two free rides Sat November 13th -- one longer than usual

[Sally Eva]

Several riders have said they would like to try longer rides over a wider geographic spread. This ride is in the nature of a test of organizing such a ride and to establish the numbers who would like to do that sort of ride. Planning by Jamie who will be leading. Please read his detailed instructions with care and closely follow them.

You must register on Eventbrite. Link below. Important contact information will be in the Confirmation message and e-mail, so please note it.

Waterloo to Windsor Great Park

Mission

To cycle casually through the stunning Valley Gardens and alongside some of the lakes of Windsor Great Park to reach the breath-taking Copper Horse Statue viewpoint which overlooks Windsor Castle and its glorious parkland. https://www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk/map, Windsor Great Park Park enquiries: 01753 860222

Coordinating Instructions and Timings

A Ride from Waterloo to Windsor Great Park will begin with a 40 minute train journey from Waterloo Station to Virginia Water. Riders will meet at 10.00am sharp on Saturday 13th November outside and under the Waterloo Station Victory Arch that is 50 yards up on the right from where York Road meets Mepham Street and Cab Road just before the road bridge. Short of a volcanic eruption the ride will go ahead regardless of weather conditions and has been planned accordingly.

A Riders' safety briefing will be given at the meeting rendezvous (RV) point before we move to the platform to catch the 10.20 am train from Waterloo to Virginia Water Station with ETA 11.01 am. It will not be possible to wait for any late arrivers after we have left the Waterloo RV meeting point. Riders are asked respectfully to bring and wear face masks on the outward and return train journeys.

Booking

Riders are advised to pre-book a cheap off-peak open day return asapfrom Waterloo to Virginia Water Station that departs at 10.20 am on Saturday 13th November. The return train fare should cost ?14.00 or ?9.50 with a saver card.Bikes do not need to be booked on the train in advance but are allowed subject to available space.

Return trains leave from Virginia Water Station back to Waterloo every hour at 30 minutes past and we envisage being back at Waterloo by about 5pm or before by which time it will be dark thus cycle lights will be necessary.

Route

Riders should be aware that this is predominantly a relaxed and social event that involves some very enjoyable cycling in stages with breaks for about 15 miles with some walking to reach the Copper Horse viewpoint and possibly along the famous Long Ride. The route is suitable for all types of bicycles and will alternate between unsurfaced woodland trails and metaled vehicle free roads with some gentle inclines. It is therefore suitable for all types of bike and both experienced and newer riders alike. There are numerous loo facilities and water points along the way.

Checks and Equipment

Riders are urged to pre-check general bike serviceability and tyre pressures before the event as there are no cycle repair facilities in or near the Park. Riders are advised to bring a warm fleece, waterproof top, waterproof trousers, spare pair of dry socks, puncture tube canister, bike lock, bike pump, water bottle, cycle lights and facemask.

Rations and Water

The first coffee stop, with loos, will be around 11.30 am. Our lunch venue will be dependent on weather with wet and dry alternatives. We intend to visit the Hare & Hounds pub briefly for refreshment before our assault on the summit of the Copper Horse viewpoint. At around 1.30pm we intend to eat at one of several reasonable woodland cafes along the way but riders are also welcome to bring their own picnic lunch/snack. Windsor Great Park also has a splendid Garden Centre which we hope there will be time to visit.

Eventbrite registration at

For those a bit daunted by the above there is a short ride: Three Prisons and a Ferryman?s Seat

Please register on Eventbrite as this allows us to limit numbers and collect contact details for possible Track and Trace https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/three-prisons-and-a-ferrymans-seat-southwark-healthy-ride-tickets-204986579377

Learn some local history on a great 2 hour, 9 mile, flat ride. Starts along Surrey Canal path to Burgess park, then via Bagshot Street to the New Kent Road. Stops at Newington Gardens (Location of Horsemonger Lane Goal), Angel Place (Location of Marshalsea Prison), Bear Gardens (Location of the Ferryman?s Seat) and Scovell Road (Location of Kings Bench Prison). Return via Quietway 1 (Q1), Coopers Rd and the Canal Path again. As usual keeping to quiet roads, almost entirely, plus some nice path at the start/finish. Just a tiny bit of busier road. Harry is these days leading his own rides, see ?Lets Go?, https://www.facebook.com/groups/2243369265928023). The route is here:

These rides are organised by Southwark Cyclists and are part of a regular programme of Saturday rides, more information at [southwarkcyclists.org.uk]. Southwark Cyclists are part of the London Cycling Campaign. This ride is organised by volunteers. If you have any feedback, good or bad, please get in touch with [email protected]. For details of LCC?s Safeguarding and other policies please see lcc.org.uk