Wheelers Events & Rides Archive 2010

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January 2010

Sunday, 10th January

Easy RIDE: Tour of (some) London Parks
CANCELLED due to adverse weather conditions.

Wednesday, 13th January

Monthly Wheelers Meeting
Meet at St Margarets House, 21 Old Ford Road [map] 7.30-9.00pm. This is when we plan what we'll be getting up to. Everyone welcome. Followed by a visit to a local pub from 9.15pm. Contact .
Notes from previous meetings.

Saturday, 16th January

Moderate RIDE: Hills of North London Ride
CANCELLED.

Saturday, 30th January

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

A Volunteer Cycling Rangers Project introductory briefing session will also be held between 1pm & 3pm at the workshop. Drop-in to find out more and get involved with this new local initiative.

Sunday, 31st January

Easy RIDE: Breakfast Ride
Cafe breakfast at about 9:15am, destination to be announced on the day. 15-20 easy paced miles in total.
Meet at 8.30am on top of the Green Bridge, Mile End Park [map].
Contact .

February 2010

Sunday, 7th February

Easy RIDE: Tour of (some) London Parks
Postponed from January when the weather was too bad to do this. We plan to tour the parks of North London, some large, some small, at least 4 with cafes in them. Approx 20 miles, mostly quiet roads.
Meet at 10.00am on top of the Green Bridge, Mile End Park [map].
Contact .

Wednesday, 10th February

Monthly Wheelers Meeting
Meet at St Margarets House, 21 Old Ford Road [map] 7.30-9.00pm. This is when we plan what we'll be getting up to. Everyone welcome. Followed by a visit to a local pub from 9.15pm. Contact .
Notes from previous meetings.

Sunday, 21st February

Hard RIDE: Mile End to Cambridge
About 65 miles, leaving London on main roads as far as Epping Forest and then via minor and B roads. Lots of undulating countryside including the highest points in Essex and Cambridgeshire. Pub/cafe lunch after about 30-35 miles. Return by train (between £7 & 14).
Medium pace but not many stops, bring enough snacks and maybe a thermos flask of something hot to keep you going! Drop out points for train back to London possible, also if you want to be picked up in Victoria Park/Hackney/Lea Bridge Road it may be possible.
Note that in the event of really cold weather with the risk of ice, this ride will not go ahead as the lanes could be very slippery - contact ride leader the evening before if you want to know whether it is on or not.
Meet at 8.00am on top of the Green Bridge, Mile End Park [map].
Contact 07967 139491.

Saturday, 27th February

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

Sunday, 28th February

Easy RIDE: Breakfast Ride
Cafe breakfast at about 9:15am, destination to be announced on the day. 15-20 easy paced miles in total.
Meet at 8.30am on top of the Green Bridge, Mile End Park [map].
Contact .

March 2010

Wednesday, 10th March

Monthly Wheelers Meeting
Meet at St Margarets House, 21 Old Ford Road [map] 7.30-9.00pm. This is when we plan what we'll be getting up to. Everyone welcome. Followed by a visit to a local pub from 9.15pm. Contact .
Notes from previous meetings.

Saturday, 13th March

Easy/Moderate RIDE: Ingrebourne Valley - Rainham RSPB reserve - Tilbury
36 miles total, drop out points at 10, 15 and 20 miles with return to London by train - "Easy" grade if doing first 10 or 15, "Moderate" for full distance. Suitable for beginners, children, any type of bike, but smart road/race bike not recommended!
The route follows the Ingrebourne Valley from Upminster to Rainham, then the riverside cycle path to Rainham Marshes RSPB Visitor centre and cafe for an early lunch stop. From there we cross the brand new Mardyke cycle bridge, and go along the riverfront to Grays, passing delights such as the Dartford Bridge, the Grays "graffiti wall" and a church used a location in "Four Weddings and a Funeral". Then onto Tilbury and the "Worlds End" (a pub) and return to Upminster. First part mainly traffic free, later part on road, some busy but mostly fairly quiet.
Meet at 8.45am on top of the Green Bridge, Mile End Park [map] or Upminster station 9.40am (if you want to meet at Upminster please try to let me know before the ride). Bring an Oystercard if you have one for the train trip, also don't forget lights if you plan to do the full ride.
Contact 07801 773131/07967 139491.

