Healthy Ride Reports, Jan/March 2015
Healthy Ride Report - March 28th 2015
11 riders, including 2 new riders, departed Peckham Square just after 10am with Brockwell Park as the target. weather breezy but mild and no sign of sort-of forecast rain. Headed first west through the back streets to Benhill Rd. Turned south and uphill, climbing Camberwell Grove to Champion Hill. Then the reward, the lovely traffic free downhill on Greenway. Next a long run along Turney Rd, not diverting to nearby Dulwich Park or to Herne Hill Velodrome as we had visited these recently (28th Feb, see below). Had long wait to get across Norwood Rd and into the Brockwell Park owing to continuous traffic. Eventually a Tesco delivery van stopped and we could cross, A Tesco van also stopped for us on another recent ride, so maybe they are getting some cycle awareness training.
Climbed the hill to Brockwell Hall and had a short break. Headed back through the park past the Lido (closed still) and then the pedestrian tunnel at Herne Hill Station. Back street route to Ruskin Park, then past Denmark Hill Station where Windsor Walk was closed to traffic due to building work. We could squeeze through on the pavement. An example of an accidental experiment with filtered permeability. Looks as though Windsor Walk could, without problems, be permanently closed to through motor traffic.
Final leg crossed the outward route at Camberwell Grove, then along McNiell Rd, through Warwick Gardens, down Lyndhurst Way, across Peckham Rd to Kelly Ave and through back streets to Peckham Square. Back early (about 11.50) - a nice contrast to the last 10am ride when we were rather late... Today's route at http://goo.gl/7JZXGP
11 riders, including 2 new riders, departed Peckham Square just after 10am with Brockwell Park as the target. weather breezy but mild and no sign of sort-of forecast rain. Headed first west through the back streets to Benhill Rd. Turned south and uphill, climbing Camberwell Grove to Champion Hill. Then the reward, the lovely traffic free downhill on Greenway. Next a long run along Turney Rd, not diverting to nearby Dulwich Park or to Herne Hill Velodrome as we had visited these recently (28th Feb, see below). Had long wait to get across Norwood Rd and into the Brockwell Park owing to continuous traffic. Eventually a Tesco delivery van stopped and we could cross, A Tesco van also stopped for us on another recent ride, so maybe they are getting some cycle awareness training.
Climbed the hill to Brockwell Hall and had a short break. Headed back through the park past the Lido (closed still) and then the pedestrian tunnel at Herne Hill Station. Back street route to Ruskin Park, then past Denmark Hill Station where Windsor Walk was closed to traffic due to building work. We could squeeze through on the pavement. An example of an accidental experiment with filtered permeability. Looks as though Windsor Walk could, without problems, be permanently closed to through motor traffic.
Final leg crossed the outward route at Camberwell Grove, then along McNiell Rd, through Warwick Gardens, down Lyndhurst Way, across Peckham Rd to Kelly Ave and through back streets to Peckham Square. Back early (about 11.50) - a nice contrast to the last 10am ride when we were rather late... Today's route at http://goo.gl/7JZXGP
Healthy Ride Report - March 21st 2015
Cold, grey, morning, threatening rain. But the 9 riders who braved the elements had only a few spots of rain during a bracing ride. Philippa led off for Nat Route 4 along the river westwards with Battersea Park as the target. Crossed the river at Westminster Bridge then past Parliament and first right to Gt College St and through Smith Square. Very hard to cross Horseferry Rd as traffic from direction of Lambeth Bridge was continuous. Eventually a motorcyclist stopped and let us across - really nice. And later on the ride a van stopped for us at another side-road crossing point. So an excellent morning for driver behaviour!
Continued south past the back of Tate Britain and joined the Embankment just before the rail bridge into Victoria. From there over Chelsea Bridge and into Battersea Park for a warming drink at the La Gondola Cafe.
Return route was along the south side of the river as far as the Festival Hall, then up past Waterloo Station and round to The Cut. Along a back route through to Trinity Square and Southwark Park. One rider noticed the unusual wildlife in the trees at the Southwark Park Rd entrance to the park. Check it out if you pass there... Back at Canada Water about 12.45. Route at http://goo.gl/6cFvhG
Continued south past the back of Tate Britain and joined the Embankment just before the rail bridge into Victoria. From there over Chelsea Bridge and into Battersea Park for a warming drink at the La Gondola Cafe.
