Guide to Ride London: My 2023 Experience!

In this video I talk about my experience taking part in Ride London 2023. I'll provide some insights into what the event is like, including signing up, receiving the race pack, start times, arrival, the route, nutrition, training and more!
Obviously there's a huge amount to cover and I already managed to fill up 20 minutes, however - if there is anything I missed that you want to ask me about then pop any questions in the comments.
I actually cycled alone for this event but absolutely loved it and will 100% be signing up for next year's ballot. I cannot recommend it enough and hopefully this video persuades you to take part!
Please like and subscribe as it means the algorithm will start to work in my favour so more budding cyclists can find out about the event and get involved! I'll hopefully be attending more cycling events this year so will make sure I make videos about those too :)
Chapters:
00:00 - What is RideLondon?
01:44 - Signing up
03:54 - How I trained
06:39 - Food the day before
07:46 - What I carried on my bike
09:22 - Breakfast & arrival
12:15 - The start!
13:00 - The route & other cyclists
15:43 - Feed stations
17:10 - The weather (& sunburn)
17:52 - Cycling alone
18:25 - The finish
19:15 - Wrapping up
#ridelondon #cycling #londoncycling #ukcycling #cyclingevent

[@Lifeinhackney]

Great video 💯💯💯✌️✌️👌👌

[@Lifeinhackney]

Thanks I would love to do it one day 💯👌✌️

[@paolameneghetti9001]

Thanks for mentioning that you received the info in May, the even is in 1 month and we haven't received any info yet, so yeah will just wait for May

[@paolameneghetti9001]

So many info, I'm watching several videos to get ready for next month, this is the best video so far! Really detailed well done!

[@paolameneghetti9001]

One question though. Where do you leave the bike with you need the loo? Do you leave it unattended?

[@SophieOutdoors]

Awesome I’m so glad it’s helped! Yes you just leave it unattended - anywhere the toilets are there are literally tons of bikes left around on railings and bike racks, so it weirdly doesn’t feel wrong leaving it. I just took my phone and cards with me when I left it, plus there are usually volunteers around who stick next to the bikes to keep an eye. At every aid station there are proper racks to put your bike on as well so you could just make sure it’s harder to get to if worried. It would be easy to spot anyone who doesn’t look like they’re part of the event I think

[@cleberaraujo055]

Thank you for your detailed report I am doing this year for the first time so good to have an idea of what to expect. Hope to see you there.

[@SophieOutdoors]

Glad it was helpful, good luck!

[@johnstygall860]

Great insights onto the logistics of the event. Hopefully will be doing it this May , so will have to look at planning for arrival to the start and getting back...can't wait

[@opemipoogunkola7405]

Thank you

[@johnniewells7491]

Thanks for this. Doing the ride this year for first time and this is just what I wanted to watch 👍🏻

[@SophieOutdoors]

Have fun, hope it goes well! :)

[@Tailspin80]

Same here. Have you seen the weather forecast 😬

[@callancoughlan9323]

Taking it on this Saturday and this video has given me a bit more confidence, thank you! I did a 2:58 Marathon a couple of weeks ago but I've done very little cycling... I hope the fitness translates!!

[@cw2002]

1. It’s on Sunday 2. As a fellow marathon runner I’ve experienced that my general fitness does help with cycling but without specific cycling training I’m a much worse cyclist than I am runner. 90% of your effort is concentrated into your quads so the muscles you use for running just don’t work 1:1 between the two disciplines 3. Good luck for Sunday. I’ll be there too.

[@SophieOutdoors]

Good luck! And wow great marathon time! I’m sure you’ll be absolutely fine, it’s not a very hilly route so I reckon the marathon fitness will definitely get you through

[@Tailspin80]

I did the London Marathon in 3 hrs 23 minutes but it was in 1991! Doing my first RideLondon this weekend. Can’t run any more (knees won’t take it) but cycling seems like the perfect substitute.

[@trungy9882]

Just finished the marathon and have only done a total of 18 miles - wish me luck! 😂🎉

[@SophieOutdoors]

Oh wow! I also did the Marathon this year - although I’m not doing Ride London as well so that’s super impressive 😂 I’m sure you’ll be fine since you have the base fitness there already! Plus you’ve only got Swim Serpentine to do after that and you’ll be able to get the London Classics medal (unless you have it already!)

[@sourovide116]

Hi Sophie, thanks for this informative video. Really helpful! So you recall what sort of average speed kmph or mph you cycled at? Thanks!

[@SophieOutdoors]

I'm glad it helped! I think I ended up with an average moving speed of 26kph which is much faster than on my usual cycle rides, usually around 21-23kph! I basically went at a pace that felt quite easy the whole time, but I think being around so many other cyclists really boosts you without realising. Just keep reminding yourself you have to maintain that speed for many hours 😅

[@michaeloconnor9809]

£99 to ride that. What a joke. Never ever. Closing roads just alienates non cyclists.