LONDON SOUTH BANK RIDE – SUNDAY 12.3.2023… by Jon Lane

With this Sunday 12^th ride, and temperatures just in double figures, a breeze from the west, we caught a mild weather window… Pulling us together was Dave the ‘Fish’. Tracy, Jeff, Han and I trained it in to Fenchurch… met there by Alan, we set off. Shortly after, over Tower Bridge, Terry joined us having ridden from home. Together it was along some of the best of London city cycle routes. Tooley Street and onwards. Great wide carriageways originally constructed to serve the huge dock side industries and of course ‘the empire’… narrowed down to make space for separate, safe and confident cycling… Passing Brunel’s Rotherhithe Tunnel, Surrey Quays and Southwark Park, and along Jamaica Road. A sharp left turn at Greenwich and around the visitors and tourists and the great Cutty Sark. A pause and a visit to the museum for a comfort break (always useful to know…)

Everyone should ride this route sometime… it’s so good.

At the Trafalgar Tavern, next to Greenwich RN College and along the cobbled alley, with the walkers and families, courtesy and consideration all round… Passing the old Greenwich Power Station and through the new quite ‘posh – ish’ flats and homes we got to the Thameside 02 Arena. A bit mod’, arty and contemporary – nice though. An expansive promenade, plenty of space for everyone, walkers and riders, happy folk all around. At the Woolwich Ferry viewing point we paused, rested and consumed some carbs’… and enjoyed the views up and downstream… Dave had sussed out a little café at Erith, so onwards, all beside the Thames, which needs to be ridden to be appreciated – Fab! Cycling… A good little ‘end of terrace’ café, for bun and coffee refreshments in their cosy little back garden… The cut off time for the run through the Dartford Tunnel was 2pm, the drivers taking lunch between 2 & 3… so it was a bit of a mad dash along the ‘trafficy’, A 206 to get there. But we did it, everyone together and a bit of time to spare – gasp! The van couldn’t take seven, so two trips were needed… A swift but fond farewell to Tracy, Han, Dave and Jeff and homeward… In the balmy afternoon, Alan, Terry and I waited and chatted, telling of our past experiences and glories… A wonderful day – Thank you to every one. (-: Until the next time… Cheers!

Jon Lane.