• Ride 1. Dulwich to Richmond Park
  • Ride 2. Canada Water to the O2 and beyond

Ride 1. Dulwich to Richmond Park

Images from Jean

Twelve riders on this ride with Jean and John leading. Here is Jean’s report.

We left Dulwich park under a bright blue sky – even if it was quite a cold start to the day. Having been warned of hills – not surprising we had 3 people with e-bikes to help out in case of need. The first part was pretty much a replica of our Wimbledon Park ride a few weeks back – but still for those not used to going West – they were glad of the reminder. Through Brockwell park, along by Clapham Common  to Wandsworth common and down to Wandsworth Prison. Downhill along Magdalen Road to that difficult junction at the bottom. But we managed the right and then left at a single light change by being ready up front. There were 2 or 3 roads we needed marshals – like the A23 that goes down to Brixton ( where we cross over) Also as we cross the A218 as we head to Wimbledon Park and one other busy road en route. The dreaded hill is Princes Road after we exit Wimbledon Pk- before we get to Putney Heath but actually no one got off to walk. Under the underpass of the A3 and on to Roehampton. We got to Roehampton gate about 12.30 – so 1.5 hrs and then another 15 mins to get across to Pembroke Lodge. Plenty of time – though they only start hot lunches at 12. 

We left at 12.30 and shed riders bit by bit on the way back. Julie chose to stay and do a couple of laps of the park (! – being used to 60 mile rides with Dulwich Paragon), Larry had done well to keep up with us and wisely decided to train home. Tony & Jamie decided to go drinking in Richmond (or really just to take it easy & take the train) Jo & Jane cut loose around Wandsworth to  go directly home to Streatham, Mike left around the A23 to go direct home to Brixton & Sally likewise to Camberwell.

A long ride for everyone – especially Siew and Michael who still had a way to go from Dulwich Pk. Was 26 miles total & 3 hrs 8 mins moving time – so a decent average of 8.5mph .

Route and analysis from Mike

Ride 2. Canada Water to the O2 and beyond

Crossing lock at South Dock
Meet up at Cutty Sark
Canary Wharf from Thames Path
Photos from Bruce

Sunny crisp autumn morning. At 10am  12  riders plus leader Bruce set off from Canada Water along the Thames. Collected 2 more riders at the Cutty Sark, so 15 in all heading around the Greenwich peninsula.  Lots of walkers and other riders so care needed on narrower sections. Reviewed progress at Lombard Wall at 11,20 and decided to head for the coffee stop at Charlton Shopping area. Departed Costa for return along Cycleway 4 at 11.50. Good speed maintained and we were back at Canada Water by 12.35, 25 min early. The return 6.5km took only 45 min. So we could have made it all the way to the Thames Barrier. Next time…

Many thanks to Simon K. and Jane for sharing the back-marking. Route at https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1cemvuJ4MjcXfvjD3pXXfIX0tWkAumIU&usp=sharing.

Back to Ride Report 2024 Index

Back to Healthy Rides Home page