• Ride 1. Cutty Sark to Hackney Marshes via the Cycle Shuttle
• Ride 2. Six Thames Bridges Ride from Peckham

Ride 1. Cutty Sark to Hackney Marshes via the Cycle Shuttle

Reflections from Ride Leader Gloria.

We started pretty much on schedule heading out on the Thames path towards the 02,where we saw a party group queuing close by, as they waited for their boat trip on the river. Clearly starting early with music and accompanying tipple to set the vibes and mood right for them.  Equally the weather was cool and cloudy but gently warmed up over the course of the ride, but it was never to the point of feeling stifling, and a light tail wind was felt intermittently. We all got on the bike shuttle with standard and folding bikes strapped in, and no one left behind, so no hiccups to report there. That was a relief! The driver was helpful and pleasant, commenting on it being busier on the weekends with cyclists’ usage. We continued as planned via Canning Town and West Ham park for a brief stop, which ended up being slightly longer, as Nigel adjusted his brakes/wheel/mudguard.  By the time we got to Capital Ring, we pushed our bikes down as planned on to the cobbled path and on to canal path, for a short time, (thankfully no-one got close to going in the canal), as advised to walk the bikes on further, past these additional  cobbles under the bridge, as the water levels were quite high there too. As we exited the route in to the woodlands, it was a very short ride to the wooden bridge, which was a lovely point to take some pics, before crossing the road and heading for the Marshes. Everyone seemed keen to go on to the Wetlands and the Engine House where we could have a well-earned break at the picnic benches, or sit outside the cafe on the metal extended platform which provided outdoor seating and space enough for the bikes. It provided more photo opportunities. As we headed out on Forest Road, to rejoin a different section of the canal path along High Hill Lane/ Millfields etc, we eventually arrived at Victoria Park, where a slight diversion meant we exited at a different point, due to part of the park being closed off to an event taking place. But it wasn’t complicated to get to Grove Rd, which was the next junction around. A brief stop at the roundabout to ensure Brian got his glasses back which fortunately, was spotted in time that he had dropped. All in all, an enjoyable ride out. And back on time as planned. Thanks again Chris for Back Marking, Shelagh and Peter who also took some pictures and made memories on the honorary Relive recording.

12 riders. Thanks to Chris for back marking.

Comments on whatsApp: From Shelagh, “Thanks Gloria for v interesting ride and good to know where the bus stops are for the shuttle bus through the Silverlink Tunnel.” From Anisa,”It was a lovely ride, thanks for taking us Gloria.”

Peeter Goh’s Relive Video fo the Hackney Marshes ride

Ride 2. Six Thames Bridges Ride from Peckham

18 riders in Peckham for the start of a ride across the 6 Central London bridges over the Thames with Bruce leading. We alternated the bridges starting with Tower Bridge, then long stetch of Cycleway to Southwark Bridge. Off the brdige right turn to Sumner St and past Tate Modern. Kept going across Southwark St and looped round to Blackfriars Rd, taking the Cycleway to Blackfriars Bridge approach. This small detour means we avoided the difficult right turn if you stay on Souathwrk St. Off the bridge approach to Upper Ground and followed this to Waterloo Bridge. Heading north the cycle lane is really wide. but comes to an abrupt halt as you near the north end. Turned into Fleet St then immediatly down Savoy St to jopin the cycleway along the embankement. Left on to Wetmnster Bride. Cycle lane as usual full of tourists. Managed to avoid them and regain the south side. Left off the bridge and along t o the South Bank where we stopped at the Airstream truck that serves Churros. After refuelling rode on along Upper Ground to cross bridge number 5, Blackfriars. Cycleway to the Monument and our last bridge, London Bridge.

Big group but we made good time getting back to Peckham more or less on schedule. Route maop at https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1cUOalO2r3hWwEsezdLKUeQA8iGuRTDA&usp=sharing

Comment on whatsApp from Nigel: “Thanks, Bruce. An enjoyable, easy ride. Good to see you and others after my lay off to recover from my pelvic injury.”

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