News

Dunwich Dynamo XXI 2013: FAQs & essentials

Submitted by alex
on Tue, 09/04/2013 - 9:40pm

What is the Dunwich Dynamo?
Simple. A turn-up-and-go challenging free-entry overnight 120 mile bicycle ride (some say the greatest London cycle event of the year), on-tarmac from London Fields in Hackney to the lovely, lonely Suffolk beach at Dunwich.

When is it this year?
The next Dynamo, DunRun, DD number 21, DDXXI, will be on the weekend of 20-21 July 2013 - so, back to mid-July this year as promised. There will be almost a full moon to light your way.



More?
It’s not a race. It’s unsupported. There’s no van following. It’s a long way for nearly all of us. There will be times when you wish you were tucked up in bed.
But you’ll love it. The adrenalin buzz, the experience, the achievement, the smiles will cling forever. For a lot of us it’s almost the highlight of our bike year. That rare and precious human collective/supportive thrill is fabulous. Unmissable. We should rule the world.

Organisation?
Minimalist. Honest. Yes really. It gets bigger and more famous, but is as simple. And we aim to keep it that way. Patrick Field’s London School of Cycling has been involved from the start (1992) and provides route sheets and catering at a village hall near half way.
Since 1999 Southwark Cyclists have organised the main convoy to bring cyclists and their bikes back to London. This is the fourteenth trucking year. Our third without Barry Mason whose words have been adapted and updated here. Time flies.

How many people ride it?
230 riders in 2003. Numbers have increased year on year since, so there were approximately 1500 in 2012.

Who does it?
Mostly your average bike-to-workers for whom this is a very, very long ride. A daunting but exciting challenge. A few semi-pro cyclists, more road bikes every year, more and more fixie-skidders, a whole fleet of low-life recumbents, several Bromptons, some tandems. A Boris bike and two spaniels in 2011, a penny-farthing in 2009.

How long does it take?
Starting between 8pm and 9pm, most get to Dunwich between 7am and 9am the next morning...so about 10 or 11 hours, depending on your pace and number of stops.

What’s it like?
It’s a friendly adventure with bike-minded people along surprisingly traffic free country roads, with riders that soon settle into bunches at various paces. People give each other mental and if possible, mechanical support all the way to the sea. Glimpses of village Saturday night and the throbbing marquee in the middle of nowhere, bats, stars. The sense of very real achievement at the end is a huge lift that will stay with you. The worst bit is missing a night’s sleep. But that’s also the best bit. We ride into the sunrise.

Resonance FM’s ’Bike Show’ special for 2011 is available online here and a loving, personal reflection of the event can also be found on the site.

Bats?
We see them every year but noticed them for the first time in 2005…on the quiet road ahead. Serotin bats, the UK’s largest, are our only ones that sometimes land to feed. It looks like these have learnt to find moths and beetles etc. on the tarmac. They’ve got much better radar than hedgehogs so you needn’t even try to avoid them. And no, of course they won’t go for your jugular. Probably.

Where is Dunwich?
About 200km (120 miles) north east of London on the lonely Suffolk coast between Southwold and Aldeburgh, right next to the internationally important Minsmere bird reserve.

What is Dunwich?
A thousand years ago wool-rich Dunwich almost rivalled London. Coastal erosion means the medieval metropolis is now half a mile offshore, and on a quiet night they say you can hear the watery tolling of the lost church bells. Nothing stays the same; the ride gets shorter every year.

Where is the start?
The ride meets at the Pub on the Park, Martello Street, London Fields, Hackney E8.
Bikes everywhere. Bemused locals (though perhaps no longer so bemused).

Feeder rides?
There will be feeder rides to the start from Greenwich and London Bridge.  Watch this space.

What start time?
Be at the Pub on the Park by 8pm for a 9pm start. That’s PM. Saturday evening, 20 July 2013. Careful, that start time isn’t precise; people start to leave when they feel like it after 8pm. A sort of momentum develops like those bats from a cave, and suddenly everyone has gone. Some leave much earlier and most can’t see the point of that. It’s not a race so why rush?

Be careful out there…
Be aware that the first few kilometres follow very inner-city streets that were never a problem until 2005 when a late-ish starter in a group of three got his bike taken from him by a few youths. Look out for each other and maybe leave your alone moments for the greener bits later. And, tragically, in 2006 in the village of North Weald, a stupidly driven van came round the corner on the wrong side of the road and killed well-equipped rider Andrew Rawlings, and injured another. In 2008 a rider got hit by a can thrown by some young drunks from a front garden. When Barry phoned that in when he heard about it days later, the Essex policeman who took the call had been on the ride and loved it. The house in question got visited. Another reason for always reporting yobbery.

How do I follow the route?
You’ll be offered a route sheet by London School of Cycling at the start (suggested minimum £1 donation to help cover some costs) but the route is unsigned.

The OS Travel Map 'Road map East Midlands and East Anglia Including London' covers the whole route. ISBN 978-0319230916. From around £2 plus delivery from Amazon.
Hackney fairies will try and put some night-light jam jar lanterns out along part of the way. And follow the flashing red-lights ahead. That memory will linger.

What’s the route like?
It leaves London surprisingly quickly and slightly confusingly, is all on tarmac, and once through naughtyboy-racer bouncer-guarded road-pub Epping Forest, it’s mostly unlit county lanes all the way with a few villages and small towns. Moreton, Leaden Roding, Great Dunmow, Great Bardfield, Finchingfield, Castle Headingham, Sudbury, Great Waldingfield, Needham Market, Framlingham, Rendham, Darsham, Westleton …

Topography/Contours/Nasty bits?
A few short sharp hills and more steady climbs, nothing very serious. Mostly very flat. Tarmac throughout.

What do I need?
Lights. The clear sky requested. Lots of stars out there and the near full moon make it surprisingly undark. If you use little blinky city lights you’ll sometimes want to tuck in behind someone with a beam…it can be dark out there, unnerving in the gravely tree tunnels. Bring a pump, a spare inner tube or two (and associated tools), and spare batteries if you might need them.

Any stops?
Around 55 miles out the “halfwayhall” will be specially opened by lovely people and you can buy hot drinks and good basic food there.

Note this carefully please: This is a turn up and go ride and we intend to keep it that way. We’ve no way then of knowing how many people will want feeding here in the early hours.
We can’t of course afford to get food in and then not sell it. We’ll aim to feed the majority of riders, but no more. Please make sure then you bring something to eat with you anyway, but especially in case there’s nothing left. There will be queues.
Every year, too much litter is dropped by non-thinkers. Our kind food people spend an extra few hours cleaning it all up, which just isn’t fair on them. Please respect them and your planet - use the bins.
Also look out for pop-up stops.  More and more open each year.
 

Best avoid the siren call of the open pubs. Unless of course you need coffee/loo. The few all-night garages can be handy. Moths to a flame. Lots of new pop-up pit-stops now though as well. Keep eyes peels for these heros.


What happens if my bike or I break down?
There’s no following magic bus to sweep you up or mend your bike but fellow riders often work wonders. The ride is unsupported. You are on your own. If you’re in trouble, expect help from others but if you just get too tired or a knee gives out or whatever, then you’ll have to find a lift or cab to get you to the nearest station.

Small print:
The Dunwich Dynamo is under the London Cycling Campaign’s £5m public liability insurance cover and if you are not a member please consider joining.

What happens at the finish?
Dunwich Beach. The steep shingle beach makes for a great cleansing wake-up swim.
The Flora Tea Rooms opens specially for us at 6am (it may open sooner at 4am, but don’t bank on it). The Ship Inn likewise. More and more pop-up cafes along the route this year, follow our Twitter feed as we reveal where they are.
Once fed, most then snooze on the shingle a little. Some then have a beer or two.

How to get home?
A few seasoned riders just turn round and spin back to London. Most get the coach or train. Some just cycle up the coast for a long weekend.

