Greenwich Foot Tunnel

The boat trip down the Thames from Westminster to Greenwich takes about 45 minutes. With the cheeky chappy commentary for the tourists, it passed quickly and enjoyably. I can't believe how the whole of the Thames dock areas are now covered in swanky and VERY expensive converted warehouse apartments. As I think all the interesting old warehouses are now converted, they're building more modern complexes wherever they can find a free space. At least the ancient pubs dotted along either side of the river remain. I must re-visit these pubs soon, for historical interest of course.

The picture above is taken inside the Greenwich foot tunnel that was first opened in 1902. Apart from some repairs undertaken due to war damage, I don't think it's been touched since. A gloomy and somewhat oppressive walk that most tourists I fear don't venture into. But it's used quiet a lot. I was standing taking a picture when a cyclist whooshed passed me oblivious of the prohibition on cycling. I would have loved to have taken his picture but I was looking down fiddling with the camera when he flew past. 

So I decided to wait for another cyclist and positioned my self just behind the NO CYCING signs. And I waited. And waited. Then gave up. As I almost exited the tunnel, two cyclists came in, so I followed them back into the tunnel. But they were law abiding. So I asked the pretty one (yes, a girl, but it was because she was in front, honest) if she would cycle for me so I could get a picture. Despite my best attempts I couldn't charm her into helping, she didn't mind me taking a photograph, but no way was she going to get on her bike she said, or even slow down to talk further with an obvious mad-man for that matter. I gave up and turned to the guy on the bike behind. He was puzzled at first but I explained and he was happy to help. So that's him above, pretending to be a law breaker. I have to say he then got off his bike and pushed it the rest of the way. I only got the one chance to get the shot as he rode past, and this is the result. 

I'm fairly pleased with the shot, despite the rider not really being blurred enough, (he rode much slower than I expected) but well worth the effort I reckon.

Leica M9 + 35mm Summicron at f2 and 1/25th. 200 ISO.