Greenwich Cyclists http://www.greenwichcyclists.org.uk/ en-us Nucleus CMS v3.41 � Weblog http://backend.userland.com/rss http://www.greenwichcyclists.org.uk//nucleus/nucleus2.gif Greenwich Cyclists http://www.greenwichcyclists.org.uk/ Rides and Events http://www.greenwichcyclists.org.uk/index.php?itemid=63 July 2010

Saturday 31 July 2010
Pluckley Haunted Trail
Time: 07:50 London Bridge or 07:50 Bromley South

About 50 miles in total - moderate pace - moderately hilly

Meet: Trevor Hughes at London Bridge Station 0750 - main entrance, near the ticket machines, to catch the 0808 to Pluckley or Andrew Fergar at Bromley South 0750 outside the main entrance, to catch the 0806 to Orpington, changing there onto the 0824 to Pluckley.

Our ride starts and finishes at Pluckley, Englands most haunted village. We will ride out deep into the countryside along narrow lanes and country roads, stop for lunch at a rustic old Inn and return to Pluckley by late afternoon, where those who wish can join us for an evening drink and a meal in the village pub, the Black Horse...The ride will be at moderate pace, and will not be significantly hilly. However is quite long and will feature some climbing. We will pass a station about halfway if anyone wishes to leave the route early.

Contact: Trevor Hughes

Email: tjh@brockley.orangehome.co.uk Mobile: 07775 928953

September 2010


Wednesday, 1 September 2010
An evening with Andrew Ritchie
Time: 6pm
Place: The Gallery, 70 Cowcross Street, EC1M 6EJ

Come and hear Andrew Ritchie talk about Brompton bikes. Andrew Ritchie was working as a landscape gardener in London when, in 1975, he conceived the idea for a folding bike. Since then he has guided the Brompton Bicycle company from its initial production facility in a railway arch to become the largest bicycle manufacturer in the UK producing 26,000 bikes per year and the last transport manufacturer of any kind based in London. Today, Bromptons are sold in 33 countries around the world.

Doors open at 6pm and the talk will commence at 6:30pm. Refreshments will be available, with all proceeds going to Sustrans. £7.00

http://www.sustransshop.co.uk/products/5723-an-evening-with-andrew-ritchie

http://www.sustransshop.co.uk/products/5723-an-evening-with-andrew-ritchie






]]> Rides and Events http://www.greenwichcyclists.org.uk/index.php?itemid=63 Thu, 29 Jul 2010 17:22:00 +0100 STOP PRESS! Greenwich Town Centre Gyratory System http://www.greenwichcyclists.org.uk/index.php?itemid=95 All representations must be made by 1 August (Deadline extended)

Please comment on the Council's intention to introduce a one way gyratory system between Deptford and Greenwich.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/greenwichcyclists/attachments/folder/1420329918/item/list

http://www.greenwich.gov.uk/Greenwich/YourCouncil/HaveYourSay/GreenwichTownCentre.htm

- - - - -
Here's what Greenwich Cyclists have replied to Greenwich Council. They tend to count the number of responses from individuals so it would be good if as many locals as poss also responded by Jan 15 under your own name and in your own terms.

Click here to comment and add your own name to the comments.

Greenwich Cyclists have carefully studied the options and we make the following submission:

Option 1. We favour closure to motor traffic of the north and east sides of the present town centre gyratory; cycle lanes should be painted in College Approach and King William Walk North, or signs raised showing that cycling is permitted and pedestrians have priority. If the underground car park at Cutty Sark Gardens is retained, access should be only via Welland Street, thus closing the north end of Greenwich Church Street to motor trafffic. King William Walk south should have a cycle contraflow southbound to Greenwich Park and safe access to it across Nelson Road/Romney Road.

Greenwich Council should think boldly and work towards reducing, not facilitating, east-west traffic through the town centre World Heritage Site.



Option 2. We oppose the idea of a much larger 2-lane gyratory – Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich South Street, Greenwich High Road, Norman Road, Creek Road -- which would encourage motor traffic to travel faster than at present; clear examples of this can be seen from the speed that cars travel on Norman Road and Creek Road at off-peak times. In particular, a one-way system would make cycle access to Greenwich rail and DLR station impossible from the east; Norman Road has an arched railway bridge unsuitable for a 2-lane 1-way flow; just north of the bridge an east-west cycle route from Deptford via Halfpenny Bridge hits Norman Road at a right angle – how can those cyclists cross safely to continue their journey down Tarves Street and vice versa? Cyclists make a variety of journeys through Haddo, Tarves and Roan streets and Straightsmouth to avoid the primary distributor roads.

Option 2 is likely to increase traffic through Greenwich Park, on its highly unsuitable roads, unless it is closed to through traffic all day, as recommended in the recent CRISP stakeholder report.

Option 2B with bus and cycle contraflows on Creek Road, Greenwich High Road and Church Street is the least objectionable of the Option 2s.



Anthony Austin, Coordinator, Greenwich Cyclists


]]> "CRISPS" http://www.greenwichcyclists.org.uk/index.php?itemid=95 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 14:07:00 +0100 The north side stairwell is now scaffolded.. http://www.greenwichcyclists.org.uk/index.php?itemid=78
Thames Clippers (a 4 min journey) run:

Northbound: 06:16 until 23:18 Mon-Fri 08:58 until 23:28 w/ends
Southbound: 10:52 until 00:37 Mon-Fri 10:17 until 00:45 w/ends

Cross River Tickets cost £3.20 £2.15 with Travelcard £1.60 Freedom Pass £2.15 London Student Oyster £1.60 Child Single (under 5s travel free) £1.10 for a child with a travel card (1/3 off)

Woolwich ferry staircase south side now closed. Lift only access. Woolwich Ferry runs from 06:10 to 20:00 Monday to Saturday, 11:30 to 19:15 (south to north) to 19:30 (north to south) on Sundays.

If we hear any more news we will let you know.

