Healthy Ride Reports, June/July 2015
Healthy Ride Report – July 25th 2015
17 riders at Peckham Square on cool, breezy, morning following heavy rain overnight. Plan was to repeat last year’s Big Butterfly Count (http://www.bigbutterflycount.org/) ride – but low temperature and the wind did not augur well.
First stop the wildflower area in Peckham Rye Park. By the time we reached there the weather was improving with some sunshine and the wind dropping. And there were a few white butterflies. Again in the new Nature Garden in this park a few butterflies were spotted. Next a longish run through East Dulwich back streets and up the Greenway to finish in Ruskin Park at the Nature Area next to the railway. There is a small pond (dried up this year) with some flowers that attract bees and butterflies. And here we saw several white and brown butterflies, plus a lovely small blue one. Next stop Elam Street Open Space, a small park, nicely overgrown and with another pond that was dry this year. Several butterflies sighted there. On to Myatts Field where the wildflower/nature area is much better this year and the new pond had water. Here several brown butterflies (Gatekeepers) and white ones, plus a Small Skipper. Back through Burgess Park with just a short stop at the start of the Canal Path. Flowers not as good as in previous years, but we did spot a Small Tortoiseshell on the path sunning itself, indicating that the weather was really quite nice now.
So despite misgivings at the start, the butterflies did us proud. Route at http://goo.gl/v14knG
17 riders at Peckham Square on cool, breezy, morning following heavy rain overnight. Plan was to repeat last year’s Big Butterfly Count (http://www.bigbutterflycount.org/) ride – but low temperature and the wind did not augur well.
First stop the wildflower area in Peckham Rye Park. By the time we reached there the weather was improving with some sunshine and the wind dropping. And there were a few white butterflies. Again in the new Nature Garden in this park a few butterflies were spotted. Next a longish run through East Dulwich back streets and up the Greenway to finish in Ruskin Park at the Nature Area next to the railway. There is a small pond (dried up this year) with some flowers that attract bees and butterflies. And here we saw several white and brown butterflies, plus a lovely small blue one. Next stop Elam Street Open Space, a small park, nicely overgrown and with another pond that was dry this year. Several butterflies sighted there. On to Myatts Field where the wildflower/nature area is much better this year and the new pond had water. Here several brown butterflies (Gatekeepers) and white ones, plus a Small Skipper. Back through Burgess Park with just a short stop at the start of the Canal Path. Flowers not as good as in previous years, but we did spot a Small Tortoiseshell on the path sunning itself, indicating that the weather was really quite nice now.
So despite misgivings at the start, the butterflies did us proud. Route at http://goo.gl/v14knG
Healthy Rides Report – July 18th 2015
13 riders at Canada Water on another glorious, sunny, morning. One of our longer, “+”, rides and repeating a favourite route along the river to the Thames Flood Barrier and back. Big surprise was the new golf driving range that has appeared just upstream from the O2. A green oasis contrasting with the browns of the nearby building sites and aggregates depots. Made the Barrier in good time, so a nice coffee break there. Made more good time on the return route, so kept along the Thames to the Surrey Docks City Farm. This was busy, including pony rides along the Thames path. So had to walk through the farm. This allowed us to admire some of the 21 new piglets. Route for this ride is easy, following Nat Route 4 which in turn is mostly also the Thames Path. On Google maps at: http://goo.gl/KbVwAl
13 riders at Canada Water on another glorious, sunny, morning. One of our longer, “+”, rides and repeating a favourite route along the river to the Thames Flood Barrier and back. Big surprise was the new golf driving range that has appeared just upstream from the O2. A green oasis contrasting with the browns of the nearby building sites and aggregates depots. Made the Barrier in good time, so a nice coffee break there. Made more good time on the return route, so kept along the Thames to the Surrey Docks City Farm. This was busy, including pony rides along the Thames path. So had to walk through the farm. This allowed us to admire some of the 21 new piglets. Route for this ride is easy, following Nat Route 4 which in turn is mostly also the Thames Path. On Google maps at: http://goo.gl/KbVwAl
Healthy Ride Report – July 11th 2015
