Today’s Ford RideLondon-Essex rides saw more than 21,500 cyclists enjoy an amazing day in the saddle as they surged around the traffic-free roads of the capital and out into Essex at the 10th edition of the world’s greatest festival of cycling.
With three distances to choose from – 30, 60 and 100 miles – the rides offer an achievable challenge for every age and ability, as well as the opportunity to savour cycling past iconic landmarks such as the Tower of London and through leafy lanes and picture-postcard villages in Essex, before a thrilling Finish Line by Tower Bridge.
Among the happy cyclists collecting their medals at Tower Bridge today was Liz Carrigan, who took part in the 30-mile ride and loved every minute of it.
“It was great because I'm only just back in the saddle after having long Covid. I'm so delighted I did it,” said Liz.
“RideLondon is an amazing event. You're with like-minded people and I love it when the roads are closed and you can cycle through this amazing city.”
Danny Taylor took part in the 100-mile ride for the third time, saying afterwards: “It was tough towards the end, but cycling over Tower Bridge was fantastic - it's such a great place to finish. I fundraise for charity every year – it's a great way to get off my butt and get out there.”
Judy Schols completed the 100-mile challenge in 2023 but dropped down to the 60 this year. She said: "It was really, really good, but quite emotional, as I was riding in honour of a friend who passed away recently.
“It's a fantastic event: the support is brilliant, the marshals are lovely and coming over Tower Bridge at the end was a highlight.”
The rides raise huge sums for charity every year, with many of the cyclists supporting good causes as part of their two-wheeled challenge. Jo Moreland was one of them today, taking part in the 60-mile ride with six friends to fundraise for charity in cow costumes.
“There were seven of us riding today to support the charity Melanoma UK. We dressed as cows as a nod to Whole Moo World, a Herefordshire milkshake company who sponsored us.”
Imdadul Haque – who rides with H&K Cycle Club, based near Ilford in east London – took on the 60-mile ride in aid of Leukaemia Care.
He said: “The highlight has been the weather, as we were expecting a downpour! And obviously the whole atmosphere, the event is well organised.
“We’ve done the 100 a few times but we just wanted to enjoy it today and have an early finish.”
Marina Logacheva first took part in RideLondon in 2019, when she completed the 100-mile event on a road bike. This year she returned to take on the 30-mile ride as a hand-cyclist, following a spinal injury.
She said: “I got saved so many times today, my bike broke… literally three times I got it fixed, but the people around were all helping me! I had such a great time regardless of all of my technical problems. I’m going to try to do it next year because I loved it so much!”
Olympic legacy
The first RideLondon event took place in 2013 to celebrate the legacy of the London 2012 Olympic Games, and now offers more than 50,000 people every year the opportunity to take part in one of four mass participation bike rides.
Former Olympic gold medallist Chris Boardman completed the 60-mile ride before jumping into the BBC commentary booth to commentate on Stage Three of the Ford RideLondon Classique, the professional UCI Women’s WorldTour race that is part of the festival of cycling.
He said: “RideLondon is probably the single biggest Olympic Games legacy that we have today.
“The event out in Essex was quite sensational. The damp roads didn’t dampen spirits. I saw people of all shapes and sizes with smiles on their faces enjoying the day.”
A Classic challenge
The 100-mile ride at Ford RideLondon is one of three events that make up the London Classics challenge (the other two being the London Marathon and the two-mile distance at Swim Serpentine).
More than 250 people collected their awesome London Classics medal after crossing the Finish Line today, including Simon Munro, who was delighted to receive the enormous medal for his efforts.
He said: “It was a good ride and I’m really pleased to have got my London Classics medal. The highlight of the ride today was coming in on the way back with everyone working together in groups and crossing Tower Bridge.”
Ford RideLondon Event Director Hugh Brasher summed up the day, saying: “It's been another brilliant day of cycling in London and Essex.
“More than 21,500 cyclists rolled across the Start Line of the Ford RideLondon-Essex events this morning, with many of them fundraising for good causes as part of the challenge, and we've seen huge numbers enjoying seven miles of car-free roads in the heart of London at the family-friendly FreeCycle.
“Everyone's welcome at Ford RideLondon and today's 10th edition of the event really does shows that cycling is for everyone. It's great for your physical and mental wellbeing and we hope this year's event inspires even more people to get on their bikes and make cycling a regular part of their daily routines – and if anyone wants to cycle 100 miles next year, entries are now open for the 2025 Ford RideLondon-Essex 100.”
The 2025 Ford RideLondon-Essex 100 takes place on Sunday 25 May next year.