| February 2012 | |
Saturday 4 |
Hindhead Common and Waggoners Wells. See how the A3 tunnel has transformed the landscape. About 15km with cafe lunch. Meet Waterloo 08.40 for 09.00 train to Haslemere, arrive 09.49. Meet leader here. (Robin Hamilton 07812 831494) |
Sunday 5 |
Common Surrey. Over common and heath, Leigh, Abinger, Albury. Pub stop at Coldharbour. 40km. Meet Waterloo 08.30 for 09.02 train to Dorking, arrive 09.51. (Stephen Street 07912 667 112) There are no trains to Dorking today due to engineering works, and we have been unable to provide an alternative route, so we have had to cancel this ride – sorry. |
Sunday 5 |
Climbing into the Chilterns. Good scenery, nice villages, plenty of trees. Meet Paddington 08.45 for 09.15 train to Maidenhead, arrive 09.54. (John Comerford 020 8581 8239) |
Sunday 5 |
Hitchin a lift? 80km out from Hitchin up to Sandy and beyond. Return via Stevenage. Meet Kings Cross 09.00 for 09.23 train to Hitchin, arrive 09.52. (Stephen Taylor 07977 235735) Due to the forecast weather conditions, we have reluctantly decided to cancel this ride. |
Sunday 12 |
Parks of west London with a bit of comedy interlude. See one of the infamous Porter cemeteries plus the Ealing studio and see high octane cycling in a west London park. 40km. Meet at 09.30 at Kensington Gardens, Broad Walk by cafe (north end by Bayswater Road). Return by train from South Ruislip. (Philip Benstead 07949 801698) |
| Sunday 12 Map of the ride |
Round the lanes. Don't eat too much lunch as we are going back to Peter's for afternoon tea. Meet Marylebone 09.00 for 09.27 train to Rickmansworth, arrive 09.49. Leader meets you here. (David Kurtz 07771 760660) Change of train due to engineering works – we will now meet at Marylebone at 09.25 for the 09.50 train to West Ruislip, arriving at 10.10. Also, David Kurtz will now be leading the ride in place of Peter (so no tea at leaders, sorry) – we'll meet David at West Ruislip. |
| Saturday 18 |
On the up in Leith. Circular walk including Leith Hill, starting and finishing at Dorking heading SW including Friday Street. Pub stop at Holmbury. 17km. Meet Waterloo 09.00 for 09.24 train to Dorking, arrive 10.11. (Stephen Street 07912 667 112) |
| Sunday 19 |
Little Green Ride. A day out in Hertfordshire. For newcomers and familiar faces. Meet Finsbury Park at 09.50 for 10.11 train to Knebworth, arrive 10.38. Buy return ticket to Stevenage. (Stephen Taylor 07977 235735) Change of train due to engineering works – we will now catch the 10.25 train from Finsbury Park to Stevenage, arriving at 10.46. |
| Sunday 19 Map of the ride |
Wide open spaces. Across Romney Marsh. Fingers crossed there's no headwind. Meet St Pancras 08.45 for 09.10 train to Ashford, arrive 09.48 (alternative cheaper, but slower, train leaves Charing Cross 08.12 and arrives Ashford 09.25). (John Snuggs 07506 741094) |
| Sunday 19 |
You can take the boy out of Essex ... but you can't take Essex out of the boy. Ride out to Saffron Waldon for lunch. 70km before lunch so bring inflight refreshments. Meet at Highbury Corner at 08.30 for an 08.45 start. (Jon McColl 07792 891244) |
| Sunday 26 |
Parks of south east London with visit to Chislehurst cave. See the extensive park land of Bromley, the green borough and the chance to become troglodytes. NB cave has admission charge of approx £5. 40km. Meet Charing Cross 09.15 for 09.46 train to Petts Wood, arrive 10.20. (Philip Benstead 07949 801698) |
| Sunday 26 |
Winter warmer. It can be cold in Kent but there are hills to warm you up. Meet Charing Cross 08.45 for 09.08 train to Tonbridge, arrive 09.52. (Graham Carson 07946 319631) |
Sunday 26  |
