We were joined on Sunday’s monthly group ride by our in-house gravel aficionado (and northerner) Nik Cook. Here’s how he got on with us southern “softies”.
Living in the Peak District, I guess I’m a bit of a “trail snob” and, when I signed up for the gravel group on Hotchillee’s London Paris by Tour de France launch weekend ride from Walton-on-Thames, it was more about finally seeing and meeting everyone IRL and I thought the ride would probably be a bit, well, m’eh.
I couldn’t have been more wrong and, with a route planned and led by local gravel guru and Hotchillee Ride Captain Jonathan Packer, this sub-urban gravel adventure was one of the most varied and enjoyable gravel rides I’ve ever done.
As we dodged and dived on and off hidden lanes and tracks, we were rewarded by flowing single track, challenging climbs, fast heathland trails, plenty of sightseeing and even an appearance by the Loch Ness monster.
This was a brilliant advert for the versatility of a gravel bike and, even if you don’t think you live in a trail rich area, how, with a bit of local knowledge, you might be surprised what’s on your door-step. Road sections aren’t so much of a drag as on a MTB – I rode out and back to Walton-on-Thames from Central London on-road and speed etc isn’t really much different to a road bike.
For this on/off-road capability a gravel bike is the perfect urban get-away bike and, for the ultimate evidence of this, there are still places available for the Hotchillee London Great Gravel Escape on 31 July – 1 August where you’ll ride from Richmond Park to the Chilterns without barely having to put a tyre on tarmac. After a night of glamping, you can then unleash the off-road potential of your gravel steed with a day on the Chiltern trails. See more info below.
If you’ve already got a gravel bike but are struggling to find those secret trails or just wanted some like minded groadies to ride with, come along to the Hotchillee Evening Gravel Ride Series with Sigma Sports on Thursday. Led by the Hotchillee Ride Captains, they’ll show you the best trails Surrey has to offer and, like all good gravel rides, finish at a brewery! Check out Rides and Activities on the Hotchillee website to sign-up.
So, although I’m now back home in the glorious Peak District, I’m definitely going to be heading back down south with my gravel bike, have already filed away the .gpx file from Sunday to repeat and will hopefully see you on a Hotchillee gravel ride soon.
To mark the start of the great British summer we’re escaping the big smoke and riding from London to the Chilterns… off-road.
After sleeping under canvas in the shadow of the Ridgeway you’ve got a wonderful day’s riding exploring the hidden off-road gems of the Chilterns.
With rides in Cape Town, Surrey, Sussex, the Chilterns, Kent and the Cotswolds, it’s easier than ever to find Chillees to ride with!
Find out about Hotchillee Gravel Rides and all other activities here
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LONDON-PARIS 2023 entry will open on 2 August 2022. Fill out the form below to be notified when entries are available.
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You’ll also be entered into a prize draw for 2 x tickets to the Tour de France 2023 route launchon 27th October 2022 at Palais des Congrès, Paris.
Your priority access will start on Tuesday 26 July 2022. We’ll be in touch then, keep an eye on your emails, or the Hotchillee companion app.
The LONDON-PARIS by Tour de France 2022 road route has sold out. Join the waiting list to be contacted when cancelled places become available.
Glen is usually behind the scenes making sure that the Hotchillee Ride Captains and event participants have fully functioning bicycles to ride but he occasionally makes an appearance in front of the camera to share his wisdom. If he’s not fixing or building bikes he’ll be out riding in #SweetSussex. If you want to know anything about Cyclocross, Glen is the man to ask.
Website: www.aeightbikeco.com
Instagram: @aeightracer
Consultant with British Cycling and author of the Road Cycling Performance Manual. Lover of cobbles, gravel and Siberian Pine – not so keen on climbs! Nik is the author of all of the Hotchillee Training Plans, Zwift workout files and regularly posts tips and advice on the Hotchillee app. He’s also the evil genius behind the now infamous Hotchillee Gain Train.
Twitter: @nikalascook
Instagram: @nikalascook
Adele has worked within the health and fitness industry for over 25 years starting with a ballet and dance background herself, she has progressed to training and teaching all styles of fitness and offers Pilates, barre & yoga. As a keen runner, Adele appreciates the need for a strong healthy body and mind and incorporates many elements of Pilates, yoga and barre into her own training to ensure her strength and stamina remain.
Website: www.purebodybyadele.co.uk
Instagram: @purebodybyadele