- - -


On 2 December Jeff Horsman attended a monthly Greenwich Cyclists and provided us with an update on progress on the tunnel refurbishment. Some of the details await final decisions, but a summary of points is as follows:

*Work has already started at night time on leak repair and other items as some of the budget has to be spent by 31-3-10.
*Closures of the Woolwich tunnel will take place during the day as the ferry remains an alternative crossing option.
*There will not be no lifting of the ban on bikes on the DLR
*Closures of the Greenwich tunnel will be limited to night time (10.00am - 5.00am), though full weekend closures are not ruled out.
* When the tunnels are open there will be either lift of stairs access at both ends. It should be possible to find out which of these options exists before travelling.
*Talks with TfL and Canary Wharf businesses are ongoing with reference to a subsidy for ferries in the event of a total closure during the daytime. This could occur in the event of unforceen occurences during the work or for limited amounts of the work.
* Tenders and Building Contracts will be awarded in January. Serous work is likely to start in February.
*Current levels of lift availability will remain until April 2010
*Wheel ramps on the stairs are being investigated. There is currently a trial ramp in a section of stairs at the Woolwich tunnel
*Eventually it is intended to provide a 24/7 automatic lift service with much more extensive CCTV, Help buttons and a fully staffed surveilance room.
*The wooden panneling in the lifts will be protected by glass and the white tiles in the tunnels will be retained. The lighting will be improved.]]> Foot Tunnels http://www.greenwichcyclists.org.uk/index.php?itemid=78 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 06:49:00 +0100 http://www.greenwichcyclists.org.uk/index.php?itemid=93 Meeting up at the Cutty Sark

We have a Constitution and an Equal Opportunities Policy. We have successfully won grant-aid, so attending rides and meetings costs nothing.

We've got gnarly urban cyclists, racers, commuters, tourers, young families who want somewhere safe to learn as well as people new to London - or cycling - who want to get to work/shops/visit friends, galleries, etc and get fit. It is our aim to promote cycling which is safe, responsible and considerate to other road users.

We can: organise one-to-one professional training, provide guidance and advice on: choosing the right bike, getting in to work, or planning rides.

Subscribe to our email group and once you feel you know us better... Why not come to our first Wednesday of each month meeting: 7.30pm, Armada Centre, 21, McMillan St, London, SE8 3EZ. (Junction of Watergate Street and Creek Road).
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=se8+3ez&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=16.000284,28.696289&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=London+SE8+3EZ,+United+Kingdom&ll=51.481383,-0.020921&spn=0.00886,0.022724&z=16
]]> Ride Reports http://www.greenwichcyclists.org.uk/index.php?itemid=93 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 06:46:00 +0100 Pedestrianisation of Greenwich Town Centre http://www.greenwichcyclists.org.uk/index.php?itemid=133
c/o GREENWICH CYCLISTS

20 July 2010
Mike Freestone
Assistant Director
Greenwich Strategic Planning
6th floor
Crown Building
48 Woolwich New Road
Woolwich SE18 6HQ

RE: Greenwich Town Centre Pedestrianisation

Dear Sir
We have been nominated by Greenwich Cyclists, the local branch of the London Cycling Campaign — Europe’s largest regional cycling organisation — to respond to the proposals for the pedestrianisation of Greenwich town centre. We are both Greenwich Borough residents.
In short, we have a considerable number of serious concerns about many aspects of the current proposals. Several members of our organisation attended the recent public exhibition, met various representatives from the council and Hyder Consulting, and posed a number of key questions. A short summary of some of our major concerns include:
1 There are a number of junctions where it appears that cyclists will have to dismount and use pedestrian crossings in order to move from a footway or pedestrianised section onto a road (or vice versa). Some of these junctions are heavily used by tourists and likely to be congested. It will break the continuity of cycle journeys and discourage cyclists and we consider it to be poor design. It flies against all targets to increase cycle journeys and decrease vehicle dependence. Specifically:
1a) Cyclists travelling east and turning right from Creek Road into Haddo Street (to London Cycle Network route 2). Here, it also appears there may be a proposal for a resident ‘swipe-card barrier’ at Roan Street/Haddo Street junction – as one-of the busiest and safest routes in the area, this is absolute non-starter.
1b) Cyclists heading south from the foot tunnel and turning west into Creek Road at Greenwich Church Street junction.
1c) Cyclists travelling across Greenwich High Road to/from Stockwell Street & Roan Street. A safe crossing/turning point will be needed here. It is likely to be a very busy junction for cyclists.
1d) Cyclists travelling north along King William Walk (south part) and turning east into Romney Road, or continuing north across Romney Road into the pedestrianised King William Walk (north part).
2 Failure to provide a coherent joined-up cycle network. There are too many gaps, places where cyclists must join a footway or indeed there is no provision. Specifically:

2a) The junction where Royal Hill meets Greenwich High Road. Why is there no contraflow between Greenwich South Street and Stockwell St?

2b) Norman Road. Why is there no contraflow for the northern half of Norman Road? And why does the contraflow for the southern half cross from one side to the other at the railway bridge? Can it not remain on the west side of Norman Road?
3 We are concerned about the excessive dependence on cycling on the footways. Many of these are likely to be congested with tourists who are notoriously unaware of shared-use footways. In addition the quality of footways, especially for commuting cyclists, is likely to be inadequate.
4 Vehicular speed on the two-lane gyratory for cyclists wishing to use this route. We are unconvinced that this can be adequately managed by the use of signals, as has been suggested by some representatives at the Public Exhibition. Norman Road in particular is already narrow and houses numerous aggregate manufacturers, skip hire firms, scaffolding and building contractors, all of which employ a high number of large lorries (the type of vehicles responsible for the highest single percentage of cyclist deaths in London). Most authorities and road engineers are now designing gyratories OUT of urban areas since they are known to result in high vehicular speed and discourage cyclists and pedestrians.
5 We would like to see traffic calming measures in various locations around the town centre to avoid danger from the inevitable increase in
‘rat-running’ and local drivers trying to avoid the detour of the gyratory.
If these concerns. cannot be addressed, we feel that the very small gains from the project — ie a couple of short pedestrianised roads — are massively outweighed by the high number of associated problems, for all road users and local residents. By the council’s own admission, the project will not see any decrease in traffic volume, nor will air quality and pollution be improved (in fact, the opposite in all cases).
Of course, we would be very happy to discuss any of the matters mentioned above, possibly to consider more workable solutions, so please feel free to contact John on this email address (editorlondoncyclist@yahoo.com).

Yours sincerely
JOHN KITCHINER LIZ DELAP
Editor, London Cyclist Greenwich Cyclists
]]> newcat1 http://www.greenwichcyclists.org.uk/index.php?itemid=133 Sat, 24 Jul 2010 21:13:49 +0100 Welcome to Greenwich Cyclists http://www.greenwichcyclists.org.uk/index.php?itemid=80 Cycling is a fun healthy activity that can be enjoyed by all!
Why not join us on one of our cycle rides, led by experienced cyclists, often on routes free from motor traffic?

Refreshments after a winter ride

Greenwich Cyclists are a branch of the London Cycle Campaign.
http://www.lcc.org.uk/index.asp?PageID=27
We have a Constitution and an Equal Opportunities Policy. Attending rides and meetings costs nothing.

