Round Richmond Park in the Dark - Report
Friday, 9 November 2007
Thunder and lightning.
Enter three WITCHES on bicycles.
First Witch
When shall we three meet again?
In thunder, lightning, or in rain?
Second Witch
When the hurlyburly's done,
When the battle's lost and won.
Third Witch
That will be ere the set of sun.
First Witch
Where the place?
Second Witch
In Richmond Park.
Third Witch
There to meet with Halloween.
And so we met and set off to test destiny in the darkness of Richmond Park. After puffing our way up the hill (witches spend too long concocting potions in front of the fire), we entered the magical fairy kingdom of Richmond Park, lit by Windsor fireworks all the way.
A mist lay in the hollows and amongst the trees, providing an ethereal blanket to cover the horrors of Halloween. We three adjusted our broomsticks and set off for Roehampton, mist swirling in our wake, broomstick lights poking their way through the murkiness.
We were soon accosted by those most pernicious of night time beasts, the jogging knee killers. You can see them coming, their reflective bodies show up and reveal their terror, arms flailing, feet pounding, chests heaving - pound, pound, pound, they bear down on us.
We escape by chanting spells, switching off our lights and urging our broomsticks on.
We pause to catch our breath and gaze at the brightening comet, Holmes. It is very fuzzy.
On and on, we sail down hill to Ham and the new witches path. We are enveloped by the mist and can barely see our way. The mist encroaches on our path, tendrils reaching out to catch our coat tails as we whizz by. But we three are too fast, and soon we are at the exit, too soon perhaps.
And then back to our den by the chilly river and bumpy path, they hold no fear for us, we have dared the danger of Richmond Park in the dark.
With our broomsticks safely stowed, we settle down in the local witches cave, The White Cross and compare potions.
Posted byRichmond Cycling Campaign at 12:28 1 comments
Halloween Ride - Round Richmond Park in the Dark
Monday, 29 October 2007
Round Richmond Park in the Dark - A Halloween Scary Social Ride
Route Round Richmond Park in the Dark
Wednesday 31st October
19:15 for a 19:30 depart
Location: Little Green, next to the Green, Richmond
Contact: info@rcc.myzen.co.uk, led by The Shadow
A ride for brave Richmond cyclists, we go once round Richmond Park and then head for a chat and a drink in the White Cross to ward off the witches. We start by riding to Richmond Gate and then go round the park clockwise (anti-clockwise is the evil way), leading the spirits of the underworld to their rightful place. At Ham Gate we try out the new path to Petersham Gate. After a short section of road, we turn down River Lane for the towpath, towing our spirits behind and back into Richmond. The ride should take about an hour, the social bit can take as long as you want to keep the spirits happy. Ever wondered what it's like riding in pitch black with no cars to worry about? Don't forget your lights to ward off the evil spirit known as FaceBrake.
Posted byRichmond Cycling Campaign at 22:00 0 comments
The Wandle Womble Wander Ride
The Wandle Womble Wander
Route of The Wandle Womble Wander
Sunday 4th November
09:45 for a 10:00 depart
Location: Little Green, next to the Green, Richmond
Contact: info@rcc.myzen.co.uk
Posted byRichmond Cycling Campaign at 21:27 0 comments
Richmond Council Cycle Map
We have been asked by LBRuT to comment on their cycle map.
Anything in particular that annoys you? Any mistakes you've noticed?
It's unlikely they will change it to look like the Kingston map which is much clearer but we can at least get it looking like a map you can use. If we provide useful suggestions, they should ask our help when it comes to making a new one.
Send your sensible suggestions to info@rcc.myzen.co.uk.
Posted byRichmond Cycling Campaign at 21:26 1 comments
Ride - Morning Tea at the Palace
Friday, 19 October 2007
Saturday 20th October
10:15 for a 10:30 depart
Location: Mortlake Green, next to Mortlake train station
Contact: richmondcc@gmail.com, led by Susan Scorer
Phone: 07976 294626
After leaving Mortlake Green, the ride heads off to Putney Bridge, where we will cross the river and enter Bishops Park for tea (or coffee!) at Fulham Palace. After suitable refreshment, it's back to Mortlake Green via the Wetlands Centre and Barnes. This is a towpath/quiet road ride and all are welcome. Distance is about 8 miles and speed will be steady. No-one gets left behind.
Posted byRichmond Cycling Campaign at 12:00 2 comments
Taking the pain out of campaigning
RCC met with Tim Segedin at Richmond council recently and had a very positive meeting. Tim is a transport engineer responsible for implementing cycle provision and is keen to get things done for cyclists. We talked about the current plans and discussed the financial aspect. Come along to our next meeting on 12th November to hear more and to add your opinions.
Details of our meetings are here.
Posted byRichmond Cycling Campaign at 11:50 0 comments
Camden Cyclists Mapping Project Part II
RCC attended the Camden Cyclists meeting about their mapping project, which you can see here.
This could be a very useful tool for the group. Come along to the next meeting on 12th November to discuss it's uses. Let us know if you have any thoughts, ideas or would like to get involved in adding information.
Posted byRichmond Cycling Campaign at 11:45 0 comments
A316 CRISP and CRIM
RCC attended the A316 CRIM* on Tuesday 16th October.
Whilst it wasn't the most pleasant bike ride we've ever been on, it did highlight some important issues that needed to be addressed. For example, access to the route from the towpath via Twickenham bridge. RCC impressed on the CRIM group that experienced commuter cyclists are more likely to use the carriageway and those less experienced would use it for access to other destinations.
Hopefully, the CRISP** recommendations will be taken on board and implemented, although don't expect any changes for the next year or two.
*CRIM = Cycle Route Inspection Meeting, part of a
**CRISP = Cycle Route Implementation and Stakeholder Plan
Posted byRichmond Cycling Campaign at 11:30 0 comments
LCC AGM - Tuesday October 16th, 17:30 at City Hall
Friday, 12 October 2007
The LCC AGM takes place at City Hall on Tuesday 16th October. Details on the LCC website here. Ken Livingstone is the guest speaker and Twickenham resident and new LCC director Koy Thomson will also be present.
Deadline for registration is 15th October by 17:00.
Posted byRichmond Cycling Campaign at 12:25 0 comments
Camden Cyclists Mapping Project
You may have seen in the latest London Cyclist (LCC) magazine that Camden Cyclists have created an online mapping system that shows all sorts of cycling information. It is based around Google maps.
You can see it here.
They are having a meeting on Wednesday 17 October at 18:45, Central St. Martin's College of Art and Design, to discuss the system and it's development. RCC will be attending. Email RCC here if you want to ride to the meeting.
Posted byRichmond Cycling Campaign at 12:02 0 comments
