• Ride 1. Great River Race
  • Ride 2. Waterlink Way

Ride 1. Great River Race

A new ride devised by Jamie to watch the Great River Race from Millwall Slip to Ham near Richmond. An ambitious ride and one where timings were always going to be very approximate. It went off without hitch but did take a bit onger than anticipated. Comments from Jamie below.

Photos by Caroline

Comments form Ride Leader Jamie. The boats were late setting off this year for some reason so we didn’t get away til 10.30. [Ride started at 9.30 expecting 10am start]
Our ride seemed terribly slow through central London but with 16 getting from East London to West London I suppose it’s not bad plus of course we had to go via Brentford because the River path at Kew is still shut. As it got later I offered the team to cut short the ride and bin the finish but they were adamant that they wanted to see the finish as we were only 0.8 miles away. Then someone had a puncture so I sent the others forward and fixed the puncture with a spray can in 5 mins. Most peeled off after that and I led the remainder to Richmond Station where the trains were irregular and got home just before 6pm.

Jamie’s post to WhatsApp (Southwark Cyclists). An energetic crew of 16 SC riders were fully tested today completing the 25 mile route in approx 4.5 hours of continuous cycling save a brief coffee stop, no lunch and a puncture. With a strong in-coming high tide and a brisk wind most of the boats made good time on their shorter 21 mile journey. Many thanks to all who took part and to our Marshals Mike and Nigel.

Some comments from riders on WhatsApp

  • Laura: Fantastic ride, Jamie. Thank you so much.
  • Lushan: Great ride, Jamie. And thanks so much for helping me fixed the puncture!
  • Caroline: Super ride today. Thanks Jamie.

Ride 2. Waterlink Way

This 13 mile easy cycling route attracted 7 riders to Peckham Square fro a 10am start. Up Peckham Rye to Nunhead in light traffic then across to Ladywell Fields. Along the excellent National Route 21 that after passing Catford Bridge Station becomes the Waterlink Way. This is one of the nicest off-road paths in London. Kngfisher mural at the start is still in good repair. The steep bridge at the confluence of the Ravensbourne and Pool rivers still needs some work and has spouted “no cycling” signs. Continued for 1.2 miles in this green corridor and stopped at the south end for a group photo. NR21 goes all the way to Eastbourne but we turned here to follow it back to the Thames. 

Keeping good time so a relaxed coffee stop at the north end of Ladywell Fields (Good Hope Café). Passed the Lewisham Leisure Centre and continued through Brookmill Park. At the top of Deptford Church St found the new segregated cycle lanes were usable in part althogh there is still a lot of finishng off to be done. Made it to the river Thames next to Deptford Creek. Brief stop then the last leg back to Peckham. By this time 2 riders had headed home and our remannng group of 5 were makng good progress. After Folkstone Gardens and Bridgehouse meadows were pleased to be able to use the new cycle crossing of Old Kent Rd to Brimmington Park. Back at Peckham Square early due to good spede on final stretch. Bruce leading. Google map of route: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1evRH6uw3lByyIjmMxnVsEyyMoSMp27g&usp=sharing.

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