Return route was along the south side of the river as far as the Festival Hall, then up past Waterloo Station and round to The Cut. Along a back route through to Trinity Square and Southwark Park. One rider noticed the unusual wildlife in the trees at the Southwark Park Rd entrance to the park. Check it out if you pass there... Back at Canada Water about 12.45. Route at http://goo.gl/6cFvhG
Healthy Ride Report - March 14th 2015
14 riders for sunny start, despite iffy forecast. Headed first across Southwark Park and on to Lynton Rd. Stopped at the new raised pavement at the Chaucer Drive junction. this is the very first part of the very first Quietway to be constructed. Then proceeded along the Quietway route towards South Bermondsey station, passing several other sites where work was going on. Over the Connect 2 bridge, but sadly no path onwards yet. However, planning permission is, I think, obtained, and work on the new path linking the bridge to Surrey Canal Rd should start soon. Diverted up Ilderton Rd, down to Folkstone Gardens, then through Deptford to Brookmill Park. Next over the railway on the bridge at Elverson Rd and up the steep grade of Morden Park on to Blackheath. Morden Park takes a bit of effort - but assured people they were getting seriously healthy! Across Blackheath, down through Greenwich Park, reaching the Thames at the new swing bridge on Deptford Creek. Now running a bit late, so some of the group went ahead while some of us dawdled home. Followed National Route 4 along the river, then round Greenland Dock and back to Canada Water. Total of 11.5 miles with 570 calories burned. Route at http://goo.gl/QZLfPD
14 riders for sunny start, despite iffy forecast. Headed first across Southwark Park and on to Lynton Rd. Stopped at the new raised pavement at the Chaucer Drive junction. this is the very first part of the very first Quietway to be constructed. Then proceeded along the Quietway route towards South Bermondsey station, passing several other sites where work was going on. Over the Connect 2 bridge, but sadly no path onwards yet. However, planning permission is, I think, obtained, and work on the new path linking the bridge to Surrey Canal Rd should start soon. Diverted up Ilderton Rd, down to Folkstone Gardens, then through Deptford to Brookmill Park. Next over the railway on the bridge at Elverson Rd and up the steep grade of Morden Park on to Blackheath. Morden Park takes a bit of effort - but assured people they were getting seriously healthy! Across Blackheath, down through Greenwich Park, reaching the Thames at the new swing bridge on Deptford Creek. Now running a bit late, so some of the group went ahead while some of us dawdled home. Followed National Route 4 along the river, then round Greenland Dock and back to Canada Water. Total of 11.5 miles with 570 calories burned. Route at http://goo.gl/QZLfPD
Healthy Ride Report - Feb 28th 2015
9 riders, including one new rider, departed Peckham Square about 10.05 in light drizzle. Headed west through back streets to Benhill Rd, then picked up the proposed Quietway route to Dulwich. Warmed up ascending Camberwell Grove, then along Champion Hill and the reward of freewheeling down the Greenway. Reached Herne Hill Velodrome around 10.45. Spent some time watching the action both on the track, and in the track centre where some bikability-style training was happening. Next a short hop to Dulwich Park where we found the cafe and several riders purchased coffee and/or snacks. Return route was via Peckham Rye Park where we had time to cruise around. For the final stretch used a route across to Linden Grove, down Consort Rd and along Brayards Rd. Avoids the awkward junctions at the north end of Peckham Rye. Route at http://goo.gl/1EGMt8
9 riders, including one new rider, departed Peckham Square about 10.05 in light drizzle. Headed west through back streets to Benhill Rd, then picked up the proposed Quietway route to Dulwich. Warmed up ascending Camberwell Grove, then along Champion Hill and the reward of freewheeling down the Greenway. Reached Herne Hill Velodrome around 10.45. Spent some time watching the action both on the track, and in the track centre where some bikability-style training was happening. Next a short hop to Dulwich Park where we found the cafe and several riders purchased coffee and/or snacks. Return route was via Peckham Rye Park where we had time to cruise around. For the final stretch used a route across to Linden Grove, down Consort Rd and along Brayards Rd. Avoids the awkward junctions at the north end of Peckham Rye. Route at http://goo.gl/1EGMt8
Healthy Ride Report - Feb 21st 2015.
