Healthy Ride Reports, April-May 2019
May 27th. Northern Heights. London Bridge to Alexandra Palace.
Special longer ride for Whitsun Bank Holiday Monday. Start/finish at the Southwark Gateway Needle on south side of London Bridge
Werner planned and led this ride. Here is his report.
Our first longer ride on Easter Monday didn't put anybody off, today even more turned up: 25 riders went north to discover parts of London shorter rides can't reach.
We set off over London Bridge and spread across a car-free King William St: lots of roads in the City had been closed for the Vitality 10,000 run. We skirted the boundary of the zone where the security guards meant closure really meant closure and picked up Q11 after London Wall. We left it almost immediately to look at the Old Street location formerly known as Roundabout, a roundabout no more and traffic going (partially) round in both directions. Even better, who would have expected to see a dedicated traffic-light for cyclists there. Back to Q11, not up or down the City Road but across it and neither in nor out the Eagle on the corner.
Shepherdess Walk over the Regent's Canal before turning right onto Q2. Not the first time that Q2 quietway has featured on a healthy ride and its small but effective details are always appreciated. Finally, we saw the New River for the first time from the bridge in the eponymous Willow Bridge Road. Some impressive mansions along Canonbury Park South must have the river at the bottom of their gardens, do they have boathouses? Very shortly after Highbury New Park, an estate-agent prose-writer's dream, we slipped through a contraflow to get across Green Lanes and into Clissold Park, where the New River is very visible. Its route twists and bends even more than ours and we met it again near its two reservoirs and could see Stoke Newington pumping-station, aka the Castle, in the background.
Two of the ride's themes met in Finsbury Park, the New River and a first taster of a gradient before a proper starter up Ferme Park Road. The appropriately named Ridge Road crossing it provided space to regroup and a viewing platform to appreciate the full size of Alexandra Palace towering ahead (i.e. on top of the hill on the other side of the valley). First a race to the bottom and a chance to trigger the speed camera to tell us to slow down, before passing Hornsey Church Tower and crossing the New River after and before it benefits from the services of Hornsey Water Treatment Works (yes, the New River still contributes to London's water supply). Almost a whole loop around Alexandra Palace station to warm up before the main course of climbing started, the ascent to the palace up the path in the park. Warming up worked, it felt quite hot at the top.
Just over two hours to get there and the riders deserved a generous break. Just as well we had plenty of time as the queues for food were quite long. Nobody wanted extra pedalling, even on a flat surface, so the pedalo boats were left unhired. After lunch a procession along the terrace and a look at two plaques: one for the world's first high definition public TV broadcast transmitted in 1936, the other to remember the aliens interned there between 1914 and 1919. Alexandra Palace was once served by a railway line from Highgate, good for us as it meant the old track has been converted into a nice path and if a train got up the track it couldn't be too steep. Continuing on roads through Muswell Hill we reached Highgate, at over 100m the day's highest point. We then used another lovely converted railway track (Parkland Walk) to descend down to Finsbury Park. This is 3km of easy riding with no chance to get lost, but the gravel surface made some riders on road bikes a bit nervous. Those riding heavier, more upright, bikes were in their element.
The residential areas in Islington were quiet, it would have been very different if Arsenal had played at home. The heights of Upper Street now separated us from the New River but we rejoined it after Pentonville Road in Claremont Square, when we rode past the covered reservoir. Finally we stopped where it all ended, the New River Head with the Metropolitan Water Board entrance in Hardwick Street. Lunch and coffee must have worked, we got back to London Bridge along familiar roads and it had taken us under two hours from Ally Pally. Thanks to Bruce for backmarking and keeping the peloton together on a long ride.
Track here:
http://taffimai.w2.org.uk/healthy-rides/HR-NorthernHeights-20190527.html
For anyone interested, Werner has supplied web references to some of the places we passed.
The New River:
https://diamondgeezer.blogspot.com/2013/09/new-river-path.html
Walking the whole of the New River from Hertfordshire to Islington 400 years after it opened
http://www.thehistoryoflondon.co.uk/the-new-river/
A short overview of the New River's history
Alexandra Palace:
https://www.alexandrapalace.com/timeline/
Photos from the palace's history
Finsbury Park - Highgate, Highgate - Alexandra Palace railways:
https://underground-history.co.uk/northernh.php
The history of the former railways along whose tracks we rode
http://londonrailrant.co.uk/Northern_heights.html
Somebody wants to convert Parkland Walk back into a railway
Special longer ride for Whitsun Bank Holiday Monday. Start/finish at the Southwark Gateway Needle on south side of London Bridge
Werner planned and led this ride. Here is his report.
