Cycling in Harrow — Where Do I Start?
Whether you are thinking about getting back on a bike, looking for somewhere to ride, wanting to build your confidence, or interested in helping other people discover cycling, there are lots of opportunities to get involved.
This page brings together some of the rides, routes, advice and resources I have put together for cycling in and around Harrow.
Not sure where to start? Choose the option that sounds most like you.
🚲 I Want to Start Cycling
Perhaps you can ride a bike but are nervous about going out on the road. Maybe you have not cycled for years and would like to regain your confidence.
There are Beginner Bike Rides from Kenton Recreation Ground, usually on Saturday afternoons. These are short, friendly rides designed for people who are starting out, returning to cycling or simply want to build their confidence.
The ride is taken at the pace of the slowest rider and the route can be adapted according to the people taking part.
Find out more:
- Short confidence-building rides
Not sure whether a ride is suitable for you? Contact the Ride Leader before booking.
🚴 I Already Cycle — Where Can I Ride?
If you are already comfortable on a bike, there is a growing collection of rides around Harrow and the surrounding area.
Distances range from short local rides of around 7–10 miles through to longer day rides of 20, 30, 40, 50 or even 60+ miles.
There are rides for different levels of experience and different interests: some concentrate on quiet roads and cycle paths, others head into the Chilterns, while some are simply an excuse to find a good café!
Short and local rides
Good for building distance and confidence.
Day rides
Longer rides exploring Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, London and the surrounding countryside.
Longer and more challenging rides
For experienced riders looking for hills, distance and a full day's cycling.
Explore the complete ride list
The organised rides page contains the growing collection of routes, distances, destinations and ride information. This is typically used by Ride Leaders though it is suitable for anyone who wants pre-designed routes.
Joining Let's Ride
Let's Ride is a platform supported by British Cycling. Register on the Let's Ride website then request to join the Harrow Cycle Hub group and you can then join Harrow rides. You will receive email notification when new rides are posted.
Before joining a ride, always read the full description, including the distance, terrain, expected pace and duration, and make sure the ride is suitable for you.
🌳 I Want to Explore
Cycling is a great way of exploring places that are surprisingly close to Harrow.
Some of the rides are simply about getting to a café or having a picnic. Others take you to parks, villages, viewpoints, historic places and other destinations that you might otherwise pass by.
There are also resources for planning your own cycling adventures.
Ready-made day trips
Ideas for destinations that can be reached by train and bike from Harrow and Kenton can be found here.
Ready-made routes
Some routes have already been planned and documented, including GPX files and the information needed to recreate the ride on the Let's Ride platform. Click here to see the list.
Annual ride schedule
See what rides and cycling activities are planned throughout the year including the annual Canons Park picnic.
Multi-day cycling
If a day ride is not enough, there are also examples and ideas for longer cycling trips and tours.
You don't have to follow an organised ride. Use the routes as inspiration and create your own adventure.
🙋 I Want to Help Other People Cycle
Cycling needs people as well as bikes.
There are many ways to help, from assisting on an occasional ride through to becoming a Ride Leader.
You don't have to commit to becoming a Ride Leader immediately. Volunteering, assisting or simply coming along on a ride can be a good way to find out whether you would enjoy it.
Volunteer
There are opportunities to support cycling activities in different ways. If you have a particular skill or idea that could help, but cannot see an advertised role, get in touch.
Help on rides
Ride assistants and other volunteers play an important part in making group rides welcoming and enjoyable.
Become a Ride Leader
If you would like to lead rides yourself, there is a graduated route into Ride Leadership. Resources here explain the training, British Cycling and Let's Ride requirements, ride planning and some of the practical considerations of leading a group.
Wheels for All
There are also opportunities to support inclusive cycling and help more people experience the benefits of being on a bike.
Find out more about volunteering and becoming a Ride Leader.
🔧 Need Help With Your Bike?
You do not need to be a bicycle mechanic to enjoy cycling, but learning a few basic skills can make a big difference.
The resources here include:
- Checking your bike before a ride
- Changing an inner tube
- Dealing with punctures
- Looking after your chain
- Understanding and using your gears
- Preparing your bike for a group ride
- Knowing what tools and spares to carry
A little preparation can turn a potential problem into a minor inconvenience.
See the Bike Maintenance and Bike Skills resources.
📚 Resources for Cyclists and Ride Leaders
There is a lot of cycling information available, but sometimes the difficulty is knowing where to look.
This collection includes resources for both riders and people organising rides, including:
- Route planning
- GPX routes
- Ride descriptions
- Let's Ride resources
- Bike maintenance
If you are interested in becoming a Ride Leader, the Leading Rides guide brings together practical information about training, planning and running rides.
📍 Where Do the Rides Start?
Rides start from a number of locations around Harrow and the surrounding area, including:
Kenton · Harrow · Pinner · Hatch End · Eastcote · Croxley Green · Uxbridge · Rickmansworth
Each start location has its own information about meeting points, public transport, parking and other useful details.
Check the start-location information before setting out and remember to arrive 10-15 minutes before the advertised start time for introductions, bike check and briefing.
☕ Cycling Is Better Together
Most of the rides described here have one thing in common: they are as much about the people as the miles.
A coffee stop, a conversation, discovering somewhere new and getting home having enjoyed the day are all part of cycling.
You don't have to be fast, own an expensive bike or ride enormous distances.
Find a ride that suits you, get on your bike and see where it takes you.
Have a Question?
If you are unsure which ride is right for you, want to know more about volunteering or are interested in becoming a Ride Leader, please get in touch.
rides@harrowcyclehub.org
I'll be happy to help point you in the right direction.