The Pearson community share a love for cycling by posting tried and tested rides for others to enjoy. Below is list of some of our favourites. They all link through to the Strava app for easy access, and we have added some basic ride details to help you choose what's right for you. For future automatic alerts don't forget to follow Pearson 1860 on Strava.

If you've got some hidden gems you want to share with the Pearson community send the Strava link to care@pearson1860.co.uk for your chance to be featured in our newsletter.

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      Leith Hill-Brighton-Leith Hill

      A suitably epic gravel ride for the longest Saturday of the year. Ride from the base of Leith Hill down to the coast and back through the South Downs & Surrey Hills.
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      Swinley Forest Gravel

       Swinley forest is better known for its mountain biking rather than gravel, but nestled away in this forest west of London there is an expansive network of forest trails waiting to be explored. 
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      PICO DE LAS NIEVES- GRAND CANARIA

      Since when has the UK been so cold? Trying to put distance under your belt is tough at the moment, and there are only so many indoor sessions you can tolerate.   This route takes you to the sunny paradise of the Grand Canaria. Often overlooked, it provides stunning scenery and fantastic rides.
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      Lady Marmolada

      Everyone has heard of the Maratona, a 140k epic sportive starting and finishing in the mountain village of Corvara, in the heart of the Dolomites.
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      TO THE OLD CAPITAL

      A journey from the current capital to Winchester, which was the capital of England under Alfred the Great. This road ride promises to take you through some lesser-known Surrey and Hampshire roads. Ride past Hampton Estate Hops gardens, the last commercial hop gardens in Surrey. Be ready for some punchy climbs before hitting your final destination.
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      POCKETS OF GREEN

      Cycle through some of London's greenest spaces this summer. Laced with many an opportunity for a picnic in the park, this route sees you through the grandest, Richmond, Bushy, Hyde and Regents, before heading back to the Pearson shop in Sheen for afternoon tea.
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      Autumn in the city

      The perfect autumnal route taking in all of London's beautiful parks so you can witness the city as it changes colour.
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      BRAILSFORD WAY (Ffordd Brailsford)

      The Brailsford Way (Ffordd Brailsford) is made up of two routes paying tribute to the local legend David Brailsford who grew up in Snowdonia. This route is the 75-mile (125km) ride. It takes you through the UNESCO World Heritage site of Caernarfon Castle to the mountains of Snowdonia National Park, which is truly breathtaking.
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      River Lea Gravel

      The banks of the River Lea in East London are stoked in history. Paths that were once used by horses to pull supply barges in and out of London have now become an urban oasis for cyclists.
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      Komoot Women's gravel series 2023

      Seeing this route laid out in front of you really gives you an appreciation of the mileage and terrain covered by the women taking part in the Komoot rally series. This route is certainly bucket list worthy and features some .
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      CHILTERN AND RIDGEWAY LOOP

      GRAVEL 58KM 700M Ride Type Distance Elevation Gain   Starting and ending in Henley-on-Thames, this ride explores some of the highlights of the Chiltern Hills. Taking in the Judges Ride circular route and The Ridgeway Trail, this is a gravel ride with stunning surroundings. A perfect escape from the city for a day to enjoy the countryside. GO TO STRAVA RIDEGO TO KOMOOT RIDE...
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      A SALUTE TO THE BAKEWELL TART

      Starting and ending in Bakewell cycle past the picturesque Ladybower reservoir in the peak district. This route then takes you along the sunning snake pass one of Britain's most scenic routes famous for its exceptional scenery.
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      Testing Testing

      GRAVEL 32.12KM 530M Ride Type Distance Elevation Gain   The ideal test track for a gravel bike. A mix of on and off road sections to understand true capability. Winding towpath section along the Thames, leads into Richmond Park for a gravel climb, across to Wimbledon Common for more technical sections with faster flat compact gravel. Onto Putney Heath and a quick loose descent,...
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      INSIDE OUT AUTUMN ROUTE

      GRAVEL 66 KM 112M Ride Type Distance Elevation Gain   The Autumn Inside Out route promises to introduce even the most experienced navigators to a ride that spans lesser know paths and tracks heading south out of London. It consists of a mixture of passable off-road and gravel tracks, interspersed by quieter roads to link to one another.  GO TO STRAVA RIDE GO TO KOMOOT...
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      Holkham and Stiffkey stores