The Hell of the Ashdown. Kent's premier test for a bike and rider. The Hell of the Ashdown, promoted by Catford CC. Early registration advised here. Meet Charing Cross 07.20 for 07.35.train to Hayes, arrive 08.18. |
| March 2012 | |
| Saturday 3 |
Whiteleaf and Pulpit Hill. Climb the Chiltern escarpment and visit the remains of a hill fort. Pub or cafe lunch in Wendover. 19km. Meet Marylebone 08.40 for 09.00 train to Monks Risborough, arrive 09.41 (changing at Princes Risborough). (Helen Dutton 07896 873862) |
| Sunday 4 |
East London Idyll. Sites of interest along the Lee Valley. Meet Hackney Wick Overground station at 10.00 for 10.15 away. Bikes can be taken on London Overground. (Pat Wheeler 020 7923 2881) |
| Sunday 4 |
South of the North Downs. A few climbs but nothing to be scared of. Lunch at Tanhouse Farm Shop. Meet London Bridge 08.50 for 09.13 train to Three Bridges, arrive 09.54. (Ken Peters 07845 223706) |
| Sunday 4 |
Rolling Hertfordshire. A brisk, undulating ride. Ride out meeting at Golders Green 07.45 for 08.00 away, Barnet Hill at 08.30, or meet at Kings Cross 08.35 for 08.56 train to Hertford North, arrive 09.37. (Bob Davis 07810 291837) |
| Sunday 11 |
The Country Estates of West London. Forget Heathrow and the M4 and discover why West London was so fashionable in the 18th century. About 20km of which about half is traffic-free. No lunch break planned but we will stop for tea. Meet Waterloo 12.00 for 12.25 train to Richmond, arrive 12.44. Leader meets you here for a 13.00 start. (Colin Wing 020 7828 1500) |
| Sunday 11 |
Deep into Kent. Hilly but worth it. Riding to Sole Street for lunch. Want a bit more? Ride back to Swanley for return train. Meet Blackfriars 08.45 for 09.09 train to Shoreham (Kent), arrive 10.00. Leader meets you here. (David Kurtz 07771 760660) |
| Sunday 11 |
Hertford and back. An easier 3* for those wanting to step up from 2*. Ride out and back to Hertford. About 95km. Meet at Highbury Corner at 08.30 for 08.45 away. (Paul Foster 07969 531984) |
| Sunday 11 |
Blazing Saddles. Straight out to Saffron Walden, returning from Stevenage. 125km at 25kph. Meet Caffe Nero on Highgate High Street at 08.30 for 08.45 start. (Damian McNamara 07736 087991) |
| Saturday 17 |
Sir John Betjeman and Paradise Lost. Contrast the London suburban expansion into the Chilterns with the quaint village of Milton's lost paradise. Chance to visit Milton's home (£5). Pub lunch. 20km. Meet Marylebone 09.10 for 09.27 train to Rickmansworth, arrive 09.49. Meet leader here. Returning from Chorleywood. (Philip Benstead 07949 801698) |
| Sunday 18 |
Little Green Ride. A day out in Hertfordshire. For newcomers and familiar faces. Meet Finsbury Park at 09.50 for the 10.11 train to Knebworth, arrive 10.38. Buy return ticket to Stevenage. (Stephen Taylor 07977 235735) |
| Sunday 18 |
You better believe it! There are Mother's Day-free pubs in Kent. Heading for the Wheatsheaf at Bough Beech before the 4x4's arrive. Climbs postponed until after lunch. Tea in Knowle Park. Meet Charing Cross 08.50 for 09.15 train to Sevenoaks, arrive 10.00. Leader meets you here. (Roy Watson 07740 187872) |
| Sunday 18 |
Westmill for brunch. Ride out and back from Highgate. 100km. Meet Caffe Nero on Highgate High Street at 08.30 for 08.45 start. (Charlie Keep 07856 401888) |
| Sunday 25 |
Join me for a varied route to a hidden pub with lots of nostalgia. Elevenses, pub lunch and afternoon tea. Meet Victoria 09.10 for 09.38 train to Cheam, arrive 10.13. Leader meets you here. (Lynda Barrow 020 8644 2013) |
| Sunday 25 |
Beyond the Winnersh Triangle. Through California and then wander through the Walthams. Meet Waterloo 08.40 for 09.09 train to Martins Heron, arrive 10.08. Leader meets you here. (Dave Newman 07943 375345) |
Sunday 25 |
