Hello all!
Before I get into this post allow me to introduce myself!
My name is Jay, I work for Uris Group in the Business Applications department and I look after the Ride4Life website while the true heroes pull on their lycra and do the hard work!
As part of my duties I will be posting live updates throughout the Ride itself (keep an eye out for the Breaking News Banner and a link to the live updates coming soon), as well as a few posts like this one to give everyone a bit more information the event itself, the places the group will be passing through and some behind the scenes information on what goes in to this annual test of endurance!
We are just a few short hours away from the start of the 2021 ride, and as the riders converge on Doncaster for some last minute preparation and refuelling I thought it would be a great time to look at a bit of the preparation which comes before the physical wheels start turning!
Route Planning
I’m sure most of you are aware of the 7 P’s (if you aren’t I’ll let you google it yourself) or perhaps the slightly more relevant, and less NSFW phrase ‘Fail to Prepare, Prepare to Fail’.
Never more is this apparent when coming up with the route to take. It’s not just a matter of flicking on a SatNav and following where it tells youto go. There are weeks of deliberation that goes in to picking out the perfect route to get everyone safely and efficiently from A to B.
- What roads are best avoided?
- Can we get bikes through this particular section of the map?
- Is the surface of this area suitable for bikes?
- Can we get 7-8 riders safely down this canal path without knocking someone in?
All things that have to be considered to create the perfect 202.1 route from Doncaster to Leadenhall Market in London.
Speaking of 202.1 miles, I have been asked if that was done on purpose. The honest answer is no.
It’s a nice coincidence though!
Route Reconnaissance
With a provisional route in place the next step is to check it out.
So over a few weeks preceding the 27th, the team rode each section of the route piece by piece to check it out.
This also gave us a chance to test out various pieces of kit, such as the Garmin Tracker that we will have on the live updates page which allows you to see where the group are in real time, and presumably a load of other bike related gear that I’m not as familiar with.
All the Gear…
Speaking of kit, the riders have also spent the past few weeks piecing together everything they will need to survive a 16.5hr ride, over a third of which takes place through the night!
This small excerpt of a recent Ride4Life email shows just how much needs to be considered!
- Bike
- Bibs/shorts
- Jersey (Ride4Life short sleeve full zip with 3 rear pockets will be available on the day)
- Waterproofs
- Gloves (long for night riding short for day)
- Long sleeve jersey/jacket/arms warmers (for night riding)
- Overshoes (for night riding or wet weather)
- Helmet
- Shoes (sounds obvious but Damien did only rock up with one once so had to go buy a new pair and Gary has already done this for a training ride this year)
- Front and rear lights
- Spare inner tubes
- Water bottles (there will be plenty of water on the van for refills)
- Food (there will be places on route to get food but only after 117 miles do we stop at a place that will be open)
- Drinks (other than water which will be on the van)
- Portable battery pack – charging lights/bike computer and phone
- Sun cream (you never know it is supposed to be summer)
- Chamois cream
- Anything you want for after the ride – change of clothes, trainers, overnight stuff etc
There will be the following on the van for everyone’s use so no need to bring your own:
- Track pump
- Tool kit
- First aid kit
- Mini pump (will be on Gav’s bike during the ride)
- Allen keys (will be on Gav’s bike during the ride)
- Tyre leavers (will be on Gav’s bike during the ride)
- There will also be a spare bike on the van for worst case scenarios
I’m sure you’ll agree that’s A LOT of stuff!
Riding in Style
You may have noticed the third item in the list above mentioned the Jersey.
Designed by Max Burrows, this year’s Jersey has once again been made by Scimitar Sports and although I haven’t seen it yet personally, I have it on good authority it looks amazing!
Be sure to check back once the ride starts to see it, and the riders, in all their glory!
The Final Countdown
All that’s left now is for the riders to arrive at the start line, get into their gear and ride at the stroke of midnight!
Meanwile I will be tucked up in bed getting a few hours sleep before waking up fresh and ready to bring you all live updates, pictures, some (hopefully) interesting information and some finish line interviews with the triumphant team!
Thanks for reading everyone and be sure to check back from Midnight live updates!
Oh and please consider heading over to the Virgin Money Giving page to donate, we have already smashed the target set for this year but we want to see how high it can go!