We've got gnarly urban cyclists, racers, commuters, tourers, young families who want somewhere safe to learn as well as people new to London - or cycling - who want to get to work/shops/visit friends, galleries, etc and get fit. It is our aim to promote cycling which is safe, responsible and considerate to other road users.

We can: organise one-to-one professional training, provide guidance and advice on: choosing the right bike, getting in to work, or planning rides.

Subscribe to our email group and once you feel you know us better... Why not come to our first Wednesday of each month meeting: 7.30pm, Armada Centre, 21, McMillan St, London, SE8 3EZ. (Junction of Watergate Street and Creek Road).

http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?x=537221&y=177710&z=0&sv=SE8+3EZ&st=2&pc=SE8+3EZ&mapp=map.srf&searchp=ids.srf

You can visit our old site here]]> Welcome http://www.greenwichcyclists.org.uk/index.php?itemid=80 Thu, 3 Jun 2010 05:49:00 +0100 Ride reports http://www.greenwichcyclists.org.uk/index.php?itemid=94 Teri's spin with Greenwich Tritons

Saturday 29th May

I’ve aspired to do a club ride for a long time. I met the Greenwich Tritons at 08:30 Saturday for a spin out to Kent. The fast boys went off (to Eynsford?) Sarah led the “beginners”. Melissa had not cycled for two years and bought her snazzy looking road bike the day before. A very fit Carl was on his upright mountain bike (mudguards – no rack), Ruth on her borrowed road bike, me on my “racing” bike – complete with mudguards, rack, compass, wing mirror... Melissa did not enjoy the ride (come out with Greenwich Cyclists on an easy ride Melissa!) Ruth did amazingly well. I think her borrowing idea is the best. It really does pay to try as many bikes as you can before you buy. Carl swept past me on a number of occasions. Sarah had a bit of a cold, a hangover and an itinerary so there were no leisurely coffee breaks/lunch stops. We were back in Lewisham by 1pm and I hope if Melissa/Ruth see this they will subscribe to Greenwich Cyclists - through which they can message me. Alternatively join a leisurely ride which can sneak the miles in without you noticing. If anyone fancies a shorter/quicker spin out, the Greenwich Tritons meet by the tea hut on Blackheath at 08:30 on a Saturday.

Hayes To Brighton Ride Report by Andrew Fergar of Bromley Cyclists



Saturday 8th May

We gathered 13 intrepid riders at Hayes Station before our departure at 08:50 - including Tom & John ? from Charlton, Ray from Addington, Andrew and myself from Bromley, Jay and two others from Hackney, William from Islington, Trevor and Helmut from Deptford/Brockley, Guy from Brisbane and Richard from Gillingham ...soon we were out in countryside ...with yours truly fighting hard to keep up at the rear !

Trevor led us ...whilst William ably map-read and corrected some small errors .. plus had to catch some of the swifter riders who whizzed off the wrong way ...three or four times! Ray, as usual was our trusty rear guard ....which I (for one) was very grateful for.

After 37 or so miles ...we arrived at our lunch stop ...much in need of sustenance ..after all the hills that had to be surmounted. The Oak at Ardingley set aside a small room for our intrepid party ...where we remustered our energies over the next 1.5 hours for the final miles and the dreaded Ditchling Beacon.

All of us made it up on the top of the rather large escarpment that is the South Downs ..via the Ditchling Beacon road ..though a couple had to walk up a bit ( including me )...next time we will go over the Devil's Dyke ...which is a bit less steep and ..more importantly has rather less traffic.

So ...all of us made it back to Brighton Station by 18:00, minus three of our group had to break away a bit after lunch to get an earlier train ( they made it too).

We all felt a sense of achievement at having completed a ride that was considerably more of a challenge than the rather more famous London - Brighton. Thanks to Trevor's improved routing we were on quiet lanes most of the time ...plus some B roads ...and the last bit into Brighton is always busy anyhow.

So ...we will be doing this again ...in June or July ...and hopefully the weather will be a bit kinder to us, so that a visit to the Beach can be the grand finale.

Till Then

Andrew Fergar

Bromley Cyclists

Sarah’s Eltham Palace



Saturday 28 March 2010

Seven at Cutty Sark Gardens, including five from Southwark, met one more at Eltham Palace having cycled up the hill in Greenwich Park, over Blackheath, through the private Cator Estate then into the Ferrier Estate and on to Sutcliffe Park where we spent some time looking at the river Quaggy wetlands and saw a heron. Up through Middle Park Avenue and past St Saviour's Church which won the RIBA Gold Medal in 1933. Off road and climbed up King John's Walk which, on such a clear day, gave a good view over London when we stopped to pick out buildings marked on a conveniently placed plaque. Busy Eltham Palace was just about worth the £8 entrance fee but the staff could be less officious and the daffodils could have been out more. All eight joined in lunch in a pub in Eltham High Street before seven returned via a different, and more direct, route to Cutty Sark Gardens along the side of the A2. Six had a quick look round the new Discover Greenwich before tea in the café there. One went back up the hill home, one had a further look round Discover Greenwich and the remaining four returned to Southwark.

Gareth's Lewisham Borders



Saturday 17 April

Four of us met at Cutty Sark Gardens for a tour of Lewisham’s borderlands: Roy, Francis, Gareth and Teri.
Starting off we wound our way west along the river, then south along Norway Street and Norman Road, diverting briefly to inspect the controversial Deals Gateway junction at the intersection of Greenwich High Road and Blackheath Road, which has been the subject of much comment in the Greenwich and Lewisham eGroups recently.

We then meandered further south along the Waterlink Way as far as Elverson Road DLR station, from where we headed uphill towards Blackheath, crossing the heath itself and then going south through the Cator Estate to Lee Green and down towards Grove Park.

We then crossed the Orpington-bound railway line near to the Hither Green sidings, manoeuvring our bikes with difficulty through some awkward gates, but it was worth the effort for the far-reaching views from the bridge, across the expanse of railway tracks and beyond.

From here we cycled through the Downham Estate where Lewisham borough borders Bromley, and on reaching Beckenham Place Park decided to stop there for an early lunch in a café which is part of the club house (the park includes a public golf course). The club house with its peeling paint and general air of faded grandeur had clearly seen better days, but the café itself provided good quality all-day breakfasts and similar fare at a reasonable price, and our food arrived promptly. It was a delightful sunny day and we sat for some time on the patio looking out over the golf course and woodland, chatting and absorbing the sun’s warmth.