      Taking in the twisting roads and beautiful Norfolk countryside this is a great route to, ironically, unwind on. Follow the coastal road, taking in one of the UK's best beaches at Holkham, with sand for miles, it's a must-see. The Norfolk flatlands make for relaxing riding, note to self, stop at Stiffkey Stores for well-earned coffee and cake.
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      Bolton Abbey Loop

      ROAD 96.0KM 1,380M  Ride Type Distance Elevation Gain Starting and ending at Bolton Abbey this ride takes you through the twisting lanes of the Yorkshire Dales. Make sure you have a stop off at Malham Cove and take in the striking landscape. If you have time make sure to walk across the famous stepping stones at Bolton Abbey.  GO TO STRAVA RIDE GO TO KOMOOT...
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      Elan Valley Reservoirs

      GRAVEL 80 KM 1200M Ride Type Distance Elevation Gain Starting and ending in the quaint Welsh town Rhayader this gravel loop explores sections of the Trans Cambrian Way taking you along the breathtaking Elan Valley Reservoirs.  GO TO STRAVA RIDE GO TO KOMOOT RIDE
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      Olympic Nostalgia 10 YEARS ON

      The 2012 Olympic Road Race route cuts through central London to cross the River Thames at Putney Bridge. Take on the famous Box Hill,  and enjoy the breathtaking views.
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      TOUR DE FEMMES STAGE 7: SÉLESTAT>LE MARKSTEIN FELLERING

      Not for the faint of heart, the first of the big mountain days for Les Femmes. The peloton will head up Le Petit Ballon 9.3km climb averaging 8%, followed by a slightly steeper 7.1km of Le Col du Platzerwase at 8.3%. The 127km route finishes in Le Markstein after a final13.5km climb up Le Grand Ballon. No sweat!
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      SUNNY SURREY BEACH

      This gravel loop takes you along part of the King Alfred's Way, through the scenic Devil's Punchbowl, and finally to a 'beach' in the heart of Surrey. Be sure to take a dip in Frensham Great Pond before heading home.
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      The Old Man of Coniston

      This punchy loop starts and ends in Ambleside. Taking you along part of Lake Windermere and Coniston. Have your camera at the ready to take in the spectacular views and the old man of Coniston who you won't be able to miss.
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      Lake Annecy- Le Semnoz+ Col de le Forclaz

      Starting and ending in Annecy this ride promises outstanding mountain and lake views. On your ride keep an eye out for a lovely café called La Baratte in Leschaux for a coffee and a slice of cake. With almost 2000m of elevation this punch ride is sure to prompt a post cycle dip in Lake Annecy.
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      ALPE D'HUEZ STAGE 12

      The tackling of the Alpe d'Huez is a firm favourite of many, to watch and to cycle. The 2022 Tour de France's showcase stage is a repeat of the 1986 Alpe d'Huez stage. Thuis route consists of two major climbes, the Col de la Croix de Fer (29km, 5.2%) and, of course, the Alpe d'Huez (13.8 km, 8.1%).
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      Lake Como Circuit

      Starting in Menaggio follow the lake road to enjoy beautiful views of Lake Como, and idle through the quaint villages along the way. Take in Lake Lugano on the Italian Swiss border before tackling the main event of this ride, the Passo della Cava, 11km long with an average gradient of 8.4% plus an 11% sting in the tail before the summit.  Rejoice and refuel at a wonderful hilltop...
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      DUCHENNE DASH - LONDON TO PARIS IN 24HRS

      This London to Paris in 24 hours ride is in support of the wonderful charity Duchenne UK and will be taking place this weekend. Riders set off on Friday the 10th of June and will be crossing the finish line on the 11th of June. Departing from the iconic Herne Hill Velodrome riders will be heading over some punchy hills as they make their way...
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      LANDS END LOOP

      This punchy cornish loop starts and ends in Penzance. This route will take you along the famous cornish coastline. Take a picture at the famous Land's End signpost and pedal through many a quaint village such as Mousehole, Porthcurno, St Just and St Ives, where you are more than likely to find many a famous cornish pastie. 
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      FROM PALACE TO CASTLE

      Celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubliee with a Buckingham Palace to Windsor Castle ride. Starting at Buckingham Palace the route takes you through Richmond Park, pedal through the tranquil Surrey countryside to the majestic Windsor Great Park. The return leg is shorter and faster, so you'll be home in time for your Jubilee celebration feast. Pop into the Pearson shop and say hi on your way past - we're...
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      WINDERMERE WANDER