Our first longer ride on Easter Monday didn't put anybody off, today even more turned up: 25 riders went north to discover parts of London shorter rides can't reach.
We set off over London Bridge and spread across a car-free King William St: lots of roads in the City had been closed for the Vitality 10,000 run. We skirted the boundary of the zone where the security guards meant closure really meant closure and picked up Q11 after London Wall. We left it almost immediately to look at the Old Street location formerly known as Roundabout, a roundabout no more and traffic going (partially) round in both directions. Even better, who would have expected to see a dedicated traffic-light for cyclists there. Back to Q11, not up or down the City Road but across it and neither in nor out the Eagle on the corner.
Shepherdess Walk over the Regent's Canal before turning right onto Q2. Not the first time that Q2 quietway has featured on a healthy ride and its small but effective details are always appreciated. Finally, we saw the New River for the first time from the bridge in the eponymous Willow Bridge Road. Some impressive mansions along Canonbury Park South must have the river at the bottom of their gardens, do they have boathouses? Very shortly after Highbury New Park, an estate-agent prose-writer's dream, we slipped through a contraflow to get across Green Lanes and into Clissold Park, where the New River is very visible. Its route twists and bends even more than ours and we met it again near its two reservoirs and could see Stoke Newington pumping-station, aka the Castle, in the background.
Two of the ride's themes met in Finsbury Park, the New River and a first taster of a gradient before a proper starter up Ferme Park Road. The appropriately named Ridge Road crossing it provided space to regroup and a viewing platform to appreciate the full size of Alexandra Palace towering ahead (i.e. on top of the hill on the other side of the valley). First a race to the bottom and a chance to trigger the speed camera to tell us to slow down, before passing Hornsey Church Tower and crossing the New River after and before it benefits from the services of Hornsey Water Treatment Works (yes, the New River still contributes to London's water supply). Almost a whole loop around Alexandra Palace station to warm up before the main course of climbing started, the ascent to the palace up the path in the park. Warming up worked, it felt quite hot at the top.
Just over two hours to get there and the riders deserved a generous break. Just as well we had plenty of time as the queues for food were quite long. Nobody wanted extra pedalling, even on a flat surface, so the pedalo boats were left unhired. After lunch a procession along the terrace and a look at two plaques: one for the world's first high definition public TV broadcast transmitted in 1936, the other to remember the aliens interned there between 1914 and 1919. Alexandra Palace was once served by a railway line from Highgate, good for us as it meant the old track has been converted into a nice path and if a train got up the track it couldn't be too steep. Continuing on roads through Muswell Hill we reached Highgate, at over 100m the day's highest point. We then used another lovely converted railway track (Parkland Walk) to descend down to Finsbury Park. This is 3km of easy riding with no chance to get lost, but the gravel surface made some riders on road bikes a bit nervous. Those riding heavier, more upright, bikes were in their element.
The residential areas in Islington were quiet, it would have been very different if Arsenal had played at home. The heights of Upper Street now separated us from the New River but we rejoined it after Pentonville Road in Claremont Square, when we rode past the covered reservoir. Finally we stopped where it all ended, the New River Head with the Metropolitan Water Board entrance in Hardwick Street. Lunch and coffee must have worked, we got back to London Bridge along familiar roads and it had taken us under two hours from Ally Pally. Thanks to Bruce for backmarking and keeping the peloton together on a long ride.
Track here:
http://taffimai.w2.org.uk/healthy-rides/HR-NorthernHeights-20190527.html
For anyone interested, Werner has supplied web references to some of the places we passed.