17 riders at Canada Water on a glorious, sunny, morning. Headed off across Southwark Park, over the railway at Oldfield Grove and across Deptford mostly off road to New Cross. Shared use pavement and crossings saw us safely through the New Cross/Lewisham Way junction. Then mostly uphill on side roads to Hilly Fields. Made good time, so nice stop at the Café when a few people even had time to get a coffee. From Hilly Fields steep down to Lewisham Leisure Centre. Then Nat Route 21 route though Brookmill Park and on to the riverside beside the new bridge and Peter the Great. So did not use the published route cutting across Deptford as had time to ride more Thames Path. Along the Thames Path route to South Dock and inland back to Canada Water. Abut 10 miles and all feeling much more healthy after the sunshine and the exercise! Route at https://goo.gl/Ak8XmX
17 riders at Canada Water on a glorious, sunny, morning. Headed off across Southwark Park, over the railway at Oldfield Grove and across Deptford mostly off road to New Cross. Shared use pavement and crossings saw us safely through the New Cross/Lewisham Way junction. Then mostly uphill on side roads to Hilly Fields. Made good time, so nice stop at the Café when a few people even had time to get a coffee. From Hilly Fields steep down to Lewisham Leisure Centre. Then Nat Route 21 route though Brookmill Park and on to the riverside beside the new bridge and Peter the Great. So did not use the published route cutting across Deptford as had time to ride more Thames Path. Along the Thames Path route to South Dock and inland back to Canada Water. Abut 10 miles and all feeling much more healthy after the sunshine and the exercise! Route at https://goo.gl/Ak8XmX
Healthy Ride Report – July 4th 2015
Another hot day. 8 riders set out from Dulwich Park. A generous pause in Norwood Park to enjoy the view and putting names to buildings. Change of plan en route as one rider kept falling behind and as was being affected by the heat, left the ride and headed home. When we got to Central Hill, turned left and skipped the gradients of Westow Park. Going down Anerley Hill with the group was fine and turning left into the park near the station is much better than risking
downhill on gravel in the park between the terraces. Roads mainly blocked for cars because of some event inside the park, archery in the stadium and cycling clubs camping higher up. Coming up from the cafe/toilet stop went better than feared, the remaining riders didn't have problems. From the park exit a nice downhill run to the finish. Had all checked brakes - no crashes and nobody overshot! Thanks to Werner for leading and for most of the information used in this report. Route taken from Werner's GPS is at
http://taffimai.w2.org.uk/healthy-rides/HR-DP-CP-ACW-20150704.html
Another hot day. 8 riders set out from Dulwich Park. A generous pause in Norwood Park to enjoy the view and putting names to buildings. Change of plan en route as one rider kept falling behind and as was being affected by the heat, left the ride and headed home. When we got to Central Hill, turned left and skipped the gradients of Westow Park. Going down Anerley Hill with the group was fine and turning left into the park near the station is much better than risking
downhill on gravel in the park between the terraces. Roads mainly blocked for cars because of some event inside the park, archery in the stadium and cycling clubs camping higher up. Coming up from the cafe/toilet stop went better than feared, the remaining riders didn't have problems. From the park exit a nice downhill run to the finish. Had all checked brakes - no crashes and nobody overshot! Thanks to Werner for leading and for most of the information used in this report. Route taken from Werner's GPS is at
http://taffimai.w2.org.uk/healthy-rides/HR-DP-CP-ACW-20150704.html
Healthy Ride Report – June 27th 2015
15 riders gathered in Peckham Square on a pretty nice morning. Rode a new version of the Peckham-Greenwich Loop. Out much as previously (up Telegraph Hill, down to Brookmill Park, along Deptford Creek to Cutty Sark). Return was over new Deptford Creek bridge, along the Deptford riverside, then past South Dock to Lower Rd crossing. Finally along paths by railway to Old Kent Rd, then quiet-ish roads back to Peckham Square. About 9 miles. Leader Bruce. Route at https://goo.gl/dTd4ne
15 riders gathered in Peckham Square on a pretty nice morning. Rode a new version of the Peckham-Greenwich Loop. Out much as previously (up Telegraph Hill, down to Brookmill Park, along Deptford Creek to Cutty Sark). Return was over new Deptford Creek bridge, along the Deptford riverside, then past South Dock to Lower Rd crossing. Finally along paths by railway to Old Kent Rd, then quiet-ish roads back to Peckham Square. About 9 miles. Leader Bruce. Route at https://goo.gl/dTd4ne
Healthy Ride Report – June 20th 2015
Tried a new format for Bike week. Running 3 short rides (1 hour) rather than one longer ride. Started/finished at Burgess Park as this was where Southwark Bike Loan scheme is based. However turnout was low (6-8 riders) and all were regulars. Did not attract anyone from the Bike Loan Scheme.
