free social cycle rides Saturday May 15th

[Sally Eva]

Just listening to the PM telling us that the road map will proceed and from the 17th we will be able to have groups of 30 outdoors. So after this week no longer need to keep to groups of 6 when off our bikes. But we do have one more week - this week - when we have to keep to the present rules. From the 22nd we plan to increase slightly the numbers per ride, but will continue as now with Eventbrite booking.

Ride 1. Rotherhithe to Peckham Routes. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rotherhithe-to-peckham-routes-southwark-healthy-ride-tickets-154263892455

10am to 12 noon. Flat 9 mile ride so pretty easy-paced. Some cycle lane or path, also some busier stretches. Bruce leading. Start/finish Deal Porter Square, opposite Canada Water Station, SE16 7AR. A few years back funding for a new cycle route from Rotherhithe to Peckham was announced. This has not happened. But worth looking at existing routes and at places where new developments offer opportunities to improve routes or provide additional quality cycle path. Plan is to go from Canada Water to Peckham, then back all way to Thames by a different route, then return to Canada Water. So a good ride for learning some new routes. Probable route on Google Maps at

. This also indicates some of the places where developments have occurred or are planned.

Ride 2. Cutty Sark to Beckenham Place Park. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cutty-sark-to-beckenham-place-park-southwark-cyclists-healthy-ride-tickets-154267110079

10am start at Cutty Sark, next to the Foot Tunnel entrance. Approx. 2.5 hours. 12 miles, so nice easy pace. Bill leading. Out and back ride using lots of National Route 21 from Deptford to Bell Green. This includes the Waterlink Way, one of the nicest cycle routes in London, nearly all off road and flat. The Mansion at Beckenham Place Park is impressive. The improvements to the Homestead include a new Caf?, so we will have a coffee break there. Note we are experimenting with a Waiting List for this ride. Hope it works!

These rides are supported by Southwark Cyclists who are the borough branch of the London Cycling Campaign. They are organised by Bruce Lynn who can be contacted on 07729 279 945. Enjoy.