Tracey does Ride London

On 28th May, Tracey Brooks, took part in Ride London 100. Read on to find out how she got on.

This my first ever mass start cycling event, my first 100 miles, and I was doing it by myself. I was lucky to have quite an early start so wasn’t hugely worried about the cut-off times, and felt I’d trained enough to not worry about the distance. But I was worried about getting to the start, getting lost, and leaving my bike to go to the loo and get food!

My whole experience was fantastic. The route to the start was well sign posted. The filtering into the pens was well organised and plenty of toilets. I started on time as per the pre-ride info. The route was well sign posted. Loads of marshals and riders patrolling to help with mechanical issues. There were medical facilities and toilets about every 5 miles. Welfare stops could have been better but I felt they were safe and well marshalled.

I think I was lucky throughout. I didn’t get caught in any holdups or issues, queues at the stops were short when I was there. Other riders were mostly courteous.

The route was ok and awesome to ride closed roads. Very much like riding around Staffordshire in terms of terrain. No big climbs, a bit rolling. Lots of supporters on the roadside and the roads were in reasonable condition.

Not going to lie at times it was tough. Sometimes I was in a group but rode much of it by myself. Regularly taking on bites of food helped keep my energy up. And it was hot so loads of fluid. But enjoyed it so much and never doubted my ability to complete it. Finishing on Tower Bridge was amazing. So many people lining the route, cheering you on.

Overall I’d say it was well organised and a nice route. A fab opportunity to ride london on closed roads and roads you’d never usually cycle on. I’d highly recommend if anyone is thinking of entering the ballot for next year.