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

Charlie Denny: London Clarion’s 1908 Olympic Silver Medallist On a rain-soaked Saturday in July 1908, a 22-year-old joiner from Battersea stood on the Olympic podium at White City Stadium. He had crashed in the heats. He had punctured in the final. He had finished the race on a borrowed bicycle he had never ridden before. And he had come within two bicycle lengths of the gold medal. His name was Charlie Denny, and he remains one of the most celebrated athletes in the long history of the Clarion cycling movement. A working man, not a professional Charles Albert Denny was born in Battersea on 17 March 1886 and was practically raised in the Clarion movement. His father helped found the South London Clarion Cycling Club in 1895 and Charlie joined as a boy. By his early twenties he had accumulated more than 62 race prizes and set multiple world records. But he was no professional. He had no wealthy patron. He worked as a joiner by day, studied at technical school in the evenings, and trained on the roads of South London after a full shift in the workshop. By his own admission, work stood first and cycling second. That work was no sideline either. In 1908 — his Olympic year — he won first prize from the Worshipful Company of Carpenters in a competition open to apprentices across the entire United Kingdom, having taken first prize for the best student’s work in the County of Surrey the year before. The 1908 London Olympics The 1908 Games were held at the newly built White City Stadium in Shepherd’s Bush, constructed in haste after Rome, the original host, was unable to proceed. The track cycling programme included a 100-kilometre paced race — roughly 62 miles — contested across two days: heats on Thursday 16 July, final on Saturday 18 July. Charlie’s Games nearly ended before they began. He was brought down in an accident during the Thursday heats — yet still qualified for the final as the leader for the greatest number of laps. The final was run in a downpour. The great Welsh rider Arthur Meredith, widely considered the finest paced cyclist in the world, was expected to dominate. But for mile after mile it was Denny who led the field. Then Meredith punctured, lost a lap he could not recover, and retired. The race was opening up. Charlie’s own crisis followed. Covered head to foot in mud and looking the possible winner, he punctured too. Nothing daunted, he grabbed a spare machine — a bicycle strange to him — and, despite being a third of a lap down, put on a wonderful effort and caught the entire field. When the bell rang, it was England against France. Denny cut out a fast pace, built a big lead, and looked every inch the winner — until his compatriot Charles Bartlett sprinted past to beat him by two cycle lengths. Lapize of France took third. The time: 2 hours, 41 minutes, 48⅗ seconds. The Clarion newspaper of 24 July 1908 recorded the moment with pride: “The honour of the Clarion Clubs has been well maintained by Charles A. Denny, of the South London Clarion C.C., who, on Saturday, finished second in the 100 kilometres race. We of the Clarion Club offer him our congratulations, and feel proud to count such a fine athlete amongst our members. The small silver medal is more to Charlie than all his previous successes. Bravo! Well done, Charlie.” The records kept coming The silver medal was a peak, not an ending. Later that same year at Herne Hill, Charlie took the 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 mile world records in a paced hour race — with only two pacing tandems to his name, while a rival in the same race had twenty-one. His 20-mile British standing start paced record, set at Herne Hill in 1908 at 38 minutes 56⅖ seconds, stood until at least 1924. In 1910 he won the NCU 50-mile Championship at Coventry despite puncturing three times and suffering a nasty fall after 23 miles, remounting each time to win a sprint finish by half a wheel. In 1911 he set a new world 20-mile paced record. And in a final flourish, still racing past the age of 50, he won the Veterans Trophy at the Meeting of Champions at Herne Hill in 1936. Fellowship is Life Charlie Denny embodied everything the Clarion movement stood for: self-improvement, hard work, fellowship, and the belief that working people could achieve anything they set their minds to. By 1912 he was Captain of the South London Clarion, and that year the club advertised itself in the Daily Herald as “the ideal club for cyclists, either sex, who desire enjoyable rides combined with intellectual companionship and good fellowship.” The Clarion, then as now, was for everyone. Charlie lived to 84 — proof of a life fully lived on two wheels. More than a century on, London Clarion Cycle Club still rides almost every week in the same spirit. You can read more about Charlie Denny, explore our history from 1895 to the present, or join us for a ride. You might also like: Try a London Clarion ride Our London cycling routes Join the club Our 130-year history Cycling insurance

