Thanks to the internet, I have joined a couple London cycling forums in an effort to find people to ride with. One such is a group that mountain bikes in a place called Epping Forest. I posted on their forum, got some friendly and helpful responses and planned to show up at their 10am ride this morning. Now, they meet at a spot about 7 miles from where I live, so I studied the maps, wrote down a route and off I went. Not ten minutes from leaving the flat I was lost. I lost track of how many times I stopped to check the map (once I was back on the map) or ask someone where I was. Needless to say, I did not make it to the meeting point by 10am… not even close. But I went there anyway, so I could at least figure out the correct route on the way back and try again tomorrow.

Here’s what I learned as a result of my un-intended urban assault today:
1. London gets the award for the most streets in a given square mile
2. Said streets’ signage is… optional
3. The Transport For London website “suggested” cycling route planner is complete crap.
4. Riding on busier, but more direct streets is better than trying to make 30+ turns onto small side streets on a 7 mile ride.

No matter, I had a good time anyway and am really getting the hang of this left-hand side of the road business and duking it out with the cars. Maybe tomorrow I'll actually make it to the forrest...