kurtp13

Posted in UK section originally but thought I might find more input here.

So it's not a full tour... but I will be in unknown territory to me.

I have a work trip coming up in mid-September and haven’t traveled to the UK before. I am adding on a long weekend and think using the Bike hire system would be the best way for me to see the city. I don’t want to look at concrete walls inside the tube if I can avoid it. I live in the Wash DC area and have used the bike share system here which I think is similar with regard to fare structure. I wish I could get the access key for the Barclay system but it appears I will just have a bit slower checkout using a credit card.

I see on line there are bike route maps available to UK residents. https://www.tfl.gov.uk/modes/cycling/routes-and-maps

Will these be available somewhere when I arrive?
Is there a location that I can count on to find maps?

It appears they are supposed to be available at bicycle shops, but I expect they might be picked over. I will be arriving back in London after a rail trip from north of the city. But I haven’t planned it out well enough to know the details of the trip.


Bikes are a big interest to me particularly old English 3 speeds. And a Brompton bike is in my future. I wish I had one now but that’s not in the cards for the moment. I’m hoping to visit the Brompton Junction store at the very least and perhaps a few bike shops. I expect to be staying in the West End area.

Are there any bike interest locations I could visit?

Is there anything notable in Nottingham commemorating the Raleigh factory?

I’ll be passing through and could adjust my schedule.

Any other suggestions for areas accessible by slow pace bicycle?

Machka 

You can find the maps in bicycle shops or tourist information centres.

And Nottingham is some distance away from London ... not exactly a place you'll cycle to with just a couple days in the UK.


Which airport are you flying into?

kurtp13

Thanks for your response.

I will be traveling back to London from Sheffield by train so I thought I could arrange a stop in Nottingham if there was something to see related to Raleigh history. I assume I am flying in/out of Heathrow in London, tickets not set up yet. I really only plan to ride around on bike share as a typical tourist, not a long journey outside of the city. But some areas seem to be rich in bicycle history, so I thought I might ask folks that share my interests.

I did notice some areas have Brompton Docks (Brompton bike hire stations). Are there bikes really available at these locations or is the offering more of a gimmick?

Machka 

I've been to Nottingham, on a Raleigh, with an avid cyclist and the local CTC group ... but nothing was mentioned about Raleigh history. So I'm not sure what there might be.


As for cycling routes, etc. ... look up Sustrans: Sustrans | Join the movement and the National Cycle Network: National Cycle Network | Sustrans

You might also look up the CTC: The national cycling charity | CTC I've just ridden with one club, but they were a really good group of people. If you're there when a club ride is on, you might be able to organise something. You might also be able to ask them some specific questions.

chasm54

I'm not aware of anything Raleigh-related in Nottingham that would be worth a detour.

I haven't used the Brompton dock system, but it's not a gimmick. There are four docks in London (Archway will be the least inconvenient for where you're staying) and if you register on-line and book in advance I'd think they could pretty much guarantee availability.

MichaelW

London Cycling Campaign
2 Newhams Row
London
SE1 3UZ
Office hours: 
9am-6pm Mon-Fri
info@lcc.org.uk
020 7234 9310

See here for rides.
I'm not aware of anything in Nottingham that would be worth a detour.

kurtp13

Thanks so much. This will help in my planning.

nun

in London I'd visit Herne Hill Velodrome.

Herne Hill Velodrome

kurtp13

That is a cool idea. I just visited Trexlertown velodrome in Pennsylvania on a small event night but I really enjoyed it. Thanks