Fierce sun and a gusting easterly backdropped the Clarionites fifth annual ‘Deal Or No Deal’ run at Thermidor’s zenith. Taking in 105 Kentish miles from Rotherhithe to the Cinque Port, more than a dozen riders passed hop fields, headlands and holidaymakers on their way to what was once England’s busiest logistics hub. Departing the Surrey Docks at seven, the progressive peddlers cleared Greenwich, Woolwich and Dartford as suburbanites slumbered. Sustaining a blistering pace, they were early for lunch at The Castle at Oare. Vessels berthed in the adjacent creek could be seen from the pub’s garden, but alas not so close for their sails to provide shade. Hereafter our route hugged the coast. At Seasalter’s muddy foreshore the waves were distant, but blustering Eurus was determined to impede progress. Whitstable’s trippers were no less obstructive. Cheering as might be the town’s renaissance, a seaside throng is no friend of a peloton. Reaching Minnis Bay’s pungent sands as the sun turned up the heat, a disruptive idea went about. ‘Why don’t we just run into the sea?' Had more riders stowed saddlebag swimmers, the motion might have carried. In the event, the interests of decency were observed and the Clarion pedalled on. At Herne Bay the club delivered a card to Andrew, on the event of his eightieth birthday. An initiate to the Burnley branch when he was 12, in 68 subsequent years his Clarion dedication was undimmed. He handed beers to the visiting celebrants, and offered a select few a glimpse at his most prized possessions. His garage full of ‘Hill Specials’ perhaps went over the heads of some partygoers. The cognoscenti, however, recognised these as among the finest lightweight frames of the post-war era, from the marque most closely associated with Clarion cause (Hill Special Bikes). “One of these bikes was ridden by Reg Harris” Andrew intoned. “Who is Reg Harris”, responded a nameless clubman. Perhaps a lantern-slide presentation on cycling history might usefully illuminate one of the darker winter nights? Onward we rode, admiring the dramatic fantasy that is Kingsgate Castle, at North Foreland, and enjoying, toll-free, the silk-smooth black top of the Sandwich Bay Estate. Following the coast, we turned with about 20 miles to go, and suddenly God’s hand was on our backs: the final furlongs were ridden as though with new blood. It was gone seven before we assembled, banner aloft, on the pier at Deal, sun-blushed, salty and enriched with a currency no banker can match. Forget Trump - this truly was, the art of the Deal. You might also like: Try a London Clarion ride Our London cycling routes Join the club Our 130-year history Cycling insurance

On Saturday, August 22nd, a peloton of 15 London Clarion riders took advantage of the ever convenient Elizabeth line, heading out to Shenfield for the start of our 50 mile Essex Adventure. We quickly left the suburban sprawl behind, setting off at a comfortable, moderate pace into the countryside. Essex occasionally gets a bad press, but our loop through its quieter northern sections proved the critics entirely wrong. We spent the day navigating pretty, undulating lanes, rolling through beautiful ancient villages steeped in history and lined with traditional thatched buildings. We paused a couple of times to take in the sights, with a notable stop at the picturesque village of Pleshey to admire its ruined castle and historic housing. Right around the 30 mile mark, we pulled in for lunch at the ‘Galloping Grind’ a brilliant, cycling-oriented pop-up café that provided the perfect mid-ride refuel. The final 20 miles back to Shenfield were smooth sailing. It was a flawless run with absolutely no mechanicals or issues to slow us down, aided by some stellar back marking from Clive who kept the group safely together. After catching the train back to London, a smaller band of riders kept the social spirit going with a stop for a few well earned pints on the way home. All in all, a fully satisfying, highly social day in the saddle, and a great reminder of the fantastic riding just outside the M25. You might also like: Try a London Clarion ride Our London cycling routes Join the club Our 130-year history Cycling insurance

September delivered a glorious final instalment of summer for Saturday’s Clarion excursion into Sussex. Sixty miles, a thousand metres of climbing, and an improbable quantity of food separated our start at West Croydon from the finish line in Haywards Heath, with the famous Knepp Estate providing a suitably wild intermission. The Full Monty Five Clarionites assembled at West Croydon in glorious sunshine, taking on coffee before the serious business of leaving London began. The suburban sprawl steadily loosened its grip, and our first halt came near Coulsdon at The Full Monty café. Displayed proudly in the window was that increasingly coveted mark of civilisation: a Clarion Cyclists Welcome sticker. Alex evidently took the café’s name as an instruction rather than a suggestion. His breakfast arrived