Coach:
We’re openly biased. We recommend the coaches for the snooze home, and the wagons  for your bikes. It’s Hamiltons Removals’ most interesting job of the year! We put the bikes in their vehicles with their professional packers. Tandems and recumbents fit easily.
That said; whilst we will take every care with bicycles brought back to London, you and your bicycle remain your responsibility. If you’re worried about your pristine paint job then bring a wrapping sheet or blanket or similar, but we tell the firm to bring lots of cardboard and try to get all the pedals pointing in the same direction.

2012 was a record year for us, and we’ve modified the service to try and deliver even more for the participants.

Tickets are now on sale; this year we are working with an 'e' provider http://regonline.activeeurope.com/dunwichdynamo

We’ve always sold out of tickets, and there have always been some riders who have been disappointed in missing out on a seat, so for 2013 there will be a reserve list once we have sold out. It follows there will be the facility to cancel your ticket and make it available to the reserve list. If you cancel your ticket up until 14 days before the ride, and it is resold, we will refund the cost of an earlybird ticket less 25%

Transport back tickets are £20 if paid for on or before midnight on 31 May, £30 from 1 June, and £35 on the day IF space is still available.

We have often had to close online booking earlier due to all seats being sold, so don’t leave it to the last minute to book your return transport.
AND PLEASE BRING A PRINT OF YOUR BOOKING ACKNOWLEEDGEMENT AS YOUR “TICKET”

Once you've completed the ride...
Take your time on the beach or head straight home as you wish. With an earlier start we hope that we can get those who wish home sooner and move more of you, avoiding that painful ride to Ipswich. The later convoys are for those who want to swim, eat, sleep, relax, and quite rightly slow down and savour the moment, not rush.

This year we load from 8am for a 9am first departure, last departure 13.00. Return to Chambers Wharf here: http://goo.gl/maps/ZSWEK

You'll get fuller information e-mailed to you nearer the event, assuming you have bought a ticket.

Important: We close online bookings around noon on Saturday 20 July (or sooner) to make sure the lists we use outside the pub are complete. We can’t afford to make a loss so we base the earlybird coaches/trucks ticket price on a cost-covering not-for-profit basis, with transparent books. 
Late booking is more expensive so as to encourage early booking and easier estimating of numbers. It’s difficult and extremely expensive to get more capacity at the last minute.

Money from the route sheets goes to the London School of Cycling. Any surplus helps the LSC pay for the glow-lights, the workers’ food and general expenses. If a loss develops, we’re in trouble. 

People leave belongings on the coaches … jackets, cameras, bungee cords. All usually reunited later but its avoidable tiresome hassle.



Logistic wizardry said the Guardian. 

We moved a record 875 people and their bikes back last year and this year we will have capacity to bring back about 1000.

 Helpers to unload the bikes will be waiting at the London end for us. Once back, some of us then find a pub. Optional extra.

How do I book a coach place?
Go to http://regonline.activeeurope.com/dunwichdynamo to book transport back for you and your bike.

Please print off your acknowledgement (it's the only one you'll get) and present it when loading at Dunwich Beach.  

Can I buy coach-back tickets at the start?
Don’t count on it. All tickets will almost certainly have already been sold. However - partly depending on the weather - there may be some no shows on the night. We will be at Dunwich with a Q&A point from 10am on Sunday, possibly sooner, so if you are chancing it make sure you have cash. If you lose your ticket overnight, it is at this meeting point you come, to try to convince us.

Train:
The nearest station is in fact Darsham, four miles back along the route from Dunwich. The first train of the day is at 8.44am (do check for yourself) then every two hours……change Ipswich, arrive Liverpool Street about 2 hours 20 minutes after leaving Darsham. The single fare from Darsham to London Liverpool Street is approx £40 on the day, but cheaper in advance. You can book via www.thetrainline.com. Delivery is free, and Southwark Cyclists will get commission if you book with thetrainline using this link.

Ipswich station is 30 miles away and has trains at 9 and 43 minutes past the hour. Journey time of about 80 minutes and £36 on the day (again, check this).

Engineering works may or may not be happening - Sunday is the favourite day for them and could result in coached sections that might have no room for bikes. Check National Rail Enquiries for engineering work notices nearer the time - enter your journey and click ‘check for updates’. And careful … that Darsham train has increased its bike capacity but it is still minimal.

Rules?
Be nice. Be considerate – of each other and the locals. Noise is the chief complaint made against us by local residents in towns and villages along the way.
We do not want to read, reply to and give feedback to riders about irate emails and voice messages this year. So, please use common sense and be courteous of sleeping folk when passing through and stopping off in residential areas and be as quiet as possible.
Do not chat under bedroom windows at 3am in the morning or at any other hour.
And do not under any circumstances leave litter.
This good behaviour is for the benefit of local residents as well as your fellow riders, as it will ensure the continuity of the ride in its present ungoverned, unpoliced, unticketed form, for years to come.

Our Survival Tips
Do some longish rides beforehand … Southwark, Greenwich and Lewisham Cyclists usually do a lot: see Rides and Events page on our website
Don’t overdo the alcohol, etc. for a few days beforehand
Pack spare layers of clothes, it can be very warm or chilly or damp or wet
Money. Always handy
Phone: yes
Most jeans have lumpy under-seams that you don’t notice for a few miles. Then you notice.
Tools: at least - a pump, a small multitool, a couple of spare inner tubes, tyre levers.
Make sure your bike is in good nick. Give it a good clean, lube and service a few days before. On the day, give it another look, and, for example, flip it over and check the tyres for those infiltrating little sharp bits. If you’ve been thinking about getting new tyres, splash out before the ride.
Lights: you’ll need them. LEDs can last all night, but bring spare batteries anyway, tuck in behind someone with a beam for those tree-tunnel lane stretches.
Saddle? Apply Vaseline, chamois cream or similar if/before your bits get sore. Recumbent riders, they boast, needn’t bother.
Carbo-loading works for most: a large pasta meal the night before. Some swear by cutting out caffeine for a few days beforehand so that the 3am halfway coffee really j o l t s.
Drink water before you get thirsty, snack and nibble before you get hungry. That way you’ll avoid hitting the spirit-draining brick wall (or bonk) of no energy.
Don’t sprint off with the skinny greyhounds unless you are one. Settle into a group doing a pace you like. If it turns out slow, dance in the pedals and catch a quicker group. Bit too fast? Drop off the group and wait to be caught up.
Swim at the end (a change of pants/small towel is a good idea).
Keep looking here or the Facebook page.
Smile and love it.

From this year's DD team: 
Andy C, Bill, Colin (with help from Barry and Alex)


If you have any queries about the Dunwich Dynamo 2013 and they are not answered here, please contact southwark@lcc.org.uk / 0759 298 5293

Dunwich Dynamo XXI - 20th July 2013

Submitted by concrete
on Sat, 02/03/2013 - 10:19pm

The 2013 Dunwich Dynamo will be back this year on Saturday 20th July, overnight from London Fields to Dunwich in Suffolk. (Full Moon is Monday 22nd July)

If you haven't been before, it's a turn-up-and-go challenging, free-entry, overnight 120 mile (or there abouts) bicycle ride on-tarmac.

There is no back-up (well not officially), no support van and it's a long way - but it's a ride that will change your life.

Details, FAQs etc. on our facebook page here and an opportunity to buy return coach tickets can be found here.

 

DD Jersey Pre-order 2013

Submitted by alex
on Mon, 10/06/2013 - 8:22am
As many of you know I've been taking a break from the DunRun coach tickets operation this year.

However, the event has been very much on my mind. That's because I've been collaborating with the lovely people at Milltag.com, not only to make a film but to create these brilliant commemorative jerseys: http://milltag.cc/shop/milltag-2/dunwich-dynamo-2013

Profits from all sales will go to directly to Southwark Cyclists and RoadPeace.

It costs £60 and comes in women's and men's sizes and is now ready for pre-order for a very limited period, so that it will be with you in time for this year's Dynamo on 20th July 2013. 

THE JERSEY IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO ORDER UNTIL NEXT SUNDAY 16TH JUNE SO YOU NEED TO BE QUICK!

I hope you love it as much as we do and will wear yours with pride on the ride.
 
