• Ride 1. Signs of Spring
• Ride 2. Peckham to the Yurt Cafe

Occasionally we can start 2 rides at the same time and locaiton. Result was Peckham Square holding around 30 cycilsts at 10am on the 15th. Gives people a chance to catch up and generally generates a great vibe.

Ride 1 Signs of Spring

Nine riders at Peckham Square ready to set out in search of signs that the long period of cold weather might eventually improve and spring arrive – maybe even in the distant future Summer! Headed down the Canal Path and immediatly spotted a bush in bloom. Shelagh appled the Google Lens and declared it a Winter Honeysuckle. Sadly a winter flower, so not a sign of spring. First sprng flowers were nearby, 2 patches of snowdrops about half way along the path. A 2 mile brisk ride warmed us up and took us to Southwark Park. Some snowdrops and early crocuses at the Salter Memorial tree and some “proper” orange crocuses just emerged under a nearby plane tree. On to the river and a cherry tree fully out next to the appropriately named Cherry Garden Pier. Continuing a little west along Bermondsey Wall East found many snowdrops in the new planting. Quick stop to look at the Supersewer site. Been announced the day previously that the new sewer was now fully operational. Diggers were busy on the site removing the work site itself and returning the river to its previous shape. Bit a run along Cycleway 4 anda detour to the Thames next to the HMS Belfast. Here there is a small patch of snowdrops in a planter, my personal indicator of the end of winter.

Started our return by visiting Guy St Park just behind Guy’s Hospial. At the west end there is a bank under trees that is covered by early crocuses plus a few snowdrops. Onward to Elephant Park where there are a few daffodils out. This new park is just about finished and the daffs were in some new raised planters. One of the riders mentioned that the old Walworth Town Hall had recently reopened after refurbishment following the fire in 2013. We went in to the Cafe – but it was not open. Were able to have a quick look round and were impressed by the high quality of the work and the way old features that have been retained. Just a short ride back via Cycleway 17 to Burgess Park. Most of the group retired to the Stomping Grounds Cafe for a warmng drink and a chat.

Mnay thanks to Jane for backmarking. Route at https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1jD-_FHDJmFp5shDMgCybT5xxvtvhXNY&usp=sharing.

Ride 2 Peckham to the Yurt Cafe

The yurts are such a surprise, tucked away near the Limehouse Link. They house a Social Enterprise Community Cafe operated by The Royal Foundation of St Katharine. Amanda leads a ride there every year at about this time. As usual, the ride proved very popular with 21 riders, including leader, backmarkers and marshals. Next are Amanda’s brief comments:

“We looped under Toweer Bridge to get on to the bridge from the left and took the lane. It worked well and the lights were red at the end, so a safe crossing, with no beeps from motorists behind.  Back through Greenwich Tunnel on return. Simon K went on ahead to check both lifts were working. Gates closure at The Den usually happens at 1pm. We got there at 8 mins to 1, so that also worked well. [refers to the section of Cycleway 10 passing the Milllwall Stadium]  Back-Marking shared by Mike, Tony & Simon. Marshalling by Jamie & Rob.”

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