Wednesday, 24th March

Easy RIDE: Afterworker
Joint ride with Hackney Cyclists. Start by discussing any improvements to the junction of Goldsmith Row, Hackney Rd, Columbia Rd and Warner Place to . Then an easy, scenic ride for 3-4 miles dipping into both boroughs as we make our way east.
In respect for Shivon Watson who was killed while cycling to work last week, we'll be laying some flowers at the site of the incident on Victoria Park Rd/Lauriston Rd roundabout.
The ride will then finish with a social at the Royal Inn on Park, Grove Rd E9 7HJ around 9:00pm
Meet at 6.00pm on top of the Green Bridge, Mile End Park [map] for feeder ride to main start or outside Hackney City Farm, Goldsmiths Row E2 8QA at 6.30pm.
Contact .

Saturday, 27th March

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

Sunday, 28th March

Easy RIDE: Breakfast Ride
Cafe breakfast at about 9:15am, destination to be announced on the day. 15-20 easy paced miles in total.
Meet at 8.30am on top of the Green Bridge, Mile End Park [map].
Contact .

April 2010

Monday, 5th April

Easy RIDE: East End Natural Resources & Food Ride
A ride around town led by David Tuckwell, so you are sure to learn lots of interesting things and discover places and routes that you didn't know existed! At least one cafe stop for lunch. Never very far from home, so you can drop out easily if you can only manage the morning (find your own way back).
Suitable for any type of bike, easy pace, traffic should be fairly light but be prepared for a mix of roads.
Meet at 10.00am on top of the Green Bridge, Mile End Park [map]. Back at Mile End around 3.00pm.
Contact David 07790 387315.

Wednesday, 14th April

Wheelers AGM
Meet at St Margarets House, 21 Old Ford Road [map] 7.30-9.30pm.
Approximate schedule:
     7.00 - Arrivals
     7.30 - AGM (year review & officer elections)
     8.15 - Presentation*
     8.45 - Social
*Diana & Adrian will give a presentation about their 9 month cycle tour from India back home to Hackney.
Followed by a visit to a local pub from 9.30pm. Contact .
Notes from previous meetings.

Sunday, 18th April

Moderate RIDE: Bicycle Photo Rally
Something a little different, organised by Peter Barlow, this is a competition to test your route planning and observation skills and your London knowledge, with prizes for the best team. The programme is as follows:
Meet at 09.00 on top of the Green Bridge, Mile End Park [map].
Lunch at 12.30 on the South Bank - picnic on the grass if fine, possible retreat to a nearby café if not. Prepared lunch will be available for approx £2-3 (order and pay on the day) or bring your own.
Afterwards make your own way home or cycle back in company to Mile End.
This is graded "Moderate" as, although the ride pace will be easy and distances are quite short, it will include locations in central London (so there may be some busy streets), and groups will need to work out their own route and be self-sufficient. Therefore it's not really suitable for children or novice cyclists.
As well as yourself and your bike bring along a London Cycle Map No. 7 (or A-Z). Also bring a digital camera (or mobile phone with camera) if possible - but if you don't have either just make sure you are in a team with someone who does! The challenge of this event is to find a variety of scenes and locations, not the quality of the photograph, so you don't need anything expensive or exotic.
Note that this is NOT a led ride, you will be riding in small groups of 4-5 people. If you don't have a group to come along with, don't worry you can join up with others on the day.
Contact Peter 07538 035954.

Saturday, 24th April

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

Sunday, 25th April

Easy RIDE: Breakfast Ride
Cafe breakfast at about 9:15am, destination to be announced on the day but we'll need to avoid clashing with the Marathon course!. 15-20 easy paced miles in total. Suitable for all bikes and abilities, accompanied children welcome.
Meet at 8.00am on top of the Green Bridge, Mile End Park [map].
Contact .

May 2010

Sunday, 2nd May

Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park Festival
We'll be attending from 11.00am-4.00pm providing our Dr Bike service and cycling information stall.

Wednesday, 12th May

Monthly Wheelers Meeting
Meet at St Margarets House, 21 Old Ford Road [map] 7.30-9.00pm. This is when we plan what we'll be getting up to. Everyone welcome. Followed by a visit to a local pub from 9.15pm. Contact .
Notes from previous meetings.

