The first feeder ride was led by Paul Braithwaite and Alex McKinnell at 10.30; the second one by John Chamberlain and Jean Dollimore at noon with the help of many marshalls. We counted 65 people on the first ride and 45 on second. We were pleased to see so many families with children, and a few people returning to cycling. The marshals were Doron Hallis, Robert Geismar, Geoff Stillwell, George Coulouris, Simon Pearson, Paula Stammers and Luke Howard. Paula’s partner, Steve, also helped.
Click on a photo to see an enlargement.
The rides to the Sky Ride circuit went well and the route was well signed, allowing the marshals to concentrate on getting people through junctions and looking out for the less experienced and younger riders. On arrival, people set off on the route along the Mall, through Trafalgar Square on to the Embankment to Tower Bridge, returning with a crossing over and back from Westminster Bridge and past the Palace into the Mall. This was a little shorter than last year and people managed several circuits in spite of the weather.
Unfortunately, heavy rain started soon after 1 pm and continued to fall until about 3 pm. However, riders continued to circulate or find shelter and at the end seemed to have dried off again.
According to the press there were 55,000 people there which is similar to last year, but I expect they didn’t hang around so it seemed fewer. However, we had the impression from the number of people at our feeders and the appearance of the course that participation was lower this year.
Traffic levels were higher as we led 50 riders back to Swiss Cottage.
Thanks to all the marshals for their hard work!
See a few more photos (by Paul Braithwaite, John Chamberlain and Jean Dollimore) on our Flickr site.