Post Festive Flab Buster
10 January 2004
FOUR RIDE INTO 2004
Five days into the New Year and there was still no rides planned anywhere within the usual groups. Fortunately, "Colonel" Collins, the well-known veteran of the "Graphics Wars" was keen to turn a pedal or two so a ride was hastily organised. Ken Peters put an urban ride on paths, footpaths and the inevitable London roads together.
At the appointed time of 09:00 on Saturday only Trevor and Ken were to be found on a slightly windblown Green Bridge. A quick call to Rides Organiser, "Colonel" Collins received no reply but moments later my phone rang and it was the aforementioned Steve informing us that Steve from Southwark was on his way and that he would be joining us as well. So, by 09:30 there were four hardy souls ready to do battle with the elements and whatever the urban streetscape of north and northwest London could throw at them.
The ride started uneventfully going via the towpath to Islington where the compulsory road section took us over Upper Street. Nothing continued to disturb the steady rhythm until shortly before Camden Lock a scream from the rear alerted me to a stricken Steve who had come to grief on an uneven part of the towpath. Quickly dusting himself down and checking that there was no serious damage done we were assured that Steve was OK to continue.
Eventually, via a route including Abbey Road, South Hampstead, Brondesbury Park, Cricklewood Broadway we found ourselves at Brent Cross. A short stop ensued where running repairs were made to Steve and "Colonel" Collins treated the troops to tea. On resumption the nature of the roads changed rapidly once we had exited the environs of Brent Cross. Quiet suburban roads soon gave way to park and riverside trails and the route via West Finchley and Totteridge brought us to Barnet. A swift climb up the hill then took us to Hadley Wood and the common where we turned off and were able to enjoy a long descent alongside the common and later some lovely and muddy trails through the common until we emerged at Cockfosters where we took lunch at The Cock and Dragon after 24 miles.
After lunch, when all chose the oriental option, the ride continued to the northern parts of Enfield via some testing climbs and through the gardening paradise that is Crews Hill. A short hop via Whitewebbs Lane took us to the A10 and Waltham Cross and all too soon the River Lea. The remainder of the ride was then a breeze on the towpath back to home territory. In all 47 miles and a finish which coincided with sunset at 16:15.
The weary crew was then treated to a well-deserved beer or several at Soma in Whitechapel and thoughts of longer rides when the weather becomes better later in the year.
Scorecard for the ride:
Riders: 4
Strays picked up: 0
Fallers: 1
Riders lost: 0 although we almost lost "Colonel" Collins at Botany Bay. Yes, there is one in Enfield!!
Punctures: 0
Breakdowns: 0
Detours: 0
Enjoyment quotient: Very high. It always is.
Wind chill factor: Medium
Ken Peters
THWH (The Winchmore Hill Wheeler) |
