Dust off the Lycra, pump up those tyres and maybe—just maybe—pretend you’ve been training all winter. The Ride MK Cycling Festival is back on Sunday 14th June, and it’s shaping up to be less of a gentle spin and more of a full-blown community celebration on two wheels.
Hosted by local children’s charity Ride High, this feel-good festival begins and ends at the Ride High Equestrian Centre in Loughton—where the only thing more uplifting than the finish line is the cause itself. The mission? Get as many people pedalling as possible while raising vital funds for vulnerable and disadvantaged children across the region.
And before you panic: no, you don’t need calves like a Tour de France contender to take part.
The day offers a menu of routes to suit every level of enthusiasm (and stamina):
- A 100km road route for the early risers and mileage masochists (7:30am start)
- A 50km option for those who like a challenge with their coffee, proudly sponsored by Bailey MK (9:00am start)
- A breezier 25km traffic-free redway route (10:00am start)
- And a charming 1.6km “Ready Set Go” route for younger riders, sponsored by Brioche Pasquier (11:00am start)
Whether you’re riding solo in quiet determination, drafting behind friends, or herding the family along like a slightly chaotic peloton, Ride MK is deliberately designed to be flexible, friendly and—crucially—fun. There are even group discounts, so no excuses from your colleagues, cousins or that friend who “definitely owns a bike somewhere.”
Of course, this isn’t just about the ride. Each route comes with a suggested fundraising target (between £50 and £150), helping Ride High continue its work building confidence, resilience and brighter futures for local children. Hit your target within a week of the event and you’ll be entered into a draw to win a £250 Trek voucher. Overachieve, and you’ll earn multiple entries—because nothing says “well done” like more chances to win shiny new cycling gear.
Cross the finish line and the atmosphere shifts from grit to festival. Expect food, music, family-friendly activities—and, quite rightly, rewards. Every rider receives a medal, plus the all-important choice of an ice cream or a beer. (Hydration comes in many forms.) Younger cyclists will also pedal away with a goody bag in hand.
Helen Cook, Fundraising and Marketing Manager at Ride High, puts it simply:
“Ride MK is such a special event because it truly is for everyone. Whether you’re taking on a personal challenge, riding with friends or bringing the family along, it’s a fantastic experience—and every mile ridden helps us support local children to build confidence, resilience and brighter futures.”
Chloe Clayton, Marketing Assistant at Brioche Pasquier, agrees:
“We’re really excited to be sponsoring the ‘Ready Set Go’ route again this year. It’s a fantastic day, full of energy and shared achievement, and it’s inspiring to see people of all ages taking part in something that makes a real difference. We’re proud to support Ride High and can’t wait to cheer everyone on.”
Registration is now open at www.ridehigh.org/ridemk and closes at midnight on Sunday 7th June. A limited number of on-the-day entries will be available for the 25km and 1.6km routes—though leaving it that late is a gamble best reserved for card games, not cycling events.
So, whether you’re in it for the miles, the medals, or the mid-ride snacks, Ride MK is ready and waiting. All that’s missing is you.