But rides went well, with 6-8, mostly regular, riders. Ride 1 headed down to Surrey Quays and Canada Water using a familiar route across the Park to Glengall Rd, then along signed route via Abercorn Way to Stevenson Crescent. From there to Southwark Park Rd. Lots of people by the road waiting for the Barry Albin funeral procession (see link). Barry formed the Funeral Directors FW Albin 40 years ago and was well known and liked in Bermondsey and Rotherhithe. Last part of the ride was across Southwark Park, on to Surrey Quays Shopping Centre and round to Canada Water Library where we met up with another rider as planned. On the return trip went along Lower Rd to the Rotherhithe Tunnel roundabout and looked in at the Albin’s Memorial Garden. A big Marquee had been erected alongside in the park, presumably for the post service events. From Southwark Park returned by the outward route to Burgess Park.
Tried a new format for Bike week. Running 3 short rides (1 hour) rather than one longer ride. Started/finished at Burgess Park as this was where Southwark Bike Loan scheme is based. However turnout was low (6-8 riders) and all were regulars. Did not attract anyone from the Bike Loan Scheme.
But rides went well, with 6-8, mostly regular, riders. Ride 1 headed down to Surrey Quays and Canada Water using a familiar route across the Park to Glengall Rd, then along signed route via Abercorn Way to Stevenson Crescent. From there to Southwark Park Rd. Lots of people by the road waiting for the Barry Albin funeral procession (see link). Barry formed the Funeral Directors FW Albin 40 years ago and was well known and liked in Bermondsey and Rotherhithe. Last part of the ride was across Southwark Park, on to Surrey Quays Shopping Centre and round to Canada Water Library where we met up with another rider as planned. On the return trip went along Lower Rd to the Rotherhithe Tunnel roundabout and looked in at the Albin’s Memorial Garden. A big Marquee had been erected alongside in the park, presumably for the post service events. From Southwark Park returned by the outward route to Burgess Park.
Second ride was up to Peckham Rye Park via the Canal Path and Rye Lane. No time for a coffee stop on these short rides, so straight back the same route. Stopped off at the “Cycle Hub” in the small square beside Peckham Rye Station. Handy covered bike storage, a set of Brompton Lockers for hire (see http://www.bromptonbikehire.com/), and a bike repair shop.
Third ride was to London Bridge Station. Decided to use different, more direct, route rather the one on the Healthyrider web site (this route now up on that site). Before starting the route proper, nipped across to the BMX circuit to see what all the noise was about. Found the 7th round of the British Cycling BMX Series in full swing. BMXers, mostly rather young, were everywhere – not surprising as there were 635 entrants from all over the country. Then towards London Bridge via Bagshot St and Elstead St. Deviated from the published route to look at the new work for Quietway 1 at Globe St and Tabard St. On to London Bridge via Weston St. Returned mostly using the published route. So did the crossings at Bricklayers Arms, then Darwin St, back to Bagshot St and Burgess Park.
All routes at http://healthyrider.weebly.com/burgess-park-routes.html
Third ride was to London Bridge Station. Decided to use different, more direct, route rather the one on the Healthyrider web site (this route now up on that site). Before starting the route proper, nipped across to the BMX circuit to see what all the noise was about. Found the 7th round of the British Cycling BMX Series in full swing. BMXers, mostly rather young, were everywhere – not surprising as there were 635 entrants from all over the country. Then towards London Bridge via Bagshot St and Elstead St. Deviated from the published route to look at the new work for Quietway 1 at Globe St and Tabard St. On to London Bridge via Weston St. Returned mostly using the published route. So did the crossings at Bricklayers Arms, then Darwin St, back to Bagshot St and Burgess Park.
