We arrange rides for all abilities – all our rides and other events are listed below.
Don’t forget that we also hold regular rides every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday – visit our regular rides page to find out more.
Ride Registration:
If you are thinking about joining us on a ride you are more than welcome to turn up at the specified meeting place. It would however be appreciated if you could register by emailing us at rides@bromleycyclists.org so we have the appropriate level of support on the ride.
We hope that there are a variety of rides to suite everyone, however if you have a suggestion for a ride that you would like us to arrange or would like to lead a ride but would like support with planning, organisation and a ride leader on the day we would love to hear from you please drop us a line and we will endeavour to do our best to help arrange the ride.
If you would like further information please don’t hesitate to contact us at rides@bromleycyclists.org
Rides, Reports and Events
Velo Club... Regular Saturday Morning Ride
Saturday, 19 May 2012, 08:30
See Velo Club page for details.
Route 21 with the kids.
Sunday, 20 May 2012, 09:30
Starting at 1000 we will be riding along Route 21 from Cator park to Greenwich and back with Students from Langley Park Girls & boys schools plus anyone else who wants to join us.
Any BC members who would like to help keep an eye on the kids would be welcome. Going to be an easy day, no rushing about but hopefully very fulfilling.
These kids are all the young people we have trained at LBB and have shown an interest in continuing cycling for leasure and commuting to school and collage.
Ride leader will be Steve Watkin, Lindsey Bryan & Helena Callow.
07748 655201 for more info.
Wednesday Weekly Wander
Wednesday, 23 May 2012, 19:00 @ Bromley South Station forecourst
Tonight we will meet as usual at Bromley South but will be just riding around Bromley getting photos taken for our website. Please feel free to join us and we will end up at Wetherspoons at Bromley South for a drink later in the evening.
The Viking Trail
Saturday, 26 May 2012, 08:30 @ Bromley South Station forecourt
http://www.visitthanet.co.uk/viking/
If you have a look at the above web site you will see that the Viking Trail is not a complete circular tour but I have a sound route to join up the loose ends! Total mileage is about 30 and I normally stop at Ramsgate for fish and chips lunchtime with a morning and afternoon stop for lighter refreshments.
Train is from Bromley South straight to Birchington on sea and the train gets to Birchington on sea at 10.35am and leaves Bromley South at 9.09 am so we are looking at being at the station by no later than 8.45am (better to be there at 8.20am) so we have plenty of time to buy the “group saver” tickets. Please don’t be late because if you are, you won’t be able to take advantage of the special prices and will have to buy a normal return ticket at the normal price.
For those coming from London this train leaves Victoria at 8.52am
The ride starts and finishes at Birchington on sea and we do it in a clockwise direction.
If you need any more info please ask Steve: 07748 655201
Spencer's 50 Mile Challenge. Beavers, Castles, Villas and Crofts.
Sunday, 27 May 2012, 10:00 @ Norman Park, Hook Farm Lane entrance
For some of you you have now completed the Brighton Ride with Adam and might be up for a bigger challenge, or you may just fancy a 50ish mile local ride.
This is a combination of two rides that we enjoy, with the option of three stops if required, Beaver Waterworld, Lullingstone visitor Centre and or The Croft Tea Rooms. The ride will be at a steady 10 - 12 mph and include some climbs but no big hills.
Some of us will be riding the Dunwich Dynamo again this year, which is a 120 mile overnight ride to the East Coast. Might be a good idea to get a bit of training in first, so please join us for what promises to be a great day out. Ride Leader Spencer.
Wednesday Weekly Wander
Wednesday, 30 May 2012, 19:30 @ Bromley South Station forecourt
Join us for a ride of around 10 miles before stopping at our destination tonight which is The Cricketers, Orpington for a drink and a chat with like minded people. All welcome.
Sustrans Big Cycle and Walk Challenge
Saturday, 02 June 2012,
From June 2nd – 30th people from across the country will be stepping up to the Sustrans Big Cycle and Walk Challenge. The challenge is a great new tool for individuals and groups to clock up more journeys on foot and by bike.
You can view the challenge website at www.getmeactive.org.uk. The website provides detailed feedback on performance, and allows users to set personal targets and interact with other challengers from across the UK .
