Biking & Blogging

   It has been far too nice to be blogging, so again I went out biking. Along the way, I figured I could combine the two AND provide a public service.
    At this time, getting around London is problematic, particularly by car. There are people who have not left their neighbourhood in months. For them I present some new developments.

Towers of Spite
  Even on a bike, construction was an issue as I headed north. My efforts paid off since I was able to spot the "Towers of Spite", which are undergoing expansion near the University. The spiteful erections were erected around 2006/07 and they have now been altered to provide additional satisfaction and profits for the owner. 

   Those in the area who objected originally and provided the label, "Towers of Spite", are probably irritated again, but the winds have changed, as has the neighbourhood.

Towers of Hope

   If you have not travelled north on Richmond lately, you will be surprised to see that the dorms now stretch from the gates of Western to the river Thames. The new eight story building will house almost 800 students and include a dining hall, as well as a 4,500 square-foot fitness centre. Even better, it is closer to Broughdale Ave than the stadium, which means the students will not even have to cross the Thames to enjoy homecoming. Incoming students hope to get into this facility and Western hopes to be able to pay for it.

The Towers of SOHO
   Those who have not journeyed into the southern interior of London (this London, not the SOHO in the other one), will find that the old hospital buildings have mostly been removed and a new high-rise has risen along with some other attractive buildings along Hill Street. 

   The bridge across the Thames nearby is almost completed, but it may still be a while before you attempt a trip down Wellington Road.

Horizontal Towers of Rolling Stock

  Apart from the infrastructure construction that makes travel in London difficult, there are also the trains. I had to wait for this one for a very long time. It was also very long and consisted mainly of cars carrying what I assumed were various petroleum products which are in high demand right now because of events far from SOHO.

Sources:

  My photos are of the same quality as my prose. Good ones for the SOHO area are easily found. For a better one about the new dorms see: "University Drive Residence to Open Fall 2027," Finn Toporowski, Western Gazette, Jan. 7, 2026.

  The Towers of Spite are just off Richmond along Huron. Stories about them have been carried by the LFP over the years. For example, "More Units Proposed for Spite Site," Norman De Bono, Sept. 10, 2024.

The Bonus: 
  Just advice. Philip Aziz Avenue on the other side of Western is closed. It is wise to avoid going anywhere in London by car.