Big Ben, the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, the Mall and the Houses of Parliament… They're all on the itinerary of the UK's biggest ever traffic-free – and free – cycling event, the Prudential RideLondon FreeCycle.
The build-up to the ride, which will take place on Saturday 3 August 2013, has begun, and people young and old are being urged to register for the eight-mile loop, which will see 70,000 cyclists of all abilities own capital’s historic streets. Collectively, more than 560,000 miles will be covered – enough to travel to the moon and back.
Hugh Brasher, event director at Prudential RideLondon, said: "What better way to see the most iconic sites of London than from a bike and on car-free roads? It really is an opportunity not to be missed, and we're really excited to welcome tens of thousands of cyclists of all ages and abilities to the Prudential RideLondon FreeCycle. The atmosphere is going to be amazing."
The precise route is still to be announced – that presentation is expected in early May – but it will take in many of the capital’s most recognisable monuments. Participants will be able to join the route at multiple points, complete the loop at a leisurely pace, and soak up the sights. Riders will need to register for their RideLondon FreeCycle vest, which will be sent out along with instructions for the day.
The RideLondon FreeCycle kicks off a weekend in which cycling will rule the London streets. Other events include a criterium and 100-mile mass participation ride into the Surrey countryside.
A free-to-watch pro race, the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey Classic, will cap the festivities off on the Sunday afternoon. The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park will also play host to a number of family oriented, cycling-related activities throughout the weekend.
For more information and to secure a place, see the Prudential RideLondon FreeCycle website.