The New River:
https://diamondgeezer.blogspot.com/2013/09/new-river-path.html
Walking the whole of the New River from Hertfordshire to Islington 400 years after it opened
http://www.thehistoryoflondon.co.uk/the-new-river/
A short overview of the New River's history
Alexandra Palace:
https://www.alexandrapalace.com/timeline/
Photos from the palace's history
Finsbury Park - Highgate, Highgate - Alexandra Palace railways:
https://underground-history.co.uk/northernh.php
The history of the former railways along whose tracks we rode
http://londonrailrant.co.uk/Northern_heights.html
Somebody wants to convert Parkland Walk back into a railway
May 25th 10-12. Peckham to the Quaggy River
A dry day with a bit of sunshine saw 13 riders head off from Peckham towards the Quaggy River, a tributary of the Ravensbourne running from Lewisham to Kidbrooke and beyond. Took the flat route to Lewisham via Brimmington Park, Bridgehouse Meadows, Fordham Park, and Brookmill Park (where we met the Ravensbourne). First view of Quaggy river amogst the new blocks next to Lewisham Station. Some quality landscaping is going in at the confluence with the Ravensbourne. Not finished yet but by peering through mesh barriers we could see it was going to be quite nice when finished. Manoeuvered through the north end of the street market to Clarendon Rise where we had another look at the Quaggy, now in a narrow, dark, culvert. Were cheered to see that even in this unlikely spot a clump of Yellow Flag were flowereing. Next quiet steets to Manor Park where, at the far end, the Quaggy if nicely accessible and looks like a river rather than a drain. From Manor Park a short ride to Manor Park Gardens. Here the Quaggy is more or less ignored. Amazing when you thnk what a smart landscape feature it could be. Rode back by a more hilly route. Past Lewisham Library and through to the Ravensbourne close the new Lewisham Leisure Centre. Then round the side of Hilly Fields (bit stenuous) to Brockley station and a steady climb up to Nunhead. Nice quick run down to Peckham saw us back just 10 minutes late. 11 miles, mostly quiet roads. Route is at https://goo.gl/svHy65 or gpx file below. Previously ridden Jan 27th, 2018 with a hilly route both ways... (report here). Photos above from Philippa. Lots of information about the Quaggy on the web site of QWAG (Quaggy Waterways Action Group, https://qwag.org.uk/river-quaggy/).
peckham-to-lewishamquaggy-river2019_002.gpx | |
File Size: | 23 kb |
File Type: | gpx |
May 18th + Ride 9.30am - 1pm
Cutty Sark to Danson Park, Bexley.
Eleven riders gathered at the Greenwich Foot Tunnel entrance on a mild, dry day. Headed off through Greenwich Park and across Blackheath to Kidbrooke. Picked up Quietway 1 and followed this past Well Hall Pleasaunce, along Rochester Way to Falconwood. Left Q1 and continued parallel to Rochester Way pretty much to Danson Park. This long, quite direct stretch follows quite closely the A2. Fortunately mostly on a different level, sometimes above, sometimes below or screened by vegetation. But the background rumble of traffic is always there. Arrived in Danson Park in time for a 30 min coffee stop at the Old Stables. Return route was via Welling High St, then south to Plumstead High St and down to the last section of the Ridgeway. On to the Ridgeway there is a nice ramp, but the really tight barrier is still there. Continued to the Woolwich waterfront through the Royal Arsenal site. Stopped at the The gatehouse: all that remains of the 1856 Shot and Shell Foundry. Mary told us about the workers who made munitions here, including many women, "the Canaries". Became yellow from handling TNT. The yellow wore off, but it was not uncommon to contract liver disease (TNT is toxic to the liver) which of course led to a different yellowness. More info at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-39434504 and https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/9-women-reveal-the-dangers-of-working-in-a-first-world-war-munitions-factory#entry1. From Woolwich cruised along the Thames path to Cutty Sark. 20 miles and back exactly on time at 1pm. Excellent ride, so many thanks to Mike and Mary who worked out the route and led the ride. Route image below.
Cutty Sark to Danson Park, Bexley.
Eleven riders gathered at the Greenwich Foot Tunnel entrance on a mild, dry day. Headed off through Greenwich Park and across Blackheath to Kidbrooke. Picked up Quietway 1 and followed this past Well Hall Pleasaunce, along Rochester Way to Falconwood. Left Q1 and continued parallel to Rochester Way pretty much to Danson Park. This long, quite direct stretch follows quite closely the A2. Fortunately mostly on a different level, sometimes above, sometimes below or screened by vegetation. But the background rumble of traffic is always there. Arrived in Danson Park in time for a 30 min coffee stop at the Old Stables. Return route was via Welling High St, then south to Plumstead High St and down to the last section of the Ridgeway. On to the Ridgeway there is a nice ramp, but the really tight barrier is still there. Continued to the Woolwich waterfront through the Royal Arsenal site. Stopped at the The gatehouse: all that remains of the 1856 Shot and Shell Foundry. Mary told us about the workers who made munitions here, including many women, "the Canaries". Became yellow from handling TNT. The yellow wore off, but it was not uncommon to contract liver disease (TNT is toxic to the liver) which of course led to a different yellowness. More info at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-39434504 and https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/9-women-reveal-the-dangers-of-working-in-a-first-world-war-munitions-factory#entry1. From Woolwich cruised along the Thames path to Cutty Sark. 20 miles and back exactly on time at 1pm. Excellent ride, so many thanks to Mike and Mary who worked out the route and led the ride. Route image below.
danson.jpg | |
File Size: | 284 kb |
File Type: | jpg |
May 11th 2019. Canada Water-Burgess Park Loop.