Best wishes,

Alex and the Milltag team
 

 

Bikehangers in Southwark? Vote now, says LCC

Submitted by Tom - WeBditor
on Mon, 03/06/2013 - 9:20pm

In our neighbouring borough of Lambeth, the council have recently rolled out 40 Dutch made on-street bike lockers. The lockers offer a secure option for people to park their bike. They can store 6 bicycles, and only take up the space of half a car parking bay.


Great News! 

Southwark Council have expressed a real interest in placing a number of Bikehangars throughout the borough, but they want to find out where they are needed.

Do you want a Bikehangar near you? Then let Southwark Council know where. They are interested in hearing about locations on-street or on private commercial land.

REQUEST A BIKEHANGAR NEAR YOU

Bikehangars are likely to be installed where demand is greatest and your response will help identify possible locations.

Do you know anyone else who would like a Bikehangar near them?  We would like to hear from them too, so please forward this email to as many Southwark cyclists as possible.  Thank you! 


Best wishes


London Cycling Campaign and Cyclehoop

Southwark Council promises to meet London Cycling Campaign's 'Safer Lorries for Safer Cycling' pledge

Submitted by Tom - WeBditor
on Mon, 11/03/2013 - 2:52pm

Southwark Council is the latest borough to sign up to the London Cycling Campaign 'Safer Lorries, Safer Cycling' Pledge'

Read the details of this latest success by the London Cycling Campaign on the LCC Blog

Joint Steering Group - Progress report

Submitted by Tom - WeBditor
on Sun, 18/11/2012 - 5:06pm

As we approach the end of the year Simon Phillips, Principal Transport Planner for Southwark Council reflects on what the Cycling Joint Steering Group has achieved so far.

Please take a moment to read the CJSG Progress Report which we are pleased to share.

Follow the latest news on the forum

Submitted by Tom - WeBditor
on Mon, 22/10/2012 - 10:01pm

Find out what's being discussed on our very active Yahoo Group forum. Including, this week:

Read more comments from other Southwark cyclists - and add your contributions - at our lively Yahoo Group.

New dates added for Healthy Rides

Submitted by Tom - WeBditor
on Wed, 17/10/2012 - 1:06pm

Join us on one of our regular FREE easy-paced Rides

Guided cycle rides from Canada Water or Peckham on quiet roads or paths; just turn up with a bike (or we can lend you one), no booking required.

Rides last 2 hours - Click your nearest location for more details.

Dates for your diaries: September - November 2012

Submitted by alex
on Sun, 16/09/2012 - 7:27pm

September

Make My Street - Liverpool Grove: Saturday 15th - all day.

Healthy Ride: Saturday 15th - 10-12, Burgess Park Cafe start (Chumleigh Gardens).

LCC Local Groups forum: Tuesday 18th - LCC office, 2 Newhams Row, SE1 3UZ. Some help with these would be great.

LCC Junction Review Group (JRG) meeting: Thursday 20th, By invite only.

CONNECT 2 Launch Event (SAVE THE DATE): Friday 21st - Stubbs Drive Rotherhithe, 14.30-15.30 (has anyone had this confirmed yet?)

Bermondsey Street Festival: Saturday 22nd - 10.30-5 - HELP NEEDED WITH STALL PLEASE!

JRG - Design Review Group meeting: Tuesday 25th. By invite only.

Surrey Docks Farm, Friends of the Farm event: Friday 28th, 6.30pm.  Details here

Healthy Ride: Saturday 29th - 10-12, Dulwich Park Cafe start.


October

Camberwell Green Consultation - deadline for submission: Friday 5th

West Norwood Feast: Sunday 7th - brings a volunteer powered street market to Norwood Road on the first Sunday of every month: 10:00-4:00
 
Southwark Cyclists' AGM: Wednesday 10th - 6-7.30, City Hall.

Sustrans Talk by Alastair Humphreys: Thursday 11th - 18.30 onwards, The Gallery, 70 Cowcross St, London EC1M 6EJ (Farringdon). £7.

Sunday 28th - Summer time's over - the clocks go back - don't forget!

November

LCC's AGM 2012: 14 Nov from 5:30pm, London South Bank University, Keyworth Centre, Keyworth St, SE1 6NG. This clashes with our monthly meeting - hmmm.
 

 

Olympic Truce comes to London by pedal power - 16 August

Submitted by alex
on Thu, 09/08/2012 - 11:55pm

 

From a press release distributed earlier today…

Twelve Italian cyclists will soon begin a five day pedal-powered tour from Malmedy in Belgium to central London. The aim of the Bike4Truce initiative is to promote the Olympic Truce.

The Olympic Truce is a tradition from ancient Greece dating back to the 9th century BCE, established by a treaty between three kings. During the period of the Olympic Truce, athletes, artists and their families, together with ordinary pilgrims, could travel in safety to participate in or support the Olympic Games as spectators, and then return home to their respective countries.

While the modern manifestation of the Olympic Truce cannot halt international and civil conflicts around the globe, it embodies the Olympic spirit, setting it in a context wider than that of the sporting spectacle currently underway in London, and which commands the world’s attention.

Angelo Bandini and his fellow Bike4Truce cyclists are celebrating the Olympic spirit in their own way: by riding from Malmedy, starting on Saturday 11 August 2012, and arriving in London on Thursday 16 August. For the final leg of this international cycle ride, the Italians will be led by London-based journalist and cycling advocate Dr Francis Sedgemore, an active member of the London Cycling Campaign.

Francis will pilot the cycling pilgrims from Gillingham at the mouth of the River Medway in Kent to Victoria Park Gardens by the Houses of Parliament in Westminster. The plan is to arrive at Westminster between 17:30 and 18:00 on Thursday, with the tour welcomed by London cyclists who will provide hospitality during their Italian friends’ stay in the host city of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Bike4Truce itinerary:

  • August 11: Malmedy to Polleur (53km)
  • August 12: Mon to Lille (92km)
  • August 13: Lille to Saint Omer (75km)
  • August 14: Saint Omer to Calais (51km)
  • August 15: Dover to Gillingham (104km)
  • August 16: Gillingham to London (78km)

Angelo and his friends welcome company along the road from local cyclists.

Southwark Healthy Rides Reports - June 2012

Submitted by alex
on Sat, 28/07/2012 - 9:14pm

30 June 2012

Start/Finish: Burgess Park

Only three riders, none of them new, plus Charlie from Cycle
Instructors joined the ride. At least that was a few more than
I had expected when I looked out of the window before setting
off this morning. Fortunately the rain stopped soon after that
frightening moment and we had a dry and sunny trip.

A slightly delayed start as Charlie was asked to fix the front brake
on a bike but when he looked closer he strongly discouraged the rider
from joining us as there were several other problems not fixable
without spare parts.

On the first day of the Tour de France we climbed Denmark Hill
(a quiet route via Myatt's Field and Ruskin Park) and then continued
to Nunhead Cemetery to ascend its highest peak and got rewarded by
a view of St Paul's. Back to Burgess Park via Peckham (only one bus
ahead of us in Rye Lane) and along the Surrey Canal.

A total distance of 14km and an impressive looking route profile (as
long as the axes aren't labelled).  Route file below or via this link. Can be uploaded into Bikehike.

Above, David delivering insights. Right, Pink pig at Naval College, Greenwich

23 June 2012

Start/Finish Peckham Square
Report from Michael Hayes

We did the same ride as the week before and I must say it was better the second time around: David was a great leader and gave the group an insight to the history of locations on route. We did see the same pink elephant on route and a pig at the Naval College!
A good time was had by all and none of the seven riders were lost on route maintaining the Healthy Ride's 100% survival record!
 
