MODS Mon 27 Dec 10

With a small group made up of Graham, Jane, Martin, Elliott, Gentle John and myself the decision was to try the tow path heading north.

After half a mile on the icy and very slippery surface, which was getting worse the further north we went, coupled with the options of an early bath in the freezing river or a tangle of barbed wire if the inevitable crash happened it was a unanimous vote for an about turn and head south!

The same surface faced us here so the “single track” next to Mollison Avenue was taken as a safer option to get us down to Picketts Lock where we took the bumpy road past the incinerator to join the tow path and cross the river just past the bus garage. Here on Tottenham Marshes we had a choice of surfaces to get us to Stonebridge Lock only to find the intended tea stop at the café closed. From here the tow path was pretty well clear of ice.

We pushed on to Markfield Park and then Springfield Marina our second tea stop option, closed as well. Plan B a climb up Springfield Park to the café at the top. Hooray it’s open. Coffee, cake, soup, tuna rolls, and tea soon put lots of cheesy grins back on frozen faces.

Lunch over and a cheery wave goodbye to a small flock of high viz green parakeets squawking in the trees we headed back north to Ponders End. The icy surfaces were now thawing quite quickly so a much safer but damper trip saw us enjoying the return a little more stress free.

A fairly short ride but given the under tyre conditions quite enough for everyone and it blew away the cobwebs. Thankfully no mishaps apart from a small twig that managed to put my derailleur into my wheel and bend a spoke but no real harm done, thanks to XTR.

Home for a quick change and on up to the SH to join up with the Rads for a festive drink. Joined later by Ged, Teddy and Alex.

A great day in the cold with a great group followed by a great evening in the pub.

 Dave

If anyone has any pics, post up on forum and Ill include them here.

Steve, Site Admin