The RideLondon event returned to Essex for its second year at the end of May 2023, with 25,000 participants taking on the 100-mile ride, along closed Essex roads.
It was great to have a number of riders, wearing Active Essex Foundation jerseys to raise funds and awareness for the charity. Our riders conquered 100 miles with over 3000 feet of elevation making it a hard day in the saddle, but they all completed the challenge with a smile on their face.
Active Essex Foundation Lead, Louise Voyce said;
“Raising awareness for the charity is fantastic and we’re so grateful to these riders for flying the flag for the charity. Through the work of the foundation, we’ve been able to engage over 4000 young people in the previous year through community sports providers and locally trusted organisations. Being able to engage young people who may be more vulnerable or at risk of becoming involved in anti-social behaviour is key and we’ve been thrilled to follow some of the positive work of groups like BoxSmart, in Colchester and 1UP in Basildon.”
One of the riders, Paul Adams, told us;
“It was my first time doing RideLondon, and it was great to be involved in a closed road cycling event. It was so well organised, the spectators along the route really helped pull you along over the long distance, and I’m glad I could help raise awareness of the Active Essex Foundation by wearing the jersey!”
The cheering spectators across Essex were amazing to observe and the support shown for all the riders taking on the 100 miles, was a testament to how an activity like cycling can bring people together.
We also spoke to Pamela Green; Basildon and Brentwood Alliance Director, after she conquered the 100 miles, who said;
“It was amazing to ride the streets of London and beautiful Essex to see all the supporters. It was awesome to see Jason Fergus from Active Essex at the Epping stop, he really looked after us. It was amazing, such a well organised event and just epic to see so many on bikes.”
When speaking about why she wanted to partake in RideLondon, Pamela said;
“I know I participate best when I have a challenge to work towards. I also wanted to lead by example as the physical activity agenda is so important for our communities.”
Another one of our riders, Steve Mitchell, is a fantastic partner and sponsor of the charity and he is set to tackle the London to Paris challenge in September. It’s been great to learn that RideLondon has inspired him to conquer more challenges and to keep up the pedalling.
Hopefully, the event coming to Essex again will inspire others to set themselves a challenge and take on a new activity. An activity doesn’t have to involve getting on a bike, there are a range of movements and activities to get involved in, across the county, especially in the summer months with longer days and more sunshine.
We would like to again thank our fantastic riders who supported the foundation and hope that the magical feeling of crossing Tower Bridge after 100 miles encourages them to take on more miles in their foundation jersey!