Saturday, 15th May

Moderate/Hard RIDE: Box Hill Ride
A moderate/hard ride down into Kent and Surrey with a chance to take in the fantastic view from Box Hill - quite a bit of climbing on this one!
Either catch the train at 08.34 from London Bridge to Hayes arriving at 09.08, or ride all the way out from Tower Hamlets. Return from Dorking for a shorter day (and if your legs are getting tired) or continue on with more hills and more North Downs countryside to Guildford and return from there. Please note that even with the early start you may not be back in London until around 8pm. Between 32 and 55 miles and 2100 and 3800 feet of climbing depending on which option you choose.
Lunch at the legendary Fanny's Farm Shop, tea and cakes at Box Hill National Trust kiosk, but bring snacks and water to keep you going.
Allow up to £14 for train fares, although that will hopefully be reduced by getting group save tickets.
Contact 07801 773131 for more details, also to arrange a meeting point if you want to ride out from Tower Hamlets.

Sunday, 16th May

Park Life Spring Fair, Mile End Park
We'll be attending from 12.30-5.00pm providing our Dr Bike service and cycling information stall.

Friday 21st - Sunday 23rd May

RIDE: Wheelers Spring Weekend Away in Kent
We have booked Palace Farm Hostel near Faversham for the weekend. Friday ride out there (all the way from London or train assisted) for those that can get the day off, then at least two, possibly three different rides on Saturday and Sunday - the shorter/shortest probably around the 35-40 mile mark, maybe with some sightseeing, and the longer one(s) around 50-60 miles or maybe more if anyone is really keen.
Contact .

Saturday, 29th May

Wheelers Bicycle Maintenance Workshop
NOTE change of location for this month only!
11.00am-3.00pm at Tarling East Community Centre 63 Martha Street E1 2PA [map]. Full details on our workshop page.

Sunday, 30th May

Easy RIDE: Breakfast Ride
Cafe breakfast at about 9:15am, destination to be announced on the day. 15-20 easy paced miles in total.
Meet at 8.00am on top of the Green Bridge, Mile End Park [map].
Contact David 07790 387315.

June 2010

Wednesday, 2nd June

Easy RIDE: Afterworker Ride
Join us on a relaxing 2 hour ride around local quiet roads and off-road routes.
Meet at 6.30pm on top of the Green Bridge, Mile End Park [map].
Contact 07903 018970.

Wednesday, 9th June

Monthly Wheelers Meeting
Meet at St Margarets House, 21 Old Ford Road [map] 7.30-9.00pm. This is when we plan what we'll be getting up to. Everyone welcome. Followed by a visit to a local pub from 9.15pm. Contact .
Notes from previous meetings.

Sunday, 13th June

Easy RIDE: Tour of London Garden Squares
We are visiting some of the various gardens and green spaces open for Open Gardens Squares Weekend. It is advisible to book tickets in advance. Cost is £7.50 for all 'squares' for the whole weekend or £9 ditto if bought 'on the day' (see opensquares.org).
We will find quiet roads and traffic free sections where possible. Cream teas of course but pack a lunch and flask. The ride will be about 20 miles in total, but possible to drop out early and find your own way back to Tower Hamlets.
Meet at 9.30am on top of the Green Bridge, Mile End Park [map].
Contact Gerry 07787 385971 or David 07790 387315.

19th-27th June

Bike Week 2010
Free Bike Week events in Tower Hamlets for you join in with:

Sat, 19th: Bicycle Maintenance Workshop Limehouse Town Hall 10.00am-4.00pm
Sat, 19th: Smithfield Nocturne meet at 5.00pm at Beigel Bake, Brick Lane
Sun, 20th: RIDE: Upshire Cream Teas 9.30am start
Mon, 21st: RIDE: Midsummer Madness Ride meet at 2.00am at Beigel Bake, Brick Lane
Tue, 22nd: Cyclists' Breakfast & Dr Bike Narrow Street 7.30-9.30am
Wed, 23rd: RIDE: Afterworker Ride 7.00pm start
Fri, 25th: RIDE: The Glamour Ride 7.00pm start
Sat, 26th: RIDE: Richmond Park 10.00am

All rides start on top of the Green Bridge, Mile End Park [map] unless otherwise stated.

