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 we will 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 likely to be closed on a 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 remaining bronze statues of Herd of Hope (https://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/herd-of-hope). We push our bikes around the market and then head back to Roundwood Park through Marylebone and Maida Vale. We aim to be back at around 3.30pm.

If you find this ride fully booked, get in the waiting list as spaces always become available nearer the date. However, please do not sign up if you’re not sure you can join.

IMPORTANT POINTS: *Helmets aren't compulsory but advisable. *Check that your tyres are pumped and bring a spare inner tube and all necessary tools in case of a puncture. *If you have Covid-19 or have been told to self-isolate, 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 waterproofs just in case. * Please be advised that we video record our rides which are later published on YouTube. By joining our rides you are authorising your image to appear on the video.

We especially welcome newbies!