- Burgess Park to Belsize Park
- Exploring Dulwich
Burgess Park to Belsize Park
Jane leading with 15 riders. Jamie looking after the rear. 10am start from Burgess Park, across Blackfriars Bridge, through Bloomsbury, Kings Cross to Camden Town. Steady ascent to Belsize Park via back streets of Kentish Town. Stop at Isokon building, Lawn Rd. This is a Gropius inspired Bauhaus building (previously featured on Eva’s Bauhaus ride). The gallery is now closed for winter months but riders were told a bit about its history and some of its famous former residents (Agatha Christe was one). Return down to Primrose Hill with coffee stop in Regent’s Park. Across the river over Waterloo Bridge where several riders peeled off. Then through Elephant & Castle and Walworth to finish in Burgess Park at 1.35pm, just 5 minutes later than expected. 16.5 miles, 25.5 km. Route at https://gb.mapometer.com/cycling/route_5412750.html with one change, leaving Regents Park at we went via Weymouth St, Great Portland St & Clipstone St not New Cavendish St.
Some nice comments on WhatsApp (The Vulnerables) “Many thanks to Jane for leading today’s superb and educational ride as well as laying on such gorgeous weather” (Jamie). “Enjoyable ride and great talk about Isokon” (Shelagh)
Exploring Dulwich
Eight of us gathered at the Cafe in Dulwich Park for this, one of my favourite rides. Mostly one thinks of Dulwich as posh suburbia and a big school, maybe a rather fine art gallery. But Dulwich is full of surprises. So read on, and maybe come along the next time we do this route.
Started up Firemans Alley to Dawsons Heights where you get a view of the edge of Dulwich and the whole panorama of the modern London skyline. All clear and unobstructed from Nine Elms in the west to Canary Wharf in the east. From there a bit of a ride to the Dulwich Hamlet football ground. The Hamlets club was formed in 1892 and was an early member of the Football League. Stayed amateur and semi-professional and these days plays in the lower leagues. Next back down Greendale and through Dulwich Village, past the Gallery and up College Rd to the Toll Booth. Yes, there is still a working tool booth in London. Dulwich Estates owns College Rd and charges cars (but not cyclists) a toll to use it. Continuing with a loop up to Kingswood House, aka Bovril Castle. Why Bovril? Because the castellations were added to this country house by the manufacturer of Bovril. On pevious visits we had wondered what this building, in Council hands for many years, was ever going to be used for. Delighted to see signs about it becoming an Arts Centre. Two people approached us and turned out to be very involved in creating the centre. They hope it will open by Easter next year and will provide a range of actvites particularly aimed at young people (as well as being a wedding venue to give some income to support the Centre’s work). Time was running out so we just peeped at Bel Air house and headed to the Velodrome. Busy on the track, the track centre (children cycle training) and on the mountain bike trail. As usual several people on the ride had never seen the velodrome and as ever were very impressed. Back to the Park Cafe about noon, as planned. Bruce was leader. Google map of route: https://goo.gl/CJRHNu
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