After about fifteen editions of our monthly breakfast ride I finally managed to wake up and get up in time on a Sunday to get to the Green Bridge for the start of the ride. Despite the temperature being sub-zero, the blue skies and bright winter sun had also lured out eleven others for this popular morning jaunt. With some with bleary-eyes after a late night at neighbours Hackney Cyclists' Burns Night we all set off northwards up Regents' Canal to Victoria Park. As always riding through this park is so pleasant; this time we had the sight of the main lake frozen over to take in.

Heading eastwards we left the park and rode up the recently upgraded entrance to the Greenway via Wick Lane. We now had swung south east and rode along the perimeter of the Olympics site with the raised pathway giving fine views of the construction progress. We also checked out the View Tube facility from which, amongst other activities available there including a café, Bikeworks are renting bikes and leading tours of the Olympic perimeter.

Moving on we enjoyed the relaxing early morning pedal down the Greenway through Newham to Becton with only the diversion across Stratford High Street and the frustrating anti-moped gates breaking up our rhythm and chat. Swinging west we arrived alongside the Royal Docks and soon to our breakfast destination at the café at the Thames Barrier Park. The bright and airy building was a perfect place for us to warm up and enjoy the sunshine away from the chilly air.

After doing a lap of the park, taking in the views of the river and the Thames Barrier, we headed back towards Tower Hamlets. Along Poplar High Street and zigzagging up through the back roads and we were back at Mile End Park by midday.

A fantastic morning out with great company, I'll be making the effort again to wake up for the next one!