Welcome to the 15th edition of the London Phoenix Easter Classic

Date: Easter Monday, 1st of April 2024

Time: Registration 8:30am - 9:30am; Start Time from 9:00am

Start/Finish: The Boat House at the Fairlop Outdoor Activity Centre IG63HN (near the Redbridge Cycling Centre (a.k.a Hog Hill)

Event Type: Sportive. The event is timed. The short road route option is suitable for riders of all proficiency levels, with general fitness. The long road route and gravel route require a more advanced level of fitness.

Route Options: Road long (113k); road short (54k); gravel (70k). Road routes will take you through quiet, flat and green country lanes of Essex.The gravel route is mostly bridleways or single track.The routes are not signposted but .gpx files are available for download.

Amenities: Bar/restaurant/toilets at start/finish. Feed stations at village halls with homebaked goods, the usual supplies and toilets (two feed stations on the long road route, one feed station on the short road and gravel routes). Neutral car service and broom wagon. Results published on the web, with optional print-at-home completion certificates.

Entry Fee: £15 for online bookings (+ £1 BC booking fee), £20 for on-the-day entries (contactless payment preferred).

The event is usually a sell-out because of the great routes, the relaxed ambience and the homemade baked goods, so it's worth registering early.

Info for Riders

HQ and start/finish is the Boat House Bar at Fairlop Outdoor Activity Centre, situated between Fairlop tube station and the Redbridge Cycling Centre (aka Hog Hill). If you come by car, for navigation using Google Maps, simply search for "Boat House Fairlop". Plenty pay & display parking is available. Helmets are compulsory.

After the timed start at Fairlop, the short road route will pass through Toot Hill on the way out and swing back after Moreton (where the long and short road routes split) via North Weald Basset and Abridge back to the start at Fairlop.

The long road route will split off the short route at Moreton, pass through the villages of Good Easter and High Easter and swing back through Hatfield Broad Oak and Matching Green, rejoining the short route near Moreton.

The gravel route will take you through Buckhurst Hill and through Epping Forest, passing the feed station at North Weald Bassett, via Toot Hill to Chipping Ongar, where the route turns down the Ongar Road for a stretch, skirt the Bentley Golf Club and taking you back to the start via the Weald, Havering and Hainault Forest and Country Parks. 

There are two feed stations on the long route: 1) Pleshey Village Hall where you'll be able to enjoy free hot/cold drinks and our legendary oat bars and other wholesome goodies. Toilets also available. 2) North Weald Bassett Village Hall where you'll be able to enjoy free hot/cold drinks and our legendary oat bars and other wholesome goodies. Toilets also available The gravel route and the short road route will pass the North Weald Bassett feed station only. The long road route passes both feed stations.

Long road route: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/254155427 

Short road route: https://www.strava.com/routes/4404564

Gravel route: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/255429142

Registration
8:30am – 9:30am

Start time
from 9.00am

After the ride, you can chill at the licensed Boat House bar before making your way home. Or rent a boat and do some rowing. Or go for a swim (brrr). Or hire golf clubs and play a few holes. Or have a formal lunch at the adjacent Greek restaurant.