Ride London 2013

"Ride London was a super event. It was really well organised and we had almost perfect conditions. Lots of Wheelers had entered and enjoyed riding into and through London on closed roads, on four and six lane highways and ignoring traffic lights. Fears of congestion were soon dismissed as the waves and big roads at the beginning allowed natural spaces. Also there were no cars to avoid.

The way west was fast despite a headwind as it was basically flat until Newlands Corner near Guildford. The food hubs were very busy but provided bananas, energy bars and other nibbles as well as water. The hills were the real test with those walking up Leith hill making the roads even narrower for those able to shoot up the hill and those who were crawling slowly. The pain was worth it for the ride down again but Box Hill arrived fairly quickly afterwards slowing this particular rider down again. There was then a fast ride north-east to Kingston where the author was fortunate enough to see the pro race heading in the opposite direction as the two courses ran side by side for half a mile. A cheeky hill up to Wimbledon was the last obstacle before flying into Westminster, Trafalgar Square and the Mall to be greeted by crowds and family.

We got a good recovery drink in the goody bag and after a time with family lazing in Green Park the riders dispersed braving roads with cars and traffic lights back to Lea Valley Ice Rink car park. Fast times by everyone - though some were faster than others! "

http://www.prudentialridelondon.co.uk/