My Favourite Cycling Routes: Kevin Whitlock
Kevin Whitlock leading a Hub Velo CC Latte ride this year
Few people (or GPS trackers for that matter) can claim to have a stronger knowledge of the best places to cycle in Essex than our Vice Chairman, Kevin Whitlock.
One of the Hub Velo CC originals, Kevin is ever present on Saturday club rides, whether he is guiding newcomers to Moreton, or setting the pace up front in our Flat White group.
In a new series on this website, we explore our members favourite places to ride. To kick things off, we asked Kevin to pick out some of his top routes to build up the miles, get stronger at climbing, as well as finding somewhere different to shake up your routine. Over to you, Kev.
Photo by @andydonohoephoto
The best scenery for every season
I created this route recently. Navestock Heath is a lovely little hamlet, compromising of several beautiful lanes that we normally cycle through on club rides. I made it the feature of this ride as it’s a great place to see the seasons change throughout the year.
https://www.strava.com/routes/2883037775409204928
Climbing practice
There’s only one way to get better at hill climbs - climb more hills! This shorter, looping route around High Beach and Upshire takes you up most of High Beach’s finest climbs without going up the same one twice. A short route with 2300ft (700m) of elevation.
https://www.strava.com/routes/18791837
Winter Training
The big brother of the High Breach Hilly Thang for that little extra leg pain. This version crosses over to Theydon Bois for additional altitude gain. What more could you need in your winter training plan!
Photo by @andydonohoephoto
Hitting the 100km mark
My go to route for a 100km Essex ride. I love the lanes from Fyfield over to Writtle. This one also includes the Vipers, and great lanes back to Navestock. You can make an optional stop at the Hanging Gardens on the A414 Writtle roundabout for something to eat (padlock required).
https://www.strava.com/routes/2895052449409587130
A personal favourite
There are so many ways to get to Hatfield Heath, but I love the style of this route (yes I do lay in bed planning routes in my head) and how you criss-cross between the beautiful lanes around Moreton up to Matching. If you fancy a delicious slice of cake, or a sandwich then there’s a great spot at the very top of the route!
Photo by @andydonohoephoto
Going off the grid
I know Epping Forest very well after growing up in Chingford. I tend to ride the forest as it comes, or how I’m feeling, but it’s not very accommodating all year round. Cycling to Dobbs Weir, up the River Lee, is one of my favourites. You don’t need a CX or gravel bike. It can be done on anything really (just don’t use new tyres). It is such an accessible route for anyone to ride, and has great cafes and pubs along the way. You may get a little muddy, and good bike handling skills will be required at points along the way, but it’s right on our doorstep!!!! P.s. don’t fall in!
https://www.strava.com/routes/2895400828294011158
I hope you enjoy these routes as much as I do. So, download a route and go explore!
Thanks,
Kev