Start of summertime audax. The ever-popular Stevenage spring audax. 115km from the Fairlands Centre, Stevenage. Full details here. Meet Kings Cross 08.45 for 09.06 train to Stevenage, arrive 09.42. |
| Saturday 31 |
Penshurst Station Circular. Enjoy Penshust Place parkland, Eden valley pastures, woodlands and hopfields. Will be muddy if wet! Pub lunch. 18km. Meet Charing Cross 09.10 for 09.30 train to Penshurst, arrive 10.27 (changing at Tonbridge). Leader meets you here. (Linda Gray 01689 873804) |
| April 2012 | |
| Sunday 1 |
Redbourn Museum. A short ride, suitable for beginners, to visit the local museum at Redbourn. Pub lunch. There is an extra section from Harpenden to St Albans for those wanting a longer ride. Meet St Pancras 09.10 for 09.36 train to St Albans, arrive 10.07. Leader meets you here. Buy a return ticket to Harpenden. (Charles Harvey 07961 194771) |
| Sunday 1 |
Before the internet. Communication in another age. Chatley Heath Telegraph Tower. Lunch at Ripley. Tea at Dorking. Meet Victoria 08.10 for 08.38 train to Boxhill and Westhumble, arrive 09.33. Leader meets you here. (Roy Turner 01732 863857) |
| Sunday 1 |
Downs of east Kent. Through the hills and valleys of of the North Downs. 100km. Meet St Pancras 08.20 for 08.42 train to Ashford, arrive 09.20. (Thomas James 07714 662442) |
| Thu 5 – Sat 14 |
Five Countries Tour. From the Netherlands and Belgium to Germany, Luxembourg and France. More details on the tours page. (Paul Krebs 07941 823664) |
| Thu 5 – Mon 9 |
Welsh Borders Tour. A traditional Easter Tour riding through Shropshire, Herefordshire and the Welsh Marches. More details on the tours page. (Paul Lohr 07956 891490) |
| Sunday 8 |
Parks of north west London. Hoping to offset Ricky cold shoulder with miniature railways and no dipping in the Grand Union. Pub lunch. 40km. Meet London Marylebone 09.30 for 09.50 train to West Ruislip. Leader meets you here. Returning from Pinner. (Philip Benstead 07949 801698) |
| Sunday 8 |
The best a man (or woman) can get. Through glorious rolling countryside to Bighton for lunch. Meet Waterloo 08.45 for 09.07 train to Basingstoke, arrive 10.21. Leader meets you here. (John Comerford 020 8581 8239) |
| Sunday 8 |
Chilterns hilly. A hilly 100km in the Chilterns. Meet Marylebone 08.40 for 09.00 train to Princes Risborough, arrive 09.55. (Bob Davis 07810 291837) |
| Sunday 15 |
Little Green Ride. A day out in Hertfordshire. For newcomers and familiar faces. Meet Finsbury Park at 09.45 for the 10.11 train to Knebworth, arrive 10.38. Buy return ticket to Stevenage. (Stephen Taylor 07977 235735) |
| Sunday 15 |
Spring time in Surrey. Some smaller routes around Horsham. Southwater for lunch via the Downs link. Tea at Balcombe. Meet London Bridge 08.20 for 08.37 train to Horsham, arrive 09.49. Leader meets you here. (Simon Hattersley 020 8290 4559) |
| Sunday 15 |
The Kent countryside. An easier 3* for those wanting to step up from 2*. About 90km. Meet St Pancras 09.15 for 09.42 train to Ebbsfleet, arrive 10.00. (Mike Oliver 07929 860140) |
| Sunday 15 |
Blazing Saddles 2. Riding out and back into Herts and Essex. 120km at 25kph. Meet Caffe Nero on Highgate High Street at 08.30 for 08.45 away. (Damian McNamara 07736 087991) |
| Saturday 21 |
Behind the scenes at Boxhill. Then walk on stage in a spectacular finale.15km. Picnic lunch. Meet Victoria 09.05 for 09.31 train to Leatherhead arrive 10.16. (Paul Krebs 07941 823664) |
| Sunday 22 |
Parks of south east London with visit to William Morris Red House. See the art and craft of a bygone age with view of Royal Palace. Admission charge £7.20. Pub lunch. 40km. Meet Charing Cross 09.40 for 10.00 train to Greenwich, arrive 10.16. Buy return ticket to Woolwich Arena. (Philip Benstead 07949 801698) |
