London’s Water Supply – a Healthy Ride++

NOTE. You must register for rides on Eventbrite so we can limit numbers, link:  < https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/londons-water-supply-a-cycle-ride-tickets-1594772309909?aff=oddtdtcreator >. If rides are full go on the Wait List.  Do not turn up for rides if you have not been able to register..

On August Bank Holiday (Aug 25^th) Werner has planned another epic bank holiday ride. The theme this time is our water supply.  Ride will start 9am (note early start time) from London Bridge (Southwark Gateway Needle, south side of bridge, close to London Bridge station). Plan is to ride a 70km (42 mile) loop initially heading west crossing the Thames over Chelsea Bridge and continuing to Shepherds Bush. Then turn east and we ride via Hyde Park and Soho to Clerkenwell. Next segment follows the New River north to Woodberry Down then cuts across to Walthamstow Wetlands. Finally we head south through Hackney to London Bridge. Highlights will be

– London’s most (in)famous pump
– infrastructure intended to compete with gin palaces and pubs
– a tower which provided water for Charlie Chaplin
– the world’s largest barometer
– London’s newest river
– a fake castle
– the park where, hidden away, is a reservoir which featured in Bond and Paddington films.

Will be a fascinating ride mostly on often busy urban roads. And it is long. We estimate 7-8 hours, so finish possibly not before 5pm. There will be at least 2 substantial coffee/loo breaks and several stops at points of interest. Bring water, lots if it is warm. Food will be available at some stops but often easier to bring your own and avoid queues. Please remember you will be riding at a steady pace for 6-7 hours so need a decent level of fitness. And check the bike carefully, pump the tyres hard, give it a lube and bring a spare inner tube.

Likely route: .Watersupply-CW

Riders of all ages are welcome on Healthy Rides but under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Same for “adults at risk”. Always give way to pedestrians and to other cyclists so all path users feel safe.  If you cannot make a ride, please cancel so that someone else can take the place. These rides are part of a regular programme of Healthy Rides, more information at https://southwarkcyclists.org.uk/healthy-rides/.