Black clouds and a heavy rain shower immediately before the start, so 12 rather damp riders set off from Canada Water. Across to Southwark Park where we weaved through the runners doing a 5k/fun run. Next along Southwark Park Road and through to Quietway 1 at Stevenson Crescent. Steady ride along Q1 to Trinity Street. By request from one music-loving rider we did a circuit of Trinity Square. The large church is no longer a church. Since the 1970s it has been the Henry Wood Hall and served as an orchestral rehearsal and recording venue, used by the London Symphony Orchestra amongst others. Next south on Quietway 7. Enjoyed the short stretch of new segregated path at Rodney Place and the twisting route at the crossing to Wansey St. Continued into Burgess Park and through to the improved and new paths at the west end. Back across the full length of the park to Glengall Rd and north to rejoin Q1. Followed Q1 east for 2.5km of path and very quiet road to Folkstone Gardens. Gave thanks to railways and canals past. Without you we would not have these nice flat routes. Headed to the Deptford riverside at Foreshore where we stopped to admire the large cruise boat berthed at Greenwich (the Viking Sun). Finished via the Surrey Canal Linear Park, South Dock and Greenland Dock. Thankfully, after the initial shower it was a dry ride with lots of sunshine.
Route at https://goo.gl/evzj3g or GPX below.
Black clouds and a heavy rain shower immediately before the start, so 12 rather damp riders set off from Canada Water. Across to Southwark Park where we weaved through the runners doing a 5k/fun run. Next along Southwark Park Road and through to Quietway 1 at Stevenson Crescent. Steady ride along Q1 to Trinity Street. By request from one music-loving rider we did a circuit of Trinity Square. The large church is no longer a church. Since the 1970s it has been the Henry Wood Hall and served as an orchestral rehearsal and recording venue, used by the London Symphony Orchestra amongst others. Next south on Quietway 7. Enjoyed the short stretch of new segregated path at Rodney Place and the twisting route at the crossing to Wansey St. Continued into Burgess Park and through to the improved and new paths at the west end. Back across the full length of the park to Glengall Rd and north to rejoin Q1. Followed Q1 east for 2.5km of path and very quiet road to Folkstone Gardens. Gave thanks to railways and canals past. Without you we would not have these nice flat routes. Headed to the Deptford riverside at Foreshore where we stopped to admire the large cruise boat berthed at Greenwich (the Viking Sun). Finished via the Surrey Canal Linear Park, South Dock and Greenland Dock. Thankfully, after the initial shower it was a dry ride with lots of sunshine.
Route at https://goo.gl/evzj3g or GPX below.
canada-water-to-burgess-park-loop.gpx | |
File Size: | 72 kb |
File Type: | gpx |
canada-water-to-burgess-park-loop.gpx | |
File Size: | 72 kb |
File Type: | gpx |
May 4th 2019. Dulwich to Vauxhall Bridge.
12 riders at the cafe in Dulwich Park on a rather cold but sunny morning. Quiet streets to Brockwell Park which was looking good in the sunshine and lots of people enjoying it. Exited on to Brixton Water Lane then took Effra Road to Brixton Central. Road takes its name from the River Effra whose valley we followed. R. Effra not visible as it was buried in a sewer by Bazalgette in the mid-1860s. Long run down Brixton Rd to the Oval, bit boring but gets you there. On to CS5 at the Oval and followed this short segregated path to Vauxhall Bridge. Since we last did this ride (Sept 1st 2018 (see report)) the Tideway Tunnel people have built lots of stuff concealing the old labelled exit of the Effra into the Thames. Apparently this is not where the Effra mostly entered the Thames - find out more here (http://vauxhallhistory.org/river-effra-jon-newman/). Had a short stop on Vauxhall Bridge then, as we had a bit of time, did a circuit of the new American embassy with its moat and defensive rampart (and patrolling armed police). Back to CS5 and into Kennington Park, followed by back streets to Myatts Fields. Then Elim Open Space, across Coldharbour Lane at Cambria Rd, and along Milkwood road to Herne Hill. Turned off Burbage Rd on to Turney to use the cycle phase on the lights to turn right into Dulwich Village. Junction geometry is not helpful, but we managed. This avoids going right at the roundabout at the end of Dulwich Village (and using the longer uphill Court Lane route that is on the attached map). Back at Dulwich Park Cafe bang on time and (maybe) a teensy bit healthier! Route at http://tinyurl.com/y7ul6r9r and GPX below.
