Today's weather promised to be for the most part dry, just overcast but not to much wind, so pretty decent winter cycling conditions. Fuelled up with a banana & porridge with big spoon full Nuttela we headed out the door for another cycling adventure.
So off we went the meeting point of the bottom of The London Eye on the Southbank. This time thankfully I arrived pretty much on time as I have a reputation to arrive just as the group are setting off. Hellos and hugs all over from new and old friends alike and also checking out each others Bromptons to see what the latest upgrades & tinkering we have been up to.
This would be the first ride I've been on since changing to a different model dynamo rear light so I was looking forward to seeing how it would perform there will be a review of both soon.
Once again this was David's ride and with his booming voice gave as a brief outline of where we would be going, keeping together as well as mentioning that being a sub 30 mile ride there would be no lunch stops, just toilet breaks for those in need.
Then we was off pretty much on schedule, as we weaved though the few tourist that was walking about the South Bank enjoying the Brompton Peloton. No matter how many times I go on a ride, the Brompton Peloton has to be one of the best views EVER. Every Brompton is the same but also a reflection of each rider's personality so are different at the same time. You just don't get that of thing with any other bike.
Flowing past the South Bank |
Even in the cold we're all smiles |
One cool cat |
There is actually a whole family of brass salutes at this spot, man, woman and a couple of girls if I'm not mistaken.
Forever onwards we went along the Thames Path though alleyways, small docks & finally arriving at the Cutty Sark
The Cutty Sark |
At the Cutty Sark end of Greenwich Foot Tunnel |
Just a quick stop for some Peanut butter M&M's, I kid you not (I've been told only available in the US *boooo*) & off into the direction of Deptford Bridge.
Forever smiling Chris B (in pink) & John M looking serious |
Ladywell Fields |
Along to our first little pitstop/toilet break at the Ten Thousand Hands or Ten Thousand Paws
We wasn't to far from another stop, Compton Cycles on this ride and we was welcomed with hot drinks & flap jacks. Well we didn't just stop by we kinda invaded the shop. As ever all the staff was on hand giving great advise & service, some members even purchased a few items they had been promising themselves. I saw a pair of 2014 brake levers and a mini O bag being purchased.
The Legend outside Compton Cycles |
Chris Compton showed us a new helmet, Plixi Folding Helmet by Overade
Plixi ready to wear |
Plixi fully folded |
After everyone had consumed their hot drinks and a few energy giving flapjacks we had a LBC group photo for the Compton Cycles website / facebook page.
Right after we left Compton Cycles we headed towards the canals near by and one eagle eyed Bromptoneer spotted a King Fisher along the canal. I have to say we just about managed to get a photo before he/she shot off down the canal very close to the surface of the water.
Kingfisher watching the LBC ride by |
While I was playing back marker we came across this delightful sign for a local toddler group .
How could we resist? |
As always as the hill started to bite the group started to split up as everyone was focusing on their own pace for getting up hills.
Crystal Palace in the distance |
Crystal Palace transmitter mask |
As we came to the Crystal Palace we came across a mini track where I saw a couple of radio controlled cars being raced.
Mini race track |
Once again a damn good ride with my London Brompton Club and thanks go to David P for another great organized & lead ride, also thanks to everyone that joined us.
My LBC clan |
Once we found a big enough table and had ordered our food there was a silence. The silence of everyone uploading their strava data and photographs.
Stimulating conversation >.< |
Busy uploading to Strava |
I have to say it took awhile order our food but when it did arrive was pretty good.
Even after I had ordered a beer that I had a quick taste of Chris B's beer it NEVER turned up, I'm STILL waiting for this beer, VERY SLOPPY service I have to say.
Still a damn good day out with my cycling buddies none the less.
Below is my cycle data. See you on the next ride....
Garmin Data: LBC Ride: Route 21 Loop
peace out & happy cycling....
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