Windsor and Eton to Maidenhead Thames and Jubilee River - CYCLE RIDE

In conjunction with London Explorers. (https://www.meetup.com/London-Explorers/)

Cycle length 31 miles/50 km approx. Circular. (approx).

This is an enjoyable flat bike ride which is in two parts and covers some very scenic parts of the Thames from Windsor and Eton via Bray to Maidenhead and then also part of the Jubilee River.

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Description

This is a circular ride taking in as well as the Thames path, Dorney Rowing Lake which was the site of some of the 2012 Olympic rowing events, the very beautiful Green Way past a nature reserve and the picturesque village of Bray.

We return on a slightly different route via mainly the Thames path along the river back to Eton and Windsor and then another loop around the Jubilee River. The ride uses a combination of the Thames Path, the Greenway and a number of National Cycle routes.

The Jubilee River is a seven mile man-made flood channel that was contructed in 2002 and runs between Maidenhead and Windsor, it now includes some important wetland areas and has some well surfaced paths ideal for cycling.

We did the first part of this ride last year and we are hoping it will be equally great this year, but adding a second section this time. This ride is in two parts so you could just do the first section if you wish, Windsor to Bray and Maidenhead before the second section the Jubilee River. Both sections are approx 15 miles each.

We will stop for a drink in Eton at the end of the ride.

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Lunch & Finish:

Please bring a snack lunch and water for the cycle ride. We should finish at about 4.30pm including a 30 min snack lunch stop and pub stop at the end, however the time may be earlier or later than this depending on the weather and cycle pace (we have a relaxed pace which includes sightseeing & photography).

Meeting and Transport:

Meet at Windsor and Eton Riverside from 10.45am for the bike ride to start at 11.00am.

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/6/3/0/event_231234832.jpegCar: If coming by car I would suggest some of the side roads just off the centre, some of these have no parking restrictions on a Saturday (B3022 north out of Eton on the Slough Road or B3026 Eton Wick Road to the west) but you will need to check carefully and allow enough time to park as they are a short bike ride to the centre. See map right. The main car parks in Windsor are very expensive.
See Parking Windsor, Eton & Datchet Area (http://www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/parking_windsor_area.htm)

Train

Please be aware Windsor has two stations, the one we are meeting at is the Windsor and Eton Riverside and NOT Windsor and Eton Central.

The best train option is the The London Waterloo train at 09.58am which gets to Windsor and Eton Riverside for 10.51am.
See Southwest Trains (http://www.southwesttrains.co.uk/)

Maybe other train options.

Cycles are allowed on the trains See Cycle Policy (http://www.southwesttrains.co.uk/cycle-policy.aspx)

I would encourage you to seek out other members who coming from London and go as a groupsave, or seek out another member from London that has a bike rack on their car and would be happy to take you. I will be driving or maybe cycling from High Wycombe!

Please make a note of the organizers numbers - Leon 07950125826 and Colin 07709305681.

RSVP:The organizers monitor non-attendance; we will ban anyonewho 'no shows' twice for our events. You are also asked to please update your RSVP at least 24 hours beforehand.
Please see our RSVP policy (https://www.meetup.com/Chiltern-Explorers/pages/RSVP_for_Walks/)
Weather

Updates will be posted; see also

BBC Weather (http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/)
Please see our weather policy (https://www.meetup.com/Chiltern-Explorers/pages/Weather/)

Cycling

This is a gentle ride; however some of the paths, particularly around the Thames path and the Greenway may be muddy and uneven so I would not advise a road bike. A hybrid or mountain bike would be best.

Some of the paths on this ride are quite narrow, and walkers have priority on the Thames path, so please be respectful about this and take care.

I have a cycle repair outfit and some tools; however I am not a bike mechanic, so please make sure you have a reasonable working bike.

Cycling Safety

Cycling is a great way to keep fit and generally very safe; however it does contain an element of risk and probably more than walking. Before going on any of these cycle rides you need to be reasonably fit and be prepared to be responsible for your own safety. You must wear appropriate clothing such as proper shoes, warm and wet weather clothing and carry sufficient food and water. Some basic cycle tools and spare inner tube or puncture repair outift would be advisable including lights, as well as wearing a helmet for safety. Please see our Terms and Conditions. (https://www.meetup.com/Chiltern-Explorers/pages/Terms_and_Conditions/)