The finisher’s medal – to be worn at all times
Last Sunday, John Wheatley, also know to us as “Mr Chairman”, rode the Ford RideLondon-Essex. This was an impressively large event with 30,000 riders tackling routes of either 30, 60 or 100 miles. As you would expect of our Club chair, he was having nothing less than the full ton-up …. it was 100 miler for John!
The route was entirely on closed roads and started on London’s Victoria Embankment, where riders then headed up to the Olympic Park and on to Epping Forest. From here on, John’s route guided him through some of the county’s most picturesque towns and villages, such as Great Dunmow, Felsted and Writtle. Once back in London the finish was on the majestic Tower Bridge, which had been specially closed off for John… and quite possibly the other 29,999 riders.
John was riding the event to raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK. John’s Dad, Ken Wheatley, lived with prostate cancer for many years until he passed away in 2022. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, with more than 52,000 men diagnosed every year on average. If you would like to show your support for John’s ride then the link for donations to Prostate Cancer UK is here
I had the honour of escorting John down to the 8am start. We enjoyed a wonderful ride from Willesden through the capital’s deserted streets on what was a lovely Sunday morning. As we approached the starting area I began to see the enormous size of the event, as teems, as well as teams of riders were descending on the start from all different directions. It was all very exciting. However, I could not proceed any further as I was not an entrant. So there ended my lead-out duties for John, some 101 miles short of the finish line!
Waiting for the off near Buckingham palace.
Over the next few hours I gazed at my mobile phone, following a small blue dot called John Wheatley buzzing around the course. John was setting an impressive rate and the dot only briefly paused at the event’s three controls. His return leg to London was even more rapid. The ride had one more surprise in its last few miles – it took the riders through the Blackwall tunnel! After that exciting and rare opportunity John crossed the Tower bridge finish in the early afternoon, taking just a whisker over seven hours from the start
A mass check-in of Strava segments?
When I spoke to John after his ride it was clear that he had really enjoyed the whole event. He did not stop long at the controls as they were quite busy, but he was impressed at the level of marshalling on the event, with all intersecting streets, roads and even farm tracks were closed and marshalled.
John’s phone had been completely drained by running the tracking app and he had no way of contacting his family who were waiting for him at the finish. As he crossed Tower Bridge he some powerful cycling-serendipity forces kicked in and he bumped straight into all of them with even trying to look.
Well done John! It was a great way to remember your Dad and to raise money for charity.
By Miles Back
