Tour de Hoops: Explore Our Stores
Tour de Hoops: Explore Our Stores
With the Tour de France fever in the air, we've decided to put our own twist on the world’s biggest bike race. The 'Tour de Hoops' connects our three stores with a carefully crafted route split into 3 stages, taking in some of our favourite local riding spots along the way – and the twist? It’s gravel! While primarily designed for gravel bikes, bikes like the Trek Domane, fitted with 32mm+ knobbly tires, would be up to the task. Let's dive in and take a closer look at the stages:
The Route: Full Monty
Stage 1: Petersfield to Farnham
Our journey begins as soon as you step out of our Petersfield and head straight towards ‘'Little Switzerland”. Fun fact: this punchy little climb made an appearance in the 1994 Tour de France! Once you conquer the initial elevation, the route takes you through undulating country lanes, passing by the picturesque Hawkley, until you reach Blackmoor.
Soon enough, you'll find yourself on the Shipwrights Way at Broxhead Common. You’ll be grateful you lugged those trail-ready tires up the hill, as this is where they will truly shine. The benefit of a grippier tread becomes apparent as you navigate your way through the trail, where you can enjoy the freedom of traffic-free riding for much of the way to Farnham.
The Route: Stage 1
Stage 2: Farnham to Walton
Leaving Farnham town centre behind, it's time to enjoy some recovery time along the serene canal path. As you pedal, be prepared for a spirited adventure on the MOD land gravel sections. If the wind is in your favour, you'll have an opportunity to pick up the pace, but remember to watch out for lumps and bumps along the fenced sections!
Things then smooth out once more with another dose of canal path riding to Byfleet before pointing north towards our Walton store.
The Route: Stage 2
Stage 3: Walton to Petersfield
Now that you're warmed up, it’s time to enter the mountains (well, the Surrey Hills – the next best equivalent!). From Bookham towards Dorking you’ll be faced with some ramps, but you’ll soon forget about the elevation once you’re rewarded with the stunning gravel sections heading out of Dorking. Here we join the final part of the infamous Whitedown Lane, crossing the A25 and entering the foothills of the Col de Leith.
Note: Sheephouse Lane can be damp and gravelly even in the driest conditions, so take extra care on the corners.
Descending past Tanhurst can be done on a tarmac dog leg if you prefer, but remember, it will mean another climb! Then the mix of tarmac and reliable off-road sections will lead you through Cranleigh and towards the outskirts of Haslemere, offering a relatively flat ride to inject some more pace. If you need to resupply, stop off in Cranleigh as it will be the last place en route with shops unless you make a significant detour.
Before reaching the finish line, you'll encounter the last significant climb of the day, Jays Lane. After that, alternating sections of road, byway, and gravel track will keep you entertained so you can enjoy the long and scenic restricted byway of Lambourne Lane, and if you're feeling extra childish, snap a photo of the sign at Titty Hill Farm (we won't judge!). After a short stretch along the A272, you’ll reach the final destination!
The Route: Stage 3
If you give the ‘Tour de Hoops’ a go, we’d love to hear about it! Get in touch via our Contact Us page to let us know how you got on and share any pictures of your adventure.