Leaving the park we sailed on towards Sydenham, passing under another railway line at New Beckenham. Then we headed north through Forest Hill, by now firmly back in Lewisham territory. From there we crossed yet another railway line - this time the line between New Cross Gate and Croydon - via the Eddystone Road bridge.

We then progressed via Brockley to Telegraph Hill Park , with its panoramic views over London , and dipped downhill from there towards New Cross Gate, continuing north to Surrey Quays, past an empty Millwall football ground, then through Southwark Park .
Shortly afterwards we dropped into the Decathlon store before following the river back to Cutty Sark, where we met Anthony along the way.

All in all, a nice relaxing ride which I for one (Teri) would like to do again. Once you start a conversation with somebody it’s hard to notice all the twists and turns you have taken on an urban ride and it would be good to know the route for the future.


Teri’s Lanzarote



11-18 March 2010

97 Serpies embarked from various airports for some winter sun and early season training. We took two swim coaches, one running coach and one cycle coach. About 12 took their own bikes, others hired there or used the “all inclusive” bikes available from Club La Santa. Club La Santa has a 7 week programme of activities which include windsurfing, kayaking, aerobics, pilates, etc. Serpies had their own schedule but it was all optional. I spent first two days lying in a darkened room feeling nauseous with a headache. I managed to collect my bike during this time though and found myself sharing a room with two very focussed triathletes, neither of whom I’d met before but who tip-toed around in a most considerate manner until I was back on my feet. The supermarket there was expensive (€3.5 for a small box of vanilla tea bags) but once you’d got the basics, like cereal, pasta, etc, it was not so bad. A big barbeque was provided on the first evening (down by the pool!). The last night’s meal was included in the cost of the trip too. I think it was about £400 including flights. Costs varied according to how many you share with. Swimming lessons commenced (before the sun came up!) at 7am. We had lanes booked from 7-9 each morning and 5-7 each evening. At midday there were lagoon swims as well as bike rides to sea (kit was driven for a €5 fee to the sea) where racing and open water drills were undertaken wearing wet suits. Each day there were long and short runs, ditto bike rides. The roads are incredibly smooth almost everywhere. The prevailing wind from the Atlantic meant the air was fresh. There were hardly any cars. Lanzarote’s main “exports” seems to be triathlon, health and sunshine so they really work on the smooth road attracts cyclists and runners principle. Almost every week at La Santa there is a cycling/swimming focus. Some Serpies seem to go there throughout the year – not just with the Serpentine Running Club. You do not have to be a nutty athlete to enjoy the ambiance. Some people just have the beginners’ swimming lessons then soak up the sun/see the sights. All is optional. It was Serpie’s 18th year there. I normally worry about my carbon footprint.. I think Lanza has just taken my eye off it…

Kane and Tom’s Oxleas Woods



Sunday 28 February

Just one other Lewisham & Greenwich Young Cyclist, Kane, for today's ride through Oxleas Woods. The rain had stopped and the wood was empty, so we had the place to ourselves.

Deep puddles and plenty of mud made for an interesting ride; slippy uphills and exhilarating downhills. We paused at Occupation Lane for a view over London. We could see the meandering ribbon of the Thames as it threads its way around the Dome, Canary Wharf and the London Eye; also seen were the Gherkin, the Post Office Tower and even Wembley Stadium.

On the way back Kane flew through the woods, getting airborne on several occasions and caked in mud at the same time. I went much more tentatively, picking my way between the newly formed streams and wary of slipping on tree
roots. For me it was a relief to reach the relative safety of the South Circular.

A 2 hour Sunday afternoon cycle ride. I must do these more often...


Teri's Bike Envy



Sunday 15 November

A 15min journey from London Paddington takes you to Southall in Middlesex. From here you turn right, head towards the Broadway, on to Uxbridge Road, left into Springfield Road. I had been to cycle racing training a few weeks earlier at The Goals centre and the joining instructions said “ignore the Goals Centre and continue to the turning on the right”. I mis-understood this to mean an entrance a few metres to the right. Having spun around the course a few times to keep warm, I ventured back out to the car park where I saw a fast bike on a car roof. A couple of other women had their bikes down. They directed me back out onto Springfield Road where I flew past Goals (as instructed) and saw a “Trek” awning set up with sparkling bicycles on display below. They would have handed me one then and there but I thought I should go in and “register”. A man was talking about womens’ anatomy and bikes so I took a seat while a woman called Bex whispered something to me about signing in. The talk was coming to a close and the speaker suggested that anyone who wanted to be measured on their bikes by Cyclefit should put their name on a list.

I was more interested in trying a Trek bike. Once I had signed in and found a place to leave my bags I left the warm room (comfortable and classroom like) noting there were tea, coffee, energy drinks and loos outside in the entrance hall.

“How much is that bike worth?” I asked pointing at the cheapest looking version. “£2.5k” was the reply. “Don’t you have anything for £1k?” I asked. “I want to try something I can afford”. “They are the same shape - just different components” I was told. “Do you have SPD pedals?” I asked. Some semi-platform pedals were produced and fitted by “Griff”. (He reminded me of Tony Robinson).

I took the bike up and down a path. Adjusted saddle height a couple of times. A couple of really racy looking women were admiring rather more top of the range Treks. One of which had electronic gear changing. I avoided eye contact.

Got chatting with a woman (in her 40s) who was on SPDs for the very first time in her life…“I’m like that, never do anything by halves”… (Continued to tell me how she knew nothing at all about cycling). Her friend Jocelyn had got her onto the course and sported a Trek bike £750ish of which she was quite proud and happy. She had been measured for it by a shop in Farnham, lip and pencil chewing… muttering about different values… Jocelyn was beginning to think she’d have to have a bike specially made… The Farnham shop looked at the catalogue and voila! This bike was the perfect size for her.

After about an hour of trundling back and forth, swapping shoes and trying Speedplay vs SPD (a long conversation..) organisers started to get anxious that we hadn’t done much cycling. About 20 of us filed onto the course where about (another 20?) had been training with three coaches. We were introduced to Mac, B (British Cycling) and one other [name?] and told that we would be divided once our skill sets differentiated us.

I was familiar with the course from a training session a few weeks earlier with John Leitch. It undulates, curves in various directions and has a long straight(ish) bit - normally into the wind - as it was on this day - even though we approached it in the opposite direction from my previous session.

