My March Rides (Week 9)

This has been mediocre cycling week. I intended to ride all four days (short week because of Good Friday) but the weather was crap. On Wednesday I had a dodgy tummy and decided that I would enjoy the luxury of train travel. Tuesday's rides were hard work into head winds and on Thursday I set off from the office in a downpour. By the time I reached the end of Waterloo Bridge which absolutely running with water I was soaked. I do not understand that it makes no difference in which direction you are travelling in windy weather there is always a head-wind. Strange that! I have now heard back from Halfords. The patch is the site of the first puncture, on the other tobe if u look closely you can just about make out where I have marked the tube with a black pen in readiness for the next repair.

I have posted the mail exchange below:

My email: Dear Madam/Sir, On Friday 12th March 2010 I had a puncture in my bicycle rear wheel outside Halfords Catford London SE6. Rather than do the repair myself I went in to your store and asked them to do it for which I paid £12.98. The repairman said he could not find any foreign object in the tyre. I retained the old tube which I then brought home and repaired. On Monday 15th March 2010 after about 25 miles of further cycling I had another puncture. On this occasion I was nowhere near your store so had to get the old repair kit out and do it myself. And lo and behold the puncture is on almost exactly the same spot as Friday's one. On Inspection of the tyre I found and removed the offending foreign body which appears to me to be a piece of brown glass. I have attached a word document with pictures of the two tubes, the foreign body and my receipt for the repair. This has caused me considerable inconvenience. Your comments and suggestions of recompense would be appreciated. Yours sincerely. Halfords Response: REF: 313988 Dear Mr Wood, Thank you for your email. I would like to take this opportunity to apologise in the delay of our response. It is always disheartening to hear of situations where our customers experience additional inconvenience and feel let down. I wish to assure you that Halfords endeavours to maintain a good relationship and will always seek to use customer responses as a way of improving our customer service. All concerns relating to our stores are logged onto a central database and the information regarding your experience is made available for the Area Managers to read. As our Store Managers are 100% responsible for the service in their stores, we also make the information available for them to view on our stores intranet system. This method is proven to be very successful in highlighting any shortfalls to the line managers responsible. They are then able to take any action they feel necessary with the individuals concerned. I have also requested that more training is given to those members of staff in order to avoid these incidents in the future. As a gesture of goodwill for the inconvenience, I will be happy to send you the £13 back in gift vouchers. If you could possibly email me your address, I will be more than happy to send this in the post. I appreciate you taking the time to highlight this problem as it is only through feedback from our customers that we are able to identify areas where we are falling short of our customers’ expectations and can redress them. Please accept our apologies once again. Kind Regards, Luke Ebanks Customer Service Advisor My Reply: Dear Mr Ebanks, This is a disappointing response. This repair took me over an hour to sort out in the dark in the back streets of Peckham, South London. A hostile zone in broad daylight. My cycle jacket and the inside of my gloves are covered in dirty oil and will have to be replaced and I have yet to take my bike into a reputable repair shop to get the gears re-set; another cost I am going to incur through the laziness of your staff. I will not be fobbed off with a handful of gift vouchers. I suggest you have a further think and if you can't do any better I'll post the story round the cycling blogs and send it to trading standards. I have nothing to lose. Yours etc. Halfords reply: REF: 313988 Dear Mr Wood, Thank you for contacting Halfords Customer Services. Please accept my apologies for the delay in our response. However, after corresponding with my colleagues regarding this issue, we feel that the £13.00 Halfords Gift Vouchers is an adequate amount to send to you considering that this was the amount you had paid to have the innertube repaired. If you are still having problems with the bike then I would recommend that you return to the store and speak to the store manager regarding the issues as I am confident they can resolve any issues you might have. Please accept my apologies once again for the inconvenience caused. Kind Regards, Luke Ebanks Customer Service Advisor

My March Rides (Week 8)

