The first feeder ride was led by Paul Braithwaite and Stefano Casalotti with marshals Robert Geismar, Wilfried Haubenberger and Susan Pacey assisting; the second one by John Chamberlain and Ellen Gates with the help of marshals Alberto Lamback and Stefano who had rushed back to help (we were short of marshals). We counted 70 people on the first ride. At the start of the second there were 45, but by the time we arrived at St James’ Park we had 55-60! There were a lot of families with children, and also older people returning to cycling, which was great!
The rides down were fine – a great atmosphere and as the route is pretty well signed, the marshals were able to focus on getting people through junctions and looking out for the less experienced and younger riders.
On arrival, everyone had time to do the Skyride route along the embankment and through the City (extended this year), which as always is great fun, with slightly anarchic elements. Not as many entertainment features this year, but a few sound systems including a couple of mobile ones enlivened the ride
The return was harder work as traffic levels were higher, but with the able assistance of all the marshals we managed to lead about 70 people back, some leaving on the way to head for their destinations. We had a lot of positive comments and thanks and I think it was a very good advertisement for LCC and CCC, as well as being good fun.
Thanks to all the marshals for their hard work!
Photos by Paul Braithwaite