The June event is a unique chance to try the challenge for free. You can sign up to today at www.getmeactive.org.uk.
Would your network be interested in taking part in the challenge? If so please contact Jack Phillips on challenge@sustrans.org.uk or 0117 9150494 for more information or to request some promotional materials.
Sussex circular (trained assisted)
Saturday, 02 June 2012, 08:00 @ London Bridge Station entrance, near the ticket machines
c.50 miles – could be quite hilly – moderate pace (c10-12 mph average)
Meet: Trevor Hughes to catch the 0823 to Robertsbridge, Sussex - alternatively, join this train at Sevenoaks or Orpington
As an antidote to busy London on the Jubilee weekend, why not join us for a ride out in the peaceful and beautiful Sussex countryside. Leafy lanes, rustic villages, lunch at country pub, and great social company, together with some great exercise of course, especially as this ride will feature some hills, some challenging, but it should be a great day out. We should be back at Roberstbridge by about 4pm, and may have a pint or two to round the day off at one of the village hostelries.
Contact: Trevor Hughes 07775 928953
The Cuckoo Trail Seaside Special Ride - Family Ride
Saturday, 02 June 2012, 10:45
What: A virtually all off road ride on a disused railway from Heathfield to Eastbourne, including riding though a tunnel!, some sections of quiet roads, suited to all types of bikes. A one way journey is 16 miles, however shorter options can be done simply by doubling back on the route at an earlier stage (see ride options below).
All rides start out together from Heathfield (anyone taking a shorter option just doubling back along the route when it suits them, the route is clearly marked, but maps will also be available), our destination in Eastbourne is right by the pebble beach, next to the Fort Fun Theme Park, Aqua Splash Park and Café (Royal Parade, BN22 7LQ, small fun parks mainly aimed at the under 12s). There are BMX ramped parks at both ends of the ride, the best one being at the Eastbourne end – if nothing else it’s great for spectating!
Meet: Gather in the free long stay car park in Heathfield near postcode TN21 8LB at 10-45, we will then ride off from outside the Steamer Trading Cook Shop and Café (in the old train station), Station Approach, TN21 0AA at 11am. The ride to Eastbourne could be about 3 hours depending on the children in the group – this whole event needs to be considered more of day trip. Heathfield is about 40 miles from Hayes and about a 1¼ hour drive, without traffic delays. Parking in Eastbourne: Near the Fort Fun Theme Park is the Eastbourne Princess Park Car Park, £1-60 for 1 hr, £4-80 for 4 hours and other prices in between (well those were the rates two years ago!).
Bring: Helmet, spare inner tube, bike lock, food, drink and money if you want to buy food and drink.
Who can attend / insurance etc: This ride is being organised by Bigfoot Cycle Club and is open both to members of the club and to non-members, and is free. Non-members will not be covered by Bigfoot CC insurance and you participate entirely at your own risk - we recommend that you take out your own insurance. Children under 16 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult. For riders aged 16 and 17 who will not be accompanied by an adult – please contact Adam in advance of the ride at adam@bigfootbikeclub.org. For full “ride rules” please visit the Bigfoot Cycle Club website at www.bigfootbikeclub.org
More Information: If you have any questions or would like route details please email adam@bigfootbikeclub.org . If you can email to say you are coming, that would help us have an idea of numbers, but everyone is welcome whether sending an email or not. You can also ring Adam on 0208 249 3028 to discuss, and on the day Adam will be on mobile 0788 778 0542. Leader: Adam
Ride Options you could arrange:1. Start at Heathfield and ride along the route as far as you fancy and then double back along the route to Heathfield and your transport. The Cuckoo’s Rest (BN27 4EU) is about 6 miles down the route, so could be a turning point for a total 12 mile ride. The first section of the ride is the most attractive. You could always then drive to Eastbourne to meet the rest of the riders and see the sea.
2. Have transport arranged at both ends, so it’s a 1 way ride.
3. Ride from Heathfield to Eastbourne, then one of you rides back to collect your car and take it to Eastbourne to meet the others – Adam will be doing this.
