Lee Valley velopark, road circuit.

[Ian193]

I've not ridden the velopark track yet but have raced on the cyclopark one last year I like the fact you can ride round without having to worry about traffic

 

[jefmcg]

You are obviously a bit closer than me

Derek

I'm closer than most people in the world, even in the UK. About 25km, I think. Nearish to @Cuchilo, I think, so comparable there.

Depends what bike/wheels you want to use on the track . From memory the route from mine to there was along a few canal tow paths .

Yeah, no. I wouldn't use tow paths. Probably one of my normal routes to to Central London (via H'smith Gyratory) and then out the other side on CS2 or 3.

From Richmond Park you could actually get the overground directly to Stratford, Bikes no problem on these trains outside rush hour I think.

I've rarely used the overground since an incident many years ago (they have replaced all the rolling stock since then). I used to use it regularly for filial duty and once, while waiting at Hackney Wick, I carelessly remarked to my partner "Wow, a day in Hackney and I am not depressed!" (that's not about the suburb, but about my reason for being there). Anyway, the gods responded to my hubris by cancelling the next train and causing the following one to run so slowly that I can actually sympathise with the grandma who helped her two year-old grandson down with his trousers so he could urinate on my shoes - without even a "sorry" to me. That incident may mark the moment I became a cyclist as opposed to a person who cycles or drives or users public transport as suits.

 

[toontra]

Things have changed a lot since those days. Hackney is now "desirable" (i.e. expensive) and the area east of Eastway is totally unrecognisable. It was a real eye-opener riding around there just to see how much development has happened and is still in progress.

 

[Paul139]

Had another ride round a couple of weeks ago after being off the bike for a while, and was surprised how much the small rises in the track took it out of me. Shows how unfit I`ve become.

 

[Dogtrousers]

I paid a visit to it today. I was planning on spending an hour or more there, but had a bit of a lie in and had a lot of trouble finding the place so I only had 40 minutes.

First of all you have to find the velodrome. I've been there before, but on foot. The olympic park is a huge wasteland of new roads and paths and no signs. Give yourself extra time for this.

Eventually, once you've found it you need the entrance on the South side of the velodrome, where there is a desk where you pay your £5 and get a wristband. Then you come out of the door, turn immediately left and go through another door which leads to a covered walkway. This wasn't very well explained to me so I wasted yet more time riding around looking for the entrance to the track.

As it turned out 40 minutes zooming round the track which has a bit of a rise in it was quite a tiring session, so I was glad of the excuse to leave at 11 as I had an appointment in North London.

I then rode to my appointment, reminding myself why I dislike riding in town, especially North of the river.

 

[Paul139]

You're right @Dogtrousers it is a bit of a faff to find if you don't know the area. I live in north Essex,so catch the train to Stratford. You would expect there to be some signs for the velodrome when you come out of the station but, unless I missed them there aren't any. As you say although the track can't be described as hilly the small rise and falls of the track do give you a pretty good workout.

 

[J1888]

Is there a limit on time you can spend there?

 

[Paul139]

Is there a limit on time you can spend there?

None at all. Just check their website to make sure the track is open. Sometimes they close it for events or maintainance. No need to pre book, turn up on the day,pay your money and stay all day if you wish.

 

[J1888]

None at all. Just check their website to make sure the track is open. Sometimes they close it for events or maintainance. No need to pre book, turn up on the day,pay your money and stay all day if you wish.

Thanks - will give it a go, wanted to head over today but it's quite miserable!

 

[vickster]

Is there a limit on time you can spend there?

They have specific sessions at some times. E.g. Women only

 

[J1888]

They have specific sessions at some times. E.g. Women only

Thanks - shall check the roster!

 

[Dogtrousers]

Is there a limit on time you can spend there?

If you look at the timetable here you'll see it doesn't appear to be open all day every day. For example weekdays it seems often to be open 0900-2100 but Saturdays are often split 0900-1300 and 1600-2100.

 

[toffee]

We were actually thinking of going down to the park on Friday. However rather than just going for the park we were thinking of parking a bit further away and cycling to the park.

Anyone know of a suitable place to park and a route in from the north that is not too onerous on 25mm tyres. About 30 to 40 minutes way would be good.