Lazy Brunch Ride

I aim to keep this short but enjoyable. Starting from the Shaftesbury Recreation Ground car park, we will head towards Pinnerwood Stud, Albury Drive, and pass through St George Farm. After passing Headstone Lane station, we will ride through West Harrow and North Harrow before proceeding towards Rayners Lane.
The highlight of the ride will be brunch at the well-known Sri Lankan restaurant, Gana. Anna will be there to guide you through their extensive menu. I estimate the cost to be around £12 per person, but rest assured, you will leave feeling satisfied.
After brunch, we will ride through Yeading Brook, pass North Harrow station, and return to Hatch End via St Thomas Drive, covering a total distance of 18 km.
This route offers a variety of riding environments, including traffic-free paths, quiet residential roads, and a few sections with heavier traffic. It is a very flat route with no hills.
Please ensure your bike is checked before the ride. Bring a spare inner tube and the necessary tools to fix a puncture.
The ride duration is an estimate provided by the Ride Leader and may be affected by factors such as weather conditions, mechanical issues, or service times at the restaurant. We follow a policy of leaving no rider behind, so if anyone is struggling, we will adjust the pace and take rest stops as needed.
Update 28th July
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Just a heads-up—the ride is next Sunday, and I’ve taken the liberty of pre-ordering the food. Sri Lankan cuisine may not be widely known here, but I really wanted to share a taste of something special with you all. It’s bold, vibrant, and full of character—just like us!
You’ll notice two star ingredients across the menu: rice flour and coconut milk. Given our tropical climate, our dishes tend to pack a bit of spice, but I promise it’s all part of the fun.
Here’s what’s on the menu:
- Mutton Rolls / Vegetable Rolls – These are the spicy showstoppers. In Sri Lanka, we call them “short eats” and usually enjoy them between meals with a strong, sweet cup of tea. Think of them as the perfect warm-up act.
- Idiyappam – Soft rice noodles made from rice flour. Traditionally served at breakfast with a luxurious coconut milk sauce and a side of coconut sambol. Be warned: the sambol can be spicy! This will be balanced with a gentle, comforting potato curry.
- Kothu Roti – A beloved Sri Lankan street food made from chopped wheat flour roti, mixed with vegetables and savoury gravy. If you were in Sri Lanka, you’d hear the rhythmic clanging of knives as street vendors whip up this noisy, delicious dish.
- Appam (Hoppers) – And finally, something sweet to round things off. These are bowl-shaped pancakes made with fermented rice flour and coconut milk—a light, sweet treat to finish the meal.

Can’t wait to share this culinary journey with you. Hope you come hungry!