London: Taking a ride?

Born in Essex, I became a Londoner when the Greater London Council was formed and Ilford, Essex became the London Borough of Redbridge. Nobody asked me, I was forcibly redesignated and, to be honest, I really had no complaints about my new status.

However, over the years I became a Bristolian at University, an Avonian when I got married, a Somersetian when County of Avon was deleted, a Hertfordonion when I moved back to the metropolis and, finally a Essex boy again, when I returned to Epping.

Even though I worked in London for 25 years, travelling in daily, I was never afforded any concessions by London-centric organisations. TfL steadfastly refused to accept that I was just as much a part of London as the folk down the road. And now, as a pensioner, I am refused concessionary fares.

And now, I have to accept London taking a ride in Essex with its RideLondon Cycling Festival. Essex roads will be closed for the entire weekend for the benefit of a few thousand Lycra clad, two wheeled road hogs. OK, I may be a Grumpy Old Man, but what gives London the right to ruin my weekend?