Prudential RideLondon100

Today the ballot for Prudential Ride London 100 re-opened for August 2014. Based on the feedback from everyone who took part in, or spectated the event on Sunday 4th August, I expect there to be huge demand on the spaces available. It was amazing!

The first cyclists to finish RideLondon
The first cyclists to finish RideLondon

50,000 riders cruised the route at some stage over the weekend. Families out for a few leisurely miles on Saturday, thousands of riders punishing their bodies and minds over the 100 mile route on Sunday and the elites with a double lap of Box Hill - all had the opportunity to take part in the first ever Prudential RideLondon and finish on the Mall in front of Buckingham Palace and crowds of supporters.

Sunrise at the start line
Sunrise at the start line

From start to finish it was incredibly well organised. A friend described the operation as a "well-oiled machine". Registration at Excel, the start at sunrise, the support and stewardship along the route, well stocked feed stations and 100 miles of car free, open road bliss through London and Surrey. Not to mention the finish on the Union Jack lined Mall!  All added to the air of pride felt that day across London.

Air of pride on The Mall
Air of pride on The Mall

As someone who is hugely passionate about getting out on my bike and beyond that, sharing the joy of cycling with others - it was absolutely incredible to be part of Prudential RideLondon and see so many people completing the ride.

All along the route the support was fantastic. People had set up camp in their front gardens, lining the route with smiles, cheered us on and some were in their dressing gowns with mugs of tea. It felt quintessentially British!

Crowds of supporters
Crowds of supporters

I must admit, I loved Box Hill. These are my favourite types of hill - long and steady rather than short and sharp. The views from the top were stunning too.

Pedalling up Box Hill
Pedalling up Box Hill
Pretty excited to be on Box Hill with more than half the ride done
Pretty excited to be on Box Hill with more than half the ride done
Bumping into friends en-route
Bumping into friends en-route
How many bananas do 20,000 cyclists eat over 100 miles?
How many bananas do 20,000 cyclists eat over 100 miles?

It was a first experience of this kind for me, although I've cycled 100 miles before I've never done it in a race environment. Previously I've been able to cycle distances of 100 miles at an average of 15mph. I felt I'd become a stronger cyclist recently so was expecting 6-7 hours.

Sprint finish on RideLondon
Sprint finish on RideLondon

I was over the moon when I finished in 5hrs 10 giving me an average of just over 20 mph!

Guess who spent money at the expo on official kit?! Oops...
Guess who spent money at the expo on official kit?! Oops...

Had a chance to soak in the atmosphere and the crowds on The Mall. Saw groups of friends and partners crossing the finish line together, having achieved something great. Boris Johnson put in a fantastic effort and finished the race in 8 hours.

Boris Johnson, RideLondon
Boris Johnson, RideLondon

After that it was time for home and recovery.

Congratulations to everyone who completed the ride and bring on 2014. Sign up here if you haven't already, don't miss out on your chance to participate in this epic ride.