Waltham Abbey Bike Ride 10.30am  - Sunday 28th April, 2013

I cycled to the Abbey and met Jim, Julie, Lynne, Parviz, Phil and Ken.  Unfortunately, we had only gone a few metres when Ken’s brake cable broke - so he had to abandon the ride.  ☹

We attempted to cycle through the White Water Centre to have a look around but they had races on so it was tickets only.  We cycled onto the towpath and headed towards Broxbourne stopping off at the Scandinavian-style lodges (YHA) in Cheshunt - picked up a few leaflets - nice café but it was too early to stop for a drink. 

After a short ride we  passed some excellent wooden sculptures (another excuse to stop again!) took a few photos and then headed to Broxbourne where we had lunch.  We continued on to Dobbs Weir (saw a fisherman catch a BIG fish - about 2 feet - no exaggeration) & returned via Fishers Green back to  Waltham Abbey where we finished off  in the café at 2.30pm.

Jim and I then cycled along the towpath to Walthamstow.   I have always wanted to cycle down there so it was very exciting for me to explore this part of the river.   We had the wind against us most of the way so we took it in turns to lead.    

Jim pointed out areas of interest on the way:

-   Markfield Recreation Ground where there is the Beam Museum

-  Springfield Marina - there were lots of racing boats out on the river. 

-  Big sailing boats.

We then left the towpath just after the Ice Ring and headed up the Lea Bridge Road going our separate ways near Whipps Cross Hospital. 

Many thanks to Parviz for organising the excellent ride and to Jim for showing me the towpath.

Jill V.