East London route advice

Go to the TFL cycling website and get the maps (they're free) that cover your area. There's an online route finder map thing on there too.

There's another route site (developed by Cambridge something-or-another) that (I think) Oliver mentioned that's supposed to be better. Can't remember what the site address is though. Anyone?

Oops, didn't see this earlier. It's CycleStreets.net. This is developed by Cambridge Cycling Campaign and works quite well even though it is still in beta. However, unfortunately owing to the Olympic zone lying in the way, there are fewer and fewer ways west out of Stratford. The A118 or Leyton High Road/Orient Way or Ruckholt Road/Eastway are pretty much the only ones left. The value of the route planner will kick in with the rest of the route once you've crossed the River Lea. I'd take dicki's offer of bike buddying to get started.