Full details on the Wheelers' Bike Week 2010 page.

Saturday, 19th June

Wheelers Bicycle Maintenance Workshop
10.00am-4.00pm at Limehouse Town Hall [map]. A longer edition than usual of our popular workshop to mark the start of Bike Week. Full details on our workshop page.

Saturday, 19th June

Smithfield Nocturne
A summer evening of bike racing around the historic Smithfield Market. Full details at nocturneseries.com. Join Wheelers for the short ride west to watch five hours of pedalling entertainment.
Meet at 5.00pm outside Beigel Bake on Brick Lane [map] for a leisurely roll over to Smithfield. Don't forget locks and lights.
Contact Keith call/text 07944 177343.

Sunday, 20th June

Easy/Moderate RIDE: Upshire Cream Teas Ride
A repeat of last year's popular ride to Upshire for tea at St Thomas's Church. A lot of traffic free sections up the Lee valley, then minor roads via Epping Forest. The cakes at the church are famous! Although this ride is about 35 miles in total, there are lots of drop out points to stations if you don't want to do the full route and the pace will be very leisurely, so it is suitable for beginners.
Meet at 9.30am on top of the Green Bridge, Mile End Park [map].
Contact Gail 07900 056359.

Tuesday, 22nd June

Cyclists' Breakfast & Dr Bike
Narrow Street at Ropemakers Fields (near The Grapes pub) E14 [map]
Stop by on your way to work and enjoy some free breakfast. There will also be our Dr Bike service so get any niggling squeaks and rumbles fixed or at the very least get your tyres pumped up and chain oiled!
Contact 07903 018970.

Wednesday, 23rd June

Easy RIDE: Afterworker Ride
Hopefully celebrate an England victory with a relaxing 2 hour ride around local quiet roads and off-road routes. We'll head out east towards Beckton and return via the Greenway and Victoria Park. Finish up at the Palm Tree pub in Mile End Park for a social.
Meet at 7.00pm on top of the Green Bridge, Mile End Park [map].
Contact 07903 018970.

Friday, 25th June

Easy RIDE: The 6th Glamour Ride
Who says cycling is all lycra, sweat and bad hair days? Not us! Join us for this fun ride - full details at glamour-ride.org.uk.
Meet at 7.00pm on top of the Green Bridge, Mile End Park [map].
Contact Leigh 07957 164619.

Saturday, 26th June

Easy RIDE: Mile End to Richmond Park Ride
Easy paced ride on mostly cycle routes and quiet roads. About 20 miles total with a tea stop in Battersea Park. Cycle across Richmond Park for some deer spotting then we will find a good spot for a picnic if the weather is good, or a cafe otherwise. Amazing views to be had. Train back from Richmond to the East End.
Meet at 10.00am on top of the Green Bridge, Mile End Park [map].
Contact Rob 07973 815198.

Saturday, 26th June

Wheelers Bicycle Maintenance Workshop - see 19th June
No workshop today - held a week earlier than usual on 19th June.

July 2010

Sunday, 4th July

Moderate RIDE: Islands of Essex
The highlight of this ride will be a visit to Foulness Island - access to the island is normally very restricted but the public can visit the Heritage Centre on the first Sunday in the month.
Expect a route of about 40-45 miles in total, taking in another interesting island, Wallasea on the way. From Foulness we'll go to Southend, in time for tea or chips on the seafront and then back to London by train.
Meet at 9.15am Liverpool Street station. The train tickets will cost between £7 and £16 depending on group save deals etc.
Contact 07801 773131.

Wednesday, 14th July

Monthly Wheelers Meeting
Meet at St Margarets House, 21 Old Ford Road [map] 7.30-9.00pm. This is when we plan what we'll be getting up to. Everyone welcome. Followed by a visit to a local pub from 9.15pm. Contact .
Notes from previous meetings.