A slalem had been set up and into an “apron” of tarmac a sharp right hand turn had been replicated with cones. We were told that we would go around the course “holding a wheel” then in twos, then in threes and so on, each lap adding a person to our side until we would go around maybe seven abreast. It was thought that the track would hold eight abreast but as we were new to each other that was probably not going to happen on this session. Once we’d gone around a few times and our numbers were building up it was decided we wouldn’t do the sharp right around the cones but continue in a straight line across them. The semantics of not speeding up when you’re at the front were explained (so as not to lose those at the back). We then had to cycle with our right hands on the shoulders of those to our right, then to the left.

Another exercise was to cycle in twos, dropping back when told but one to the left and the other to the right, trying to note how many people you have passed. The person at the back should let you know as you reach them you are at the back so you can tuck in behind them. You tell them when you are in. This exercise is about keeping the group tight, saving energy and improving concentration and communication. ... Now on the way to work I’m thinking about “holding a wheel” (even if it is that of a 180 bus to Lewisham).

The slalem (for me) was a nightmare. My right leg wants to touch the ground first which means my left leg wants to be at the top of the pedal stroke. This is fine when turning left, the left foot should be at the top. However, when turning right, the right foot should be at the top and the left leg should be almost straight (all the weight on the pedals)…. It is said that if you look in a certain direction the bike will follow… I must have been looking left because my bike kept going wide. We were set off in pairs and having been beaten by my partner on the first round I resolved thereafter to keep in front of her. My wide angles drove her towards the grass and it was NOT on purpose… I just could not snuggle up to those cones… We were in about 8 sets of pairs so we had just enough time between bouts to resolve to do better next time, look at how the others fared and get our breath back before we were set off again.

It was now lunchtime. We were ushered back to the warm building where amazing food in eco-friendly cardboard boxes was served with wooden forks. There were two chicken options and two veggie ones. My chicken seemed to involve lentils and cheese and was really savoury and filling.

Torq, tea and coffee were available as ever in the hallway but Mac was keen to get us back out on the Tarmac (maybe that’s where he got his name from?! ;) He told us that once out on the course we would be given a water bottle and asked to pass it to a certain person. “But I don’t have a bottle cage” I protested. “Stuff it down your top” I was told by a beefy looking young coach whose name eludes me right now. We were also introduced to a distinguished, lean looking chap [name?] who we were told was a 24 hour cycling champion.

I was disappointed to find that somebody had nabbed “my” Trek so I sadly retrieved my bike from its rack, removed its lights and a stray trouser clip, consoling myself that at least I had my mirror now to see who would be sneaking up behind me…

Back on the course Mac said we should stay in the groups we’d formed earlier. I found a slow looking group headed up by B whom I had not cycled with that morning but (perhaps) should have. I noted that some of the “slow” riders wore official looking bike club kit and fast looking bikes (one from Oxford University). My disappointment at being with them faded.

B called us forward. I nipped in quickly beside her. I decided if she was going to shout instructions over her shoulder I might as well make sure I could hear her. She plonked her hand on my right shoulder and used me to lean on while she shouted instructions to the pack behind. I concentrated on going in a straight line while she formed them into different patterns. Eventually a gap opened in the formation which I had to fill. I now felt under the spotlight whereas when she was leaning on me I felt nicely out of the way. My weaknesses would now show. Right hand turning, holding a wheel, the gaps started to open. “Accelerate to get out of trouble” was a useful tip (especially in the “swarm”). “You can see what’s in front of you, you can’t see what’s behind”. I began to realise that these club riders are a world apart from the kind of cycling I was used to. The only “fast” cycling I have done has been in Triathlon where we are not ALLOWED near each other. This is the exact opposite. You are supposed to be within a wheel’s distance of the person in front.

We must have gone around for about an hour passing the bottle back and forth (the fast cyclists joined us to form a “swarm” for this). We were then divided into two groups - fast and slow (guess which I was in?) The slow ones were sent off, given half (just half?!) a lap start then the fast ones followed. It was a four lap race. I still think we only did three but as we passed the van which marked the start (and the finish) we were waved down. “Two more laps to cool down” They shouted. I think I came third out of the slow ones (placed then). I did one cool down lap then sneaked off to see if the BikeFit guys were still there… nope, all packed up. The light was beginning to fade. It must have been a cold and breezy day for them writing down values, filming in the open air, conveying their findings. I’d already looked into having a session with them in Covent Garden but it would have entailed time off work. Don’t have that kind of time unfortunately.

There was an amazing array of cakes inside. Bex had been to Sainsbury’s and got more milk.

[Rebecca/Rachel?] then said would we like to do a warm down/stretching session (with some Pilates!)? Would we ever! Mats were laid out - there more of us than there were of the mats so doubling up was done. We were told that if we zipped up our insides and clenched (as if to stop oneself going to the loo) - especially when sprinting for the top of a hill or making a special effort - we’d get maybe 10W extra power going. We were told to strengthen glutes by doing the Jane Fonda thrusting your hips to the ceiling move (or the “Spider” if you ever did that in the school playground), the “plank” for core strength - but not as Ashtanga yoginies know it because in Rebecca’s plank you stayed in the air. In Ashtanga plank you drift downward like a piece of seaweed. I could go on but I am sure you would rather be stretching than reading this…

So, would I recommend this day to you? Well, if you ride with a club, ride drop handlebars and commute every day, yes. If (like me) you ride with mudguard, pannier rack, compass, mirror, etc I’d probably have to say drop the rack - but then how do you get there? We were told to bring a change of clothes etc as the weather COULD have been really nasty. I have yet to master the art of riding on drops with a rucksack full of alternative clothing. If I find a rucksack/helmet combo that works like this I will let you know. Meanwhile I was told “make friends, be nice to people with cars”.. I still felt good skimming past the cars when I left (with my rack and mudguards). You also need protection for your eyes if you’re going out with these fast ladies as the stones and grit that get thrown up is amazing… A real (eek!) eye-opener (ouch!) for somebody - like me - who is used to cycling around with CTC types with little flaps on their mudguards.

http://www.bikeenvy.co.uk/

]]> Ride Reports http://www.greenwichcyclists.org.uk/index.php?itemid=94 Sun, 30 May 2010 10:10:00 +0100 Minutes http://www.greenwichcyclists.org.uk/index.php?itemid=36 GREENWICH CYCLISTS

MINUTES OF MEETING 3 March 2010
1 Members present
Anthony Austin [Chair], Stephen Craven, Tom Crispin, Teri Griffith, John Kitchener, Gareth Scarlett and David Senior. Councillor John Fahy attended as an invited guest on behalf of the Labour Party.

