Cycling at its best – making friends, eating cake and challenging yourself
On 3 June, cyclists will be setting off on a series of adventures in a celebration of community. Willesden Cycling Club is running three audax long distance rides alongside guided runs organised by SPOKES, the South West Herts cycling group.
We start and finish at Woodoaks Farm in Maple Cross, with its unrivalled Tea Shack and legendary Creative Juices Brewery. Why not join us for a day of friendly, supportive cake fuelled riding and help support community organisations?
Three rides – take your pick
200km
It’s about getting round in great company
Starting at Woodoaks Farm, we’ll head north on country roads from Rickmansworth up to Silverstone before looping south to the Thames at Benson. The triangle is closed by a run through the Chilterns via Marlow. Less than 2,000 metres of climbing.
One for people who love the Chilterns. The route takes us to Latimer, Ashley Green, Aldbury, Ivinghoe Beacon (the easy way) and Mentmore before returning via Aston Hill. A couple of hills to remember but you have up to seven hours to get around if you want to make a day of it.
100km
Check out the views
50km
Be part of the fun
A simple run out on quiet roads towards Prestwood and Great Missenden. Shoot around in two hours or take your time, have a cake and a natter – there’s up to four and a quarter hours if you’re not in a hurry.
Try a guided ride
3 June isn’t just about long distance rides.
SPOKES, the cycling group for South West Herts is planning a series of shorter rides led by experienced and knowledgeable local cyclists. Starting from 10 am, after the audax rides have gone, experienced leaders will take groups out and about.
You don’t have to be a member of SPOKES to join but you will need to sign up in advance via the website (where details of the rides will be posted nearer the day).
Best of all, you don’t need to wait until June to get involved – SPOKES rides happen all year round and you’ll get a warm welcome whatever your appetite for pedalling!
…and if you fancy a different adventure – check out the 400km ride to Wales and Back we’re running on 2 June from Woodoaks from at 6pm
Audax cycling
A different type of cycling
The Tour de Ricky series of cycling events are audax rides – and audax cycling is different. You’re given a route and a set of control points to visit with a maximum and minimum time; there’s no racing or much posing.
Rides are self supported although if you see another rider in trouble it’s traditional to offer help. “Supporters” on the road are specifically banned (and will get you disqualified) although your friends and family are very welcome to join you at the finish for a cake and a beer!
So, it’s Just a great day out in great company in great country. And at the end you have great memories and perhaps a few new friends.
Woodoaks Farm – our hosts for the day
We’re being hosted on 3 June at the Soil Association’ s Woodoaks Farm in Maple Cross. It’s a community friendly venue close to great transport links and with an onsite cafe for that vital coffee before the off and a microbrewery for a celebratory tipple at the end.
The Tea Shack
If you haven’t discovered The Tea Shack yet you are in for a treat. They serve great coffee and handmade cakes that are every cyclist’s dream. They’ll be open to set you up for the day.
Creative Juices Brewing Company
There’s a beer awaiting you when you get back at the end of your ride. Trade tales of daring and dawdling over an award winning ale.
Getting to the start
It’s just a short ride from Rickmansworth Station – parking is very limited so try to come by public transport if you can
Woodoaks Farm is at Denham Way, Rickmansworth, WD3 9XQ.
Rickmansworth station is just 22 minutes from London Marylebone on the Chiltern Line. It’s also served by the London Underground Metropolitan Line and there are links to Aylesbury and Watford.
Denham Station, with its links to Oxford and Birmingham is under four miles away.
It’s barely a mile from the Grand Junction Canal if you fancy sailing up from London or Birmingham.
If you’re coming from farther afield, there is very limited parking at the Farm which is close to Junction 17 of the M25.
Get involved
If you can’t ride or have other commitments you can join in the fun by volunteering. Even just an hour or so of your time could be invaluable and ensure the success of the day. We need marshals at the start and controllers to greet our riders at Mursley, Wilstone and Benson as well as welcome them back into the evening at Woodoaks Farm.
If you’re interested, email Liam, the organiser, using the contact form below.
Tour de Ricky 3 June 2023 – Brought to you by Willesden Cycling & Woodoaks Farm
3 June 2023 - something for every road cyclist 