View from Telegraph Hill.16 June. Photo by Michael Hayes

16 June 2012

Healthy Ride Report, 16 June 2012, Start/Finish Peckham Square
9 riders plus Max from Cycle Instructors. Having done N and S, today we did East. Up past Nunhead Cemetary to Telegraph Hill.  Visibility across London very good – could easily see the Wenbley Arch glinting in the sunshine.  Then down to Greenwich waterfront via Deptford Bridge.  Back by flatter route using off-road path through Deptford and Surrey Canal Road cycle path. 8.5 miles in very windy conditions – so we all knew we had been riding! Route at https://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?msid=209612897753917009459.0004c289fd15c869c8efd&msa=0.  Next ride, again Peckham Square, Sat 23rd, 10am. This marks the end of Bike Week, so again free key fobs for everyone riding!
 
Jun 16 photos. Top left, Group photo; top right, arriving at Cutty Sark; above, waiting to cross, Deptford Bridge;
 
Left, Riders at top Crystal Palace Rd; Above, Dulwich Park; Right, Herne Hill Velodrome
Photos by Michael Hayes, June 9th Ride

9 June 2012

Start/Finish Peckham Square

10 riders (including 2 new riders) plus Charlie from Cycle Instructors. Headed South to Dulwich Park via Peckham Rye.  Brief diversion to cycle shop in East Dulwich to get a new inner tube! On to Herne Hill Velodrome. Much activity – children on the mountain bike trail and adults learning to ride the track. Back via Greenvale and Warwick Gardens. Only 6.5 miles, route at http://goo.gl/maps/zt4z.  Next ride, again Peckham Square, Sat 16th, 10am. This marks start of Bike Week, so free key fobs for everyone riding!
 

2 June 2012

Start/Finish Peckham Square. 

Despite damp weather and bank holiday, 6 riders (including 3 new riders) plus Charlie from Cycle Instructors were there at the new start.  Headed for the river along the LCN22, canal path then quiet-ish roads to Bermondsey St and eventually City Hall.  Looked at the boats getting ready for the Thames Pageant. Return also initially by LCN22, Weston St tunnel, then own route to Bricklayers Arms and through the Salisbury Row area. This is a recently finished Southwark project to calm some streets and green them. Looks OK (click here for Living Streets review).  Back to Peckham via Thurlow St, Wells Way, south edge of Burgess Park and the canal path.

Southwark Healthy Rides Reports - May 2012

Submitted by alex
on Sat, 28/07/2012 - 8:33pm
Charlie leading approaching Rotherhithe riverside 
Steve on vintage bike

Healthy Ride Report - 26 May 2012

10am start at Decathlon in glorious sunshine.  8 riders led by David and Michael. To Greenwich via river. Used new lifts – nice and large – we could all get in. Along North bank to Tower Bridge.  Path as you approach Canary Wharf is closed again (notice said for 3 weeks). Ramp up to Westferry Circus also closed, so had to navigate the underground roundabout. At Shadwell took the canal route (NR13) rather than the route along the river.  Have added this to the route on Google Maps as line 3, see http://goo.gl/maps/WLIl .  Back over Tower Bridge and along river (NR4) to Needleman street then across to Decathlon. Took 2 hours exactly, including several bike repair stops (to rod brakes on a fine vintage steed!!).  Next ride June 2nd, same time (10am) but different place. Switching start to Peckham Square for 4 rides.
 
26 May. Wapping riverside
26 May. Shadwell Basin

Healthy Ride Report, 19 May 2012

Start/Finish Decathlon
As last week, 9 riders (including 2 new recruits) plus Charlie from Cycle Instructors. Took quiet route from Decathlon to Peckham Square, the start/finish location for the June 2-23 rides.  So everyone now knows the way to get to the location for the week after next and this is also on Google Maps as the first part of today’s route (http://g.co/maps/3utdq).  Pleased to see the market stalls that were blocking access to the crossing from Peckham Square have gone. From Peckham Square cycled up Peckham Rye for short stop at Peckham Rye Park Café.  Then retraced route to Lynton Road and looped east to Rotherhithe New Road and the Connect2 bridge.  No sign of any work starting on replacing the rail bridge with a new pedestrian/cyclist bridge.  Up Ilderton Road to junction with Surrey Canal Road.  Southwark Council have removed the cycle lanes from the approach to the junction.  As part of Connect2 they were supposed to widen the uphill lane while removing the downhill one.  Southwark Cyclists are in communication with the Council about this.  Return to Decathlon via Deptford Park, Greenland Passage and Russia Woodland.  Great ride – 11 miles – excellent exercise!!  Try it yourself – as mentioned above, route is on Google Maps (http://g.co/maps/3utdq). 

Healthy Ride Report, 12 May 2012

Start/Finish Decathlon

9 riders (including 2 new recruits) plus Charlie from Cycle Instructors. Beautiful day. Ride around Rotherhithe taking in the Spring Fair at the Surrey Docks Farm.  Back via Stave Hill.

Healthy Ride, 5 May 2012

Start/Finish Decathlon

Just 6 riders, including 2 cycle trainers, one ride leader.  There was a 7th, but Dr Bike discovered 5 broken spokes in the rear wheel – so no ride for them.  Off to the bike shop instead!  Great ride to Greenwich to see HMS Ocean (huge!) then up through Greenwich Park to Blackheath to see the rockets (unimpressive).  Back at Decathlon 12 noon.  Low turnout put down to cold weather and bank holiday.  Please note, on National Route 4 across Cutty Sark piazza the Council has put up NO CYCLING signs and some cyclists have been given fixed penalty notices.  See http://groups.yahoo.com/group/greenwichcyclists/message/9632 for more information.

 






 

Reviewing the design of Cycle Superhighway 5

Submitted by alex
on Sat, 21/07/2012 - 4:47pm

Southwark Cyclists have just submitted our thoughts on the new Cycle Superhighway 5 designs to TfL, as follows:

 

Reviewing the design of Cycle Superhighway 5
 
Southwark Cyclists, RoadPeace and Southwark Living Streets would like to make the following submission about the design of the proposed Cycle Superhighway 5 which will run east-west through Southwark through four important town and local centres along the line of the A202.
 
We were closely involved in the consultation for CS5 and attended both the CRIMs that took place and other meetings which occurred when designs for CS5 were being prepared. We also responded extensively in writing.
 
We argued as did many other people who took part in the CRIMs that existing designs of Cycle Superhighways were particularly lacking in terms of encouraging new cyclists to make journeys owing to:
·        high vehicle speeds along their routes.
·        the lack of segregation of cyclists and motor vehicles.
·        the lack of attention to making improvements at dangerous junctions.
 
Our arguments in relation to 20mph speed limits were accepted throughout the design process. We had argued that reducing vehicle speeds most especially in the four centres that the Cycle Superhighway passes through in Southwark namely Queens Road Peckham, Peckham town centre, Camberwell town centre and the local centre of West Camberwell on Camberwell New Road was particularly important owing to the high number of casualties that currently occur in those locations. The designs for CS5 retained the idea of 20mph speed limits right up until the final sign-off for the project at which time they were removed.
 
Since the project was signed off, we have seen clearly the shortcomings of the Cycle Superhighways in terms of their levels of safety. Most significant is the recent publications of the findings of an authoritative Department for Transport study TRL Report PPR 580 entitled Infrastructure and Cyclist Safety. At the heart of this report is the statement with which the main findings begin:
 
“Of all interventions to increase cycle safety, the greatest benefits come from reducing motor vehicle speeds. Interventions that achieve this are also likely to result in casualty reductions for all classes of road user. This may be achieved by a variety of methods, including physical traffic calming; urban design that changes the appearance and pedestrian use of a street; and, possibly, the wider use of 20 mph speed limits.”
 
Given the extremely high levels of casualties along the A202 and the express aims of the Cycle Superhighways of increasing safety for current cyclists and encouraging less confident cyclists onto the roads, we would strongly recommend that the CS5 route is made 20mph as it passes through Southwark.
 
We would also strongly recommend that where cyclists on CS5 will not be protected by being in a bus lane that wherever possible physically a segregated cycle route is created.
 
