Guided, Breeze & Social Rides
Free Bike Ride Programme in association with British Cycling
On your bikes now, everyone!
Free Social Rides from and to our Cycle Hub happen regularly, and are run entirely by volunteer Ride Leaders and Breeze Champions. You can find upcoming local rides below, and others all over the UK on the British Cycling website
If you’re feeling nervous about group cycling, or think that the speed or lycra may be intimidating, you will be welcomed at one of the free rides starting from Watford Cycle Hub.
Routes are planned in advance, and checked to make sure they’re suitable for the ride level as advertised. Try our relaxed beginner rides to local favourites like the LP Cafe in Watford High Street, along the Ebury Way to Rickmansworth Aquadrome or Woodoaks Farm in Maple Cross, or more challenging countryside rides out to Sarratt, Belsize or Flaunden.
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Breeze, women only
North Watford Breeze to the Waffle House
from WD24 4JL
- Challenging
- 21 miles
- 5 hr
Starting from the Timberlake Car Park off Radlett Road in North Watford this longer, more challenging route goes through North…
Read more about this ride
Starting from the Timberlake Car Park off Radlett Road in North Watford this longer, more challenging route goes through North Watford, Garston, Bricket Wood and How Wood to the Waffle House in St Albans where we can enjoy their delicious sweet and savoury waffles, drinks and snacks.
A mixture of on-road and offroad tarmac cycleways and shared paths. It is suitable for most bikes although road bikes with super slick tyres are not advised due to some uneven and slippery surfaces we will go through. Please note MTBs are not suitable for this ride. Gravel bikes, hybrids and e-bikes are all suitable.
Most of this ride is on roads so you should be confident riding in a group at a slightly faster pace and longer distance than our usual Breeze North Watford rides. It is 21 miles in total with just a couple of challenging hills, and will take approximately 90 minutes to ride there, and the same on the way back.
If you have a fear of heights please note we do have to cross three busy roads via overbridges so if this a problem please don't book on as there is no safe crossing point at ground level. Contact the Ride Leader if you have any questions.
Please arrive by 9:50am so we can run through a riders register, bike checks and a route briefing before we set off. We are aiming to arrive at the Waffle House before the midday rush. The Waffle House is very popular so we usually have to queue a while to be seated.
Please dress appropriately for the weather and wear a helmet as the route goes through some bumpy terrain. Don't forget a drink and a snack, a rain jacket just in case, a spare inner tube or two, and a card for the cafe stop and in case of emergency. Also please bring a good bike lock with you for the café stop.
We will aim to be back by approx 2:30pm, although this could change depending on the speed of the group.
HelenMeeting point
Timberlake Car Park off Radlett Road, WD24 4JL - Free parking at weekends (please check signage)
Note: The post code takes you to Colonial Way, not the car park itself, which is next to the roundabout on Radlett Road. Check the What 3 Words address for the exact location:
What 3 Words address:
///fried.wacky.moral
https://w3w.co/fried.wacky.moral
This is easily accessible from Watford Town Centre and Garston, using the Abbey Way Cycle Route 6/61- a fantastic traffic-free route for bikes!Suitable bikes
Hybrid (off road tyres), Hybrid (road tyres), eBike
Adults 16+ only
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Social
Munden Meander & Beyond
from WD25 9ET
- Steady
- 11.2 miles
- 1 hr 30 mins
This varied 'Steady Plus' ride proves just how quickly you can get away from tower blocks & the bustle of…
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This varied 'Steady Plus' ride proves just how quickly you can get away from tower blocks & the bustle of major access routes! Within a matter of minutes you'll be riding along quite country lanes, past cottages & farms, through wooded areas, touching the edge of a golf course and discovering quiet country hostelries. We then take some more interesting tracks into the countryside...There's also a chance to ride through a ford - if you dare! 🙂
This route is specifically for mountain bike riders. The ride will start and finish in the car park at the Meriden Community Centre.
Please bring a spare inner tube in case of a puncture - as it's easier to change an inner tube than repair a puncture. Watford Cycle Hub sell inner tubes from £4.50 new should you need to purchase one.