In order to present the stats on a day by day basis I enter them into a spreadsheet which provides the output which I then bring across to the blog. Unfortunately I have not been able to find a way of presenting the content of the spreadsheet as a direct link in the page. If any one out there can tell me how to do this I would be most grateful. In the meantime I am going to keep the stats to myself and just give a weekly summary. I have managed four commutes this week. This is a record and I must admit that as I sit here and type this I can feel it in my legs. But it really has felt good and I think I could keep this up without too much difficulty if I had to – which may be the case if Bob Crowe and his train staff mates carry through their threat of a strike beginning on the Tuesday after Easter. With a General Election probably to be announced on that day I find the conduct of Mr Crowe and his pals absolutely incredible. Apparently Mr Crowe is concerned about safety. He is mad; his members would do themselves a great favour if they sidelined him at a very early stage. Mind you I can’t see any of the current batch of politicians having enough bottle to take them on ‘a la Margaret Thatcher’ so perhaps he can win - God help us. The weather this week has been pleasant for cycling although there has been a strong breeze on most days. On Thursday evening I got a real soaking in a short sharp squall as I came through Catford. Spring is at long last beginning to spring the daffs are out and some of the tree buds are swelling nicely - bliss. I got absolutely carved up by a moron in a Merc on Friday afternoon – he’s named and shamed here. I dropped into Halfords on the way home on Tuesday to enquire about the progess of my complaint about the poor puncture repair. The manager refunded the money but was unwilling to give further compensation. On Wednesday their head-office emailed me with a less than satisfactory offer. I have replied and asked them to have a further think. I will keep you posted. At work, having been asked to remove our bikes from one unauthorised area recently, we have now been discovered using a second unacceptable parking space and bannished to the cycle rack in the courtyard. The cover for this cycle rack has still to be fitted leaving the bikes exposed to all weathers. I have raised it as an issue with building operations so I wait to see the response. On Friday I was late away from work; it was nearly 6 pm before I set off and I was a bit worried I might get caught up in the Critical Mass Mob. In the event although there were a lot of cyclists around, who looked like they would fit into the ride quite well, I didn’t see the ‘Mass’. They were apparently going to visit the scenes of the three recent cycling fatalities in Central London. Personally having followed two of the stories in particular – both close to my commute route – I cannot think of a less fitting tribute to these fallen unfortunates. Stats: Rides = 4, Dist = 99 miles, Total since odo reset = 505

My March Rides (Week 7)

Monday 15/3/2010 - Bike

Lovely and bright day. Lots of cyclists about this morning. Strong head wind hopefully it will be behind me tonight. Computer didn't kick in for the first mile.

Another puncture on the way home - back wheel. Surrey Rd just about the half way point. Not a bike shop within miles so had to fix it there and then. Took me about an hour. Only had the little mini pump with me which was really fiddly. Another cyclist stopped and helped which was really kind. He managed to use the pump much better than me. A householder came out and gave me a big battery flash light which really helped. The puncture was on the same spot as Friday's one so Halfords will be receiving a further visit for a refund of my money. This is the second time I have had a puncture fixed professionally and they have failed to find the offending foreign object. Got home at 19:30. Usual look of disbelief from my wife.

Stats - day 74/365, rides 24 = 10.6 weeks/24 rides = 2.3 per week - in = 00:58:59 (1:20:00 ish total time but stopped to buy tea at Sava Centre) (12.30 mls) out = 1:04:01 (12.68 mls) odo after weekend reset = 381

Tuesday 16/3/2010 - Trained

Stats - day 75/365, rides 24 = 10.7 weeks/24 rides = 2.3 per week - odo after weekend reset = 381

Wednesday 17/3/2010 - Bike to work but trained home

Really good fast ride in this morning door to door about 58 mins.

I was late getting away and decided to leave the bike at the office so I can ride home tomorrow after the annual meeting.

Stats - day 76/365, rides 24.5 = 10.9 weeks/24.5 rides = 2.3 per week - in = 00:54:31 (0:58:00 ish total time) (12.30 mls) odo after weekend reset = 393

Thursday 18/3/2010 - Train to work but bike home

Stats - day 77/365, rides 25 = 11 weeks/25 rides = 2.3 per week - out = 01:16:37 (12.64 mls) odo after weekend reset = 406

Friday 19/3/2010 - Trained due to evening meeting Stats - day 78/365, rides 25 = 11.1 weeks/25 rides = 2.2 per week - odo after weekend reset = 406

My March Rides (week 6)

Monday 8/3/2010 - Bike

Temperature was -2 when I set off this morning. Is it ever going to warm up. The strong wind was in the NE which added a serious chill factor. Lovely and bright though. Seemed to be quite a lot of cyclists about this morning.

