Memo to Gregg, stick to tow path next time Gregg, canal is for boats and fish and maybe odd supermarket trolley !
Thanks to Mike S for his report of our traditional season opening ‘Social Ride’ and to Tseta for the photos.
Thursday 12th February 2026
After a wet winter of mud and brambles, an urban ride on cycle superhighway 3, tarmac and towpaths seemed to offer a welcome change.
The ride started from the café in Wanstead Park for most of the 28 riders. Hats off to those who cycled from home! One of the most popular events of the year, we chatted about other start points we could remember – the Community café, Mo’s Diner, Gallions Reach. But where’s Kevin?
South through the park – Beckton,
City Airport, the Greenwich cable car, Poplar High Street all flashed by with no time to stop. On to Limehouse Basin and north along Regents Canal to Victoria Park.
We stayed together as one group, with temporary splits ably resolved by Purple Geoff.
As we crossed a busy road to a central refuge another rider cut through us on red without slowing. Riled by the feedback he deservedly got he stopped and threatened us from a safe distance!
A flooded underpass soon after with advice on the best way to pedal through water coming too late.
Gary sharing his inside knowledge as project manager at the Olympic Park and the importance of the legacy after the Games.
Heading north toward Walthamstow we rode through marsh, wetlands and reed beds before we headed back along the River Lea, lined with houseboats. The map showing way more water than land around here.
Approaching the Crate again neat blocks of homes and offices were replacing old industries along the waterside.
The Crate didn’t let us down, great pizzas, ales, stout and ginger beer. Birthday drinks courtesy of Danny. And yes, Kevin was there despite a cancelled train.
Time for home and good news! Only four miles back to the start – but the rain had come and we were soaked.
Mike
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You can find more details on our website www.trailnet.org.uk
Magazine
Trailnet Social Rides 2026
Thursday 12th February – London Canal Ride
Thursday 5th March – Roxwell Ride
Thursday 16th April – Epping Ride
Thursday 30th April – Bedgebury
Wednesday 6th – 9th May – Aldeburgh
Thursday 21st May – Frinton
Thursday 18th June Flitch Way Ride
Thursday 9th July – Greenwich Ride
Thursday 16th July – Galleywood Ride
Friday 14th August – Viper Evening Ride
Sunday 6th to Wednesday 9th September – Royal Chiltern Way Challenge Ride
Thursday 17th September – Whitstable
Thursday 24th September – Macmillan Cake Ride
Friday 2nd October – Epping Night Ride
Thursday 17th December – Xmas Ride/Lunch + Xmas Buffet
Other rides to be included on an ad-hoc basis:
Updates
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