Please check your bike is in good working order before the ride - especially that your brakes are working & your tyres are pumped and wear clothing suitable for the weather conditions and perhaps a backpack so you can put on or take off layers as needed. Also bring some money for our cafe stop if you would like to buy a drink, snack or light lunch.
Watford Cycle Hub can check over your bike and we can pump up your tyres for you if you come in good time before the ride. If your bike might need a little more TLC or hasn't been ridden for a while, you can always bring it in for a free assessment. Watford Cycle Hub are a Not-For-Profit, Community Enterprise and promise to give you an honest price if your bike needs fixing, fine tuning or a full service. 🙂
We look forward to riding with you. 🙂
Route rating
0 stars
(0) Reviews
We never leave anyone behindMeeting point
Meriden Community Centre Car Park,
Garsmouth Way,
Watford,
WD25 9ET
Free Car Parking but no toilets so stop en route before the start.
Please arrive at 9.45am, to be ready to leave by 10am.
If you are running late or are not able to attend on the day please let us know on 01923 223994.
Join our Let's Ride Group at: https://www.letsride.co.uk/groups/watford-cycle-hub-social-rides
Website: http://www.watfordcyclehub.org.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WatfordCycleHub
This Watford Cycle Hub Rides ride is open for anyone to joinSuitable bikes
Mountain Bike, Hybrid (off road tyres)
Children aged 8-15*, Children aged 11-15*, Adults 16+ only
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Social
The Hare and Hounds
from Watford Cycle Hub, WD18 6LB
- Challenging
- 19.5 miles
- 3 hr
We will take on this scenic Challenging category ride averaging a leisurely pace of 10-11 mph over the route. This…
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We will take on this scenic Challenging category ride averaging a leisurely pace of 10-11 mph over the route. This route takes you through Harefield (the Hare) and Chorleywood (along Dog Kennel Lane, the Hound), two pretty Chilterns towns. In between, there’s some pleasant scenery, a stunning descent from Harefield down to cross the Grand Union Canal, Chorleywood Common and a beautiful return leg through woodland back to Watford.
Please bring a spare inner tube in case of a puncture - as it's easier to change an inner tube than repair a puncture. Watford Cycle Hub sell inner tubes from £4.50 new should you need to purchase one.
Please check your bike is in good working order before the ride - especially that your brakes are working & your tyres are pumped and wear clothing suitable for the weather conditions and perhaps a backpack so you can put on or take off layers as needed. Also bring some money for our cafe stop if you would like to buy a drink, snack or light lunch.
Watford Cycle Hub can check over your bike and we can pump up your tyres for you if you come in good time before the ride. If your bike might need a little more TLC or hasn't been ridden for a while, you can always bring it in for a free assessment. Watford Cycle Hub are a Not-For-Profit, Community Enterprise and promise to give you an honest price if your bike needs fixing, fine tuning or a full service. 🙂
We look forward to riding with you. 🙂
Route rating
0 stars
(0) ReviewsMeeting point
Watford Cycle Hub,
The Pavilion,
Chaffinch Lane (off Tolpits Lane),
Watford, WD18 9QD
Tel. 01923 223994
Free Car Parking,
Toilets,
Use of Track Pump for Tyres
Access to Drinking Water to Fill Water Bottles
& Indoor Social Area
Please arrive at 9.45am, to be ready to leave at 10.00am.
If you are running late or cannot attend on the day, please call and let us know on 01923 223994.
Website: http://www.watfordcyclehub.org.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WatfordCycleHub
For notice of our upcoming rides join our Watford Cycle Hub Rides Group! 🙂
https://www.letsride.co.uk/groups/watford-cycle-hub-social-ridesSuitable bikes
Mountain Bike, Hybrid (off road tyres), Hybrid (road tyres), Road, eBike
All ages
-
Breeze, women only
Watford Cycle Hub Breeze to Carpenders Park with some extra loops!
from Watford Cycle Hub, WD18 9QD
- Steady
- 8 miles
- 1 hr 40 mins
Our route will take us along the traffic free Ebury Way and then out towards South Oxhey and under the…
Read more about this ride
Our route will take us along the traffic free Ebury Way and then out towards South Oxhey and under the track to Carpenders Park. For those who want to challenge themselves there is an optional loop around the estate before we head back to the Cycle Hub for refeshments. As we head back to the Cycle Hub, there will be the optional Hill Challenge! Refreshments will be at the end of the ride back at Watford Cycle Hub.
