The start line is just a distant memory. Riders alongside, a quick glance, a few words - eyes back on the road. The pace settles - stay focused as legs tire. The sun fades - but a welcome rest stop and food just 5 miles ahead. Morning mist clears - check your watch - still on track. Keep it going - London's skyline now in view - tic toc - 24 hours..
Up to 1,000 riders set out from 'The Toon' with 310 miles of rolling tarmac down to the Capital - with 7 stages of 40/50 miles. You'll get full support all the way - with pace riders, medics, mechanics, signage, and rest stops with great food & hospitality en route. RIDE 24 isn't a race, it's a unique endurance ride & an exhilarating weekend to remember.
Make your Ride really count in 2016 - join & fundraise for our special charity partner Macmillan Cancer Support, or pay your own cost. Get training, push yourself - go for it.
Rest Stops en-route - every 40/50 miles
Free drinks, snacks, and plenty of food
Fully signed route - pace riders & guides
Mechanics, medics, massage, marshals
Vehicle support - 'Rest' coaches & bike vans
Celebratory finish brunch - with fizz & medal
Smithfield Market finish - Central London
Take on RIDE 24 for Macmillan or for yourself
Saturday morning start. Finish 24 hrs or so later
Bigger event means higher levels of support!
Central London is the target - 310 miles due south. After an excited build up - up to 1,000 riders set out over the Tyne in 3 waves, past the Angel of the North and on to the Yorkshire Hills. Through York and down to the Humber then on to historic Lincoln and the welcome flat lands beyond.
The sun dips - night time arrives as we pass sleepy villages and speed through the quiet countryside. Dawn breaks and the Capital's skyline is soon in sight - then as the finish line approaches the clock seems to stand still - 24 hours?
We've now teamed up with Macmillan Cancer Support - so your ride could also make a real difference and help others. You can achieve a lot in one day - join us on Ride 24.
THE RIDE...
310 miles in 24 hours. The route is split into 7 stages of approx 40/50 miles - with covered Rest Stops at the end of each leg to take on food & drink supplied by our specialist catering team - and to sort any repairs to bike & body!
Non-stop challenge - day & night. 24 hr 'target' time
'Front Peleton' pace will mean ~21 hour time for fastest
Saturday Newcastle start - 9.00am, 10.30am & midday
Start in 3 waves over 3 hours - approx 333 riders in each
Fully supported - meals en route, snacks, mechanics
Signed with 00's of pink arrows & glow sticks - all the way!
Medics & support vehicles / buses for 'rest' time / retirements
Optional bike transport from London to Newcastle for Start
Optional coach & bike transfer back to Newcastle at end
Some riders do it in ~26/27 hours - and that's fine by us!
A great finish and welcome in Central London for all
STATS...
START: Newcastle - Sat 20 Aug. 3 waves ~333 riders in each
FINISH: Smithfields Market, London - 21 Aug, 24 hrs or so later!
MILES: 310 over 7 stages with Rest Stops en route
TOTAL CLIMB: 7750 ft - some sections are relatively 'flat'!
RIDERS: Up to 1,000 intrepid adventurers - up from 400 in 2015
2015 RESULTS: 46% of field made it in < 24 hrs and 85% in < 26 hrs
SUPPORT...
We have 6 years experience of successful 24 hour cycle challenges – and know the ingredients to get you across the finish line on target. You’ll need your bike, helmet, some fuel in those legs and lots of spirit - we’ll bring the support ...
Rest stops every 40/50 miles - with snacks, gels & drinks
Food supplied at all Rest Stops - Hot lunch & dinner
Plenty of toilets at all Stops!
A celebratory brunch at the finish. You'll have earnt it
Pace riders, support guides and back marker helpers
Full support teams - mechanics & medics + massage
Day bag transfers to all Rest Stop (for clothes, snacks)
Rest & recovery buses - if you need to sit out a stage
Back-up vehicles & bike transport for retirees
Timing chips, route maps, GPX files, live timing website
Training advice + dedicated team to answer questions
Public liability insurance cover
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