We would finally draw attention to need to make junctions far safer. We note that the Camberwell Green junction is the second most dangerous location in the whole of Southwark and at this location there is a preponderance of pedestrian and cycle casualties. We feel far more needs to be done throughout the length of CS5 to improve junction safety and once again we would urge that the recommendations of TRL Report PPR 580 are taken into account. The second main finding states:
 
“Most cyclist injuries in multi-vehicle collisions take place at junctions. Reducing the speed of traffic through junctions appears to be an effective approach to reducing cycle casualties, and physical calming methods are a reliable means of achieving such a reduction.”
 
We strongly recommend the design of CS5 is reviewed along these lines and that these principles are taken into account in reviewing the design of CS5 and other proposed Cycle Superhighways.
 
More info here

Midsummer Madness Summer Solstice - Weds 20 June 2012

Submitted by alex
on Thu, 21/06/2012 - 7:52pm

A thousand thanks to Dick and Lu for their superb effort on this year's ride.

Ride report up soon, meanwhile, a smashing video by Vivian McClew below:

Please add your photos of the night to our flickr page: http://www.flickr.com/groups/southwarkcyclists/

London Festival of Architecture 23 June - 8 July 2012

Submitted by alex
on Thu, 14/06/2012 - 9:55pm

 

Southwark Cyclists now have a page on the LFA site.

On this page you can see all the rides we are coordinating/marshaling this year.

Some really great rides, brought to you by 7 wonderful leaders:

If you haven't already done so, please let me know if you can help with any of these!

RIDE REPORT - LAZY RIVER LEE - 3 March 2012

Submitted by alex
on Mon, 05/03/2012 - 8:23pm
By Jane Dent:
 
7 of us, including myself and Shaun (him leading, me at the back trying to keep up), pedalled through the dusty Rotherhithe Tunnel (why ARE they replacing those tiles? Surely a good wipe would suffice), crossed the ONE road, then set off up the Regents Canal, dodging the joggers. We did a right along the Hertford Union, then reached the River Lee.We stopped for a coffee at the uber trendy Counter Cafe overlooking the Olympic stadium.
 
 
Then, with the wind behind us, and the drizzle abating, headed north to Hertfordshire, stopping only to mend Tessa's puncture ( 2 inch nail). We'd done our homework and had found a pub at Enfield Lock that did 2 for 1 on meals, so had a happy (and cheap) hour there. Another 5 miles and we were at our destination, Broxbourne. At that point, we split up, with some cycling back to London, some getting the train. Shaun and I cycled on another 5 miles to Ware.
 
This was actually the best part of the ride, as the sun came out and we found a lovely barge cafe. The owner advised us to visit the Grand Union canal where he said the area around Leighton Buzzard is stunning. We will, can't wait. 
 
Back to London on the train. On Liverpool Street I had my first ever row with a taxi driver. I won't describe it - it will only get me hyperventilating. Still, one row in 3 years - not bad eh?

Saturday 3 Mar 2012 - Kelvedon Circular Ride - Ride Report

Submitted by alex
on Mon, 05/03/2012 - 12:40am

Just six of us headed off on the train to Kelvedon.  I had received several texts and a couple of calls in the week from people who liked the idea of a jaunt in Essex. Then, a couple more that morning, informing me that the weekend's forecast had dissuaded them.  Well, a word to the weathershy.  Clouds threatened rain (which never actually appeared) for a few moments around lunchtime and the afternoon was absolutely  glorious.  My advice is, if you feel like getting out on your bike, just go for it.  The weather is often never as bad as you think it's going to be, and on those very  rare occasions that it might be, in the South East of this land you are never far from a pub or tea room, or even a train station, to get you back to the warm and dry.
      We left Kelvedon and headed up the B road for a short while to Coggeshall.  Soon we turned off onto quiet country lanes, then a little bit of woodland off road, followed by farm tracks, those of us on skinny tyres only having to get off for a few yards on deep gravel.  The yellow Roberts and rider were fine however, trundling sturdily over a variety of rough  surfaces on this short stretch, never needing to stop or dismount.  It's what the Roberts Roughstuff is built for.  Lovely bike.
     Then more quiet lanes, very few cars, loads of birds, including a whole flock of greenfinches rising out of the bushes just ahead of us, and several birds of prey circling above, which I lack the knowledge to identify.
The countryside here in the Colne valley is not spectacular, but pretty, rolling farmland dotted with old Essex weatherboard farmhouses, a few peaceful village greens and quiet pubs.  The climbs are gentle, but the descents can be quite exhilarating.  A ride in this area is just what one needs to unwind after a working week in the capital.
    We lunched at the bottom of one of these descents, at The Shoulder of Mutton, in Aldham.  Very much an Essex pub, weatherboarded, oak beams and open fire inside.  Beautiful riverside garden which begs for a revisit on a summer ride.
    Then off to head south of the Colne and back to Kelvedon via Tiptree.  Some of our number were feeling the effects of a first longish ride after the winter, and I decided to trim a few miles off, after our tour of Tiptree.  We took a road I had not used before and it turned out to be a cracker, swooping downhill through rolling slopes with great views, blue skies and sun above us, and then carrying us through Kelvedon, past the beautiful mill house on the River Blackwater and  back to the station, where a London bound train was due in less than 15 minutes.   About 45 miles in all.  A lovely ride in good company.  Thanks to all who came along.  I hope you enjoyed the day as much as me.

Jane Davis

 

Bill's Ride Report: Lost Rivers - The Fleet - 4 Mar 2012

Submitted by alex
on Sun, 04/03/2012 - 11:33pm

A round baker's dozen at Bermondsey Square, with our fame having spread as far as Guildford.

A brief introduction to clacking mills and the quality of north London gardens as compared to the plains of Asia.

We made our way in light drizzle to four acre field, where we exchanged maps, and moved onwards through Kentish town and its rail disaster, through Dartmouth Hill, then a diversion away from the course as plod was present deterring cyclists, we slid away across the fledgling river and into Kenwood, its sham bridge and source, or two!

Noon brought heavier rain as we crossed the heights to Hampstead, with a slight delay for mechanical repairs, some paused while others swooped the hills of Hampstead for the delights of Chalybeate springs; Bond movies kindly corrected by The National Trust, Parish Lockups and blue plaques to Marie Stopes.

Through Hatchet’s Bottom, Lawrence of Arabia, London County Council borders marks and tittlebats while the rain poured, the Plod appeared in their dry van, you can’t cycle here they said as they kindly offered a fold out paper map into the deluge. A polite decline as we walked the last 10 foot to the cycle path!

South along Fleet road, and through Lismore circus, to spot a sign that the Fleet was in a pipe, and back to four acre field.

Wet and cold we strove forward through a workhouse or two, the Hardy Tree and the bend in the fleet that dictates the shape of the new Kings Cross we dived for warmth and a coffee or soup in St Pancras, never has a Pret been so welcoming said one!

Pancras, Bagnigge, St Olave and The Black Widow guided us path Coldbath as we heard the fleet swelled by the storm rush under our feet.

Through Smithfield, where Cows once crossed the fleet and remembered now in a street, a brief history of St Bart, the Wren vision and the modern reality, Blackfriars, Whitefriars, Knights and Bridewell brought us to a riverboat pier, and there on the ebbing tide, the mouth of the fleet.

The wettest and coldest ride so far, one to be repeated in warmer conditions as we missed so much.

Thanks to all who stayed the course, and for your feedback.

Lost Rivers returns on April 1st where we present a dubious river before noon, a real one after, the challenge to decide what is true and what is not!

Bill Owen

Cyclists and Southwark Council join together to create safer borough for bikes over next 5 years

Submitted by alex
on Fri, 10/02/2012 - 8:32am

Southwark Council Press Release
8 February 2012
Cyclists and Southwark Council join together to create a safer borough for bikes over the next five years
A new network of safe routes for cyclists is being identified across the borough and could be developed within the next five years, it was announced today.

Southwark Council and Southwark Cyclists have agreed to work together on the plans with a pledge to develop as many of the routes as possible free from intimidatory traffic.

Surveys show that many people want to cycle but are put off by fear of traffic. This initiative aims to reduce those fears.

Southwark Council has already spent £1.1m this year on infrastructure and training to safeguard cyclists. It plans to spend £500,000 on two schemes next financial year, one in East Walworth the other in Camberwell, with at least another £3.4m earmarked for the future.

