The Elephant Hunt Ride

A ride to the South of the Thames and back, to search for different elephant statues in London. We start with the Elephant Park in the newly developed Elephant and Castle in Lambeth, and follow to the bronze elephant statues in Old Spitalfields Market in Liverpool Street. Although we mostly ride through segregated cycling lanes and quiet roads, this ride has a small amount of busy roads, so you need to be fairly confident cycling in normal traffic. The pace is steady, so not suitable for complete beginners.

We head off to the south of the river via Hyde Park and Westminster Bridge. We quickly circle around the gardens of the Imperial War Museum and then crack on to Elephant and Castle. Those who haven’t been in this neighbourhood for a while won’t recognise it – the new redeveloped area replaces the old shopping mall with the Elephant Park and lots of cafes and restaurants – see more at https://elephantandcastle.org.uk/overview-of-the-plans/. Here will be able to spot some of the Elmer At The Elephant sculptures (more information and a full map on www.elephantpark.co.uk/community/elmer-the-elephant/). We stop for a coffee break at the Elephant Stores, which has also a convenient bike shop at the back (although it is likely to be closed on an Easter Sunday). We spend about an hour in this area.

We then cross Southwark Bridge and navigate through new and old buildings into the City of London, until we reach Old Spitalfields Market, where we see the bronze statues of Herd of Hope (https://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/herd-of-hope), which are supposed to be moving out in Summer. We stop here for about half an hour, before heading back to Roundwood Park through Marylebone and Maida Vale. We aim to be back at around 3pm.

If you find this ride fully booked, sign up to the waiting list as spaces always become available near the date.

IMPORTANT POINTS: *Helmets aren't compulsory but highly advisable. *Make sure that your tyres are pumped and you have a spare inner tube and all necessary tools in case of a puncture. *Places are limited and sometimes get booked up, normally with a waiting list. If you get Covid-19 or can't make it for any other reason, please cancel your space so someone else can join. *Only riders who booked themselves on the ride will be allowed to join. *Unless the weather takes a nasty turn making it unsafe or unpleasant to cycle, this ride will go ahead even if it rains. Dress for the weather and bring a rain coat just in case.

We especially welcome newbies!