Bike London

BIKE LONDON

BRIXTON CYCLES / CONDOR HACKNEY GT / LOOK MUM NO HANDS! / ISLINGTON CC DUNWICH DYNAMO / EAST LONDON VELO / DONHOU BROMPTON / RAPHA / ISEN BLACK CYCLISTS NETWORK PAUL SMITH / HERNE HILL VELODROME / LONDON BIKE KITCHEN / RICHMOND PARK REGENT’S PARK / MAURICE BURTON / BRADLEY WIGGINS SANTANDER CYCLES / G!RO VELOCIPOSSE

A GUIDE TO CYCLING IN THE CITY

Charlie Allenby

I N T RO D U C T I O N Cycling has been a part of my life for as long as I can

biggest boosts for bicycle lovers can be traced back

for some. Those who had never cycled before

cousins, there has never been a better time to be

remember. It all started when my grandad took the

to London’s hosting of the Olympics in 1948 (for the

discovered the freedom that comes with being

a cyclist in the UK capital. I hope that Bike London

stabilisers off my Raleigh Wolf Cub and I made my

status it gave to Herne Hill Velodrome) as well as the

behind a set of handlebars. Combine that with

proves the city isn’t so far behind your Copenhagens

first unassisted ride up and down his driveway. I was

2012 games, the legacy of which I, and every other

traffic-free roads, and it’s easy to see why cycling

and Amsterdams; and showcases the rich and varied

hooked. As the years progressed, so did the bikes –

cyclist in London, feel to this day.

experienced another boom – if a different kind to the

community, founded on independent businesses run

mountain bike to BMX to road – but that simple joy

one a decade earlier. The demographic of these new

by passionate cyclists, who call the capital home. In

I got from the freedom of exploring on two wheels

Even before London 2012, the attitude to cycling

cyclists wasn’t restricted to MAMILs (Middle-Aged

years to come, I also hope that this book acts as a

never diminished. Wherever I went, there was a bike

had started to shift. After decades spent feeding off

Men in Lycra). People took to two wheels regardless

snapshot in time, introducing the people who laid the

in tow. Chelmsford, Essex, was my oyster, and each

scraps of success (Tom Simpson at the 1962 Tour

of age, gender or ethnicity. Even once traffic returned,

foundations for cycling in London.

new addition to my collection allowed me to explore

de France, Chris Boardman at the 1992 Barcelona

the habit had been formed; a whole new group of

a new side to it.

Olympics), Britain rose to become a dominant

people considered themselves cyclists, and London

cycling force, both on the track and the road. As this

was theirs to explore.

From my home in the commuter belt, cycling in

trickled down to the grassroots level, cycling grew in

London seemed like a different world. Busy streets,

popularity, a boom never before seen.

constant gridlock and news reports of accidents

Charlie Allenby, London

Thankfully, this explosion of interest shielded the

NOTE TO READER

majority of London’s cycling-based businesses from

Each chapter focuses on a different element of the

painted it as a place with an ingrained hostility to

In 2008, construction started on infrastructure

the economic downturn of the coronavirus pandemic.

capital’s cycling scene, providing information, history

cyclists – far from the nirvanas of Amsterdam or

improvements announced by the then Mayor of

Local bike shops were included on a list of essential

and recommendations for all your saddle-based

Copenhagen. On moving to London in 2014, I was

London, Ken Livingstone. While these efforts had their

shops that could stay open, and experienced a swell

needs. Entries are organised in geographical (or in

nervous about taking the plunge and commuting

faults, space in the city was being made for cyclists.

of customers – new and old – looking for that first bike

the case of events, chronological) order, helping you

or wanting the old one in the shed made roadworthy.

find your nearest spot – whether that’s for a caffeine

the four miles to my job by bike. I had cycled all my life, but would I end up being another statistic? The

Although positive cycling stories may not make both

Others (frame builders, kit makers) also benefitted,

fix, or to get your bike fixed. There is also a selection

reality was completely different. Cycling gave me an

front and back pages again (as they did during that

while the more socially focused aspects of cycling

of routes, suitable for a range of abilities and bikes.

alternative to having my face stuck in someone’s

golden summer of sport in 2012), people no longer

in London (clubs, cafés and events) pulled through,

Each includes an illustrative map and an overview of

armpit on the Tube. It had the added benefits of fresh

need superhuman athletes to inspire them to hop on

finding novel ways of operating in the new normal.