The move will bring together the 'hands on' knowledge' of Southwark Cyclists and the professional skills of the council's experts, under the guidance of elected councillors. It will also help further cement the relationship between the council and Southwark Cyclists who are committed to improve cycle safety in the borough.

Both organisations also said they will continue to lobby Transport for London to make TfL managed Roads safer for cyclists as well as pedestrians. Figures show that nine out of the ten most dangerous junctions on the borough are under the control of TfL.

Cllr Barrie Hargrove said: "I want no one to be in any doubt that we are fully committed to developing safe, cycle routes free of intimidatory traffic for those who travel across the borough by bike.

"The council's planning and transport teams will work hand in hand with Southwark Cyclists, who have already begun to identify where these routes might be to ensure that we can deliver on our promise to the community.

"We are also committed to lobbying Transport for London to ensure that the roads and routes that they are responsible for are as safe as possible for all vulnerable road users.

"Both Southwark Council and Southwark Cyclists will meet regularly for updates on progress and to work through any issues that may arise."

Alex Crawford, Coordinator, Southwark Cyclists, added: "Southwark Cyclists is a voluntarily run local group representing an 800 strong membership. We are committed to the interests of all those who cycle in Southwark, those who aspire to do so and those who are currently unaware of the benefits cycling brings.

"Southwark has been the site of too many cyclists deaths and injuries in recent years so we warmly welcome this new commitment to develop safer cycling routes across the borough.

"We look forward to working closely with with the Council to develop these plans and will continue to lobby fiercely for other improvements, including following Islington's lead and becoming a 20mph borough, introducing segregated cycle lanes on the Transport for London roads and more training of both drivers and cyclists."

Ends
Notes to editors
Further information from Louis High, press officer on 020 7525 7307 or Alex Crawford, Coordinator at Alex@southwarkcyclists.org.uk

Green links (East Walworth pocket parks)
The objective of this scheme is to improve walking routes in the east Walworth area bounded by New Kent Road, Old Kent Road, Walworth Road and Albany Road. The scheme is based on community led initiatives to improve links between green spaces to encourage local walking and cycling trips. The scheme will include junction treatments, accessibility improvements and permeability improvements all designed to encourage walking and cycling in the area particularly to and from the local green spaces.

Green links (Camberwell)
The objective of this scheme is to facilitate local walking and cycling trips in the Camberwell area. The scheme will involve access and environmental improvements to link the local green spaces and the town centre. It will complement the Burgess Park refurbishment and Camberwell Town Centre Major Scheme encouraging walking and cycling in the area.

http://www.southwark.gov.uk/news/article/645/cyclists_and_southwark_coun...

 

Paul's Custom Cycles, Bellenden Road

Submitted by alex
on Sun, 25/09/2011 - 9:42am

Paul's Custom Cycles, Bellenden Road

"I'm ashamed to say that I'm not able to fix punctures on my own bike.....in my defence it is a Brompton and it was the back wheel!  So when I got a puncture last week I thought I'd check out the new bike shop on Bellenden Road - Paul's Custom Cycles.  I got a very friendly and efficient service, he even fixed the puncture while I waited, and didn't charge extra 'because it was the back wheel' like many bike shops do!

£10 for a puncture repair including new inner tube, very friendly and efficient service, so check them out:

Good to support a new local shop.  Would recommend. 

Laura, Bellenden resident."

http://www.paulscustomcycles.co.uk/

020 7732 3300

121 Bellenden Road

London SE15 4QY

 

Good to support a new local shop.  Would recommend. 

Laura, Bellenden resident.

Bermondsey Street Festival 2011

Submitted by alex
on Sun, 25/09/2011 - 9:38am

Superb day at Bermondsey Street Festival. Gets better each year and that includes our stall which was constantly busy, full of materials (and brownies thanks to Clare), and looked amazing with our new banner, Jane's bike bunting and smiles. The warm weather was a nice addition.

Thanks SO MUCH to all who helped on the stall: Ann, Sue, Jane, Colin, Ruth, Clare, Rebecca O-B, Rebecca L, Vanessa and Matthew from LCC.

CTUK were as ever, marvellous, offering bikes services all day. Thanks go to them. Well worth the fee.

We did two rides but it proved hard to draw people away from the festival. Thanks Chris (can't believe I missed you), Colin, Jane, Alan and Shaun for doing these.

Several LCC sign-ups achieved, plus £28.33 made with the sale of cake, badges and a t-shirt! Most important of all, we spread the word, hopefully grew in number and perfectly exemplified our mission to promote cycling for all.

Good also to see Bill, Ray, Pete and a host of other familiar faces including the Surrey Docks Farm animals.

So, did anyone take any photos?
 

Another reminder of the LCC awards - You have until 10 October to nominate your favourite cycling project or local campaigner of the year (new category). It’s straight forward and details can be found here www.lcc.org.uk/awards.


Don't forget this Monday 26 September from 5pm to 6pm., the second wave of our action ON INCONSIDERATE CYCLING ON THE SURREY CANAL PATH. If you are free, do stop for a while on your way home.

ACTION ON 13 AND 26 SEPTEMBER ON INCONSIDERATE CYCLING ON THE SURREY CANAL PATH

Submitted by alex
on Tue, 13/09/2011 - 11:36pm
Many thanks to Sally, Paul and Ian for joining me this morning to wave "slow down for pedestrians" placards at cyclists on the Surrey Canal Walk.  Great also that Cllr Barrie Hargrove looked in on us.
 
In the hour or so until 9.15am we must have seen well in excess of 250 cyclists.  Nearly all appreciated what we were doing, but inevitably there were a couple whose bad behaviour shamed all of us who take pride in being a cyclist (rather than being just a yob-on-a-bike). 
 
It was also an excellent PR exercise, with a number of pedestrians saying it was about time something was done. 
 
During that rush hour period, cyclists on the Surrey Canal Walk must have outnumbered pedestrians more than 5 to 1. 
 
The conflict with pedestrians is made worse by the fact that the traffic lights release cyclists onto the Canal Path in bunches.  Seeing half a dozen or more cyclists heading towards you on a shared path must be quite a daunting sight, let alone having them wizz close past you from behind. 
 
We all need to try and see the other persons point of view, and behave appropriately.  Shared use paths require slow cycling when passing pedesrians, as well as giving them as much room as possible.  Dogs and children can also behave unpredictably, so need special care.  I am stating the blindingly obvious I know.
 
It is a sad fact that the actions of a selfish few tend to support a general feeling that all cyclists behave irresponsibly.  We are then always on the back foot when trying to highlight cycling issues.
 
Realistically, one has to wonder how effective our placard waving will have been, but it is good to be seen to be trying to tackle the selfish behaviour of the one or two yob-cyclists.  We will be repeating the exercise on Monday 26 September from about 5pm to 6pm.  If you are free, do stop for a while on your way home.
 
Colin H-P
Secretary, Southwark Cyclists

Southwark Inclusive Learning Service - case study

Submitted by ww-admin
on Sat, 03/09/2011 - 4:08pm

Cycle Training UK Ltd have emailed us this case study for Southwark Inclusive Learning Service...it includes a good mention for Southwark Cyclists.

Enjoy!

 

 

 

Water off a Duck's Back in shops near you!

Submitted by ww-admin
on Sat, 03/09/2011 - 4:08pm

Water off a Duck's Back, the innovative waterproof coat designer, is pleased to announce that its British made products are now available in multiple cycling outlets across the UK.

Founder Antonia writes: Up until recently the cycling world has been filled with male cyclists whizzing from a to b in lycra and there has been little need for a fashionable cycle coat for women, or indeed men. Lately though there has been a massive increase in lady (and gentlemen) cyclists who want to have something that looks stylish yet practical. This has been helped in part by the introduction of the Boris Bikes which have brought to the fore the concept of using a bike for short journeys around the capital. Journeys that would be ridiculous to change your outfit for. With the change of the style of riding so comes the need for change in the accessories that go along with it - i.e. a good looking coat/jacket that doesn't scream 'cyclist' as you walk down the street.

