We are absolutely thrilled to share that London Clarion Cycle Club has been recognised as one of the top clubs in the capital by Bike and Road! In their recent guide to the best London Cycling Clubs, the team at Bike & Road highlighted the vibrant, diverse cycling community here in London, and we are incredibly proud to see our club’s name on their recommended list. What Makes Us Stand Out? London is home to dozens of fantastic cycling clubs, from high-octane racing teams to casual weekend groups. Being singled out by Bike & Road is a wonderful validation of what we strive to do every time we clip in: put community first. As part of the historic National Clarion Cycling Club, our roots run deep. We ride under the motto "Fellowship Is Life", and that isn't just a catchy slogan for us — it’s the core of how we operate. Whether we are tackling the Surrey Hills, spinning out to Essex for a well-earned slice of cake, or advocating for safer streets, we believe that cycling is for everyone. We pride ourselves on being a welcoming, inclusive space for riders of all backgrounds. (This is an excellent choice if you’re new to group riding or want a mix of social riding and longer adventures without the pressure of racing.) Come Ride With Us A massive thank you to Bike & Road for the shoutout, but an even bigger thank you goes to our members. It’s your energy, your route-planning, your puncture-repairing solidarity, and your endless enthusiasm that makes London Clarion such a special club to be a part of. Want to see what the fuss is about? If you’ve been thinking about joining a club, there has never been a better time. We are always looking for new faces to join our ranks. Check out our upcoming rides on the events page, dust off your bike, and come experience that "Fellowship Is Life" spirit for yourself. See you on the road! You might also like: Try a London Clarion ride Our London cycling routes Join the club Our 130-year history Cycling insurance

On Saturday 11.7.26 the London Clarion Cycle Club rode to the Cowshed Café in Biggleswade, a cyclist-owned café in Bedfordshire that is set up to provide a perfect destination or pit-stop for a group ride. After a satisfying lunch there we rode on to Bedford for drinks and took a train back to London. The day started well with everyone arriving before the 7am start time. This was especially commendable from Pratheep who had only gone to bed in the early hours! The early start was very wise in the midst of a heatwave. Alex had stepped in to lead the ride and did a great job navigating Clive’s route. Everybody rode very well, keeping up a steady pace and it was easy to keep the group together throughout the ride. It was one of Pratheep’s longest rides to date and one of Tamara’s fastest. We went through the lovely Broomfield Park and took some nice quiet roads on the way out of north London, perhaps aided by the early start. We made our way through the countryside of Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire and some towns. Welwyn was picturesque and Ickwell had many nice thatched roofs. We stopped for refreshments in Hitchin and David bought a round of beautifully cold ice coffees. We passed an RAF base at Henlow with a vintage warplane on display. This was the first of a few aviation connections as we later spotted a spitfire in the sky from Bedford and two giant airship hangers. Our route passed close to a couple of sites of historical political interest. Shaw’s Corner is the resting place of George Bernard Shaw, Irish playwright, socialist thinker and activist. He was an early member of the Fabian Society but later renounced their gradualism in favour of more radical politics. Bedford was home to John Bunyan, 17th century nonconformist preacher and author of The Pilgrim’s Progress. Bunyan spent 12 years in prison in the persecution of dissenters following the Restoration. We were given a warm welcome by the owners at the Cowshed Café, who were pleased to see a group that had cycled from London. The café has loads of bike parking and was screening the TdF (Tour De France) stage. We had a tasty lunch there and then took a scenic route to Bedford, with Priory County Park being a particular highlight. It was hot by now and we were glad of a breeze and the cover of trees. In Bedford we had a drink in a beer balcony overlooking the river before making our way to the train station for an easy, direct and spacious Thameslink train home. You might also like: Try a London Clarion ride Our London cycling routes Join the club Our 130-year history Cycling insurance

Exploring East London's Pumping Stations Every cyclist has a ride that's difficult to explain. For us, it was a tour of East London pumping stations. As we set off, someone warned that the ride would be full of surprises. Leaving South-East London, we made a quick detour to see an ancient mulberry tree and a church linked to Christopher Marlowe. After that, we crossed the Thames and headed north into one of the capital's most fascinating engineered landscapes. Canals, reservoirs, flood-relief channels, and pumping stations appeared one after another. They revealed the hidden infrastructure that keeps London supplied with water and protected from flooding. A Visit to the Walthamstow Pumphouse Museum The highlight of our journey was a visit to the Walthamstow Pumphouse Museum. This wonderful volunteer-run museum celebrates the history of London's water supply, sewerage, and transport. It's a treasure trove of steam engines, pumping machinery, and industrial heritage. We highly recommend including it as a stop on any ride through the Lea Valley. Cycling Through Nature and Technology Back on our bicycles, the route threaded through the reservoirs and marshes. Here, modern pumping stations sit alongside wildlife-rich wetlands. It's an unusual combination: cutting-edge infrastructure sharing space with herons, swans, and reed beds. The ride itself was flat and relaxed, making it ideal for stopping to appreciate the engineering that most of us never notice. These anonymous buildings quietly pump, regulate, and protect, working around the clock so that the rest of London barely has to think about them. The Importance of Community in Cycling As we pedalled along, we felt a sense of camaraderie among fellow cyclists. Each of us shared a passion for exploring the city on two wheels. This ride reminded us that cycling is not just about the destination; it's also about the journey and the connections we make along the way. Thanks to our ride leader and tour narrator, Alex, for a memorable ride discovering the hidden infrastructure that keeps a city of nine million people running. We finished with a deeper appreciation of the humble pump. Why Join the London Clarion Cycle Club? If you’re looking to connect with others who share your love for cycling, consider joining the London Clarion Cycle Club. We aim to grow our vibrant community of cyclists, offering a welcoming space for people of all skill levels to enjoy rides across London and beyond. We cherish our rich heritage and foster camaraderie among our members. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just starting, there's a place for you in our community. Together, we can explore the hidden gems of London while enjoying the thrill of cycling. Conclusion In conclusion, our ride through East London's pumping stations was more than just a cycling adventure. It was an opportunity to learn about the city's hidden infrastructure and appreciate the engineering marvels that support our daily lives. We invite you to join us on future rides and discover the beauty of cycling in London. You might also like: Try a London Clarion ride Our London cycling routes Join the club Our 130-year history Cycling insurance

