Bike Rides
“If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together”
WHAT DO WE DO? Enjoy rides varying between 15 and 25 miles / from 3 to 5 hours, on bikes and e-bikes
WHEN? Fortnightly, on Tuesdays or Fridays
DETAILS? Members on the mailing list will receive regular e-mail updates on future rides; please contact the Convenor to join, or leave, the list.
Members receive a Ride notice about 10 days in advance and this includes registration instructions.
THE RIDES are mostly flat, on minor roads, Cycle Superhighways, along canal paths, in parks, occasional bus lanes, to local and more distant destinations. Rides includes coffee/tea/comfort stops, and time to just chat! Some trips may use train travel within the Freedom Pass network at off-peak times. Short introductory rides can be arranged as "tasters", so it's a good way to get back into cycling and gain confidence on two wheels again.
Dates for your diary
Friday 12 April (River Wandle and Beddington, John)
Tuesday 23 April (Isabella Plantation, John)
Friday 10 May (TBA, Andrew and Mary)
Tab down to see where we've been this year....
PREPARING FOR A RIDE
Ensure your bike is road-ready with the ABC check = AIR (tyre pressure correct); BRAKES (in working order); CHAIN and gears.
Bring with you:
• Hi-vis vest and cycle helmet; for safety these are to be worn while riding
• Freedom Pass
• Mobile phone, charged, with contact number for the Ride Leader(s)
• Face mask (optional)
• Water
• Working lights on the bike
• A spare inner tube for your wheel size (optional)
• Packed lunch (optional)
Note that by signing up for a ride, Members agree to comply with the Guidance Notes issued.
TOP TIPs!
1. For anyone wanting a useful App to find a cycle route in London, try CycleStreets.
2. Keep your tyres fully inflated. It saves punctures, and also makes for easier riding. Make sure you know the recommended tyre pressure - it's on the tyre, or ask at any cycle shop.
3. Carry a spare inner tube for your bike. Not all bike shops carry all sizes.
4. You can now report pot-holes on the Cycling UK website:
https://www.cyclinguk.org/campaign/fill-hole
Please note that during the ride photographs may be taken for inclusion as “thumbnails” in a report of the event, for posting on the U3A website. If you do not wish to appear in a photograph please contact the Convenor privately.
THE GROUP has increased in numbers over the year with about 50 members, with typically ten to fourteen on each ride.
We have had many great times with friendships formed. New members are always welcome and we can assign a "buddy" for the first outings.
Members of the Bike Team continue to search out new routes for the Group members to enjoy. Recce rides ensure that routes are optimised for safety and interest, and members of the Team are familiar with the route, and so able to lead a group.
Rides in 2024
1. WIMBLEDON, MORTON HALL AND THE WANDLE TRAIL - Friday 19 January
Wimbledon, Raynes Park, Morden Hall and the River Wandle
For a report of the trip click this link: Wandle Trail 2024
2. BERMONDSEY AND ROTHERHITHE - Tuesday 30 January
A ride down river from the Salter statues to Surrey Water and Salt Quay
For a report of the trip click this link: Bermondsey 2024
3. WINDMILLS. - Friday 16 February
A visit to two or three of the surviving windmills in the local area, and a visit to the home of
The ride is across Clapham and Wandsworth Commons, a coffee stop at the Skylark, and then via the back street of Battersea to Battersea Park.
For a report of the trip click this link: Windmills 2024
4.CATHEDRALS OF LONDON - Tuesday 27 February
Ride around six of the Cathedrals of London on quiet roads or small sections of busy rides with designated cycle lanes. 19 miles and very flat .
For a report of the trip click this link: Cathedrals 2024
5. CHUMLEIGH GARDENS; SHORT RIDE – Tuesday 5 March
Dulwich Park to Peckham and Burgess Park, Chumleigh Gardens
6. BOAT RACE ROUTE -Friday 15 March
Thames Path Wandsworth Putney, Mortlake, across Chiswick Bridge, return north side To Bishop’s Park for lunch, then return via Albert Bridge
For a report of the trip click this link: Boat Race 2024
7. WATERLINK WAY TO GREENWICH - Tuesday 26 March
Dulwich Park to Camberwell cemeteries and joining Waterline Way route to Ladywell and Greenwich. Return on Cycleway 4 to Canada Water and Southwark Park
For a report of the trip click this link: Waterlink Way 2024
The Bike Group Report for 2023
During the year membership rose to 45 members. A total of 30 outings were organised during the year ; it’s been an active year!
About ten new members have joined, new friendships have formed, and new routes explored. You can find all the reports by clicking on 2023 Bike Group Rides in the panel to the right.
This continues to be a team effort and I want to thank those who have researched and led rides during the year. In no particular order: Niesje; Denise and John; Andrew and Mary; Joe and Jane. Thank you to all.
A list of all rides is now available to see, with links to the individual reports. Just click on the link in the column on the right.
Highway Code As you may know the Highway Code was updated in 2022 with a section for cyclists. Rule 66 is particularly relevant: You should
- avoid any actions that could reduce your control of your cycle
- be considerate of the needs of other road users when riding in groups. You can ride two abreast and it can be safer to do so, particularly in larger groups or when accompanying children or less experienced riders. Be aware of drivers behind you and allow them to overtake (for example, by moving into single file or stopping) when you feel it is safe to let them do so
- not ride close behind another vehicle in case it stops suddenly
- not carry anything which will affect your balance or may get tangled up with your wheels or chain
- be considerate of other road users, particularly blind and partially sighted pedestrians, and horse riders (see Rule H1). Let them know you are there when necessary, for example, by calling out or ringing your bell if you have one. It is recommended that a bell be fitted.
The HighwayCode is available on-line at Highway Code
John Clements, Group Convenor. Updated: February 2024
To contact the Convenor please click on the blue bird logo