When creating the Cycle Macintosh I found the merging of fashion and functionality was not an easy one. There are many design elements that need to be taken into consideration when designing a Cycle Macintosh that are not needed in a normal fashion coat - not least how to create something that is long and doesn't catch in the wheels of a bike and where to hide the reflective parts. There were many prototypes made and discarded as my poor bike had bits of coat wrapped around it's spokes before the finished product was created. Now the challenge is to let everyone know that such a coat does exist and that they are not relegated to their highlighter pink baggy cycle jacket any more!

Some of Water Off A Duck’s Back new stockists:

Cyclopedia

256 Fulham Road

London SW10 9EL

Cyclopedia

262 High Street Kensington

London W8 6ND

Fitzrovia Bicycles

136 New Cavendish Street

London W1W 6YD

Luv Handles

Boutique Stall every Saturday

Northcote Road

SW11 1NJ

On Your Bike

52-54 Tooley Street

London SE1 2SZ

Velorution

18 Great Titchfield Street

London W1W 8BD

Newsletter Archive 2008-2012

Submitted by ww-admin
on Sat, 03/09/2011 - 4:08pm

Newsletters

Click the links below to see our e-Newsletters.

We also try to publish a short bi-monthly mail shot which is included with the London Cyclist magazine sent to London Cycling Campaign members living in Southwark.

Do let us know what you think and/or if you'd like to contribute to the next one: alex@southwarkcyclists.org.uk

 

Brixton Murals Ride 30/07/2011 - Ride Report

Submitted by ww-admin
on Sat, 03/09/2011 - 4:08pm

A small but mighty band of 4 set off from Southwark Needle shortly after 10am for the 25-minute ride down CS7 to Stockwell. We were joined at our first mural stop (at the Stockwell War Memorial) by Brian, Hugh and Hugh's delightful 2-year-old daughter, and then also by Hugh's wife (on foot) for a few of the murals in Brixton town centre.

From the local-history-collage mural at the Stockwell War Memorial, we then had a look at the enormous "Children at Play" mural on the back of the old Brixton Academy. Several of us felt the artist failed to depict, as per the spec, a group of happy children of many races playing together. Instead, it rather looks like a group of angry adults shouting?! That said, the scope is impressive. This 30+ year old mural is wearing well and recently benefited from some judicious repairs/freshening up.

We then had a quick look at the two murals in Bellefields Road. Both include rather abstract images symbolising, in turn, local features of Brixton and a seaside scene including a winged dog. 

The next mural on our route is the wonderfully romantic "Big Splash" mural on the end of a terrace in Glenelg Road. From there, it is just a few streets to the largest mural on view today, down the side of the old Toburg brewery stables/factory complex in Mauleverer Road. This features 4 distinct scenes requested by local residents, including one of a bandstand the other side of which is a Caribbean beach!

We then peered at the Brixton Windmill mural, now very sadly faded and water-damaged. I learned after our ride that there is a good chance this mural will soon receive some much-needed TLC and repairs. Very good news. We took the opportunity then to visit the windmill depicted in this mural, nestled in the Windmill Gardens housing estate. This has recently been restored to full working order and is expected to be opened to the public within the next few months.

A quick whiz back to Brixton town centre revealed what is possibly the most "important" mural in the area: "Nuclear Dawn", at the back of Carlton Mansions in Coldharbour Lane. This is a brutal depiction of London undergoing a nuclear apocalypse - complete with scenes of devastation, a mushroom cloud and "privileged" politicians of the day hunkering down in an underground bunker while Death stalks the city. This mural is the most "endangered" one in Brixton, suffering from fading, water damage and access now blocked by a wall, trees and a very overgrown car park. In fact, its entire existence may be at risk, as Carlton Mansions is slated for demolition in order for re-development of the site.

The two murals inside Brixton Rail Station rounded off our half-day tour. One is titled "Clutter" and the other "Food". They were both painted in the 1980s and show the variety of goods that one could readily find in Brixton Market in those days. Indeed, the "Food" mural could well be a snapshot of today's offerings.

Our eyes and minds now full from the sumptuous visual feast of the morning, it was time to fill our stomachs! We bid adieu to Colin, Brian and Hugh at the station, and then Peter, David and myself enjoyed paninis and Italian coffees on the sunny sidewalk patio outside San Marino cafe on the London-Brighton Road.

Photos from the day can be seen at https://picasaweb.google.com/103168273616542448494/BrixtonMurals?authuser=0&feat\
=directlink&gsessionid=BUzdnOlPf7OVv-y7steQrA#, thanks to Peter Kidd.

Feedback afterwards indicates this was a highly successful inaugural Murals Ride, so I hope to run it again before winter sets in. Meanwhile, I am also liaising with the London Murals Preservation Society with a view to running another murals ride, this time round the murals of Rotherhide / Surrey Quays / Deptford / Greenwich. Watch this space!

Many thanks to everyone who came along on this one - and to Alaina and Ruth for helping me plan the route.



Rebecca Olds
Rides Co-ordinator, Southwark Cyclists
07905 797585

Blackfriars Bridge (Critical Mass & Flash Ride) Friday 29 July, 6pm

Submitted by ww-admin
on Sat, 03/09/2011 - 4:08pm
It's impossible to predict how many will come to these quick by name and quick in the planning rides.

Given the massive turn out at the last Critical Mass back in March last year which made a stand against recent deaths by lorries, I was hopeful but excited chatter on the web doesn't always result in action.

I needn't have been concerned. As I turned up towards Blackfriars from Upper Ground, there they were, at least 500 cyclists (quite possibly many more but I'm no good at counting massive groups) gathering in the low sunlight at the foot of the bridge. Palpable Friday night in the City energy.

By 6.10 we were all on the bridge - Boris bikes with protest placards, fixies, Pashleys, hi-vis commuters, a Westie in a trailer, a pennyfarthing, youngsters, older people, suited, frocked etc. - and slowly, quietly, calmly pedalled north blocking the whole road, the road on which too many cyclists have lost their lives. For once I was contented to be coasting, not marshalling or blocking traffic and it felt a good place to be.

So many genuine smiles, people glad to be able to express their frustration and fury in a physical way, since sensible lobbying, writing, petitioning has not worked.

Countless familiar faces from Southwark Cyclists, LCC (who acted fast on this to their great credit), blogs, forums and other campaigning groups, came together to try to stop the bridge being reopened without a 20mph limit or cycle lanes.

Will we finally make Transport for London and the Mayor of London make decisions in our favour? Will cars ever be deemed less important than the safety of cyclists and pedestrians? Will it make a blind bit of difference?

It doesn't end there of course. There's going to be a go slow flashride on Monday morning so that TfL ... see LCC's website for updates.

See you Monday. Or maybe before, at the London Open Bike Polo or Rebecca's Murals Ride or even the Festival of the Bicycle.

Wishing you a safe and lovely weekend. Photos here.

Alex
--
Acting Coordinator | Southwark Cyclists
0777 599 0087
alex@southwarkcyclists.org.uk

Dunwich Dynamo 16-17 July 2011

Submitted by ww-admin
on Sat, 03/09/2011 - 4:08pm

A write-up by Alice Beneyto

Lashing Saturday rain didn’t bode well but the Dynamo’s luck was in. Hackney’s Pub On The Park starting point was dry by early evening.

A rainbow sea of riders and bikes floods London Fields, the click-clack of cleated feet and the soft tick of turning wheels join the yack of rising voices, the volume increasingly febrile with anticipation of the off and with relief that the skies have finally cleared and it might, just might, stay fair for the night. Which it does.