the route. For turn-by-turn directions, it’s possible to

air and keeping me fit – not to mention that door-to-

a bike. Green travel awareness has helped get more

door, it was generally faster.

bums on saddles, while better, segregated lanes

This book is a celebration of all of the above,

make cycling a more attractive option to those scared

highlighting the best bits of London’s ever-expanding

Ask most people and they’ll tell you that London is

of mixing with traffic. And that’s before you factor in

two-wheeled community. Whether you’re new to

a car-friendly space. However, the capital has a rich

the impact of Covid-19.

riding or a hardened commuter with decades of

history of cycling, dating back to the 1800s. London

download a GPX file for a cycling computer by visiting

pedalling under your belt, there will be something

hosted many of the earliest organised races in the

The coronavirus pandemic once again shifted our

UK (some of which, in Crystal Palace’s case, still

perceptions of cycling. With people stuck at home

continue), while the first clubs for everyday people

and advised away from public transport, getting

While London might have a way to go before it’s

sprouted up around the city at a similar time. The

around London by bike became a default option

mentioned in the same breath as its continental

6

bikelondon.co.uk.

useful for you in this guide to cycling in the city.

7

I N T RO D U C T I O N Cycling has been a part of my life for as long as I can

biggest boosts for bicycle lovers can be traced back

for some. Those who had never cycled before

cousins, there has never been a better time to be

remember. It all started when my grandad took the

to London’s hosting of the Olympics in 1948 (for the

discovered the freedom that comes with being

a cyclist in the UK capital. I hope that Bike London

stabilisers off my Raleigh Wolf Cub and I made my

status it gave to Herne Hill Velodrome) as well as the

behind a set of handlebars. Combine that with

proves the city isn’t so far behind your Copenhagens

first unassisted ride up and down his driveway. I was

2012 games, the legacy of which I, and every other

traffic-free roads, and it’s easy to see why cycling

and Amsterdams; and showcases the rich and varied

hooked. As the years progressed, so did the bikes –

cyclist in London, feel to this day.

experienced another boom – if a different kind to the

community, founded on independent businesses run

mountain bike to BMX to road – but that simple joy

one a decade earlier. The demographic of these new

by passionate cyclists, who call the capital home. In

I got from the freedom of exploring on two wheels

Even before London 2012, the attitude to cycling

cyclists wasn’t restricted to MAMILs (Middle-Aged

years to come, I also hope that this book acts as a

never diminished. Wherever I went, there was a bike

had started to shift. After decades spent feeding off

Men in Lycra). People took to two wheels regardless

snapshot in time, introducing the people who laid the

in tow. Chelmsford, Essex, was my oyster, and each

scraps of success (Tom Simpson at the 1962 Tour

of age, gender or ethnicity. Even once traffic returned,

foundations for cycling in London.

new addition to my collection allowed me to explore

de France, Chris Boardman at the 1992 Barcelona

the habit had been formed; a whole new group of

a new side to it.

Olympics), Britain rose to become a dominant

people considered themselves cyclists, and London

cycling force, both on the track and the road. As this

was theirs to explore.

From my home in the commuter belt, cycling in

trickled down to the grassroots level, cycling grew in

London seemed like a different world. Busy streets,

popularity, a boom never before seen.

constant gridlock and news reports of accidents

Charlie Allenby, London

Thankfully, this explosion of interest shielded the

NOTE TO READER

majority of London’s cycling-based businesses from

Each chapter focuses on a different element of the

painted it as a place with an ingrained hostility to

In 2008, construction started on infrastructure

the economic downturn of the coronavirus pandemic.

capital’s cycling scene, providing information, history

cyclists – far from the nirvanas of Amsterdam or

improvements announced by the then Mayor of

Local bike shops were included on a list of essential

and recommendations for all your saddle-based

Copenhagen. On moving to London in 2014, I was

London, Ken Livingstone. While these efforts had their

shops that could stay open, and experienced a swell

needs. Entries are organised in geographical (or in

nervous about taking the plunge and commuting

faults, space in the city was being made for cyclists.

of customers – new and old – looking for that first bike

the case of events, chronological) order, helping you

or wanting the old one in the shed made roadworthy.

find your nearest spot – whether that’s for a caffeine

the four miles to my job by bike. I had cycled all my life, but would I end up being another statistic? The

