Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => Rides and Touring => Topic started by: Andrij on 04 September, 2011, 08:24:19 pm

Title: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: Andrij on 04 September, 2011, 08:24:19 pm: I'm thinking of re-running my Thames Path Meander soon, probably Sunday 18^th September. You can read about TPM and TPM Redux in the original thread (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=20770.msg370924#msg370924).

The route is roughly 50km, exploring along the Thames. We start from the Southwark Needle (south end of London Bridge) at 10:30, then head east to Woolwich. After ferry crossing we return to the City, following the north bank. There are lots of surprises along the route. I've also picked up loads more trivia to amaze and fascinate my fellow riders.

I'll be doing a final recce this week, confirming diversions, etc. Once I've done this I'll also confirm the date. The route can be done on skinny tyres; tandems and trikes (of both varieties) may have some difficulties.

I've now reviewed the entire route. If you plan to do this ride on a trike or tandem I strongly recommend you reconsider - there are a number of gates to negotiate. If a trike or tandem is your only option then please PM me ASAP! There are diversions which can be used, but I'd like to know in advance so I can double-check maps.

I don't want to scare folk away, but it is only fair that I am completely honest about the route. There will be:
* gates
* bollards
* steps (not full flights)
* kerbs (up and down, not many)
* cobbles (lots)
* uneven paving stones
* busy roads (less than 1km in total)
* NCN paths
* points of interest (many)
* photo opportunities (lots)

Who's interested?

The List (yacf and others)
cycleman
mice
why1040
Tim & Mrs Hall
clarion (+1?)
TimO
RebeccaOlds
mike
jane
Jurek
vickster
Wowbagger

delthebike ?
Regulator ?
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III
Post by: why1040 on 04 September, 2011, 08:32:45 pm: Ya know, I think I might be able to do this...

I'm not far off the distance now for slowish rides and I have nothing specific planned for that particular Sunday.

Count me as a tentative if I can figure out how to get there from here as I've not actually taken my bike anywhere that didn't involve the car yet ;D
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III
Post by: Pippa on 04 September, 2011, 08:35:04 pm: Me. But that's the same day as the Tour of Britain hits London, which i was planning to go and watch. So not me.

Maybe check your route doesn't try to cross the course..... (Or will you be joining in?)
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III
Post by: Andrij on 04 September, 2011, 08:44:17 pm: Thanks for the warning, Pippa. The two official routes don't share any roads, though with ToB using Tower Hill and Lower Thames, it might be a bit crowded around the Monument.

I might shift the start to the Southwark Needle (south end of London Bridge, next to Ev4n5). OTOH, I may do this on the Saturday. Watch this space.
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III
Post by: cycleman on 05 September, 2011, 08:03:21 am: maybe if you can put up with my slow speed :)
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III
Post by: Andrij on 05 September, 2011, 09:30:36 am: Quote from: cycleman on 05 September, 2011, 08:03:21 am
maybe if you can put up with my slow speed :)

There are no 'fast' sections on the route, so you'll be fine. :)

What are people's views of doing the ride this Sunday, 11 Sept?
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III
Post by: why1040 on 05 September, 2011, 09:47:31 am: I'm competing on the horse, so I'm out this coming Sunday
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III
Post by: rower40 on 05 September, 2011, 10:03:36 am: This Sunday clashes with the Robin Hood marathon (for which my Rowing Club is providing marshalls) and the Penny Farthing racing in Matlock, which I'm gutted that I can't spectatorize, due to the above marshalling commitment.

Otherwise I'd be up for a gentle pootle round scenic London.
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III
Post by: Andrij on 05 September, 2011, 10:19:11 am: OK, back to 18 September.
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III
Post by: Jurek on 05 September, 2011, 10:35:48 am: Quote from: Andrij on 05 September, 2011, 10:19:11 am
OK, back to 18 September.

I could be up for that.
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III
Post by: little miss mac on 05 September, 2011, 10:43:10 am: I may very well be up for this if I can get the time off at home.
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III
Post by: clarion on 05 September, 2011, 11:05:50 am: I suspect that is, unusually, the only weekend this month we can't do. :-\ :(

I'll check with the diary later.
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III
Post by: delthebike on 05 September, 2011, 11:22:22 am: I can thoroughly recommend this ride, having done the previous two. Expect me if you see me.

