Access Sport's Ride Around London back for second edition this September

The charity Access Sport and event organiser Andy Cook have confirmed that the second edition of the annual Ride Around London sportive will be held on Sunday 30 September. Some 1,500 riders are expected to take part in the event, which will see a choice of 60- or 115-mile routes.

Riders will set off on the longer route at between 7.30am and 8.30am from Herne Hill Velodrome in South London, while the shorter ride starts at Alexandra Gardens in Windsor between 10am and 11am. Both take in the Box Hill, which two months earlier will have provided the centrepiece of the Olympic road races, and finish at the Lee Valley Athletics Centre.

The event is supported by Mayor of London Boris Johnson, who says: “Ride Around London is a genuine celebration of London and the fantastic cycling this city has to offer.

“Combining hundreds of years of rich sporting history with the new developments for London 2012, this really is one of the best cycle rides in the country.

“By getting on your bike and taking a tour of the capital, you can also make a massive contribution to our communities, by raising money to help Access Sport transform the lives of thousands of young Londoners.”

Among last year’s participants were up-and-coming cyclist Germain Burton and his father Maurice, who described the event as “an excellent family day out for which the route was well chosen and supported.

“Access Sport’s event management team, Andy Cook and all the volunteers did a
fantastic job. We will be definitely putting this in the calendar for years to come.

“I really hope Access Sport raise the much needed funds that go towards such worthwhile causes,” he added.

Money raised will go towards community sports clubs in the capital, and the event’s partners include Chain Reaction Cycles, Brompto and Pickford’s, which will provide logistical support.

Last year’s event raised £25,000, and Access Sport’s Chief Executive Mark Hardie commented: “This money has enabled us to fund our BMX Legacy Project.  The money contributed towards the construction of five BMX tracks in East London in combination with intensive club development.

“We are leading the way with our tried and tested club development model coaches and volunteers to achieve sustainable, self sufficient, thriving community hubs for in disadvantaged areas to take part in exciting sports like BMX,” he concluded.

Full information of the Ride Around London 2012, including how to enter, is available on the event website.