Wheelers Events & Rides Archive 2003

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January 2003

Saturday, 11th January

Wheelers Monthly Bike Ride
To hell in a handcart
Nice flat ride along the Thames estuary, hardly any traffic for most of the route, a sustrans path 100% of the way. Probably 40ish miles, maybe less, one caff en route for tea, lunch in the hell of Bluewater shopping mall

Meet 9am top of green bridge Saturday 11 Jan, or 9.15, in the entrance of St Annes church, Limehouse, the big Hawksmore one on the Commercial Road.
Don't be late, I won't wait (very long).

You'll either love it, or hate it, but come anyway.

Contact Gary for more info.
Read about and see some photos from previous Wheelers rides.

Wednesday, 22nd January

Wheelers New Year Get Together
Join us for the second Wheelers New Year's meal on Wednesday, 22 January at 7.30pm, to celebrate what will hopefully be - with your continued support - a successful and enjoyable year for Tower Hamlets cycle campaigning.

We have booked the Meds Cafe, 37 Burdett Road. Cycle parking stands are located opposite in Mile End Park. The food is Mediterranean, that includes, Italian, French, Greek and a bit of Lebanese. There is also good old egg on toast for those that want Modern British.

Prices are extortionately low, with starters from £3.50-£4.50, and main courses from £2.20- £6.00. There is no drinks licence, but feel free to bring your own alcohol in.

We will need to let the cafe know how many are coming along so please contact Gary to reserve your place: 020 7265 9095 or Gary.

Saturday, 25th January

Hackney LCC Burns Night
Seventh annual supper and dance - more info at Hackney LCC site.
Some Wheelers are going along - contact Alix if you would like to join them.

February 2003

Saturday, 8th February

Wheelers Monthly Bike Ride
Going to Cambridge from the Green Bridge at 9am sharp. This is for fitter, more experienced folk, who'll need to be able to keep up a reasonable pace throughout the day. It will be 65 to 70 miles. There are stations near the route if you want to bail out before the end. Photocopies of an OS map showing some of the railway stations en route will be provided.
Contact Gary for more info.
Read about and see some photos from previous Wheelers rides.

Saturday, 8th February

"Give or Take" event
Malmesbury School, Coburn Rd, Bow E3 from 12-3pm. Bike repair service and cycling info.
Contact Owen for more details.

March 2003

Saturday, 8th March

Wheelers Monthly Bike Ride
If you go down to the woods today...
Hybrid/mountain bike easy ride on muddy trails to Epping Forest. 35 mile round-trip but on the way back you can opt for taking your bike on the train/tube, cutting riding distance to under 20 miles. Meet 9:30am on top of the Green Bridge. Gary is leading.
Read about and see some photos from previous Wheelers rides.

Saturday, 22nd March

Bikes, Beefeaters and Battlements
Easy family-friendly slow ride through Tower Hamlets back streets and cycle routes to the Tower of London. Take advantage of the current special offer entry price of only £1 if you have a Tower Hamlets library card, leisure pass or Idea Store card (usual price: £11.50; offer ends 31st March). Bring proof of your residential address in Tower Hamlets, e.g. gas bill or possibly even LCC membership card!
Meet 11am on top of the Green Bridge. Back by 4pm. Contact ride leader Alix if you have any queries. Hopefully Rick Sure's Rickshaws and Newham LCC's trailer sound system will join in. You are especially welcome if you have an unusual bike!
Take a look at www.hrp.org.uk and www.tower-of-london.com to get you in the mood for a bit of royal history.

Wednesday, 26th March

Aldgate Gyratory Cycle Count
We'll be collecting the first cycling data at Aldgate gyratory since the congestion charge started. This follows on from our January and June 2002 counts.
There are vague, long term plans for the gyratory and Whitechapel High Street to be transformed to a two-way system but in the meantime we need to keep up the pressure on TfL to provide for cyclists travelling east-west.
Contact Colin if you can spare half an hour between 7.00-9.30am to help out with the count.

Saturday, 29th March

Wheelers Workshop
The Grand Opening!
11.00am-3.00pm at Limehouse Town Hall [map]. Full details on our workshop page.

April 2003

Saturday, 5th April

Wheelers Monthly Bike Ride
Treasure Hunt on Wheels
Join in our fun hunt around Tower Hamlets following clues for the hidden treasure, donated by the wonderful Bicycle Magic boys in Whitechapel. Each stage rewards participants with chocolate egg goodies. Play in teams of four, with each player donating £2 entry fee to the Wheelers; either arrange with your clever mates before the day or turn up and we'll allocate you to a team. Ends between 4pm and 5pm in a family-friendly pub. Meet 10am on top of the Green Bridge.
For more details and to book a team place, contact Gary Cummins 020 7265 9095
Read about and see some photos from previous Wheelers rides.