Bollards! :facepalm: :-[
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III
Post by: Andrij on 05 September, 2011, 11:30:21 am: Quote from: delthebike on 05 September, 2011, 11:22:22 am

Bollards! :facepalm: :-[

Is there a rocket scientist in the house? ;D
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III
Post by: Regulator on 05 September, 2011, 02:12:09 pm: Can you put me down as a 'possible' - subject to a pass from Mr R?
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III
Post by: Wowbagger on 05 September, 2011, 02:42:39 pm: This sounds tempting.
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III
Post by: Charlotte on 05 September, 2011, 03:33:10 pm: Damn, I'm busy that weekend.
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III
Post by: mike on 05 September, 2011, 03:56:35 pm: put me down as a possible too!
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III
Post by: cycleman on 05 September, 2011, 08:18:19 pm: i can do any date at present :)
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III
Post by: Andrij on 05 September, 2011, 08:27:39 pm: If there's enough interest, and my diary coöperates, I shall endeavour to repeat this ride in October.
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III
Post by: little miss mac on 05 September, 2011, 09:33:58 pm: Andrij, I wonder if there are any properties participating in the London Open House weekend that are on the route? Might be nice to pause at one if we get the chance?

It would be nice to have a browse of the options at http://www.openhouselondon.org.uk/ but it appears they want £3.50 for a pdf download. I am wavering between feeling annoyed about this and wondering if I am in fact being as tight as a gnat's wotsit for a project that needs to find its funding where it can. That said, the app is free for anyone who has an iPhone (not me), so perhaps someone more technologically equipped can have a butchers before I feel the need to splash out.
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III
Post by: Andrij on 05 September, 2011, 09:46:58 pm: Ooh, that's not a bad idea. Just tried to download the app, but can't as my Touch is 1^st gen and the OS is no longer supported I can't get the app. Guess I'll go for the pdf.
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III
Post by: little miss mac on 05 September, 2011, 09:48:18 pm: I'll buy you a beer if you find us something nice to visit :)
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III
Post by: Andrij on 05 September, 2011, 09:55:47 pm: Quote from: little miss mac on 05 September, 2011, 09:48:18 pm
I'll buy you a beer if you find us something nice to visit :)

There's roughly 50km of nice stuff to see along the route. Mine's a pint of bitter, please. :smug:

On a serious note, I will definitely look into the Open House possibilities.
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III
Post by: gerwinium on 05 September, 2011, 10:18:39 pm: Sounds like a giggle. I'm up for this and I think I'm free on the 18th.
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III
Post by: little miss mac on 06 September, 2011, 09:54:18 am: I can't quite believe it. Overnight, an invitation has come in for the 40th of one of Mr Mac's friends, on the 17th. We can't miss it, and it's in fecking Hove. There is no way I will be able to make the ride now, realistically.

:(
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III
Post by: ScumOfTheRoad on 06 September, 2011, 09:59:13 am: Regarding Open House, the Sands Film Studios in Rotherhithe is well worth a visit. It will not be oversubscribed, so no enormous queues.
Absolutely fascinating place. http://www.sandsfilms.co.uk/
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III
Post by: Andrij on 07 September, 2011, 08:51:52 pm: Recce'd a few bits of the route this week (will do the rest in the next few days). I can confirm that the diner will be open. :thumbsup:

ETA: A riders list has been added to the first post.
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III
Post by: rower40 on 08 September, 2011, 10:15:24 am: Quote from: rower40 on 05 September, 2011, 10:03:36 am
I'd be up for a gentle pootle round scenic London.
I'm going to be a pain and change my mind. While I can get to London for 10am on a Sunday, it means catching a 0602 train, which spends 3h11 to do a journey that the fast trains do in 1h35. And as my belt is rapidly running out of notches (I'm on holiday - too much food, no bike, no exercise, driving everywhere in a hire car), I'm going to use Sunday to polish the Derwent in my boat. (Then replenish the calories in REAL ALE form.)

Have a great time. I look forward to seeing the photos.
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III
Post by: Andrij on 08 September, 2011, 10:20:41 am: Ummm... looking back in history, I see I've referenced a 10:30 start time elsewhere. Considering distances and opening times of pub, this would make much more sense. I'll update the original post.

Rowen, just taken a look at the trains. Pushing the start back 30 min gives you an extra hour, but the journey down is still over 3 hours. Perhaps they'll be a bitt more coöperative when I re-run this next month.
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III
Post by: Andrij on 08 September, 2011, 02:15:41 pm: Our Bike (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=35406.msg1038963#msg1038963) is ready to be re-homed. It is currently not too far from the start of this ride. So...

