Enfield Cyclist The Newsletter of the Edmonton Cycle Club and Enfield Cycling Campaign

Winter 2012 Newsletter No. 54

Hello and welcome to the Winter issue We hope you are ready to ride this winter. Our December Bike Maintenance Workshop (BMW) will in fact be a social evening only – the main BMW’s continue in January with advice on winter riding. We welcome new ride ideas for the New Year – do let us know. If you are interested in leading a ride but are unsure, why not pair up with a regular leader to get a feel for it? Seasonal greetings and safe cycling to you all! – The Eds.

Welcome to new members: Meetings / Socials: Melanie Driffill Thursdays at 8pm prompt. James Watson Kathryn Ferguson 6 Dec., 7 Feb., 4 Apr., 6 Jun.: Susan Pentreath The Wheatsheaf pub room, Terry Woodward Baker Street, Enfield.

Birthday wishes to: 3 Jan., 7 Mar., 2 May: Decembre: Cricket Club 20 Tony W; 24 Halina W; 28 Gerry G; pavilion, Firs Lane N21. 29 Angela; 31 Sibel. Janvier: 5 John W; 12 Les; 31 Kieron. The Annual New Year’s Lunch Février: See website / emails, or come to the 4 Gary; 5 Dave LF; 9 Stuart; meetings for latest. 10 Donna, Alan M; 20 Denis. Sunday 27 th January – Old Owen’s Sports Ground, Potters Bar. Map: http://goo.gl/maps/1Atmb

Diary of coming rides and Events NB – all are subject to late changes or cancellations, and our Code of Conduct

Thursday 6 8pm – Meeting – Social. December The Wheatsheaf pub, Baker Street, Enfield. Wednesday 7pm - Enfield Civic Centre – Cycle Forum Quarterly Meeting 12 December ECC, Enfield Cycling Campaign and other cycle groups discuss borough-wide issues with Council officers. To 9pm approx. Thursday 13 Bike Maintenance Workshop No. 124 - Social Evening Only December WHCC, Firs Lane N21. 7-9.30pm. (Bar area) Bring your photos and mince pies and chocs! Wednesday 11.00 At Edmonton Leisure Centre. 26 December Boxing Day ride, leader Paul. 2013 Thursday 3 8pm – Meeting - Social January WHCC, Firs Lane N21 Sunday 13 Ride? January Thursday 17 Bike Maintenance Workshop No. 125 January WHCC, Firs Lane N21. 7-9.30pm – Informal but informative! 17 – 20 Bike Show – Excel Centre. January 2013 Thur., Fri., Sun. 10am-6pm, Sat. 10am-7pm. Admission: Adult £16, Conc. (60+) £13, Under 16 Free. Sunday 27 Annual New Year Club Luncheon, with optional feeder ride. January Ride will meet 11.00 at Enfield Civic Centre – to Old Owen’s Sports Ground, Coopers Lane, Potters Bar. See details by email. Venue has bar area for those not eating meal. Thursday 7 8pm Meeting– Social. February The Wheatsheaf pub, Baker Street, Enfield. Sunday 10 Ride? February Sunday 17 Ride? February Thursday 21 Bike Maintenance Workshop No. 126 February WHCC, Firs Lane N21. 7-9.30pm. Sunday 24 09.45-10.00 Edmonton Leisure Centre. February Towpath ride to Broxbourne. Flat, 20 miles approx., leader Paul.