12 riders at the cafe in Dulwich Park on a rather cold but sunny morning. Quiet streets to Brockwell Park which was looking good in the sunshine and lots of people enjoying it. Exited on to Brixton Water Lane then took Effra Road to Brixton Central. Road takes its name from the River Effra whose valley we followed. R. Effra not visible as it was buried in a sewer by Bazalgette in the mid-1860s. Long run down Brixton Rd to the Oval, bit boring but gets you there. On to CS5 at the Oval and followed this short segregated path to Vauxhall Bridge. Since we last did this ride (Sept 1st 2018 (see report)) the Tideway Tunnel people have built lots of stuff concealing the old labelled exit of the Effra into the Thames. Apparently this is not where the Effra mostly entered the Thames - find out more here (http://vauxhallhistory.org/river-effra-jon-newman/). Had a short stop on Vauxhall Bridge then, as we had a bit of time, did a circuit of the new American embassy with its moat and defensive rampart (and patrolling armed police). Back to CS5 and into Kennington Park, followed by back streets to Myatts Fields. Then Elim Open Space, across Coldharbour Lane at Cambria Rd, and along Milkwood road to Herne Hill. Turned off Burbage Rd on to Turney to use the cycle phase on the lights to turn right into Dulwich Village. Junction geometry is not helpful, but we managed. This avoids going right at the roundabout at the end of Dulwich Village (and using the longer uphill Court Lane route that is on the attached map). Back at Dulwich Park Cafe bang on time and (maybe) a teensy bit healthier! Route at http://tinyurl.com/y7ul6r9r and GPX below.
dulwich-to-vauxhall02.gpx | |
File Size: | 201 kb |
File Type: | gpx |
April 27th 10-12. Peckham to Marathon Starts on Blackheath.
Ride led by Simon who contributed the report below.
Fourteen riders gathered in Peckham Square on a blustery morning. Luckily the early morning rain held off. We were going on a ride with a new theme, visiting the start of Sunday's London Marathon. About ten minutes into the ride Brenda got a puncture. Bruce and Simon changed the inner tube in a time that would impress a Formula One racing team. Jamie referred to the tyre as a Kojak tyre, with no tread on it. There was a small hole in the tyre, which was to puncture again on the return ride. Entering Greenwich Park we got our breath back for the ride up to the Observatory. At the top Simon, who has been involved with the Marathon for many years, spoke for a few minutes on its history (see photo). We then did a circle of Blackheath admiring the many marquees and the clear signage (one said simply “GOOD LUCK”). The scale of the preparations was awe-inspiring – but with 45,000 runners it needs to be like this. Returned to Greenwich Park by its side entrance on Maze Hill. For the return journey it was decided to split into two groups. The first group took several wrong turns on a route that wasn't familiar to us, not helped by the cycle route around the Millwall ground being closed due to a home game! Although taking different routes, due to various incidents, both groups were about 30 minutes late back.
Route at https://drive.google.com/open?id=1hVGE0jdvsdAC_qfN_SpDWQqX5mZ2AM0B&usp=sharing
Ride led by Simon who contributed the report below.
Fourteen riders gathered in Peckham Square on a blustery morning. Luckily the early morning rain held off. We were going on a ride with a new theme, visiting the start of Sunday's London Marathon. About ten minutes into the ride Brenda got a puncture. Bruce and Simon changed the inner tube in a time that would impress a Formula One racing team. Jamie referred to the tyre as a Kojak tyre, with no tread on it. There was a small hole in the tyre, which was to puncture again on the return ride. Entering Greenwich Park we got our breath back for the ride up to the Observatory. At the top Simon, who has been involved with the Marathon for many years, spoke for a few minutes on its history (see photo). We then did a circle of Blackheath admiring the many marquees and the clear signage (one said simply “GOOD LUCK”). The scale of the preparations was awe-inspiring – but with 45,000 runners it needs to be like this. Returned to Greenwich Park by its side entrance on Maze Hill. For the return journey it was decided to split into two groups. The first group took several wrong turns on a route that wasn't familiar to us, not helped by the cycle route around the Millwall ground being closed due to a home game! Although taking different routes, due to various incidents, both groups were about 30 minutes late back.