Here is an opportunity to pick up Our Bike and well as take it on its first (?) forum social ride! :)
Title: Thames Path
Post by: Wowbagger on 08 September, 2011, 05:48:12 pm: Mrs Wow may well be interested in this.
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III
Post by: clarion on 08 September, 2011, 10:31:24 pm: Three possibles here
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III
Post by: gerwinium on 08 September, 2011, 10:57:51 pm: Quote from: rower40 on 08 September, 2011, 10:15:24 am
Quote from: rower40 on 05 September, 2011, 10:03:36 am
I'd be up for a gentle pootle round scenic London.
I'm going to use Sunday to polish the Derwent in my boat.

Is that a euphemism for something?
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III
Post by: Wowbagger on 08 September, 2011, 10:59:30 pm: I thought the Derwent was supposed to be outside the boat.
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III
Post by: TimO on 09 September, 2011, 12:04:05 am: In theory I'd be interested, but isn't that the Harwich FNRttC weekend? I think I'm down to do that, but I haven't heard anything from Simon yet. If I do the SuperSpeedy ride to Harwich, I'll be too asleep (and probably on a train back to the smoke) to attend, but otherwise I'll come along, and try and avoid bollards. ;D
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III
Post by: why1040 on 09 September, 2011, 10:18:54 pm: OK, I think I've figured out how to get there, using the Tube for the first time with a bicycle! :o

Count me as definite, I think!
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III
Post by: Tim Hall on 09 September, 2011, 10:23:26 pm: Quote from: TimO on 09 September, 2011, 12:04:05 am
In theory I'd be interested, but isn't that the Harwich FNRttC weekend? I think I'm down to do that, but I haven't heard anything from Simon yet. If I do the SuperSpeedy ride to Harwich, I'll be too asleep (and probably on a train back to the smoke) to attend, but otherwise I'll come along, and try and avoid bollards. ;D

Yebbut, isnt the Super Speedy on the Friday, merging seemlessly into Saturday? Andrij's ride is Sunday, ne c'est pas? Ride, breakfast,sleep, ride.

Anyway, having punted it around down here, Mrs Hall and I would like to do this. Is it still 1030 south end of London bridge?
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III
Post by: rower40 on 09 September, 2011, 10:24:48 pm: Quote from: gerwinium on 08 September, 2011, 10:57:51 pm
Quote from: rower40 on 08 September, 2011, 10:15:24 am
I'm going to use Sunday to polish the Derwent in my boat.

Is that a euphemism for something?
"Polishing the river" is a derogatory term for sculling. If one's boatmanship is so bad that one's blades are in contact with the water during the entire stroke, (acting as a kind of stabiliser) then one can be said to be "polishing the water" - i.e. leaving it properly flat for the real athletes to use later.
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III
Post by: clarion on 09 September, 2011, 10:30:18 pm: I shall be available (possibly with TGL in tow), but the beautiful Butterfly is, sadly, otherwise engaged.
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III
Post by: gerwinium on 10 September, 2011, 05:12:04 pm: Quote from: rower40 on 09 September, 2011, 10:24:48 pm
"Polishing the river" is a derogatory term for sculling. If one's boatmanship is so bad that one's blades are in contact with the water during the entire stroke, (acting as a kind of stabiliser) then one can be said to be "polishing the water" - i.e. leaving it properly flat for the real athletes to use later.

I stand educated, and the perverted thoughts have left my brain. For a bit. ;D
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III
Post by: gerwinium on 10 September, 2011, 05:15:25 pm: I'm a definite as well, I'll have a ponder about which bike to take in the meantime :)
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III
Post by: TimO on 10 September, 2011, 05:57:54 pm: Quote from: Tim Hall on 09 September, 2011, 10:23:26 pm
Quote from: TimO on 09 September, 2011, 12:04:05 am
In theory I'd be interested, but isn't that the Harwich FNRttC weekend? ...
Yebbut, isnt the Super Speedy on the Friday, merging seemlessly into Saturday? Andrij's ride is Sunday, ne c'est pas? Ride, breakfast,sleep, ride.

