• Ride 1. Two Surprises in Brixton
• Ride 2. Walthamstow Wetlands  

Ride 1 Two Surprises in Brixton

Seven riders set out from Dulwich Park a touch late as ride Leader Bruce was delayed. Through Dulwich Village in sunshine, which was to contniue for most of the ride, and up Greendale to Ruskin Park. Like all the parks we crossed Ruskin was thronging with people enjoying the weather (and the large paddling pool}. Through Loughborough Junction and immediately into Wyck Gardens for our first surprise, a fully functioning riding stables. This is the home of Ebony Horse Club. Founded in 2011 the aim is “Transforming young lives through horses”. Read more at https://www.ebonyhorseclub.org.uk/. Just one young person riding but lots of activity in the stables area.

Ride continued via back streets and bits of main road to Clapham Common. We crossed this and turned homeward via Narbonne Avenue to the seocnd surporise, Brixton Mill. This is an impressive 5-storey Tower Mill. Built in 1816 it fell into disuse in the 1930s, was restored in 1964 only to fall into disrepair again. In 2010 the Lottery funded another restoration and the result is the splendid mill you see now. There are frequent Open Days, in fact there was one on the afternoon of the Ride.

From Brixton across to Brockwell Park for an unscheduled 3rd suprise. We cycled up to the top of the hill and there was a freshly renovated Brockwell Hall, its light stoneowrk gleaming in the sunshine. Headed straight back to Dulwich Park (skipping Bel Air Park) getting back a bit early. Very enjoyable ride. Thanks to Simon for back marking. Route: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1g6TJbpUw9xeGTnDCSaaCw6CxoTBxxb0&usp=sharing.  

Ride 2 Walthamstow Wetlands  

We met at London Bridge at 9.30am, twenty-one intrepid souls, the sky dull and the weather uncertain. Off we set across London Bridge towards Tower Bridge, to pick up the CS2 that would take us to Bow, and the Lea Navigation. But as we made our way through Ford Locks and pedalled towards Millfields Park, the sun burst forth and our morning was bathed in glorious sunshine from that point forward. Nothing could go wrong!

We paused for a group photo at Markfield Park, the wonderful Cedar and Willow in the background, and then to our coffee break…a leisurely half hour. Then at last to the Walthamstow Wetlands, coming down the side of the Warwick Resevoirs, and sailing up the ramp at the southern end to view the great expanse of water … supplying 3.5 million people. Photos were taken … And so back to join the Lea Navigation, retracing our way in the never-ending sunshine, all the way down to the Limehouse Cut, and so to the CS3 and back to London Bridge.

Thank you, Malcolm, for back marking … and Jamie for marshalling!

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