Women at Herne Hill
HHV have an established pathway by and for all women that runs throughout the year. Starting with beginner taster sessions, onto skills and intermediate training, and up to racing opportunities – there is something for everyone.
To ride at Herne Hill Velodrome you don’t even need to know how to ride. We have sessions for complete beginners up to elite-level riding with options for Track, Road, Mountain Bike (MTB), Gravel, and Cyclocross. And if you’re just looking to improve your confidence on the road, then any of our coached sessions will help you build the bike handling skills and confidence you need. And if you weren’t sure, Herne Hill Velodrome Women (HHVW) is a trans and non-binary inclusive community.
Explore the pathways below to find some riding that suits you. And if you’re not sure where to begin, get in touch.
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Our track is what we're best known for and our well-established track pathway supports riders from complete beginner up to elite race-level.
Road
There are some opportunities for riding road bikes on our track but more importantly a community of people to meet and plan your own rides with.
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Cyclocross
A mix of MTB, weight-lifting and running, this unique off-road discipline has plenty of attention at HHV.
Mountainbike (MTB)
Using our intricate web of off-road trails and skills-spaces, HHV is also just the place to explore, build and test your MTB skills.
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Learn to ride
Borrow a bike or bring your own and learn to ride it in a safe, traffic-free setting! No experience necessary.
Book a £10 session here.
TRACK
Whether you want to tick track cycling off your bucket list after being inspired by the Olympics, you’re interested in a new hobby and skill, or just want to ride in a traffic-free space with other women, the track is for you.
To ride our track you need to do a track taster and we have mixed and women’s tasters each month. These friendly sessions will take you through the basics of riding a track bike, and teach you the essential things you’ll need to know to progress on to our skills sessions.
And that will start you off on our popular track pathway. Don’t be put off by the end being race-related, the titles are used to reflect skill level and, although we’ll encourage you to, we know racing isn’t for everyone.
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What do I wear and bring?
Just turn up! You’ll need to wear suitable clothing - lycra isn’t necessary, but nothing too baggy. We have helmets and bikes you can borrow. Just remember to bring along a pair of gloves if you don’t want to use ours. You can wear trainers.
You can bring your own helmet, and if you have cleats and cycling shoes just bring your own pedals too if you want to use them. We can help you change the pedals over.
Water and a snacks is also always a good idea.
How much does it cost?
A track taster is £20 then most other sessions are £11 – both include the rental of a track bike. If you become a Friend of Herne Hill member you save £2 on every booking.
The longer term cost of cycling as a hobby depends on your approach. We know kit doesn't make the rider, so as long as you are comfortable and safe you will get on fine. Then when it comes to investing in kit you'll have a knowledgable community here to advise you.
Our track sponsor
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Condor have been huge supporters of HHV over the years and we’re honoured to have them as headline sponsors of our women’s cycling activity, including our popular Women’s League summer race series.
For over 70 years they’ve been making great bikes (including the Lavoro, that graces our Season Hire fleet), putting on great cycling events and collaborating with makers and designers on a myriad of creative projects. Thanks for standing by and with women in cycling Condor.
off-road
Our off-road pathway is a bit more loose – kind of like the ground you get to ride! If you know what you’re doing just get stuck into any of our sessions and if you’re new to off-road riding we recommend starting with intro or skills sessions and working your way up with the guidance of our coaches.
Our women’s off-road sessions are usually held in a block every few months or so, rather than year-round, but explore some top picks below or check-out the full off-road calendar to find something that suits.
Current top picks
Women’s Cross skills
Sat 7th & 14th December
14:30–16:00
Gravel club (off-road endurance laps)
Friday mornings 8:30–10
You might also like…
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Herne Hill hosts a range of movement activities (strength, yoga and pilates) in our clubroom including a women’s strength session every Monday.
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6 rounds, one Saturday a month, April–September. Coming 2025…
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Our off-road sessions are a energising way to spend weekday evenings or Friday mornings.
Explore them here.
