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Kenton to the Ice Cream Farm


Ride type:

Guided Rides

Ride suitability:

Local Rides Challenging 

Ride title:

Kenton to the Ice Cream Farm

Start Postcode:

HA3 8AX

Elevation:

GPX reference:

Komoot route

Introduce your route:

New riders are 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 route with plenty of hills and short sections of main road with fast moving traffic. There is one section of downhill with potholes where extra care is required. 

Stops on the way:

We stop for drinks, snacks and ice cream at the excellent Lewis of London (the Ice Cream Farm) which sits between Barnet and Borehamwood. 

What to bring:

Please check your bike at home before the ride leaving yourself time to remedy any issues such as brake adjustments and repairing punctures. Bring a spare inner tube of the correct size and valve type for your bike, the tools to repair a puncture, a bike lock, water and a snack. It is advised that you bring money for the café or unexpected circumstances such as taking the train home. Please be mindful that not everywhere takes cash payment.

Consider the duration of the ride, the time of day you will be riding and the weather forecast. Dress appropriately ensuring no loose clothing or long laces that could get entangled in bike parts.

Route description:

This is the ride for you if you like hills or want to get more ascents under your belt. The total amount of climbing is 430m. Starting at Kenton Recreation Ground we pass the Park Life café (where you could request to join the ride) then up Brookshill and on to Bushey Heath. Onwards to Letchmore Heath, down into Radlett and up Shenley Hill to Shenley where we ride country lanes to the Ice Cream Farm. The return is via Borehamwood, Edgeware, Stanmore and Belmont Circle before arriving back at Kenton Recreation Ground. 

Starting point description:

We will meet at the pump track in Kenton Recreation Ground. Arrive at least 10 minutes before the published start time to allow for introductions, bike checks and any briefing; this ensures a prompt departure at the stated time. The pump track is one hundred metres into the park from the car park which is at the end of Carlton Avenue. There is parking on local streets though do look for any parking restrictions.The nearest stations are Kenton (Bakerloo/Lioness) and Northwick Park (Metropolitan). Neither has step-free access. Postcode HA3 8AX. what3words ///fleet.jeeps.sends


To join en-route you can meet 15 minutes after the start time at the ParkLife Café, Weald Recreation Ground, High Road, Harrow HA3 6EJ. What3words ///bumpy.snaps.ladder

Ride distance (miles):

28

Riding time (minutes):

210

Ride level (Easygoing, Steady, Challenging):

Challenging 

Overall duration (minutes):

300

Ride Leader notes

Regardless of navigation tools (paper, voice, visual, memory) this route has various safe but awkward junctions which don't lend themselves to pulling over for a briefing beforehand. Notifying the group at the initial briefing will help, for example, transition between road and cycle path, right hand turns ahead of corners.

If using voice navigation there are some areas that could cause confusion as the voice navigation isn't always clear on this particular route.

  • At the end of College Avenue you turn right onto the High Road at Harrow Weald.
  • When on Radlett High Street you turn right at the first roundabout heading up Shenley Hill.
  • When on Hartforde Road after Borehamwood it is an easy left onto Brook Road then it is the next right (after 80 metres) onto Stratfield Road. 
  • When you are on the Edgewarebury Lane and have crossed the Edgware Way dual carriage there are two turnings right into Fairview Way which is a crescent. You want the next right as the road bends left, which is Percival Road.
Suggested stops 
  • After the turn off onto The Rutts at Bushey Heath there is a suitable stop to brief riders on the harsh road bumps on the decent of Little Bushey Lane
  • After Letchmore Heath you have a short climb along a lane and at the top there is a place to regroup and have a drink.
  • Stop at the top of Edgewarebury Lane to warn people of the downhill with road humps and poor surface. 
  • At Belmont Circle the route goes round the roundabout to the last exit so consider the group and stop for a briefing if appropriate. There is a car park before the roundabout you can pull into.

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