Commuting from W London to Bromley

[ianrauk]

New route based on suggestions:



Any thoughts?

Yes, that's much better. Nice and direct. Will be a quick commute. Especially as you are going against all the morning traffic.

A few things.

The route is flat as a pancake but there are a couple of lumpy bits. There is an up/down on the A20 Past Goldsmiths. And of course the aforementioned Bromley Hill (You can hit 40+ easy on the way back)

The RAB at lewisham can be a bit hairy at times. It's a fast, multi lane RAB. OK going back in the evenings but not great for your morning run. Get plenty of impatient drivers here.

So if you don't feel like doing it then use the Cornmill Shared Path. When coming down Loampit Vale, turn right into Elmira Street and follow the (well kept) shared path (under the railway) to Molesworth Street.

A bit further on the A21 you seem to veer off right onto Barmeston then back on to the A21. No need.. just keep on straight up the A21

A bit further on at the Downham Way crossroads. Northbound the lane splits into 3. Keep primary in the 2nd lane to go straight on and keep your wits about you. Vehicles have a tendency to change lanes at the last moment here. (This is where I got knocked off last year).

At Kentish Way, be very careful when turning right. It's like a race track. I would suggest instead of turning left onto Tweedy Road, carry on London Road and the HIgh Street. Then scoot down the Ped Only High Street turning left into Emfield Road.

Will look out for you in the mornings and evenings...

 

[Jezston]

Hmm, heeding warnings about Bromley Hill - London Rd stretch - looks like a very long incline with narrow roads - worried this could bring me into conflict with impatient drivers.

 

[ianrauk]

Hmm, not sure about the Bromley Hill - London Rd stretch - looks like a very long incline with narrow roads - worried this could bring me into conflict with impatient drivers.

It's really not that bad. Drivers on the hill are used to cyclists.
In 7 years climbing the hill I can count on one hand the amount of incidents I have had there.
The incline is a mile long, not steep by any stretch of the imagination, more of a long drag.

 

[Jezston]

Right! Now things have warmed up slightly and I've got over this sinus infection, I'm finally going to give this a start tomorrow!

Providing my flatmate doesn't bring a bunch of friends over at 4:30am again.

Thanks for all the advice, much appreciated, wish me luck!

 

[Lyrical]

Right! Now things have warmed up slightly and I've got over this sinus infection, I'm finally going to give this a start tomorrow!

Providing my flatmate doesn't bring a bunch of friends over at 4:30am again.

Thanks for all the advice, much appreciated, wish me luck!

Good luck

Also, Strava

 

[jonny jeez]

It's really not that bad. Drivers on the hill are used to cyclists.
In 7 years climbing the hill I can count on one hand the amount of incidents I have had there.
The incline is a mile long, not steep by any stretch of the imagination, more of a long drag.

I'd second that, the hill always catches me out as it has a, rather topically, double dip, to it as you hit the shell garage it just climbs a little more...because it can.

Going to be trying this on a single speed myself this summer, if all goes to plan.

Good luck tomorrow Jezzer

 

[BentMikey]

Warmed up, tomorrow? Are you sure, Jez?

 

[Jezston]

Well!

Took somewhat longer than expected, but then first time I did the route and haven't ridden properly in a while. Think I'll make it regular. Also it would have been a lot quicker had I followed this route:

Rather than doing something that was something more like this:

Really don't know my way around South London! Well, I do NOW.

Not sure if I'll do this every day, just it will likely still take a good long time. Might start riding to Brixton and taking the train - although you aren't supposed to take bikes on the train before 10am, plenty people do - I guess staff turn a blind eye when you're going against the rush. Will have to check this out.

 

[ianrauk]

How did you find Bromley Hill?

 

[Jezston]

The start was a bit of a trudge - I'd started feeling tired when I reached Bromley Road so when I hit the hill it was quite difficult, but it levelled off very quickly so was fine overall. Just the first 1/4 mile or so was slow going. Traffic was totally fine.

 

[ianrauk]

On the way back tonight down the hill, watch out for a big pot hole about 3rd way down.

 

[Jezston]

I got used to looking out for potholes the rest of the way! Which reminds me, some things I observed / learned doing a long bike commute in London (my previous was just west london to south kensington, which was only about 20 mins):

1. Good grief the state of the roads in this city. This is the capital, sort it out! Also noticed between Oval and E&C (I did get a bit lost remember) a great big sink hole right in the middle of CS7. I wonder how many cyclists have been lost down it?

2. So much high vis. SO MUCH.

3. Lots of emergency vehicles blasting around South London. Had to pull over three times at points in my commute to let police or ambulances through. Made me mess up going round Lewisham roundabout (which wasn't nearly as scary as I anticipated) getting out of the way of a wailing unmarked police bimmer.

4. Lots of very well behaved cyclists. People seem to ride a lot better south of the river.

 

[Woo22]

I've just started commuting from Bromley in the opposite direction to you, and I can't believe the amount of potholes as well. Also I was getting very lonely waiting at the red lights as all the other cylists sped past. Guess it's more the norm to just go through them.

I love Bromley Hill in the morning - 5 mins into my commute and it certainly wakes you up!

 

[ianrauk]

I've just started commuting from Bromley in the opposite direction to you, and I can't believe the amount of potholes as well. Also I was getting very lonely waiting at the red lights as all the other cylists sped past. Guess it's more the norm to just go through them.

I love Bromley Hill in the morning - 5 mins into my commute and it certainly wakes you up!

Yup, there are a good few rlj'ers on the A21 in the mornings. Reason being it's not really that busy a road.
What time you commute and what bike you ride? May see each other.

 

[Woo22]

Usually at Bromley Hill about 6.45am on an Orbea Onix. Quite a 'leisurely' pace so wave as you go by!