Idea for a 40-mile ride SW of London?

[Mr Gear]

I'm planning to go for a longish ride on Sunday morning. Criteria is as follows:

- About 40 miles
- Road riding
- Avoiding constant hills (occasional big hills fine)
- Avoiding busy roads
- Somewhere south west of London (within an hour's drive to start point)

Any ideas or inspiration for good roads?

[Mr Gear]

swerni said:

Richmond Park, then Kingston Esher, Cobham Brooklands, Weybridge, Walton, Hampton Court and back to Kingston and Richmond Park.

I would suggest having a play with www.bikehike.co.uk

It's a good route, but one I've done many times. I was thinking of going a bit farther afield from London actually. I'm dreaming of country lanes and village pubs....

Website link seems good though.

Edited by Mr Gear on Thursday 15th April 16:41

[Mr Gear]

I live in Richmond and my mate Wimbledon, so the A3 out of London would be our route out of town if we were to take our bikes in the car to the starting point... wherever that might be!

Hampshire or Sussex might be good.

[okgo]

also interested to know this as I live in same area and want to do similar every now and again.

[anonymous-user]

How far SW? A crisp morning ride through New Forest would be fantasic. Take about an hour to get there, straight down the M3/M27 from Richmond. A 3hr bike ride for your 40miles, lots of lovely stopping point on the way. Fantastic scenary & roads (imagine an unending Richmond Park with less traffic, and a few villages & towns for stops)

It is hilly but nothing too serious in terms of climbs, however it is constantly undulating which goes against your wish list.

Edited by anonymous-user on Thursday 15th April 17:05

[Mr Gear]

OneDs said:

How far SW? A crisp morning ride through New Forest would be fantasic. Take about an hour to get there and back and 3hr bike ride for your 40miles, hilly in bits but nothing too serious in terms of climbs.

I am considering New Forest and I know it pretty well... I also know what it's like driving there or back on a sunny Sunday! Traffic jam is pretty much a given around the M27, but maybe not too bad if I go early and come back at lunchtime.

[Mr Gear]

Actually, I've decided... New Forest it is!

[anonymous-user]

Sunday pm on the way back is a pain, am there will be fine. If it's that much of an issue jump on the train with your bikes and get of at Brokenhurst slap bang in the middle of the Forest, do a loop and go back after a boozey lunch in Brockenhurst with out having to drink & drive.

Edited by anonymous-user on Thursday 15th April 17:15

[okgo]

Swerni, you keep saying supportive. Do you mean to say sportive?

[Mr Gear]

swerni said:

Mr Gear said:

Actually, I've decided... New Forest it is!

There's a wiggle support ride in the new forest this Sunday

http://www.ukcyclingevents.co.uk/


I'm doing the epic,it looks a good route and fairly flat

I did the Willers New Forest Sportive last year... about 70 miles I think, and it was a great day.

[okgo]

swerni said:

There really are quite few of us on here who live fairly local to each other.

We should start up some Sunday morning rides.

I know OKGO won't turn up, but I think we could get a good few out

I'd turn up!

[Mr Gear]

swerni said:

There really are quite few of us on here who live fairly local to each other.

We should start up some Sunday morning rides.

I know OKGO won't turn up, but I think we could get a good few out

Sounds good, but I am aware that a small difference in ability can lead to a massive difference in speed when it comes to cycling! Don't want to leave anyone behind or be the one left behind! Haha

[okgo]

Its ok stay on the small chain ring for swerni and he'll be able to keep up.

[louiebaby]

I'd be up for this, and Garlick and Stuart are Putney and Richmond respectively I think. The more of us there are, the less the speed differential will be, as the peleton will drag the slower people along.

I am as yet unsure if I would be the dragger or draggee in that situation.

[anonymous-user]

Mr Gear how did you get on? even manage a poultry 25miles today on my road bike down to the beach & back, I'm actually sunburnt in April. what a lovely day. Hope you had a good one (no matter who joined you).

[Mr Gear]

As it turned out, i got stuck in traffic for four hours on saturday (m1 shut!) so i couldn't face getting in the car again. Instead i rode out to windsor and back via the lovely thames and abandoned heathrow airport. 40 miles before lunch and a great excuse for a barbie.