Cyclist
Get ready for RideLondon 2024
RideLondon is the biggest cycling event in the UK, with thousands of cyclists riding on the roads in and around London.
Sponsored by Ford, it’s an event for all ages and abilities and for every type of bicycle, and there are a few different distances to choose from, all of which take in some of the legendary landmarks and climbs the capital and county of Essex have to offer. The routes start in Westminster and finish at the iconic Tower Bridge.
This year RideLondon will take place on Sunday 26th May, and there’s a lot going on so we’ve collated all you need to know into bite-sized chunks.
What is RideLondon?
A legacy event from the 2012 Olympics, RideLondon was first held in 2013 and has become London’s flagship cycling event, where just over 75,000 cyclists descend on the capital and the wider roads of Essex.
Run by London Marathon Events, the spectacle includes 30, 60 and 100-mile rides, a free family cycle ride in central London, and the women’s Ford RideLondon Classique UCI WorldTour three-day stage race.
Ford RideLondon-Essex 100
The 100-mile challenge takes in traffic-free roads and loops through some of the most famous streets of London as well as the picturesque villages and countryside of neighbouring Essex.
Ford RideLondon-Essex 60
The 60-mile challenge is a shorter but still beautiful loop through London landmarks and Essex, all on traffic-free roads.
Ford RideLondon-Essex 30
The 30-mile ride is on traffic-free roads and passes through central London up to Essex and is ideal for people of all riding abilities.
There is also a FreeCycle event that takes place on closed roads in central London and is free to take part in.
What’s the route?
The Ford RideLondon-Essex 100 starts alongside the Thames in central London and then heads out through the London boroughs of Westminster, City of London, Tower Hamlets, Newham, Hackney, Waltham Forest and Redbridge, before going north towards Essex via Epping Forest and passing through towns such as Epping, Ongar and Great Dunmow before looping back into the capital.
The Ford RideLondon-Essex 60 is a shorter loop of the same, while the 30-mile is even shorter.
All riders in the Ford RideLondon-Essex 30, 60 and 100-mile events have eight-and-a-half hours to complete their ride from the departure of the last start wave, with the final participants expected to finish at 18:00.
Who can enter?
Anyone over the age of 16 can enter the event. Entries for the 2024 event are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
RideLondon is very popular and all challenge distances are likely to sell out.
You can register for the event here.
What bike do I need?
Given that this is a road event, choosing a road bike is the most obvious choice.
But what makes Ford RideLondon rides stand out is that almost any bicycle is permitted including e-bikes, so expect to see a range of bikes on the day, from road, to hybrid, single-speed, mountain bikes, e-bikes. You can also even ride a tandem bicycle or a handcycle.
Fancy doing it on a e-bike? Check out the best e-bikes for RideLondon.
How do I know if my bike is road-worthy?
You can’t complete the RideLondon challenge if your bike won’t get you to the finish line so it’s important to make sure your bike is in good condition and up for the ride, whichever distance you choose.
There are plenty of maintenance considerations for a bike and we have distilled the most important elements to consider for your bike here.
What training should I do?
RideLondon offers a free beginner’s 12-week training plan for the 100-mile challenge, which you can access here.
The training plan includes a mix of endurance, tempo, threshold rides as well as some cross training and will help riders build fitness and confidence.
RideLondon also has a special training hub that covers everything from fitness to avoiding punctures and what to pack in your jersey pockets on the day.
What about nutrition?
RideLondon recommends fuelling up on carbohydrates about 12 to 36 hours before the event – anyone for a pasta party?
On the day, there are a number of feed stations along the routes with food and drinks and, as RideLondon’s official nutrition partner is High Five, there will be free sports drinks and bars for participants at Rider Hubs at 50 miles and 75 miles on the Ford RideLondon-Essex 100 route.
There will also be an opportunity to buy hot and cold food and drinks from local vendors.
Post-ride, make sure you refuel on protein and carbohydrates, and enjoy the achievement.
What should I wear/bring?
The Ford RideLondon takes place in May, which should hopefully dictate a crisp, relatively warm sunny day but thanks to the gloriously unpredictable British weather this is by no means guaranteed.
Assess the weather forecast on the day, and bear in mind you may be riding for the best part of five hours or more so will need a few layers.
A pair of padded shorts, base layer (although this is up for debate), jersey, good socks, sports bra for the ladies, and a lightweight packable waterproof jacket should be your starting point, as well as a pair of sunglasses should that big and beautiful ball of plasma show its face on the day.
It will likely be cold in the morning so you might want to consider arm warmers, which are easily stashable, and/or a buff for your neck or ears too.
It’s important to make sure you have the right spares, a mini pump or CO2 cannister, plus a multitool and tyre levers, and a puncture repair kit. If you are running tubeless then you will need to plug the puncture so will need a tubeless puncture repair kit.
But where are you going to put all this stuff?
Jersey back pockets are an option, as is a top tube bag or a handlebar bag. These bags, which attach directly onto the bike, are also useful if you want to pack a few snacks to help you on your way and prefer your pockets unstuffed.
Do I have to raise money?
You can ride RideLondon simply for the joy of it or you can complete the ride and raise money for a good cause.
There are plenty of charity places available for the Ford RideLondon-100 and 60 challenge, including for Cancer Research UK, Alzheimer’s Society and Mind.
Charity places cost a small fee, which the charity sets (usually around £30), plus a fundraising target (around £500). The cost and fundraising target varies between charities.
A charity place is a great way of securing your place on the start line, adding motivation and doing good.
Ready to take on the challenge? Sign up to RideLondon here.
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