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Anyone do the London bike ride today? (what used to be skyride)erPru

I really wanted to - and had signed up - but then couldn't due to factors too boring to list here.But I really enjoyed the skyride which happened for about three consecutive years but was dropped for the Olympics and then left to the chaps who run (NPI) the marathon to organise.So, did anyone do it?I saw two people in large tabards near Acton Park but that was it.Was it fun? Well-organised?Should I clear my diary effectively and properly for next year?

Sara Nathan ● 4791d5 Comments

oops!

Sara Nathan ● 4791d

I did both the Free ride round central London on Saturday and the 100 miler out to Surrey yesterday.Both events were great fun and considering the numbers of people involved brilliantly organised.  The central London ride was perfect for families with children - lots of atmosphere, bands, whooping and cycling shows with a backdrop of London's best sights.  I would definitely do it again.The 100 mile ride was also glorious but more of a serious cycling event - lots of club cyclists pushing the pace.  IT was a real treat the cycle for so far on closed roads and the support on the course was fantastic - sedate picnics at the ends of drives in the countryside right through to banging on the barricades on the Mall as we approached the finish.  Even with 16,000 cyclists on the road the course was never congested - just atmospheric.  Despite my aches today I would love to do it again!

Anna John ● 4790d

I did the 100 yesterday too - it was fantastic. The charity supporters spread out around the course gave brilliant encouragement, and then there were the crowds who came out to cheer us on. I think Dorking and Kingston are probably tied for second place behind Whitehall and the Mall for numbers and enthusiasm.Ballot for 2014 opens a week today - strongly urge everyone to enter. It's a challenge, but well worth it. Now I need to make a salad to use up my finisher's salad cream...must be the strangest item in a goodie bag ever!

Josh Blacker ● 4790d

What were your times? A young friend did it in just over 5 hours - which seemed rather speedy to me. Kristan Guru Muthy took about 8 - quite a lot. I imagine most were between the two.

Sara Nathan ● 4789d

4:45:15 - set off early with lots of clubmates. Benefits of a speeding peloton cannot be overstated!

Josh Blacker ● 4789d