Although positive cycling stories may not make both

Others (frame builders, kit makers) also benefitted,

fix, or to get your bike fixed. There is also a selection

reality was completely different. Cycling gave me an

front and back pages again (as they did during that

while the more socially focused aspects of cycling

of routes, suitable for a range of abilities and bikes.

alternative to having my face stuck in someone’s

golden summer of sport in 2012), people no longer

in London (clubs, cafés and events) pulled through,

Each includes an illustrative map and an overview of

armpit on the Tube. It had the added benefits of fresh

need superhuman athletes to inspire them to hop on

finding novel ways of operating in the new normal.

the route. For turn-by-turn directions, it’s possible to

air and keeping me fit – not to mention that door-to-

a bike. Green travel awareness has helped get more

door, it was generally faster.

bums on saddles, while better, segregated lanes

This book is a celebration of all of the above,

make cycling a more attractive option to those scared

highlighting the best bits of London’s ever-expanding

Ask most people and they’ll tell you that London is

of mixing with traffic. And that’s before you factor in

two-wheeled community. Whether you’re new to

a car-friendly space. However, the capital has a rich

the impact of Covid-19.

riding or a hardened commuter with decades of

history of cycling, dating back to the 1800s. London

download a GPX file for a cycling computer by visiting

pedalling under your belt, there will be something

hosted many of the earliest organised races in the

The coronavirus pandemic once again shifted our

UK (some of which, in Crystal Palace’s case, still

perceptions of cycling. With people stuck at home

continue), while the first clubs for everyday people

and advised away from public transport, getting

While London might have a way to go before it’s

sprouted up around the city at a similar time. The

around London by bike became a default option

mentioned in the same breath as its continental

6

bikelondon.co.uk.

useful for you in this guide to cycling in the city.

7

C Y C L I N G CA F É S Coffee and cycling have always, and will always, go hand in hand. Whether it’s the pre-ride prepper, mid-ride pit stop or post-ride debrief, coffee is always on the menu. Something of a continental influence (where the humble cup of tea isn’t as popular) that hit of caffeine can offer up a timely boost. But its popularity isn’t solely to do with the performance benefits of an espresso – or six, if you’re a professional (rider, not coffee drinker).

There’s also a social side to it.

Enter the cycling café. What constitutes a cycling café can vary. You have your standard coffee shop that has been adopted by cyclists because of its proximity to popular routes (such as Regent’s Park Bar & Kitchen (see page 10)) or as the meeting point of a local cycling club’s weekly run. Others go all-out to attract the community, setting themselves apart from your run-of-the-mill coffee shops with events, exhibitions and walls lined with memorabilia and merchandise. Some even have on-site workshops, meaning you can grab a flat white and get your flat tyre fixed in one transaction. But one thing remains common throughout: their dedication to serving up quality coffee, and lots of it.

A sandwich board promises bikes and beverages. © Ben Fisher, Pedal Back Cycling

C Y C L I N G CA F É S Coffee and cycling have always, and will always, go hand in hand. Whether it’s the pre-ride prepper, mid-ride pit stop or post-ride debrief, coffee is always on the menu. Something of a continental influence (where the humble cup of tea isn’t as popular) that hit of caffeine can offer up a timely boost. But its popularity isn’t solely to do with the performance benefits of an espresso – or six, if you’re a professional (rider, not coffee drinker).

There’s also a social side to it.

Enter the cycling café. What constitutes a cycling café can vary. You have your standard coffee shop that has been adopted by cyclists because of its proximity to popular routes (such as Regent’s Park Bar & Kitchen (see page 10)) or as the meeting point of a local cycling club’s weekly run. Others go all-out to attract the community, setting themselves apart from your run-of-the-mill coffee shops with events, exhibitions and walls lined with memorabilia and merchandise. Some even have on-site workshops, meaning you can grab a flat white and get your flat tyre fixed in one transaction. But one thing remains common throughout: their dedication to serving up quality coffee, and lots of it.

A sandwich board promises bikes and beverages. © Ben Fisher, Pedal Back Cycling

CENTRAL R E G E N T ’ S PA R K BAR & KITCHEN

The Regent’s Park, Inner Cir, NW1 4NU Opening hours: 8am-5pm (Mon-Sun) royalparks.org.uk

Head to the Regent’s Park Bar & Kitchen first thing on any day of the week and you’ll find a pack of cyclists sipping freshly brewed coffee. Situated in Regent’s Park’s Inner Circle, the Regent’s Park Bar & Kitchen is the perfect postride stop for those who have been doing training laps of the park’s Outer Circle (see page 120).