Doh, in that case, the bollards should beware, I shall probably be along to attack them with my head. ;D

Since this is definitely not a ride to do on the super lightweight carbon fibre bike, I may endeavour to pack the SLR, and possibly even a tripod for group shots!
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: Andrij on 12 September, 2011, 09:53:21 pm: I've now recce'd the entire route. Please re-read the original post if you are coming along - I've posted some information on the route we'll be using.
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 12 September, 2011, 10:55:14 pm: Quote from: Andrij on 04 September, 2011, 08:24:19 pm

I don't want to scare folk away, but it is only fair that I am completely honest about the route. There will be:

* kerbs (up and down, not many)
* cobbles (lots)
* uneven paving stones

* NCN paths

You really don't want me to come, do you? :'( ;D
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: Andrij on 13 September, 2011, 06:44:49 am: Quote from: Notsototalnewbie on 12 September, 2011, 10:55:14 pm
Quote from: Andrij on 04 September, 2011, 08:24:19 pm

I don't want to scare folk away, but it is only fair that I am completely honest about the route. There will be:

* kerbs (up and down, not many)
* cobbles (lots)
* uneven paving stones

* NCN paths

You really don't want me to come, do you? :'( ;D

Will it help if I change that last one to NSTN paths? :-*

It would be great to see you on the ride, but I dread the wrath of Notsototalnewbie!
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: mike on 13 September, 2011, 09:44:28 am: i've got a permission slip so can go from a ? to a definite :D

Now, do I ride down or get the train...
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: jane on 13 September, 2011, 06:09:54 pm: I have just noticed this. I would love to come, too. At the moment I only have a skinny wheeled singlespeed in one piece, so I may be bouncing and howling around on the cobbles a bit. Unless I manage to put the pieces of the Roberts back together in time.
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: Andrij on 13 September, 2011, 06:44:52 pm: Jane (et al.) - I've done all of this route on 25s, it just takes a bit of attention. We won't be moving quickly so it shouldn't be a problem.

Your on the list. :)
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: Jurek on 13 September, 2011, 07:00:26 pm: You can shift me to the def group on this, Andrij - unless something untoward happens on an overnighter to Harwich in the 24 hours which precede your ride.... in which case, I'll let you know.
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: Andrij on 13 September, 2011, 07:13:53 pm: *counts riders* :o

:)
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: Jurek on 13 September, 2011, 07:15:55 pm: Quote from: Andrij on 13 September, 2011, 07:13:53 pm
*counts riders* :o

:)
Get a grip, man.
:P
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: TimO on 13 September, 2011, 10:54:28 pm: Quote from: Andrij on 13 September, 2011, 06:44:52 pm
Jane (et al.) - I've done all of this route on 25s, it just takes a bit of attention. We won't be moving quickly so it shouldn't be a problem.

... so long as you dodge the bollards. ;D

They're sneaky. ;)
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: Wowbagger on 13 September, 2011, 11:57:26 pm: Mrs. Wow won't be coming as she doesn't want to ride a solo in London and we've heeded the warning about tandems & trikes.
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: Andrij on 14 September, 2011, 09:29:41 am: :'(
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: Wowbagger on 14 September, 2011, 09:41:52 am: Don't worry about it - it's her decision. She's happily gone off on a solo machine today in the Wednesday morning Southend traffic. She just has a rather illogical mental block about London, which, given that she cycled from Fenchurch St to the curry in March, doesn't make a lot of sense. I wouldn't imagine that the roads you are intending to use are any busier than those she's tackling this morning.
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: cycleman on 14 September, 2011, 09:44:29 am: i only have the trike but would still like to come . i am happy to bypass section as necessary . i am not bothered by traffic but the less the better of course :)
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: Andrij on 14 September, 2011, 09:56:11 am: No problems - detour arranged.

On this ride roads are kept to a bare minimum, and quiet ones used where possible. Even when following the Thames Path on foot there are many places one would be walking along roads.
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: Tim Hall on 14 September, 2011, 12:59:08 pm: There's a possibility that The Boy will join us. Will that be OK Andrij?
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: Andrij on 14 September, 2011, 01:15:15 pm: Quote from: Tim Hall on 14 September, 2011, 12:59:08 pm
There's a possibility that The Boy will join us. Will that be OK Andrij?

I've no problem with accompanied minors.
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: clarion on 14 September, 2011, 01:38:07 pm: Quote from: Andrij on 14 September, 2011, 01:15:15 pm
Quote from: Tim Hall on 14 September, 2011, 12:59:08 pm
There's a possibility that The Boy will join us. Will that be OK Andrij?

I've no problem with accompanied minors.