Friday, 18th April

Herne Hill Cycle Track : Good Friday Meeting
Ride the few miles down to Herne Hill Cycle Track to watch all the racing action at their annual Good Friday meeting in its centenary year. There are some big star riders appearing which along with the consistently high standard of racing this event achieves will make it unmissable. There won't be a bigger cycle racing event in Britain this year. Entry fee is £12 for about 6 hours of quality sporting entertainment. Full details at www.hernehillcycling.com.
Meet at the Green Bridge, Mile End Park at 9.30 or at Island Gardens just before 10.00 for a leisurely ride down south of the river. Further details from Owen and also on the email group.

19th-20th April

Easter Weekend trip to Essex
Saturday 19th Depart Green Bridge 9 am cycle into Essex 60-70 miles, stay at YHA castle Hedingham, either organise our own grub, wine etc, or go to restaurant in village, or both.
Sunday 20th cycle 40-50 miles to Blaxhall YHA stay and repeat Saturday evening.
Sunday cycle down coast 30 miles and train into London.

OR
Sunday, cycle back to London

All of the above is depending on getting bodies booked into the hostel. Please let me know if you are interested.

I need responses to this pronto, and its first come first served etc.
Contact: Gary C 0207 265 9095

Saturday, 26th April

Wheelers Workshop
11.00am-3.00pm at Limehouse Town Hall [map]. Full details on our workshop page.

May 2003

Saturday, 3rd May

RIDE: Birthday Bikes - the 125'er
125 mile ride around Essex to celebrate CTC's 125th anniversary and the LCC's 25th anniversary. Special drop-out points at 25 miles, 125 km (78 miles) and 125 miles so the ride should cater for all abilities!
For more details contact Gary Cummins 020 7265 9095
Read about and see some photos from previous Wheelers rides.

Saturday, 24th May

RIDE: The Tate Modern Trundle
Meet at the Green Bridge, Mile End Park at 9.45am ready to leave at 10.00am for an all day tour of sights galore. We travel west to Tower Bridge, through Butlers Wharf, and 16th-21st century streets of Southwark passing landmarks like the Golden Hynd, the Clink, Hayes Galleria, HMS Belfast, The Old Anchor pub, London Mayor's new building, Oxo Tower and many others... Have a look at Steve's great route map [190K].

The main galleries, museums and a Cathedral we will visit on the ride are as follows: Fashion & Textile Museum, Old Operating Theatre Museum & Herb Garrat, Bramah Tea & Coffee Museum, Southwark Cathedral via Borough market, Printspace, Jerwoodspace (foodstop in their excellent cafe), Bankside Gallery, Satchi Gallery, Tate Modern.

Other optional Galleries/ museums we may visit depending on time at certain stages are: Royal Festival Hall (world press photography), Workspace Art SE1 Gallery, Union projects, FA Projects (video art), Purdy Hicks Gallery, Royal National Theatre (blondes), Furniture Union (a modern furniture designers shop)

After all that we go for an optional pub meal and a gentle ride back along the river. The cost of getting in the places will be just over £15:00, excluding suggested voluntary £4:00 in the donation box at Southwark Cathedral.
Contact Steve 020 7987 2078 for any more info.
Read about and see some photos from previous Wheelers rides.

June 2003

Saturday, 7th June

RIDE: Ride to London Recumbents
Easy ride south of the river to Dulwich Park for a fun session at London Recumbents, "specialists in family cycling, recumbents, classic bikes and special needs cycling". For £10 you can hire their wonderful bikes for an hour and ride around the many acres of the park.
Meet at the Green Bridge, Mile End Park at 10.00am.
For more details contact Gary 020 7265 9095
Read about and see some photos from previous Wheelers rides.

14th-22nd June

Bike Week 2003
Too many events to list here so head straight for the Wheelers Bike Week page for full details of what we'll be up to. Hope to see you there!
Here's what we got up to in Bike Week 2002.

July 2003

Sunday, 6th July

London Bikeathon : Leukemia Research Fund
Wheelers will provide the Dr Bike stand at St James's Ratcliffe Gardens, off Butcher Row, Limehouse [map] for this sponsored ride. Contact Owen is you would like to help out.
Links: www.bikeathon.org.uk and www.lrf.org.uk

Wednesday, 9th July

Monthly Wheelers Meeting
Meet at Limehouse Town Hall, 646 Commercial Road, E14 7HA [map] 7.00-8.30pm, to discuss anything and everything to do with cycling in Tower Hamlets. Everyone welcome. Followed by a visit to The Grapes on Narrow Street from 9.00pm. Contact Owen.
Notes from previous meetings.