It’s more of a cycling-friendly café than an out-and-out bike-bedecked coffee spot, but there are plenty of places to park your pride and joy safely out the front and the café serves a mean line of cakes to go with your coffee (you’ll have earned it, after all).

RAPHA SOHO

85 Brewer St, Soho, W1F 9ZN Opening hours: 8am-7pm (Mon-Sat); 11am-6pm (Sun) rapha.cc

The Rapha Soho Clubhouse on Brewer Street is home to the Rapha Cycling Club. © Tim Robinson, Rapha Soho

This London-based manufacturer has an active presence

NORTH

in the city as a result of its two ‘Clubhouses’ – essentially shops that double up as cafés, meeting points and event spaces. Although the brand also has a store in the Old Spitalfields Market, the Brewer Street location was the first physical embodiment of all things Rapha when it opened its doors to the London cycling community in 2012.

THE SPOKE

710 Holloway Rd, Archway, N19 3NH Opening hours: 7:30am-10pm (Mon-Fri); 8am-10pm (Sat); 8am-9pm (Sun) thespokelondon.com

With a name like ‘The Spoke’, you know you and your bike will be welcomed with open arms at this Islington joint.

Just over the road from Whittington Park – Islington CC’s pre-ride meeting point – the all-day café is perfect for that

While the store is, first and foremost, one of the only places

caffeine boost before a long loop or for a post-session pit

in London where you can try on and buy new Rapha kit,

stop before heading home.

there are many more reasons to swing by, even if you’re

10

not in the market for some premium Lycra. The café is a

As well as serving up great coffee, a tempting array of baked

great meeting point to start or finish a ride, with regular

goods line the counter, and it’s completely acceptable to stuff

Rapha Cycling Club morning laps of Regent’s Park finishing

one (or more) in the back pockets of your jersey for some extra

with a coffee and some breakfast at the Soho spot. And

sustenance. But the full English (served until 3pm) is worth a

if you prefer watching to riding, the café has a handful of

pilgrimage all on its own. It’s probably best to reserve it for

televisions that broadcast the action live from some of the

after your ride though – otherwise it could soon be repeating

biggest cycling events of the professional calendar.

on you as you stomp your pedals up Archway Road hill.

11

CENTRAL R E G E N T ’ S PA R K BAR & KITCHEN

The Regent’s Park, Inner Cir, NW1 4NU Opening hours: 8am-5pm (Mon-Sun) royalparks.org.uk

Head to the Regent’s Park Bar & Kitchen first thing on any day of the week and you’ll find a pack of cyclists sipping freshly brewed coffee. Situated in Regent’s Park’s Inner Circle, the Regent’s Park Bar & Kitchen is the perfect postride stop for those who have been doing training laps of the park’s Outer Circle (see page 120).

It’s more of a cycling-friendly café than an out-and-out bike-bedecked coffee spot, but there are plenty of places to park your pride and joy safely out the front and the café serves a mean line of cakes to go with your coffee (you’ll have earned it, after all).

RAPHA SOHO

85 Brewer St, Soho, W1F 9ZN Opening hours: 8am-7pm (Mon-Sat); 11am-6pm (Sun) rapha.cc

The Rapha Soho Clubhouse on Brewer Street is home to the Rapha Cycling Club. © Tim Robinson, Rapha Soho

This London-based manufacturer has an active presence

NORTH

in the city as a result of its two ‘Clubhouses’ – essentially shops that double up as cafés, meeting points and event spaces. Although the brand also has a store in the Old Spitalfields Market, the Brewer Street location was the first physical embodiment of all things Rapha when it opened its doors to the London cycling community in 2012.

THE SPOKE

710 Holloway Rd, Archway, N19 3NH Opening hours: 7:30am-10pm (Mon-Fri); 8am-10pm (Sat); 8am-9pm (Sun) thespokelondon.com

With a name like ‘The Spoke’, you know you and your bike will be welcomed with open arms at this Islington joint.

