We nearly didn't have a ride this week as no one came forwards to lead
it. Although a good day was reported, this highlights the need for
more people to get involved. Leading rides isn't hard and no one minds
if you get it slightly wrong. After all, every ride we do feels like a
mini-adventure. However, without more offers of help, the club will
die. It's currently being held together by a very small core of riders
who are prepared to lead. If you want to see what we're doing, come
and ride up front with one of our leaders and say you're interested in
leading. I'll be heading up both weekend rides myself next week.

===

RIDE REPORT
The Peoples Republic 20/07/08

8 riders out today. No obvious leader was evident and no one was keen
to volunteer for the role, so we became an unofficial democracy - the
Peoples Republic of Pollards Hill inaugural ride. Guided more by
intuition than maps we headed off towards The Horniman Museum, pausing
at the top of Grange Hill for oxygen and a glimpse of the view. The
weather was better than of late and so we elected to have our morning
break on the lawn upon arrival at the Horniman.

Inspiring views of the London skyline as we lost altitude and whizzed
towards Peckham Rye Common. After negotiating bustling Peckham High
Street we then followed the route of the former Surrey Canal before
emerging in Bermondsey. The increasing trendiness of Bermondsey Street
was noted. We then turned towards Guys hospital and Borough High
Street.

We had made good time. Too good in fact. It was only 11.40 and the
George was still locked. One rider suggested we try the Royal Oak a
few streets further south. This too was shut and there was some debate
about whether the pub actually opened on Sundays. The landlord then
emerged and ushered us inside. According to fancyapint.com, "it's a
wonderful Victorian pub in the heart of Borough, the Royal Oak is a
winner in every department." We found nothing to disprove this:
excellent ale and wholesome cooking.

After a brief consultation the 'comrades' agreed on a plan - to follow
the Thames back to Wandsworth. However the Thames path became so
choked with tourists at OXO tower that we retreated behind Coin Street
market. At the London Eye diverted to take a look at the rather
wonderful graffiti art of Bansky and his chums in the Leake Street
tunnel. See http://www.thecansfestival.com

Onwards through Vauxhall cross, turning right at the Battersea Dogs
home into Battersea park. Picking up the now much quiter Thames Path.
Glossy new flats, under the Wandsworth roundabout then picking up the
Wandle trail before stopping off at Merton Abbey Mills for afternoon
tea and a spot of Miles Davis style jazz courtesy of the annual (and
free) Abbeyfest.

Mileage at this point 27.5. Out for 6hrs. Pix coming soon.

===

MORE PHOTOS

Thanks to Robert for his new set of images that been uploaded for the
Three Rivers set.

===

NEXT WEEK

It's our birthday!!! Pollards Hill Cyclists is 3 years old. Come and
celebrate with a slice of cake. All 340 members of the email list are
welcome plus any new folks out there who just like riding bikes and
eating cake. We'll head steadily out to the ramshackle Fanny's Farm
where you can buy your own cake. Or chutney. Or fresh eggs. Or fudge.
Empty panniers advised! We leave early afternoon at 1pm from outside
the library.

Sunday's ride is a train-assist to Guildford where we will enjoy some
wonderfully rural countryside and see the old gunpowder mills. In the
afternoon, we'll visit local beauty spot, Newlands Corner, and watch
the displays of Surrey's rural industries from both past and present.
Then it's a train back home. Meet at Wimbledon in time to buy Group
Save tickets at 9:10am. If you're late, you won't be part of the
discount. We'll be on the 9:26am train to Guildford and that arrives
at roughly 10:10am. Be ready to go if you are meeting us outside the
main station entrance.

Mark
PHC Co-ordinator
07711 688189

http://www.pollardshillcyclists.org.uk