“It went from torrential to biblical and then to just horrendous.”
These were the words Olympic track champion Chris Boardman used to describe the weather conditions that blessed the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 on August 10th.
Biblical conditions did not deter more than 20,000 cyclists taking part in the biggest charity cycling race in the UK to raise money for hundreds of good causes.
The route provided some great scenic highlights with the race starting at the Olympic Park, winding through Surrey, and finishing on The Mall.
Along with cycling greats Boardman, Laura Trott and Dame Sarah Storey, The Danny Fullbrook Fearless Foundation were delighted to play a part in the event with 10 cyclists braving the whipping tail of Hurricane Bertha to raise money for a number of Fearless projects.
Wind, rain and hail would not stand in their way.
“It was wet!” said Fearless rider Rick Sochacz, a member of the Foxhills cycling club.
“The conditions were lousy but it was a good ride and really well organised. There were six of us from my cycling club and one of the female riders was five minutes faster than Chris Boardman.”
Despite suffered from two punctures on route, Rick said the experience was fantastic and he has already entered the ballot for next year’s event.
Fearless Riders were suited and booted in Danny Fullbrook cycling jerseys which were apparently the envy of the circuit. They also meant riders could spot each other a mile off and offer words of encouragement.
“I bumped into a number of guys riding for Fearless. I started in the same wave as Danny’s best man Giles Deards,” said Sam Windridge, Head of Commerical and Fundraising at Fulham FC Foundation.”
“We stayed together for the first 20 miles and ended up finishing at the same time.”
“It was a great event. The highlight was definitely riding through the centre of London past the Houses of Parliament and up the Mall. There was great support from the crowds who didn’t let the rain spoil their fun.”
Fearless rider Andrew Apps was glad that the race ended on a high note.
“As one guy said to me at the end, not everyone can say they cycled through the tail of Hurricane Bertha.”
“Thankfully the rain lifted and gave us a 20-mile clear run into London. Having fought through the tale, a bit of sunshine and dry weather as you approach London was a very welcome change!”
Despite a wipe-out into a barrier, Giles Deards still found the event an amazing experience.
“The privilege of a car-free London and Surrey, rider camaraderie, loud cheers from spectators and a sense of achievement at the finish. Plus money and awareness raised for the Fearless Foundation – not bad for a Sunday morning!”
We would like to thank all the Fearless riders for taking part in the event and raising precious pounds for The Danny Fullbrook Fearless Foundation.
Next year’s Prudential Ride London festival will be held on the weekend of Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August 2015.
To donate to The Danny Fullbrook Fearless Foundation please click here.