Epping Forest
As the 25,000 riders approach Essex, the lush greenery of Epping Forest will be the first point on the county’s route. As morning spectators, you could head along the High Street for the Epping Community Fete from 8:30am-12:30pm, to enjoy the stalls, pavement chalking, face painting and live music from the Rock Choir.
Following the partnership with RideLondon last year, and through funding from the London Marathon Foundation, local boxing academy Dennis and Dyer will be offering try out sessions for the public. Cycle King will also be on site, with competitions to win a brand new bike!
Ongar
With the crossover point and time pausing for the riders in Chipping Ongar, if you are local, it will be a great spot to take in the event and join in the celebrations. There will be live music, street art and smoothie bikes throughout the high street, as well as mini challenges for spectators and participants to enjoy. Pottery workshops, crazy golf and a treasure hunt from the top of the high street to the bottom, will be sure to keep families busy also. With many businesses opening up along with a ‘best dressed window’ competition and events at Zinc Arts and along the High Street, there’s plenty to enjoy.
The Epping-Ongar Railway line will be open to enable spectators to travel between Epping and Ongar to spectate and cheer on the riders.
If you’re local to Epping Forest, as well as watching the race in Epping High Street and Ongar, you also have the opportunity to spectate in Fyfield and Chigwell Row.
Uttlesford
Great Dunmow High Street will be a hub of activity for the local community from 9am, with a number of food and drink stands, bike maintenance stalls, live music from the Indie Quartet and entertainment for families and children.
If you live in Uttlesford, you can also spectate in the beautiful village of Leaden Roding, or perhaps outside Felsted School.
Chelmsford
Watch the riders pass through Chelmsford if you’re local and take part in a range of fun and free activities, at Writtle University College from 10am-3pm. From PRO BMX demonstrations and workshops, to balance bike try-outs and Dr Bike servicing and bike maintenance, there is something for everyone! Why not try making your own smoothie on a smoothie bike, dance to live music, get creative with arts and crafts and enjoy many of the refreshments on offer.
There are also limited spaces available for a We Ride family bike ride, where you can join the RideLondon participants on part of the route. To find out more and to sign up, visit: www.chelmsford.gov.uk/ridelondon
Head to either the junction of Chignal Road and Roxwell Road, or at the end of the bike path from Chelmsford to Writtle, where it meets Lordship Road, for the two best spots to watch the riders go past!