Route at https://drive.google.com/open?id=1hVGE0jdvsdAC_qfN_SpDWQqX5mZ2AM0B&usp=sharing
April 22, 2019 Bazalgette 2. Burgess Park to Hammersmith Bridge
17 rides at Burgess Park for the Bank Holiday ride celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Joseph Bazalgette, the great Victorian civil engineer. Full report from Ride Leader Werner on Southwark Cyclists web site.
17 rides at Burgess Park for the Bank Holiday ride celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Joseph Bazalgette, the great Victorian civil engineer. Full report from Ride Leader Werner on Southwark Cyclists web site.
Bazalgette 1 Healthy Ride + 20 April 2019
Ride Leader was Werner, who provided much of the detail for this report penned by Bruce.
9.30 on a beautiful sunny morning 24 of us gathered at the Southwark Gateway Needle on the south side of London Bridge ready for the monthly “+” ride. Theme was Sir Joseph Bazalgette, the great civil engineer famed for his construction of London’s sewers, whose 200th anniversary had recently occurred,
Set off through a rather quiet Borough Market, then up to Union St and Quietway 14 to Waterloo Bridge. What a pleasure awaited us. No motor traffic on the bridge thanks to the Extinction Rebellion climate protesters. A clear path had been left beside the tents and greenery and we were cheered through. Off the bridge we descended via Savoy St to the Victoria Embankment, which was, of course, a Bazalgette project. Just after Hungerford Bridge arrived at the fine monument to the great man. We paused for photos then continued along CS3 to Westminster bridge and Parliament Square. Here another great improvement thanks to the Extinction Rebellion. No traffic so we could cycle straight across the square, no waiting interminably at the series of light controlled crossings that usually slow cyclists on CS3 at this point. Immediately off Parliament Square in Gt George St passed the Institution of Civil Engineers. Sir Joseph was elected president of the Institution of Civil Engineers in 1884, where appropriately his presidential address discussed 'those engineering works which promote the health and comfort of the inhabitants of large cities, and by which human life may be preserved and prolonged' Would certainly have placed cycle infrastructure in this category as on retirement he wrote 'I ride a good deal—usually two or three hours a day. I find it splendid exercise for counteracting the effects of a sedentary life' (See Oxford Dictionary of National Biography: http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/10.1093/ref:odnb/9780198614128.001.0001/odnb-9780198614128-e-1787#odnb-9780198614128-e-1787-div1-d386969e879.
Next the touristy bit, Buckingham Palace, Constitution Hill and Hyde Park. Avoided the Extinction Rebels at Marble Arch by crossing Bayswater Rd to Connaught Square. Continued north via Seymour Place, across Marylebone Rd and Lisson Grove. Lisson Grove looked very respectable in the 21st century sunlight, but Werner pointed out its interesting history as a notorious slum in mid Victorian times and one of the areas that demonstrated the need for better sewerage. Nowadays mainly famous as the (fictional) birthplace of Eliza Dolittle (Pygmalion, My Fair Lacy). In the play Prof Higgins correctly identifies Eliza’s origins in Lisson Grove from her particular variant of the Cockney accent. For anyone interested, Werner tells me there was in fact a real Eliza (Eliza Armstrong) the cause of a famous scandal, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisson_Grove. Shortly after crossing Lisson Grove we reached 17 Hamilton Rd where Bazalgette lived for some years and where there is a blue plaque. More photos, then off to Regents Park for a coffee break at the Regents Bar on the Inner Circle.
Left Regents Park by Chester Gate and proceeded to Broadwick St in Soho via Portland Place and across Oxford St. Broadwick St has the pump famously de-handled at the instigation of John Snow. He had shown that the water from this pump was the source of a major cholera epidemic. The work of john Snow was another major factor in the construction of a decent sewer system to improve sanitation and reduce disease.
From Soho headed back by a fun route including Old Compton St, Charing Cross Road, a short circuit of the Covent Garden area, Lincolns Inn Fields, a bit of the Temple and the Monument. Back over London Bridge to the Needle at 12.50. Great timekeeping and a fabulous ride. Thanks to Werner for leading and David for back marking. Track at http://taffimai.w2.org.uk/healthy-rides/HR-Bazalgette-25-20190420.html
Photos will be posted soon.....
Ride Leader was Werner, who provided much of the detail for this report penned by Bruce.
