Hidden Tracks Strava Club Rides – Winter Gravel Adventures

Hidden Tracks Strava Club | Explore North, South, East & West

Embrace winter riding with the Hidden Tracks Strava Club, where steady-paced social rides take you off the busy streets and into the quiet beauty of the countryside. Meet at 10:00 am and roll out for 40–60 km loops at a relaxed 14–18 km/h, returning by around 16:30. These are non-drop rides, designed for shared effort, discovery, and camaraderie—no one left behind.

Through mud, cold, and wet conditions, every ride becomes a character-building adventure. Dress for the season with warm layers, gloves, and waterproofs, and be ready for a mid-ride coffee stop to refuel and regroup.

These are monthly rides, each starting from a different location, often a railway station with frequent trains to London, making it easy to escape the city. Every month heads in a new direction, north, south, east, or west, exploring hidden tracks, byways, and bridleways just beyond the capital.

Perfect for riders seeking to discover new routes, embrace winter gravel, and share the simple pleasure of riding together.

Dates & Meet locations 

Saturday 18th October  - Explore South |  Crystal Palace (Overground) 
Saturday 15th November - Explore North | Highbury (Overground)
Saturday 27th December - Christmas Pie Ride | Guildford (SW Trains)
Saturday 17th January - Explore East |  Forest Gate (Elizabeth Line)
Saturday 21st February - Explore West | Reading (Elizabeth and Great Western) 

The meet stations have been chosen as they are served by bike friendly trains with a frequency of at least 5 trains per hour making them reachable from many parts of London. 

Are these rides for me?

These rides range from serious Blue routes to easier Red routes, designed for regular “club riders” who are comfortable riding off-road for 2–3 hours. If you’re unsure about your level, don’t worry, these rides are welcoming, and you can always check our Ride Guide page for more details and tips on what to expect.

What should I bring on a ride?

• Bike & tyres: A gravel bike or sturdy CX/MTB with tyres suited to wet/mud terrain (32 mm+ recommended). and  make sure you're bike is good working condition, otherwise you'll be catching a train home on your own.  
• Clothing: Dress for the season—warm layers, gloves, waterproof jacket, and mud tolerance in winter.
• Helmet: Mandatory for all riders.
• Spare kit: Inner tubes, pump/CO₂, tyre levers, and a multi-tool.
• Lights: Front and rear lights for visibility, especially in winter months.
• Food & drink: Snacks or energy bars plus at least one full water bottle.
• Money / card: For the mid-ride café stop.
• Navigation:  A GPS device, you'll be able to download the route a few days before the ride.  

Good to Know

• Pace: Steady and sociable at 14–18 km/h. These are non-drop rides, however if it's clear early on in the ride that you'll not be able keep pace, you'll be asked to make your own way at your own pace. 
• Ride length: 40–60 km, depending on conditions, usually 3-5 hours of riding plus a café stop.
• Meeting time: Meet  between 9 and 10 am depending on location, return by around 16:30.
• Locations: Each ride starts somewhere different, often at a railway station with frequent trains to London.
• Weather: Mud, wet, and cold add to the challenge and the fun—rides go ahead in most conditions.
• Café stop: Always included to refuel, warm up, and enjoy the social side.