Damo

Thanks for the reminder about Keveral Farm. Spent several idyllic summers there as a nipper back in the 70's. Glad to see its still going and am now thinking of making a return trip some thirty years later. The path down to the beach, 1st degree sunburn and being frightened of the geese, ahh the memories,

Personally, I'd be cautious and skip the bike today but you'd probably be okay on the main roads. Another reason to maybe not cycle is that salt and grit are pretty bad for your bike too.

Saw an Ocado van driving up Copleston Road this morning

Maybe a re-assurance to some, had our meter read this week and the readings added to my online account when I checked today. So there has been at least one genuine meter reader in the neighbourhood recently.

Re: Rotherhithe Tunnel I've cycled through it occasionally. The road is very thin (built for horse and cart I guess?) so affords little overtaking space and unless you can keep a constant 20mph (easier going down, very hard going up) then I'd stick to the pavement. Normally I wouldn't condone pavement cycling but everytime I've been through, I've never see a foot pedestrian, though I stand to be corrected. There are some blind corners so caution is advised and the heat/fumes make it fairly unpleasant and a generally bicycle unfriendly environment. Time seems to slow down too and 5 mins seems a lot longer. I've never been through at rush hour though but I'd try it and see, might be okay? Depends if you can face Tower Bridge I suppose? How about the Greenwich foot tunnel (walking the bike through of course) and up that way? Please no flaming for the pavement advice :-$

No worries Moos, EDF participants are exempt from my petty ire :)

Parents/Carers who climb on childrens playground equipment chaperoning their child, whilst usually providing an inane running commentary on every action said child does. Give them some feckin room! And while you're at it, don't tread on my kids fingers and generally get in the way of the little people who should be at the top of a slide. Dulwich Park is really bad for this. Forty-something mums perched at the top of a slide or clambering elephant like up and down steps designed for under 8 year olds, pushing other kids out of the way whilst shadowing little Alfie. If you need to be with them, they are possibly too young to be on that particular climbing frame/slide? And/or maybe they could introduce a little risk into the childs life and stop wrapping it cotton wool so it grows up able to deal with the real world etc etc. Same applies to indoor soft play centres and everything is padded! And breathe.

I'd leave as is, nice frame.

I'd go single speed over fixed. There are merits to the simplicity of one gear and it can help you get the most out of a commute, fitness wise. Fixies are a bit show-offish and increase the potential for some hairy moments which are plentiful anyway. I tried fixed for a while but apart from the above, it also gave my knees grief. You can go to the Herne Hill Velodrome and try a fixie in its natural environment if you want to test. 42x17 for me, which is at the lower end but I gots the dodgy knees! Makes it easier up hills though.

Seconded on the helmet. I came off on Monday morning around Peckham way and hurt myself quite badly but luckily not my head. I hit my head on the road hard and managed to fracture the front of my helmet seriously. Without it, I'd have had quite a headache at best. As for the topic, I've cycle commuted into W1 for 13 years. Its the only way I'd do it. Though I'm laid up for a while, I'll be back on ASAP. Not looking forward to several weeks on the 176:(

Personally I'd give Burgess Park a miss, certainly after dark/in the evening.

Lots of cement lorries going in and out this morning.

Why is it okay for two wheeled motorised vehicles to be parked illegally? Actually, I'm not sure if it is illegal, is it? Its potentially pretty selfish and obstructive if not. Just because you think its "okay" and won't effect anyone, don't make it right. (Waits for knock on door from ED Hells Angels chapter)

Our AOL was a bit flakey last night but seemed to right itself after about 9pm.

Saw actor from the Mission Impossible film. He was the one who worked in the secure room that Tom Cruise abseiled into. They gave him something to be sick. The actor, not Tom Cruise. And probably not really.

Why not park them in the road? Pavements are for people, innit?

Am I the only one tiring of Falcaos fairly constant random and frankly rather tiresome "puns"? I don't want to seem like a misery guts, bit of brevity doesn't hurt but the umpteenth time round, it just ain't funny. How about saving it for the Lounge? (Prepares for witty pun based retort)

Brick Lane, Ebay or Gumtree are old favs for getting rid of stolen bikes.

Not me or anyone I know in the area (SE22)

Never have before but will do now :))

Simply Sausages went a good few years ago I'm afraid.

I know its better to avoid battery usage at all but I noticed this on the Southwark council website, battery recycling collection points including one in Dulwich Library. Southwark Council Website One less thing to chuck in the bin.

During the evening, the atmosphere was never very welcoming. Always felt like you were crashing a private party with the staff/owner and their mates who hogged the bar. The fact it was always empty obviously didn't help my feelings of paranoia:-S Hope its replaced with something similar but more inclusive.

Sorry to stray back on topic, had take away on Friday, including Coley, and it was excellent. I certainly got the impression that the guys were making an effort and after recent disappointments, I'm happy/hopeful to see that the usual good service has resumed. (FWIW I have tried Emilys and though the owner is a lovely chap, the cod and chips isn't as good as the Sea Cow, when on song. I guess this makes me a bad person?) Well done to the boys and good luck to them.

They ran out of "classic" (Cod, Haddock, Plaice etc) fish last Friday evening, a fish and chip shop minus the fish!!! Had some very average meals from there recently, I'm sure I remember it being better? I noticed one of the owner guys is back now and though it has generally improved in the last few months, you get the feeling all is not running as it should. I really hope it comes round again, I want it to be good.