Meeting point
Plenty of free parking and access to mechanical support if required but please arrive with sufficient time before the start of the ride.
Suitable bikes
Mountain Bike, Hybrid (off road tyres), Hybrid (road tyres), eBike
Adults 16+ only
-
Social
The Flourish Craft Bakery
from Watford Cycle Hub, WD18 6LB
- Steady
- 8.3 miles
- 2 hr
The ride route to Flourish Craft Bakery - (who have been winners of the Hertfordshire Food & Drink Award for…
Read more about this ride
The ride route to Flourish Craft Bakery - (who have been winners of the Hertfordshire Food & Drink Award for Best Artisan Bakers) - takes us out along the Ebury & Abbey Way, then winds up through quiet suburban streets to reach this hidden gem it’s a joy to discover! 🙂
This will be a laid back ride with time to enjoy what this local cafe at the craft bakery has to offer....Check out their webpage and/or Facebook page! 🙂
https://www.flourishbakery.com/
https://www.facebook.com/FlourishCraftBakery/
This route is great for families with children who can use their gears and want to ride a bit further . It's also a great route for anybody who wants a gentle ride, with fab food and time for a chat.
Please bring a spare inner tube in case of a puncture - as it's easier to change an inner tube than repair a puncture. Watford Cycle Hub sell inner tubes from £4.50 new should you need to purchase one.
Please check your bike is in good working order before the ride - especially that your brakes are working & your tyres are pumped and wear clothing suitable for the weather conditions and perhaps a backpack so you can put on or take off layers as needed. Also bring some money for our cafe stop if you would like to buy a drink, snack or light lunch.
Watford Cycle Hub can check over your bike and we can pump up your tyres for you if you come in good time before the ride. If your bike might need a little more TLC or hasn't been ridden for a while, you can always bring it in for a free assessment. Watford Cycle Hub are a Not-For-Profit, Community Enterprise and promise to give you an honest price if your bike needs fixing, fine tuning or a full service. 🙂
We look forward to riding with you. 🙂
Route rating
0 stars
(0) Reviews
We especially welcome newbies!Meeting point
Watford Cycle Hub,
The Pavilion,
Chaffinch Lane (off Tolpits Lane),
Watford, WD18 9QD
Tel. 01923 223994
Free Car Parking,
Toilets,
Use of Track Pump for Tyres
Access to Drinking Water to Fill Water Bottles
& Indoor Social Area
Please arrive at 9.45am, to be ready to leave at 10.00am.
If you are running late or cannot attend on the day, please call and let us know on 01923 223994.
Website: http://www.watfordcyclehub.org.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WatfordCycleHub
For notice of our upcoming rides join our Watford Cycle Hub Rides Group! 🙂
https://www.letsride.co.uk/groups/watford-cycle-hub-social-ridesSuitable bikes
Mountain Bike, Hybrid (off road tyres), Hybrid (road tyres), Road, eBike
Children aged 8-15*, Children aged 11-15*, Adults 16+ only, Children aged 5-15*
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Social
Flying Without Wings, Steady+, Pace Average 8-10 Mph
from Watford Cycle Hub, WD18 6LB
- Steady
- 16.8 miles
- 2 hr 30 mins
Starting from Watford Cycle Hub, this Steady Plus route takes in quiet cycle paths and country lanes to a lovely…
Read more about this ride
Starting from Watford Cycle Hub, this Steady Plus route takes in quiet cycle paths and country lanes to a lovely airfield at Elstree. Here we take a break at the on-site cafe to refuel and perhaps watch some take-offs! This route has a couple of gentle hills and just under 100m of climbing in total - so is a good ride for anyone who wants a route which is mainly flat, with a little hill practice. There is also a short section on a busier road, so again, good if you want a mainly traffic-free route, with a little road practice in the safety of a group. As a Steady Plus category ride, the aim is to help everyone round the route without pace pressure, the pace average over the route will be around 8-10 mph.
