Cycling has plenty of benefits for your health, protecting you from illnesses like cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and obesity. Besides, it can also benefit your mental health, as it helps reduce anxiety and depression. But did you know hopping on a bike is a great way to make a change in the world? Well, that’s right. Participating in a cycling event allows you to raise money for a charity that supports a specific cause. 

An example of such an event is Ride Essex, a popular ride that attracts more than 500 participants who can enjoy amazing cycling terrain while helping fund research for sick children. So, if you are a cycling enthusiast and wish to do a good deed, consider taking a route through the quiet villages of Essex.

Key details to know about the Ride Essex event

Cycling in Essex is great for those who want to escape the city and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the countryside. The 2023 edition of the Ride Essex event will occur on Sunday, on the 3rd of September. The departure will be from Chelmsford, Writtle University College, a venue with splendid gardens that your family and friends can enjoy as they wait for you at the finish line. Everyone who is at least 16 can take part in the event; however, participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.  

Whether you are a cycling devotee or a newbie, the Gravel Ride event in Essex provides route options for everyone. The short route – which has a distance of 32 miles and features 9 off-road sectors – is suitable for those who haven’t had enough time to train or have only recently discovered the beauty of cycling. On the other hand, more experienced riders can take the 58-mile route, which is more challenging, and has 16 off-road sectors. The rides start in the morning and close at 6.00 pm.

Whichever route you choose, you will undoubtedly have a great day in the saddle – you can take previous riders’ word for it. The event is well-organised, as the friendly and cheerful volunteers do their best to support participants. Chip timing, feed stations, signage, medical assistance, and mechanical support are all included, and lunch is also provided on the route, with options available for those with dietary restrictions like vegetarianism. This means you don’t need to worry about anything – all you have to do is enjoy your ride!

The price to sign up for the event differs depending on the route; while for the short route you have to pay £36.00¸the long route requires a fee of £46.00. You can even buy the event as a gift for a rider in your life whom you know will love the idea of raising funds to support medical breakthroughs.

Pushing your performance to help sick children

Participating in a cycling event can be fun, but if you decide to take on this challenge, you may initially be faced with doubt as the little voice inside your brain asks whether you can really succeed. Gravel riding definitely takes effort, but for those passionate about it, the challenge is worth it, especially when it comes with a great reward such as saving children’s lives. With such strong motivation, there’s no doubt you’ll succeed in getting to the finish line on time. Cycling becomes even more enjoyable when you do it for a reason, as it’s no longer just a way to stay fit and healthy, but it also brings you a sense of fulfilment.