1st-time London visitors seek fun, culture and bikes.

Sorry, seem to have my terminology wrong. I was under the impression that anything south of the river was the "South Bank." Stupid yank moment.

well, we call it "south of the river" or "south London" in general, I don't think there's a slang for the south/north of the river really.

Ok, still haven't had a chance to organize most of these suggestions. We definitely plan to make it out to one of the drinks. And we want to see if we can get some Rapha schwag by going on a ride they're sponsoring next week. Probably won't have time to get to Brighton. And we'll be spending the whole second week out in the countryside.

Oh! Found out where we're staying! On the south bank, near the Stockwell tube stop. Anybody know what's cool in that neighborhood?

Oh, I think I'm going on that Rapha ride on Thursday, so I might run into you there! Look out for a girl on a pink Surly (though I might be trying out someone else's Condor Pista, just to confuse matters).

And yes, Stockwell's not all that, but you're well-placed for loads of other cool stuff. Go and explore Brixton - it's one of the best bits of London, even if you don't manage to get shot or stabbed - and if you're feeling super-energetic, you could even ride the extra half-a-mile to Herne Hill, which is a touch more upmarket, has nice chilled-out cafes (I recommend Pullens) and is near Brockwell Park, which is beautiful: http://www.panoramio.com/photo/1170301.

And you can get cycle maps here: https://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/roadusers/cycling/cycleroutes/default.asp, though that's probably not much use for you, because you won't have a postal address. However, I've got most of them, so if you let me know which ones you need, I could drop them off for you. And I think you can pick them up in bike shops too, though I don't often see them...

have a look the the herne hill Veledrome !

it's open most nights

Does Brixton Cycles carry Condor?

I have never been to Brixton Cycles (live on the other end of town) but Condor Cycles obviously has *lots*of Condors. Not that far from Stockwell either. Check it out: http://tinyurl.com/56l97q (Google Maps link)

And about weapons, don't be scared. I, too, think it is overrated. Just keep away from drunk teenagers hanging out at the bus stop late at night.

Actually (to add to the misplaced hysteria) I've just remembered I got shot at on Stockwell Road the other week!

(It was a kid with a cap gun leaning out of his mother's car, but it was still a bit disturbing. And made me wonder whether people really do hate cyclists that much.)

well, we call it "south of the river" or "south London" in general, I don't think there's a slang for the south/north of the river really.

'Sarf London' not 'South London'. You're obviously from out of town too ;)

Make sure you have some really good locks whilst in London.

Yeah, and put your wallet in your front pocket not the ass one. That is if you are walking somewhere. I've never heard of someone being pickpocketed on a bike though.

I got shot at with a catapult on my own road. The police "couldn't do anything as no one would answer the door" of the house the shot came from.

'Sarf London' not 'South London'. You're obviously from out of town too ;)

I was born and raised in Clapham you berk!

I was born and raised in Clapham you berk!

Hmmmmm, nah I won't bite. It was meant as a joke man!

I was born in Wandsworth/Wimbledon way; and raised in Tooting/Balham. We couldn't afford Clapham :)

I was born and raised in Clapham you berk!

classic scoble flaming.

and you've also got Clapham on your door step (but only worth going if you like hanging out with Real Estate agents!).

Probably started off badly with this ;)

as opposed to fake estate agents?

fakengents

LOL! I translated for our US friends.

I've seen them though, cheap suits, overpowering aftershave, ridiculously gelled hair, braying into their mobile phones when they've never even jangled a set of keys or driven a mini with writing on the side

The ride into town from Stockwell is ace (except for that shitty bit round Vauxhall).

As a tourist you'll love it, down either embankment, past the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Cathedral, the Eye, Southbank et al or Whitehall.

If you are around next Sunday 12ish you can come on a ride of East London that I will be laying on for cuppa-t if he is still interested.

I've seen them though, cheap suits, overpowering aftershave, ridiculously gelled hair, braying into their mobile phones when they've never even jangled a set of keys or driven a mini with writing on the side

Tis true. The worst thing is they all hang around Claphams famous Clapham (copyright Tynan 2008), outside of houses with for sale signs, thinking they're cool. Drinking in The Sun talking about deals they've never made. When all the time they live in Carshalton and work in Accounting. Shocking!

Tynan don't own that copyright!

I've seen them though, cheap suits, overpowering aftershave, ridiculously gelled hair, braying into their mobile phones when they've never even jangled a set of keys or driven a mini with writing on the side

aaaaand the infamous cockmobiles.

That's ok. He's not real anyway.

http://www.londonfgss.com/attachments/1086d1215815679-wac.jpg

I prefer Cleftys limited edition version

http://www.londonfgss.com/attachments/1086d1215815679-wac.jpg
http://www.londonfgss.com/attachments/1086d1215815679-wac.jpg

I prefer Cleftys limited edition version

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boom