cyclists in training: can you help?

[DiD]

Looking for a 20-30 mile basic training route from East Dulwich. I work at Oval, and want to be able to go before and/or after work. Any advice?

[mlteenie]

Check Dulwich Paragon's website. There's a good 30 mile round trip (their Saturday morning ride).

[eater81]

Pointless trying anything in London, you'll be stuck in a traffic jam as soon as you leave the house/office. If not then stopping at red lights every 400m will completely ruin the whole exercise.

Worse, if you wear lycra and do it on a racing bike (I assume that will be the case?) you'll end up joining the ranks of those competetive self righteous pillocks that buy themselves an un un-necessarily expensive racing bike just to ride to work, insist on wearing clip in shoes and trying to balance at red lights,bother to actually stand up from their seat when moving off at lights to 'beat' other bikers, curse other riders for getting in the way of their deadly serious 'training' and give cyclists a bad name the city over.

You're better off going to the gym or getting one of those indoor training wheel attachments.

For a pleasant bike ride your best bet is to get on a train with bike in tow to somewhere like Dorking and have a pleasant un-interrupted ride around the sweet rolling hills of Surrey. With the light evenings at the moment you could probably get there in half an hour after work from Oval station and have a lovely time.

[andy_nD]

Second mlteenie's suggestion to check out the Dulwich Paragon - the 30 mile Saturday route (start/finish Crystal Palace) is on bikely here and will have you out of traffic and onto country lanes within half an hour. If you don't fancy the climb to Crystal Palace you can take a flatter way to Elmers End via Forest Hill/Sydenham/Penge.

For a faster ride you can also turn at West Wickham and follow the A232-A21 towards Farnborough, which is generally less rolling in terms of terrain but much busier in terms of traffic.

[felt-tip]

The Dulwich Paragon ride is great. Its amazing how quick you are into the rolling hills of north surrey

[Sandperson]

Or you could just go along on a saturday morning with the Paragon. Myself and my club mates (all lycra wearing) are VERY friendly and you won't get left behind no matter what your standard. Come and have a ride with us and if you like it you can join as well! We have training rides, time trials, track riding, sportive riding and social events.

[mazza7103]

go to map my ride. i do a route called the dulwich loop. takes you through lots of parks and very little traffic problems. there are longer or shorter rides