Planning to ride Richmond Park at 7.00 am on Sun morning with gf, however have discovered London Marathon is on.

Not knowing how London works will this mean that traffic is hideous getting in and no parking or does it mean that everybody will be watching marathon.

Also any tips on other places near Richmond I could take an inexperienced, non confident cyclist – ie traffic free, non technical and any ‘girlie places’ for tea etc.

Thanks

The London marathon doesn’t go within about 8 or 9 miles of Richmond Park. Where are you coming from? as that’ll make the difference to whether the traffic will be an issue.

You could ride along the River. Up to Hammersmith or somewhere. There’ll be plenty of people about, as the weather’s good, but it’ll be car-free. Plenty of places to stop off and eat/drink/relax.

Coming from Berks – can do M4 or M3, was looking at starting Kingston end – open to suggestions.

Thanks

You could try here but you might have left it too late.
Alternatively head out along the river path from Richmond to Kingston and then to Hampton Court, however if the weather’s nice it’ll be rammed and not much fun.

Maybe go to Bushy Park instead – easier to get to from the west and not as busy.
At least there’s nothing on at Twickers (except for the bloody Yardbirds tonight – oh well, might as well sit in the back garden and see what they’re like).

If you’re in Berks, why not try round Windsor Great Park or Virginia Water? Windsor is better, lots of quiet flattish places to ride with very little traffic, probably nothing at that time in the morning. Taught my 5 year old to ride round there so should be ok for your other half.

Come up the M3 onto the A316 and turn right at Richmond. Up the hill, Past the star and Garter and your in.

Is there much riding to be had off-road in the park anyway? There used to be a good little singletrack downhill from Richmond Gate towards Ham Gate. But this is going back 17 years.

Thanks Guys

(have done Maidenhead – Windsor along Thames path, back via flood relief (that bit not recommended) but coming out onto meadow in early morning sun was awesome. The brekkie at hotel in Eaton – which was good.

Parking in Richmond Park – expensive I’m told.
Bushy Park – flat, loads of totty jogging, free carpark.
Park at Bushy Park, ride over Kingston Bridge, follow the Thames as far as you feel like, have a pint, return.
Richmond Park has been made suitable for families – flat paths and no proper off-road riding at the weekend. Weekday nights are different though.

I live right next to Richmond park… 7am in the morning you will be fine!

Still free parking but they are talking of charging soon ;-(

Also not so great for offroad riding..
stay off the main path (dog walkers, joggers you name it) there are some nice singletrack in the centre of the park that criss cross and works its way around a small lake. Nice spot with the GF 😉

Richmond Park will be beautiful at that time in the morning, and not busy.
Parking is free at all the car parks (for the time being at least – the Royal Parks are considering introducing charges); Pembroke Lodge is the closest car park to Richmond Gate (Star and Garter) – enter the park and turn right, the car park is about 300 yard down the road on the right, and they do good tea and cakes.

Officially, you’re supposed to stick to the gravel paths around the park, but you can cut off and go where you like. There’s plenty of twisty tracks through woods in the middle of the park, and they’ll probably be plenty of deer about.

From Robin Hood Gate (SE corner), you can cross the A3 and head in to Wimbledon Common for a bit more exploring.

For local tracks in London (well, local to me), it’s really not bad at all.

Nick