9.30 on a beautiful sunny morning 24 of us gathered at the Southwark Gateway Needle on the south side of London Bridge ready for the monthly “+” ride. Theme was Sir Joseph Bazalgette, the great civil engineer famed for his construction of London’s sewers, whose 200th anniversary had recently occurred,
Set off through a rather quiet Borough Market, then up to Union St and Quietway 14 to Waterloo Bridge. What a pleasure awaited us. No motor traffic on the bridge thanks to the Extinction Rebellion climate protesters. A clear path had been left beside the tents and greenery and we were cheered through. Off the bridge we descended via Savoy St to the Victoria Embankment, which was, of course, a Bazalgette project. Just after Hungerford Bridge arrived at the fine monument to the great man. We paused for photos then continued along CS3 to Westminster bridge and Parliament Square. Here another great improvement thanks to the Extinction Rebellion. No traffic so we could cycle straight across the square, no waiting interminably at the series of light controlled crossings that usually slow cyclists on CS3 at this point. Immediately off Parliament Square in Gt George St passed the Institution of Civil Engineers. Sir Joseph was elected president of the Institution of Civil Engineers in 1884, where appropriately his presidential address discussed 'those engineering works which promote the health and comfort of the inhabitants of large cities, and by which human life may be preserved and prolonged' Would certainly have placed cycle infrastructure in this category as on retirement he wrote 'I ride a good deal—usually two or three hours a day. I find it splendid exercise for counteracting the effects of a sedentary life' (See Oxford Dictionary of National Biography: http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/10.1093/ref:odnb/9780198614128.001.0001/odnb-9780198614128-e-1787#odnb-9780198614128-e-1787-div1-d386969e879.
Next the touristy bit, Buckingham Palace, Constitution Hill and Hyde Park. Avoided the Extinction Rebels at Marble Arch by crossing Bayswater Rd to Connaught Square. Continued north via Seymour Place, across Marylebone Rd and Lisson Grove. Lisson Grove looked very respectable in the 21st century sunlight, but Werner pointed out its interesting history as a notorious slum in mid Victorian times and one of the areas that demonstrated the need for better sewerage. Nowadays mainly famous as the (fictional) birthplace of Eliza Dolittle (Pygmalion, My Fair Lacy). In the play Prof Higgins correctly identifies Eliza’s origins in Lisson Grove from her particular variant of the Cockney accent. For anyone interested, Werner tells me there was in fact a real Eliza (Eliza Armstrong) the cause of a famous scandal, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisson_Grove. Shortly after crossing Lisson Grove we reached 17 Hamilton Rd where Bazalgette lived for some years and where there is a blue plaque. More photos, then off to Regents Park for a coffee break at the Regents Bar on the Inner Circle.
Left Regents Park by Chester Gate and proceeded to Broadwick St in Soho via Portland Place and across Oxford St. Broadwick St has the pump famously de-handled at the instigation of John Snow. He had shown that the water from this pump was the source of a major cholera epidemic. The work of john Snow was another major factor in the construction of a decent sewer system to improve sanitation and reduce disease.
From Soho headed back by a fun route including Old Compton St, Charing Cross Road, a short circuit of the Covent Garden area, Lincolns Inn Fields, a bit of the Temple and the Monument. Back over London Bridge to the Needle at 12.50. Great timekeeping and a fabulous ride. Thanks to Werner for leading and David for back marking. Track at http://taffimai.w2.org.uk/healthy-rides/HR-Bazalgette-25-20190420.html
Photos will be posted soon.....
April 13th 10-12. Tour de Rotherhithe.
20 riders, including a few new faces, at Canada Water on a rather cold April morning with a bit of light rain about. First headed across Southwark Park and through to the Thames at the Salter Statues where we had a short stop. Took the Thames path route all round the peninsula to the Deptford waterfront. Brief stops at Brunel Tunnel, the anonymous obelisk, Durands Wharf (to discuss proposed pedestrian-cycle bridge to Canary Wharf) and the Surrey Docks Farm. Slight diversion at Vaughan St to avoid building works. After mentioning the Navy rum store and Samual Pepys at Deptford Strand, headed inland to the Surrey Canal Linear Path and round South Dock and Greenland Dock. Stopped at the Sustrans bench at Greenland Dock to remember Barry Mason, the founder of the Healthy Rides and long-time cycling activist in SE London.
From Greenland Dock into Russia Woodland, looking beautiful with sunshine filtering through the new leaves and lots of spring flowers. Stopped to climb Stave Hill and take in the views, that were excelent although it was a bit chilly atop the hill. Back to Canada Water via Surrey Water in time for a short ight rain shower! Route at https://goo.gl/5pFd9b and GPX file below.