Once again a strong cold wind this evening.

Stats - day 67/365, rides 21 = 9.6 weeks/21 rides = 2.2 per week - in = 00:57:56 (1:04:00 ish total time) (12.30 mls) out = 1:04:38 (12.60 mls) odo after weekend reset = 309

Tuesday 9/3/2010 - Trained

Stats - day 68/365, rides 21 = 9.6 weeks/21 rides = 2.2 per week - in = 00:57:56 (1:04:00 ish total time) (12.30 mls) out = 1:04:38 (12.60 mls) odo after weekend reset = 309

Wednesday 10/3/2010 - Bike

Not so frosty this morning. The weather is very still at the moment.

Late ride home after meeting. This was my first full late ride and proved better than I expected. I think I got held at every set of traffic lights. Saw my first rat just past Wickes in Catford, it was eating leftover food on the bench and scurried off.

Stats - day 69/365, rides 22 = 9.9 weeks/22 rides = 2.2 per week - in = 00:58:32 (12.29 mls) out = 1:06:09 (12.60 mls) odo after weekend reset = 330 (note computer did not kick for fiirst 3 miles of journey home so time and distances are guesstimates)

Thursday 11/3/2010 - Trained

Stats - day 70/365, rides 22 = 10 weeks/22 rides = 2.2 per week

Friday 12/3/2010 - Bike

There was a bit of rain in the air on the way in today. Still cold at about 2 degrees but no frost.

There was a lot of bikes this evening. Particularly at the top end of the route. Rear wheel puncture at Ladywell Fields. Had it fixed in Halfords cost £12.98p which included a new tube. Probably delayed me no more than 20 minutes. Repairman told me to get my rear cogs cleaned out.

Stats - day 71/365, rides 23 = 10.3 weeks/23 rides = 2.3 per week - in = 00:58:10 (About 01:03:?? actual time)(12.39 mls) out = 1:06:08 (12.68 mls) odo after weekend reset = 356

My March Rides (week 5)

Monday 1/3/2010 - Bike I have done only 5 odd miles over the weekend but these are added to the odo reading.

What a lovely ride to work today. It was fully daylight when I stepped out through the front door and to top it all it was a beautiful clear day. Almost spring like. It was very cold there was a thick frost on the cars.

I wore my lightweight cycle track suit bottoms they are not really thick enough for the low temperatures we are experiencing. But my winter ones are in the laundry.

I was amazed to see that the Ravensbourne was almost back to normal after the raging torrent that was Friday evening. That notwithstanding that we have had a weekend of heavy rain. Where the water had been lapping the path on Friday it had dropped by about 12-14” I was really surprised.

Riding up through the park behind Prendergast School there was a thick coat of ice where the water had runoff over the path. I suddenly found the front wheel travelling in one direction whilst pointing to another I had to dismount for a 100 yards.

Also discovered that I can do a right out of Sevenoaks Rd into to Brockley Rd and then a left into Eddystone Rd and straight up to the footbridge towards the cemetery.

Stats - day 60/365, rides 17.5 = 8.6 weeks/17.5 rides = 2 per week - in=00:57:?? (12.30 mls) out 1:05:24 (12.66) travelling times 17:41 - 18:57 odo after weekend reset = 219

Tuesday 2/3/2010 - Trained

Stats - day 61/365, rides 17.5 = 8.7 weeks/17.5 rides = 2 per week - odo after weekend reset = 219

Wednesday 3/3/2010 - Bike in but trained home I had a meeting after work so didn't set off home until very late and decided it was too late to ride. Got on a very crowded train at Charing X. It was just leaving, I was the last person in with my bike. Was I Mr Popular. I went into Cycle Surgery at lunch time they had a beautiful Giant bike reduced to £449 from £600 I must say it is terribly tempting.

Stats - day 62/365, rides 18 = 8.6 weeks/18 rides = 2 per week - in=00:57:12 (but about 01:04:)(12.05 mls computer didn't kick in immediately) odo after weekend reset = 232

Thursday 4/3/2010 - Bike

Strong Head wind this morning made the ride really heavy going. Picked up a puncture just before I arrived at work, found that the spanner I bought the other day doesn't actually fit the the front wheel nuts. Fortunately Ben had a spanner that fitted so soon had the front wheel off and new tube in. Patched the old one and put it away as my spare for the next time.