Saturday, 12th July

RIDE: 11th Dunwich Dynamo
Set off at 9pm and ride 120 miles to Dunwich on the Suffolk coast. Interested?! Full details on Greenwich Cyclists site. Several Wheelers have already decided to take up the challenge.

Saturday, 19th July

RIDE: Tour of the Chilterns
Ride to Marylebone station, get on the train then spend the day roaming around the rolling Chilterns. More info to follow.
Meet on the Green Bridge, Mile End Park [map] at 10.00am.
For more details contact Colin.
Reports & photos from previous Wheelers rides.

Sunday, 20th July

Get Moving : Summer Family Fun Event
Big event in Mile End Park from 10am-5pm. Wheelers will provide easy paced guided rides, children's cycle obstacle course, Dr Bike stand and cycling information stall.
Read more about the event on the publicity flyer.
Contact Owen for more details.

Wednesday, 23rd July

Easy RIDE: Evening Canal Cruise
Easy ride along the canals followed by Wheelers social in the Palm Tree, Mile End Park.
Meet on the Green Bridge, Mile End Park [map] at 6.30pm. Ride finishes about 9pm - bring lights just in case!
For more details contact Steve.
Reports & photos from previous Wheelers rides.

Saturday, 26th July

Wheelers Workshop
Maintenance class: Puncture repair - more details to follow, email if you are interested in attending.
11.00am-3.00pm at Limehouse Town Hall [map]. Full details on our workshop page.

Sunday, 27th July

RIDE: Tour of Hertfordshire
Moderately paced 50 mile ride around the Hertfordshire countryside lanes. Optional dropout point at 30 miles to catch train back.
Meet on the Green Bridge, Mile End Park [map] at 8.00am.
For more details contact Steve.
Read about and see some photos from previous Wheelers rides.

Wednesday, 30th July

Easy RIDE: London Bubble
Easy ride along the canals to Three Mills to see the London Bubble Theatre performance of Punchkin Enchanter for children and adults. Visit www.londonbubble.org.uk to read about their walkabout performance style and this particular performance.
Theatre tickets cost £11.00 (full price), £7 (conc) and groups (8+), every 8th ticket FREE. Performance starts at 7.30pm.
Meet on the Green Bridge, Mile End Park [map] at 6.30pm.
Contact Alix asap if you would like a ticket and she'll try and get a group discount. Alternatively make your own arrangements 7237 1663 ticket-sales@londonbubble.org.uk.
Reports & photos from previous Wheelers rides.

August 2003

Saturday, 2nd August

RIDE: Faversham to Dover Coastal Ride
Ride to London Bridge station, catch the train to Faversham, leisurely ride to Whitstable, and then coastal and cliff ride to Dover to catch a return train. A swim and lunch on the way, 50 miles in all with plenty of stations along the way if you want to make it shorter. Return train ticket is £20 (bike goes free).
As train bookings will need to be arranged it is advisable to contact Steve if you wish to join this ride.
Start will be on the Green Bridge, Mile End Park [map] at 8.00am.
Reports & photos from previous Wheelers rides.

Wednesday, 6th August

Easy RIDE: Evening Park & Canal Pedal
Easy loop around Victoria Park and along the canals. Ideal for new cyclists for confidence building, all welcome though.
Meet on the Green Bridge, Mile End Park [map] at 6.30pm. Ride finishes 8.30-9pm - bring lights in case!
For more details contact Steve.
Reports & photos from previous Wheelers rides.

Saturday, 9th August

RIDE: Herne Hill Velodrome
Join Greenwich Cyclists for an afternoon at the velodrome. Borrow one of their track bikes and ride the banked concrete. No cars, no traffic lights, no potholes, no junctions, no motorbikes or pedestrians.....no brakes, no gears, no back-peddling. Huge fun, a different sort of biking. This pro-trained session qualifies you to use the track. It takes most people, and children from 8 up, about 10 minutes to get the hang of it.
£10/£5 unwaged for 3 hours at the track. Free to spectators!
Meet on the Green Bridge, Mile End Park [map] at 10.00am or there at Burbage Road, Dulwich at 1pm for 1.30pm start.
For more details contact Steve.

Wednesday, 13th August

Monthly Wheelers Meeting
Meet at Limehouse Town Hall, 646 Commercial Road, E14 7HA [map] 7.00-8.30pm - everyone welcome. Followed by a visit to The Grapes on Narrow Street from 9.00pm. Contact Owen.
Notes from previous meetings.