Just over the road from Whittington Park – Islington CC’s pre-ride meeting point – the all-day café is perfect for that

While the store is, first and foremost, one of the only places

caffeine boost before a long loop or for a post-session pit

in London where you can try on and buy new Rapha kit,

stop before heading home.

there are many more reasons to swing by, even if you’re

10

not in the market for some premium Lycra. The café is a

As well as serving up great coffee, a tempting array of baked

great meeting point to start or finish a ride, with regular

goods line the counter, and it’s completely acceptable to stuff

Rapha Cycling Club morning laps of Regent’s Park finishing

one (or more) in the back pockets of your jersey for some extra

with a coffee and some breakfast at the Soho spot. And

sustenance. But the full English (served until 3pm) is worth a

if you prefer watching to riding, the café has a handful of

pilgrimage all on its own. It’s probably best to reserve it for

televisions that broadcast the action live from some of the

after your ride though – otherwise it could soon be repeating

biggest cycling events of the professional calendar.

on you as you stomp your pedals up Archway Road hill.

11

London’s cycling cafés serve as start/finish points for rides out to Kent, the Surrey Hills and beyond. © Tim Robinson, Rapha Soho

London’s cycling cafés serve as start/finish points for rides out to Kent, the Surrey Hills and beyond. © Tim Robinson, Rapha Soho

CYCLING EVENTS

JULY D U N W I C H DY NA M O southwarkcyclists.org.uk

What starts in a Hackney pub on the Saturday night closest to a full moon in July, and finishes with a dip in the Suffolk

SEPTEMBER URBAN HILL CLIMB urbanhillclimb.com

Get ready to enter the pain cave as the capital’s very own closed-road hill climb race comes to north London’s Swain’s

sea? No, this isn’t the start of a joke. First ridden in 1992

Lane. Something of an odd British pastime (like cheese

by a handful of dedicated riders, the Dunwich Dynamo has

rolling and welly wanging), a hill climb event sees cyclists

morphed into a ‘must ride’ cult event that each London-

set off from a standing start at the bottom of a steep hill and

based road cyclist should attempt once.

pedal their way to its summit as quickly as they can. The races follow a time-trial format, meaning it’s just individuals

The meeting point of this free, unsupported nighttime jaunt

against the clock. This makes for a great spectator sport,

is Pub On The Park in London Fields. Riders tend to set off

with a full spectrum of facial expressions on display from

between 8pm and 9pm, giving themselves the last slithers

competitors as the lactic acid in their legs starts to burn.

of light to navigate their way out of Hackney in the direction of Epping Forest and the Essex and Suffolk country

The Highgate-based event takes place on one of the

lanes that lie ahead. In terms of distance, the Dunwich

capital’s most notorious hills – Swain’s Lane. While relatively

Dynamo is a vague entity – some claim 200km, others

short, at 0.7km in distance, the road has an average gradient

around 193km. But one thing’s for sure – you should be

of 8.5%, including a nasty 13.7% sting in its tail. While you’ll

prepared to ride through the night and arrive at the Suffolk

see weight weenies of all ages flying to the top in times as

coastline anywhere between 3am and 9am the following

fast as 80 seconds, the real fun comes in the more obscure

day (depending on ability). Here, a quick dip in the bracing

categories, such as the Flying Dutchman Cargo – where

waves (it may be July, but the North Sea is never warm) or

a 30kg weight (usually a couple of beer kegs) is strapped

a celebratory tipple at Dunwich village local, The Ship, is

to the front of a cargo bike for the competitor to carry up.

your reward. To get back, Southwark Cyclists organises a ticketed coach and wagon service for you and your bike

OCTOBER

– it’s best to book well in advance to secure your spot. Or, if you’re feeling particularly hardy, some hop back in the saddle and retrace their steps all the way to London.

S I X DAY L O N D O N sixday.com

London has a rich history of six-day racing. The city was, in fact, the location of this velodrome-based pursuit’s first ever iteration. That was back in 1878 at the Islington Agricultural Hall. The race was born out of the success of the previous year’s six-day walking event, which had attracted crowds of 20,000 a day (those Victorians certainly knew how to have

92

93

CYCLING EVENTS

JULY D U N W I C H DY NA M O southwarkcyclists.org.uk

What starts in a Hackney pub on the Saturday night closest to a full moon in July, and finishes with a dip in the Suffolk

SEPTEMBER URBAN HILL CLIMB urbanhillclimb.com

Get ready to enter the pain cave as the capital’s very own closed-road hill climb race comes to north London’s Swain’s

sea? No, this isn’t the start of a joke. First ridden in 1992

Lane. Something of an odd British pastime (like cheese

by a handful of dedicated riders, the Dunwich Dynamo has

rolling and welly wanging), a hill climb event sees cyclists

morphed into a ‘must ride’ cult event that each London-

set off from a standing start at the bottom of a steep hill and

based road cyclist should attempt once.