:thumbsup:

Quote from: Wowbagger on 14 September, 2011, 09:41:52 am
...illogical mental - London

Seems a fair description ;D
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: cycleman on 14 September, 2011, 03:47:14 pm: as long as they bring their lamps ;)
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: Andrij on 17 September, 2011, 07:58:56 pm: Temperature could be higher, but forecast says gentle winds and no wet stuff for tomorrow. Hurrah!
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: gerwinium on 17 September, 2011, 08:15:42 pm: I'm out I'm afraid. My shoulder's hurting badly - it's been sulking all week after I rode with a half-healed pulled muscle last week and today it went back to hurting badly. I think my body's telling me to let things heal properly rather than jumping back on a bike immediately. Happy riding all.
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: Tim Hall on 17 September, 2011, 08:18:54 pm: Really looking forward to this. Is it pub/cafe lunch?
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: why1040 on 17 September, 2011, 08:26:29 pm: Me too-though a little nervous! ;D

Yay to lack of wetness!
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: Andrij on 17 September, 2011, 08:34:19 pm: Pub lunch (outdoor seating available). There'll be a tea stop on the north side, too. There are also options for food/drink at the end of the ride if anyone wishes.
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: Wowbagger on 17 September, 2011, 11:06:55 pm: I'm a bit doubtful if I can get to this now.

According to t'webs, the Fenchurch Street line is bussy. According to the announcements at stations today, the Liverpool Street line is buggered.

Sane human being would not knock out both railway lines the same day. However, we are talking about the rail companies.

I will head for Southend Vic tomorrow morning and find out what's really happening. I will text you, Andrij, soon after 9 a.m. to let you know my plans. Assuming t'webs to be right, the Lpoo St line is working and I should be able to catch the 9.02 from Southend which arrives at 10.12. That should get me to the ride start for 10.30.

If that doesn't work I'll ride somewhere locally.
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: TimO on 18 September, 2011, 06:59:12 am: I was going to dig out one of my previous GPX tracks and put it on the phone, but on this ride I actually need to be able to get anywhere, so if all else fails, I just go home (possible the locations of the local A&E may be useful ...)

Anyway, up and about dealing with cats, and I'll be off eventually.
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: clarion on 18 September, 2011, 08:42:32 am: Shame Mr Wow can't make it. :(

I'm just waiting for TGL to get ready so we can get to the train.
Title: Re thames path
Post by: Wowbagger on 18 September, 2011, 08:59:55 am: I think I can make it to the extent that I'm on a train which claims to be going to Lpoo St.
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: TimO on 18 September, 2011, 09:05:16 am: I'm just about to leave, I should get there in around an hour or so.
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: clarion on 18 September, 2011, 07:42:37 pm: That was a very pleasant ride. On a train home now with Tims Hall and O, Mrs Hall and Hall younger, along with all our bikes.

I'm sure someone else will be able to say where we've been. A ferry was involved :)
Title: Re thames path
Post by: Wowbagger on 18 September, 2011, 08:05:11 pm: A very good day out looking at the bits of London I know nothing about, as opposed to the bits of London I know next to nothing about. The weather was kind to us up to the point that we stopped at Trinity Wharf for afternoon refreshments when most of us were scurrying for waterproofs. Many thanks to Andrij for leading us and giving potted accounts of many of the buildings and also to Mr Legg who regaled up with a number of amusing anecdotes about some of the buildings he admitted to having a hand in designing. Also, it was remarkable how many of the residents recognised us: at one point some chap started chucking bananas at us and it transpired that he was a 62 hour PBPer and later, at Canary Wharf, some of the residents in the form of Pippa and Adamski, escorted us off the premises.
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: Jurek on 18 September, 2011, 08:12:07 pm: Top meandering from a man who knows how to plan a ride with plenty of interest, aside and digression.

And when that runs out, someone is bound to make something up.

Having earlier volunteered my services as The TEC I then ensured that I was equipped for every eventuality.
I left my pump at home, on the spurious pretext of 'We're not going to be needing to make use of a pump on today's ride' ::-).

As it happens, today a pump was required (almost ;)) only by those answering to the name of Tim - and in both cases both were suitably equipped.

My duties as TEC were thus limited to the supply (but not fit - that was executed by A.N.Other) of a cable tie to Cycleman to put right his errant mudguard.

