On Thursday, June 6th, Ribble bicycle mechanic Kyle Peterson undertook his most challenging ride to date, Cure Leukaemia's London 2 Paris aboard his Ribble Endurance SL Disc.
The event was originally conceived with the intention of raising funds for the blood cancer charity. Yet today it stands as a testament to the ongoing fight to eradicate a condition that affects the lives of 10,300 per year in the UK alone. Year after year, L2P continues to attract people from all walks of life and backgrounds, providing each person with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to cycle just shy of 500km in four days. L2P's uniqueness lies in the fact that it's the only event of its kind to offer rolling road closures throughout France. Not only does this add to rider safety but it also allows the more competitively minded to indulge themselves with some impromptu time trials and timed hill climbs to see where they rank amongst the rest.
But at its heart, it remains a multi-day event that anyone can complete. Four speed groups ensure that everyone from the most inexperienced beginner to the seasoned veteran cyclist is catered for. Every aspect of the ride is also planned with military precision - from accommodation and transport to rest stops, mechanics, motorcycle outriders and sports physios. Rolling road closures ensure that riders never need to stop for traffic lights, junctions or other road traffic. With the support of this travelling menagerie, every rider is treated to four days of life-enhancing cycle adventures, culminating in a five-star grandstand finish along the Arc de Triomphe, with crowds cheering the riders on. It's a truly magical experience for all those involved.
Ribble's involvement with the event extends back several years. To coincide with this, we run a competition annually that offers a handful of lucky staffers the chance to claim one of the coveted London 2 Paris places. As one of this year's lucky winners, bicycle mechanic Kyle Peterson has been furiously fundraising in preparation for his ride. ie, every rider is treated to four days of life-enhancing cycle adventures, culminating in a five-star grandstand finish along the Arc de Triomphe, with crowds cheering the riders on. It's a truly magical experience for all those involved.
Kyle's Post Ride Report
An Amazing Opportunity
Firstly, I'd like to say a huge thank you to Ribble Cycles for giving me this incredible opportunity. From day one, the adventure, amazing people, organisation, and camaraderie were out of this world. I was in Group One with twelve other super-motivated, fast-paced riders with amazing stories to tell. I soon realised that this would be a fast-paced, labour-intensive adventure, which suited me perfectly!
Leaving Greenwich and heading into London was an adventure that didn't cease to amaze me. Not having experienced much of South London yet, this was such a pleasure. I felt like I had a guided tour ride with local knowledge on tap. Fully guided by lead cars and motorbikes, we flew through the city like we owned it. Then, it was on to the week's first stop, clambering aboard the Eurostar coach to complete Day One.
France
Our arrival in Calais was where this event really started to become incredible.
Note to self: When in France, don't mess with the motorbike outriders. They were spot-on in closing roads and junctions for us so we could do what we came to do - fly down to Paris! And the roads. They were, without exception, the smoothest, most beautiful country roads I've honestly ever ridden! Working in a fast-paced group, taking turns up front, and breathing in the fresh air—what more could we possibly ask for?
The weather was simply perfect, and thankfully, there was little wind to hinder our progress! I absolutely loved my time in France and would do it again without even thinking twice! However, the best part by far was cruising through the Arc Du Triomphe as part of a 200-rider peloton on the final day - I've always watched the Tour de France finish there with a five-lap sprint down those iconic streets. The experience suffused me with a nostalgia that literally brought tears to my eyes! It was a fantastic conclusion to an incredible four days of riding I'll never forget!
The Perfect Bike: Ribble Endurance SL Disc
The Ribble Endurance SL Disc deserves a special mention, as it was nothing short of incredible. It was fast, light and incredibly efficient, not to mention the most comfortable bike I've ever ridden. Every aspect of the bike, from the frame's geometry to the Level 5 integrated handlebars, was flawless perfection.
Funds raised for Cure Leukaemia
I was simply blown away when they announced that we had raised £400,000 for Cure Leukaemia. The charity does such amazing work, providing incredible support and saving the lives of countless patients afflicted by this terrible disease. I really look forward to next year and possibly having the opportunity to do it all again and raise even more money for this fantastic cause. Hopefully, we can double that £400,000 next year. What do you say, Ribble? Let’s do it!
