Beggars Hollow, we used the new Enfield Greenways path to Forty Hall, then past Theobalds to the back steets of Cuffley. Then on to Carbonne Hill (!), Newgate Street to the Five Horseshoes (Have you ever seen a horse with five legs?) pub at Little Berkhamsted. Returning past Bayford Station, Wormley West End, Cheshunt West, Bury Green, Forty Hall to Enfield, reaching there about 3pm. Leader Karl, Jayne, Peter Mo, James, Jeff, John R, John C, Paul, Les, Maz.
Sunday 21st September: Wheathamstead
A select group met at Beggars Hollow to ride out to Welwyn Garden City. Up Coopers Lane Road to Little Heath, then briefly on the A1000 before turning right towards Essendon. Here we stopped for a rest in the churchyard before continuing to Letty Green then along the Cole Green Way to Welwyn Garden City. We met a couple more riders before we followed the disused railway line to Wheathamstead, then on the Amwell and the Elephant and Castle pub for lunch. After lunch, we skirted St Albans before reaching another disused rail line, this time between St Albans and Hatfield. From Hatfield we followed National Cycle Route 12 towards Brookmans Park, then back to Enfield. About 40 miles. Leader Peter Mo, Jeff, John R, Maz, Bridget.
Tuesday 23rd September: Community Helpers Awards
A group of five members attended the Dugdale Centre to represent ECC at the Community Helpers Awards Evening. We have assisted the Nightingale Cancer Support Centre on their Night Hike and 'The Only Way is Essex' sponsored bike ride.
Sunday 28th September: High Beech Tea and Cakes
The final Tea and Cakes weekend of the summer, and while it was technically autumn the weather was still in summer mode. From ELC we rode to café at Woodford, where we said hello to John R. Then Noth East past Loughton and across Epping Forest paths to the bikers' café in the forest. After 2pm to tea and cakes at the church, as enjoyable as ever. Peter Mo came to church by car to join in the picnic. Leaving about 3:40 down Mott Street, through Island Village and so home. Leader Les, Maz, Jeff, Paul, Michèle, Eleanor, Dave L, Vicky.
Sunday 5th October: Chicken Shed 10km Run and Lunch
We helped with marshalling this charity event, where participants walked or ran around Trent Park. Well done the Chris, our editorial man, for his 46 minute effort. Some others joined us afterwards for a short ride to Potty Pancakes in Potters Bar, home about 3:00 pm. Leader Maz.Marshalls Bridget, Paul, Jeff, Les, Cathy.Ride only: Sian, Michael, Dave, Agnieszka
Thursday 9th October: Enfield Cycling Campaign Special Meeting at the Civic Centre
Our colleagues in the Enfield Cycling Campaign held this special meeting where the main topic was the Enfield Cycle Plans, for consultations with interested stakeholders. Guests there spoke both for and against the proposed options. Our chief speaker was the Mayor of London's cycle commissioner, Andres Gilligan. The plans are now in the consultation phase.
Sunday 12th October: Broxbourne Woods
This was a ride organised by the Lee Valley Park, and once again we helped out with marshalling and mechanical backup. A small group set off from Broxbourne and was slightly surprised to find they were being led out of the park and up a HILL! Past the Woodman and Olive (pub? restaurant? - we haven't stopped their since it was simply the Woodman) and on into Broxbourne Woods. A long ride through the woods brought us out near Newgate Street, from where we coasted back down to the Lee Valley for lunch, either at Cheshunt Youth Hostel or a remarkably good burger van in Pindar Car Park. After lunch we made a short tour of the park before returning to Broxbourne around 2:00 pm, with no punctures!!! Leader Chris, Peter Mo, Les, Maz, Jeff plus 6 public riders.
Sunday 19th October: Chelmsford (and back)
An early start from ELC under grey skies but with the forecast of a brighter day. We set off east towards Woodford, by a variant of our usual route which took us through Chingford Mount. At Woodford café we found they had begun to charge for their bacon rolls! There was a change of personnel here as some joined and some left us. Those who continued rode through brightening skies through Blackmore to Writtle, just outside Chelmsford where we stopped for lunch at the Rose and Crown. There we met a group from the South East Essex Cycle Touring Club. After lunch, some rode to Chelmsford and the train home, while others returned partly via NCN1 (which allegedly runs from Dover to Shetland) through Ongar to Epping. Here the group split, with riders making their various ways home according to preference. The full ride was about 60 miles. Leader John R, Evelyn, Paul, Les, Maz, Pat, Jeff, John C, Julian, Tracy
Friday 31st October: Halloween Ride (Lee Valley ride)
A small group left from Pindar car park at twilight for a Lee Valley public ride on the paths around the lakes. Leader Chris, Les, Maz, Evelyn + 6 public riders.
Sunday 9th November: Sebright Arms
In the Sebright Arms. Photo: Michèle
We left late after observing the two minute silence, then north west past Cockfosters, Beech Hill to Monken Hadley. We took a detour around Kitts End and Arkley before arriving at the pub at lunch time. The sun was out so we ate outside, but appearances were deceptive and eventually we moved inside to monopolise the real fire. Back via Dollis Brook to a tea break chez Peter. Afterwards we split up to ride in our various directions home. Leader Paul. Jeff, Peter Mo, John R, Les Maz, James, Karl, Jayne, Michèle.