bearing sufficient provisions for two ordinary meals—and perhaps a modest third. Suitably fortified, the party remounted. Over the Downs Beyond Coulsdon, the roads improved considerably. Finding ourselves in no particular hurry, we made a short diversion to the site of the former Netherne Hospital near Hooley. From there came the North Downs and, once they had been successfully negotiated, our reward: mile after mile of superb lanes heading south into Surrey and Sussex. The weather could scarcely have been better. Summer appeared determined to make one final case for an extension, but thankfully without the oppressive heat of July. We were treated to blue skies, warm sunshine, and just about the perfect temperature for riding a bicycle. There were occasional reminders that civilisation still existed. The least glorious section of the expedition was a Saturday passage through Horsham town centre, where pedestrians, traffic, and the general business of a market town briefly replaced hedgerows and empty lanes. Happily, Sussex soon returned us to more agreeable surroundings. A Wild Safari Our principal destination was Knepp, the celebrated 3,500-acre Sussex rewilding project. A short stop at the Wilding Kitchen and Shop might have sufficed, but yellow route signs beckoned, and the Clarion is not an organisation noted for resisting an unnecessary diversion. We followed the trail deep into the estate. This involved climbing a treehouse for a magnificent view before continuing to a viewpoint offering an even grander one. Knepp is famous for the return of nightingales, turtle doves, purple emperor butterflies, and free-roaming herds of cattle, ponies, pigs, and deer. The Clarion wildlife tally was rather more exclusive: we saw a single rabbit. The Final Stretch & Debrief Reunited with the tarmac, it became apparent that our unexpected safari had worked up an appetite. Fortunately, the imposing Old Barn Garden Centre near Dial Post presented itself shortly afterwards, where a hearty lunch restored the party to something approaching operating condition. Thereafter came yet more excellent Sussex lanes—the sort of roads that make one wonder why anyone ever cycles anywhere else. We skirted Burgess Hill before beginning the final, slightly less romantic schlep towards Haywards Heath. Every respectable Clarion expedition requires a debrief, and ours was conducted at the excellent Grape & Grain. Over suitable refreshments, the day’s findings were compared: the weather had been magnificent, the lanes superb, Knepp had been successfully explored, and at least one member had consumed enough breakfast to sustain a small audax team. From there, it was only a short roll to Haywards Heath station and the train home. You might also like: Try a London Clarion ride Our London cycling routes Join the club Our 130-year history Cycling insurance

A stag perfecting his Autumnal rut, a diminished engineering icon and a forlorn eighteenth century ‘lady’ punctuated the route for a select Clarion contingent on the cusp of the equinox. Departing Old Street in the face of a 16mph south westerly, the five stalwarts powered along the Embankment like a peloton possessed, and were soon spinning through Fulham’s terraces with heart-pounding urgency. We mustered as one of the year’s highest tides peaked. Criss-crossing the river on our westward excursion, we observed the fluvial serpent’s withdrawal. The bridges of Putney, Kingston and Hampton Court provided our snapshots of the torrential outpouring – as well as sight the rowers, kayakers and sailors who make the Thames their playground. Rolling on to Richmond Park’s car-less tarmac, we joined the swarming lycra drones who circuit the Royal recreation space. How Rapha struggles to turn a profit is a mystery when half the legal professionals in the capital appears to be sweating through their apparel on Ham Gate Avenue? Still, the buck of our pack demonstrated that mammon is not the only effective motivator, showing the throng a clear pair of wheels up the slopes on his 72-inch-geared fixie. Catching our breath we came upon a herd of the deer for which the park is famed, and were lucky to catch a magnificent ‘sixteen pointer’ doing battle with the branches of a tree. Watching the mechanics of natural selection in the raw left me grateful anew for human kind’s rather more genteel courtships. If stamina was flagging as the Clarion reached Hampton Court Palace, some might have wondered about alternative transportation options? Passing Hardy’s most intriguing used car lot, who could ignore the 1987 Rolls Royce Silver Spur – coachwork gleaming, V8 primed, and yours for only £23,995. The same dealer was offering, for £3,000 more, a primitive Citroën H van, older, ‘agricultural’. and fashioned from corrugated iron. Could either vehicles original owners have imagined that one day these would be their relative values? Our destination was Esher’s Giro Cafe – a cyclists’ pitstop for the flat-white era. What our Clarion forbears would have made of a cafe with its own