Wheelers Rides
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Lea Valley Ride
20 January 2007
Five of us assembled at the Green Bridge just after 9:30am - Wheelers regulars Tracy and Carl, Newham cyclist Andre, Charlotte who'd been on a Wheelers Kent ride, and myself, on machines ranging from ladies' shopper to chunky mountain bike, via hybrids and a tourer.
The after-effects of last Thursday's storms were everywhere, twigs and branches lying across paths. At Tottenham we had to get off our bikes and push then gingerly along the one narrow section of towpath not blocked by an enormous branch. We were glad that the early morning rain had stopped and that the wind was at our backs as we set out. The downside of this was lots of puddles and mud - my bike looked like I'd been riding cyclo-cross - and the inevitable slog back into the wind later. But I tried not to think about that.
I made the foolish mistake of following the National "Cycle" Network signs through Victoria Park. I shouldn't really have been surprised when the signs directed us into a permanently locked gate, with no alternative route directions. Should I write to Sustrans or to Tower Hamlets Council about this, or to both? Andre says it's been locked for ages. Reminds me why I don't normally bother following cycle route signs.
We kept a good pace going north along the Lea Valley cycle path, more medium pace then easy, but we were still able to enjoy the scenery. Between Springfield Marina and Tottenham locks we saw more swans than any of us had ever seen in one place at one time. Do any ornithologists know why this may be? We didn't know the cause but we enjoyed the sight.
We reached Waltham Abbey just after 11am. There's always a sense of satisfaction in escaping from the M25 under your own pedal power. It was the first time that Tracy and Charlotte had done this, although Charlotte had previously walked from Stepney to Cheshunt! Perhaps I shouldn't have chosen out of the many cafes in Waltham Abbey the one furthest away from the canal, but I reckon the tea and the bacon butties were worth it, plus an enormous plate of chips.
After our tea stop, Carl left us to ride on to his grandparents' in Sawbridgeworth. The rest of us headed back south along the Lea Valley. This was when we properly noticed the headwind, although more irritating was the low sun reflecting off the canal and the many puddles. These things plus a few mechanical problems slowed down our return journey. Tracy left us at Tottenham Hale to meet up with friends in Walthamstow. South of Springfield we started playing leapfrog with a cyclist from Hackeny, out on her first bike ride in ages. Andre was very good at giving her directions and advice, and may have made another LCC recruit.
All in all a good morning and early afternoon out. Good weather, good company, good scenery, good food (in terms of taste if not health). Particular congratulations to Tracy and Charlotte for riding further than they have done before.
Matt
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