HHV Black History Month cycling

FREE – Pay what you can, all donations will go towards our work as a charitable community space. 

Track session:
A group session on fixed-wheel bikes on the velodrome. Open to riders aged 8 and above (under 16s must be accompanied by an adult), with no experience necessary as we'll split into two groups for most of the session to make sure everyone gets what they want; whether that's a track taster with a more relaxed pace focusing on skills or a tough workout for more experienced riders. 

The Learn to Cycle / Kids session:
A supervised free-ride session for children under 8 – whether you're a pedaller already, or those learning to ride. Parents of riders learning to cycle will need to accompany their child into the middle but coaches will be on hand to advise and we have all the bikes and helmets to lend.

Gravel session:
A fun and informal session for everyone 8+ (under 16s must be accompanied by an adult) – all skills and abilities. Grab your mountain, cyclocross, or gravel bike and ride the trails! Bike hire is available for those who need it.

The cafe will be open after the session for hot and cold drinks, and there will be a food truck on site.

Session Details:

• Bike and helmet hire: You’re welcome to bring your own helmet, although we have some you can borrow for free. Bikes are included in the track session, but for gravel you will need to hire one for £5 - this option is available in the booking form.

• Experience level: No experience necessary. You must be able to ride a two-wheeled bike independently for the track & gravel sessions.

What to Bring:

• Water and a snack

• Gloves

• Weather-appropriate clothing (see below for more details)

Recommended Clothing:

• Lycra is not required, although we recommend that you don't wear anything too baggy - layers are recommended, as well as a warm jacket for after.

• Waterproofs (sessions will still run in bad weather)

• Shoulders must be covered

• Closed-toed shoes must be worn (preferably trainers): no sandals, sliders or flip flops please!

• If you are an experienced cyclist and use a cleat-based foot retention system, you can use this on our track bikes, but you will need to bring your own pedals and tools to swap pedals over. Please do not change pedals on gravel or MTBs.

If you'd like to purchase some cycling kit from the Friends of Herne Hill Velodrome, check out our online shop - you can order items online and choose click and collect, to pick up on the day of your taster. Please note that it takes up to a week to process these orders so please order at least a week in advance.

Important to know:

• Please arrive 15 minutes before the session start time to complete the sign on process, to ensure that the session can start promptly and make the most of the time.

• Latecomer policy: It may not be possible for latecomers to join in if it will disrupt the session.

Location:

• Meeting Point: We don’t have a reception area so once you arrive, please wait at the meeting spot for your session – explore our site map here.