two free sociable cycle rides Sat Nov 12th + AGM

[Sally Eva]

NOTE. You must register on Eventbrite so we can limit numbers, links below.

On Nov 12th we will have 2 rides, one 2-2.5 hours and one 3 hours in duration. If you cannot make it, please cancel so that someone else can take the place. Even at the last minute it is worth cancelling.

Reminder. Southwark Cyclists AGM this Wednesday. 7pm, The Trunk, new centre at Elephant and Castle, details and maps at https://southwarkcyclists.org.uk/events/southwark-cyclists-annual-general-meeting/. Learn about what is happening in cycling in SE London and enjoy free refreshments.

Ride details

Lord Mayors Show Ride. < https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lord-mayors-show-cycle-ride-tickets-462661552157 >

Second Saturday in November is date for the annual Lord Mayors Show. A procession of bands, floats and carriages around the streets of the City. The streets are cleared of traffic. There is narrow window mid-morning when, expertly led by Werner, we have been able to enjoy these empty streets. And also sneak a view at some of the participants preparing for the parade.

Start 10am at Canada Water (Deal Porter Square, by the Library and opposite the station). Ride C14 and C4 to Southwark Bridge. Then negotiate! Route clearly very uncertain. Recently have recrossed river on return over Waterloo Bridge, then Thameside or C10 back to Canada water. Hope to finish around 12.30. Report of last ride, gives you a feel for this event, at https://southwarkcyclists.org.uk/healthy-rides/healthy-ride-reports-2019/the-lord-mayors-show-2019-healthy-ride-report/

London Bridge to Clissold and Finsbury Parks < https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/london-bridge-to-clissold-and-finsbury-parks-cycle-ride-tickets-462666486917 >

Recent ride to Alexandra Palace went through these 2 parks. I realised they were worth a ride in themselves where we could explore a bit more. Start Southwark Needle on south side of London Bridge. 10am. 13 mile ride so with coffee break about 3 hours. Start heading north through the City, past Barbican and Bunhill Fields, across City Road at the Eagle (Pop goes the weasel), back streets to Canonbury and first sight of the New River. This artificial river has been supplying water to London since 1614 (yes over 400 years) and will be popping up regularly on the ride.

Zigzag through Clissold Park spotting the animal enclosure and the Mansion. Then Woodberry Wetlands, around reservoirs filled from the New River. More side streets to Finsbury Park where will do a circuit noting the stretch of the New River and the boating Lake.

Back to the west end of the Wetlands and a brief stop at The Castle. This amazing building really does look like a castle, but was actually a Victorian pumping station to increase supply from the New River. It is now an impressive indoor climbing centre. Return continues past the Emirates Stadium, New River Head (no river any more), C6 and the embankment (C3). Bruce leading. Route at

These rides are part of the Healthy Riders group, organised by Bruce Lynn on behalf of Southwark Cyclists https://southwarkcyclists.org.uk/. Like everything else we do, our activities are all free. We co-operate with other London Cycling Campaign groups like Greenwich Cyclists. The LCC details are here: https://lcc.org.uk/.

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