Page | 2 Ride and Event Reports By Paul, Peter, etc. Sunday 19th August: Hilly Fields Jazz Concert and Picnic. A later start from Whitewebbs Golf Course off Clay Hill, north past the M25, Temple House, Bury Green to Cheshunt Golf Café for a tea stop. Then east to Lee Valley with a photo call by the high chair sculpture. After a light shower we returned via , to the Rose and Crown at 2pm and after a pint to the park for the concert by the Colin Peters Quartet. Some members met us at the park for the picnic. Leader Les, Maz, Paul, Graham, Peter M, Mary, Sue D, Pat, Michèle, Deborah, Sarah, Peter Hk, Kelly, Birgitta, plus for the picnic Richard, Sujal, Jane, Kieron, Dave, Barbara, Alan. Grabostats * 15.5 miles, 2 hours 2 minutes, 7.6 mph, 1,072 calories. Sunday 26th August: Richmond Park. A warm sunny day as 18 met at Liverpool Street station at 10:00 am. Crossing the Thames then using London Cycling Network route 4 we went west. Our morning tea stop was at Battersea Park by the lake. Then west through Putney, Wimbledon Common by the windmill and on to Richmond Park. We stopped for lunch at Pembroke House and Café. On to Richmond Hill where we enjoyed the famous view before returning eastwards, with some of the route on Cycling Superhighways (which really aren't that super) and along the Thames path, reaching Liverpool Street around 5:00pm. Leader PeterM, Paul, Mary, Sibel, Deborah, Les, Maz, Sarah, Trevor, Jill, Richard, John C, John R, Julienm Cathy, Laurent, Nick, Gary. About 35 miles. Sunday 1st September: Cedars Park Brass Band Concert, . Our quintet rode from Edmonton eastwards to Stewardson Road, up to Gunpowder Park before heading to the Lee Valley Park for tea. Still grey skies as we rode to Cheshunt. Here by Cadmore Lane and Elm Drive is a golden post box in honour of Olympian Laura Trott. After lunch at the café three of us rode to Cedars Park to hear the music. We left around 3:30pm, back via Enfield. Leader Les, Paul, Graham, Martin, Bernadette. Around 20 miles. Saturday 8 September: Harpenden and St. Albans. A Saturday ride for once, in the hope the trains would be more reliable than when we last tried this route! It worked, and a select group of riders travelled to Welwyn Garden City. The hardest part was negotiating the exit route through the shopping centre, and then persuading Mary that we were not stopping at John Lewis. But soon we were on the old rail line towards Luton, heading towards a coffee stop in Wheathamstead. The original coffee shop was firmly closed, but we found a baker which served take away drinks, and in the glorious weather sat outside by the mill stream. Then on towards Harpenden, where Daniel left us, and back to the pub at Amwell for lunch. Peter had something called a 'trench', which turned out to be half a loaf topped Page | 3 with chilli-con-carne! Afterwards we headed towards St Albans then on the old rail line back to Hatfield, where we arrived in perfect time to catch the train back. About 20 miles. Leader Peter M, Mary, Sue, Sarah, Martin, Bernadette, and Daniel for the first part. Sunday 16th September: Lee Valley Regional Park Family Ride. Seven ECC members rode from Edmonton to Old Mill and Meadows, Broxbourne, to join others and public riders. Leader Chris gave out the route plan, which took us on woody paths to the White Water Centre at . Then eastwards to the LVP farm for lunch. The main ride completed a circular ride via Clayton Hill, while most ECC riders returned to Edmonton or Enfield. Leaders Chris, Jez. Riders Paul, Graham, Peter M,Rosa,Alan,John R,PAt, Sarah, Drew, Maz, Les, Jayne plus 16 members of the public. Sunday 23rd September: London Open House Weekend. The weather forecast was dire, which probably accounted for the low turnout. We set off from Edmonton Leisure Centre down the Lee towpath, admiring the industrial architecture on the way. We also noticed that the café at Stonebridge Lock looked permanently closed, and the surface of the path was seriously deteriorating. True to forecast, the rain started after about half an hour. We pressed on to our first stop, the Walthamstow Pump House museum, whose contents belied its appearance as a junk yard. Among the exhibits was a collection of old bicycles. By now the rain was sheeting down, so after a coffee we decided to abandon the rest of the ride. Peter took the train from Walthamstow back to Barnet, while the others had a very soggy ride back to Enfield. 17.5 miles. Leader Nick, Graham, Rosa, Peter M. Sunday 30th September: Broxbourne Pub and High Beach Tea A two part ride from Edmonton. Firstly north up the familiar towpath to Fishers Green, joined by three riders at . Ascending Clayton Hill, past the sailing lakes to the Crown for lunch. Then southbound past Fishers Green, through Gunpowder Park and up Avery Lane to High Beach Church for the last tea and cakes session of the year, Once again some enjoyed bell ringing! Back via a descent of Mott Street and through . Leader Paul, Graham, Peter HK, Hyacinth, Les, Maz, Deborah, Melanie, Cathy. Grabostats* 33.4 miles, 8.4 mph, 3 hrs 59 mins, 1769 calories. Sunday 7th October(1): Chicken Shed Theatre 10K Challenge. A sunny early start at as we arrived to help marshal hundreds of runners and walkers on the figure of eight course around . We were placed among the participants as the event set off at 10:00am. The leading runners were back via Snakes Lane, Oakwood and Bramley Road in about 35 minutes, and we then helped Page | 4 the rest on their way around the course, with last finishers around noon. Leader Maz, Karl,Dan, Paul, Cathy, Sibel, Sarah, Michèle, Birgitta. Sunday 7th October(2): Up North on 2 Wheels. A joint ride with Lee Valley Park from Hackney Waterworks Café to the White Water Centre, with ECC members assisting in marshalling. Leader Chris, Les, Paul S, Jill, Trevor. Sunday 14th October: Bayford. From Enfield we rode to Whitewebbs Golf Café for a tea stop. Then in bright autumn sun north on Burnt Farm Ride to Goff's Oak, and left up the hill to Newgate Street. Further north to Bayford past horse riders and a rogue coach. Lunch was outside at the Baker's Arms, from which we left at 1:45 eastwards past the station, Wormley Woods to the Lee Valley path. There was some dispute over the function of an obelisk by the level crossing at Wormley. Later research showed it was a Coal tax post erected in the 19th century. All coal passing this point towards London was subject to a special tax. We viewed Laura Trott's golden postbox at Cheshunt, and then on to a tea stop at Cedars Park. Finally west over the new bridge to Forty Hill, where Les suffered a broken chain. In true comradeship we left him there and arrived back at Enfield at 3:35. Leader Paul, Graham, Sarah, Les, Julian, Melanie, James, David, Peter M, John C, John R, Mark, Cathy, Maz. Thursday 25 October. – BMW 122. 9 came. Sunday 28 October. – Toot Hill, Essex. An early start with start of GMT, eastwards from Edmonton Leisure Centre to Chingford to meet John at Café Solo, Woodford. Then John lead us north by Loughton, Theydon Bois, over M25 north east to Toot Hill and the Green Man for welcome lunch. Our ride back past Ivy Chimneys, Upshire. Les had rear puncture, then via Waltham Abbey to Enfield. Leader Maz & John R, Les, Peter MO, Sarah, Paul, Graham. Grabostats: 38.16miles, 4h 5m, 1675ft climbed, 2060 calories. Thursday 1 November. – WHCC – Annual General Meeting 10 came. Sunday 4 November. – To DECATHLON, Surrey Quays. The third ride this year hit by heavy rain on the morning, so ride called off . The “non-riders” included Les, Maz, Grabo, Paul, Bridget, John R, Cathy, plus others. Thursday 15 November. – BMW 123. 18 came. Sunday 18 November. – South Mimms Winter Ride. We met up at Oakwood Park, café before riding North West towards Barnet, using the Dollis Brook Trail. Then Mays Lane, Rowley Lane, Well End Borehamwood, Crossoaks Farm, Packhorse Lane before short off road path to South Mimms. Here we enjoyed a relaxing lunch with good choice of food at Ye Black Horse. Return ride via Ridge, Summerswood Lane, over the A1M access bridge towards High Barnet, stopping at

