okay I'm starting to get the hang of the road bike now, just done ride #2, to Richmond Park for a couple of laps and home again (Upper Norwood) was about 33.5 miles and I survived and can still walk and stand upright (although the bike still isn't totally comfy/I'm not used to it). Before I join a local club ride I need more practice, can anybody suggest some nice places to ride? Richmond park was ace today, but is there anywhere else like that or with quiet roads. Still want to keep it shortish and get used to the bike in stages, so I'm after 40 mile rides for now. North downs will be in the future longer rides category.
Surrey and Kent lanes round Biggin Hill/Caterham. Some good hills for strength too.
Just join Dulwich Paragon Saturday morning social rides - sensible pace - will get you fitter quicker than doing it on your own. There are other groups for when you feel stronger.
Riding with them is the best way to get to know the roads and routes
It's not fitness that I need, I have that largely (I commute/cycle about 120 miles a week on a single speed mtb). I just haven't had a road bike in nearly 20 years and need to get used to riding it or I'll cause a crash in a group! I should be okay to do the paragon Saturday ride pretty soon though I hope.
just checking the map...I can see a 'kin steep climb at Woldingham 😯
as above, join a dulwich paragon or addiscombe cc ride, they're both used to newbs or inexperienced riders.
seriously steep climbs south of croydon include chalk pit lane and succombs hill. plenty around!
I could be glad of the triple after all 😀