Sunday May 16th, 10am @ South Norwood Lakes – Beginner session & Easy Pace Intermediate (10 miles+) on the Waterlink Way.
Easy Pace Intermediate Ride
Those of you who’ve been following the club for a long time may know that we were influenced and inspired by Penge CC, and in particular their Tour de Penge mass-participation family ride, in which children as young as 5 ride the whole way to the Thames at Greenwich (and in some cases back again) on the marvellous Waterlink Way – a family friendly cycle route managed by Lewisham Council.
So this Sunday, as something of a tribute, we’re taking on the Waterlink starting from South Norwood Lake via the Country Park. This is a slightly longer ride than our usual Sunday intermediate sessions, but very easily paced (and almost entirely flat) to allow Y1/Y2 kids who’ve been coming to sessions for a year or two to manage the distance in comfort.
The Waterlink (aka NCN 21) is mostly traffic-free and well-signposted – older riders wanting to set a faster pace are welcome to come with us as far as the Country Park and then set off on their own. If time or energy levels run low, there are various turnabout points offering an easy return trip to Palace.
Bring plenty of snacks for the trip – we’ll be making several snack/playground stops along the way – and lunch money or a picnic for the far end at Greenwich – there’s a choice of food outlets and a lovely picnicing spot in the grounds of the Royal Naval College (and Meantime beer for mums and dads – you’ll have earned it). From the far end you can ride home the same way (1.5-2 hours) or catch the Overground back from Canada Water a short way upriver (30 minutes, cycles accepted).
Beginners session @ South Norwood Lakes
For those still getting the hang of the basics, we’re running a 2hrs Beginners session (aimed at ages 4-7, younger siblings welcome to join in). This group will stay at the Lakes, so grown-ups you don’t need to bring your own bike for this one. No previous experience required!
Weather forecast is dry but cool – wear a few layers so you can stay comfortable as you warm up and cool down.
Assemble 10am near the ice cream kiosk at the Lakes as usual – please read & observe the following rules:
- Don’t come on the ride if you’ve had any symptoms in the last 2 weeks or have been told to isolate.
- When meeting / waiting, please assemble on the grass well away from the paths. Please don’t block the lakeside path or kiosk tables with bikes.
- When riding in the park, please ride single file & slowly – South Norwood Lakes is much busier than usual and the paths can be crowded, please be considerate.
Bring yourself, your bike & your common sense & we’ll have a great time!
Keep on pedalling,