The section up towards Wall Hall can get a bit muddy and there's a few potholes. This route is 'do-able' on a road bike but it's at your discretion...This is a good route for hybrid riders and the mountain bikers will get round just fine too.
Please bring a spare inner tube in case of a puncture - as it's easier to change an inner tube than repair a puncture. Watford Cycle Hub sell inner tubes from £4.50 new should you need to purchase one.
Please check your bike is in good working order before the ride - especially that your brakes are working & your tyres are pumped and wear clothing suitable for the weather conditions and perhaps a backpack so you can put on or take off layers as needed. Also bring some money for our cafe stop if you would like to buy a drink, snack or light lunch.
Watford Cycle Hub can check over your bike and we can pump up your tyres for you if you come in good time before the ride. If your bike might need a little more TLC or hasn't been ridden for a while, you can always bring it in for a free assessment. Watford Cycle Hub are a Not-For-Profit, Community Enterprise and promise to give you an honest price if your bike needs fixing, fine tuning or a full service. 🙂
We look forward to riding with you. 🙂
Route rating
0 stars
(0) Reviews
We never leave anyone behindMeeting point
Watford Cycle Hub,
The Pavilion,
Chaffinch Lane (off Tolpits Lane),
Watford, WD18 9QD
Tel. 01923 223994
Free Car Parking,
Toilets,
Use of Track Pump for Tyres
Access to Drinking Water to Fill Water Bottles
& Indoor Social Area
Please arrive at 9.45am, to be ready to leave at 10.00am.
If you are running late or cannot attend on the day, please call and let us know on 01923 223994.
Website: http://www.watfordcyclehub.org.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WatfordCycleHub
For notice of our upcoming rides join our Watford Cycle Hub Rides Group! 🙂
https://www.letsride.co.uk/groups/watford-cycle-hub-social-ridesSuitable bikes
Mountain Bike, Hybrid (off road tyres), Hybrid (road tyres), Road, eBike
Children aged 8-15*, Children aged 11-15*, Adults 16+ only
-
Breeze, women only
WCH Breeze Easy Ebury Way
from Watford Cycle Hub, WD18 9QD
- Easygoing
- 5 miles
- 1 hr 30 mins
Perhaps you’ve not ridden a bike for a while and you’re looking for the easiest way to get back in…
Read more about this ride
Perhaps you’ve not ridden a bike for a while and you’re looking for the easiest way to get back in the saddle?
Or you've just learnt and want to practice your skills Ride Easy is about building confidence for all abilities and ages in a relaxed, traffic-free, gentle environment.
The Ebury Way follows the route of a disused railway track through trees, passing near gravel lakes, rivers and over the Grand Union Canal. A lovely gentle ride, ideal for people new to cycling.
You can contact the leader directly via the ‘Message Ride Creator’ tab in the ride posting on let’s ride unless you have their direct contact details already. “
Route rating
4.5 stars
(8) ReviewsMeeting point
Watford Cycle Hub, Chaffinch Lane, Tolpits Lane, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 9QD
Plenty of free parking and access to toilets
There is a Beryl bike bay next to the Cycle Hub for those who need to hire a bikeSuitable bikes
Mountain Bike, Hybrid (off road tyres), Hybrid (road tyres), eBike
Adults 16+ only
-
Breeze, women only
WCH Breeze Christmas Jingle
from Watford Cycle Hub, WD18 9QD
- Easygoing
- 6 miles
- 2 hr
Starting from Watford Cycle Hub we'll cycle around the Green Loop and back to Watford Cycle Hub for seasonal refresments
Read more about this ride
Meeting point
WD18 9QD Watford Cycle Hub
Lots of free parking, access to toilets and track pump plus free water battle refill.
Please festively decorate yourself and your bike...tinsel and lightsSuitable bikes
Mountain Bike, Hybrid (off road tyres), Hybrid (road tyres), eBike
Adults 16+ only
Rides are free and booked through British Cycling's Let's Ride. You'll need a free Let's Ride account to sign up. Places left are correct as of our last check and may have changed.
How to find and sign up to other rides:
You can find all Free British Cycling rides on https://letsride.co.uk/.
Search by your own postcode or local town. Then filter by date, distance or type of ride.