Saturday, 16th August

RIDE: Useful Places Tour
Find out about what Tower Hamlets has to offer. The full version of the ride that first took place during this year's Bike Week. An easy ride of under 20 miles all around the borough with lots of stops pointing out loads of amenities, libraries, museums, cafes and generally useful places.
Start will be on the Green Bridge, Mile End Park [map] at 10.00am.
For more details contact Steve.
Reports & photos from previous Wheelers rides.

Saturday, 23rd August

RIDE: Visit Kew and Richmond
All day outing - ride along the river to Kew Gardens (17 miles). Spend time there then option to head back or carry on to take in Hampton Court, Richmond and Bushey Parks before returning for a total of around 40 miles.
Start will be on the Green Bridge, Mile End Park [map] at 8.00am.
For more details contact Steve.
Reports & photos from previous Wheelers rides.

Wednesday, 27th August

Easy RIDE: Evening Easy Excursion
Easy ride around quiet routes in the borough - ideal for new cyclists for confidence building, all welcome though. Followed by Wheelers social in The Approach, Approach Road.
Meet on top of the Green Bridge, Mile End Park [map] at 6.30pm. Ride finishes about 9pm - bring lights just in case!
For more details contact Steve.
Reports & photos from previous Wheelers rides.

Saturday, 30th August

Wheelers Workshop
11.00am-3.00pm at Limehouse Town Hall [map]. Full details on our workshop page.

September 2003

Wednesday, 3rd September

Easy RIDE: Evening Easy Excursion
Easy ride around Victoria Park and quiet routes in the borough - ideal for new cyclists for confidence building.
Meet on top of the Green Bridge, Mile End Park [map] at 6.30pm. Ride finishes 8.30-9pm - don't forget your lights.
For more details contact Steve.
Reports & photos from previous Wheelers rides.

Wednesday, 10th September

Monthly Wheelers Meeting
Meet at the Sundial Centre, Shipton Street [map] 7.00-8.30pm - everyone welcome. Followed by a visit to The Approach on Approach Road from 9.00pm. Contact Owen.
Notes from previous meetings.

Thursday, 18th September

Easy RIDE: Green Bridge to Broadgate for breakfast
During Transport for London's "Way to go!" travel awareness week, Thursday 18th September is "cycling" day. TfL and LCC groups are organising morning 'bicycle bus' rides.
We'll do an easy pace on a nice route, avoiding busy roads, crowded trains and the congestion charge, arriving at Broadgate at around 8:45am for a free breakfast, courtesy of TfL. Beginners are most welcome.
Meet on top of the Green Bridge, Mile End Park [map] at 8.00am.
For more details and if you would like a Wheelers volunteer to accompany you to your final destination contact Owen 020 7515 9905.

During this week Tower Hamlets council will also be launching it's good going travel awareness scheme specifically targeting going by bike on this day. Their cycling launch will coincide with the start of our morning ride.

Saturday, 20th September

RIDE: Grand Union Canal
Medium paced ride. Join the Grand Union canal tow path at Paddington and get started on a 50 mile ride out to Aylesbury. Choice of train back or 30 mile return ride on the roads.
Meet on top of the Green Bridge, Mile End Park [map] at 8.00am.
For more details contact Steve.
Reports & photos from previous Wheelers rides.

Wednesday, 24th September

Easy RIDE: Canary Wharf Riverside
Easy ride to Canary Wharf Riverside and back - beginners welcome. Followed by Wheelers social in The Crown, Grove Road/Old Ford Road roundabout.
Meet on top of the Green Bridge, Mile End Park [map] at 6.30pm. Ride finishes about 9pm - don't forget your lights.
For more details contact Steve.
Reports & photos from previous Wheelers rides.

Saturday, 27th September

Wheelers Workshop
11.00am-3.00pm at Limehouse Town Hall [map]. Full details on our workshop page.

October 2003

Wednesday, 1st October

Easy RIDE: Parks, waterways and quiet roads
Easy ride around the borough - beginners welcome.
Meet on top of the Green Bridge, Mile End Park [map] at 6.30pm. Ride finishes about 9pm - don't forget your lights.
For more details contact Steve.
Reports & photos from previous Wheelers rides.

Saturday, 4th October

RIDE: Herne Hill Velodrome
Join Greenwich Cyclists for an afternoon at the velodrome. Borrow one of their track bikes and ride the banked concrete. No cars, no traffic lights, no potholes, no junctions, no motorbikes or pedestrians.....no brakes, no gears, no back-peddling. Huge fun, a different sort of biking. This pro-trained session qualifies you to use the track. It takes most people, and children from 8 up, about 10 minutes to get the hang of it.
£5
Meet on top of the Green Bridge, Mile End Park [map] at 12 noon or there at Burbage Road, Dulwich at 1pm.
For more details contact Owen.