pedal their way to its summit as quickly as they can. The races follow a time-trial format, meaning it’s just individuals

The meeting point of this free, unsupported nighttime jaunt

against the clock. This makes for a great spectator sport,

is Pub On The Park in London Fields. Riders tend to set off

with a full spectrum of facial expressions on display from

between 8pm and 9pm, giving themselves the last slithers

competitors as the lactic acid in their legs starts to burn.

of light to navigate their way out of Hackney in the direction of Epping Forest and the Essex and Suffolk country

The Highgate-based event takes place on one of the

lanes that lie ahead. In terms of distance, the Dunwich

capital’s most notorious hills – Swain’s Lane. While relatively

Dynamo is a vague entity – some claim 200km, others

short, at 0.7km in distance, the road has an average gradient

around 193km. But one thing’s for sure – you should be

of 8.5%, including a nasty 13.7% sting in its tail. While you’ll

prepared to ride through the night and arrive at the Suffolk

see weight weenies of all ages flying to the top in times as

coastline anywhere between 3am and 9am the following

fast as 80 seconds, the real fun comes in the more obscure

day (depending on ability). Here, a quick dip in the bracing

categories, such as the Flying Dutchman Cargo – where

waves (it may be July, but the North Sea is never warm) or

a 30kg weight (usually a couple of beer kegs) is strapped

a celebratory tipple at Dunwich village local, The Ship, is

to the front of a cargo bike for the competitor to carry up.

your reward. To get back, Southwark Cyclists organises a ticketed coach and wagon service for you and your bike

OCTOBER

– it’s best to book well in advance to secure your spot. Or, if you’re feeling particularly hardy, some hop back in the saddle and retrace their steps all the way to London.

S I X DAY L O N D O N sixday.com

London has a rich history of six-day racing. The city was, in fact, the location of this velodrome-based pursuit’s first ever iteration. That was back in 1878 at the Islington Agricultural Hall. The race was born out of the success of the previous year’s six-day walking event, which had attracted crowds of 20,000 a day (those Victorians certainly knew how to have

92

93

CYCLING EVENTS

NOVEMBER

fun!). The first bike-based version saw a lone professional cyclist, English champion David Stanton, attempt to complete 1,000 miles over six days, all for a £100 bet.

Stanton won his dues in just 73 hours, and a cult cycling competition was born. A larger scale version of the event was held at the same venue later that year, after which such

RO U L E U R C L A S S I C rouleurclassic.cc

Warning – this show might just burn a hole in your pocket.

Essentially a physical incarnation of the premium Londonbased road cycling magazine, Rouleur Classic assembles

races spread as far and wide as Madison Square Gardens

the biggest names in the sport and enthusiast-pleasing

in New York, as well as various European cities.

displays of memorabilia, all under one roof. Held over three consecutive days, Rouleur Classic is the chance for you

Despite its illustrious history, this might be the first you’ve

to get up close and personal with road cycling at its finest.

heard of the sport. That’s because its popularity waned

Whether that’s listening to legends of the peloton (Eddy

towards the latter stages of the 20th century, with the last of

Merckx, Mark Cavendish and Lizzie Deignan have all

the capital’s six-day races taking place at Wembley Arena

previously graced the stage), or ogling historic mementos

in 1980. Until 2015, that is, when a new Six Day Series

and the latest top-of-the-line products in the exhibition hall,

was born.

it’s very easy to while away an hour (or six).

Held in six velodromes across the world, the series kicks off at the Lee Valley Velodrome and sees some of the biggest names in track and road cycling turn out for six evenings of fast and furious action. The racing itself has changed – competitors now take part in various track cycling events (including the Madison, Derny and Keirin) rather than attempting to clock up 1,000 miles. But one thing that hasn’t altered is the atmosphere, which can only be described as electric.

A panel from Rouleur Classic, 2019. © Rouleur

94

95

CYCLING EVENTS

NOVEMBER

fun!). The first bike-based version saw a lone professional cyclist, English champion David Stanton, attempt to complete 1,000 miles over six days, all for a £100 bet.

Stanton won his dues in just 73 hours, and a cult cycling competition was born. A larger scale version of the event was held at the same venue later that year, after which such

RO U L E U R C L A S S I C rouleurclassic.cc

Warning – this show might just burn a hole in your pocket.

