A week late (I've been away) but here's the overview of the very successful
Bike Week celebrations in Croydon.

We started with 2 rides around the Croydon Cycle Quest route. Only 6 opted
to try the full 50 miles with another 8 on the shorter northern loop. The
actual Cycle Quest leaflet still isn't finished but in the meantime check
out http://www.croydoncyclequest.co.uk

Sunday's Spokes Rides and Dr Bikes had varying degrees of success. Kenley
were inundated with bikes requiring a check up but others had fewer takers
but more riders heading for Queens Gardens where the lovely Erin from
Innocent had given us some free drinks. Not bad on a day that saw 50,000 on
their bikes riding to Brighton in the annual charity ride and several other
groups riding along the Wandle Trail.

Monday's Mountain Bike ride was a 15-strong success, 7 ventured up the
Waterlink Way on Tuesday night while 40 cyclists enjoyed a free breakfast at
Stuffins on Tuesday morning.

The popular Solstice Ride met up with dozens of West London cyclists at the
Roebuck high on Richmond Hill. Leading 30 riders back through a dark,
deserted Richmond park and seeing a stream of white LEDs behind me was a
real thrill.

Thursday's History Ride suffered a setback when our leader was forced to
cancel due to family matters but we combined the expert local knowledge of 4
riders, including the Chair of the Friends Of Shirley Windmill and made our
own route up, with all riders contributing to the interesting facts along
the way.

Friday's picnic was disappointing with only 4 but over 100 people came
through the gate at Love yr Bike on Saturday. The Arena is huge so it was a
little spread out but everyone enjoyed riding the different trikes and
recumbents around the track.

Sunday's Windmill Ride saw 11 starters venture around the South London's
windmills, Shirley, Brixton, Wandsworth, Wimbledon & Mitcham for those that
couldn't work it out. Lunch at the bonus Windmill pub in Clapham. Meanwhile,
the family rides out in Farleigh attracted plenty of interest whilst the
Anerley club had their charity riders heading out to Downe.

Pictures can be seen (and please add your own) at:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/croydonbikeweek/


It'd be a shame to waste the momentum built by such a successful Bike Week.
Nearly all the rides were led by Pollards Hill Cyclists leaders and for
those looking for similarly paced rides, we have a different social ride
going out each Sunday. See http://www.pollardshillcyclists.org.uk for
details.

Other bike clubs in the area include:

The 125 years old and still going strong Anerley Bicycle Club. Steadily
paced road rides:
http://www.anerleybc.org/

Addiscombe are the biggest cycling club in Croydon. Up to 80 riders out on
weekend club rides. 3 different paces plus some mountain biking:
http://www.addiscombe.org/

Road racing:
http://www.norwoodparagon.co.uk/

More road racing:
http://www.southeasternrc.co.uk/

Road racing league:
http://www.surreyleague.co.uk/

Leisure rides from Coney Hall, West Wickham:
http://www.westkentctc.org.uk/ctc/Index.htm
http://www.fortypluscc.co.uk/

And finally, go along to a meeting of the Croydon Cycling Campaign to make
your voice heard about all matter relating to cycling:
http://www.croydon-lcc.org.uk/


To kick things off, I'm going to lead another Mountain Bike ride from
outside East Croydon on Thursday night. 18:30 departure. Possibly same route
as before. Who's coming? And more importantly, who wants to lead their own
rides?? Help available.

Or, maybe try a more sedate 14 mile loop of Mitcham (very green, quite rural
and mostly traffic free!) on Sunday 9th at 10:30 from outside the library on
South Lodge Ave, Mitcham.

Happy pedalling! Enjoy the sun....

Mark
PHC Co-ordinator
http://www.pollardshillcyclists.org.uk
http://www.croydonbikeweek.co.uk
07711 688189