podcast, ‘merch’, and a charity tie up with Ugandan cyclists is impossible to know? I like to think that they would have approved – once they had got over paying £4 for a cup of coffee. For a short stretch, our return took us down the A3 ‘Portsmouth Road’ – so clogged with cars that it would be hard to imagine any distance awheel along this ancient route. We turned off at the milestone known as ‘the White Lady’. Erected in 1787, and appearing as a ghost from another age, she reminds us that such timeworn thoroughfares served very different travellers for centuries before the onslaught of internal combustion. With the wind in our favour, the 21-mile return passed in a blur with time only for the companions to resolve that such speed was agreeable. Our outing concluded behind Cornhill’s Royal Exchange, enjoying a tea from Kiani’s, served in the Persian style. Location and libation were steeped in capital and empire, its true – but it was the possibility for a human-centred world that was the toast of the Clarion party. You might also like: Try a London Clarion ride Our London cycling routes Join the club Our 130-year history Cycling insurance

This morning brought some fantastic news: Nudge Magazine has officially included London Clarion in its prestigious list of the 5 Best Cycling Clubs in London! As Nudge offers Londoners a "highly curated guide to the best of what’s on," this is a wonderful nod to our growing cycling community and the fantastic riding we do together. Celebrating Our Community We are thrilled to see our efforts recognised. This acknowledgment from Nudge Magazine highlights the camaraderie and passion that define our club. It’s not just about cycling; it’s about building connections and sharing experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, there’s a place for you here. While some of their articles are behind a paywall, we are excited to share extracts from the feature below. Click here to read the full article: Where To Get Your Spin On. You might also like: Try a London Clarion ride Our London cycling routes Join the club Our 130-year history Cycling insurance Joining the London Clarion Cycle Club As the article mentions, joining the London Clarion Cycle Club is very easy. Membership costs just £20, which includes third-party liability insurance and membership of the National Clarion Cycling Club. For more info, visit our Join Us page. Our Rides and Events We organise a variety of rides and events throughout the year. These cater to all skill levels, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the thrill of cycling in London. From leisurely weekend rides to more challenging routes, there’s something for everyone. We also host social events, where members can connect off the bike. These gatherings foster friendships and strengthen our community. After all, cycling is not just about the ride; it’s about the people we meet along the way. The Joy of Cycling Together Cycling together creates a unique bond. We share laughter, stories, and sometimes even a few challenges. Each ride is an opportunity to explore new routes and discover hidden gems in and around London. Imagine gliding through the streets, the wind in your hair, and the city unfolding before you. It’s moments like these that remind us why we love cycling. We encourage everyone to join us, whether you’re looking to improve your skills or simply enjoy the ride. A Welcoming Environment At London Clarion, we pride ourselves on being inclusive. We welcome cyclists of all backgrounds and abilities. Our members are supportive and eager to help newcomers feel at home. If you’re unsure about joining a group ride, don’t worry! We understand that it can be daunting. Our experienced members are always ready to guide and encourage you. Together, we create a friendly atmosphere where everyone can thrive. Preserving Our Heritage As we grow, we remain committed to preserving the rich heritage of the National Clarion Cycling Club. Founded over a century ago, our club has a long history of promoting cycling as a means of enjoyment and community. We honour this legacy by fostering a vibrant cycling culture today. Our rides often reflect the spirit of camaraderie that has defined our club for generations. We believe in the power of cycling to bring people together, and we strive to continue this tradition. Looking Ahead As we look to the future, we are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. Our community is growing, and we are eager to welcome new members. Together, we can explore new routes, share experiences, and create lasting memories. Join us on this journey. Whether you’re a casual cyclist or a dedicated enthusiast, there’s a place for you in our club. Let’s ride together and make the most of what London has to offer. In conclusion, we are grateful for the recognition from Nudge Magazine. It inspires us to continue our mission of building a welcoming, inclusive community for cyclists in London. We invite you to be part of our story. Let’s pedal forward together!