Essentially a physical incarnation of the premium Londonbased road cycling magazine, Rouleur Classic assembles

races spread as far and wide as Madison Square Gardens

the biggest names in the sport and enthusiast-pleasing

in New York, as well as various European cities.

displays of memorabilia, all under one roof. Held over three consecutive days, Rouleur Classic is the chance for you

Despite its illustrious history, this might be the first you’ve

to get up close and personal with road cycling at its finest.

heard of the sport. That’s because its popularity waned

Whether that’s listening to legends of the peloton (Eddy

towards the latter stages of the 20th century, with the last of

Merckx, Mark Cavendish and Lizzie Deignan have all

the capital’s six-day races taking place at Wembley Arena

previously graced the stage), or ogling historic mementos

in 1980. Until 2015, that is, when a new Six Day Series

and the latest top-of-the-line products in the exhibition hall,

was born.

it’s very easy to while away an hour (or six).

Held in six velodromes across the world, the series kicks off at the Lee Valley Velodrome and sees some of the biggest names in track and road cycling turn out for six evenings of fast and furious action. The racing itself has changed – competitors now take part in various track cycling events (including the Madison, Derny and Keirin) rather than attempting to clock up 1,000 miles. But one thing that hasn’t altered is the atmosphere, which can only be described as electric.

A panel from Rouleur Classic, 2019. © Rouleur

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BIKE SHOPS Bike shops are the beating heart of any cycling community. From selling you a bike and caring for it throughout its lifespan (even if you aren’t the most loving owner), to mechanics answering any bike-related question you might have (big or small), a local bike shop is an institution that you can rely on for anything two wheeled.

While London is home to hundreds of bike shops, from one-man bands that operate out of an industrial estate to the glittering flagship stores of national brands, not all are made equal. The best tend to be fiercely independent (so you’ll find no Evans Cycles or Halfords in the following pages).

They’re supportive of each other and the wider cycling community and will treat every customer the same, whether they arrive on a carbon fibre creation fit for the professional peloton or an old banger dredged from a canal.

Sure, you might have to pay slightly more for a service or the actual RRP for some kit, but you’ll do so safe in the knowledge that you’re helping to keep a crucial component of your local cycling scene going for future generations of cyclists to come.

The Sigma Sports store stocks bikes, components and clothing. © Sigma Sports, London, Hampton Wick

BIKE SHOPS Bike shops are the beating heart of any cycling community. From selling you a bike and caring for it throughout its lifespan (even if you aren’t the most loving owner), to mechanics answering any bike-related question you might have (big or small), a local bike shop is an institution that you can rely on for anything two wheeled.

While London is home to hundreds of bike shops, from one-man bands that operate out of an industrial estate to the glittering flagship stores of national brands, not all are made equal. The best tend to be fiercely independent (so you’ll find no Evans Cycles or Halfords in the following pages).

They’re supportive of each other and the wider cycling community and will treat every customer the same, whether they arrive on a carbon fibre creation fit for the professional peloton or an old banger dredged from a canal.

Sure, you might have to pay slightly more for a service or the actual RRP for some kit, but you’ll do so safe in the knowledge that you’re helping to keep a crucial component of your local cycling scene going for future generations of cyclists to come.

The Sigma Sports store stocks bikes, components and clothing. © Sigma Sports, London, Hampton Wick

BIKE SHOPS

CENTRAL BIKEFIX

44 Emerald St, Holborn WC1N 3QH bikefix.co.uk

mountain biking and city commuters, while its workshop can handbuild a wheel ready for any terrain.

Happy with your current bike? It’s possible to pop it in for

While a local bike shop is all well and good if mechanical

a service or repair (best to pre-book your spot online if

issues arise at home (including those embarrassing times

you need it sorted as soon as possible). The shop hosts

when a DIY attempt goes awry), what do you do if your

a number of events throughout the year, including launch

trusty steed has a problem when you’re in the middle of

parties for new bike models and talks by legends from the

town, far from your favourite spot? If you happen to come

cycling community.

a cropper in Holborn, you’re in luck. Tucked away down a side alley off Lamb’s Conduit St lies Bikefix, a workshop with more than 30 years’ experience.

