Note - this is a one-way route designed to allow travel to/from the event by train - see details later. This enables you to traverse more varied terrain than usual on a 100km event - starting with Chilterns scenery transitioning to flatter Essex countryside, most of the climbing is in the first half. You can use E-brevet or answer info questions at all controls except at Broxbourne where there will be someone to stamp your card.

Start by cycling into the foothills of the Chilterns with a climb up the delightful in nature if not in name Bottom Lane. A rolling route drops you down into the valley at Kings Langley, then climbs again to Bedmond, before descending through wooded countryside. A short section on a gravel track - no problem for road bikes - leads into the private and virtually motor traffic free Gorhambury Drive, past the ancient manor house, with views of St Albans Abbey in the distance. There are food, drink and toilet facilities in Verulanium Park or at the nearby Retail Park. You leave the city via the Greenway and head south to Colney Hatch and Welham Green. From there take the lanes up into an attractive part of Hertfordshire, past the zoo before dropping down to Broxbourne in the Lee Valley.

Control at the Mill Retreat cafe before crossing the river into Essex. A short climb up through an area of greenhouses producing a significant share of the cucumbers consumed in the UK leads towards Harlow. The recommended route sneaks around the south of the town, via residential areas but also two commons with piebald horses tethered on ropes. The next control is at the charming Matching Church before the village with its classic green. More Essex lanes take you to picturesque Blackmore village complete with tea shops, village pond and Co-op before the final section to Shenfield and Arrivee at the Hutton Junction pub close to the station.

You can get to Watford on the Metropolitan line 4 trains per hour, or to Watford Junction/Watford High Street 2 fast trains per hour LNWR and 2 slow Overground trains per hour with a 2km ride to the start route will be provided. The finish is very close to Shenfield station 4 x Greater Anglia and 2 x Elizabeth Line trains per hour. No trains require bike reservations and you can use Oyster/PAYG to buy tickets less than £10 - an over 60 or Freedom pass will reduce this to zero if you take the Met Line or Overground out, and the Elizabeth Line to return. NB Currently there are no scheduled engineering works or other disruptions for this date - if something is announced the event may be rescheduled.

Note that the clocks change before this event, so if you are near the time limit you will be cycling in the dark for the last hour!

Why Watfield.... think Bakerloo....