How cyclists can join the 2022 Reach Ride from Cambridge or Ely to Reach Fair on bank holiday Monday

Reach Ride is back on bank holiday Monday (May 2) after a two-year hiatus.

The ride, organised by Cambridge cycling charity Camcycle, is a leisurely cycle ride through the countryside to the traditional Reach Fair.

Supported by Continental Tyres and Cambridge City Council, the route is 15 miles each way and is free to join for all ages and abilities. No registration is required.

Those who want to take part can gather in front of the Guildhall in Cambridge’s market square from 9am on Monday, ready for a 10am departure.

But you can also join at other locations along the route.

Another group, led by Ely Cycling Campaign, will leave Ely station at 10am for a scenic, off-road route across the Fens.

Mechanics from Outspoken Cycles will be available to help out with minor bike fixes between Cambridge and Reach.

The aim is to arrive in time for the traditional opening of the historic Reach Fair at noon by mayor of Cambridge Cllr Russ McPherson.

At the fair, which has been held since 1201, you can expect stalls, food, entertainment, a maypole and Morris Men.

For the return leg, riders led by the cycling groups will depart from Reach cycle park for Cambridge at 2.30pm and leave for Ely at 3pm.

Camcycle’s executive director, Roxanne De Beaux, said: “We’re so pleased that the Reach Ride is back this year. We know many have missed this annual tradition of a ride through the Fens to visit the fair. I know that I’m looking forward to catching up with people whom I may not have seen since the pandemic began; it will be a wonderful reunion and we welcome everyone, whatever type of cycle you ride.

“The Reach Ride is the perfect event for people who may have taken up cycling during the pandemic. If you’d like to explore new cycle routes, try cycling a little further or meet like-minded people, then this is a safe and supported way to do so. The ride is family-friendly and travels via off-road cycle routes or quiet, low-traffic roads. Camcycle marshals and signage will help guide the way.”

There is more on the ride on Camcycle’s website at https://www.camcycle.org.uk/reachride.

Things to remember

Don’t forget your suncream, weather-appropriate clothing, water and snacks.

You will need a bike lock and cash for refreshments as there is no cash machine at Reach.

Camcycle also suggests checking your bike is in good order before you set off, and carrying some basic cycle repair kit, including a cycle pump.

You can find toilets at Reach Fair and Newmarket Road Park & Ride.

The Cambridge-Reach Fair route

The ride follows National Cycle Network routes NCN 51 to Bottisham then NCN 11 via Lode. On the return to Cambridge, riders will take a shortcut along the protected path alongside the B1102 from Lode to Stow-cum-Quy. A map is below, or you can download GPX files of the route between Cambridge and Reach using the website CycleStreets (outwards and return) or Komoot (outwards and return).

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