Canada Water to Woolwich Arsenal. Leader Bruce. Only 3 riders, plus Bruce, for this ride. Dry and cold, but overnight rain had stopped. Met with Nigel's ride at Greenwich. They were just setting off in search of William Morris. Good to see some of our previous riders there - had wondered if the weather had put them off cycling!
Part of path by the aggregates unloading place was very muddy, but we could get past. No driverless vehicles seen at the O2. Arrived early at the Thames Barrier, so continued to Woolwich Arsenal. Pleased to find the Firepower (Royal Artillery) Museum (see http://firepower.org.uk) re-opened and the warm cafe doing good business. After coffee we headed back by the same route. Total distance 20 miles - a Healthy Ride record! Route details, including extension to Woolwich, at http://goo.gl/KbVwAl
Canada Water to Woolwich Arsenal. Leader Bruce. Only 3 riders, plus Bruce, for this ride. Dry and cold, but overnight rain had stopped. Met with Nigel's ride at Greenwich. They were just setting off in search of William Morris. Good to see some of our previous riders there - had wondered if the weather had put them off cycling!
Part of path by the aggregates unloading place was very muddy, but we could get past. No driverless vehicles seen at the O2. Arrived early at the Thames Barrier, so continued to Woolwich Arsenal. Pleased to find the Firepower (Royal Artillery) Museum (see http://firepower.org.uk) re-opened and the warm cafe doing good business. After coffee we headed back by the same route. Total distance 20 miles - a Healthy Ride record! Route details, including extension to Woolwich, at http://goo.gl/KbVwAl
Healthy Ride Report – Feb 14th, 2015
11 riders set out from Canada Water on a dry, overcast day with David leading. Followed a familiar route across Russia Woodland to the Thames path. Then through Deptford, across the new bridge and on to the Greenwich foot tunnel. Both lifts working so easily through the tunnel to the Isle of Dogs. Followed the north bank, around to Canary Wharf waterside, then through Wapping to Shadwell. At Shadwell chose the inland route along the canals to St Katherines and Tower Bridge. Back along Nat Route 4 south of the river to Canada Water. Brief stop at the Salter statues (see photo). Good ride, and back 10 min early! Route here.
11 riders set out from Canada Water on a dry, overcast day with David leading. Followed a familiar route across Russia Woodland to the Thames path. Then through Deptford, across the new bridge and on to the Greenwich foot tunnel. Both lifts working so easily through the tunnel to the Isle of Dogs. Followed the north bank, around to Canary Wharf waterside, then through Wapping to Shadwell. At Shadwell chose the inland route along the canals to St Katherines and Tower Bridge. Back along Nat Route 4 south of the river to Canada Water. Brief stop at the Salter statues (see photo). Good ride, and back 10 min early! Route here.
Healthy Ride Report – 24th Jan 2015 - Peckham to Greenwich
Beautiful sunny morning saw 15 riders gathered in Peckham Square. First stop was Telegraph Hill where the views were really clear after the overnight rain. Then north-west to Brookmill Park at the north end, but not before replacing an inner tube following a puncture. Short stop at the Visitor Centre next to Cutty Sark, then along the riverside to the new swing bridge over Deptford Creek. This is comfortably wide enough to share with the many pedestrians and other cyclists enjoying it. We rode across 3 times in order to get some photos. Back to Peckham via Edward St, Folkstone Gardens, Bridgehouse Meadows and Brimmington Park. Route at http://goo.gl/maps/GkEuB.
Healthy Ride Report – Jan 17th 2015 – Crystal Palace to Canada Water
This was a + ride, so 9.30 start. 5 riders at Canada Water on a chilly morning. Boarded the 9.42 Overground train and were joined by one more rider at Surrey Quays. 8 more riders were waiting at Crystal Palace, so 14 of us set off in light snow flurries for a circuit of the park. Snow did not last long, but there was plenty of ice.
Having checked out the Dinosaurs, headed mostly by road to South Norwood Country Park via South Norwood Lake. At South Norwood Country Park we joined National Route 21, which was to be our course as far as the Thames at Deptford. Over the next stretch one rider punctured. Fortunately had a spare inner tube. But unfortunately that slowly went down. So she abandoned at Kent House station, opting to get a train home. Next Cator Park, notable for the small plaque commemorating Sustrans ?000 miles of cycle track. ?000 because plaque is in such a poor state it is unreadable. But the inscription from HG Wells “When I see a man on a bike I have hope for the human race" is still legible. Next a fairly uninspiring stretch to Bell Green. At this point the path becomes rather nice. But before heading on we had a bit of a discussion about time. By my estimation we were not going to get to Canada Water until 1.30 at the earliest. Taking our time in Crystal Palace Park plus the puncture had destroyed my estimates of likely progress. Everyone decided to stick together at least for the next stretch.