Thursday, 15th July

Easy RIDE: Ride the CS3
Join us to ride the Tower Hamlets' section of Barclays Cycle Superhighway 3 (CS3). After a short introduction to some of the history and purpose of the CS we will cycle first to the start at the borough boundary with Newham at Bow Creek and then follow the route to its destination at Tower Gateway. We will be stopping at some of the features along the way of which there are particular criticisms and will take stock at the end, possibly additionally in the 'local' Artful Dodger, Royal Mint Street.
Homework: Barclays Cycle Superhighways overview.
Meet at 7.00pm on top of the Green Bridge, Mile End Park [map].
Contact Gerry 07787 385971.

Saturday, 17th July

Arnold Circus Dr Bike
In preparation for the 100 Revolutions Bike Ride (see 18th July) we will be providing a Dr Bike service at Arnold Circus between 2 and 5pm - further details.
Contact Keith 07944 177343.

Sunday, 18th July

Friends of Arnold Circus Picnic Party
Community event at Arnold Circus from 1-5pm - full event details. We'll be there running our Dr Bike service and marshalling the 100 Revolutions Bike Ride.
Contact Keith 07944 177343 in you can help out.

Saturday, 24th July

Social: Dunwich Dynamo send off
If you are going on the Dunwich Dynamo then good luck! Some of us may be riding it, but we will certainly be at the start at the Pub on the Park (Martello Street, London Fields E8) from 7.30ish to see off the riders on their overnight adventure and have ourselves a drink or two!

Sunday, 25th July

Easy/Moderate RIDE: Tiptree Jam Factory Ride 3 Train to Colchester, cycle to Brightlingsea for lunch then ferry over to Mersea Island. Two options then to Tiptree - longer route (~47 miles) via Tollesbury and a shorter more direct route (~37 miles) to Tiptree. All meet up for tea at the famous Wilkins jam factory, museum and shop. Finally a short ride then down the country lanes back to the train at Witham.
Mostly on road or surfaced cycle paths, suitable for all bikes, but not really any drop out points.
Meet at Liverpool Street station at 09.10 to catch either the 09.30 or 09.32 train (some on each). You can also pick up the 09.32 at Stratford but not the 09.30 (unless you have a folding bike) as we will have all the bike spaces filled! Cost for train ticket between £9 and £18 depending on Group Save or Network Card deal, also £3 for ferry. We expect to arrive back in London around 18.45 to 19.30 but cannot guarantee a time.
Please do let me know if you are planning to come along on this ride, ferry capacity is limited and priority will be given to those who contacted me in advance. If you want someone to ride to the station with contact me and we will try to arrange something.
Contact 07801 773131 or 07967 139491.

Saturday, 31st July

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

August 2010

Sunday, 1st August

Easy/Moderate RIDE: Upshire Church Teas Ride
Another chance to sample the excellent tea at Upshire church. Lots of traffic free sections up the Lee valley and then across Epping Forest. About 35 miles but lots of drop out points. Very leisurely so a good full day out for beginners.
Meet at 9.30am on top of the Green Bridge, Mile End Park [map] or 10.30am at Springfield Marina café.
Contact Gail 07900 056359.

Wednesday, 11th August

Monthly Wheelers Meeting
Meet at St Margarets House, 21 Old Ford Road [map] 7.30-9.00pm. This is when we plan what we'll be getting up to. Everyone welcome. Followed by a visit to a local pub from 9.15pm. Contact .
Notes from previous meetings.

Sunday, 15th August

Easy RIDE: Museums of East London
An easy and relaxed potter round East London focussing on museums but with lots of other interesting facts and curiosities thrown in. Time for tea stops too.
Meet at 10.00am on top of the Green Bridge, Mile End Park [map]. We expect to be back there probably around 4.00pm but as we'll never be too far away from home you can drop out earlier if you need. Dropping in may also be possible, you will need to contact us on the day to arrange this. Suitable for all types of bike, will avoid main roads wherever possible.
Contact David 07790 387315.

Saturday, 21st August

Moderate/Hard RIDE: Brighton Ride
Ride all the way from East London (60 miles) or take the train to Croydon for a shorter option (50 miles). Quite hilly! Conquer Ditchling Beacon then freewheel down into Brighton at the end for swimming/ice cream/chips/tea/beer and return to London by train.
Meet at 8.00am at Island Gardens, Isle of Dogs by foot tunnel entrance.
Contact Rob 07973 815198.
Please contact Rob if you plan to meet at Croydon.

Saturday, 28th August

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

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