Parakeet flew across my path down the path towards Lower Sydenham. I thought it was a green woodpecker to start with. Lovely flash of green.

Stats - day 63/365, rides 19 = 8.6 weeks/19 rides = 2.1 per week - in = 01:03:12 (12.30 mls) out = 1:07:19 (12.48 mls) odo after weekend reset = 259

Friday 5/3/2010 - Bike

Very cold and frosty. Thick frost on cars. Bright sunny. Bridge at back of Sava center is 1/4 way mark. Bike still feels a bit odd like its got a wiggle on the rear wheel. Strong head wind could only get up to 12 mph in burgess park when I can usually get up to 18.5 mph +. I wore two pairs of trousers.

The journey home was wonderful today - very cold and despite the forecast being for no wind this was not the case. It was in the East and the chill factor was high. Got about 1/2 way home in daylight. It was like the late evening on a summers day except for the temperature.

I have done 3.5 rides this week. I certainly would not want to do more than this in a week.

Stats - day 64/365, rides 20 = 9.1 weeks/20 rides = 2.2 per week - in = 01:01:25 (1:06:00 ish total time) (12.29 mls) out = 1:09:06 (12.61 mls) odo after weekend reset = 284

My February Rides (week 4)

Monday 22/2/2010 - Train I got up intending to ride today but it was absolutely chucking it down so I chickened out and trained. Stats - day 53/365, rides 14.5 = 7.6 weeks/13.5 rides = 1.9 per week Tuesday 23/2/2010 - Bike Although it was generally feeling like rain it was in fact dry going in and coming home. It rained quite hard during the day. Good crowd of bikes coming South through Peckham and a lot of bikers without lights tonite. Stats - day 54/365, rides 15.5 = 7.7 weeks/15.5 rides = 2 per week - in = 00:59:15 (12.36 mls) out = 1:10:16 (12.61) odo after weekend reset = 164 Wednesday 24/2/2010 bike to work but train home

Set off really early today; last day for preparing for the Annual Meeting. Was absolutely amazed at the number of cyclists I saw. I spotted one chap in Scotts Lane as I was mounting up and then kept crossing pathe with him on a parallel route. When I chatted to him in Peckham I learnes he was on his way to Kings Cross.

Stats - day 55/365, rides 16 = 7.9 weeks/16 rides = 2 per week - in = 00:57:09 (12.32 mls) out odo after weekend reset = 176

Thursday 25/2/2010 train to work but bike home

It was 19:30 before I set of for home in very heavy rain. I was soaked by the time I got to Waterloo Bridge, where it was really throwing it down and blowing a hooley to boot. By this time I was beginning to understand the value of high wicking clothing it wet weather. I was just wearing ordinary track-suit bottoms and once wet these just clung to me - horrid. The rain eased a bit by Peckham but I'd have to say this was one of my more miserable rides. If I hadn't of been so wet I think I would have caught the train. But if I hadn't of been so wet I wouldn't have wanted to.

The river Ravensbourne was roaring underneath Catford Bridge. It must enter a culvert here. The river was high and fierce all through the parks towards Lower Sydenham. It was actually lapping over the banks at the back of Saver Centre.

Noticed the the stem of the bike has developed a wobble. Could be just the bearing come a bit loose or perhaps something more serious. Will be investigating today.

Stats - day 56/365, rides 16.5 = 8 weeks/16 rides = 2.1 per week - out = 01:17:10 (12.55 mls) out odo after weekend reset = 189

Friday 26/2/2010 - day off

Discovered that my rear brakes were worn down to the mountings. I went down to the bike shop and spoke with the owner who said that the biked is worn out out beyond repair and I should strongly think about changing it. He recommends a new bike but I am always tempted to something second hand. I know he is right really but I am always loathe to spend on a new thing.

I quite like the look of the Trek 7.1 FX 2010 Hybrid Bike at £350 but its more than I want to spend just at the moment.