| Sunday 22 |
The Kentish Flats. Yes, a woeful lack of hills but a brisk pace possible in the quiet lanes of the Vale of Beult. Herb garden tea. Meet Charing Cross 08.45 for 09.08 train to Marden, arrive 10.05. (Mark Knox 07765 945530) |
| Sunday 22 |
Hills of Surrey and Kent. A hilly 100km riding out from Victoria, train back from Purley. Meet Victoria Station at 08.30 for 08.45 start. (Paul Foster 07969 531984) |
| Saturday 28 |
Grand Union Canal and Osterley Park. Follow the Thames to Syon Park and onto the Grand Union Canal to lunch at the Fox Pub. Continue along the canal into Osterley Park for afternoon tea and back to Richmond. 20km. Meet Waterloo 09.00 for 09.28 train to Richmond, arrive 09.47 for 10.00 away. Leader meets you here. (Dave Newman 07943 375345) |
| Sunday 29 |
Essex country lanes. Circular ride in Essex. Pub or cafe lunch at Battlesbridge. About 50km. Meet Liverpool Street 09.10 for 09.32 train to Chelmsford, arrive 10.10. Leader meets you here. (Anna Bagi 07949 086473) |
| Sunday 29 Map of the ride |
Unspoilt village pub. Award winning pub. Come and give your verdict. Tea at Westmill on the way home. Meet Kings Cross 08.40 for 09.06 train to Baldock, arrive 09.55. Return from Stevenage. (John Snuggs 07506 741094) |
| Sunday 29 |
Avoiding Harlow (again). Broxbourne to Aythorpe Roding for lunch. A gentler 3* for those stepping up from 2*. 85km. Meet Liverpool Street 09.00 for 09.28 train to Broxbourne, arrive 09.53. (Ken Peters 07845 223706) |
| Sunday 29 |
The Joy of Essex 2. Riding out and back with a brief cafe stop at Hatfield Heath. 120km at 25kph. Meet Highbury Corner at 08.30 for 08.45 start. (Jon McColl 07792 891244) |
| May 2012 | |
| Sunday 6 |
Sunbury Tapestry. Ride along the Thames to see the Sunbury Millennium Embroidery. Meet Waterloo 09.30 for 09.57 train to Hampton Court, arrive 10.33. (Fuzz Edwards 020 7736 0857) |
| Sunday 6 |
A mill and a barn. Coffee at a paper mill and lunch in a barn or pub.Tea at Writtle on the way home. Meet Liverpool Street 08.40 for 09.02 train to Ingatestone, arrive 09.35. Leader meets you here. Buy return to Chelmsford. (Kelvin Dane 07922 111790) |
| Sunday 6 |
The Joy of Essex 3. Riding out from London to sample the delights of suburban and rural Essex. Several train options for the return. 110km. Meet Highbury Corner at 08.30 for 08.45 start. (Jon McColl 07792 891244) |
| Saturday 12 |
Constable country. Walk in the footsteps of the painter. Walking out by the Stour valley and returning on the Essex way with a finish either on the river front at Mistley or back in Manningtree. Picnic or pub lunch at Dedham. Tea at Flatford Mill with a chance to see the small museum. 16km on easy terrain. Meet Liverpool Street at 09.10 for 09.30 train to Manningtree, arrive 10.31. Leader meets you here. Buy return ticket to Mistley. (Anna Bagi 07949 086473) |
| Sunday 13 |
Tracks and Towpaths of North West Surrey. Tracks and towpaths of NW Surrey by way of Basingstoke Canal and Blackwater Valley to Christmaspie and beyond. About 40km. Meet Waterloo 08.40 for 09.07 train to Brookwood, arrive 09.55. Leader meets you here. (Robin Hamilton 07812 831494) |
| Sunday 13 |
Cycle paths of the North: the Sequel. Lots of traffic-free cycling on good surfaces in the spring time of the year. Meet Kings Cross 09.40 for 10.06 train to Welwyn North, arrive 10.34. Leader meets you here. (Paul Lohr 07956 891490) |
| Sunday 13 |
Not missing Missenden. Windmills, hills, beechwoods, hills and church teas. Meet Marylebone 09.00 for 09.23 train to Princes Risborough, arrive 09.55. (Richard Philpott 07941 819033) |
| Sunday 13 |