      Cycle around the famous Lake Windermere in the picturesque Lake District. A route that is best done in the morning or later evening as this tourist haven can be busy throughout the summer.
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      HEAR THEM RINGING

      This May route explores the blankets of Bluebells covering the Surrey Hills. Starting at Newlands corner, head out along the North Downs Way before dropping into Shere for a highly recommended coffee stop at the Dabbling Duck. Continue to Albury before heading up a sandy climb to St Martha's Church (which has one of the best views of Surrey). Hurry to Chantry Woods to catch a seasonal show...
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      LOOKING BACK ON PARIS ROUBAIX

      The famous Paris - Roubaix race, known as 'The Hell of the North". Originally, the race was from Paris to Roubaix, in 1977 the start moved to Compiègne, 80km north. From Compiègne the route now follows a grueling and winding 258km route north to Roubaix, hitting the first cobbles after 100km. During the last 150km the cobbles extend more than 50 km. 
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      To Brighton off road - To London on road

      Jack Buxton: "I decided to ride to Brighton in the sunshine and since it was so nice, decided to ride back. Starting from Pearson HQ I nipped through the park, and followed the first 30km of our Inside Out route but carried on along the Wey Navigation, eventually turning off just after Guildford and on to the Downs Link..."
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      SURREY HILLS GRAVEL

      Taking in the best challenging gravel in the Surrey Hills, this route by Mark James is one for the list. Although quite muddy in the winter this route promises outstanding gravel riding when the tracks dry out.
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      EUAN'S ROUTE: THE HUB

      This is a short hilly route created by Backstedt team member Euan Woodliffe that takes in the Chiltern Hills. It starts and ends at a great cafe called the Hub and also has a cafe along the way in Aldbury, which is a great place to refuel and rest the legs if needs be. There are great views on the top of the two...
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      RIDE THE NEW FOREST

      Starting and ending in Lydnthurst, in the New Forest National Park, this route takes you through constantly changing landscapes. You will follow a section of the Fritham off-road cycle trail, before heading along abandoned railway tracks, over quaint brooks and into open plains. This route takes you past many a watering hole and some great scenic points where you will want to stop and...
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      Urban Skirmish II

      This route takes you out across Hammersmith Bridge and along the cycle superhighway through Kensington.
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      STRADE BIANCHE GRAN FONDO

      The Strade Bianche Grand Fondo route is 142.5km of undulating and twisting roads with punchy hills and breathtaking Italian landscapes. There is roughly 55 km of gravel roads (38.4% of the total race route) with a roadbed in good conditions, well-packed ground with no grass invasion, and a little gravel sprinkled on the surface.
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      Brecon Beacon Banger

      ROAD 152KM 2270M Ride Type Distance Elevation Gain  Image by Timmo - Komoot The ultimate Brecon Beacon challenge to test the legs while taking in the gorgeous Welsh scenery. A combination of challenging climbs and distance. Starting and ending in Cardiff this route heads out into the Brecon Beacons National Park, around Craig Cerrig-gleisiad and Fan Frynych National Nature Reserve before heading back via Talybon and Pontsticill...
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      HIGH ROADS AND LOW ROADS

      GRAVEL 30KM 260M Ride Type Distance Elevation Gain Starting and ending in Princess Street, beneath the gaze of Edinburgh Castle, this loop promises to reveal the city's magnificence, the coast and a circle of Holyrood Park - the seat of good old Arthur. Heading through the quaint Dean Village you will join Blackhall Path, previously a railway line to the coast. Once you have...
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      CANTERBURY COASTAL CANTER

      Escape the city for the perfect day out along the coast of Kent. Starting in Canterbury you make your way to Whitstable along the Crab and Wrinkle Way. From Whistable you follow The Oyster Trail which is a scenic ride along the coast through Herne Bay to Reculver. Our route then continues along the coast to Ramsgate before heading inland back towards Canterbury along...
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      FINISH WITH A BATH

      Escape from the hustle and bustle of London to the ancient city of Bath and recover with a dip in a bath. Not the original Roman version, but you can book into the Thermae Bath Spa, a real treat after a 174km ride - you may very well need it.  Stay the night and ride back the next day, if you're brave enough. Or take the...
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      LOVELACE BRIDGES LOOP

      GRAVEL 28.5KM 320M Ride Type Distance Elevation Gain The Surrey Hills have many a hidden gem, recently our colleague Jess went exploring and found the Lovelace bridges. Back in 1860 (a favourite year for us) Lord Lovelace, an enthusiastic forester, had tracks constructed with gentle inclines to facilitate the transport of timber in the very hilly woods to the south of Horsley Towers. This...
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      The Hardest Hundred: Surrey/Kent.

