Christmas Lights Extravaganza (and dinner!)

An evening ride to spot the Christmas lights in different places in Central London and take in the Christmas spirit all around. You need to be confident in traffic as we cycle through some busy roads and in the dark. IMPORTANT: you MUST bring fully charged front and rear lights. Reflective clothes are also recommended. Christmas attire is optional but very welcome. This is a long ride (in time, rather than mileage) and we will be returning late. Please continue reading for details on dinner booking.

We start by making our way to Central London to Oxford Street, South Molton Street, Berkeley Square, New and Old Bond Street, Piccadilly, Regent Street, and Trafalgar Square, where we will have a short break for a hot beverage as we cross the market at the square and use the toilets.

We continue to Covent Garden, Seven Dials, Granary Square in King’s Cross, where those who prefer not to cycle the rest of the route back home will be able to take their bikes on the Metropolitan Line or Rail from King’s Cross Station, or the Overground from Euston (our route does not pass through Euston). For those who carry on, we make our way back cycling a small section of the Outer Circle at Regent’s Park and have one last glimpse of the lights at St. John’s Wood High Street.

Our final destination is the Grand Junction Arms near Harlesden Station, where a table has been booked for us for dinner. If you decide you do not want to join us for dinner, please contact the ride leader as soon as you sign up to the ride so the booking can be amended (the reservation has been paid for). We aim to arrive at the pub at 8pm.

Although we cycle at a steady pace, especially in some busy roads, this is not a hurried ride, and we stop at each one of the locations mentioned above for pictures.

If you find this ride fully booked, get in the waiting list as spaces always become available nearer the date. However, please do not sign up if you’re not sure you can join.

IMPORTANT POINTS: *Helmets aren't compulsory but advisable. *Check that your tyres are pumped and bring a spare inner tube and all necessary tools in case of a puncture. *If you have Covid-19 or have been told to self-isolate, or can't make it for any other reason, please cancel your space so someone else can join. *Only riders who booked themselves on the ride will be allowed to join. *Unless the weather takes a nasty turn making it unsafe or unpleasant to cycle, this ride will go ahead even if it rains. Dress for the weather and bring a rain coat just in case. *Please be advised that we video record our rides which are later published on YouTube. By joining our rides you are authorising your image to appear on the video.