Routes
The first ride for almost all new members to the club. Our shortest ride out of town heading out into the lanes through the quieter suburbs with a few climbs to warm up the legs then heading into some of the quieter roads inside the M25. For the intro ride, we’ll focus on group riding skills covering communication, signalling, riding as a group (generally 2 up) and changing the lead. As we head back into town, there may be an optional post ride debrief over coffee.
One of our core rides and an absolute favourite, this one sits well with the majority of our Sunday Riders. It’s ideal if you have a few hours and / or are new to club riding after the group skills. The road out meanders through the leafy suburbs of Chislehurst, Petts Wood and Orpington, before swinging left into lane country.
The route climbs out from the fields up Skeet Hill Lane for the first three climbs of the day. At the top of Wells Hill it's a gorgeous descent which meanders through the leafy lanes until we hit High Elm Road which takes us up and into the village of Downe for a short regroup. On the return leg, we pass Darwin House, along Jail Lane out to Biggin Hill where there’s a chance to practice a chain gang / pace line before heading back through Keston and up the last of the short sharp climb into Chistlehurst. As we head back into town, there may be an optional post ride debrief over coffee.
The pace usually averages out at 20-22km/h, with a max speed on the chain gang of anywhere from 24-28km/h depending on the group.
The Ultimate leg stretcher / Hills / SHUT UP LEGS!! Stop off at either Ide Hill or Velo Barn for Coffee and cake