The experience was unforgettable, a perfect blend of hard work, breathtaking scenery, and great company. Thanks again to Ribble Cycles for making it possible! Here’s to you!
Left image: Kyle embarked on a 7.5 hour indoor cycle to raise funds for Cure Leukaemia. Right Image: His unfaltering efforts were handsomely rewarded thanks to the incredible generosity shown by his local supermarket's shoppers.
Pre-Ride Preparation & Fundraising
We caught up with Kyle shortly before his scheduled grand départ to check how his training and fundraising was progressing....
L2P - what made you take this on?
I was lucky enough to have had the opportunity to enter a competition Ribble Cycles was running. The prize was entry into this year's London 2 Paris ride. Frankly, I'm still in utter disbelief that I was selected as one of the lucky winners. Being new to the country, I jumped at this opportunity, as it would be a fantastic way to see London, France and, of course, Paris for the first time. What makes it even better is that this was a unique opportunity to see it all by bike!
You mention that you're new to the UK. Which country do you call home?
South Africa - born and bred. I've been in the UK now for just under a year!
What key differences have you noticed between riding a bike in your home country versus riding here in the UK?
Firstly, riding in the UK is much safer than in South Africa in terms of the roads, cycle lanes and bike paths. Where I lived, Johannesburg, South Africa, doesn't have nearly as many dedicated bicycle paths and roads as the UK. I will always love riding in South Africa (and the African sun), but the UK certainly has its own charm. The country roads on a good day are something extraordinary, and I'm thrilled and privileged to be able to ride bikes here! Vehicles and other road users also appreciate and show more consideration to cyclists a whole lot more in the UK, whereas, in SA, it's not the same. It can get a little dangerous on narrow roads with small verges and other road users battling each other for limited space.
I've also changed my opinion about riding in the rain. Before, I wouldn't have ventured out in the lightest drizzle, but now I find myself braving proper downpours without even batting an eyelid.
An intensive trip with a lot of riding over numerous days - How have you been getting ready for the event, especially when working at Ribble and training in between? What keeps you motivated?
Riding bicycles has always been an integral part of my life; training forms a regular part of my everyday routine, whether that's intentional workouts on the bike or just riding for the pure joy that cycling brings! I love riding my bike, and it's no effort for me at all. With this attitude towards bicycles, I always find the time to train/ride and just enjoy loving life on two wheels.
How have you been getting on with your fundraising?
Fundraising has been great, and being from South Africa, I'm absolutely blown away by how generous everyone in the UK is. I did an indoor cycle for 7.5 hours inside a Morrisons supermarket in April and raised just under £1000 from people donating on the day and willing to give back to charity. It was tricky for me initially as I don't know many people in the UK. But the experiences at Morrisons definitely opened my eyes, and I think I'll be doing it again in the future to hit my £1500 goal and help raise funds for other charities after this event!
What bike are you riding; can you talk us through the set-up?
I will be riding a Ribble Endurance SL which was kindly loaned to me by the team at Ribble - an amazing bike and I'm all too pleased to be abe able to ride such an incredible machine during L2P. The setup is perfect for longer days and suits my riding style to a t! I hate to say it but think after the L2P ride I'll have to buy 'another' bike, LOL! What a machine!!
Do you have any particular playlist or music that gets you into the groove for your cycling?
I definitely love progressive trance, it gets the blood flowing for sure.
People who've undertaken this event in the past state that L2P really is a once in a lifetime experience - What are you most looking forward to and why?
Absolutely everything- from day one and meeting the support team to the long days, the suffering, the scenery, climbs, descents and the people, the riders and the captains! The places we will see and the hotels we will take over, the finish line and all the pictures and content I'll capture! I absolutely cannot wait to get stuck in!
How, or will you celebrate when you've completed the event?
With a beer and pizza! I also plan on shooting a vlog of the whole process too.
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