Landrace Winter Gravel Series
Gravel Rides from Herne Hill Velodrome
The Landrace Winter Series is built for fast, strong riders who want to test themselves through the colder months. We meet for coffee from 10:00 at Herne Hill Velodrome, before rolling out at 10:30 for a 60–80 km gravel loop, returning by around 16:30. Riders coming straight from the Velodrome's 'Gravel Club' training session, finishing at 10:00 are especially welcome to join.
Each ride blends gravel paths, woodland cut-throughs, and quiet lanes, with the distance and pace shaped by weather and trail conditions. Dress for winter—warm layers, gloves, mud tolerance—and expect a mid-ride café or lunch stop to reset the legs.
Part of the Landrace series, the winter edition is about sharp, purposeful riding: fast, flowing, and demanding enough to push fitness while keeping the adventure alive through the darkest months.
Dates:
Friday 10th October
Friday 14th November
Friday 19th December
Friday 16th January
Friday 13th February
Are these rides for me?
These rides are aimed at experienced off road riders who can ride at 18-20 kmph (depending on conditions) for several hours. 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 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: Brisk 18–20 km/h. These rides are aimed at experienced off road riders.
- Ride length: 60-80 km, depending on conditions, usually 4-6 hours of riding plus a café stop.
- Meeting time: Meet between for coffee at Herne Hill Velodrome from 10am onwards, I'll be leading HHV's Gravel Club beforehand - you're welcome to join. Return by around 16:30.
- Weather: Mud, wet, and cold add to the challenge and the fun—rides go ahead in most conditions.
- Café/pub stop: Always included to refuel, warm up, and enjoy the social side.