Sky ride 2011

The first feeder ride was led by Paul Braithwaite and Alex McKinnel at 10.30; the second one by John Chamberlain and Jean Dollimore at noon with the help of many marshalls. We counted ?? people on the first ride. At the start of the second ride there were 30, but by the time we arrived at St James' Park we had 40! We were pleased to see so many families with children, and a few people returning to cycling.

First group at Swiss Cottage	First group at Swiss Cottage	John briefs marshalls	Second group ready to leave Swiss Cottage

The rides to the Sky Ride circuit went well and the route was well signed, allowing the marshals to concentrate on getting people through junctions and looking out for the less experienced and younger riders. On arrival, people set off on the route along the Mall, through Trafalgar Square on to the Embankment to Tower Bridge, returning with a crossing over and back from Westminster Bridge and past the Palace into the Mall. This was a little shorter than last year and people managed several circuits in spite of the weather.

On the way	On the way	Arrival of first group	Arrival of first group

Unfortunately, heavy rain started soon after 1 pm and continued to fall until about 3 pm. However, riders continued to circulate or find shelter and at the end seemed to have dried off again. 

Riding the circuit	Riding the circuit	Sheltering in the marshalls tent	Ready to return to Swiss Cottage

We had the impression from the number of people at our feeders and the appearance of the course that participation was lower this year.

Traffic levels were higher as we led 50 riders back to Swiss Cottage.

Thanks to all the marshals for their hard work!

See a few more photos (by Paul Braithwaite and Jean Dollimore) on our Flickr site.