Edmonton Cycle Club News The Newsletter of the ECC and Enfield Cycling Campaign - LCC

Winter 2013-14 Newsletter No. 58

Welcome to our winter newsletter. We look forward to our annual club lunch, meetings and rides in the New Year. Set your bike up for winter by coming to our monthly ‘B.M.W’ sessions* - topical advice as well as regular tips on how you can keep your cycle in good order. Have you any suggestions for new places we could cycle to? If so, do bring to our attention at any of our events. Seasonal greetings and safe cycling to all! – The Eds.

* From 2014 the B.M.W.s will now be on the third Tuesday of the month.

Annual New Year Lunch Sunday 26 th Janvier 12.00 – Old Owen’s Sports Ground, Coopers Lane, Potters Bar. See emails for menu choice. Please book & pay £22 before 19 th Jan. Welcome to new members: Club Meetings / Socials: Liz Morrison, Paul Nicol Tuesdays at 8pm prompt. Birthday wishes to: (note change of day) Decembre: 28 Gerry G; 29 Angela S; 31 Sibel. 4 Feb., 1 Apr., 3 Jun: Janvier: The Wheatsheaf pub room, 5 John W, 6 Dave P, 12 Les, 31 Baker Street, Enfield. Kieron. 7 Jan., 4 Mar., 6 May: Fevrier: Sports Club 4 Tony C, 5 Dave LF, 9 Stuart, 4 Gary, pavilion, Firs Lane N21. 10 Donna, Alan M, 14 Dave M. Mars: 10 Sujal, 18 Cathy, 23 Maz, 31 Sue A.

L.C.C. Enfield Coordinator Adrian Lauchlan was elected as our new coordinator at the A.G.M. on October 10 th Committee is Trisha Smith – Treasurer, Paul Lafosse, Mark Smith, Les Bailey. Members are welcome to meetings to discuss local cycle issues. Diary of coming Rides and Events NB – all are subject to late changes or cancellations, and our Code of Conduct If bad weather causes late cancellation, a ride may be rescheduled for the following Saturday or Sunday. Check emails / website.

Thursday 19 7.30pm – 9.30pm- Bike Maintenance Workshop No. 136 December WHSC, Firs Lane N21. More Xmas Social than tool box. Thursday 26 11am - Boxing Day Ride. December Meet Enfield Town Park Café. Shortish ride to Cheshunt café. 2014 Here we go on the next lap! Sunday 5 Ride ? January Tuesday 7 8pm – Meeting. January WHSC Pavilion, Firs Lane N21 Sunday 12 Ride ? January Wednesday 7pm to 9pm. Enfield Civic Centre. Quarterly Cycle Forum. 15 January Discussing local cycle issues with the Traffic and Travel Officers. Tuesday 21 7.30pm – 9.30pm- Bike Maintenance Workshop No. 137 January Informal but informative! WHSC, Firs Lane N21. Social drink / cards afterwards. Sunday 26 12.00 for 12.30. Old Owen’s Sports Club, Potters Bar. January New Year’s Annual Lunch. Feeder ride meets 11am Enfield Town Park Café. Bring lights! Sunday 2 Ride ? February Tuesday 4 8pm – Meeting. February The Wheatsheaf pub, Baker Street, Enfield. Sunday 9 10am Edmonton Leisure Centre. Ride to Waterworks February Nature Reserve Café. A shortish towpath ride. Leader Paul. Thursday 13- London Bike Show at Excel Centre, Docklands Sunday 16 Book tickets online at http://www.thelondonbikeshow.co.uk/ February Price £16 online for adults. Sunday 16 Ride ? February