      Ride one of the toughest routes in the South East - take on 13 major climbs (including 8 in the Top 100 climbs) in Surrey & Kent.
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      Finding Common Ground

      Ride out to explore Wisley, Ockham, Oxchott and Esher Commons - crossing the abandoned runway at Wisley Airfield.
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      Race to Royal Regatta.

      This route takes you out of London and into the gorgeous countrysides of Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
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      There's Gold In Them There Hills.

      This route takes in the best gravel tracks and gorgeous views that Surrey has to offer from Leith Hill, Newlands Corner, and more.
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      Pedal Into Christmas

      It's the most wonderful ride of the year. The London Christmas lights are one of a kind, this Pearson route starts at Westminster and takes you past the best displays that our capital has to offer.
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      COP26 Pearson to Glasgow

      Inspired by the many people who cycled to COP26 from all over the country, we have created a six day tour starting at the Pearson shop in East Sheen and ending in Glasgow.
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      A Whole New Weald

      The Weald /ˈwiːld/ is an area of South East England between the parallel chalk escarpments of the North and the South Downs. 
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      In And Out Of The Big Smoke

      Starting at Tower Hill and ending at the Pearson Cycles shop, this 30km route promises to highlight some of the best sightseeing that London has to offer.
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      Two Days Up North

      The plan was to ride to Edinburgh in two days, through the heart of the Lakes and then north through the Borders.
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      Puncheur 2021

      The challenge of Puncheur is not a long list of nasty climbs, neither is it mega-endurance. The challenge is to keep up a good tempo along rolling roads over 62 miles and to keep your rhythm up and over the short climbs and drags.
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      Palace to Palace

      A London to Windsor ride is perfect loop for winter training. It is long, flat and doesn't take you down tiny lanes, so you can accumulate base miles at maximum speed.
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      From City To Sandy Shores

      Make the most of the sunshine and enjoy a jaunt to the beach. Starting from the Pearson shop, in East Sheen, this road route takes you through Esher, Guildford and Midhurst to the sandy shores of West Wittering. 
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      Lee Valley Velopark Road Circuit

      Lee Valley VeloPark’s one mile floodlit road circuit is cycling's very own premium road in the heart of East London.
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      Sportive Breaks: The South Down Beast

      A challenging late season ride that packs in plenty of ups and downs as we ride through the South Downs National Park.
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      The South Downs Way

      The 100-mile ancient road (now, technically, off-road) runs from Winchester to Eastbourne, wending its way through wheatfields and across chalk downland. 
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      Urban Skirmish III

      Starting and finishing at London Waterloo station, this trip takes you across Lambeth Bridge to Parliament Square and to the Royal Loop of St. James' Palace and Buckingham Palace.
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      To Brighton!

      A quick route to Brighton via Ditchling Beacon. Taking in the North and South Downs climbs, this ride is varied with rolling, lumpy and fast sections.
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      A Trail of Two Cities

      A virtually entirely off-road route to the coast. Leave London and follow the Thames to Weybridge, along the Wey Navigation to Guildford.
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      Weare Street

      The ancient road of Weare Street near Ockley is a beautiful and tranquil highlight to this flowing ride through Surrey.
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      She Bangs The 'drons

      This is a wonderful ride starting in South Manchester and heading into the Peak District to see the rhododendrons, quiet lanes, lovely scenery.
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      To Kings Langley!

      This route follows the towpath through some of the shadier areas of North London. Pick your way between fisherman and walkers past Watford to Kings Langley - beyond even the reach of the Tube.
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      Pearson's Rutland Classic

      A lovely 3-hour road ride from Cafe Ventoux, a well-known cycling Cafe in Leicestershire
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      Wighty-Tighty Lefty-Loosey

      This route takes you out to the Wild West Wight. These trails offer breath-taking views and lung-busting climbs, paired with coastal cycle paths and scenic Island villages.
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      For Queen And Country!

