The Introductory Orange Llama Loop [66km / 660m elevation]

One of our core rides, this ride is named after Christian Spencer Davies and a firm favourite for Sunday morning heading north into Hertfordshire. It’s ideal if you have a few hours and / or are new to club riding after the group skills. The route climbs out from the fields to Highgate and heads out into Whetstone and Totteridge for the first three climbs of the day. As we escape the city, you’ll get into the country lanes around Radlett and Shenley with options to stop for a break at the Shenley Country Park (34km) or the Brookmans (42km). On the return leg, see if the llamas are in residence at the veterinary college and after Potters Bar, there’s a chance to practice a chain gang / pace line heading back into Chipping Barnet and returning back into town.

On a Sunday club ride, the pace usually averages out at 20-22km/h, with a max speed on the chain gang of anywhere from 24-28km/h depending on the group. More often than not, the Sunday rides will stop for a post ride debrief at one of the cycle friendly pubs in Highgate (The Woodman, The Gatehouse at 60km). And in case of emergency, there’s the opportunity to head back into town on the Great Northern Rail line.