Spencer's 70 Mile Challenge
Sunday, 03 June 2012, 10:00 @ Orpington Station, Station Approach side
This might be a good opportunity for those of you who intend to ride the Dunwich Dynamo this year to get in a bit of training first, or you might simply enjoy a great day of riding through some beautiful countryside. Either way we would love to see you. Ride leader Spencer. (please note this ride may move to Monday 4th June}
Wednesday Weekly Wander
Wednesday, 06 June 2012, 19:30 @ Bromley South Station forecourt
Join us for a ride of around 10 miles, our destination this evening being The Tally Ho, Knockholt. This is a lovely ride out to Halstead and Knockholt and downhill most of the way back. We will stop at the pub for a drink and a chat. All welcome.
HPV World Championships
Friday, 08 June 2012, @ Fowlmead Country Park, Deal
The 2012 WHPVA World Championships will be held in England at Fowlmead country park in Deal, Kent on the 8th, 9th and 10th of June 2012.
This is an event where people from all over Europe and possibly further afield will race some of the world's most efficient and advanced pedal cycles in existance.
The event is open to anyone, there is no pre-qualification needed and you can ride pretty much any pedal cycle you wish, bicycle, tricycle, quad, foot powered, hand powered, race a unicycle if you really want. There will be several races over the 3 day period ranging from a 100 meter flying start sprint to a 2 hour mass start circuit race. Points will be allocated to the racers for each race and the rider with the most points at the end will be declared world champion!
2012 World Human Powered Championships
Monthly Meeting
Monday, 11 June 2012, 20:15 @ The Liberal Club, 7 Station Road, Orpington
Please join us at our monthly meeting - we are always looking for new ideas.
Wednesday Weekly Wander
Wednesday, 13 June 2012, 19:30 @ Bromley South Station forecourt
Join us for around a 10 mile ride before a drink and a chat at The Wheatsheaf, West Wickham. All welcome.
Bromley Bike Week 2012
Saturday, 16 June 2012,
A whole week of cycling activity to celebrate our Biking Borough status.
Spencer's Saturday Saunter
Saturday, 16 June 2012, 14:00 @ Norman Park, Hook Farm Lane entrance
Family orientated ride on local roads. Children under 12 by prior arrangement with ride leader. Ride leader Spencer Harradine 07958 693518
Spencer's Long Ride
Sunday, 17 June 2012,
Last chance for those of you doing the Dunwich Dynamo to get fit, or just join us for this long ride. Full day, details to follow.
Wednesday Weekly Wander
Wednesday, 20 June 2012, 19:30 @ Bromley South Station forecourt
Join us for around a 10 mile ride before a drink and a chat at The Crooked Billet, Bromley. All welcome.
Get Back on Your Bike
Saturday, 23 June 2012, 09:30 @ Bromley Adult Education College
The Road Safety Unit’s Cycling Team at London Borough of Bromley is running a 1 day course designed for those who want to improve their confidence on a bike.
See here for more information.
Whitstable Ride
Sunday, 24 June 2012, @ Orpington Station, Station Approach side
Orpington to Whitstable and possibly on to Canterbury. The ride will use NCN 1 predominantly, rural, on road, scenic, easy pace. Distance is about 58 miles. Train home. Ride leader: Steve, 07748 655201 or 01689 837602
The Dunwich Dynamo
Saturday, 30 June 2012, 20:00
The Dunwich Dynamo is a 200km (120mile) ride from Hackney to Dunwich. Next year it is planned for the 30th June. For the last two years a small group from Bromley Cyclists have joined hundreds of other cyclists, starting at The Pub in the Park, Hackney at around 8pm for this epic ride. It is a ride through the night which starts in Hackney and heads up towards Epping then on to Gt. Dunmow in Essex, following quieter roads throughout. Then out to Sible Hedingham, before heading off to Sudbury, Framlingham and finally Dunwich which is situated on the East Coast. You should arrive in Dunwich sometime the next morning. This group is for anyone who has done, or wants to ride 'The Dynamo'. How you get home is up to you, there is a station a few miles from Dunwich, or you may be lucky enough to have someone who will pick you up and drive you home.