Where’s the route map? Where’s the route map? It’s not here yet, no rush no rush. Where though, where, will it be? Somewhere over there. It’s here, it’s here! Then without signal a rolling wave of fourteen hundred cyclists moves out: the Boris bike, lots of foldings, a few tandems, the penny farthing, the road and fixed and single speed; en route to Dunwich you pass riders, they pass you, the fairy lights and flower garlands, a billowing red sateen cape, the Brompton with its blue neon glow, Kingston Wheelers and Ipswich Tri in their club kit, sleek as seals, slip by.
It’s dark and still, the moon glows round and waxy. Stop at a T-junction and look back at the trailing loose string of white lights bobbing closer. I stick out my pink flouro arm, a human sign-post, and stage whispered thank yous come clear as bells in the near silent night.

The village hall in Sible Hedingham is a half way oasis with vats of soup and crates of bananas, Styrofoam cups are scattered on tables, a few exhausted bodies are lost to oblivion on the wooden stage. Catches of conversation about broken chains, rear mech solutions, sore bottoms and aching knees.

Move on and whoosh through lanes with the soft rush of wheels and random red lights flicking suspended in the night beyond. By Bildeston a glowing pink line cuts through striated clouds. Dawn is here. In early morning light a remote resourceful cottage has a constant cluster of cyclists stopping for their coffee and bacon rolls. Shall we? Oh, why not. Then breakfast’s over, let’s move on, Dunwich is ever closer. Trip over handlebars, bent out of shape but fixable, phew.

It’s clear, it’s cool. Dip and curl through a Suffolk Sunday, signs for Suffolk Dog Show line the route and Peasenhall village proudly proclaims its Pea Festival, peadestrians this way. Joyous.
A sign to Dunwich, ten miles! And then it’s there. The sea! Bodies and bikes scattered all around. Bikes leaning on every fence, post, hedge and rail, bodies blissfully asleep on the tranquil grass of The Ship pub – sold out of breakfast by ten o’clock but the gin and beer flowed freely – or slumped head down on the benches of Flora’s café while patient waitresses call out orders and serve plates piled high with chips and whitebait, or prone on the pebbled beach, bikes laid asunder while a brave few plunge into the chilly sea. A snake of cycles spirals in a free-form queue for the bike truck; the first coaches leave, faces already asleep in the windows as they roll away.

The final bikes are stowed under the last coach, every inch of space used up, and the heavens open. Thank you, lovely Weather God, for looking out for us through one hundred and twenty miles and please remember next year’s date, 30 June 2012.

Stats abound with the personal bests, the averages, the last year’s record broken, but the only numbers that really matter are these: beaming faces at Dunwich beach – countless; beautiful sunrise – one; massed memories – millions; the anxious ticketless left behind with no lift home – none. A perfect result.

Barry, Southwark Cyclists hope you approve.

Trains, boats, no planes - getting one bike and two panniers from England to Italy

Submitted by ww-admin
on Sat, 03/09/2011 - 4:08pm

Trains, boats, no planes - how one girl got one bike and two panniers from England to Italy

Fleeing the country for Easter and that wedding, I took myself on a cycle journey from Naples to Sicily but to spice it up a bit made it into a carbon neutral challenge, travelling from London to Naples by train.

It was the sustrans bit that I really wanted to test: the difference between saying ‘bikes allowed’ and it being a genuine policy with facilities and logistics that make it truly viable.

The Eurostar set up in St Pancras doesn’t make it easy to transport bikes but there is a general attitude of helpfulness once staff have gone through all the don’ts instead of the dos of their cycle policy. Bagged is free but wheeled on costs £30 and goes via the Euro Despatch Centre which is a good stomp away from the passenger check-in area.

My Eurostar arrived in Paris on time but I wasn’t quick enough down the train to the cargo carriage. The lightning quick staff had already unloaded my cycle and taken it to the cargo depot, another stomp away to a far corner of Gare du Nord.

I had one and a half hours to cycle through Paris to Gare de Bercy for my sleeper train. It was always going to be tight but this delay made it even tighter.

Having completed the meticulous paperwork I left the station twenty minutes later, cutting it very fine but I was still okay – until I double-checked my route with a gendarme. BAD MISTAKE. He sent me way off course.  My mettle was tested and never have I been so relieved to hear a train was delayed as when I was battling at Bercy packing my Kona in its bag. Sure as socks I would have missed the sleeperhad it been on time. The adrenalin swooshing inside me was surely audible all the way back in Bermondsey.

To be blunt, my opinion of the Paris-Rome Artesian sleeper service is appalling. It is a clapped out 80s throw-back of a train and on the way out I had a vile chef-du-car whose face turned to thunder at my temerity of attempting to get a bike bag, and panniers, into his carriage. It isn’t coming on my train his pointing finger said. I think you’ll find it is, I thought as I hefted it up the high awkward steps. Bikes HAVE to be bagged on the Artesian train and when they are there is no sensible space for them to be stored. I had to leave mine over the couplings between carriages, the guard refusing point blank to allow it in my couchette despite the other occupant being entirely willing. On the way back there was no water in the carriage for ablutions of any sort for the entire fifteen hour journey, the drop down bunk beds did not work, and the staff were disaffected and disinterested in helping.

There was also no morning refreshment service to couchette travelers despite this being included in the ticket. The buffet car though was serving a flat rate €9 ‘breakfast’ which was instant coffee, a small carton of concentrated juice and a packet pastry accompanied by a strong sense of us all being taken for a ride. Going out the train left Paris ninety minutes late and arrived in Rome over four hours late. Skills. No announcements to keep passengers informed, and certainly no apology.

The Italian intercity service puts the Artesian service to shame. It is brilliant: professional, conscientious and courteous. I missed my reserved Naples connection but the staff straightaway put me on a later train with no quibbling and the rolling stock is designed with passenger needs in mind, not just profit margin. Eurostar should take a leaf out of their book: the luggage storage areas are roomy, as are the seats, and the aisles are actually wide enough to walk down with luggage without knocking the elbows and knees and feet of seated passengers. There’s no denying that a bagged bike is a cumbersome piece of luggage and I leant it against the luggage rack instead of trying to lift it in, but it didn’t block the aisle and the guard didn’t turn a hair.

Arriving in Naples I couldn’t rebuild my bike fast enough. I didn’t even walk as far as the ticket barrier but took a few steps along the platform and immediately set to work with my Allen key.

Naples terminal is on Piazza Garibaldi. If, after a long, tiring and testing train journey you need a bit of tranquility, steel yourself. The anarchic clamour and chaos and gridlock of Garibaldi traffic is quite magnificent.

Beware: lots of local Italian trains do not take bikes so check, oh wise ones, before travelling.

And to give the boats a look in it costs €2.50 to get from Villa San Giovanni, the toe of Italy, to Messina in Sicily. Simply roll up to the little ticket booth on the dockside, pay your money and soon the gruff sailors beckon and point you in the right direction into the bowels of the ferry and knot your bike to a railing with a well-used and oily bit of rope. Basic but effective. In half an hour you’ve crossed the straits and are in Messina. Sicily to Naples is also simple, €57.50 for an overnight crossing, there’s no fancy departure lounge just hang around on the dock while the freight containers are loaded with deft, bravado speed onto the enormous ferry, and push on up the ramp when the coast is clear.

It isn’t easy but do it. The more cyclists travel by train in Europe and test obstreperous conductors, shoe-box storage space for bike bags, and ill-thought out platform logistics, the better the facilities will become. It was a crazy, adrenalin pumping experience but it had to be done. And then there was the 580 miles of cycling. Love it! Do it!

by Alice Beneyto

 

Barry Mason - Funeral on 6 July

Submitted by ww-admin
on Sat, 03/09/2011 - 4:08pm

Barry Mason's family wish it to be known that his funeral is set to take place on Wednesday 6 July from 2.30pm at Honor Oak Crematorium. 

Honor Oak Crematorium
Brenchley Gardens
London SE23 3RD

No flowers please - any donations you wish to make will be split between Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory Trust and Fair Isle Bird Observatory Trust, both of which were close to Barry's heart (if not geographically close to each other).

Dress code - no black, no Lycra, two good locks.

If you have any questions, please email me direct and I will try to answer them.

Best regards,

Alex Crawford
--
Acting Coordinator | Southwark Cyclists
0777 599 0087
alex@southwarkcyclists.org.uk

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