ktm

If you haven't left: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2146369 Should take no more than 45 minutes...

ED-Canary Wharf http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1078837 Points to note: Google Maps chooses to ignore a number of paths, but you will find them if you follow the map (they are there I promise!) As Rafester says Greenwich Tunnel lifts are fairly reliable. I only temped in Canary Wharf for two months, but during that time they were closed on maybe five or so journeys - the stairs aren't that bad either! You will also have to acquire the arcane ability of scooting your bike through the tunnel, or be prepared for a five minute walk through. The slightly terrifying bits traffic wise are, as edbrummie says, around Deptford Bridge, but I would also recommend looking out around the Endwell Road double-roundabout of doom in Brockley - stand your ground, be visible, and take care... When you get to the foot bridge by South Quay, you will have to walk across, on the other side of the bridge there are bike stands, where I used to leave my bike and then amble off to the office. Although both Manchester Road and Westferry Road are fine cycle-wise if this is closer to your work place. Overall, it's a really pleasant commute, about 30 minutes long and quiet most of the way..

I think the police said something about it being "far too common" an occurrence. If it is your regular path though consider this route as an alternative: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=896624. A bit busier traffic wise but certainly better than Walworth Road. Another alternative from East Dulwich to Elephant is: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=896631. Crossing Peckham High Street to turn right into Southampton Way can be a big hairy, but with confident signalling not too bad, or you can cycle up to the zebra crossing and walk across.

Just a heads up on Burgess Park and Surrey Canal Path (the route Polly D mentions), please don't cycle through there out of busy hours or in the dark. A friend of mine was recently brutally assaulted at about 8pm by a pair of scaffold pole wielding scoundrels in the park. He luckily made an escape with bike and possessions intact (unlike his nose). The cops said "eh, sorry, it happens all the time, rapes, assaults, it's not very safe round here..." I used to go through there every day at rush hour when it was very busy and it was fine, but if you're out and about late I wouldn't recommend it.

Just wondering if anyone knows why the Clock House was closed last night? I went zooming past and couldn't read the sign, but noted a skip in the forecourt. Surely this would be a very inopportune time for a refurbishment given its popularity on those sunny summer afternoons...?

Coffee and cake, what a good idea!

Thank you so much for your suggestions. I think another visit to Up and Running is in order to see what sort of services they offer; last time I went it was very Tri-specific on the bike front. To sum up a small shop offering spares, servicing and maybe a limited stock of basic "get-about" bikes for all, with friendly knowledgeable staff. Sounds reasonable enough. Will keep the forum posted on any progress!

My old neighbour (on Peckham Rye) had parakeets in her trees. I thought I was hallucinating, but then I saw a report on the beeb about urban parakeets, apparently they're not that rare.

Is there a really strong demand for a bike shop in the ED area? I know someone who has been thinking about giving it a shot for a while. I know a lot of cyclists in the area who would use a store, but could I get a quick ED Forum show of hands of people who would use a bike shop for repairs and picking up bits of kit. Also what sort of services would you need? Predominately for repairs and spares? Road or mountain bikes? Bikes for the kids? Apologies for using the forum for informal market research...