Stats - day 57/365, rides 16.5 = 8 weeks/16 rides = 2 per week - odo after weekend reset = 191

My February Rides (week 3)

Monday 15/2/2010 - Bike

It was just getting light as I set off from home so winter is at long last in retreat. Though it was so cold you wouldn't have thought so. The Roads were very icy. I was actually quite nervous and very tentative. Despite this it was a quickish ride. Also saw a lot of other bikes about this morning. The benefit of using my route is that it is quiet; but when the conditions are like today you just know there is no chance of them gritting or salting. So you takes yer chances.

Stats - day 46/365, rides 13 = 6.6 weeks/13 rides = 2 per week - in = 00:57:12 (12.32 mls) out = 1:10:27 (12.56) odo after weekend reset = 99 Tuesday 16/2/2010 - Train I Must say when I came out of the office this evening the rain was absolitely pelting down so I was rather glad not to be on the old bike. Stats - day 48/365, rides 13.5 = 6.9 weeks/13.5 rides = 2 per week Wednesday 17/2/2010 - Bike in but train home

The ride into work today left me really knackered. I can't think of any particular eason why. The journey seemed pretty easy going - no wind or weather.

Taking the the bike on the train is a bit of a palaver. I took up four seats on a very crowded train service, so I really felt a bit of a heel with people standing all round me. They didn't complain and I didn't budge, but would have had to give way to someone disabled or pregnant. The lack of bike carrying facilities is a problem that train designers need to address. Stats - day 48/365, rides 13.5 = 6.9 weeks/13.5 rides = 2 per week - in = 00:58:21 (12.34 mls) out = 0:17:03 (2.70) odo after weekend reset = 114

Thursday 18/2/2010 - Bike

A very good enjoyable ride in today. It was very cold and there was plenty of ice about. Very few cyclists to be seen this morning. Nothing at all until the Surrey Canal tow path which seems a bit unusual.

An imbecile in a car pulled out of a side turning in front of me in Forest Hill I was travelling slowly so was able to avoid him. Having pulled out he them immediately stopped in the middle of the road. Naturally enough I informed him of his error of judgement. No harm done though

At 18:00 I emerged from the office into a cloud burst. Oh woe. By the time I got Elephant and Castle it had stopped but I was drenched. A cold wet ride home. It must of been a day for idiots, another one tried to pull out on me in Cornwall Street underneath Waterloo East. He was tsing a mobile phone but realised his error when I yelled at him. He stopped in time. I could not have done.

Stats - day 49/365, rides 14.5 = 7 weeks/14.5 rides = 2.1 per week - in = 00:56:53 (12.33 mls) out = 1:09:0327 (12.58) odo after weekend reset = 139

Friday 19/2/2010 - Train in this morning and a lift home

Stats - day 50/365, rides 14.5 = 7.1 weeks/14.5 rides = 2 per week

My February Rides (week 2)

Monday 8/2/2010 It was very cold when I set off this morning. I had spent some time searching for my face muffler which I have misplaced so I was a bit later than usual. The wind was very much in my face all the way and the ride seemed pretty hard going. A bus decided to carve me up turning out of the junction opposite the end of Brenchley Gardens. He knew he'd done it as he gave me some flashes on his hazards. It wasn't quite close enough to consider it a near miss so I will not be reporting it. Although I was running a little late I was aware of the first streaks of dawn before I reached Lower Sydenham. The days are at long last beginning to lengthen. This evening I came out of the office to find it snowing, but not settling. This was the first time I had ridden in snow since I was a kid. The snow was quite heavy at times and by the time I got to Forest Hill it was beginning to settle on vehicles. Really missed the old muffler. There were a lot of bikers about this evening too. I didn't get the feeling they were just there because of the weather. Most of them looked like serious regular commuters.

Stats - day 39/365, rides 10 = 5.1 weeks/10 rides = 1.8 per week - in = 1:00:08 (12.33 mls) out = 1:07:34 (12.61) odo after weekend reset = 24

Tuesday 9/2/2010 - Train

I'd rather be on the bike.