All routes at http://healthyrider.weebly.com/burgess-park-routes.html
Healthy Ride Report – June 13th 2015
Open Garden Squares Ride
14 riders left Canada Water under overcast skies. Headed west along NR4 to Dockhead. Crossed Jamaica Rd and continued along back roads including Snowsfields where we admired the new planting around the Greenwood Theatre. Next to Red Cross Way and Red Cross Garden. This was our first Garden Square stop. The garden looked splendid with the flower beds blooming brightly. Next south to the Diversity Garden in King James St. This is a small garden, mostly raised planters. One invited you to help yourself to the veg! Ride continued past the Elephant on the east side and into Iliffe Yard, part of Pullens Yards. Not strictly a garden, but plenty of plants around. Several art galleries open. However, we had more to see so pressed on round the corner to Walworth Garden Farm. The is one of my favourite “hidden” places. It looked lovely, again with lots of colour. From Walworth headed east to Burgess Park and across the length of the park to Glengall Wharf Community Garden. This has been in operation since 2012 and lots of work has clearly been done. It is open every Sunday afternoon and also hosts events. Next is a “Wild Solstice Feast” on the evening of 21st June. That was the last of our 5 “garden squares”, so full speed back to Canada Water via Southwark Park. Back at 12.15, so a bit late, but worth it. Route at https://goo.gl/655ex5 .
Open Garden Squares Ride
14 riders left Canada Water under overcast skies. Headed west along NR4 to Dockhead. Crossed Jamaica Rd and continued along back roads including Snowsfields where we admired the new planting around the Greenwood Theatre. Next to Red Cross Way and Red Cross Garden. This was our first Garden Square stop. The garden looked splendid with the flower beds blooming brightly. Next south to the Diversity Garden in King James St. This is a small garden, mostly raised planters. One invited you to help yourself to the veg! Ride continued past the Elephant on the east side and into Iliffe Yard, part of Pullens Yards. Not strictly a garden, but plenty of plants around. Several art galleries open. However, we had more to see so pressed on round the corner to Walworth Garden Farm. The is one of my favourite “hidden” places. It looked lovely, again with lots of colour. From Walworth headed east to Burgess Park and across the length of the park to Glengall Wharf Community Garden. This has been in operation since 2012 and lots of work has clearly been done. It is open every Sunday afternoon and also hosts events. Next is a “Wild Solstice Feast” on the evening of 21st June. That was the last of our 5 “garden squares”, so full speed back to Canada Water via Southwark Park. Back at 12.15, so a bit late, but worth it. Route at https://goo.gl/655ex5 .
Record Numbers for Healthy Ride, June 6th 2015
On a fine sunny morning 21 riders set off. Yes 21, our largest number of riders (at least for the last 4 years). Left Dulwich Park 10.05am and headed for Ruskin Park via Greendale. Then on to Brockwell Park via Loughborough Junction. Toured around past the Lido and up to Brockwell Hall where we had a coffee stop. Next along local roads to Herne Hill Velodrome. Lots of cyclists on the track, plus a small flea market selling cycling stuff. Malcolm bought 2 tyres and slung them around his shoulders for the run back to Dulwich Park. Everyone safely back bang on 12 o-clock. Today's track:
http://taffimai.w2.org.uk/healthy-rides/HR-DP-BP-20150606.html
On a fine sunny morning 21 riders set off. Yes 21, our largest number of riders (at least for the last 4 years). Left Dulwich Park 10.05am and headed for Ruskin Park via Greendale. Then on to Brockwell Park via Loughborough Junction. Toured around past the Lido and up to Brockwell Hall where we had a coffee stop. Next along local roads to Herne Hill Velodrome. Lots of cyclists on the track, plus a small flea market selling cycling stuff. Malcolm bought 2 tyres and slung them around his shoulders for the run back to Dulwich Park. Everyone safely back bang on 12 o-clock. Today's track:
http://taffimai.w2.org.uk/healthy-rides/HR-DP-BP-20150606.html