TRAINS AND BOATS AND BIKES…

A warm overcast Thursday 30^th June 2022 – From Grays – Dave and Sharon and me met with Francis B on the 09.48 train, collecting Tracy at Ockendon and picking up Roy at Barking. Off here and along the newly discovered very quiet backway route – leading to Barking Riverside station still under construction. Through the works and red and white cones to the Pontoon Pier for the 11.50 Uber boat, upstream to the City. Space for the bikes and sleek comfy seats to natter and take in the ever developing East London riverside – fascinating… Tap out with the Oyster card at Embankment. Here taking the safe blue cycle route up towards and over Westminster Bridge. Following the covid restrictions it was good to see it thronged again and Big Ben renovated and restored to its original glory… A left turn and along the busy but slow traffic of the South Bank to the back of the Tate Modern art gallery. Here there are many coffee and café stops – all hip fab and trendy… A wrap and drink at ‘Leon’ for under a tenner, sitting back taking in the scene… lovely. Meander on eastward, through the old, ancient and contemporary Thames waterfront, under London Bridge and over Tower Bridge. At Tower Gateway heading down Cable Street and on to, the plaza like Canning Town station, for a pause to consider our way ahead. Deciding to stay on the blue route, beside the A13, Newham Way/Alfreds Way. A bit hectic but manageable. At Barking Francis and Dave left us for the station home. We four continued on and at Dagenham Roy took us through the backs of houses, a short cut to Rainham. A final – final farewell here to Roy who is joining his family in Canada – Good Luck! mate. Over Raiham Marshes, at it’s buzzing summer best, to the familiar ‘concrete barges’ and the picturesque Thames, going on to the Purfleet RSPB centre. Here we parted with Sharon and Tracy opting for the pretty Mardyke Way path and me homeward to Grays. A super cycling day, in great company, along this sunny route – we recommend to all.

Cheers! 🙂

Jon Lane.