My apologies for ducking out at Narrow Street, but I could see the sun disappearing, taking the remaining daylight with it, and a quick mental calculation left me in no doubt that by the time I reached home I would be in need of the lights which I didn't have (still think it's summer here - don't I ::-))
Got home just as the streetlights were starting to come on.

Thanks Andrij, for a leisurely day along the river which, as we know, is a constantly changing landscape and one which I frequently return to as it always offers something different.
Thanks everyone else for the great company - a very fine day out!
Title: Re thames path
Post by: Wowbagger on 18 September, 2011, 08:20:05 pm: And I should mention the company which was, as ever, first rate.
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: Andrij on 18 September, 2011, 09:31:22 pm: Thank you, everyone, for coming along. Other than a little precipitation and the three visitations, a pretty smashing day out. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Apologies for the length - I misjudged how long it would take with a larger group. In case you were wondering, there was plenty more along the way which could have been pointed out, and there was a 20 minute diversion toward the end that we had to give a miss. Just means you all need to do the ride again to hear/see the other bits. ;)

I do want to run this again in October for those who couldn't make it today (or anyone wanting a repeat). I'll start a new thread, with potential dates, later this week.
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: why1040 on 18 September, 2011, 09:43:18 pm: That was fabulous!

I've seen more of London today than in the 21 years I've lived in the UK!

I'm not nearly as exhausted as I feared I'd be thanks to the lovely leisurely pace!

Many thanks to Andrij for that, it was absolutely ace! :)
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: jane on 19 September, 2011, 06:00:43 am: Thanks, Andrij,
Really enjoyed the half I managed to do. I was sorry to have to leave after lunch, but as you said, the more the merrier and also the slower. It's always the way with friendly, social rides, and, if I hadn't had a week of lessons to sort, I would happily have hung on for the North Bank. But we had done the best half already, hadn't we? (I'm a loyal patriot)
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: cycleman on 19 September, 2011, 08:55:08 am: a very enjoyable potter :thumbsup:. it was the first time using the ferry for me and the the old canal to st kathrines dock was a nice discovery for me . many thanks for a great day out andrij :). i had a good run home arriving back at 11.50 pm :).
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: Charlotte on 19 September, 2011, 09:13:34 am: Quote from: Andrij on 18 September, 2011, 09:31:22 pm
I do want to run this again in October for those who couldn't make it today (or anyone wanting a repeat). I'll start a new thread, with potential dates, later this week.

Splendid idea - I was sorry to have missed this :)
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: Butterfly on 19 September, 2011, 09:19:25 am: Quote from: Charlotte on 19 September, 2011, 09:13:34 am
Quote from: Andrij on 18 September, 2011, 09:31:22 pm
I do want to run this again in October for those who couldn't make it today (or anyone wanting a repeat). I'll start a new thread, with potential dates, later this week.

Splendid idea - I was sorry to have missed this :)

Me too :).

Is anyone else suffering though? Clarion and TGL are both a bit bleugh and I wonder if it was something they ate :-\

They had a great ride though.
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: ScumOfTheRoad on 19 September, 2011, 09:26:51 am: Thankee for ogranising this, shipmate Andrij. Rollockin' shenanigans on the good ship Woolwich Ferry.
Sorry I deserted me shipmates at a puncture stop - had to sail off to see Brian Wilson singing the Ship John B (of course).
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: TimO on 19 September, 2011, 03:05:47 pm: Quote from: Butterfly on 19 September, 2011, 09:19:25 am
Is anyone else suffering though? Clarion and TGL are both a bit bleugh and I wonder if it was something they ate :-\

I'm a bit bleugh, but I think that was missing a nights sleep and 100 miles of cycling the day before, rather than anything I ate (and I think I ate different stuff to both of them anyway).
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: TimO on 19 September, 2011, 03:40:00 pm: A panoramic shot taken from near Chez Scum, which seems to have worked out OK.

(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/PanoramaChezScum_480.jpg) (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/PanoramaChezScum.jpg)

(It's about 2MBytes for the entire image, and 7000 pixels wide, so don't try and click on it if you're on a restricted bandwidth connection!)
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: Adam on 19 September, 2011, 07:50:55 pm: I'll keep an eye for the re-run, as unfortunately I was otherwise occupied on Saturday/Sunday.
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: TimO on 19 September, 2011, 08:12:21 pm: Our starting point
(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/xanthus/AndrijThamesPathMeanderSept2011/small.php?file=_9181167.JPGR&size=480)

Tim Hall's steed for the day.
(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/xanthus/AndrijThamesPathMeanderSept2011/small.php?file=_9181161.JPG&size=480)