Apologies received from Liz Delap, Sarah Ellis and Barry Mason.
2 Councillor Fahy
Mr Fahy gave an update on various matters, including:
• Cycling will be included in the 2012 Olympic legacy for which £10.5 million will be available for sports facilities (including in schools).
• The results of the consultation on Greenwich town centre traffic plans will be available late 2010.
• TfL and Greenwich Council funding is possible for cycling to schools, e.g. Brooklands. Tom said he would be willing to be involved with the project.
• Work on the Greenwich foot tunnel was about to start, with any closures restricted to overnight.
• The ownership of Westminster estate was more complex than previously thought, i.e. not all owned by CIS. The owners of “Submarine Wharf” had rejected the Council’s offer to build a path through their frontage. Any future development of the site (as a “creative hub”) would have to include a riverside path. An alternative route via Warspite Road / Ruston Road was still a possibility; Kevin Rivers of Greenwich’s Property Services and the Thamesside Consultancy were involved.
In response to the last point, Tom pointed out that the route was part of the Jubilee Greenway due open in 2012. Anthony reported that the marble works had closed, meaning there was no longer any traffic using the length of riverside in question.

In response to a question about cycle parking, Mr Fahy said there was funding for a £4 million redevelopment of Cutty Sark Gardens starting in 2011, and both that and pedestrianisation of College Approach would offer opportunities for additional parking.

In response to a question about Bellfield close, Mr Fahy said that the April meeting of the Planning Committee would reconsider the matter.

Anthony commented on an encouraging written reply from the Council about the Bike to Work scheme. Mr Fahy said it would reduce staff car parking.

Mr Fahy was thanked for his contribution.
3 Minutes of last meeting
The minutes of the February meeting were approved (proposed Tom, seconded Anthony).

4 Matters arising
Anthony reported from the AGM of the Greenwich Safer Parks Panel. There had been bike thefts from the park, which was one reason for the installation of CCTV. The implementation of a 20mph speed limit would have to wait until after the General Election, as the Bill also included more controversial matters relating to Richmond Park. Action: Stephen to attend the next meeting on 13 April.
5 Planning issues
a) Bellfield Close
Tom said he was waiting for a reply following the April planning committee. The Council did not have a definitive map of Rights of Way (London boroughs being exempt from the requirement). If there was no progress he would lodge a complaint with the Chief Executive. Action: Anthony to contact the Ramblers Association to seek their support; Tom to look out old planning maps from when the A102 was built (Lawrence Smith might have one).

6 Rides and events
John K. reported that it was possible to submit rides to the LCC website, but submissions were moderated and 3 months notice should be given.

Gareth said that Bromley local group was now involved in joint rides planning.

Tom asked for the loan bikes to be mentioned on the Rides section of the website.
7. Finance
Nothing to report.
8. Website
Tom was thanked for sorting out passwords. It was agreed that the website should be reconfigured away from the “blog” format. Teri and Tom both knew people who could do it. Action: Tom to get a quote from Adrian.
9. Pedal Power
Teri had produced a draft version. It was agreed to get 750 monochrome copies for distribution the following week. Action: Stephen
10. Any Other Business
1. It was agreed that the ‘white bike’ should be removed from Vanbrugh Hill three months after the fatal incident.
2. John K referred to the LCC’s list of questions for election candidates. Anthony said that Cllr Spencer Drury (Con.) had already agreed to appear next month, with a possible Green representative and Paul Webbewood was suggested as a possible LibDem representative. Action: Anthony to come up with a list of questions.
3. Tom said that LCC was inviting community grant applications of up to £10,000 (matched funding). Development of school cycling ‘clusters’ might qualify.


MINUTES OF MEETING 3 February 2010

1 Members present
Anthony Austin [Chair], Stephen Craven, Tom Crispin, Sarah Ellis, Teri Griffith, Barry Mason and David Senior.

Apologies received from Liz Delap and Stuart Parkin.
2 Minutes of last meeting
The minutes of the January meeting were approved (proposed Tom, seconded Sarah).

3 Matters arising
a) Anthony had sent a summary of the group’s response to the town centre traffic consultation. Barry had done the same on behalf of Southwark Cyclists.
b) Anthony had lodged a formal complaint on behalf of the group to the existence of the wall at Bellfield Close and the delayed referral of the planning inquiry. A reply had been received from Jane Mandlick (Highways officer) that “officers were told by councillors to get another opinion from the Planning Committee”. This would probably be in March. Tom had also lodged a complaint with Mike Freestone. action: Anthony to take the matter up with Nick Raynsford MP.
c) Stephen had not yet written to the Council about Streetcar cycle parking but would do so.
d) Teri had not yet followed up the action about barriers on the Thames Path.
e) Anthony had asked a question in Council about cycling fatalities. Councillor Brooks had replied that they would work with Lambeth borough on HGV driver awareness training.
f) Teri had asked the Council about its take-up of the Bike to Work Guarantee. The reply was that it would be implemented in April 2010.
g) Bike purchase from Decathlon – not arranged yet.
h) Anthony had not yet written about the Royal Borough status but would do so.

4 Planning issues
a) Foot tunnel closures
There was no news of closure dates yet. Wheel ramps installed on the steps in the Woolwich tunnel were agreed to be unhelpful, being too high and of the wrong size and angle. Tom had spoken to Jeff Horsman and suggested a site meeting with contractors. This had not yet been arranged. The height of the ramp was said to be to avoid injury to pedestrians and this was accepted but not a large risk.

b) Greenwich Park
The Royal Parks website stated that a change of regulations including a 20mph speed limit was now formally proposed and might be implemented in Spring 2010. It was agreed that the group’s long-term aim should still be a ban on all motorised through traffic.

Anthony was to attend the next Park Panel meeting. Tom would ask if he could attend on behalf of LGYC. action: Stephen to send contact details.

c) Olympic preparations
Anthony reported that several paths in Greenwich Park would be out of bounds for several weeks before the Olympics. The Westcombe Society had lodged an objection.

5 Rides and events
Rides were now updated on the website. It would be good to have more ride reports. There was a Dickens themed charity ride coming up (Greenwich to Rochester) which would be mentioned on the group’s website.