Page 2 Ride Reports by “Our riders on the saddle”… Sunday 2 nd June: Wadesmill and Two Fords. Starting from the Greyhound pub at 10.20 we headed off in nice sunshine. We rode a direct route to Dobbs Weir, River’s Edge Café for tea stop. Then north-west to Stanstead Abbots High St. then off road up through woods towards the ford at Watersplace Farm, onto ex-rail line to B1004. Along lanes by Wareside, Babbs Green, Bakers End, Rush Green to Barwick Ford – no alpacas spotted this time! Lunch stop outside in the garden at “The Feathers”, Wadesmill. Rode back into Ware before towpath ride to tea stop at Dobbs Weir again. Here we tried to fix Mary’s puncture – which then lost pressure later on near . Peter’s pump kept her bike going back to Enfield. Leader Paul, Jeff, Trevor, Mary, John C, Maz, Les, Peter, Cathy, Pat. About 35 miles. Thursday 6 th June: Wheatsheaf meeting. 8 came Sunday 16 th June: Chiltern Hills. This ride required a longer (and more expensive) than usual train ride to reach the start which, coupled with a less than inspiring weather forecast, probably deterred some riders. Those who were undeterred enjoyed a spectacular ride out into new territory. Leaving Chesham at about 11:30, we were quickly climbing into the hills, along a narrow lane that at one point seemed to pass through someone's front garden. We made good time, so took an unplanned tea stop at The Lee, a picture postcard village that was once used as a setting for the Midsomer Murders . Then the big climb of the day, up to the hamlet of Dunsmore where Les amused us with his imitation of a duck. We continued downhill and up again to reach the picnic spot at Coombe Hill . Here it was trying very hard to rain, which meant a fairly short stop to eat our sandwiches and take in the view. After lunch we rode direct to Great Missenden, and enjoyed a cream tea in the church while being entertained by a saxophone quartet. Finally we rode back to Chesham, in time for the 16:27 train back to the smoke. Leader PeterM, Les, Maz, Bridget, Michèle, Nick, Julian. About 22 miles. Tuesday 18 th June: An Evening Ride from Enfield Civic Centre. We rode off northwest towards Barnet and South Mimms areas. The stop was at Ridge, the “Old Guinea” pub for food and drinks. Leader Peter MO, Pat, Jane, Les, Maz, Jeff, Trevor. Thursday 20 th June: BMW 130 - + social games evening- 14 came. Sunday 23 rd June: Urban Ride to Albert Rd Festival, Muswell Hill. Meeting at Beggar’s Hollow, Clay Hill, our quartet went west up Clay Hill, across , Hadley Rd, , being joined by Jane and then onward via Oakhill, Arnos Park, to . Looked at an old menswear shop “Geo. Moore” in Myddleton Road – a time-warp from 1970/80’s! Onto Albert Rec. N10, meeting Will and his waterclock, xylophone table etc., and had lunch. Then a visit to Anne & Brian’s Page 3 Open House art exhibition nearby, where we were made welcome with drinks. Then we split for home around 2.30pm. Leader Paul, Michèle, Peter, Jeff, Jane. Thursday 4 th July: WHSC Meeting. 12 came. Sunday 7 th July: The Only Way is Essex – “Towie” Ride. This was held to support the Nightingale Cancer Support Centre. A very hot day was predicted. The start at LVS Waltham Abbey was at 9.06, through to the park farms before joining the road, northwards to Roydon and Widford check point. Our marshals moved along the course guiding the public riders, with support from Paul and Kathy in the rear mini-bus, and LESA’s supplies cars. At the Hadhams the route went east on A120 to Bishops Stortford then southeast to Sawbridgeworth, and Harlow on B- road. Some had short lunch stop at “Queens Head” before check point 2. Final section took us past Magdalen Laver, North Weald into busy Epping to Wakes Arms A121 to Waltham Abbey. Last riders were in around 2.30pm. Our thanks go to all the organisers and staff on the day and to our members for their time. Overall it was a hot but enjoyable route around Essex. 50 miles. 60+ riders took part. John R, Julian, Peter MO, Chris, Maz, Paul, Les, Bridget, Sarah, Jacquie. Sunday 14 th July: Maz’s Mystery Ride. We had a leisurely ride in very warm summer sun from E.LC. via River Lee towpath at Stonebridge Lock. We rode to our midday lunch at Springfield Café. Then back north by Angel Road and Lee Park Way, Edmonton, onto our mystery destination…. Bury Lodge summer fete, just in time to see the exotic birds of prey, loose in the trees. We then rested by the shady bowls club with afternoon teas / cakes (sounds familiar?). Temp. 80°F+ very hot! Leader Maz, John R, Bridget, Paul, Jeff, Gunsel, Trevor, Pat, Laurent, Michèle, Cathy, Peter-new, Les. Thursday 18 th July: BMW 131 – Held - 14 came. Sunday 21 st July: Summer Tea ‘N’ Cake Ride. Another sweltering hot day saw us ride east from E.L.C. towards Chingford. We then rode some tricky off-road paths. The lunch stop was at Butler’s Retreat, next to Queen Elizabeth I Hunting Lodge, full of historical interest from the 16 th Century. After the relaxing lunch we rode off road paths past Connaught Water to the motorcyclist’s café area. A left turn and short uphill ride took us to High Beach Church at 2pm. Here we enjoyed the lovely cakes and tea, and some historical music and song, as we sat outside in blazing sun. We were joined by Karl and Les. The return took in the fast decent of Mott Street to where we split into groups for home. Leader Maz, Paul, Peter MO, Mary, John R, John C, Michèle, Trevor, Cathy, Jeff, Tony. Sunday 15 th September: Decathlon Sports Store, Surrey Quays. From E.L.C. down towpath, past Victoria Park, along Mile End Park by the canal to Limehouse Page 4 Marina, then on CS3 on Cable St., Tower Bridge, Jamaica Rd, to Canada Water. We had lunch first before looking round the cycle department. After buying various items, we left around 1.45, using LCN13 to Tower Bridge, then St.Katherine’s Dock, ornamental waterway path to Limehouse and same route back. At Tott St Lock we went west for tea and cake at Paul’s. Weather dull, later with light rain and windy. Everyone off home at 5pm. Dry beans at Decathlon, anyone? Leader Les, Maz, Jeff, Michèle, Pat, Paul, Trevor. Thursday 19 th September: BMW 133 – A special birthday edition for Chris’s big birthday, with added cakes and nibbles. 13 came from club, plus others . Sunday 22 nd September: Caving Expedition to Chislehurst, Kent. Edmonton via E. London, Woolwich Ferry to Chislehurst Caves. Leader John R, Les, Maz, Richard, Jayne, Karl, Rosa, Peter L, Trevor, Michèle, Jeff, Martin, Bridget, Panni. Sunday 29 th September: High Beach Tea & Cake Visit. After a relaxing morning tea at Whitewebbs Golf Café, we set off northwards then right on Whitewebbs Lane, past new BT telephone pole being erected! Left over the M25 to Temple Bar House, we split up for alternative route to the White Water Centre at Waltham Abbey. Here we relaxed again on the roof terrace with more tea etc. After some circular routes at Gunpowder Park, and two punctures on Sarah’s bike, we rode up Avery Lane to the church for tea and cakes outside, with optional bell ringing. This was the last open tea afternoon this year at High Beach. Back via Enfield Island Village. Leader Maz, Les, Paul, Jane, Sarah, Jeff, Cathy, Liz, Paul N. Thursday 3 rd October: Meeting at “The Wheatsheaf”. 4 came Sunday 6 th October: Charity Run Marshalling and Lunch. Our ride marshals helped keep the runners on track, at the 10k Trent Park run in aid of Chicken Shed Theatre. A lovely sunny day saw great conditions for both 3 & 10k events from 10am. Club riders then rode to lunch at the “Old Guinea”, Ridge, everyone enjoying the sunshine. Back to Chicken Shed at 3.30pm. Thanks to marshals. Ride leader Peter MO, Paul, Maz, Les, Sarah, Cathy, Michèle, Jeff, Bridget. Thursday 10 th October: A.G.M. of the Enfield Cycling Campaign at “The Wheatsheaf”. Twelve current members attended. Adrian Lauchlan was elected coordinator. The 2013-14 committee are treasurer Trisha Smith, secretary is vacant; others include Paul Lafosse, Les Bailey, Mark Smith. Enfield Borough has 132 current L.C.C. members. Thursday 17 th October: BMW 134 WHSC. 11 came.

