Keep Moving Lazy Bones

This post lists a number of rides designed to allow riders to build confidence. They are mostly relatively flat, include a café or pub stop and though some might include busy roads or a climb up to Harrow on the Hill they will be suitable for those wanting to go beyond a five-mile beginner ride. Harrow to the White Horse pub Headstone Manor to Eastcote Kenton to Canons Park via seven parks Harrow to Eastcote and Daisy's  Harrow to the Tasty Bean Café

Introduction  Start locations need to be suitable for the number of bikes and have space for the briefing and bike checks.  Pinner (Pinner Village Gardens) We will meet by one of the entrances to Pinner Village Gardens (PVG). Please arrive 10 minutes before the start time to ensure a prompt departure. We meet at the entrance nearest the roundabout where Rayners Lane meets Marsh Road. Postcode HA5 5NS. what3words ///ranges.tame.boot Pinner (Pinner Memorial Park) We will meet by the aviary near the pond in Pinner Memorial Gardens, next to Daisy's Cafe. Please arrive 10 minutes before the start time to ensure a prompt departure. The postcode is HA5 1AF. what3words ///these.older.flips Harrow We will meet by the Seva Park Café in the middle of Harrow Recreation Ground. Please arrive 10 minutes before the start time to ensure a prompt departure. There are multiple access points to the park including one off Cunningham Park, Harrow HA1 4QW. The park has a free car p...

   Ride type: Guided Ride  Ride suitability: Local Rides Challenging Ride title: Harrow to Elstree Aerodrome  Start Postcode: HA1 4QW Elevation: GPX reference: Komoot route Introduce your route: New riders are especially welcome. We have a policy of leaving no rider behind so if anyone is struggling we will adjust the speed and take rest stops if necessary. If you have questions or concerns speak to the Ride Leader or contact them before the ride. We ask that you read the full details of the ride including the distance and terrain to ensure the ride will be enjoyable for you.  Kind of roads you'll be riding: We will use a mix of roads and cycle paths on this hilly route which does have short sections of main road with fast moving traffic.  Stops on the way: We stop for drinks and snacks at the excellent Aerodrome cafe.  What to bring: Please check your bike at home before the ride leaving yourself time to remedy any issues such as brake adj...

Here are some multi-day trips that have all the information you need to organise your own tour.  Chelmsford-to-clacton-on-sea Harwich Ferry Practice   Tring - Bicester - Tring Rickmansworth to Cublington via Tring Rickmansworth to Bicester  St Albans to Saffron Walden 

When riding in a group it is worth learning ride etiquette  and Cycling UK have a great article. https://www.cyclinguk.org/article/cycling-guide/ride-group Remember your ride leader may be sacrificing their own ride to lead so be on time, follow the highway code, be prepared to fix your own bike (including punctures), be responsible for your own safety, take sufficient fuel and hydration, and don't race ahead. Being on time means being 10-15 minutes to allow time for any introductions, briefing and bike checks.  Bike components do break, punctures happen, and these things can't be avoided. However, bike maintenance can reduce the risk of failure during a group ride. The LCC has some well worded advice on bike checks . Use a safe and correct mount and dismount routine so you aren't the one who loses balance and crashes to the ground.  If you want to understand the practical considerations of a Guided Ride take a look at the relevant sections of British Cycling Ride Leader...

The Briefing Welcoming riders as they arrive allows you to check for lose laces, soft tyres and missing water bottles Letting people introduce themselves facilitates the start of the briefing and gets people's attention  Swapping bikes for a bike check lets people inspect different bikes and technologies though you can't force anyone to hand over their beloved bike and some may feel a sense of responsibility if they checked someone else's bike; I personally don't do the bike swap You do need to cover the bases and if you feel the group is experienced you can skip the bike check but only if you get confirmation from riders that they have checked their bikes I sometimes mix things up and may do ABC, ABCD or M-Check for the bike check making a point to refer to the check by its name and getting riders to contribute and engage Leading a ride There are different ride leadership approaches (or systems) depending on whether you have one, two, three or four ride leaders. If you...