Healthy Ride Report, Nov 2nd 2019. Report written by Ride Leader Amanda

In heavy rain and with predicted 48 mph winds,  Bruce and I sat waiting in the Dulwich Park Cafe to see if anyone would venture over.  Within minutes 5 people had arrived, one already drenched as had ridden from Orpington. So 7 of us set off for a 10 mile circular trip to and around Crystal Palace Park.  The rain had eased and the wind was not as strong as predicted.

We left the Dulwich Park by going up Firemans Alley, crossed over Lordship Lane into Melford Road. Turning left along Wood Vale, crossed over into Benchley Gardens, and rode along the alignment of the former Nunhead to Crystal Palace railway line. We then turned right and went through the joint Camberwell New and Honor Oak Cemeteries, now joining LCN22 through to Crofton Park. 

We picked up NCR21 in Ladywell Fields, cycling along Waterlink Way beside the Rivers Ravensbourne and Pool towards Penge.  The rivers were in full flow thanks to the rain. The wooden bridge midway crossing the two rivers was slippery (leaves and rain). It may be better to walk across this at this time of year in future as one rider skidded and fell.  Fortunately just torn legwear and a graze.  Before Cator Park we turned right and rode along Lennard Road picking up the LCN27 past Penge East Station and across the road into Crystal Palace Park.

The group had been advised of three sharp inclines in the park that would take us out to the top 100 yards of Crystal Palace Park Road. The inclines were spread out evenly but, as they are short and sharp, some chose to walk up them. We decided to forget seeing the dinosaurs as the path leading to them was wet and leaf covered and the bridge finishing the loop was being rebuilt. Instead we tried to have a peek at the firework display that was being prepared for the evening.  Unfortunately the gate I had entered earlier was now closed. 

We were looking forward to the 15 minute last section of downhill back to base. The rain had stopped and we were drying out nicely.  With the sun trying to break through we speeded down, down, down through Fountain Drive and College Road to Dulwich Park.  Arrived back safely, a few minutes earlier than usual. 

Thanks to Bruce for back marking and for many years of organising. (recent award well deserved).

Route on Google maps at https://goo.gl/rfUzwn GPX file at http://healthyrider.weebly.com/route-index.html

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