Page 5

Contact Information Adrian Lauchlan – Enfield Cycling Campaign Coordinator Paul L, Hon Mem. Sec, ECC club info: 020 8808 3473 (before 9 pm only please) Paul, ECC Rides Secretary, and assistant Maz: [email protected] ECC webmaster Peter: www.edmontoncycleclub.org Join email list via website Southgate Cycling Club: 020 8372 1710 www.southgatecc.org.uk email [email protected] London Cycling Campaign: 020 7234 9310 www.lcc.org.uk/lcc email [email protected] LCC Enfield: http://lcc.org.uk/boroughs/enfield TFL : Free local cycling guides. 4th edition. 0845 305 1234 Enfield No. 2. CTC: 0870 8730060 www.ctc.org.uk/services/work email [email protected] Sustrans National Cycle Network: 0845 113 0065 www.sustrans.org.uk email [email protected] Cycle Enfield Programme www.enfield.gov.uk/cycleenfield 020 8379 4963. Or 020 3031 6730. Training: www.cycletraining.co.uk 020 7582 3535 Register your bike for free www.immobilise.com Report bike theft to police online: https://online.met.police.uk Canals: www.waterscape.com Cycle Route Planner www.cyclestreets.net CycleStreets is a UK-wide cycle journey planner system, which lets you plan routes from A to B by bike. It is designed by cyclists, for cyclists, and caters for the needs of both confident and less confident cyclists

Your editorial team is: Paul, Chris, Maz.