This ride is organised by Southwark Cyclists, who do arrange coaches and separate transport back to London for the bikes. If you choose this option to return home it best to book your place well in advance. This will appear on the Southwark Cyclists website closer to the event.
The Heron Trail
Sunday, 08 July 2012, 10:00 @ Orpington Station, Station Approach side
From Orpington we shall follow country lanes as much as possible to Gravesend, where we shall stop on the Promenade for refreshment. (1st 20 miles). From here we will follow a few miles of traffic free track, before joining the Heron Trail through Cliffe, Cooling, Hoo, Upnor before heading back to Gravesend. This is a 20 mile circular route. Then Gravesend and back home, possibily stopping in Swanley Village for some refreshment. (3rd 20 miles.) So 60 mile ride, quite a few hills, relaxed pace. Please bring lights as am not sure what time we will get home. Ride leader Eve - eve.evans10@btinternet.com if you have any queries.
Look Mum No Hands
Friday, 13 July 2012, 19:30 @ Bromley Station Forecourt
Leaving Bromley at 7.30pm sharp we will cycle up to London to the Look Mum No Hands Cafe. We will pick up at Halfords, Catford Bridge at 8pm for anyone wishing to join us on route. A few drinks and a fun evening at this famous Cafe at Old Street in the City, before riding back to Bromley. Ride leader Steve Watkin 07748 655201.
London Olympics 2012
Saturday, 28 July 2012,
Twelve days of sporting excellence.
Spencer's Saturday Saunter
Saturday, 28 July 2012, 14:00 @ Norman Park, Hook Farm Lane entrance
Family orientated ride on local roads. Children under 12 by prior arrangement with ride leader. Ride leader Spencer Harradine 07958 693518
Exmouth Exodus
Saturday, 04 August 2012, 18:00 @ Bristol-Exmouth
Overnight ride from Bristol to Exmouth. Book train tickets in advance, as bikes usually need to be booked on the train too, and you can get some cheaper advance fares too. Slightly shorter than the Dunwich Dynamo, but with 3 steep hills on the way. Speak to Shaun for more info on getting there or co-ordinating times. More information
Folkestone to Dungeness
Sunday, 05 August 2012, 08:00 @ Orpington Station, Station Approach side
Return train to Fokestone - if enough of us we can purchase a Group Saver.
The ride will take us along the way of the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch railway route to Dungeness. With a bit of luck the lighthouse will be open, well worth a visit!
Dungeness is a place of contrasts with lots of small “shack” type homes and a nuclear power station in the background, it’s really unique.
It’s also got more shingle than any other place I’ve ever been to !
The return ride will take us inland a little more to see the varying terrain of the Romney flats. Generally not too many hills but often some wind to make up for the lack of undulations.
Definitely an all day ride at around 60 miles. But as usual no-one will be left behind and of course we will be on the look out for Coffee / tea and cakes on route. Pub lunch or bring your own.
Spencer's Saturday Saunter
Saturday, 11 August 2012, 14:00 @ Norman Park, Hook Farm Lane entrance
Family orientated ride on local roads. Children under 12 by prior arrangement with ride leader. Ride leader Spencer Harradine 07958 693518
Firework Ride
Sunday, 12 August 2012,
Ride to somewhere close to the Olympic Site to enjoy the fireworks of the closing ceremony. Details to follow.
Big Bike Bash
Saturday, 18 August 2012,
18th/19th August. Full details to follow but you might like to check it out at Big Bike Bash
Stewart's Charity Ride
Friday, 24 August 2012, 08:00 @ tba
Due to the great success last year, Stewart will again be organising, with the help of Nev, this ride which will take place over three days, Friday, Saturday and Sunday in August.
This year we will be raising money for the Aspinall Foundation. Many animal species throughout the world are becoming increasingly rare and endanged through loss of natural habitat, poaching and pollution. It is vital that we all help to prevent these animals from becoming extinct!!
The Aspinall Foundation, a registered charity, in conjunction with Howletts and Port Lympne Wild Animal Parks in Kent, is devoted to the protection and breeding of these species with the ultimate aim of returning them to protected areas in the wild. They rely on donations from the public to continue their important conservation work and your support will really make a difference.
