Originally posted by Serial_Apologist
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Today I'm taking things easy, having made the most of yesterday's warm sunshine to do one of my longest cycle rides since moving here in 2004, taking in Clapham, Battersea Bridge, Hammersmith Broadway, the very pleasant district to the west of Shepherd's Bush, the Regency Canal towpath from just south of Willesden Junction to Ladbroke Grove, Notting Hill, Holland Park, Earl's Court, Battersea Bridge (again), Clapham Common, Herne Hill, W Dulwich and then home - about 29 miles in total, I've estimated. Not bad for a 75-year old, eh? 
Having seen Iain Sinclair covering part of the Regency Canal towpath with a mate on one of his psychic geography youtubes, I was particularly keep to try and make it there to confirm what a beautiful and peaceful stretch of unspoilt brownfield it is, before all the shenanigans of HS2 get going with the projected expansion of the Old Oak Common yards, which are still concealed from the pathway. There were far fewer barges to be seen than I'd been expecting, but a lot more dope being smoked! Feeling a bit light-headed by the time I reached Holland Park - but not for the latter reason, I hasten to add - I stopped off and replenished my reserves with the help of a large, sweet and juicy apple. The "trick" I've discovered on these long trips is to make maximum use of any traffic blockages and short-cutting awkward one-way systems by getting off and walking for a few hundred yards, as I've found such use of an alternative set of leg muscles seems to re-strengthen the ones needed for cycling, so I was surprised to find myself not over-exhausted or suffering from aching joints on arrival home, and was even able to put in a final spurt, in anticipation of a nice cooling, thirst-quenching drink. Kensington Church Street was slightly too far east of my itinerary to get to yesterday, and I might just try and get back there tomorrow, in order to see the House where Frank Bridge lived in the 1920s, which has a blue plaque on the front wall. I did pass by John Ireland's house in Gunther Grove yesterday.
One less pleasant thing which I learned yesterday rather contradicts the oft-stated remark to the effect that the cash carrying society is now a thing of the past, having visited several small shops where I was unable to purchase a simple ice cream cone using a bankers card because they would not take a card unless one spent more than £3.20. Like so many these days I was not carrying any change.
25 C here right now, in hazy sunshine. The weather is set to remain on the hot side until Wednesday night, when we can expect a thundery breakdown, followed by a return to unsettled conditions, though remaining on the warm side for September.
Having seen Iain Sinclair covering part of the Regency Canal towpath with a mate on one of his psychic geography youtubes, I was particularly keep to try and make it there to confirm what a beautiful and peaceful stretch of unspoilt brownfield it is, before all the shenanigans of HS2 get going with the projected expansion of the Old Oak Common yards, which are still concealed from the pathway. There were far fewer barges to be seen than I'd been expecting, but a lot more dope being smoked! Feeling a bit light-headed by the time I reached Holland Park - but not for the latter reason, I hasten to add - I stopped off and replenished my reserves with the help of a large, sweet and juicy apple. The "trick" I've discovered on these long trips is to make maximum use of any traffic blockages and short-cutting awkward one-way systems by getting off and walking for a few hundred yards, as I've found such use of an alternative set of leg muscles seems to re-strengthen the ones needed for cycling, so I was surprised to find myself not over-exhausted or suffering from aching joints on arrival home, and was even able to put in a final spurt, in anticipation of a nice cooling, thirst-quenching drink. Kensington Church Street was slightly too far east of my itinerary to get to yesterday, and I might just try and get back there tomorrow, in order to see the House where Frank Bridge lived in the 1920s, which has a blue plaque on the front wall. I did pass by John Ireland's house in Gunther Grove yesterday.One less pleasant thing which I learned yesterday rather contradicts the oft-stated remark to the effect that the cash carrying society is now a thing of the past, having visited several small shops where I was unable to purchase a simple ice cream cone using a bankers card because they would not take a card unless one spent more than £3.20. Like so many these days I was not carrying any change.
25 C here right now, in hazy sunshine. The weather is set to remain on the hot side until Wednesday night, when we can expect a thundery breakdown, followed by a return to unsettled conditions, though remaining on the warm side for September.
Did you see the notice explaining the ingenious rack and pinion drive system embedded in the Regents Canal that enabled barge traffic to self-propel allowing greater traffic volumes and safe passing without worrying about collisions?
High time for a second canal revolution and fewer new roads!
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