RideLondon-Essex 100
THIS YEAR’S SPORTIVE FEATURES A FRESH TRAFFIC-FREE ROUTE INTO RURAL ESSEX AND A NEW FINISH LINE AT TOWER BRIDGE
RIDE LONDON- ESSEX 100 ST AT S
Location London and Essex
Next date 29 May 2022
Distance 102.4 miles (165 km) Price £89
Established by the Mayor of London in 2013 as a legacy event from the London 2012 Olympics, RideLondon has since become an impressive festival of cycling. At its heart is the RideLondon-Essex 100, but there will also be 30- and 60-mile rides on Sunday 29 May, and a free family-friendly event on closed roads in central London. You could also watch the RideLondon Classique women’s pro race that takes place in Essex and London from 27-29 May.
PRE-RIDE PREP
Most of the RideLondon-Essex 100 route is fairly flat as it passes through London’s suburbs and into the leafy Essex countryside, making the event a great option for riders of all abilities and experience. With just 1000m of total elevation gain over the 102.4 miles, you don’t need to train on big hills. Choose long endurance rides that feature rolling terrain in the weeks and months before.
THE RIGHT KIT
Handcycles, tricycles, recumbents, tandems and ebikes are all welcome. You may be at the start area at Victoria Embankment for up to an hour before you get moving. Consider wearing flexible kit options such as arm- and kneewarmers with a gilet or windproof layer if it’s chilly, or a rain jacket, cap and gloves if it’s wet. You’ll cover 50 miles before you reach the first major feed stop, so pack your pockets with snacks and fill your water bottles beforehand.
THE EVENT WEEKEND
You’ll be setting off between 6am and 9am, so you might want to stay in central London the night before. Plan your journey to the start (and from the finish) as there’s no parking nearby and there will be road closures in place. London’s Cycleways offer great access to the start. You’ll be posted your rider pack beforehand, so you don’t have to register on the morning of the ride – simply turn up at your allocated time with your rider numbers attached and take part!
THE RIDE
The route features a few twists and turns around Stratford and Canning Town as you leave London – and on the return section – so take care here. Enjoy heading out of London and into Essex on the A12 as it’s closed to vehicles for one day only. Just don’t try to ride there in training, as it’s normally illegal! Look out for the parts of the route, including Epping Forest and Felsted, that featured in Stage 3 of the 2014 Tour de France – and ride some of them in training if you can.
FUEL STATIONS
As well as the main feed stop at Felsted, 50 miles in, there’s another one at Chipping Ongar at around 75 miles. You can refuel with free sports-nutrition products such as gels and bars and refill your bottles with water and electrolyte drinks. You can also buy food and drinks from local providers at the two aid stations, plus there’ll be toilets and mechanics along the route.