The future of the riders

One thing I love about the ride this year is the slight rule change we have made-

‘All riders under 16 must be accompanied by an adult’.

Up to now, for insurance and logistical reasons, we have said a straight no to riders under 16. Routes have been hard enough,and we wanted to ensure that no is left ‘baby sitting’ on the day.

This rule change means that we can open the ride up to the next generation of riders- people who will hopefully be coming to the event for years to come. It is very exciting.

It also, on a more personal level, means that my son Ethan can ride. Ethan is 13 at the start of April, and is already training. He has a sensible head on his shoulders, and does not focus solely on cycling; he plays rugby for his school, table tennis (is that a real sort? discuss!), badminton, a bit of football… an all round sport billy.

We got a healthy 30 miles in yesterday, cycling from Barnstaple to the Puffing Billy at Torrington, then climbed up into Torrington, then home again. His first ride with SPD’s; his climb into Torrington was really strong- he rode with a purpose.

It’s nice, because as I am not (honestly!) a pushy father, if he wants to come out with me, he does, and if he doesn’t, he … doesn’t. We are planning some bigger rides before the day to get used to cycling for a long time, but he is very excited- as I am- about him doing the ride. Previous riders will remember him on the back of the support motorbike at the 2008 event. This enabled him to see how tough it can be; he also saw the smiles!

This year wil see big steps taken in the ride. The first time we have changed both the start and the finish in one year, the first time we are starting outside of Ilfracombe, the numbers, the venues… but I think, in time, the biggest change will be…to allow accompanied under 16 year olds.