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Ford RideLondon–Essex: Epping Community Fete 2024. Ford Ride London-Essex returned to Epping Forest for its third year.
25,000 cyclists came through parts of the district on Sunday 26 May. Riders made a quick pitstop in Epping High Street to grab some breakfast and meet friends and family.
Despite the rainy start, the atmosphere was incredible as hundreds of people came out to support those participating and enjoy the Epping Community Fete.
Epping Community Fete
There was a plethora of activities for local residents, spectators and visitors to enjoy led by the Epping Forest District Council’s (EFDC) Community Development and Wellbeing team.
Visitors enjoyed various activities and information stalls from:
- Essex Police
- Make it Mindful
- Places Leisure
- Trailnet
- Youth Unity
- East of England Ambulance Service
- Epping Foodbank
- Epping Forest Dementia Friendly Community
- EFDC’s Play in the Park, smoothie bikes, face painting and pavement art
There was live music from Harmonix Community Choir, Rock Choir and Young Citizen of the Year 2024 semi-finalist, Jonty Williams stopped mid-ride to entertain the crowds on his keyboard before jumping back on his bike to finish his 60-mile ride.
High street businesses gave away drinks and snacks to cyclists as part of the business bursary scheme made possible by the Essex Cycle Grant. One restaurant designed a special breakfast menu for the event to entice riders and visitors.
Competition winners
Cycle King, a key sponsor for the Epping Community Fete, donated 2 bicycles to be won.
Lilah, aged 7 from White Bridge Primary School in Loughton, was the winner of the children’s competition, after her bike design was picked by newly elected EFDC Chairman, Councillor Les Burrows.
Ciara Griffiths was the winner of the adult bike. Her name was selected at random having completed a fete evaluation form.
Local community at heart
EFDC Chairman, Councillor Les Burrows said:
It was an absolute pleasure to attend the RideLondon-Essex event and be part of the Epping Community Fete celebrations. This event demonstrated a strong community cohesion, and highlighted partnership working with local businesses, charities and organisations with the local community at heart.
A huge thank you to all the staff and volunteers who were up very early in the morning and in the rain to get everything ready.
Congratulations to our competition winners as well.
Community rides
In the lead up to RideLondon-Essex, EFDC’s Community Development and Wellbeing Team has been delivering an array of activities to encourage physical activity and getting people using their bikes.
Sessions included Community Rides, a Care to Move project, targeting older adults in Independent Living Schemes, free bike health checks at Play in the Park and the West Essex Inclusion Project Bike Works workshop.
Race winners
Find out who won on the Ride-London website:
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