We will be riding approximately 250 miles over the weekend, camping Friday and Saturday night, our route taking us to various zoos. Full details to follows.
Paralympics
Saturday, 01 September 2012,
Eights days of sporting excellence.
Spencer's Saturday Saunter
Saturday, 08 September 2012, 14:00 @ Norman Park, Hook Farm Lane entrance
Family orientated ride on local roads. Children under 12 by prior arrangement with ride leader. Ride leader Spencer Harradine 07958 693518
Penshurst Family Ride
Sunday, 09 September 2012, @ Please see ride details for times and meeting places
This is a 13 mile ride in all and is predominately on traffic free paths through parks and woodland. There is just a small section on the road and that is a quiet country lane. We will start our ride outside the entrance to Tonbridge Swimming Pool. You have two options: Either drive down to Tonbridge and park in the swimming pool car park, it is quite big and I will meet you there at 11.15, or meet me at Orpington Station, Station Approach side at 10.00am and we will get the train. If there are a few of you car is probably the cheaper option.
From here we will cycle through Haysden Country Park and around Barden Lake, we can even stop to feed the ducks.
Then it's onto the road for a short while before entering some lovely woodland, crossing the river and heading on towards the Penshurst Estate. Then the only hill on the way and that's not steep, just a long climb up, but we can always walk if necessary. From the top are the most beautiful views over The Weald of Kent and then it's a nice downhill, past Penshurst Place to the village of Penshurst. This is where we will have our picnic, so don't forget to bring one. There is a pub in Penshurst and also tea rooms if you would prefer.
We will stop here for a while and during the lunch break, to give you a chance to stretch your legs, there will be a small Treasure Hunt around the village. Don't forget if you intend to leave your bikes then please bring locks, otherwise it will be a long walk back.
This will be a nice leisurely ride, suitable for families, but anyone is welcome, as long as you can cycle 13 miles, which is the total distance. All children under 18 should be accompanied by a parent. BECAUSE OF THE NATURE OF TODAY'S RIDE, THIS EVENT WILL NOT TAKE PLACE IF IT IS LIKELY TO BE RAINING. Ride Leader Eve. Please email me if you are coming so that I can get an idea of numbers. Any questions please email me: eve.evans10@btinternet.com
Brick Lane Curry Ride
Friday, 14 September 2012, 19:00 @ Bromley South Station forecourt
We will be riding to Brick Lane for a curry. We will have 3 meeting/pickup points alongs the way. Pettswood Newshopper carpark at 19:00 Bromley South 19:15 and Catford Bridge 19:30.
We will aim to book the table for 20:30 Once we have an idea of numbers we will book the restaurant nearer the time (open to recommendations!)
If you are coming please let us know so that we can book a table in advance. rides@bromleycyclists.org
The Woodpecker Ride
Sunday, 16 September 2012, 10:00 @ Orpington Station, Station Approach side.
From Orpington Station we will head out to Green Street Green and make our way along the A21 Cycle Path up to Halstead, before dropping down to the top of Polhill. From here we will head down Old Polhill and out to Shoreham and Lullingstone Visitor Centre, where we will stop for our morning coffee.
Then it's on to Eynsford where we may even catch a glimpse of the ruins of Eynsford Castle. before heading off to Horton Kirby. Then a bit of a steady uphill around the back of Brands Hatch before the lovely downhill at Speedgate HIll and then through some lovely countryside to West Kingsdown. Somewhere along the way we will stop to eat our picnic, so don't forget to bring one. Now for the good bit, we will cross the A20 and head downhill and then through the beautiful Knatts Valley for a few miles before heading to Farningham and the Lion Hotel. Here we will stop for a drink by the river and have a look at the Old Farningham Bridge, a Grade II listed structure.
From Farningham we will ride through Crockenhill, Mary Cray and back to Orpington. There will be some hills on this ride, but I for one will not be going fast and we will always wait at the top for people who prefer to walk up them. On some hills I am sure some of you will be waiting at the top for me.
The aim of today's ride is to enjoy the countryside at a leisurely pace and who knows we might even see some woodpeckers. This is an adult ride, easy pace, some hills.
Ride Distance: 35ish miles
Ride Leader Eve: eve.evans10@btinternet.com
