The boundary ride was a tremendous success.  New friendships were formed and old alliances strengthened as Tower Hamlets Wheelers met with Tower Hamlets Cycling Club, Access Sports and the the all abilities cycling club on a leisurely tour of the Borough boundary.  We had support from local councillors and our member for the Greater London Assembly John Biggs sent an inspiring address (*) which was read in Churchillian tones by Richard.

Planning and marshalling of the ride was excellent, led by Gerry with Alex as a very reliable backstop and Colin managing some tricky junctions.  This was a very varied ride, accessing the most crowded tourist hotspots of the Tower of London as well as the quiet backwaters of the River Lee, Bow Creek and Regents Canal.

The ride marked Wheelers official pledge to the No Place For Hate campaign. This campaign has received tremendous support within our organisation -- we are a diverse group with members from across the globe sharing a love of cycling, the outdoors, and cake! We were joined by our three non-human members - Peppa, Tigger, and Moppet - who behaved impeccably.

I especially enjoyed seeing bits of the Borough I had never been to before - the lovely Bow locks and the inspiring new bridge for cyclists and pedestrians.  And thanks to a quick sortie across the border we were able to shelter from a brief squall in the delightful Hackney City Farm...and eat cake!

Terry

A photo of the 22 riders of the human type and 3 non-humans

* The message from John Biggs (GLA Member for City & East ):

"I have long supported the work of Tower Hamlets Wheelers. All of the words in the name are important - not only is cycling an important, healthy, sustainable means of transport and a part of a healthy lifestyle but Tower Hamlets is also a very special place for those who live here. And we want to keep it that way, as a community where people from widely different backgrounds get on with each other pretty well and where we have seen off intolerance and the messages of division before. The lesson I have learnt about this over many years is that when people seek to divide us we must stand up, or ride up(!), and show that we will resist this."

John

And some twitter feedback from the Mayor of Tower Hamlets:

Lutfur Rahman (@MayorLutfur)
30/08/2011 11:57
@Terry_Patt thnx for letting us know, pic looks gr8 & well done #towerhamletswheelers for joining campaign, more the merrier #noplaceforhate