A day out: unlimited options, off peak train tickets from £20
London to Cranfield
London’s city centre is just about 100km by bike. Taking the train into town and riding home makes for a satisfying day out. It’s amazing how quickly the city streets can be left behind in exchange for county lanes and better riding.
Option1: for road bikes
Out through Camden, to Highgate and up past the famous cemetery. Beyond Shenley genuinely quiet lanes take you over the M25. After St Albans loop westwards into the Chilterns through woods, with super views before the Ivinghoe Beacon descent. Avoid the busy roads passing east of Leighton Buzzard via Wing and Soulbury to reach the Brickhills and then Woburn Link to this ride on Strava
Option2: gravel
There are off road options beyond Finchley the route picks its way NW until the canal tow path at Kings Langley. The canal side is bumpy. You could follow the Grand Union all the way to MK, but after Berkhampsted find a way up into the extensive Ashridge estate which is littered with gravel bike opportunities. Follow roads (I am sure there are more gravel options to find) to LB and then via Heath & Reach link up trails in the woods to get home. Link to this ride on Strava
Sightseeing Ideas
Taking your bike into London is easy by train. Once there though it can be a bit disorientating so my tip is to always plan a route, even if its just a rough idea of where you want to go. I’d also suggest taking a bit of time to look for routes that are the most cycle friendly.
London Street Art: A ride in search of some famous works, like the Bowie mural in Brixton and an XR mural in Shoreditch. Sadly I think that one is now gone? The Herne Hill Velodrome which I’d never visited was close by so went to take a look.
London Touring: I love my Brompton. A bike that goes anywhere, on the tube, no restrictions trains, I believe that if you fly a Brompton can even go as cabin baggage. I am not commuting anymore but don’t even think about asking, it’s not for sale. On this ride I discovered the foot/cycle tunnel between Greenwich and the Isle of dogs – amazing.
Cranfield Cycling 