Hey guys,

Well, I just bought a bloody bike from eBay.

It was all fun and games until I realised I have to collect it... from Walthamstow... at 3:30... and get back to Croydon.

Now, according to this, I can take the bike to Liverpool Street, and then I'm thinking of riding across the river to London Bridge. However, I don't know if I'll make it there before 16:00.

If I do, I can jump on a train all the way home to where I'm comfortable. If I don't, well, I'm looking at having to ride home.

I haven't ridden a bike in twenty years, so this would be a crazy trial by fire to navigate London rush-hour traffic, and I'm understandably nervous.

Are there any secret routes or tips and tricks I should be looking at in order to get as far south as possible in a short space of time?

I've been on TFL and google maps, and national rail, but there doesn't seem to be a simple "I'm travelling with a bike from X to Y".

If nothing else, then let this post serve as a final farewell before I end up under the wheels of a lorry in Crystal Palace at 16:24.

EDIT: Home now. I chickened out and drove, and I'm glad I did.

I went home, picked up the family-wagon, and drove to Walthamstow. Slung the bike in the back, and drove to the wife who was at a friend's house, where I dropped off the car. I then rode the 2 miles from there, back home.

I think I'm dead.

My lungs are on fire, I can't feel my legs, but I can very much feel my arse.

Bloody hell, that was fun. Can't wait to get back on.