1. Here be Dragons Ride
  2. London Bridge to Alexandra Palace 

The morning of March 2nd did not look much like the start of Spring! It rained steadily, at times heavily, from early on. The rides had been fully booked by the previous Friday, but many cancelled overnight. However in spite of the rain a goodly number turned up, 11 for the Ally Pally ride and 9 for the Dragons (this being the Year of the Dragon). As is often he way, by the end of the rides the weather was dry and judging by comments on WhartsApp (The Vulnerables) people had managed to enjoy themsleves. Was notable that the smaller numbers and the need to keep riding to keep warm meant both rides finished earlier than anticipated.

Reports below from Ride Leaders Jane (Dragons) and Simon S. (Ally Pally)

Ride 1. Here be Dragons Ride

Dragon on the Embankment. Left from Jacquie, right from Bruce

9 riders braved persistent rain to complete a cycle tour of the 14 cast iron dragons marking the boundary of the City of London since the mid-1960’s. Nicknamed the Square Mile it measures 1.12 miles2 in aea and the City boundary is nearly 7 miles in length (11km) and brushes the borders of 7 neighbouring boroughs. Interestingly, the boundary line crosses over the Thames at London Bridge and Blackfriars Bridge with dragons guarding these two entry points south of the river. 

Our route took us along from Blackfriars to the Embankment at Temple to see the 2 original giant examples, then up to Strand and the fierce gothic dragon in front of the law courts and on to High Holborn, Farringdon, Moorgate, Aldgate and Tower Hill, ending up back at London Bridge in under 2 hours, so it was a short ride but packed with interesting and historic locations. We stopped (in between showers) for coffee at Spitalfields market where a Welsh Market was underway and Welsh cakes were purchased. For some riders it was their first time on the segregated cycle path through the Aldgate one-way system and down to Royal Mint Street joining the East-West Cycle Super Highway at Tower Bridge and it will be a useful route for them in future. Many thanks to Bruce for seeing us safely through some busy junctions and to Nigel for back-marker duties.

Ride 2. London Bridge to Alexandra Palace

Briefing in dry
Group photo – in wet!
Emirates Stadium
Photos from Jean

Ten hardy riders assembled at London Bridge. It was wet. It was chilly. But we were undaunted. Headed off through the City, crossed the Regent’s Canal, and soon had our first encounter with the New River. The river was “new” in 1613, when it was built to bring fresh water to the growing city (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_River_(London) and https://www.thehistoryoflondon.co.uk/the-new-river-bringing-fresh-water-to-london/) Continued through Clissold Park and across the New River again at Walthamstow Wetlands. Next stop Finsbury Park and more New River. By now, feet were cold and wet, so the long hill up Oakfield Road was welcome. Great views of Ally Pally from the top. Then down again for our last encounter with the New River, and up up up to Ally Pally (91m). A hot drink in a warm cafe was extremely welcome.

Ally Pally from the top of Oakfield Road https://photos.app.goo.gl/Cc7xVJy1N8iaxvbg9 

By now the rain was relenting. Dragged ourselves from the warmth for the return journey. Wonderful views from the top – London is truly a magnificent city, like no other.

London from Ally Pally https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZfxDt2rvNyci43ZZ9 

Our route took us through the Parkland Walk, delightful scenery, if a bit bumpy for cycling.

London – from the Parkland Walk (North) https://photos.app.goo.gl/uEgBoVETVTn74KLcA 

Through Finsbury Park again and past the old and new homes of Arsenal FC. From there an easy run through Islington to Farringdon Road, and Cycleways 6 and 3 to London Bridge – where we arrived in bright sunshine. 

It was a longer ride than normal: 10 miles each way, and a lot hillier. We climbed 205m on the way out and 77m on the way back. The highest point of the ride was Muswell Hill – at 106m the 19th highest hill in London. Everyone enjoyed the ride and the new sights, and we all coped with the hills!

Longer version of this report at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WqH7dzR3Mq_zxe35U4In7vumsZmzKpyJyj9hW0QnOpY/edit?usp=sharing

GPX tracks here https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RiP1mQ00mWjsztWl9PwHc49a6ypaKQAf/view?usp=sharing, https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CRLNxbmtUIwzgas1PyZDGTcy-NBnGV6N/view?usp=sharing

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