Like a swallow, one Wheelers Afterworker doesn't make a summer, but it's a good sign that summer evenings are on their way. For the first  event of the year (turnout of eight, thanks to all who came), we took a leisurely trip down the canal to Limehouse, then onto the Isle of Dogs, where we rode along around Canary Wharf, across the bridge to South Quay, and along the side of Millwall dock. Access to the Isle of Dogs isn't great if you're on a leisure ride, because the footpath/cycleway around the Canary Riverside South site has been blocked for several years. However, we have just had some messages from Canary Wharf Management Group that they're looking at re-opening it, which will be great news - we'll keep you posted on developments.

After a quick stop to check on nesting progress for the great crested grebes on Millwall dock (they nest on the mooring ropes for the Lotus Chinese restaurant, using bits of rubbish as nesting materials - it all looks very precarious and frequently gets blown away if the wind gets up, but most years they manage to fledge a couple of chicks), we cycled across Millwall park and over to Island Gardens. We turned east and followed the path around the edge of the Island. Not sure that this is strictly a shared-use path, but there were very few pedestrians, and I don't think any conflicts. This is a path that we would like to get declared as a leisure-use shared path, but it needs a means of reminding cyclists that the pedestrian has priority - any ideas for a good sign? Great views of the river - The Queen's House and Naval College at Greenwich, then the Dome as you get further around.

Eventually you run out of path, and opposite the Gun pub. We were getting near to 8 o'clock, and debated whether to try the Gun, or head on to the the Palm Tree at Mile End, which was the original plan. The Gun looked nice, but was a bit full, so we decided to stick to plan A, and headed back to Mile End via Poplar, then Upper North St and Bow Common lane. Then, across the park and into the pub. About 8 miles in total, next edition will be in 2 or 3 weeks.