Ride type:
Guided Ride
Ride suitability:
Local Rides Steady
Ride title:
Harrow to the Tasty Bean
Start Postcode:
HA1 4QW
Elevation:
The beginners version out-and-back:
The improvers version using a busy undulating main road on the return:
GPX reference:
The beginners version out-and-back:
The improvers version using a busy undulating main road on the return:
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 relatively flat route which does have short sections of main road with fast moving traffic. There is a second version for confident riders with a longer section of main road with fast moving traffic.
Stops on the way:
We stop for drinks and snacks at the excellent Tasty Bean Café in Oxhey Activity Park.
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 don't like hills. Starting at Harrow Recreation Ground we pass through Headstone Manor before taking the busy Oxhey Lane towards Carpenders Park. We pick up the NCN route 61 to the Oxhey Activity Park. We retrace our steps for the return.
There is an option to take a longer section on the busy main road on the return but this will only get taken if the whole group wants this route. This return is via Watford Heath, Hatch End and again Headstone Manor Park. With only 110m of ascent it is reasonably flat but with the busy and undulating A4008 (Oxey Lane).
Starting point description:
We will meet by the Seva Park Café in the middle of Harrow Recreation Ground. There are multiple access points to the park including one off Cunningham Park, Harrow HA1 4QW. The park has a free car park accessed off Roxborough Road where that road runs next to the park. There is parking on some local streets though look for any parking restrictions. what3words ///toward.winks.sticks
Ride distance (miles):
14
Riding time (minutes):
100
Ride level (Easygoing, Steady, Challenging):
Steady
Overall duration (minutes):
160
Ride Leader Notes:
Before navigating the underpass at Carpenders Park you can pull in to brief riders new to the route on the four bollards and downhill ramp that has to be navigated.
On the return you can brief riders at the top of the hill on Oxhey Lane before the golf course on the right hand turn. You need a confident rider at the back to move in and block traffic.