Charity Rides

[Chris.IOW]

I've just returned from my first Charity ride, the BHF Dorset Bike Ride, and I have to say....what a nightmare.

The roads were clogged with cyclists who had no road sense, meandering along 3 or 4 abreast meaning anyone going faster had to take unacceptable risks to get past.

People were weaving all over the road on every hill, or worse just stopping in the middle of the road on the slightest incline, I lost count of the number of near misses I saw, and was having to spend so much time myself watching out for other cyclists that I just couldn't enjoy the ride at all.

I'm not wanting to seem an elitist as I am not, and it was great to see so many people out on such a variety of bikes but I just felt at risk of being taken out all the time.

On the pluse side the orginasation, sinage and marshalling was great, well done to the BHF.

What are other peoples experiences of charity rides? are they all like this?

I think I will stick to Sportives and Audax's from from now on.

C.

 

[corshamjim]

My only charity ride so far has been last year's South West Tour Ride for the Prostate Cancer charity. That was absolutely fab - well organised with riders setting off in groups at intervals so not too many dodgy moments except perhaps when I was struggling to stay upright while climbing Peak Hill and wobbling all over the road!

I'll be doing the Prince's Trust Palace-Palace ride later this year which I expect will be busier. I really don't think anyone should be bothered about overtaking on these rides - it's all about simply getting to the end and making some money for the charity. If achieving a specific time is important to you then yes, a sportive might be a better bet, or even more competitive cycling. Alternatively, make sure you arrive very early to stay at the front of the field. Personally I try to arrive early so as not to be caught by the sag wagon.

 

[Munchkin100]

I did the London to Brighton about 4 years ago, was great getting to the end as I hadnt been biking long at that point, pity we had to walk at bottle necks areas, which happened often, this can be avoided, I have been told, if you take a very early start time. Since then have done Palace to Palace and must say it was more enjoyable, busy, but nowhere near the bottle necks experienced previously but we started early. Its about raising money and dodging the people who only bring their bikes out once a year but at least they are having a go so you have to hand it to them. It used to be me !