Event: RideLondon-Essex 100
Date: 26th May 2024
With an arrival time of 6:45 am and a start time of 7:45 am, we drove to Battersea Park and parked the car before setting off (parking was £5.80 for over 3 hours). We then kitted up and cycled across the river and down the embankment towards the start line.
The event was very well organised with clear signs directing you towards the different staging areas. We joined our starting wave and awaited our time to start.
The atmosphere was exciting with thousands of riders from all around the world. We made our way towards the start line and just before Waterloo Bridge, we were off. This is a closed-road event with lots of marshals positioned along the route.
We headed northeast as we headed out of London. The route weaved its way through London, through tunnels and over bridges out into the countryside. The weather was generally dry however due to heavy rain the night before and light showers throughout the day roads were wet.
Unfortunately, I suffered 2 punchers within the first 20 miles! So I recommend taking enough tubes and gas cylinders. I only had 1 spare tube on me but I was lucky that another Viceroy helped me out with a spare tube. There were so many punchers and breakdowns on the route, the most I’ve ever seen on an event like this. I know it’s probably down to the amount of riders but I believe the weather conditions were the main contributor.
As I mentioned the event was very well organised, however just be aware of other riders as some of the country roads are a little narrow. The route had 4 food/welfare stations along the way (25, 55, 73 & 88 miles). We did the 103 miles however you could have chosen to do the 30 or 60 mile routes. The food/welfare stations are clearly signposted and very well run by the organisers. I would say however that they were only giving away the standard items; gels, bananas and High 5. Due to the amount of riders, the staff were only allowing you to take 1 item from the stands. A lot of riders chose to stop at local convenience stores to purchase food and drink which in hindsight would have been a better option.
We didn’t stop at the first and last stop as we pushed on towards the finish. On the way back into London we faced a fairly strong headwind which caught some people off guard as they passed through the dual carriageway back into central London.
We finally turned onto Tower Bridge where crowds of people lined the bridge cheering riders on as we passed over the finish line. It was a great ride, with spectacular views of London and the Essex countryside. Lots of locals from the small towns and villages cheering you on as cycle through.
The route is rolling with one 4% climb at about the 20 mile mark and another lesser climb (but longer) on our way back into London.
This is the second time I’ve ridden the Ride 100 and I would recommend it.
“It was alright” – Alan Parker
