Cycling in London is brilliant but for me, using my bike to get out of London, either on organised rides or spontaneous trips, is even better. Once you’re out of the city there’s rolling hills, beautiful countryside and, of course, much less traffic. One of the best ways to get out of London by bike is on organised rides, and very few are as popular or as successful as the annual London to Cambridge bike ride.
The London to Cambridge bike ride is in support of Breakthrough Breast Cancer. To see just how popular and big an event it is, checkout their video from the 2012 ride:
This year’s event is on Sunday 28 July, so fingers crossed for great weather.
The ride starts in North East London and is around the 60 mile mark, so is a nice leg stretcher for those of us who regularly cycle long distance and crucially isn’t too far for partners, and even growing kids (minimum age is 14). The ride will take you through English villages before ending in Cambridge, which is a short train journey back to the city.
What’s in it for me?
You shouldn’t really need any other reason other than knowing you’ll be raising money for a great cause, but if you need any further incentive then check out what’s on offer at the finish line:
- A medal
- Live music
- Refreshments
- A beautiful, historic city
How do I enter?
To secure your place in the ride you need to pay £20 entry fee and pledge to raise at least £100 in sponsorships. The £20 entry fee covers event administration and none of it goes to Breakthrough Breast Cancer, so your sponsorship is crucial.
The 2012 ride involved around 5,000 cyclists, and this year’s event promises to be even bigger. It’s a great opportunity to get a group of friends together, raise money for a great cause and meet lots of fellow cyclists at the various rest stops along the way.
Registration is quick and easy and there are discounts if you’re signing up a team. Transport options are also available, both to the start and at the end of the day.
£100 isn’t much money to raise so you can always aim for £300, which will secure you a Breakthrough Breast Cancer jersey too. It’s a glorious ride, hopefully in glorious weather, and a great way to have fun and help a great charity!
I did this in 2010 with almost no preparation (thanks to having our bikes, bought specially for the event, stolen from our locked conservatory!) and I can say that it is very achievable for all ages & abilities.
There’s absolutely no shame in getting off and pushing up the very few hills that are in any way steep.
The year I did it I know there were people who did it in 4 hours and some who rode there and back.
We did it in about 7.5 hours and the support from the crowd at the finish was wonderful all the same.
If you have ever thought about doing a longer ride, this would make an excellent introduction and it’s a great cause to boot.
I’d like to but it’s a bit too far and I think I’d find it difficult.
Or maybe I should, having seen this guy’s ride to raise breast cancer awareness and funds:
http://loveyoursister.org/