Now on the Waterlink Way, following the Pool and Ravesbourne Rivers. This mile or so from Bell Green to Catford is one of the nicest off-road rides in London. And on a crisp January morning, really rather pleasant. At Catford negotiated the tunnel under the South Circular Road and the awkward barriers put up by the builders now converting the old Catford Stadium into housing, and into Ladywell Fields. Then at Ladywell Rd 2 riders headed directly home in the Nunhead direction. The rest of us pressed on through Lewisham and Brookmill Park to the Thames at Deptford Creek. Quick look at the new swing bridge (not open – but it is now – opened Monday 19th Jan), then along a familiar riverside route. Back at Canada Water at 1.30. So late – but no later than predected at half way.
The weather had been kind and my new phone app (Ride with GPS) clocked up 18 miles and another rider declared 900 calories burned. Route at http://goo.gl/2932VA
Having checked out the Dinosaurs, headed mostly by road to South Norwood Country Park via South Norwood Lake. At South Norwood Country Park we joined National Route 21, which was to be our course as far as the Thames at Deptford. Over the next stretch one rider punctured. Fortunately had a spare inner tube. But unfortunately that slowly went down. So she abandoned at Kent House station, opting to get a train home. Next Cator Park, notable for the small plaque commemorating Sustrans ?000 miles of cycle track. ?000 because plaque is in such a poor state it is unreadable. But the inscription from HG Wells “When I see a man on a bike I have hope for the human race" is still legible. Next a fairly uninspiring stretch to Bell Green. At this point the path becomes rather nice. But before heading on we had a bit of a discussion about time. By my estimation we were not going to get to Canada Water until 1.30 at the earliest. Taking our time in Crystal Palace Park plus the puncture had destroyed my estimates of likely progress. Everyone decided to stick together at least for the next stretch.
Now on the Waterlink Way, following the Pool and Ravesbourne Rivers. This mile or so from Bell Green to Catford is one of the nicest off-road rides in London. And on a crisp January morning, really rather pleasant. At Catford negotiated the tunnel under the South Circular Road and the awkward barriers put up by the builders now converting the old Catford Stadium into housing, and into Ladywell Fields. Then at Ladywell Rd 2 riders headed directly home in the Nunhead direction. The rest of us pressed on through Lewisham and Brookmill Park to the Thames at Deptford Creek. Quick look at the new swing bridge (not open – but it is now – opened Monday 19th Jan), then along a familiar riverside route. Back at Canada Water at 1.30. So late – but no later than predected at half way.
The weather had been kind and my new phone app (Ride with GPS) clocked up 18 miles and another rider declared 900 calories burned. Route at http://goo.gl/2932VA
Healthy Ride Report, 10 Jan 2015
14 riders at Canada Water on a cold, grey morning with a pretty iffy forecast. All prepared for some rain, which in the end was never serious. Plan was to ride to the new Lewisham Leisure Centre and back. Started heading inland via Southwark Park and the Deptford paths to Brookmill Park. Then along the Waterlink Way, National Route 21, to Lewisham. Made good time so nice coffee break at the Centre’s excellent café. Back down NR21 all the way to the Thames at Deptford Creek. New bridge still not operational, although David claims it will start operating on Jan 19th. Back along NR4 (Deptford riverside) at which point we had clear blue skies! Then around South and Greenland Docks to Canada Water. For route see http://goo.gl/U1jiEW
14 riders at Canada Water on a cold, grey morning with a pretty iffy forecast. All prepared for some rain, which in the end was never serious. Plan was to ride to the new Lewisham Leisure Centre and back. Started heading inland via Southwark Park and the Deptford paths to Brookmill Park. Then along the Waterlink Way, National Route 21, to Lewisham. Made good time so nice coffee break at the Centre’s excellent café. Back down NR21 all the way to the Thames at Deptford Creek. New bridge still not operational, although David claims it will start operating on Jan 19th. Back along NR4 (Deptford riverside) at which point we had clear blue skies! Then around South and Greenland Docks to Canada Water. For route see http://goo.gl/U1jiEW