Listening to our tour guide
(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/xanthus/AndrijThamesPathMeanderSept2011/small.php?file=_9181188.JPG&size=480)

Some of the weirdness
(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/xanthus/AndrijThamesPathMeanderSept2011/small.php?file=_9181202.JPG&size=480)

Gorilla surrealness outside City Hall
(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/xanthus/AndrijThamesPathMeanderSept2011/small.php?file=_9181214.JPG&size=480)

Bronzes with the City in the background
(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/xanthus/AndrijThamesPathMeanderSept2011/small.php?file=_9181223.JPG&size=480)

The normal suspects, whilst a brief comfort stop was made
(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/xanthus/AndrijThamesPathMeanderSept2011/small.php?file=_9181236.JPG&size=480)

Wow getting comfy next to a chap with some very strange dimensions
(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/xanthus/AndrijThamesPathMeanderSept2011/small.php?file=_9181243.JPGR&size=480)

Lunch almost over
(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/xanthus/AndrijThamesPathMeanderSept2011/small.php?file=_9181260.JPG&size=480)

A bit of a ship
(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/xanthus/AndrijThamesPathMeanderSept2011/small.php?file=_9181263.JPGR&size=480)

A gate to nowhere
(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/xanthus/AndrijThamesPathMeanderSept2011/small.php?file=_9181270.JPGR&size=480)

There are a handful of other pictures here (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/xanthus/AndrijThamesPathMeanderSept2011/), along with the full sized originals.
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: Jurek on 19 September, 2011, 08:21:33 pm: Quote from: TimO on 19 September, 2011, 08:12:21 pm
Our starting point

Nice :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: TimO on 20 September, 2011, 01:35:46 pm: If anyone wondered where we went, the route is here (http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=gznoseqmoikiviur) (on GPSies). It's a bit iffy around places with tall buildings, such as the start, but you can probably work out where we were supposed to be! It starts at the Southwark Needle, and ends near there, at the entrance to London Bridge Underground.

(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/xanthus/AndrijThamesPathMeanderSept2011/AndrijsThamesMeader_Map.png) (http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=gznoseqmoikiviur)
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: gerwinium on 20 September, 2011, 09:09:52 pm: Hmm... I at least should've joined you all for lunch, as it was across the road from here. Anyway, I'll join the next one. My shoulder's back to normal, and I've seen the physio for my ankle today who recommends I ride as much as I wish. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: Tim Hall on 21 September, 2011, 09:41:48 pm: Sorry for the late response, but as I've been away working. And sleeping in a castle.

Anyway...

Andrij, that was just a great day. I love points of interest on a ride, and try to include a few when I organise Tandem Club runs. This ride had loads. And such great company too. And free extra fenestral bananas. And a machine for making nekkid ladies, even if they were a bit rough. Mrs. Hall and The Boy enjoyed themselves as well. Believe me, when The Boy says "it was OK" that counts as high praise.

Next time I'll bring lights, promise.

Pics are here (https://picasaweb.google.com/timk200/ThamesPathMeander?authuser=0&feat=directlink)

(Edited to fix url)
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: Jurek on 21 September, 2011, 10:03:16 pm: Quote from: Tim Hall on 21 September, 2011, 09:41:48 pm
Pics are here (https://picasaweb.google.com/timk200/ThamesPathMeander?authuser=0&feat=directlink)

Link dodgy-ness is here.
Or at least, 'Safari cannot open this page...'

EDIT - Now fixed :D
EDIT AGAIN - still unable to open it from link in post #90 but able to open it from link in post #91 ???
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: clarion on 21 September, 2011, 10:10:12 pm: I got that too, but cut'n'paste got me there. Formatting looks OK to my deeply untrained eye...

Lovely pics, though. Got to say.

And nekkid ladies.
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: Tim Hall on 21 September, 2011, 10:10:47 pm: Hmm. Odd. Works here in Firefox and Iron. And it's the same link I used on Cycle Chat.
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: clarion on 21 September, 2011, 10:12:56 pm: I'm on Firefox, fwiw.

Bizarrely, I can open the link from Jurek's quote. ???
Title: Re: Thames Path Meander, Mk III 18/09/11
Post by: Tim Hall on 21 September, 2011, 10:22:52 pm: Cracked it. PICNIC error, pasted the whole article into the space for the url. Oops. Fixed now. Hopefully.