RideLondon-Essex community celebrations

RideLondon-Essex returned to the district for a second year with a community event in Epping to celebrate.

On Sunday 28 May 2023, Epping High Street came alive with activities, performances and information stalls. The atmosphere was incredible as crowds gathered around the route in the sunshine to cheer and show their support for the 25,000 riders taking part in the event.

Riders pass St John’s Church in Epping during the Ford RideLondon-Essex 100. Photo: Adam Warner for London Marathon Events

Alzheimer’s Society charity cheer zone spectators cheer on the riders on Epping High Street. Photo: Adam Warner for London Marathon Events

Riders in the Ford RideLondon-Essex 100 pass through the Essex countryside Photo: Ben Queenborough for London Marathon Events

Riders high five during the Ford RideLondon-Essex 100. Photo: Ben Queenborough for London Marathon Events

Riders in the Ford RideLondon-Essex 100 pass through the Essex countryside. Photo: Ben Queenborough for London Marathon Events

Riders pass Epping High Street during the Ford RideLondon-Essex 100. Photo: Adam Warner for London Marathon Events

Community event

Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) Community Development and Wellbeing was delighted to deliver the Epping Community Activation, funded by Active Essex (Essex County Council).

The event was attended by hundreds of people, including many riders taking advantage of the Epping pit-stop, and enjoying a well-deserved rest. It demonstrated the strong community cohesion within the district and showcased partnership working with the local community at its heart.

Visitors enjoyed various information stalls from local partners:

• Active Essex
• Coopersale and Theydon Garnon C of E Primary School PTA
• Cycle King
• East of England Ambulance Service
• Epping Youth Football Club
• Essex County Fire & Rescue Service
• Essex Police
• Essex and Herts Air Ambulance
• Open Door Friendship Group
• Open Gardens
• Safer Essex Roads Partnership
• St Clare Hospice
• Trailnet
• VAEF
• WECAN

There was plenty for all the family to participate in including face painting and pavement art. Visitors also took part in engaging taster activities which encourage physical activity, including Play in the Park, Trailnet, Taekwondo, EFDC Pedal Project and making a smoothie on one the Smoothie Bikes.

A highlight from this year’s event was the live performance from Rock Choir, which enhanced the community atmosphere and got toe tapping.

Competition winners

In the lead up to the event, EFDC partnered with Cycle King to host a competition to win a bike, via Instagram.

Another winner was chosen on the day via the community raffle, picked by newly elected EFDC Chairman, Cllr Darshan Sunger.

Congratulations to our winners: Martha Lewanska and Alice Rider.

The East of England Ambulance Service showing the Chairman of Council, Vice-Chairman first aid.

Raffle bike winner Alice Rider receiving her bike from the Chairman Cllr Darshan Sunger, Vice-Chairman Cllr Les Burrows and Cycle King

Social media competition winner Martha Lewanska husband and son collecting the bike with Cycle King and Cllr Holly Whitbread.

Enjoying the atmosphere and enthusiasm

Cllr Darshan Sunger, Chairman of the Council said:

As one of my first public engagements as Chairman, it was an absolute pleasure to be part of the community activation celebrations in Epping for the RideLondon-Essex Mass Participation Ride.

It was wonderful to see the community and partner organisations coming together with stalls, music performances and activities, while enjoying the atmosphere and enthusiasm of everyone involved.

RideLondon-Essex really does promote health and wellbeing and encourages people of all ages to be active and enjoy cycling as an exercise. I was honoured to announce the winner of the bike competition at the event. Well done to everyone! A great example of partnership working.

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