Wednesday 10/2/2010

There was a strong head wind this morning. Pedalling into it was hard work. In addition it was very cold there was quite a wind chill factor. There seemed to be quite a lot of cyclists about. It's good to see and feel part of the greater cycling community. It was definitely getting light at Lower Sydenham and I was earlier than on Monday. When I set off the evening there had been some snow which had not settled on the road but had left a powdering on the grass. Once again a lot of cyclists about. The wind had either dropped or was behind me. Either way it was much easier to ride home. I have found the muffler on the end of the banister.

Stats - day 41/365, rides 11 = 5.3 weeks/11 rides = 1.9 per week - in = 1:03:37 (12.42 mls) out = 1:07:57 (12.63) odo after weekend reset = 49

Thursday 11/2/2010 - Train

Rotten. I just wish I had the stamina to ride every day.

Friday 12/2/2010

I set off a bit earlier day in damp and gloomy riding conditions. By Lower Sydenham there was a few large drops of rain/sleet in the air. But nothing too bad. Daylight by the time I got to Forest Hill but you could hardly see the difference.

Once again plenty of bikes around on the way home particularly on the top end of the journey. There were still four of us going up Rye Lane. But no-one else after Forest Hill. Nearly got taken out by a lass at Peckham. A car came out of a side street to far and frighened her she swerved into me as I was overtaking her. Fortunately she straightened up in time so only a near miss. I actually don't think the car was at fault really it was no more than a couple of feet across the give way line trying to clear a way for a car from the main road turn in past it. She had plenty of room really but was just a bit nervous. Anyhow no harm done. Smart front light ran out of juice at Catford so straight onto the charger on arrival at home.

Stats - day 43/365, rides 12 = 6 weeks/12 rides = 2 per week - in = 1:01:10 (12.33 mls) out = 1:07:01 (12.58) odo after weekend reset = 74

My February Rides (week 1)

Monday 1/2/2010 Dawn in Burgess Park at c.0720 hrs . It was very cold. Roads are in a pretty poor state after the recent cold weather; I don't remember them being that much better before the freeze, but at least the local authorities have an excuse at the moment. Rye Lane seems particularly poor I think I will report this. there was a serious 'sink' type hole in Surrey Rd last week but that seems to have been patched up now - it didn't look a very permanent job I must say. It seemed to be a popular day for cycling. On the run home I found I was amongst a group of 5-6 in the Old Kent Rd. All together ignoring each other. What are Londoners like. Stats - day 32/365, rides 6 = 4.6 weeks/6 rides = 1.3 per week - in = 1:00:41 out = 1:08:?? Tuesday 2/2/2010 Train Stats - day 33/365 rides 6 = 4.7 weeks/6 rides = 1.3 per week Wednesday 3/2/2010 Two very ordinary rides today. Made quite good time this morning. I was really surprised to discover that SavaCentre in Sydenham is ¼ of the outward journey. On the way home there were quite a lot of cyclists at the bottom of Bow St going onto Waterloo Br. Waterloo Bridge is undergoing repairs for the rest of the year which has resulted in lane closures. Lanes are coned off and the bus lane is closed. The cyclist numbers depleted the further on I went on the route. And the ones that remained, were not always the same ones. We were down to just three by the community centre at Peckham and by the ½ way point I was on my own. Both rides were a bit damp but apart from some very light rain at SavaCentre on the ride home. I remained dry both ways. Stats - day 34/365 rides 7 = 4.8 weeks/7 rides = 1.5 per week - in = 0:57:17 out = 1:09:09 odo 13193 Thursday 4/2/2010 Train Got my health regime out of kilter today. I gave blood in the morning (donation 39) but then through my own poor time management missed lunch. When I got home my kids cooked me a couple of burgers - life savers. Stats - day 35/365 rides 7 = 5.0 weeks/7 rides = 1.4 per week Friday 5/2/2010 It was damp this morning. The roads were really quite wet but it didn't actually seem to be raining. Anyway it was a dry run in. Couple of little incidents: Coming out of the service Road to Wickes in Catford and turning across the entrance to the Halfords car park I had a near miss with a car turning in from the main road. I have long been nervous about this manoeuvre and thought that this might happen. There really needs to be a better connect between the end of the path in the Wickes car park and the ramp leading down to the tunnel under the South Circular. I will report this on SMIDSY as I think there will be a problem here before long. On my way up the Surrey Canal tow path as I passed under one one of the road bridges there came a loud tinkling sound and I thought I ridden through broken glass or something had fallen off the bike which was just ahead of me (he had a good look back). Anyway when I got to Burgess Park I realised that my wing mirror was missing. Judging by the sound I guess it had shattered. I couldn't find it when I stopped to look this evening. I do not understand that despite using exactly the same route on the return journey my mileages are 1/3 ml different. Stats - day 36/365 rides 8 = 5.0 weeks/8 rides = 1.6 per week - in = 0:58:40 (12.32 mls) out = 1:10:10 (12.63) odo 13217