Join London Clarion, a friendly London cycling club founded in 1895. Discover inclusive, no-drop group cycle rides in London and the South East. London Clarion Cycle Club London Clarion Cycle Club is a friendly and inclusive London cycling club with more than 180 members. We organise regular social group cycle rides in London and across Surrey, Kent, Essex and the wider South East. Our rides are about good company, enjoyable cycling and exploring great places by bike. We welcome experienced cyclists, people new to group riding and everyone in between. View Upcoming Rides Join London Clarion Friendly, no-drop group cycling in London since 1895 180+ members A growing community of cyclists from across London. Looking for a cycling group in London? London Clarion organises regular group rides for a range of abilities, distances and interests. Our rides take us from London's streets and parks onto quiet country lanes, traffic-free paths and some of the best cycling routes in Surrey, Kent, Essex and beyond. Founded in 1895 More than 130 years of cycling history. Each organised ride includes information about its distance and expected pace so members can choose a ride that suits them. Many of our rides also include an important Clarion tradition: a stop for coffee, cake and conversation. Regular group rides Social rides and cycling events throughout the year. Our rides are social rather than competitive. You do not need to be a racing cyclist to enjoy riding with London Clarion.

Have a question about joining the London Clarion Cycle Club? Read our FAQs or get in touch with our friendly team to learn more about our social rides. London Clarion Cycle Club FAQs Answers to common questions about joining London Clarion Cycle Club, our London group rides, ride pace, no-drop policy, membership, insurance, bikes and guest rides. Frequently asked questions About London Clarion Joining a Ride Bikes and Equipment Membership The Clarion Story Who are the London Clarion Cycle Club? Founded in Clapham in 1895 by readers of the Clarion, a Socialist newspaper, we are one of London's oldest and most historic cycling institutions. Today, we are a friendly, progressive, and inclusive community of over 180 members. Guided by our motto, "Fellowship is Life," our goal is to promote goodwill, community, and accessibility through cycling. How long has London Clarion Cycle Club been running? London Clarion Cycle Club was first etsblished in May 1895 in Clapham. The cycling club has a facinating history. London Clarion Cycle Club HistoryLondon Clarion Cycle Club Peoples and Stories What makes London Clarion a friendly cycling club? London Clarion Cycle Club is widely regarded as one of London's friendliest cycling clubs - bikeandroad.com ranked us first among London road cycling clubs. Our motto since 1895 has been "Fellowship is life", and our rides prioritise good company, cafe stops and inclusivity over speed.

Check our upcoming ride calendar. From casual weekend spins to scenic day trips, find a friendly, non drop group ride in London that fits your pace. Ride data loading... Join Our Friendly Group Cycle Rides in London Whether you are looking to explore quiet country lanes, build your fitness, or simply enjoy a weekend spin with great company, London Clarion Cycle Club hosts regular group rides for a variety of abilities. We are proudly inclusive, strictly "no-drop," and always prioritise the social side of cycling. From scenic routes out to the Surrey Hills and the Essex countryside to relaxed urban loops, our rides are the perfect way to explore beyond the city limits. Thinking of joining us? Try a Guest Ride! Selected rides open to non-members who are thinking of joining the club will be published on our Strava group . These trial rides are a great way to meet us, but please note that they fill up fast! Guest spots are managed on a strictly first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to check Strava regularly and sign up quickly. What to Expect on a Clarion Ride No-Drop Policy: We leave together and we finish together. Pace and Distance: We clearly label all our rides by distance and expected average speed on our calendar, so you can choose the ride that perfectly matches your comfort zone. The Golden Rule — Cafe Stops: A Clarion ride is not a race; it’s a social event. Almost every ride we organise includes a planned stop for coffee, cake, and a chat. Led by Experienced Riders: Our routes are planned and led by experienced club members who know the safest, most enjoyable roads in and around London. Frequently Asked Questions What kind of bike do I need? A well-maintained road bike, gravel bike, or hybrid is ideal for most of our routes. E-bikes are also entirely welcome! Just ensure your bike is in good working order and remember to bring a spare inner tube, a pump, and water. Where do your rides start? Because our members are based all over the city, our meeting points vary. Popular starting points include central train stations, local parks, and popular cafes. Check the specific details of each ride on the calendar for the exact meeting location. I can see rides listed on this page which aren't on Strava can I join them? Only rides listed on Strava are available to non-members.