Wednesday, 8th October

Monthly Wheelers Meeting
Meet at Oxford House, Derbyshire Street, 7.00-8.30pm - everyone welcome. Followed by a visit to a local pub from 9.00pm. Contact Owen.
Notes from previous meetings.

Sunday, 12th October

RIDE: Ten Famous Hills
South London Hills around to North London Hills. Will try and ensure we Start at the Bottom of each one, Pub Lunch, and might include more than ten, good photo oportunities. 40 miles approx but can drop off when you want.
Meet on top of the Green Bridge, Mile End Park [map] at 9.00am.
For more details contact Steve.
Reports & photos from previous Wheelers rides.

Saturday, 18th October

RIDE: Off-Roader
Moderately strenuous ride. We'll catch a train from London Bridge and head for the Surrey woodlands, Gomshall and Leith Hill, 20 miles mostly off-road.
Meet on top of the Green Bridge, Mile End Park [map] at 8.00am.
For more details contact Steve.
Reports & photos from previous Wheelers rides.

Sunday, 19th October

Easy RIDE: Gallery Tour
Easy ride visiting the galleries and arts venues of Tower Hamlets and Shoreditch.
Meet on top of the Green Bridge, Mile End Park [map] at 9.00am.
For more details contact Steve.
Reports & photos from previous Wheelers rides.

Wednesday, 22nd October

Wheelers Social
Meet up with the Wheelers at 9.00pm at the Morgan Arms, Morgan Street.

Saturday, 25th October

Wheelers Workshop
11.00am-3.00pm at Limehouse Town Hall [map]. Full details on our workshop page.

November 2003

Saturday, 1st November

RIDE: Off-Roader
Moderately strenuous ride. We'll catch a train to Petersfield then head off to Buriton and on to Busterhill, 30 miles mostly off-road.
Meet on top of the Green Bridge, Mile End Park [map] at 10.00am.
For more details contact Steve 07974 051766.
Reports & photos from previous Wheelers rides.

Wednesday, 12th November

Monthly Wheelers Meeting
Meet at Oxford House, Derbyshire Street, 7.00-8.30pm - everyone welcome. Followed by a visit to a local pub from 9.00pm. Contact Owen.
Notes from previous meetings.

Saturday, 15th November

Easy RIDE: Gallery Tour
*** Postponed until next year ***
South London gallery tour to include Horniman Museum, pub lunch and the occasional hill. 30 miles approx but plenty of drop out points.

Saturday, 29th November

Wheelers Workshop
11.00am-3.00pm at Limehouse Town Hall [map]. Full details on our workshop page.

December 2003

Sunday, 7th December

Easy RIDE: Yule Tide Shop
Easy canal ride to Camden Market to fill y'panniers up. Collect Steve from pub (as he religously does shopping on 24th December), then mainly canals down to Greenwich Market, and maybe a meal after somewhere.
Meet on top of the Green Bridge, Mile End Park [map] at 9.00am.
For more details contact Steve 07974 051766.
Reports & photos from previous Wheelers rides.

Wednesday, 10th December

Monthly Wheelers Meeting
Meet at Wharf Cycles, 21-23 Westferry Road, E14 [map] 7.00-8.30pm - everyone welcome. Followed by a visit to the Rogue Trader pub next door from 9.00pm. Contact Owen.
Notes from previous meetings.

Saturday, 13th December

Greenwich Cyclists Ceilidh
Our first ceilidh last year was wonderful, the dance floor was packed. This year's will be even better. We're limiting tickets to 180. There'll be more staff on the pay bar, the buffet moves up-market, The Muckers, that 7 piece celtic fiddle band, will be brilliant again. So will the inside bike park.
8pm till midnight at West Greenwich Arts Centre, 141 Greenwich High Road, London SE10 [venue map]
Advance tickets selling now: £15 or £10 unwaged. £20 after 1 December. Contact: krsmarks@yahoo.com 07786 332 123

Wednesday, 17th December

Wheelers Social - 'Early Winter Solstice celebrations'
Start 6:30pm (optional), covering all Wheelers pubs that we have had socials throughout the year. Fill yer boots, or call us later to see where we are.
For more details contact Steve 07974 051766.

Thursday, 25th December

Easy RIDE: Deserted London
Greenwich Cyclists ride: Meet 11am Cutty Sark Gardens [map] for gentle ride up to central London and the parks. Join/leave anywhere you like. Late lunch with veggie/vegan options. Pubs will be visited.
Barry 07905 889005

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