Parks and Woodland

Cold, clear January morning saw 13 of us ready for the first ride in 2026. Dry weather meant almost no ice about despite around zero rtemperatures overnight. Kept our eyes peeled but gradually relaxed as ride progressed without any frights. Down Canal Path, short loop into Burgess Park then side streets to Jamaica Road at St James. Short burst along cycleway to Southwark Park. Paused for a photo at the bandstand then continued past the lake (some ice on this) and through the recently opened path past the new Leisure Centre to Canada Water. This area is changing fast as the developers start finishng the first phase. One recent arrival is a large cafe/entertainment area on the corner of the shopping centre called, yes, Corner Corner. In we went for a break. Lots of space, plenty seats, but rather slow service. Watched the lettuce growing in the indoor vertical farm while waiitng for our drinks.

Emerged into the sunshine and rode down to the Thames at Rotherhithe. Along to Surrey Water then up the slope to Stave Hill. Climbed and admired the views in the sunshine. Short of time so decided to skip the loop through Russia Woodland and head straight along Russia Dock wall to Greenalnd Dock. Stopped at the Sustran Portrait Bench comemorating the founder of the Healthy Rides, the late Barry Mason. Back on to Cycleway 4 on Evelyn Street then across Deptford Park to Folkstone Gardens. Never realised these 2 open spaces were next to each other. The reason, the railway viaduct formed a barrier. A new development on the north side has opened up 2 of the arches and provides a safe route from the park to the gardens and Cycleway10. From Folkstone Gardens, ride up Surrey Canal Road on Cycleway 10 then crossed to Bridgehouse Meadows and through to Ilderton Rd. Used the unfinished segregated cycle path and the “not open” but functioning cycle crossing of The Old Kent Rd to get to Brmmington Park. Final mile on quiet streets back to Peckham Square. Everyone was impressively well wrapped up so kept warm and had an excellent ride in the sunshine. Bruce (me) was leading, Mike K. looked after the tail and Jamie maarshalled and blew his whistle authoritatively when necessary.

Route map at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/parks-and-woodland-cycle-ride-from-peckham-tickets-1979332529879?aff=oddtdtcreator%20

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