A ride, not a race: My experience cycling Essex to Amsterdam for Kids Inspire
Taking on a charity cycle ride from Essex to Amsterdam may seem like a daunting task at first glance, especially when faced with the reality of covering 140 miles. However, what awaits you on this bike ride is not just a physical challenge, but an experience that includes camaraderie, support, and a wonderful feeling knowing you are cycling to help children and families with their mental health.
Our incredible ambassador Martyn has taken part in several charity cycle rides for Kids Inspire, including completing the same Essex to Amsterdam cycle ride in 2019. He shares his experience and why he’s doing it again this June!
What to expect
The journey is split over two days, all organised by the expert team at Chapeau Events. They ensure that the ride is manageable and enjoyable for all abilities. The route is identified as a difficulty rating of 2/8 on their website. This means it is a ‘Relatively Easy – slightly longer descends/ascents with occasional steeper spurts’ ride. I completed London to Paris last year, and this one was flatter than that!
Each day consists of stages carefully designed to break down the distance and provide essential rest stops along the way.
Day one
Starting at Kids Inspire’s HQ in Great Baddow, we set off around 8.30/9am, with the goal of reaching Harwich for an evening boat departure to the Hook of Holland. With approximately 10 hours to cover 65 to 70 miles on the first day, maintaining a pace of seven miles per hour doesn’t seem so scary.
The route is divided into manageable stretches, with water stops well placed to keep you safe and hydrated, especially in warm weather conditions which June often brings!
The journey includes intervals between stops, offering riders the chance to regroup, address any bike issues with the support team, and refuel with provided snacks and carb-laden meals. The day concludes with a well-deserved evening meal at a local pub before we board the boat for the overnight crossing.
Day two
Day two begins with a hearty breakfast at the Hook of Holland, followed by a scenic ride along an off-road cycle path following the coastline. Once again, water stops are arranged, making sure everyone is well looked after.
As we approached the end, we collected as a group at the Amsterdam rowing club and waited for all riders to arrive. Then there's a huge sense of excitement and achievement, as together, all cyclists we rode towards the The Rijksmuseum. You feel a huge adrenaline rush, with locals and tourists beaming at you and congratulating you when they find out the journey you’ve taken and the reason why.
Day three
Spend day three however you like! Take time to explore the city, or make your way home to see friends and family. Getting home is left to you to organise as some decide to stay longer than others but all you need to take home is your belongings. All bikes are transported back to Kids Inspire’s office, and remain there until collected!
Things to remember
“It’s not a race!”
There are riders of all abilities, and yes some will go zooming off, but most of us go along at our own pace. It's so important to say that this journey is not a race, but rather a group of people helping each other along the whole ride, raising money and making a difference for children and families.
You’re well looked after
The support vehicle accompanying the riders plays a huge part, offering bike assistance and tech support, supplies, and ensuring the physical and mental wellbeing of all of us. Cyclists of all abilities are welcome, and the presence of Chapeau team members along the route, (including some cycling it too) ensures no one is left behind.
We all have contact numbers if you have a mechanical failure or puncture - Chapeau also have a couple of spare bikes on the support vehicle in the event of a longer repair being needed.
There’s time to connect (if you want to!)
Evenings during and after the ride provide optional moments to socialise and bond with other cyclists, celebrate achievements, and reflect on the shared experience. Whether enjoying dinner at a local pub or gathering for speeches and awards at the hotel, the group camaraderie extends beyond just cycling.
Final words from Martyn:
“We are all capable of far more than we think we are - a bit of team encouragement does wonders. You will never forget the feeling of exhilaration at the end, not just because of the personal achievement, but also knowing what you have done will make a real difference to children and their families.”
In 2019, Team Kids Inspire raised over £70,000 to support children’s mental health. The dream would be that this year’s Essex to Amsterdam cycle ride raises even more! We hope that this has inspired you to get involved and join us in June.