Saturday 15th November: Bike check at West Lea School
Nine members gave their time and effort to check over the bikes at the Edmonton school. Thanks to Les, Maz, Karl, John R, Jeff, Terry, Paul, Dan, Peter Mo.
Sunday 16th November: Golders Hill Park/Hampstead Heath
Puncture No. 2. Photo: Michèle
An early start from Enfield Town (Puncture number 1), Maz and Les lead the group to Oakhill Park in East Barnet where we met the ride leader. After refreshments, and puncture number 2, we set off on quiet roads through Friern Barnet, St Pancras and Islington Cemetery and Hampstead Garden Suburb. We stopped for lunch at Golders Hill Park, opposite the Bull and Bush, then continued on tracks across West Heath, up to Whitestone Pond (puncture number 3) and across the main Heath. Then we tackled the notorious Swains Lane but missed the top third by crossing Waterlow Park. Back to Crouch End, up (again) to Alexandra Palace and back towards Palmers Green where we split up for home. Leader Peter Mo, Les, Maz, Paul, John R, Evelyn, Terry, Pat, Jeff, Peter H, Michèle.
Sunday 23rd November: Lee Valley Ride
Rain stopped play. Thanks to Chris, Les, Maz for going to check for any public riders (there were none).
Sunday 30th November: Nightingale Hospice/Christmas Parade of Light
We helped out Nightingale Cancer Support with marshalling a 5km run in Trent Park. Thanks to Bridget, Cathy, Les, Maz, Paul. Then later on we attended the Enfield Parade of Light, helping out by riding ahead to check road junctions and advise drivers. Bush Hill Bike Scheme were represented there. Thanks to Bridget, Maz, Paul, Jeff, Helen, Catherine and riders from Bush Hill Park.
Sunday 7th December: Borehamwood
We met at Oakwood Park café from where we set off about 10:30 in dry weather. Not for long, as past Cockfosters the rain set in plus one of the party experienced gear problems. But the rain was short-lived, and we coped with the gear problem, to ride past High Barnet and east to Rowley Road into Borehamwood and Well End to reach the Mops and Brooms pub for lunch. In the afternoon we rode back to Barnet, where there was a Christmas Fair in the High Street, and on to the Palmers Green area where we dispersed. Leader Paul, Peter, Jeff, Steve, John.
Sunday 14th December: London Christmas Lights
Moulton Street. Photo: Jayne
We left Edmonton Leisure Centre as dark was falling, and rode on a back street route through Tottenham towards Islington. Here we met with more traffic as we reached Central London. We rode along Oxford Street, down New Bond Street, both illuminated. Then back to Oxford Street and we walked our bikes down pedestrianised Moulton Street (more lights), finishing up in Regents Street, Piccadilly Circus and Covent Garden. Here we enjoyed mince pies and mulled wine before returning via the outward route to Edmonton. Thanks to John for researching the route and leading us there and back. Leader John R, Vicky Peter Mo, Maz, Cathy, Jayne, Terry.
Thursday 18th December: End of Year Social and Supper
Tortoise Race. Photo: Michèle
At our last meet-up before Christmas we enjoyed a sit down fish and chip supper at Winchmore Hill Sports Club, with food from a local take-away. Thanks to our hosts, and to those who helped with the tables, kitchen, ordering and collecting the food and also to those cleared up afterwards. There was a raffle in aid of a childrens's eye charity, plus mince pies, chocolates and a drink or three from the bar. A round of thanks to everyone who has worked for the club in 2014. The evening finished off with tortoise racing courtesy of Les.
Friday 26th December: Boxing Day Ride
Our regular end of year ride took us from Edmonton along Montague Road, Meridian Way, Mollison Avenue track to Enfield Island Village and Gunpowder Park. From there we rode to Waltham Cross and on to Cheshunt for lunch at the café. Home via Forty Hall and Enfield. Happy New Year all round. Leader Paul, Peter Mo, John C, Jane P, Evelyn, Trevor, Mark, Bridget, Les, Maz. Chris was working but met us for lunch.
Club Points Table
| Position | Name | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paul | 895 |
| 2 | Peter M | 870 |
| 3 | Maz | 830 |
| 4 | Les | 745 |
| 5 | John R | 635 |
| 6 | Jeff | 610 |
| 7 | Michèle | 410 |
| 8 | Pat | 320 |
| 9 | Bridget | 290 |
| 10 | Evelyn | 265 |
| 11 | Jayne | 255 |
| 12 | Chris | 245 |
| 13 | Terry | 225 |
| 14= | Karl | 205 |
| 14= | Trevor | 205 |
| 16= | Cathy | 195 |
| 16= | John C | 195 |
| 18= | Mark | 185 |
| 18= | Peter Mu | 185 |
| 20 | James | 135 |
Points are awarded according to the following scheme
| Leading a ride for the first time | 30 |
| Attending a full day ride | 25 |
| Club meal day | 15 |
| Attending a half day ride | 10 |
| Bike aid/First aid on a ride | 10 |
| BMW | 10 |
| Planning meeting | 10 |