Marlow Red Kite Ride 2017 attracted record entries and welcomed former pop star Andrew Ridgeley
The Marlow Red Kite Ride sportive took place on Sunday 3 September 2017, and attracted a record number of entries including cycling enthusiast and former pop star Andrew Ridgeley. After a fine start to the day which was perfect cycling weather, almost 700 riders enjoyed the all new 50, 80 and 100 mile routes and crossed the finishing line with big smiles, despite the soggy end to the day. Listed by Cycling Weekly as one of the top ten sportives near London, this is the sixth year of our popular event which attracted entrants from as far a field as Newcastle and Cornwall.
On completing the 80 mile route with a group of friends, having stopped for a pub lunch on the way, Andrew Ridgeley commented, “I’d like to thank the Marlow Riders for putting on this great event. The route through the Chilterns was beautiful, the marshaling and signage were excellent and there is an obvious attention to detail. We thoroughly enjoyed it.”
Interview with Andrew Ridgeley, courtesy of Marlow FM
Finishing times for 2017
The provisional results are now available here: Marlow Red Kite 2017 Results We will publish final results in a week, when we hope to add back the club names. If you have any questions or comments please let us know.
Video of the Start
Red Kite Ride – the friendly sportive
The Red Kite Ride, which is run by Marlow Riders aims to raise money for cycling related charities. This year the nominated charities are Marlow Sports Club, which provides facilities for a range of sports for 2000 people of all ages and abilities, and Wheels for All, based at Bisham, which provides adapted bikes for disabled children and adults. Early indications are that monies raised this year will exceed previous years donations. The raffle was run on the day by Marlow Riders’ Chair Chris Heath has raised a record £2375. Prizes and winners as follows:
1. Go Pro Camera Peter Wilson, Farnham
2. Apple Watch Edward Green, Marlow
3. Hotel Stay Gary Mitchell, Marlow
4. BMW Watch Nigel Long, Beaconsfield
5. £100 Spa Voucher Anthony Platt, Marlow
6. £75 Drummond Clinic Ian Hargrave, Newbury
7. £50 Saddle Safari Voucher Mark Slater, Woking
8. Health Books Richard Lucas, Maidenhead
9. Free Entry MRKR 2018 Pat, Marlow FM, Marlow
10. Free Entry MRKR 2018 Annette Paterson, Reading
Other charities taking part in the Red Kite Ride were a group of cyclists supporting Myeloma UK, which provides help to patients with blood cancer and a group promoting Breast Cancer Awareness. Local cyclist, Andy Esson took on the Red Kite Ride in preparation for the Duchenne Dash, an epic ride from London to Paris in 24 hours, in support of Duchenne UK, which funds research and provides support to families of boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, the most aggressive form of muscular dystrophy, a muscle wasting condition. He commented, “This is the second year that I’ve ridden the Red Kite Ride, it is always a well run event, clearly run by cyclists for cyclists.”
Coin Lavis, Event Director for the Marlow Red Kite Ride added, “In a market where there are now a lot of different sportives to choose from, we are delighted that once again the Red Kite Ride was completely sold out in advance. We’d like to thank everyone that took part including loyal participants that come year after year, and those joining us for the first time.
Chris Heath, Chair of Marlow Riders added; “Once again, we are expecting to raise a significant amount for our chosen charities. To date the Red Kite Ride has raised £34,000. I’d like to thank Colin and his team, and all the volunteers from Marlow Riders that helped organise and run this, our showcase event, that spotlights Marlow and the beautiful countryside that we are lucky enough to have on our doorstep.”
About Marlow Sports Club
One of the nominated charities for 2017 is Marlow Sports Club (MSC) where Marlow Riders is based. MSC is a registered charity that provides the opportunity to take part in sport to over 2,000 people every week. To secure the future of this valuable sporting facility for the people of Marlow, the club is looking to expand and upgrade its amenities, providing additional space for more sports and including wheel chair access and better changing facilities.
Saved from redevelopment only a few short years ago, a donation from the Red Kite Ride will make a significant contribution to safeguarding local sport for all, and to help build a cycling community in Marlow for generations to come.
About Wheels for All
The Wheels for All initiative is a nationally recognised programme that embraces all children and adults with disabilities and differing needs, to engage in a quality cycling activity. By using specially adapted cycles, the activities are both physically and mentally stimulating and above all fun for everyone involved.
The Red Kite Ride supports the local branch based at the National Sports Centre at Bisham Abbey, where they run events on Saturdays from Spring to Autumn between 11am and 2pm.
More info: http://cycling.org.uk/wheels-for-all/
For more details about this fabulous day visit our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/marlowredkiteride
Photos
Photos of last year’s event are available from SportivePhoto.
Marlow Riders
The Red Kite Ride is hosted and run by Marlow Riders. For more information about Marlow Riders visit our website: www.marlowriders.org.uk