Page | 5 Hadley Highstone, Battle of Barnet memorial. We then split into two groups for Enfield and south Enfield areas, most home by 3.30. Leader Peter MO. Paul, Julian, Tracey, Graham, Les, Maz, Paul S, Terry, Mary, Sarah, John R, Cathy, Pat, Michèle. Grabostats: Start to Stn- 25.6miles, 2h, 48m, 9.1mph ave, 1266 calories.

Contact Information 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] Enfield School of Cycling: 020 8379 3634. No fees at present . 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 Pla nner 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 , Graham.

Page | 6 Sunday 3 Ride? March Thursday 7 8pm – Meeting - Social March WHCC, Firs Lane N21 Sunday 10 Ride? March Sunday 17 Ride? March Thursday 21 Bike Maintenance Workshop No. 127 March WHCC, Firs Lane N21. 7-9.30pm Sunday 24 Ride? March Sunday 31 Ride? March Possible rides to come: • Whole / half dayers • QE2 Olympic Park • Weekends away • Train assisted / one train only • Wadesmill, Herts. • London Colney • Lee Valley Regional Park • Night Hike • Charity Rides • Decathlon Sports Store, Surrey Quays • New and old destinations Ideas and leaders welcome! Bike Week 2013 is 15-23 June

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! Edmonton Cycle Club rides and events are organised by Enfield Cycling Campaign

Page | 7 Bits and bobs found in our 'Old Saddle Bag' 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. Ye olde classic club T-shirt or polo in yellow or white + logos, ask Alan at meeting/ride. Shirts are £10 each. Not many left! 4. Celebs in the saddle no.34. Jill Douglas, Franz Ferdinand, Andrew Mitchell MP!, Rebecca Adlington, Sophie Raworth, Justine Miliband, Nigel Mansell. 5. Club merit points table 2012: (to 18 November) 750 Paul, 740 Les, 675 Peter MO, 670 Graham, 640 Maz, 415 Michèle, 360 Pat, 345 John R, 275 Cathy, 260 Alan, 245 Sibel, 220 Mary, 215 Peter D, 210 Trevor, 205 Sarah, 195 Karl, 185 Nick, 160 John C, 145 Jayne, 135 Jill, 130 Mark , 110 Ron, 110 Rosa, 110 Bridget, 105 Julian, 95 Jane, rest on 5 to 80 points. 6. 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. New edition No. 5 is in preparation. 7. Barclays Cycle Hire 0845 026 3630. Information leaflet and map available at rail stations, we have some as well. www.tfl.gov.uk/barclayscyclehire To be extended west and southwest of zone. 8. London Bike Show at Excel, 17-20 Jan 2013. 9. New monthly cycle programme on BBC Radio 5 Live – Friday 14 December, 9-10pm “Bespoke”. 10. Paralympic Medal Heroes 2012. Track : Gold : Barney Storey and , (2), Craig McClaren and Anthony Kappes. Silver : Jon Butterworth, Storey and Fachie, Shaun McKeown, Helen Scott and Aileen McGlynn, Bronze : Jody Cundy, Darren Kenny. Road : Gold : Sarah Storey (2), David Stone, Silver : Mark Colbourne, Bronze : Rachel Morris. 11. My kind of music, by Paul Lafosse. Rock, blues, jazz, folk, old pop, classical – Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac, Rolling Stones, Genesis, Police, Doors, CSNY, Beatles, Miles Davis, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Vaughan Williams, Chopin, etc.

Copyright © Edmonton Cycle Club 2012

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