There’s no booking system, so it’s potluck where your bike will be in the queue. But, if it’s a small job that doesn’t require any special parts, it can be done on the same day – or even, if you time it right, while you wait (ideal for those

F U L LY C H A R G E D

37 Bermondsey St, Bermondsey SE1 3JW fullycharged.com

If you like your riding with an extra boost, then Fully Charged’s flagship London Bridge shop is worth a visit.

The chain specialises in all things e-bike, stocking batteryassisted machines of all shapes and sizes – from humble hybrids to Harley Davidson-inspired pedelecs.

annoying punctures you get just after leaving the office on your way home). The workshop can handle bigger projects as well. From electric bike servicing to repairs on steel or aluminium frames (perfect for when you’ve crashed, or just want something customised), Bikefix does what it says on the tin.

CLOUD 9 CYCLES

38 Store St, Bloomsbury WC1E 7DB cloud9cycles.com

Since opening the doors of its Camden workshop in 2009, Cloud 9 Cycles has become one of the go-to places in London if you’re looking for a custom bike – be it upgrading components on your current ride or starting from scratch.

Now in a plush spot off Tottenham Court Road, Cloud 9 is a welcoming shop open to all levels of cyclist. Come along and learn about which bike best suits your needs, whether you’ve just started commuting or are on the hunt for a continent-crossing rig. The shop stocks fully built-up bikes and framesets from smaller, lesser-known brands (Orro, Brother, Litespeed, and Yeti) across a spectrum of road,

98

Cloud 9 hosts several events year-round, including talks and bike model launches. © Cloud 9 Cycles, Taylor Doyle

99

BIKE SHOPS

CENTRAL BIKEFIX

44 Emerald St, Holborn WC1N 3QH bikefix.co.uk

mountain biking and city commuters, while its workshop can handbuild a wheel ready for any terrain.

Happy with your current bike? It’s possible to pop it in for

While a local bike shop is all well and good if mechanical

a service or repair (best to pre-book your spot online if

issues arise at home (including those embarrassing times

you need it sorted as soon as possible). The shop hosts

when a DIY attempt goes awry), what do you do if your

a number of events throughout the year, including launch

trusty steed has a problem when you’re in the middle of

parties for new bike models and talks by legends from the

town, far from your favourite spot? If you happen to come

cycling community.

a cropper in Holborn, you’re in luck. Tucked away down a side alley off Lamb’s Conduit St lies Bikefix, a workshop with more than 30 years’ experience.

There’s no booking system, so it’s potluck where your bike will be in the queue. But, if it’s a small job that doesn’t require any special parts, it can be done on the same day – or even, if you time it right, while you wait (ideal for those

F U L LY C H A R G E D

37 Bermondsey St, Bermondsey SE1 3JW fullycharged.com

If you like your riding with an extra boost, then Fully Charged’s flagship London Bridge shop is worth a visit.

The chain specialises in all things e-bike, stocking batteryassisted machines of all shapes and sizes – from humble hybrids to Harley Davidson-inspired pedelecs.

annoying punctures you get just after leaving the office on your way home). The workshop can handle bigger projects as well. From electric bike servicing to repairs on steel or aluminium frames (perfect for when you’ve crashed, or just want something customised), Bikefix does what it says on the tin.

CLOUD 9 CYCLES

38 Store St, Bloomsbury WC1E 7DB cloud9cycles.com

Since opening the doors of its Camden workshop in 2009, Cloud 9 Cycles has become one of the go-to places in London if you’re looking for a custom bike – be it upgrading components on your current ride or starting from scratch.

Now in a plush spot off Tottenham Court Road, Cloud 9 is a welcoming shop open to all levels of cyclist. Come along and learn about which bike best suits your needs, whether you’ve just started commuting or are on the hunt for a continent-crossing rig. The shop stocks fully built-up bikes and framesets from smaller, lesser-known brands (Orro, Brother, Litespeed, and Yeti) across a spectrum of road,

98

Cloud 9 hosts several events year-round, including talks and bike model launches. © Cloud 9 Cycles, Taylor Doyle

99

Fully Charged focuses on the new e-bike sector of the cycling market. Š Fully Charged.

Fully Charged focuses on the new e-bike sector of the cycling market. Š Fully Charged.

ROUTES COMMUTES REPAIRS COMMUNITY DISCOVER LONDON FROM THE SADDLE.

ISBN: 978-1-78884-103-0

ËxHSLHSIy841030zv&:,:*:^:& £15.00/$19.95

www.accartbooks.com