25 London Cycle Routes

A few weeks back I was chatting with my friend Andreas and he was describing a recent night-ride he took through London.  His ride sounded like a refreshing change of pace from the usual ride during daylight and he pointed out some routes that are perfect for nighttime cycling.

Andreas has recently released an eBook that contains 25 of the best cycling routes in London, unlike traditional cycle route planners the book is full of quirky rides including more mountain bike-esque routes (great in Winter, Andreas says) and one that takes you down the narrowest street in London!

With challenging longer distance rides for the more experienced cyclist to routes for the casual cyclist this eBook is a good read for anyone.  Whether you’re looking to keep fit or entertain the kids for the day there’s a suitable route for you!   Full of useful information about London you will discover routes that no one else knows about and all your friends will want to try out.

The directions are easy to follow with colour maps and GPS coordinates, letting you follow the cycle routes any way you want.  Each ride has a great description so you know what to look out for and where to stop.

London is home to many amazing greenways, towpaths, and cycle routes, you just have to know where they are!  The London Cycle Routes eBook will help you escape traffic and find scenic routes so you can enjoy cycling the way it should be.

The best part is that as it is an eBook and therefore instantly available to download!  It comes with features such as GPS coordinates and you can print off the relevant pages of your route rather than carrying a bulky book.  And because it’s an eBook you’ll be sent free updates!

Available now!  Reduced rate of £4.95 for a limited time only.

You can download the London Cycle Routes eBook and find out more here.

Tips for cycling in the snow

Photograph by NZPA (p.s. if anyone is up for recreating this at London Fields later let me know!)

Being back on my bike for the first time in 5 weeks as I cycled into central London last night felt like heaven despite the snow. Chris mused that in an ideal world in weather like this he’d add a front disk brake and cyclo cross tyres to his fixed gear bike to make the ultimate two wheeled snow-mobile but as that probably isn’t feasible to most of us here are my top tips for cycling in the snow:

+ Stay in the seat if possible – As soon as you stand up your weight moves forward losing traction in the rear wheel.

+ Let your tyre pressure down a little to increase grip.

+ Follow the tread patterns in the road – this is where the snow has already melted. Take a defensive line and don’t be intimidated into cycling in the gutter, on treacherous cycle paths or icy parts of the road.

+ Take wide corners – Slow down before reaching your turn to avoid breaking in the corner.

+ If there are no tyre tracks to follow, ride in the powder rather than smooth snow as smooth snow is often icy.

+ Wear glasses – Snow will sting your eyes making it difficult to see. I’m yet to find a pair of cycling glasses I like but my prescription vintage specs from Klasik have large lenses and do just fine.

+ Layer – Wrap up warm, our cashmere jerseys are perfect for keeping you warm and comfortable in the snow, I layered two together with a wind proof jacket, two pairs of socks and lined leather gloves. In comments on the London Cyclist website Andreas also recommends Northwave thin neoprene inner (with suede palms) with Pearl Izumi waterproof outer shells. Chris is coveting Vans water resistant AWT trainers, although hard to find and doesn’t look like they’ve considered a ladies version. I find that patent leather shoes are great in wet weather, water resistant and glam.

Girls on Bikes

 

Cyclodelic Model in The London Cyclist