It was not known whether there would be a 2010 Mayor’s Ride. Action: Teri to enquire.
6. Finance
£450 had been received as a result of leading feeder rides to the 2009 Freewheel event. Tom’s invoice for tyre purchase had been received but there would be another via Lewisham Cyclists for accessories. Action: Tom to send the Decathlon quote for bikes to Sarah.
7. Website
Teri had recently updated the site. The password for administrator access (to update content) had previously been insecure but a new, more secure password was agreed at the meeting and would be made known to all committee members and a few other key contacts. It was agreed that “meetings” should be a separate section from “rides” and that if possible the “blog style” format should be altered so that only recent items show on the home page. Action: Anthony to explain these matters to Stuart and seek a new webmaster.
8. Pedal Power
The next edition would be in early March, including articles on: New bikes for children (Tom), Rides programme (Teri), Greenwich Park speed limit (Anthony), Foot tunnel update (Anthony), campaigns update (Tom), and if appropriate announcing a Cycle Question Time (see next item). Action: Stephen to get a quote for printing at his office.
7. Any Other Business
With local and general elections coming up in May it was agreed to make the March meeting a Question Time format with party representatives (preferably candidates for the Charlton Riverside ward that includes the Missing Link). Action: Stephen to invite Labour / LibDem candidates and Anthony Conservative & Greens.


MINUTES OF MEETING 6 January 2010

1 Members present
Anthony Austin [Chair], Stephen Craven, Tom Crispin, Liz Delap, Sarah Ellis, Teri Griffith, Barry Mason and David Senior.

No apologies had been received.
2 Minutes of last meeting
The minutes of the December meeting were approved.

3 Matters arising
None.

4 Planning issues
a) Greenwich town centre plans
Barry described the options proposed by consultants for traffic regulation around the town centre if College Approach and King William Walk were pedestrianised: briefly, reversion to two-way traffic on all other roads (option 1) or a gyratory via Norman Road (option 2) with variants A,B,C offering cycle or bus lanes in various places. A full proposal document can be found online at http://www.greenwich.gov.uk/consultations .

Most people favoured options 1 as it would be more effective in traffic calming, though the Council was believed to favour option 2 as minimising traffic delays. Other issues raised in discussion were the effectiveness of each option for the extent of bus and cycle access proposed, how traffic should access the Cutty Sark Gardens underground car park, rat-running and the importance of keeping the “pedestrianised” streets open to cyclists. Action: Anthony to draft a response on behalf of the group; others could submit individual responses online.
b) Bellfield Close (“Hexagon wall”)
Anthony and Sarah reported on their meeting with residents’ representatives on site on 10 December. Sadly the residents were not open to any compromise. Tom said he had reported the wall as a highway obstruction and said that all possibilities of complaint under Greenwich Council procedures had to be exhausted before resorting to the Ombudsman. Action: Anthony to make a formal complaint on behalf of the group of closure of the right of way.


c) Streetcar bay cycle parking
Stephen said that as a user of Streetcar short–term local car hire, he had asked the organisation whether they could provide a Sheffield stand or equivalent at each hire location. The response had been that it was the Council’s responsibility. Action: Stephen to write to the Council with the suggestion.

d) Thames Path cycle barriers
Teri said that the anti-motorcycle barriers at various places on the Thames Path (e.g. at Woolwich Dockyard) made it difficult for ordinary cyclists, but impossible for tandems or trailers, to pass. Action: Teri to write to the Council suggesting alternatives.

e) Victoria Deep Water Terminal
Liz said she had not yet written to Cllr Mary Mills as previously suggested. The ownership of the site was unclear: was it still Hanson Aggregates or had they sold/leased it to another firm? Action: Teri to supply notes of her discussion with Hanson to inform Liz’s letter. It was agreed however that the hazard posed by the deep mud was mainly to pedestrians, and there is an alternative cycle route for those who do not wish to cross the VDWT site.

f) Recent cyclist fatalities
There had been two fatal accidents in recent months at the A206/A102 junction and Trafalgar Road / Vanbrugh Hill junction. The existence of pedestrian barriers at junctions may have been a contributory cause in each case. Members expressed differing views on whether such barriers should be removed. Other responses suggested to the accidents were educating cyclists and training lorry drivers as in Southwark and Lewisham boroughs. Action: Anthony to ask relevant questions at a Council meeting.
5 Rides and events
Tom asked for volunteers to ride new pool bikes back from Decathlon, possibly in February half term.

6. Finance
Julian had contributed £145 from maintenance class fees to group funds. Stephen was claiming £11.33 for photocopying. Tom to submit an invoice for purchase of tyres.

7. Any Other Business
Barry reported that Greenwich was to become a Royal Borough in 2012 and suggested using this as the basis for another push to get the Thames Path “missing link” completed and to promote Greenways. Action: Anthony to write to Cllr. Roberts.


GREENWICH CYCLISTS

MINUTES OF MEETING 4 November 2009

1. Members present
Anthony Austin [Chair], Andy Braben, Stephen Craven, Tom Crispin, Brian Dalton, Sarah Ellis, Teri Griffith, Barry Mason and Ian Moore. Anthony welcomed Ian who was attending for the first time.

Apologies from Liz Delap, John Kinching and David Senior.
2. Minutes of last meeting
The minutes of the October meeting were approved (proposed Tom, seconded Sarah).

3 Matters arising
1. Bicycle stands: Brian reported that London Bus Priority Unit will pay for some in Woolwich centre, e.g. at the Tramshed arts centre and the DLR station. Plans for Greenwich town centre as a whole were still uncertain so no decisions had been taken on cycle parking. He was surprised that the group had not been consulted. Action: Anthony to write to the Chief Executive to claim Statutory Consultee status.
2. Stephen had not yet written to the Council about the peninsula path (action: Stephen).
4 Planning issues
a) Foot tunnel closures
The petition in the form of individual letters to the Council had been distributed at Greenwich tunnel (only) on two weekday mornings (27/28 October) and the following weekend (31 October / 1 November). Over 1000 had been signed. Two options were identified for delivery: (A) in person at the 28 November Council meeting, or (B) to be handed to a sympathetic councillor at the Town Hall in advance of the meeting and with a press photo-opportunity. It was agreed that (B) would be preferable. Action: Anthony to approach Cllr Woodcraft (LibDem) as a first choice.

It was agreed to ‘harvest’ the e-mail from the forms before handing them in, in order to send a one-off “thank you” message and invite signatories to join the group. Stephen agreed to scan the letters for this purpose, but all data to be destroyed once the message had been sent so as not to contravene Data Protection laws.

