Richmond Park after hours

Considering the sun is up so early these days thought it might be nice to go for a ride.

Someone mentioned to me a while ago there is a place you can get into the park after hours, anyone know anything about this?

When I lived in Teddington you used to be able to get in at Richmond gate and Sheen gate at any time even when the main gate was locked. Just watch out for the deer!

yeah, you can always get in the pedestrian gates, they aren't locked, apart from at bambi-murdering time.

Basically the park is open to all non car users. I live nearby and use it a lot. Cars have to be out by lighting up time, but pedestrians and cyclists go through a double gate system. I only know the entrance/exit at Roehampton and Richmond gates, but I presume the others are also open. I use a strong front light for night riding, not that you can't see without it, but to be careful of deer, who have a habit of crossing the road when you least expect, especially in the rutting season. My Cateye tells me the complete circuit is 7.2 miles, which is probably near enough accurate. Also beware of runners, although they usually also have lights.

Ok great, thanks, thought they completely closed it, might give it a go tomorrow morning.

I get 10.7 km's think that's about 6.6 miles, think I need to recalibrate.

No you're probably right, I never adjusted the wheel diameter size thingy.

Do any of you guys do night training in the park? RP's closed to traffic after dusk, so cyclists pretty much have the park to themselves (apart from the deer) and it's very quiet compared to weekends. Just come back from a few laps and only saw a couple of other cyclists... it's a very chilled couple of hours. You'll need decent lights though. Recommended.

Aren't the gates locked after dark?

<---- Looks at tool library for pair of boltcutters

I don't feel like venison bbq... :)

Ahh.. It is open 24 hrs....

[ame]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richmond_Park[/ame]

Still don't feel like hitting a deer at 35 mph :)

yep, done it quite a few times. it's a great laugh doing small circuit races through the middle road of the park with a few mates. a bit scary on your own, perhaps?

Have been in there at night, but not on the bike. Sounds like a laugh!

Everyone should ride RP at night. You need very good lights. Or a full moon.

It is a bit scary on your own, yes.

especially other cyclists and joggers with no lights or reflective gear

the wildlife react in more predictable ways than these idiots

why is it scary?
it's just dark.

the deer can get pretty nasty after dark you know........ insane some would say.

It's nice, but a bit scary. Then again, sometimes it can be scary, but a bit nice, too.

Love it. The deer can be really unpredictable though, and a bit tough to spot. Take care blasting down the hills.

Still not seen a badger in there.

why is it scary?
it's just dark.

You don't live in my head.

I actually do find it quite scary out there at night... the fear is that someone will actually see me when i'm wrapped head to toe in raw bacon and pleasuring myself by the curb.

RP is eerie as hell when its dark! Im up for riding it if i can sort a decent front light

A bit nippy to be out riding innit?

im working on a RP simulation DVD for turbo trainers. I could sell them at Sigma and offer a 10% discount for cervelo riding men aged 40+
I'll be a millionaire in a few weeks

nice stereotype

I come back through Richmond Park in the dark as part of my commute

It's by far my favourite part of the journey