Two years in the making, the 2021 edition of the Red Kite Ride must be one of the best ever. Not the biggest, or the most profitable, but certainly pulled together in the most challenging of circumstances, with the biggest feel good factor, if comments on social media are anything to go by.
The week before had been full of minor panics. Mix up with burger orders, the complexities of banana ripening (there’s a lot more to bananas than most people realise!), glitches with routes (sorted within half an hour), blagging enough raffle prizes (and ending up with more than bargained for), and sourcing barriers and portaloos. Eventually it all got sorted.
The big day dawned dull and a bit dismal, but at least it wasn’t raining. By 6.30am set up was all but done, and our first riders started arriving.
There seemed to be a group of Olympic-level faffers hanging around, doing the 100 mile route they final set off fairly late, and well after their allotted window. However, what the casual observer did not see is that our Chair, Russell, found Cris Towner, of Flat Harry’s fame, trying to modify some Look cleats with a knife so as to fit Shimano pedals. The hapless rider had bought new shoes and fitted the wrong cleats - oops! He had travelled from London. His mates were waiting. SuperChair to the rescue, faster than a speeding bullet, Russell borrowed Dave Port’s bike, cycled home, found some Shimano cleats and brought them back. Cris fitted them and the champion faffers were on their way. They got back safely, in a pretty respectable time and had enjoyed a great day.
So having despatched the faffers and the ‘lost lady of Hambledon’ another late starter (more about her later), the Broom Wagons got under way. The official wagon, piloted by Cris with navigator Simon Morgan. The alternative un-official wagon, piloted by Dave (Mad Max) Rooney, aided and abetted by Rob Thompson. For some inexplicable reason they chose to travel with a keg of beer in the back - maybe a kiwi thing, or maybe a gravellers thing. Everyone rescued was offered a beer to help fortify spirits - much like the nip of brandy from the St Bernard dogs when saving avalanche victims. Meanwhile Simon quizzed Cris for bike maintenance intel, and Cris reputedly returned the favour by selling Simon a bike - so a good day all round.
As ever, Marlow FM presided over proceedings, pumping out good vibes, between interviewing anyone that passed by too close.
As things warmed up in the BBQ tent, so the dancing chefs started a conga, which was infectious, with those in the queue joining in while waiting for their burgers.
Meanwhile, Helen and Emily were doing a roaring trade in raffle tickets. Fair play, they were at it from 11am til 4pm. Texting the lucky winners, who were all delighted to have won something, made it worthwhile.
Tim Wicks proved his dedication to the club by volunteering despite it being his 60th birthday. Angie B from Marlow FM having been tipped off, got the field to sing Happy Birthday.
The InternationElles and a team from Bia injected some style and panache to the day, both with beautiful kit and all posting fast times for the 100 mile route.
A 15 strong team riding for TV Air Ambulance were resplendent in orange kit.
And surely the star of the day was Susie’s Dad, Ian. 80 years old he completed the 50 mile route (it’s actually 55 miles), on his eBike (in 4 hours 40 minutes). An inspiring example of keeping fit into older age.
Meanwhile, Susie was busy ferrying energy drinks and jelly beans between feed stations to ensure that riders were kept fully fuelled.
The Emergency (bat) phone received a steady procession of calls for assistance. One notable call (actually half a dozen), was from a lady who had found herself in Hambledon having taken a wrong turn, asking for directions back to the route. When we realised that she’d probably gone down Shogmoor, we decided to send assistance to get her back on track. An hour later, and another call, this time she’s in West Wycombe. It’s clearly not her day, she’s phoning to say she’s retiring from the event. We checked that she knew her way home, and we texted later to make sure she had indeed got back safely. She was in the garden enjoying a cuppa! She even sent us her alternative RKR 50 on Strava - something to think about for next year.
At the end of a long day, we were delighted to see some fresh volunteers who showed up to help with breakdown. Rumour has it that one tired and emotional car park attendant had to be bribed with goodies from the TVAA stand.
Another member was so tired he tried to brush his teeth with savlon rather than toothpaste.
All over for another year. Of course, it’s not quite over yet. In the back office Rob Allen has been counting the beans at a furious rate to give us a ballpark figure of what we may have raised for charity -something around £12,000. Thanks to Rob’s quick counting, we got headline billing on the home page of the Maidenhead Advertiser, which resulted in a call from BBC Radio Berkshire, with the offer of a slot on the Drive Time show.
Thank you to the RKR committee and to our cast of thousands - you the club members that give up your time to make this such a special event.
And here’s some of the feedback we’ve received from riders:
Probably one of the best run cycling events in the UK. I have come to ride three of these , two on my own and this time i brought 7 more riders from the club North Essex Velo, I will put it out again next year and hope to add to the seven. Everyone enjoyed the ride be it quite tough on a hot day and a 100 miles round the Chilterns is no Essex flat Sunday club ride.
Just to mention that if you could get the council to repair some of the roads for next year i am saying this event would be unbeatable.
Looking forward to next year and a big thankyou to all your helpers and marshals that made this ride a lovely day out. Pete North Essex Velo
It was a great occasion. Full marks for the weather, the route, the signage (excellent!), catering and above all for the very friendly welcome from all the Marlow Riders crowd. It's the best ride of the year. Tom Tichler (VerulamCC)
Thanks to everyone for a great ride yesterday! We had a brilliant day doing the 100 miles - so well organised, great food stops and fantastic weather!
We'll be back next year.
It was a wonderful day supported by very friendly volunteers. We loved it.
Thanks a million for a great day out cycling on Sunday. The ride was superbly organised and staffed by such lovely and friendly volunteers.