Popular Charity Cycling Sportive
Close your cycling event season with RIDE Essex, a stunning cycle through the Essex countryside. Our RIDE Essex charity cycling sportive is one of our most popular rides attracting over 900 participants.
You can enjoy some excellent cycling terrain on this Essex bike ride raising funds for vital research for sick babies and children. Three route options take you on a journey through quiet villages and the farmlands of Essex where the undulations will have you in and out of the saddle.
RIDE Essex has been awarded a Bronze award
by Racecheck for consistent top reviews.
Key Information
Earlybird registration now open
- Date: Sunday 31 August 2025
- Location: ARU Writtle, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 3RR
- Cool route: £28.50
- Classic route: £38.50
- Champion route: £40.50
Historic ARU Writtle is the venue that offers beautiful quaint gardens for your friends and family to enjoy while they wait to cheer you over the finish line. (Accommodation is available on-site for further information please contact the venue directly)
RIDE Essex offers a Cool 36-mile route that is ideal if you’re new to cycling or haven’t had time to train! The Classic 64-mile route is more challenging as is the Champion at 100 miles - ideal if you’re an experienced sportive rider.
Expect a great day in the saddle with the Action Medical Research team on this cycling event with first-class support throughout the day.
Reviews
route details
Please note that other mapping platforms may provide different elevation statistics than those listed below.
Cool Route
Distance: 36 miles
Climbing: 1,079ft
Start time: 08:30 - 09:00
Aid stations: 1 (17 miles)
GPX file: Coming soon
Price: £28.50
Classic Route
Distance: 68 miles
Climbing: 1,985ft
Start time: 07:45 - 08:30
Aid stations: 2 (20 & 49 miles)
GPX file: Coming soon
Price: £38.50
Champion Route
Distance: 100 miles
Climbing: 3,209ft
Start time: 07:00 - 07:45
Aid stations: 3 (20, 50 & 81 miles)
GPX file: Coming soon
Price: £40.50
what's included
chip timing
aid stations
signage
medal
free parking
mechanical support
medical assistance
roadside assistance
food & drink to purchase
photos to purchase
what our riders say...
What a fantastic event! Great route, great signs, amazing feed zones, friendly helpful event crew at every stop, loved it! Even the weather was ordered to perfection. It's on my list for 2024 events already!
volunteer
Can you spare the time to help?
Our RIDE Series depends on the generosity of volunteers who give up their time to ensure that participants have the best possible day in the saddle. We're always looking for willing volunteers to help support our rides so please get in touch if you think you can spare some time, and in return, we'll give you a FREE ride!
frequently asked questions
Can I use an e-bike?
Yes, absolutely!
Do I need insurance?
We recommend that you have appropriate cover for you and your bike. We’ve partnered with Yellow Jersey to provide a 10% discount on their bicycle and travel insurance. You can find out more here.
Are spare parts available for my bike?
Yes, for most common bikes. Spares are chargeable.
What happens if I get lost or get into difficulties on the day?
On the day you will be given a contact number for our ride control, who will help with any issues.
How long do I have to complete the ride and what happens if I can't complete the distance?
The ride closes at 6.00pm. There are several cut-off times in place to ensure riders make it back to the venue before close. Riders must adhere to these times. Very slow riders may be picked up and moved on.
Do I need to wear a cycle helmet?
You must wear a cycle helmet to take part.
How old do I need to be to take part?
You must be at least 16 on the day of the event to take part; if you are under 18 you must be accompanied by an adult.
What facilities are available?
Toilets are available at the start and finish venue. Our feed stations will also have toilet facilities. Your belongings/valuables should be locked in your car or carried with you. There are feed stations on route which will provide hot and cold drinks & snacks. Riders and supporters will be able to purchase food and drinks at the finish.
What are the RIDE Essex timings for the day?
START TIMES:
- Champion: 7:00 - 7:45am
- Classic 7:45 - 8:30am
- Cool: 8:30 - 9:00am
RIDE CLOSED: 6.00pm
When will I receive my number and final information?
You will receive information by email about 1 week ahead of the event, this will also be added to the website at www.action.org.uk/essex.
Your number and timing chip will be assigned on the day. Simply head to our registration tent on arrival.
I want to buy this as a gift?
What a lovely treat! When you buy as a gift you are entering the same registration process as normal. However, once you have chosen the route/distance then you'll be prompted to answer, 'who is this registration for?' Please select 'someone else...'
The email address you input here will be the email to receive all event correspondence. So you may want to choose to use a different email address, if you want to keep your gift secret.
After you have paid you will received a confirmation of the event entry (to the email address you entered as above) so you can gift this to your rider.
Can I get a refund, transfer or defer my entry?
Please see our Withdrawals, Refunds, Transfers and Deferrals policy here.
Technology Partner
ride series
RIDE Wessex Downs
30 March 2025
Take on our newest sportive, part of the RIDE Series, featuring some of the best of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with three road routes offering something to suit all abilities.
RIDE Castle
11 May 2025
Expect some tough climbs after departing the imposing Tonbridge Castle with 800 other riders and experience some amazing views across the Kent countryside.
RIDE Suffolk Sunrise
18 May 2025
Experienced riders lay down a benchmark on this fast and furious sportive, or newer riders tackle their first long-distance on flat and forgiving terrain
RIDE The Dales
29 June 2025
Follow in the tyre tracks of the Tour de Yorkshire through Summer Bridge and Pateley Bridge before taking on the climb that never ends, Trapping Hill.