Page 6 Tuesday 18 7.30pm – 9.30pm- Bike Maintenance Workshop No. 138 February WHSC, Firs Lane N21. Social drink / cards afterwards. Sunday 23 10am Whitewebbs Golf Café, Beggar’s Hollow. February A ride to Broxbourne Golf Café, Cheshunt, leader Les. Sunday 2 Ride ? March Tuesday 4 8pm – Meeting. March WHSC, Firs Lane N21 Sunday 9 10am Enfield Town Park Café. Ride to Bayford Baker Arms March pub. Some hills, circa 20 miles. Leader Paul. Sunday 16 10am Pindar Car Park Cheshunt. March A towpath ride (with LVRP) through the country park to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and (!) the newly opened Lee Valley Velo Park. Tuesday 18 7.30pm – 9.30pm- Bike Maintenance Workshop No. 139 March WHSC, Firs Lane N21. Social drink / cards afterwards. Sunday 23 Ride? March Sunday 30 British Summer Time starts. March Clocks forward +1 hour. Ride ? Still to come… • Spring into Summer rides • B.M.W.s on Tuesday s • Night Hike marshalling evening • Train-assisted rides, countryside and pubs • Old favourites and places new • Weekends away • What’s your idea?!

Ride Advice Would riders please remember to listen to ride leaders ' instructions about the route and about the safety of the group. Please keep to the left of the road and ride in single file. If you're a confident rider, consider and help newer riders and children. Keep a reasonable distance from the rider in front. Tell the leader or back stop if you have a problem or want to leave the group. Stay behind the leader - stay in front of the back stop. Never cross the centre line of the road. When turning or crossing junctions, would middle riders please indicate to those behind, and ensure one of you indicates to the backstop, which way you will be turning. So we do not lose our friends at the rear of the peloton. Thanks. Please be punctual to help us start rides promptly. All rides subject to late change. Riders take part at own risk. Under 18s must be with a responsible adult but please note that not all rides are suitable for children. Finish times are a guide only. Lunch stops at nice pubs or cafes. Don't forget your lights, and please bring a spare inner tube in case of punctures. Under 18s are advised to wear a British Standard safety helmet. Always check to make sure the cyclist behind you is in sight and sound distance at junctions, and notes which turn to take - to ensure no- one gets lost!

Page 7 Cycle Related Information You May Find Useful 1. Services: Le Peloton Cycles, 942 Green Lanes, N21 (8360 1722) Halfords, Unit 3, Great Cambridge Road, Enfield (020 8366 0787) Top Riders, 12 Savoy Parade, Southbury Rd, Enfield EN1 1RT (020 8363 8618) Mac's, 77 Ordnance Road, Enfield (020 8292 5799) Stephen James Cycles (at BMW Dealer) Lincoln Road, Enfield (020 8443 8442) Bike Boutique 57 Station Road, Winchmore Hill N21. (020 8364 2580) www.bikeboutique.net Second hand bikes, Hire, Day Parking, Accessories, Café. The Cycle Store, 201 Woodhouse Rd, Friern Barnet N12 (020 7249 2200) 2. Potholes! 8379 2152/4 or Freepost green report card (at libraries) or write to L.B. Enfield, Highway Maintenance, 7 Melling Drive, Enfield, EN1 4BS or: www.fillthathole.org.uk 3. Celebs in the saddle no.38. Heston Blumenthal, Gordon Ramsay, Alex Jones, Matt Baker, Jason Donovan, Jenson Button. 4. Club merit points table 2013, as of 17 th November, on the last lap are: 720 Maz, 665 Les, 640 Peter MO, 595 Paul, 450 John R, 380 Michèle, 375 Jeff, 375 Pat, 320 Trevor, 285 Bridget, 235 Jayne, 200 Cathy, 200 Graham, 200 Karl, 175 Chris, 165 Mary, 160 Sarah, 135 Jill, 120 John C, 115 Mark , 105 Ron, 90 Jane, 90 Terry, 85 Maggie, 80 Paul N , 70 Cihan, 65 Steve, 55 Sue D, plus 35 others on 50 - 5 pts. 5. Cycle maps Free at libraries or from TFL. TFL have issued the 4th edition of the local cycling guides. Enfield area is covered on map no. 2. Contact the following: www.tfl.gov.uk or 0843 222 1234 to order. 6. Barclays Cycle Hire 0845 026 3630. Information leaflet and map available at rail stations, we have some as well. www.tfl.gov.uk/barclayscyclehire NB – daily fee is now £2. 7. Le Tour de France 2014 – Stage 3. Mon 7 July. Cambridge to The Mall, London. Passes near us at Chingford A104. We will be there! 8. London Cycling Campaign. New Membership Fees 2013: Individual- 16+, employed is £36 pa Additional person at same address is £27 Concessionary - Full-time student <16 or 60+, or unemployed is £18 Household –two adults & <16s is £61 Member benefits include – shop discounts, free third party insurance, rides, exclusive theft insurance, free legal helpline, free quarterly magazine. 9. ECC Terminology Corner. No 2: “B.M.C.!” = “Bring More Cakes”, as at B.M.W.s! 10. If you wish to resign, or not to receive the printed newsletter, please tell Paul by phone, letter, or in person, thanks. To be taken off the e-newsletter list, please contact Trisha: [email protected]

Copyright © Edmonton Cycle Club 2013

Page 8