Ealing Cycling Campaign's Olympic Road Cycling Race Route Ride
Two rides on the same day following the route of the upcoming Olympic Cycle Road Race. The "Not So Speedy" ride will depart Ealing Town Hall at 8am sharp, arrive from 7.30am. Your ride leader will be Murray.
The speedy ride, following the same route will depart Ealing Town Hall at 9.30am sharp, arrive from 9am. Your ride leader will be Fran.
Each ride is at least 65 miles long, is 100% road based with live traffic (including some big main roads) and takes in some big hills.
The speedier of the two rides is more suitable for those with drop barred road bikes or fast hybrids who have a few longer and faster rides under their belts; riders should be confident of travelling at 15-20 mph on the flat for long periods. Notwithstanding, it's not a race so the pace will be relativley relaxed.
Riders on both rides would be expected to be self-sufficient and while the ride will wait briefly for those with punctures or fixable mechanical issues, anybody not able to keep the pace would be expected to find their own way around the course, perhaps catching up at planned stops, or make their own way to the nearest station and train it home.
Please also ensure your cycle is well maintained, especially the brakes, there are some very sharp downhill sections! A toolkit, puncture kit and pump, plenty of water, suitable clothing and maybe a couple of energy bars are a must and although we aim to get back before it's dark, do bring lights.
A map of the route can be found here, it's strongly recommend you print this out to bring along on the day.
http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/ealing-lcc-olympic-route
This is going to be a great day, and come the Olympics you’ll be able to watch the road race and say “I did that!”; notwithstanding both of our rides will be a little slower and we'll only climb Box Hill once as opposed to the nine times the Olympic Athletes will do it, we also stop for early coffee, lunch and afternoon cake!