This ride followed a route visiting all the wards in Camden, first traversing the boundary in clockwise direction, then going up the middle to visit the three interior wards.
The idea was due to Paul Braithwaite, who designed the route and led the ride. The event was jointly sponsored by the Camden Cycling Campaign (CCC), our Safer Neighbourhood Police Teams and the all-party Sustainability Task Force.
The 22-mile route took in Camden’s Borough boundary and ALL of its 18 wards.
The first half set off led by Paul Braithwaite. The second half were entertained along the way by Julian Fulbrook with information about Dickensian London and other snippets history around Lincolns Inn Fields.
More than 30 riders braved persistent rain and completed the ride, finishing at the old Hampstead Town Hall. The presence of half a dozen police on bikes was greatly appreciated and enhanced community relations on what was a very sociable ride.
The police escort were very much appreciated for making it easy to cross major junctions including Euston Road, Kilburn High Road and Finchley Road.
From Camden’s Sustainability Task Force, Councillors Alexis Rowell, Russell Eagling and Paul Braithwaite completed the whole ride and Cllrs Julian Fulbrook and Maya de Souza rode part of the route.
From the CCC Committee: Stefano, John, Anne, Dominic and Jean as well as many CCC members including George and Ellen, Dudley and Alex.
A new rider Anita did well to complete the course and I’m sure she appreciated the back up from John.
We stopped for a picnic in Golders Hill park.
After the picnic, we went round the Heath extension and up into the highest point: Highgate Village. Our police escort got us past the jam of vehicles and helped us to make a right turn into Dartmouth Park Hill, which we sped down, hardly noticing York Way. We sped past the Town Hall – failing to wait for the last two riders.
After Royal College Street we passed through Kentish Town and struggled up the steep Pond Street to the finish at the Old Town Hall.
It is hoped that we can make this an annual event in bike week.
Visit our Flickr site for more photos of the event