We’ve got an absolute feast of tarmac, history, and heavy concrete lined up for the coming months. Whether you are looking for a classic coastal sprint, a deep dive into post-war architecture, a festive escape, or a massive piece of working-class history, we have a ride with your name on it. Here is what’s coming up on the London Clarion calendar: 1. The Ride to Cold Christmas (Hertfordshire) The Vibe: Picturesque country lanes with a wonderfully eerie destination. The Route: We’ll be escaping the city grit and heading north into the rolling, quiet lanes of Hertfordshire. View Event Details & RSVP 2. The Classic: London to Brighton Ride The Vibe: An iconic rite of passage for every Southern cyclist. The Route: It’s the quintessential big day out. We’ll weave our way out of South London, tackle the steady rollers of Surrey and Sussex, and save our legs for the grand finale: the mighty Ditchling Beacon. The reward? Coasting down into Brighton for fish and chips, a celebratory pint, and a breezy train journey back home. View Event Details & RSVP 3. Clarion Sunday 2026: A Celebration at the Last Clarion House The Vibe: Heritage, solidarity, and a massive national gathering. The Route: This is a truly special one for the calendar. We are paying homage to our roots by joining fellowship clubs from across the country at the Nelson Clarion House in Lancashire—the absolute last surviving Clarion House. Expect a beautiful atmosphere, a sea of Clarion jerseys, and a celebration of our club's incredible socialist and cycling history. View Event Details & RSVP 4. Brutalist Architecture Ride (20 Miles) The Vibe: Raw concrete, urban exploration, and striking geometry. The Route: Love it or hate it, Brutalism shaped modern London. This 20-mile casual urban safari will depart from our usual haunts to marvel at some of the capital's finest post-war concrete masterpieces, estate designs, and bold geometric structures. Perfect for those who want a slower-paced social ride with plenty of photo opportunities. View Event Details & RSVP 5. Deal or No Deal 2026 Ride The Vibe: A coastal epic with a twist. The Route: No, Noel Edmonds won't be hosting, but we will be dealing out some fantastic miles on this ride. This long-distance club favourite stretches our legs through beautiful terrain all the way out to the Kent coast, finishing in the historic seaside town of Deal. Pack your stamina and an appetite for sea air! View Event Details & RSVP 6. 90th Anniversary Battle of Cable Street Ride (18 Miles) The Vibe: Short, meaningful, and deeply rooted in East End history. The Route: 2026 marks exactly 90 years since the historic day in 1936 when the people of East London stood together and shouted "They Shall Not Pass" against fascism. This easy-paced, 18-mile commemorative ride will explore the geography of the anti-fascist movement, the East End, and the iconic mural itself. A must-attend ride for anyone proud of the Clarion legacy. View Event Details & RSVP How to Join Us: New to the club? Don't be shy! We ride at a social pace and are a very friendly cycling club. Membership costs from just £10 a year and gives you access to these rides and more. Join London Clarion Cycle Club Today Learn About London nClarion Cycle Club Read about our Facinating Club History

Looking for a scenic 60-mile road cycling route from London to Cambridge? Read our latest club ride report for route conditions, pub stop recommendations, and group riding tips! 📋 Ride Overview: London to Cambridge at a Glance Date: Saturday, 9 May 2026 Route: Mile End, London to Cambridge Total Distance: Approximately 63 miles Time: 08:00 – 15:45 Surface: Road Weather: Sunny and moderate, with very good riding conditions and a light, manageable breeze. Back Marker: David Riders: Kei, Meera, Paige, Kate, Caterina, and Tamara 🚴‍♀️ The Morning Leg: Navigating London Traffic with Ease The ride kicked off promptly at 08:00 AM from Mile End. The opening leg out of London is often the trickiest part of escaping the city, but our group of eight progressed smoothly at a well-managed pace. A massive shout-out goes to the whole squad for their exceptional teamwork and group riding skills through the busier urban sections. Navigating early morning London traffic requires communication and awareness. 