I headed out again this morning, armed with better directions, to join the Epping Forest ride. Although I did not get completely lost this time, I still made a couple wrong turns and had to consult the map, which resulted in a 10:07 arrival time – not quite on time. Did anyone else show up? Who are these people, anyway? I will have to wait until another weekend to find out. Luckily, Greg, another Brick Lane Bikes (BL employee, had filled me in - after my first strike yesterday - on how to find the actual trails. So, taking his advice, I just headed into the forest. There were plenty of trails criss-crossing and I just rode around, probably in circles, enjoying the dark shade of thick foliage and feel of dirt under my wheels. The riding was absolutely perfect for the ‘cross bike and I can’t wait to explore the area more and take Ira there when he comes!

Back at the flat, I enjoyed a bit more settling in – cleaning and grocery shopping – to make the place more like home. The sun was streaming in the windows and the balcony is quite a nice spot on sunny day. I ventured out in the afternoon to further explore Brick Lane and the Spitalfields Market.

Brick Lane is a neat area – a bit trendy, gritty, and with a palpable energy. The street was named not for being brick itself, but because it was the route used to transport bricks to rebuild London after the fire. Coffee shops sprinkle the first part of the Lane, followed by a narrow passage that seems to draw various vendors hawking whatever they have to sell. Further along is the “curry capital” with Bangladeshi restaurants one after another. Turning right down Fournier Street, I could see the steeple of Christ Church. The church ended up being the best part of the day and made me wish I had brought my camera.

Newly refurbished to its original state, the church was designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor, who had been an assistant to the famous Christopher Wren. By luck, the church is opened to the public on Sunday afternoons and I enjoyed reading the background info and looking at the details of the huge restoration project. The Baroque style is simultaneously ornate and simplistic; welcoming and diminishing; austere and breathtaking.

I wandered around the streets near Spitalfields Market – randomly perusing the odd gallery, clothing store, or cheese shop. The Market itself was not too crowded as it was late in the day. On somewhat of a whim, I bartered and bought a wool sweater from a woman there. I also found Patisserie Valerie, lined with glass cases of delectable goodies. A chocolate croissant was the perfect mid-afternoon snack, eaten in a common area with an up-the-road view of Christ Church, towering in white stone over its less pure residents.

Swinging by BLB on my way home, I found the usual assortment of other characters hanging about the shop. I love the unification that bicycles brings to a community, concentrated in the local shop. In my efforts to actually cook and eat a good meal, I invited Adrian over for dinner, which made for an appropriately relaxing evening to match the day.