My Ride

My route broadly follows the London Cycle Network Route 22 & 23. It is about a mile longer than if I use the proposed Superhighway. Much of it is off road on cycle paths etc. which is much more pleasant and less threatening. It avoids the hideous climb over the top of Crystal Palace. In due course I will add some distance points along the way. It is almost exactly 12½ miles.

Beckenham/Sortlands - Start

• Downsbridge Rd j/w Bromley Rd - North
• Left into Albermarle Rd - West (past Beckenham Junction Stn) into Rectory Rd - continue West
• Right into Blakeney Rd - continue North West
• Left into Bridge Rd - West
• Right into Kingshall Rd - North
• Left into Lennard Rd - West
• Right onto the foot/cycle-path following the river and railway - North
• Straight onto Kangley Bridge Rd - North passing Lower Sydenham Stn
• Right Fambridge Close - North East
• Straight across Southend La and onto the foot/cycle-path following the river and railway - North
• Pass Halfords at Catford and through foot/cycle tunnel at Catford Bridge Stn - North
• Continue Adenmore Rd towards the old Catford Dog Track - North
• Left under railway bridge onto foot/cyclepath through Ravensbourne Park - North
• Into Ewhust Rd and pass the Prendergast School - North-West
• Cut through to Sevenoaks Rd - North-West
• Across Brockley Rd into Eddystone Rd passing CIU Social Club - North-West
• Across foot/cycle bridge over railway into Brockley Way - North-West
• Brockley Way becomes Mertin's Way becomes Iverton Rd - North-West
• Left into Surrey Rd - West
• Right into Rye Rd - North
• Left into Stuart Rd and pass the Ivy House which is the ½ way point - West
• Right into Peckham Rye - North-West
• Right into Rye La - North
• Across Queens Rd and across the shared pedestrian/cycle path to join the Surrey Canal Tow Path - North
• Right off the Tow Path and across Trafalgar Av into Burgess Park - West
• In Burgess Park 1/2 right towards the Albany Rd - North-West
• Left into Albany Rd - West
• Right into Portland St becomes Brandon St - North
• Right into Larcom St then left into Rodney Rd - North
• Right into Rodney Pl - North
• Left onto the cycle path alongside Old Kent Rd SE1 [the A2] - West
• Right Meadow Rw - North
• Left Rockingham St - West
• Cross Newington Causeway into Keyworth St- West
• Right Borough Rd - East
• Left Lancaster St – North
• Left Webber St – North West
• At the back of the Old Vic straight on into Cornwall Rd - North
• Left into Exton St – West
• Right into Waterloo Rd and onto Waterloo Bridge – North
• Becomes Lancaster Pl then Bow St – North
• Right onto the newly authorised cycle lane in Long Acre becomes Great Queen St – North East
• Right Wild St – South East

Arrive 12½ miles

Off We Go

I have returned to cycling after giving up for nearly 20 years following an accident in which I was NOT badly hurt but which frightened me and in particular my new wife. She asked me to give up and I did.

About five years ago I found a bike in a skip which I had rebuilt and started to use. My wife did not object too much so I have picked up my interest again. Until the Cycle Friday Project in London I was just doing weekend leisure rides.

Since September 2009 and the Cycle Friday scheme I have been commuting from Beckenham to Holborn (12.5 miles on my route; basically the LCN routes 22 & 23 which avoids most of the main roads) twice a week.

Because of the snow and cold weather in early January 2010 I have mostly left the bike at home and stuck to public transport. However in the second fortnight of the month I have managed five cycle commutes.

I aim to achieve 2-3 cycle commutes per week for the year. This is the log of my progress.

Odometer: 13144