South Oxfordshire Hilly. A brisk, hilly ride to get the legs burning. Meet Marylebone 08.40 for 09.00 train to Gerrards Cross, arrive 09.30. (Charlie Keep 07856 401888) |
| Saturday 19 |
Fine views from Sussex's highest point. Taking in Marley Common and Black Down. 16km with picnic lunch. Meet Waterloo 08.40 for 09.00 train to Haslemere, arrive 09.49. Leader meets you here. (Robin Hamilton 07812 831494) |
| Sunday 20 |
Parks of the far north with wet 2012 overtones. Go with a splash with 2012 glee and hunt for game in ancient Epping hunting ground. Pub lunch. 40km. Meet Liverpool Street 09.15 for 09.52 train to Cheshunt, arrive 10.20. (Philip Benstead 07949 801698) |
| Sunday 20 |
Little Green Ride. A day out in Hertfordshire. For newcomers and familiar faces. Meet Finsbury Park at 09.50 for the 10.11 train to Knebworth, arrive 10.38. Buy return ticket to Stevenage. (Stephen Taylor 07977 235735) |
| Sunday 20 |
The darling buds of May. This is the time to be in Kent. Along quiet country lanes to Ticehurst for lunch. Meet Charing Cross 08.45 for 09.08 train to Hildenborough, arrive 09.48. Leader meets you here. (Linda Gray 01689 873804) |
| Sunday 20 |
Twyford into the hills. Hilly ride with lunch in Benson. Meet Paddington 08.50 for 09.15 for train to Twyford, arrive 10.01. (Keith Butcher 07709 442700) |
| Sat 26 – Sun 27 |
In the big country with Christine. See the weekends page. (Christine Johnson 07971 294523) |
| Sunday 27 |
Return to the 1950s. Ride to Morelli's 1950s ice cream parlour in Broadstairs. 1950s bikes welcome. Meet Victoria 08.35 for 09.05 train to Canterbury East, arrive 10.32. Leader meets you here. (David Vines 07787 718707) |
| Sunday 27 |
HS2. For or against? Come while it's unspoilt. Good riding in the Chilterns. Meet Marylebone 09.00 for 09.27 train to Amersham, arrive 10.02. Leader meets you here. (Peter Turner 020 8863 1934) |
| Sunday 27 |
Guildford CTC Challenge Ride. A sporting 100 miler. Enter via the CTC website. |
| June 2012 | |
| Saturday 2 |
Climbing high to view Aylesbury Vale. Dipping down into the vale for a bit of mid-summer murder. Pub lunch. 20km. Meet Marylebone 09.30 for 09.57 train to Aylesbury Vale Parkway, arrive 11.01. Meet leader here. (Philip Benstead 07949 801698) |
| Sunday 3 |
The Weald of Kent. Oast houses and panoramic views. Pub lunch. 50km. Meet St Pancras 09.15 for 09.42 to Ashford, arrive 10.20. (Stephen Street 07912 667 112) |
| Sunday 3 |
Riding round the Rodings. Early June, quiet roads leading to a pub garden lunch. What more could you want? Meet Liverpool Street 09.00 for 09.28 train to Harlow Town, arrive 09.59. (Sue Dorey 020 7729 5409) |
| Sunday 3 |
London to Cambridge. A fixed-friendly ride out of town. Return by train. Meet at Tottenham Hale Station at 08.30 for 08.45 away. (Ken Peters 07845 223706) |
| Saturday 9 |
Guildford: Top and Bottom. Walk along the top of the downs for coffee at Newlands Corner. Pub/picnic/cafe lunch in Shere and back along the valley, via St. Martha's church, to Guildford. At least 20km with two big hills. Meet Waterloo 09.10 for 09.30 train to Guildford, arrive 10.03. (Mike Oliver 07929 860140) |
| Sunday 10 |
Open Garden Squares Weekend. A ride visiting some of London's secret gardens that open specially this weekend. A £12 ticket covers admission to all the gardens. Meet at St Paul's Church, Covent Garden Piazza (SW end) at 09.45 for 10.00 away. (Colin Wing 020 7828 1500) |
| Sunday 10 |
A breath of sea air. Linear ride to Brighton. Lunch at Lingfield and tea in Ditchling before the climb. Ice cream or beers at the end. Meet Charing Cross 08.45 for 09.08 train to Orpington, arrive 09.31. Buy single tickets. (Sarah Brindley 07738 941242) |
| Sunday 10 |
