Wheelers Rides

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Crossness Pumping Station Ride
19 October 2008

Crossness pumping station was built in the 1860s to pump sewage away from the city into the ebbing tide of the lower Thames. When built, the engines were the largest of their type in the world, and are beautifully crafted pieces of Victorian Engineering. The last working engine fell into disuse by the 1950s and all have been derelict for many years. The Crossness Engines Trust has been working to restore one of the engines to its former glory, and it is now fully operational and a fine sight - see www.crossness.org.uk.

Eleven riders, including several newcomers to Wheelers, joined Neville on Sunday afternoon for a trip to see the engine in action. From the Green Bridge, we cycled via the East India and Royal docks (we crossed the docks by the high-level bridge, which gave excellent views, but a shame that the lifts broke down!) to Woolwich, followed by a pleasant ride along the south bank of the Thames to Crossness. We arrived in time to see the engine working, and also in time to visit the cafe (that essential item of all Wheelers rides). There are several other attractions on the site, including a display of Victorian toilet technology, and (although you can only see it from the outside), what is delicately called a sludge-fuelled power station. The site is still a working sewage works, so you will understand what they mean.

We travelled back along the south side to Greenwich, and stopped for a quick view of the Thames Barrier, followed by a stop at the Cutty Sark pub for refreshments. I forgot to set my computer so don't know how far we went, but it felt like about 20 miles. All in all an enjoyable afternoon, and thanks to Neville for - as usual - an excellent job leading the ride.

David

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