Leave Tunbridge Wells around 7:30am, meeting at BLOQs Kitchen, 2 Anthony Way, London N18 3QT for coffee at 9:00am and rollout at 9:30am.

☕ BLOQs Kitchen: bloqslondon.com/discover-bloqs/bar-kitchen
📍 Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fvoaySKm6aAZ6p1B8

We’ll organise transport and car sharing so everyone can get to the start easily.

Route details:

• Start/Finish: River Lee

• Distance: 33km / 20 miles

• Elevation: 352m / 1,156ft

• Average speed: ~16kph / 10mph

You’ll be amazed at how quickly the cityscapes fade away, replaced by the open spaces of Epping Forest. The route follows the picturesque River Lee, past Hackney Marshes and the Walthamstow Wetlands Sanctuary, before ramping up (steeply!) into the forest for a stretch of sublime, sweeping gravel tracks — fast, fun, and scenic.

This is a chilled social ride, finishing back at BLOQs Café for post-ride chat and lunch.

Download the GPX file of the route

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A few gravel riding rules and tips:

1. Respect the Environment

• Stay on designated trails to avoid damaging natural areas. Respect wildlife and other users on the trail.

2. Bike setup

• Tools and spares: Carry a spare tube, tire levers, a pump, and a multi-tool.

• Navigation: Gravel tracks can lead you into remote areas. Have a GPS device or map, and know your route.

• Clothing: Dress in layers to accommodate changing weather, and carry a small pack for essentials.

3. Group Riding

• Keep a safe distance from other riders to avoid kicking up rocks. Be aware of the dust and debris that might impair visibility.

4. BIKE SET UP

• Tyre choice: Use wider, knobby tires (35-45mm) for better traction and comfort.

• Tire pressure: Lower pressure (20-40 psi) provides better grip on loose surfaces.

• Gearing: A wider gear range can help manage the varying terrain.

5. Relax

• Keep your body relaxed, especially your arms and hands, to better absorb shocks from rocks and uneven terrain. Gripping the handlebars too tightly can lead to fatigue and make handling the bike harder.

6. Keep Momentum

• Maintaining a steady speed helps you glide over loose surfaces, preventing the bike from getting bogged down in deep gravel or rocks.

7. Line Choice

• Look for the smoothest part of the trail, often marked by vehicle tire tracks or compacted gravel. Avoid large, loose stones, and always scan ahead to plan your route.

8. Cornering

• Slow down before turns and keep your body weight centered. Lean into the turn with the bike, and shift your weight to the outside pedal to maintain balance.

9. Braking

• Apply both brakes evenly and gradually. Sudden braking on gravel can cause your tires to lose traction, especially on loose surfaces.

10. Descend Carefully

• When descending, stay relaxed and use both brakes in moderation. Avoid aggressive movements and allow the bike to naturally flow with the trail.

11. Climbing

• On steep, loose climbs, stay seated to maintain traction with the rear tyre. Keep your weight slightly forward and pedal smoothly.

12. Hydration and Nutrition

• Gravel rides often take longer than typical road rides, so carry extra water and snacks. There will be more opportunities to stop along the route.

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