🍻 Halfway Pit Stop: The Catherine Wheel Every good long-distance cycle route needs a solid halfway stop to refuel. For this London to Cambridge route, we chose The Catherine Wheel pub. Just before lunch, we experienced a minor setback when one of the riders suffered a puncture, requiring an extended roadside stop. We also had a quick fix for a dropped chain. However, spirits remained high, and the sunny May weather made the brief roadside mechanic session perfectly bearable. By the time we rolled into the pub, everyone was more than ready for a well-deserved rest and a bite to eat. 🤝 The Final Push to Cambridge: Riding at Your Own Pace At London Clarion Cycle Club, we pride ourselves on inclusive group riding. Following our lunch break, we decided to split into two smaller riding groups. Splitting the pack is a great strategy on longer 60+ mile rides, as it better accommodates differing paces. This ensured that every single rider whether they wanted to push the tempo or take a more relaxed approach could continue comfortably and safely toward our destination. 🏁 The Finish Line: The Mill Pub, Cambridge The ride concluded beautifully at The Mill pub in Cambridge. It was the perfect spot to grab a post-ride drink, celebrate the 63-mile achievement, and soak in the lively riverside atmosphere. 🛣️ Route Notes & Safety Road Conditions: We enjoyed generally clear roads throughout the day. Cyclists attempting this route should be aware that some stretches are currently affected by potholes and rougher road surfaces, so keep your eyes peeled and call out hazards. Overall, however, it remains a highly enjoyable road route. Safety: Zero safety incidents to report! The group managed traffic and road conditions impeccably from start to finish. 💡 Frequently Asked Questions (AEO Quick Answers) How long does it take to cycle from London to Cambridge? Depending on your pace and stops, cycling the approximately 60-65 miles from London to Cambridge typically takes between 5 to 8 hours. Our group completed the ride in just under 8 hours, including a generous pub lunch and a puncture repair stop. What is a good halfway pub stop between London and Cambridge? The Catherine Wheel is an excellent, cyclist-friendly halfway pit stop to grab lunch and refuel before pushing on to Cambridge. Is the cycling route from London to Cambridge on paved roads? Yes, our specific 63-mile route from Mile End to Cambridge was entirely on-road. While mostly smooth, be prepared to navigate occasional potholes and rougher country lanes.

Date: Saturday 2 May 2026 Route (To and From): Highbury & Islington Station to Southend Start / Finish Time: 08:00 – 13:00 Distance: Approximately 54 miles Ride Leaders: Clive O’Connell Back Marker: Simon Perera Riders: Josh Averilla, Shaun O’Malley, Trish Masson, Tamara Ralph Surface: Road Weather: Sunny with a moderate temperature, overall very good riding conditions Ride Report A strong and well-balanced group made for a very enjoyable ride from Highbury & Islington out to Southend. The team worked well together throughout, maintaining a consistent and efficient pace which allowed us to make excellent time over the distance. Road conditions were generally favourable, with traffic remaining light for most of the route. There was one short stretch with heavier traffic, which the group managed well with good awareness and positioning. We made a single stop at Hanningfield Nature Reserve, which provided a well-timed break for refreshments and facilities. Aside from this, the ride was completed with minimal interruptions, helping to maintain momentum across the full distance. There was one minor mechanical issue during the ride, which was quickly resolved without impacting overall progress. Overall, a smooth, well-paced ride with a great team dynamic and a strong collective effort throughout. Safety: No incidents. Good group discipline and communication throughout, particularly when navigating the busier traffic section. Mechanical Issues: One minor issue, resolved quickly at the roadside with no impact to the group. Route Notes: Generally clear roads with one short section of heavier traffic. The Hanningfield Nature Reserve stop is a good option for future rides on this route.