ebenezercm

Yes (sniff). I got the date wrong - I think it was 1981.

The only reason I don't go down Camberwell Grove is because I would pass the site of my old grammar school, which closed in 1986; I find seeing the derelict site too upsetting, so I avoid it. For the same reason I never cycle down to the bottom of Grove Lane.

I cycle to work from Malfort Road to Portland Place W1 every day. It takes me about 40 minutes, depending on traffic lights. I head down Denmark Hill, then wend my way through KCH and down Denmark Road and Flodden Road to reach Camberwell New Road. I then turn (illegally!) into Kennington Road, cross Westminster Bridge, do another illegal right turn into Whitehall, then head round the Trafalgar Square roundabout and up Charing Cross Road and Tottenham Court Road, turning into Howland Street to reach Portland Place. I have been doing it for five years, and have been cycling in London for ten years. I ride a Kona Dr Dew, and (at this time of year) wear padded shorts with Ron Hill trousers over them, and a long-sleeved wicking top under a waterproof yellow jacket. In summer I shed the Ron Hills and the jacket. I am too old to learn to use SPDs; I have got clipless pedals, which are a good compromise for urban cycling. I would never venture on the road without a helmet; wearing one once saved me from a very serious injury in a collision with a Post Office van (the driver's fault). The nasty bits of this journey are the section under the railway lines approaching Westminster Bridge, and Piccadilly Circus. At the latter, traffic cuts from the middle lane to turn left towards Leicester Square, cutting cyclists off in their prime. I don't like Regent Street either (I have to cycle back this way); the bicycle rickshaws are a menace. as are the bendy buses.