The second ride of the weekend involved some of the other members going a little further afield, joining some other eager cyclists in the Lee Valley. This was quite some ride, being close to the distance that will have to be done for the actual London to Brighton ride.
Jens, Laurie and I joined forces with four Southwark Cyclists for a 20 mile ride via the Lee Valley from the Rotherhithe tunnel to Broxbourne. Starting with a dusty, noisy ride under The Thames, we then enjoyed a little light drizzle to wash us off before our coffee break at the super cool Counter cafe with it's view over the Olympic park. Then followed a great canal side ride all the way up to Broxbourne with not a single road to hinder our progress; just some occasional cobbles to wake us up and a four inch rusty nail to flatten my tire. With a spare inner tube at the ready and Jens' expert pumping technique, we were soon on our way and Jens could return to 'helping' the ride leader with regular suggestions for ways to improve the route. By the time we reached our pub stop, the sun was shining and we three decided to complete the return journey rather than opt for the train back into London. Slightly harder work going south with the wind in our faces, and hindered a little by Laurie's slow (quick quick slow) puncture, we meandered our way back to Rotherhithe. Whilst the gents in the MOT centre were very helpful, this was no replacement for us having our own pump with us... lesson learnt for the future. Total of about 40 miles for Laurie and Jens, and 56 for Tessa.
[Tessa]
Jens, Laurie and I joined forces with four Southwark Cyclists for a 20 mile ride via the Lee Valley from the Rotherhithe tunnel to Broxbourne. Starting with a dusty, noisy ride under The Thames, we then enjoyed a little light drizzle to wash us off before our coffee break at the super cool Counter cafe with it's view over the Olympic park. Then followed a great canal side ride all the way up to Broxbourne with not a single road to hinder our progress; just some occasional cobbles to wake us up and a four inch rusty nail to flatten my tire. With a spare inner tube at the ready and Jens' expert pumping technique, we were soon on our way and Jens could return to 'helping' the ride leader with regular suggestions for ways to improve the route. By the time we reached our pub stop, the sun was shining and we three decided to complete the return journey rather than opt for the train back into London. Slightly harder work going south with the wind in our faces, and hindered a little by Laurie's slow (quick quick slow) puncture, we meandered our way back to Rotherhithe. Whilst the gents in the MOT centre were very helpful, this was no replacement for us having our own pump with us... lesson learnt for the future. Total of about 40 miles for Laurie and Jens, and 56 for Tessa.
[Tessa]
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