Category: Rides

River Ride report 12/07/20

The second of the new socially distanced rides saw four of us set off from the Viewtube on a sunny morning.  We followed the Lea canal to the point it joins the river at Three Mills.  A short visit to the peaceful, green enclave of Coal Gas memorial site and then down to Cody Dock where Nadia’s cafe was open.  Along to Canning Town, through the ecology park, the station and down the expressway to the Emirates cable car.  This provides spectacular views across this part of London and appears to be operating almost without passengers

At North Greenwich we took the Thames cycle route towards the Thames Barrier and, after an enforced detour, to the Woolwich ferry.  Unfortunately on this occasion the ferry was not running so we had to use the foot tunnel and missed the river views.  Having crossed back we stayed as close to the river as possible, through Royal Victoria Gardens, and crossing the access to King George V dock and then Royal Albert dock at the locks.  We kept on the Thames path as far as possible and then turned away from the river at Gallions Reach towards Gallions Reach Retail Park.  From there it was easy to pick up the cycle route that joins the Greenway and follow this back to our starting point.  Only stopping to admire the views we were back in time for lunch

Newham Ride (socially distanced)

A blustery day saw us take our first organised socially distanced ride. Although we planned for six, we were only three leaving the Viewtube and a fourth joined us at Thames Barrier Park. It was noticeable that several cafes were open including the Viewtube, and Fat Boys at Trinity Buoy Wharf, and toilet facilities at the Expressway.
We had to cross the 6 sets of lights at the A13 junction, this is the most tricky section of the ride. Otherwise cycle infrastructure facilities on this route are not bad and just miss minor assists such as a dropped kerb and better light phasing on the Barking road
In all this was a pleasant ride within the current restrictions and I am looking forward to the river ride on 12th July

Greensted ride report 2020

For the third year in succession our first ride of the year was to Greensted. The weather was fine as before but the route was different as was the lunch stop.
We went north from Epping to North Weald and had a brief stop at the well preserved station there. The single track railway began life as an extension of the Great Eastern Railway. We then took the back route through to Tylers Green, Moreton and Bobbingworth, twice crossing the A414. We passed the disused Blake Hall station, over the railway and on to Greensted and St Andrews, the oldest wooden church (circ 845AD). The road then led us through Stanford rivers to Toot Hill and Fiddlers Hamlet, where we had a good lunch at the Theydon Oak. From there it was a short distance to Epping station and the train back although three of our group decided to ride back to Newham and burn some more calories
Thanks to Robin for the photos on the link below, if you scroll to the end there are three aerial photos taken by Chas using a drone giving an unusual perspective

https://www.flickr.com/gp/rsstephenson/31Td71

Heritage Ride Report 17 November

14 of us gathered at the ViewTube Cafe to tour the byways of Newham in search of some of our heritage amongst the new build and the post industrial landscape of the Royal Docks and the riversides of the Thames and the Lea.

Our efforts were rewarded – particularly the Thames parks of Victoria Gardens, Thames Barrier Park and Lyle Park which looked delightfully autumnal.

We got back to the View Tube just as the old was beginning to bite.

Arnold

Heritage Ride 17 November

Start at 10.ooam at the View Tube Cafe. This year we will be focussing on the Royal Docks, and the banks of the rivers Thames and Lea. There will be short stops at sites of historical interest but for further info and photos (including some sites we will not be visiting!) see the update and expanded guide.

Lots of stopping places in the second half of the ride and the cafe at Cody Dock should be open. The choice will depend on the weather.

Arnold

Urgent! tonights firework ride cancelled

Ride scheduled for this evening has been cancelled due to display being cancelled due to adverse weather conditions
‘Unfortunately due to the adverse weather conditions, including strong gusts of wind, which are forecast to continue, the Event Mangement Team have decided that it is unsafe to continue with the event. We regret any dissapointment this may cause, but public safety must be our priority at all times.​‘
sorry Bill

Newham Ride 29 September 2019

Rain before and rain after kept the crowds away from what proved, for Viv, Jonathan and myself to be a ride in dry – if grey- weather. We took in theusual, but ever changing sights of Newham, including Lyle Park, Tinity Buoy Wharf (where the only hint of rain came whilst lunch was being taken) East India Dock, Cody Dock and Three Mills.

Lunch stop at Trininty buoy Wharf where an excellect piece of sculpture has been retained during building works elsewhere

One puncture from the usual glass on the cycle lanes around Beckton. Also the sight of systematic car parking on shared use pavement in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic(Car) Park.

Arnold