Barry tabled notes of his latest phone conversation with Jeff Horsman (to be appended to these minutes).


b) Bellfield Close (“Hexagon wall”)
Anthony read out the Council’s written reply to his questions. The matter was “due to be reported back to the Area Planning Committee” but with no definite date. In discussions a new point was raised, that the 2004 Transport Act [?] requires an alternative cycle route parallel to the A102 since cyclists are banned from it. Action: Anthony to draft a complaint to the local Government Ombudsman about the Council’s delaying tactics.

c) Thames Path “missing link”
Anthony read out the Council’s written reply to his questions. Brian reported that he was working on tracing and contacting the owners of riverfront properties (not the CIS, contrary to earlier reports). There were six parcels of privately owned land involved, with the owner of one (a derelict transformer site) unknown, but it was too late to go through Compulsory Purchase procedures before 2012. The route being considered was just inland (not on the river front, but through the industrial estate). It would probably be open “working hours only”. The route is already shown as part of the proposed Jubilee Greenway and Olympic Cycle Route, so the Council has an incentive to progress it.

d) King William Walk
A petition of 320 signatures had been handed in. Anthony read out the Council’s written reply to his question, which was that although the demand is acknowledged, the need to provide resident and metered parking made it difficult to provide a contraflow lane, and TfL permission would be needed. Brian said he preferred a simple signed permission rather than a marked lane, but DfT permission would be needed for the “non-standard” signage. The route is already shown as part of the proposed Olympic Cycle Route, so the Council has an incentive to progress it. The question of how to get cyclists safely across the junction with Romney Road would have to be addressed but should be possible without major works.

e) Deptford Creek bridge
The basements of the Greenwich Reach East development had been constructed but superstructure works were delayed indefinitely because of the recession. As the undertaking was to provide a bridge before selling completed apartments, it could not be expected to happen for some years.

f) Thames path closure (Peninsula west)
Barry had seen a planning notice for an imminent closure for unspecified periods during the next 6 months of the stretch from Lovells Wharf to the O2 to allow for demolition works. The alternative route would be the already-signed NCN1 route.

5 Rides and events
a) London Wave, 5 December
There would be feeder rides from some boroughs to the climate change rally in central London. Stephen would lead one from Cutty Sark Gardens, advertised departure earlier than usual at 9.45 to meet Southwark group at London Bridge at 10.30. Action: Stephen/Teri

6. Finance
Sarah reported that payment had been received from Greenwich Council of the outstanding invoice for leaflets.

Tom proposed a scheme for joint purchase by Greenwich and Lewisham cyclists of five adult bikes to form a “pool” available for short-term hire by new/returning cyclists or established members temporarily without their own transport. A charge of £5 per hire was suggested, with a deposit from those not already known to the group. They would be bought from Decathlon at £240 each (locks extra) and stored at John Ball School. Security arrangements were good, but 1 or 2 additional keyholders to the storage area may be needed for the arrangement to work smoothly. It was agreed to release £700 from the grants account for our share of this purchase. Volunteers would be needed to collect the bikes from Decathlon and ride them to Blackheath to avoid a hefty delivery charge.

Tom also requested funding for bulk replacement of tyres on the children’s bikes at John Ball School. It would not be possible to get another “start up” grant to cover this ongoing maintenance cost. It was agreed to release £120 from the grants account towards this.

7. Pedal Power
It was noted that Grant Griffiths had stepped down from the editor’s role and there was thus a vacancy.

8. Website
The facility to upload ride details to the website was workable but not without difficulty. Only plain text files could be accepted.

9. Seasonal party
Anthony had booked the Dog and Bell for the evening of 19 December. Catering details had yet to be agreed. A quiz would be organised.

10. Any Other Business
None.
]]> Meetings http://www.greenwichcyclists.org.uk/index.php?itemid=36 Mon, 26 Apr 2010 19:20:00 +0100 Free to borrow bicycles http://www.greenwichcyclists.org.uk/index.php?itemid=108 Riverside 3 Bicycle

Greenwich Cyclists now have a small pool of 5 bicycles for FREE loan for anyone wishing to join a Greenwich Cyclists ride. Bikes can also be hired by London Cycle Campaign member living in the London Borough of Greenwich for a £200 deposit and a nominal £5 per week (or part week) hire charge.

The bikes we have are:
1 X Riverside 3 Extra large
Suitable for people between 5'11" and 6'5" (1.82m and 1.95m)
2 X Riverside 3 Large
Suitable for people between 5'6" and 6'1" (1.70m and 1.85m)
2 x Riverside 3 Medium
Suitable for people between 5' and 5'6" (1.55m and 1.70m)

The bikes come with front and rear lights, a D-lock and pannier rack. Panniers can be borrowed if required. If you want to wear a helmet you will need to bring your own.

Children's bikes suitable for ages 4 upward may also be loaned. They come with helmets and lights if required; the larger children's bikes also come with pannier racks and panniers may be borrowed.

Bikes must be collected from the store close to Blackheath Railway Station. Please do not ask for delivery!

Email Tom well in advance (48 hours is good) to arrange a loan.]]> Loan Bicycles http://www.greenwichcyclists.org.uk/index.php?itemid=108 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 19:31:46 +0000 Maintenance http://www.greenwichcyclists.org.uk/index.php?itemid=5 - General maintenance
- Lubrication/bike care advice
- Gear adjustment and servicing
- Brake adjustment and servicing
- Anything else (within reason) that you suggest to us by prior email.

Place:
Armada Centre, 21 McMillan Street, Deptford SE8 3EZ (where Evelyn St meets Creek Rd) Map.

Time:
7pm to to 9pm, Tuesday or Wednesday evenings

Cost:
Tyres and Punctures : £5 for 1 class
Brakes and gears: £10 for two classes

Next Class
The next class will be July 2010.
Wed Jul 14th: Tires and Punctures
Wed Jul 21st: Brakes
Wed Jul 28th: Gears

Payment
Please make cheques payable to "Greenwich Cyclists", and send to:
Julian Dobson, 66 Eltham Rd, SE12 8UE.
Also, please email Julian.Dobson@gmail.com stating that you have sent cheque, and provide a telephone contact.

Contact:
Julian Dobson:
julian.dobson@gmail.com
07771 691344

Things to bring
- Your nicely cleaned bike (especially the chain).
- any bike tools you own, especially allen keys
- a rag, and gloves to keep your hands clean
- any parts you want to fit e.g. brake cables or pads, racks, etc (warn me by email what you wish to replace/fit)

Links to Sheldon Brown's Site
(everything you need to know about adjusting bikes)
- Changing tires: http://sheldonbrown.com/flats.html
- adjusting brakes: http://sheldonbrown.com/canti-direct.html
- adjusting gears: http://sheldonbrown.com/derailer-adjustment.html#rear

- LCC maintenance info: http://www.lcc.org.uk/index.asp?PageID=565

]]> Maintenance http://www.greenwichcyclists.org.uk/index.php?itemid=5 Fri, 12 Feb 2010 17:03:00 +0000