Legendary London bike shop, Condor Cycles, takes us on a spin out west to Windsor and back.

From Condor's central London location you can head north, east, south or west. This route goes out to the west through two Royal Parks and finishes in Windsor. With the morning pomp and ceremony of the changing of the guards in Windsor and the sight of school boys dressed in formal tailcoats, the town has a slightly surreal atmosphere — at least on the main street underneath the looming shadow of the great castle.

The return from Windsor is a slightly shorter run into the city, passing several large reservoirs. It's a flat route; only a short hill in Richmond Park and Ascot will require you to shift up the cassette— ideal if you'd like to test your legs and roar along lanes, passing endless picturesque house boats. Beware on days with changeable weather — a headwind is often present in at least one direction.

Our pro team riders have set this loop to have a gold standard ride time of four hours (allowing for safe cautious riding through the city's traffic until you reach Richmond Park).

Tip

Looking for a fab café stop? Try the Chocolate Theatre Co. in Windsor, out of the main shopping street, near the footbridge to Eton just before you reach the Windsor and Eton Rail Station. Make sure you try one of their hot chocolates.