The Essex Way

Sky Ride Local in London

This autumn get out and explore the countryside with the brand new rural off-road routes from Sky Ride Local.  Off-road Ride Steady is mostly traffic free rural bike riding for the family and novice cyclist.  There is barely a metre of tarmac in sight on these rides so come and enjoy the scrunch of gravel and the squelch of mud under your tyres with us!

This is an off-road ride where you can spot a variety of interesting, sometimes rare, birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians as well as bugs and beasties of all kinds. RSPB Rainham Marshes is just a stone's throw from London, easily accessible by public transport, on foot and by bike. Located on ancient marshland nestled beside the river Thames, it really is a special place to enjoy the great outdoors.

The reserve itself offers a leisurely amble in a superb setting with fantastic facilities in the eco-friendly visitor centre with cafe and shop.

A brand new cycle route links the villages of Purfleet and Rainham. This runs beside the reserve, following the Thames, looping round and passing the WW2 concrete barges and the "diver".

Additional Information

Helmets must be worn by all under 18's regardless of ride level.
The minimum age for these rides is 8, there must be no child trailers or child seats, the child capable of riding within the demands of the off-road specification.
Please bring equipment with you to repair punctures, Ride Leaders are there to help but are not responsible for your bike.
All rides leave at the time stated you must arrive early Ride Leaders will not wait.

Location and Route

Meet the Ride Leaders

• Ray Whitehouse I am an avid cyclist and a member of the London Cycling Campaign, Havering Cyclists and the CTC.
  
  I am a Sustrans Active Travel Champion and also a member of the London Waterways Partnership Board.
  
  I am a supporter of Birmingham City football club having been born near the ground and supported them all my life.
  
  I hope that my time as a Sky leader will encourage more people to take up cycling and improve their competence.
• Philip Woolford This is my forth year as a Skyride Leader. I have been a keen leisure cyclist since my daughters learnt to ride their first bikes. More recently I started commuting to work by bike and became interested in the world of competitive cycling, even volunteering as a marshall for the Tour de France. I became a Sky Ride Leader and route planner four years ago – ‘I like to add something different to my rides, a little shortcut or a piece of local history, so that all my participants have a thoroughly good time.’