THAMES HEAD CHALLENGE
Sunday 21 August 2022
A unique 130 mile cycling challenge
for
Relay Riders + Solo Riders
Crossing the Thames 15 times between Putney
and the river's source near Cirencester in the Cotswolds
THE EVENT
The Ride Signing-In Reception
The London Rowing Club opens up for a busy morning on the tideway
The Putney boating slipways
The Ride Signing-In Reception
As a rider of the inaugural 2021 Thames Head Challenge, you will be a guest of the prestigious and stately London Rowing Club, founded in 1856. Well before the rowers emerge - or pretty much anyone for that matter - you will begin your epic journey on the very banks of the
River Thames at Putney
Leaving the Rowing Clubs and slipways behind, you'll lead off into the early morning sunshine of a warm summer’s day. While others far less adventurous and energetic continue to slumber, you'll enjoy the deserted streets of west London and within a few miles, the traffic-free and glorious Richmond Park.
Following the signposted route, you'll bridge the Thames at numerous places today, passing many iconic landmarks including Hampton Court along the way. Winding gradually west through Runnymede, Windsor and Marlow to almost touch the water's edge at Henley on Women's Regatta Day.
With Henley and the girls' rowing behind, you'll climb up and over the stunning Chiltern Hills. Today, this is your singular King of the Mountain stage!
Once over the top, you'll sweep down into the lovely market town of Wallingford - Henry VIII's other former home - and your halfway point.
And now, with the scenery changing again, and more lush quiet country lanes to enjoy, you head deep into the Cotswolds.
Once you've left Tadpole Bridge and the Trout Inn behind, you'll catch your next glimpse of the Thames at the lovely riverside town of Lechlade.
The Thames Head Stone marking the start of the Thames - just a short walk across the fields from the Thames Head Inn
The Thames Head Inn - just a short walk across the fields from the Thames Head Stone and the start of the Thames
The Thames Head Inn - just a short walk across the fields from the Thames Head Stone and the start of the Thames
The Thames Head Stone marking the start of the Thames - just a short walk across the fields from the Thames Head Inn
Bridging the Thames again several times - which by now is reducing to little more than a babbling brook - you push on for the closing miles. Perhaps stopping for a quick photo at the iconic
Thames Head Inn close to the river's source - and the very reason we're all here!
The RAU is set in wonderful grounds and sports fields
Royal Agricultural University driveway
Royal Agricultural University, aerial view
The RAU is set in wonderful grounds and sports fields
You're now within 1 mile of the Finish at the magnificent
Royal Agricultural University, near Cirencester. One last left turn takes you to the stunning final straight, a tree-lined avenue which leads to your epic journey's end and your waiting welcome and triumphant celebration.
This is a Team Event for Riders in Teams of ONE [SOLO] or 2, 3, 4 in RELAY
Cirencester is located in the Cotswolds
midway between Swindon and Cheltenham
As a rider, you can take part in the Thames Head Challenge in one of 3 ways:
-
With an INDEPENDENT Place
With no agenda other than to finish - entering for sheer fun
-
With a CHARITY Place OR a SCHOOL Place
To raise funds for your chosen Charity OR School
-
With a COMPANY Place
For your own or your company’s chosen objective