Hertford Audaxes. Two counties 100km and Four Counties 150km. Entries via AUK website (100km here and 150km here). For the 150 km, meet Kings Cross 07.00 for 07.26 train to Hertford North, arrive 08.07. For the 100 km, meet at 08.30 for the 08.56 train, arriving at 09.37. |
| Sunday 17 |
Little Green Ride. A day out in Hertfordshire. For newcomers and familiar faces. Meet Finsbury Park at 09.50 for the 10.11 train to Knebworth, arrive 10.38. Buy return ticket to Stevenage. (Stephen Taylor 07977 235735) |
| Sunday 17 |
Farmhouse Tea. Undulating and picturesque countryside sums it up. Thirsty work if it's hot. Meet St Pancras 09.00 for 09.33 train to Harpenden, arrive 10.15. (Sarah Khedouri 07904 205623) |
| Sunday 17 |
Watch this space. Check back here for details nearer the date. |
| Fri 22 – Mon 25 Map of the ride |
Dutch City Tour. See the weekends page. (Thomas James 07714 662442) |
| Saturday 23 |
An oldie but goodie. Shiplake to Henley with pastoral English countryside at its best on a lovely June day. Picnic lunch in the churchyard in Rotherfield Grays followed by a drink in the pub. 18km. Meet Paddington 08.35 for 08.57 train to Shiplake, arriving 10.02 (changing at Twyford). Leader meets you here. Buy return to Henley. (Abby Honeywell 07557 397711) |
| Sunday 24 |
The Big Easy. Taking advantage of the long daylight hours, this is longer than the average 1* ride but will be at 1* speed. No elevenses but possible afternoon tea. Hills will be included. About 55km. Meet Kings Cross 08.40 for 09.06 train to Welwyn North, arrive 09.34. Leader meets you here. This is a linear ride finishing at Stevenage – buy return ticket to Stevenage. (John Silvertown 07794 058886) |
| Sunday 24 |
A long one. North through Essex to Great Bardfield for lunch. Bring elevenses snack. Tea on the way home. 120km. Meet Liverpool Street 08.20 for 08.45 train to Brentwood, arrive 09.14. Leader meets you here. Buy return to Shenfield. (Kelvin Dane 07922 111790) |
| Sunday 24 |
Chelmsford Audax. 110km Windmill Ride. Starts at 10.00. Entries via the AUK website. |
| Saturday 30 |
Dunwich Dynamo. The 20th edition of this 200 km, turn-up and go, overnight ride to Dunwich on the Suffolk coast. Then another 50km to Ipswich for the train back to London. Meet at the Pub on the Park , London Fields for 20.00 start. |
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To email the leader of any ride, please visit our website at www.centrallondonctc.org.uk. For general enquiries, contact the Secretary, Christine Johnson, by email at secretary@centrallondonctc.org.uk, or by phone on 07971 294523. |
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| * | Easier and shorter 30-50 km (20-30 miles) – more emphasis on the social aspect, for families, children, parents, grandparents ... |
| ** | Medium distance 55-85 km (35-55m) – steady pace yet time to enjoy lunch, etc. |
| **/*** | Additional rides in the summer months that are a little more challenging than regular ** rides. |
| *** | Faster and generally longer 80-120km (50-75m) and often hilly – suitable for a light touring or road bike ... |
| **** | A bit faster again and sometimes longer (100km+), with fewer stops – but normally a pub/cafe lunch – these rides are for experienced Audax or Sportive riders. |
| Audax | Official Audax event – more info from www.audax.uk.net. |
| LCC | Rides organised by other groups (such as LCC) – not covered by CTC leader public liability insurance. |
| Off-road | Mainly on rough tracks perhaps muddy – mountain bikes normally used. |
| Zone6 | Start & finish in travelcard/freedom pass area or not using trains at all – low or no travel cost. |
| Walk | Walk 12-20 km miles (8-12m) often with picnic lunch bring food & drink (no bikes!). |