Ride London Event Put on Indefinite Pause

The Ride London event, a much-anticipated cycling extravaganza that has brought together thousands of cyclists and spectators alike, has recently been put on indefinite pause. This decision - although not really a surprise - has left many in the cycling community pondering the implications of such a significant change.

For those who have participated in Ride London over the years, the event has been more than just a race; it has been a celebration of cycling, community spirit, and charity. However, the reality is that the event has effectively been cancelled, leaving a void in the annual calendar for both cyclists and the charities that have benefited from its fundraising efforts.

I say that, but there was always that terrible bit where you had to go around with your sponsor form to family, friends and work colleagues. It was always the bit I hated doing. It was like being one of those people who are going to climb Mount Kilimanjaro or jump out of a plane for charity. You get the impression that you are sponsoring them to have a nice time, rather than the charity they are supposedly raising funds for. 

One of the key points of discussion surrounding the event has been the routes taken over the years. Many participants have expressed a fondness for the Surrey route, often deemed the better option. With its picturesque landscapes and challenging climbs, it offered an experience for cyclists. In contrast, the Essex route has not received the same level of enthusiasm. Many have noted that it simply wasn’t as engaging or scenic, leading to a less enjoyable experience for participants.

I was not lucky enough to get into the Surrey version of the Ride100, but I did do the Ride46 version a couple of times and liked that. I took part in the Essex version twice. One both of these, there seemed to be less demand as places could be obtained simply by applying and signing up. In fact, for the second Ride 100 places were in such a surplus state, I was able to gain entry via a charity with zero commitment to raise anything at all. 

I think that the reason for this was the route. The Essex route was a little bit like the Dunwich Dynamo route for the first bit - not that scenic. The loop when it eventually got near London was not picture-postcard stuff. 

I enjoyed it all though. The love received by others upon seeing people attempt it on a Brompton was touching. More could be said of some of the reasons people were doing the ride when you spoke to them. Closed roads with no cars was wonderful. The only annoyance was the occasional member of the Lycra brigade who could not have cared less about anyone else participating, in the pursuit of getting round the route as quickly as possible. It wasn't meant to be a race, but many treated it as if it were. 

The disruption caused by the events had been a significant concern for local residents. The closure of roads, while necessary for the safety of participants, often led to frustration among those who live in the affected areas. Many locals voiced their displeasure, feeling that the inconvenience outweighed the benefits of hosting such a large-scale event. This sentiment raised an important question: while Ride London undoubtedly raised substantial funds for various charities, did it truly benefit the communities it traversed?

It does seem like there have been several charity based cycling events become extinct. Were there too many of them? For every £100 you raised, what percentage actually went to the charity concerned? Perhaps someone out there knows. As I have mentioned, I enjoyed all of these incarnations of Ride London and somewhere I have the medals to prove it. Below I have some links to my blog post about some of the events I took part in. 

Click here for the Ride 46 blog August 2019

Click here for the Ride 100 blog May 2022

Click here for the last Ride 100 I took part in August 2024

Until next time, stay safe out there people!