20 riders, including a few new faces, at Canada Water on a rather cold April morning with a bit of light rain about. First headed across Southwark Park and through to the Thames at the Salter Statues where we had a short stop. Took the Thames path route all round the peninsula to the Deptford waterfront. Brief stops at Brunel Tunnel, the anonymous obelisk, Durands Wharf (to discuss proposed pedestrian-cycle bridge to Canary Wharf) and the Surrey Docks Farm. Slight diversion at Vaughan St to avoid building works. After mentioning the Navy rum store and Samual Pepys at Deptford Strand, headed inland to the Surrey Canal Linear Path and round South Dock and Greenland Dock. Stopped at the Sustrans bench at Greenland Dock to remember Barry Mason, the founder of the Healthy Rides and long-time cycling activist in SE London.
From Greenland Dock into Russia Woodland, looking beautiful with sunshine filtering through the new leaves and lots of spring flowers. Stopped to climb Stave Hill and take in the views, that were excelent although it was a bit chilly atop the hill. Back to Canada Water via Surrey Water in time for a short ight rain shower! Route at https://goo.gl/5pFd9b and GPX file below.
0pilaeo65_tour-de-rotherhithe-2017.gpx | |
File Size: | 26 kb |
File Type: | gpx |
April 6th 2019. Dulwich to Beckenham Place Park
14 riders at the Dulwich Clock Cafe on a cool, gray, April morning. Used a direct route to Forest Hill along the South Circular. Not our usual chice, but provided a quick passage. Left the park via the Roseberry Gate and used the shared-use pavement (according to the Open Street Map) to Lordship Lane. Up Lordship lane used the bus lane, then the short on-pavement cycle path to the Horniman museum and then on carriageway non-mandatory cycle lane and the bus lane down London Road to the junction at Forest Hill Station. At this junction played safe and dismounted, crossed on the pedestrian crossing and lugged the bikes down the short steps and through the underpass.
The rest of the route was much less stressful! Round through Mayow Park to Bell Green and the Waterlink Way (National Route NR21). Took this south only 300 metres before turning left under the railway. Then quiet streets to Beckenham Place Park. Arrived at 10.50 so, to much approval, a coffee break of 15 minutes was declared. The Easter Fayre was in full swing at the Mansion. Easy to get a coffee. The Mansion was all open, right up to the top floor where the resident artists have their studios. These are accessed by 2 fine spiral stairs. Refreshmants consumed we headed back by exactly the same route to the Waterlink Way. We then followed this for a bit over 2 km north to Ladywell Fields. Finally up to the footbridge over the railway and through to Peckham Rye Park following LCN22. Cycled along the top of the park and via quiet streets back to the Court Lane entrance to Dulwich Park. Whole ride completed at a nice pace in 2 hours.
Route map at https://bit.ly/2FLEtqT or .gpx below
14 riders at the Dulwich Clock Cafe on a cool, gray, April morning. Used a direct route to Forest Hill along the South Circular. Not our usual chice, but provided a quick passage. Left the park via the Roseberry Gate and used the shared-use pavement (according to the Open Street Map) to Lordship Lane. Up Lordship lane used the bus lane, then the short on-pavement cycle path to the Horniman museum and then on carriageway non-mandatory cycle lane and the bus lane down London Road to the junction at Forest Hill Station. At this junction played safe and dismounted, crossed on the pedestrian crossing and lugged the bikes down the short steps and through the underpass.
The rest of the route was much less stressful! Round through Mayow Park to Bell Green and the Waterlink Way (National Route NR21). Took this south only 300 metres before turning left under the railway. Then quiet streets to Beckenham Place Park. Arrived at 10.50 so, to much approval, a coffee break of 15 minutes was declared. The Easter Fayre was in full swing at the Mansion. Easy to get a coffee. The Mansion was all open, right up to the top floor where the resident artists have their studios. These are accessed by 2 fine spiral stairs. Refreshmants consumed we headed back by exactly the same route to the Waterlink Way. We then followed this for a bit over 2 km north to Ladywell Fields. Finally up to the footbridge over the railway and through to Peckham Rye Park following LCN22. Cycled along the top of the park and via quiet streets back to the Court Lane entrance to Dulwich Park. Whole ride completed at a nice pace in 2 hours.
Route map at https://bit.ly/2FLEtqT or .gpx below
dulwich---beckenham-place-park--short02.gpx | |
File Size: | 19 kb |
File Type: | gpx |