      Follow a James Bond themed ride - along the River Thames, through Staines, to Pinewood studios.
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      Shere Drop

      The route is a challenging scenic loop through Surrey.
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      Puiggy in the Middle Mallorca

      A gem starting in the winding Balearic country lanes, rising to sweet-smelling Pine forest climbs and on to the smooth roads up to the highest point of the island, the famous Puig Major climb.
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      Friendly Fire!

      Ride the Basingstoke canal to Deepcut - skirting the edge of the army training grounds - watch out for friendly fire!
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      Magical Morocco

      For a lesser known cycling destination, with wild hills and views to take your breath away (literally), head to Morocco. Offering some on the world's most staggering beauty and unspoilt routes.
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      Blockhaus

      This week's aspirational ride means heading over to Italy to take on the Blockhaus; a climb steeped in cycling history, first tackled in the Giro d'Italia back in 1967.
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      Le Razzamatazz

      Le Razzamatazz takes in a few of the lesser-known and slightly more gentle climbs in the spectacular Vallée Verte.
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      Decembergs

      We have two routes to help you burn off that Christmas pud and keep your legs turning as we tick into the new year.
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      The Bartlett

      An on and off-road route starting and ending in Beddington-Park, designed by legendary Pearson cyclo cross pro Tony Bartlett
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      The Hills Are Alive...

      This route is designed and tested by Pearson 1860 sponsored rider Mattie Dodd. When planning the route he wanted to include as many of the big climbs of the South Downs as he could. The result is over 150 kilometres and 2000 metres of climbing.
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      Glorious Gravel

      The Surrey Hills but not as you know it. Starting from Cranleigh we tour the Winterfold Woods and the Hurtwood, the home of Mountain Biking south of London.
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      Planespotting

      Interesting route out of London via Hillingdon. Busy roads at times, so aim to go out early and avoid the traffic.
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      Sent to the Tower!

      A mix of gravel and road on the way to Leith Hill Tower via Redlands woods. The tower offers one of the most iconic views in Surrey.
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      Say Cheese!

      A route with plenty of elevation as you head out through the "sticks" to Cheddar Gorge.
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      Fens and White Elephants

      This route sets off along the River Cam and Lode Way towards Ely - cross nature reserves and bird reserves on a well-marked National Cycleway.
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      Are you being Observed? - A Northern Classic

      The route starts and finishes in the Altrincham area of South Manchester and takes in some of Cheshire's nicest lanes and villages. 
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      Industrial Revolutions

      Starting and finishing at the Bath Railway station, this route takes on the National cycleways, abandoned railways and canals of the industrial revolution from Bath towards Bristol and up to the market town of Chipping Sodbury.
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      Tour de Avoriaz

      Amazing Alpine vistas from every angle, climb the hairpins to Les Lindarets ‘goat village’ and through the pine forest to the spectacle of 1960s Le Corbusier influenced architecture of Avoriaz. 
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      Los Dos Monasterios

      This epic route is a real test of climbing and endurance. Crossing the middle of the island, the route takes in the climbs, El puig de Sant Salvador and Puig de Randa to Santuari de Cura.
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      The Dirty Winza (Editors Cut).

      A beauty of a mainly off-road route (with the odd road stretch) out along the Thames via Weybridge and Basingstoke canal to Deepcut.
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      What have the Romans ever done for us?

      This route sets off through Wimbledon Common, along the Hogsmeade River to Epsom Common. Follow the Roman road down to Box Hill, then across towards Ranmore where you join the bridleway along the bottom of the North Downs.
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      Life On Mars

      This ride takes its name from a Strava section on the route, called Life on Mars. Quite apt we thought when the world feels like a slightly alien environment. 
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      Thames Pathfinder

      From Pearson Performance Sheen, 50km through Richmond Park, Wimbledon Common, Thames Tow Path, Bushy Park and back through Richmond. Almost entirely off-road!
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      Pearson Inside Out Gravel Series

      GRAVEL 52KM 337M Ride Type Distance Elevation Gain     The route promises to introduce even the most experienced navigators to a ride which spans lesser know paths and tracks across SW London. A mixture of passable off-road and gravel tracks, interspersed by quieter roads to link to one another. The 52km route (42km gravel), leaves Pearson Sheen store SW14 8AG where plentiful coffee...